NFL roundup: Brandon Browner suspension appeal denied, London Fletcher to retire

Seattle Seahawks cornerback Brandon Browner had his appeal of a one-year suspension denied, Washington Redskins linebacker London Fletcher announced his intent to retire after this season and more from the NFL on Wednesday.

By James Brady@jamesbradyisme Dec 19, 2013, 6:38am EST

Seattle Seahawks cornerback Brandon Browner had his appeal of a one-year suspension denied on Wednesday. Browner was suspended for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy, and apparently, the NFL changed it from "one year" to "indefinitely." That can be a good thing, and more than likely is a bad thing. Browner will be a free agent this offseason, and reportedly turned down an offer to reduce his sentence by three months if he would drop his appeal. Looks like it didn't work out in his favor.

Here's what else you might have missed from Wednesday:

Fletcher announces intent to retire

Washington Redskins linebacker London Fletcher announced his intent to retire after the 2013-14 season on Wednesday. Fletcher has played 16 years in the NFL, and is one of the top linebackers to ever play the game. He's played 254 consecutive regular season games, has been named to the Pro Bowl four times, was an All-Pro twice and won a Super Bowl with the St. Louis Rams. He certainly doesn't have anything left to prove, though eh did say he was "99 percent certain" he'd be retiring.

Manuel declared out

Buffalo Bills quarterback E.J. Manuel was ruled out for Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins. Manuel sprained his knee against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 15, and didn't miss any playing time. He was at practice on Wednesday, so it seems likely he suffered a setback of the Bills just didn't like what they saw.

Rodgers practices again

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has not been cleared to play, but he did practice on Wednesday. Rodgers threw the ball in individual drills in front of the media, and took snaps with the team during the closed portion of practice. He's officially a limited participant however, and took reps with the backup center.

Keenum ruled out

Houston Texans quarterback Case Keenum will sit out Week 16 due to a torn ligament in his thumb. Keenum took over for starter Matt Schaub earlier in the season, when Schaub developed a habit of throwing interceptions returned for touchdowns. Keenum is considered the start who is simply missing time with injury at this point.

Raiders "soured" on Pryor

The Oakland Raiders will keep Terrelle Pryor as their backup quarterback. Matt McGloin had five turnovers against the Kansas City Chiefs in week 15, leading many to question whether or not the prolific runner would get another chance under center. Pryor has struggled throwing the football and doesn't seem to have the confidence of his coaches at this point.