Font ResizeFormer Raiders linebacker Napoleon Harris is running to replace Jesse Jackson Jr. in Congress.
Harris, who starred at Northwestern University, was just elected to the Illinois Senate, but he told the Chicago Sun-Times that he's been getting overwhelming support for his plan to run for the 2nd Congressional District seat.
Harris is a Dixmoor native who was a first-round pick of the Raiders in 2002 and played seven seasons in the NFL. Harris was traded to the Minnesota Vikings in a deal that brought Randy Moss to Oakland.
Harris now owns two Beggars Pizza franchises in the Chicago area and is joining what's expected to be a crowded field bidding to replace Jackson, who resigned last week -- citing his ongoing treatment for bipolar disorder.
Should Harris win his bid, he'd join another former Raider on Capitol Hill. Heath Shuler, Oakland's backup quarterback for part of the 1998 season, is a Democratic congressman for North Carolina.
Saints: Defensive end Will Smith and linebacker Jonathan Vilma plan to be present Friday when their lawyers are scheduled to cross examine former New Orleans defensive coordinator Gregg Williams in Washington, D.C.
Lions: NFL commissioner Roger Goodell says it's very difficult for the league to judge whether defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh intended to kick Houston Texans quarterback Matt Schaub in the groin area.
Goodell met with reporters before speaking at a Lions charity event Tuesday night, a day after the league decided it wouldn't suspend Suh.
Flag rule: Goodell said that the NFL "definitely" will not change a rule that penalizes teams for throwing an illegal challenge flag during the regular season but could address it before the playoffs.
Lions coach Jim Schwartz threw his challenge flag after an 81-yard touchdown run by Justin Forsett in last week's 34-31 loss to the Texans.
Eagles: The Eagles will place wide receiver and Cal product DeSean Jackson on injured reserve after he sustained multiple rib fractures in Monday night's loss to Carolina.
Jackson leads the team with 45 catches and 700 yards receiving but has only two touchdowns. Coach Andy Reid says running back LeSean McCoy remains in phase one of his concussion recovery and Michael Vick is in the fourth of five stages.
Redskins: The team has kept right tackle Jammal Brown (torn hip ligament) on the physically unable to perform list, giving up hope that he will play this season.
Pardee has cancer: The family of former Houston Oilers coach Jack Pardee says the NFL defensive great has been diagnosed with gall bladder cancer and has six to nine months to live.
The Detroit Free Press and Associated Press contributed to this report.
