NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and Players Association executive director DeMaurice Smith will testify at a Congressional hearing on head injuries among NFL players.

House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers, Jr., D-Mich., said yesterday that the committee will hold its hearing Oct. 28.

The hearings will look at the lasting impact of head injuries, how to limit them and how to compensate players and their families.

The decision to hold the hearings follows a preliminary study which suggested retired pro football players may have a higher rate than normal of Alzheimer's disease or other memory problems. The study was done at the University of Michigan.

Washington could be without Pro Bowl left tackle Chris Samuels for the remainder of the season. Samuels, 32, suffered a stinger in the Sunday loss to Carolina. Samuels already suffers from stenosis, a narrowing of the spine, and wears a neck brace for extra protection when he plays. Samuels is to meet with physicians Tuesday.

Kicker Adam Vinatieri will be out four to eight weeks after having arthroscopic surgery on his right knee. Indianapolis signed veteran Matt Stover to replace the reliable Vinatieri, who had a piece of cartilage removed.

Minnesota rookie receiver and returnman Percy Harvin is listed as questionable for the game against Baltimore tomorrow with an injured left shoulder. Harvin said it will be a gametime decision.

Ed Bouchette's blog on the Steelers and Gerry Dulac's Steelers chats are featured exclusively on PG+, a members-only web site from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Our introduction to PG+ gives you all the details.