Tribune News Services

CLEVELAND -- Cleveland Browns rookie running back Montario Hardesty left his exhibition debut because of an injured left knee.

Hardesty, who missed all of training camp with a bone bruise in his right knee, was hurt on a 2-yard carry in the second quarter Thursday night against the Bears.

By Brian Hamilton

Not 48 hours before the season opener, Notre Dame has a new kicker.

David Ruffer will handle placekicking and kickoff duties on Saturday against Purdue, Irish coach Brian Kelly announced Thursday -- when sophomore Nick Tausch was listed as the No. 1 kicker on a depth chart released just this past Monday.

"Ruffer we felt had a great week, ball comes off his foot really well, he's earned that starting position," Kelly said.

Ruffer, who joined the team as a walk-on in 2008, went 5-for-5 on field goals and hit 9 of 10 extra points in 2009, replacing the injured Tausch for the last three games. Before that, Tausch set a school record with 14 straight field goal makes in 2009.

Photo: Notre Dame kicker Nick Tausch reacts after missing his second field goal during the second quarter vs. Navy in 2009. (AP / Darron Cummings)

By Dan Pompei

-- The second string run defense looks worse than the first string run defense. That's a good thing, isn't it?

-- The difference in speed between the first and second string is clearly evident.

-- Kevin Malast is making plays like a guy who does not intend on being cut this weekend. He got the start at middle linebacker because both Brian Urlacher and Hunter Hillenmeyer sat it out. Malast has done some good things this preseason, and he also had a few bad moments Saturday. He might be worth keeping around on the practice squad if nothing else.

Tribune News Services

MINNEAPOLIS -- Twins starter Scott Baker left Thursday night's game against Detroit after two innings because of pain in his right elbow.

Baker allowed two runs and three hits, including a homer by Don Kelly. He has had trouble keeping his arm loose in some starts this season, and there was no immediate word on the severity of the injury.

It is the latest injury for the Twins.

Tribune News Services

PITTSBURGH -- Steelers quarterback Byron Leftwich, expected to start during Ben Roethlisberger's suspension, has injured his left knee during the first half of an exhibition game against Carolina.

Leftwich completed an 18-yard pass to rookie Emmanuel Sanders before being knocked off his feet as running back Mewelde Moore attempted to block safety Marcus Hudson. The play occurred with 10:25 left in the second quarter.

Leftwich was examined by team doctors on a stretcher behind the Steelers' bench, then limped into a nearby tunnel that leads to the locker room. Team officials said he would not return to the game.

ESPN.com reports: The Bulls new power forward has lofty expectations for his team this season.

"A championship," Carlos Boozer said after a Nike House of Hoops event. "I think a realistic goal for us is a championship. I think anything shorter than that we're setting ourselves up to be shorter than what we can reach. I think [we have] potential to be a championship-level team."

Get the full story at espn.com.

By Brad Biggs

CLEVELAND -- Jerry Angelo understands the thinking of the coaching staff in not playing quarterback Jay Cutler tonight in the final preseason game against the Browns.

Even given the rocky performances by the offense through the first three preseason games, Angelo is on board with Cutler being one of a handful of veterans to sit out. Todd Collins, signed less than two weeks ago, will get the start in his bid to become the No. 2 quarterback.

"You could look at it from a couple of perspectives," Angelo said. "Obviously, with the performance we had last week it makes sense that where you're coming from, why not end on a feel good in the preseason where you have a chance. But on the other side of it, Todd, we picked him up and we got him late in the process and irrelevant of him being a veteran, he still needs play time.

"You want to get him up to speed as well, so I understand it, it's a call, you can go either way with it. This is the way we chose to go. Hopefully it's the best thing for us now and obviously in the immediate future, early part of the season."

By Mark Gonzales

BOSTON -- The latest forecast predicts rain for the Boston area by Friday afternoon, which could affect the White Sox's game with Boston at Fenway Park.

The rainy forecast stems from the edges of Hurricane Earl, which is supposed to strike Cape Cod, about 60 miles south of Boston.

Since Hurricane Earl has been anticipated for several days, the Sox should have alternate plans in the event rain delays or postpones Friday's game -- unlike the debacle two weeks ago in Kansas City that resulted in Tony Pena making his first major league start and the Sox playing 31 innings in 22 hours.

By Fred Mitchell

AMES, IOWA -- Northern Illinois junior DeMarcus Grady will start at quarterback Thursday night against Iowa State, NIU coach Jerry Kill finally announced before the game at Jack Trice Stadium.

Grady won the nod over junior Chandler Harnish.

Harnish suffered a knee injury last season but decided to forego having surgery. Harnish has played in 20 games over the last two seasons and started 18, including nine a year ago. Grady has seen action in 15 career games and started five, with four starts in nine games last season. The Huskies have won each of his five starts over the last two years.

Tribune News Services

CLEVELAND -- Rookie quarterback Colt McCoy is starting Cleveland's final exhibition game.

McCoy, who slid to the third round in April's draft before the Browns selected him at No. 85 overall, is expected to play at least one half against the Bears on Thursday night.

McCoy has had a shaky preseason. The former Texas star has completed 15 of 26 passes for 101 yards and two interceptions. He has a quarterback rating of 57.7.