NFL-National Football League roundup

Nov 19 (The Sports Xchange) - NFL executive vice president Jeff Pash defended the suspension of Adrian Peterson and said the league isn't trying to end the Minnesota Vikings running back's career. Pash made his comments on ESPN Radio's "Mike and Mike" on Wednesday, responding to criticism on the radio show from Peterson's attorney, Rusty Hardin. "The critical component of what the commissioner (Roger Goodell) did yesterday was put in place a program that will help Mr. Peterson succeed. It will help him extend his career," Pash said. "We're not trying to end his career, we want to extend his career. We want to have a great player on the field with the confidence that he won't face these kind of issues again." - - The Buffalo Bills are still preparing to play Sunday's game against the New York Jets at Ralph Wilson Stadium as scheduled despite over 4 feet of snow already dumped on the area this week and more than a foot more snow expected. Any change to that plan would be for the NFL to decide. - - Ben Tate wasn't out of a job for long. The Minnesota Vikings claimed the running back off waivers on Wednesday, one day after he was let go by the Cleveland Browns. The move also came one day after the NFL suspended Vikings running back Adrian Peterson for the remainder of the season. - - After putting running back Ahmad Bradshaw on injured reserve with a broken left fibula, the Indianapolis Colts tried to add some punch by adding veteran return specialist Josh Cribbs. With Bradshaw out for the season, the Colts will stand pat with running backs Trent Richardson and Daniel "Boom" Herron for now. - - Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III wouldn't bite on criticism earlier this week from coach Jay Gruden by repeating "We're focused on San Francisco" during his press conference Wednesday. Griffin said he was "focused on San Francisco" nine times and used the word "focused" 18 times overall, whether referring to himself or his team. - - Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch was $100,000 for not talking to the media after Sunday's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Lynch quickly dressed and left the team's locker room after the 24-20 loss. He walked away when reporters asked to speak to him. He later did a phone interview with the NFL Network. - - New England Patriots running back Jonas Gray has been named AFC Offensive Player of the Week for his 37-carry, 201-yard, four-touchdown effort against the Indianapolis Colts. Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie wide receiver Mike Evans took the NFC offensive honor after catching seven passes for 209 yards and two touchdowns in the 27-7 victory over the Washington Redskins. - - The Tampa Bay Buccaneers re-signed defensive end George Uko to the practice squad Wednesday. The 6-foot-3, 284-pound Uko spent three weeks on the Bucs' practice squad earlier this season before being released on Nov. 5. (Editing by Frank Pingue)