Lawsuits, Suspensions, And Extensions – NFL Roundup For Sept. 4th

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Four former NFL players have sued the league and its helmet maker, claiming they hid information about the dangers of brain injury. The ex-players - Jimmy Williams, Rich Mauti, Jimmy Keyes and Nolan Franz - filed the federal lawsuit in New Orleans on Sunday and are seeking medical care for past, current and future NFL players.

The NFL last week tentatively agreed to pay $765 million to past players with health problems that can be caused by concussions. Helmet maker Riddell was not part of that settlement.

NEW YORK (AP) — Denver All-Pro linebacker Von Miller is among 20 NFL players suspended for the beginning of the NFL season.

Miller will be out for six games for violating the league's substance abuse policy. Among the games he'll miss is Thursday night's against Super Bowl champion Baltimore.

Ravens defensive back Asa Jackson and Cincinnati defensive end DeQuin Evans have been suspended eight games, under the performance-enhancing drugs policy.

None of the 20 players has been suspended for violating the personal conduct policy, although Jets running back Mike Goodson was arrested in New Jersey in May on drugs and weapons charges and will miss four games for substance abuse. His case was sent to a grand jury.

UNDATED (AP) — Houston Texans linebacker Brian Cushing has signed a six-year contract extension reportedly worth more than $55 million.

Cushing was in the last year of the deal he signed as a rookie in 2009. The Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2009 had over 110 tackles in 2009 and 2011.

In other NFL news:

— Steelers coach Mike Tomlin has named Isaac Redman as Pittsburgh's starting running back for the season opener Sunday against Tennessee. Redman becomes the featured running back despite missing most of preseason with a neck injury.

— Indianapolis promoted tight end Dominique Jones to the active roster and signed rookie tight end Justice Cunningham to the practice squad. The moves came shortly after the Colts traded rookie linebacker Caesar Rayford to the Dallas Cowboys for a conditional draft pick. Rayford led Indy with five sacks in the preseason.

— The Kansas City Chiefs placed rookie safety Sanders Commings on injured reserve and signed Bradley McDougald to replace him on the roster heading into Sunday's season opener at Jacksonville.

— Buffalo has signed kicker Dan Carpenter who was cut by Miami last month and previously had tryouts with Arizona and the Jets. Carpenter's signing came a day after Bills rookie kicker Dustin Hopkins was injured in practice.