Smith, Woodson lead nominees

25 semifinalists on Hall of Fame list

Bruce Smith, the NFL's career sack leader, and versatile defensive back Rod Woodson are among the four first-time eligibles who made the list of 25 semifinalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.

The other two are tight end Shannon Sharpe and defensive end John Randle, on a list that will be reduced to 15 before the final vote on Jan. 31 in Tampa, Fla., the day before the Super Bowl.

There will be 17 finalists in all, including senior nominees Claude Humphrey and Bob Hayes and from that 17, four to seven new Hall of Fame members will be chosen.

Also among the 25 is running back Roger Craig, who spent most of his career with the San Francisco 49ers and has been eligible since 1999 but has never made it this far. The list includes three people in the contributor category: former commissioner Paul Tagliabue; Buffalo owner Ralph Wilson and Art Modell, former owner of the Cleveland Browns/Baltimore Ravens.

REDSKINS CUT FORMER LEAGUE MVP: Former NFL MVP Shaun Alexander was released by the Washington Redskins after getting 11 carries in five games.

Alexander was signed Oct. 14 after backup Ladell Betts sprained a knee in a loss to the St. Louis Rams. Betts has since returned and resumed the No. 2 role behind NFL leading rusher Clinton Portis.

COLTS' LILJA DONE: Indianapolis Colts offensive guard Ryan Lilja will miss the rest of the season with a knee injury.

Lilja missed the first 11 games. He was eligible to return to the active roster Monday but will remain on the physically unable to perform list. The fifth-year player from Kansas State will have surgery for the injury.

COWBOYS' ROMO STILL HAS SPLINT: Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo hopes to soon play without a splint on his throwing hand, but the protective device was still covering his injured right pinkie Tuesday during the portion of practice open to the media.

STEELERS' PARKER QUESTIONABLE: The Pittsburgh Steelers, unable to get their running game going recently as Willie Parker battled injuries, may not have Parker or four other starters for Sunday's key AFC game at New England. Parker is listed as questionable with knee inflammation.

TEXANS PUT GREEN ON INJURED RESERVE: The Houston Texans have placed running back Ahman Green, 31, on season-ending injured reserve after he hurt his left knee Sunday against the Cleveland Browns.

TAYLOR JOINING REDSKINS' RING OF FAME: With the induction of Sean Taylor, there will be 43 people in the Washington Redskins' Ring of Fame, which honors those who have made distinguished contributions to the franchise. Former wide receiver Gary Clark entered on Oct. 7, 2007.

Sunday's pregame ceremony is scheduled to include a tribute to Taylor and the presentation of a plaque to members of his family. Taylor was shot one year ago today during a botched robbery attempt at his Florida home and died the next day.

(THE WASHINGTON POST)