TAMPA, Fla. — Mike Alstott's season, and perhaps his career, is over.
The Buccaneers placed Alstott, a six-time Pro Bowl fullback, on injured reserve Thursday with a neck problem. Alstott said it is not related to a career-threatening injury that required surgery in 2003.
"The facts are the facts. I can't put on the helmet and jersey this year," said Alstott, 33, flanked by Bucs general manager Bruce Allen during an emotional news conference at the team's headquarters.
"One thing is, you don't mess with the neck. There are always situations where it can be worsened by playing. It is a severe injury, and it's a situation you don't mess with."
But Alstott, arguably the most popular player in team history, could not bring himself to say that he may have played his last game. He shrugged off several retirement-related questions, saying that is something that will be answered in time.
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Browns
BEREA, Ohio — Linebacker Willie McGinest was scheduled to have back surgery Thursday and will miss at least six weeks, another blow to a Cleveland team decimated by major injuries the past few seasons.
McGinest, 35, who has made 159 starts during a 13-year NFL career, was to have the operation in Los Angeles.
After a week of rest following the procedure on a bulging disk, he will begin rehab, and the Browns will re-evaluate McGinest in six weeks, coach Romeo Crennel said.
Memorial service
STANFORD, Calif. — Bill Walsh's family and friends joined the football fraternity in remembering the Hall of Fame coach at a quietly buoyant memorial service Thursday, praising the 49ers great as both an innovative leader and a loyal friend.
More than 1,000 mourners gathered at Stanford Memorial Church to honor Walsh, who died of leukemia on July 30 at 75.
They walked to the church through solemn rows of Stanford football players wearing their jerseys in honor of Walsh, who won three Super Bowls and revolutionized many aspects of the NFL during a decade with the 49ers.
"He was a man who stood astride the football culture in America like a colossus for 10 years," said Harry Edwards, a noted sports sociologist and longtime friend who delivered Walsh's eulogy.
"He walked with generals, senators and secretaries of state, but never lost his common touch."
Extra points
● With the preseason opener at Oakland two days away, the rookies may be starting to feel some butterflies. Count new Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt among them.
"I'm sure a lot of the young guys will be very excited because it will be their first chance to play," Whisenhunt said. "And a lot of us young, new coaches will be excited because it's our first chance to coach."
It will be the first game as a head coach at any level for Whisenhunt, 45, who was hired last winter to replace Dennis Green.
● All-Pro guard Shawn Andrews is out indefinitely, and tight end L.J. Smith aggravated a sports hernia, adding to the list of injured Eagles.
Andrews is bothered by a right ankle injury, the same one he hurt in Week 1 of his rookie season in 2004. Smith, who had surgery for a sports hernia in the off-season, left the field after a noncontact drill during the morning practice.
● Panthers players seemed to take a little extra time heading down the hill for practice Thursday afternoon — and for good reason.
It was 104 degrees with a heat index of 115.
And unlike Wednesday's nonpadded practice when it was 102 degrees, with a heat index of 114, the Panthers were in full pads this time.