NFLPA Plans to Study Head Trauma

The NFL Players Association announced Friday that it has formed a committee to study the effects of concussions and head trauma on players.

"The health, safety and welfare of our players is never just an issue of collective bargaining," DeMaurice Smith, the union's executive director, said in a written statement.

According to the union's announcement, the committee is to study both the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of concussions and other brain injuries in current players, and the long-term effects of brain injuries on players and how they might be reduced or eliminated.

Meanwhile, a congressional committee will hold a hearing about brain injuries and former NFL players.

The House Judiciary Committee announced that it plans to hold hearings "on the lasting impact of head injuries suffered by National Football League [NFL] players and the coverage they receive from their benefits plans and other matters."

A date for the hearing was not announced.

-- CHARGERS: Tailback LaDainian Tomlinson likely will return to the lineup after missing two games because of a sprained ankle. He is listed as probable on San Diego's official injury report for Sunday night's game at Pittsburgh. Linebacker Shawne Merriman is listed as questionable because of a strained groin muscle.

-- RAMS: Kyle Boller is scheduled to start at quarterback on Sunday against the 49ers in place of Marc Bulger, who is suffering from a bruised rotator cuff. According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Coach Steve Spagnuolo indicated that rookie Keith Null is to back up Boller.

-- PATRIOTS: Linebacker Jerod Mayo returned to practice on a limited basis for the first time since he suffered a knee injury in the season opener, but is unlikely to play this weekend. He was listed as doubtful on the club's official injury report. Defensive tackle Vince Wilfork (ankle) and wide receiver Wes Welker (knee) are questionable.