Saints defensive tackle Hollis Thomas was suspended for the final four games of the regular season yesterday for violating the league's steroid policy.
Thomas appealed the suspension, which he said was caused by asthma medication. He uses an inhaler daily.
Thomas has had 43 tackles and four sacks for the 8-4 Saints, who lead the NFC South.
Frye questionable
Browns quarterback Charlie Frye's right wrist is bruised and not broken, and he is questionable for a game against the Steelers tomorrow night. If Frye can't play, backup Derek Anderson, who rallied the Browns to a 31-28 overtime win Sunday against the Chiefs by throwing two touchdown passes in the final nine minutes of regulation and making a 33-yard run in OT, will make his first career start . . . The Steelers have injury issues, too, as wide receiver Hines Ward and safety Troy Polamalu each will miss a second consecutive game because of knee injuries.
Surgery for Portis
Redskins running back Clinton Portis had surgery to stabilize his shoulder that will require six months of rehabilitation . . . The 49ers waived safety Tony Parrish . . . Tampa Bay receiver Michael Clayton will miss the remaining four games because of a left knee injury . . . Wide receiver Carlyle Holiday was claimed by the Packers off waivers from the Cardinals.
Garcia shines
The Eagles were in a tailspin and 36-year-old Jeff Garcia was starting in the injured Donovan McNabb's place. Monday night the veteran Garcia responded with his best performance in more than two years, throwing for three touchdowns in a 27-24 victory over the Panthers. The Eagles improved to 6-6 . . . The starting time for the Dolphins' game at Buffalo Dec. 17 has been moved from to , as has the Eagles-Giants game the same day.
