The NFL Players Association "tentatively agreed" to let the league take 40 blood samples for HGH tests each week during the season, with a positive result drawing a four-game suspension, according to a memo the union sent players.
A copy of the NFLPA's email, written in a question-and-answer format, was obtained Tuesday by The Associated Press.
The memo says "a computer program will randomly select" five players apiece from eight teams each week to take the blood tests.
First, though, every player participating in NFL training camps this year will provide a blood sample and information about "height, weight, age, and race/ethnicity" for a "population study" to determine what level of HGH will result in penalties, the union wrote (see full story).
Chiefs: Charles has mild foot strain
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. -- Pro Bowl running back Jamaal Charles had his ailing right foot examined by two orthopedic surgeons and they confirmed the Kansas City Chiefs' diagnosis of a mild strain.
Charles turned his right ankle early in practice on Monday.
"His ankle ligaments were fine," Chiefs trainer Rick Burkholder said. "He had some pain on the outside bone of his foot. We did an X-ray. That was negative. There's a tendon that attaches right at that spot and that's what is sore right now. That's why we call it a strain."
Charles walked down the long, grassy hill to the practice fields Tuesday without a boot or a noticeable limp. He spent some time with the training staff off to the side, riding a stationary bike but only using the arm levers, before leaving the field for the rest of practice (see full story).
Redskins: Thomas to miss rookie year
Washington Redskins safety Phillip Thomas will miss his rookie season with a foot injury.
Coach Mike Shanahan said Tuesday that the fourth-round pick from Fresno State will have surgery on a torn ligament in the left foot and will require four to five months of recovery.
Shanahan said Thomas will be placed on injured reserve.
Thomas was injured in the first quarter of last week's preseason opener against the Tennessee Titans (see full story).
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