NFL notebook
Pats sign QB Gutierrez as insurance
The New England Patriots signed quarterback Matt Gutierrez to their practice squad on Wednesday, choosing a youngster who knows their system over a more experienced player who would have to learn it.
Gutierrez could be activated for Sunday's game at the New York Jets. After last Sunday's season-ending left knee injury to Tom Brady in the season opening 17-10 win over Kansas City, the Patriots' two quarterbacks are starter Matt Cassel and rookie third-round draft pick Kevin O'Connell.
Veterans Chris Simms and Tim Rattay met with team personnel but didn't work out or take physicals. Simms signed Tuesday with Tennessee.
Rams
The Rams dipped into the past to fill a void at wide receiver, signing former No. 1 pick Eddie Kennison.
Kennison, 35, played for the Rams from 1996-98 after being the 18th overall pick of the '96 draft. He's been out of the NFL since Kansas City released him in February.
The Rams need a replacement for Drew Bennett, who broke his left foot in the first quarter of the opening 38-3 loss at Philadelphia. Bennett will wear a cast for three to four weeks and could be out as long as six weeks.
Kennison was limited by hamstring and shoulder injuries last year and played eight games for the Chiefs, catching 13 passes for 101 yards. He's one of two players in franchise history with consecutive 1,000-yard seasons in 2004 and '05. Kennison had 54 catches, a 17.1-yard average and nine touchdowns in his rookie season in St. Louis, thriving opposite Isaac Bruce, while also averaging 14.6 yards on punt returns with two touchdowns.
Lions
Detroit signed wide receiver Brandon Middleton and put tight end Dan Campbell on injured reserve.
Campbell's season is over because of a hamstring injury a year after an elbow injury limited him to just two games.
Middleton was among the final cuts Detroit made this year after having some success on special teams during the preseason. In five games last season with the Lions, he returned four kicks for 83 yards and had eight receptions for 70 yards and a touchdown.
Seahawks
Starting right guard Rob Sims went on injured reserve and wide receivers Billy McMullen and Samie Parker were signed to fill a gaping void for the reloading Seahawks.
Coach Mike Holmgren said Sims tore a pectoral muscle during Sunday's 34-10 loss at Buffalo and kept playing. The third-year veteran started all 16 games last season at left guard before moving to the right to replace Chris Gray. Gray has since retired.
