Sports briefs

NFL

Pats trade Maroney

The Patriots traded running back Laurence Maroney to Denver Tuesday in a deal that also involved an exchange of undisclosed 2011 draft picks. The Pats' 2006 first-round draft choice will be reunited with Josh McDaniels, New England's offensive coordinator before becoming Denver's coach last season. Maroney was inactive for Sunday's season-opening 38-24 win over Cincinnati with a thigh injury.

Grant out for season

Green Bay running back Ryan Grant is out for the season with a right ankle injury, a significant blow to the team after he piled up 1,200 yards in each of the past two seasons.

The Packers also placed former first-round pick Justin Harrell on injured reserve and signed running back Dimitri Nance and defensive end Jarius Wynn.

Grant was hurt in the second quarter of Green Bay's 27-20 win at Philadelphia on Sunday. Multiple reports say ankle surgery could keep Grant sidelined for up to three months.

Dixon to start

Dennis Dixon will be Pittsburgh's starting quarterback Sunday at Tennessee, even though the injured Byron Leftwich may return to practice as early as today.

COLLEGES

Rainey in jeopardy

Florida receiver Chris Rainey has been charged with aggravated stalking, a third-degree felony. Florida has not announced what disciplinary action it will take against Rainey, though Gators offensive coordinator Steve Addazio said, "Chris Rainey is not a part of our team right now."

Rainey was released from Alachua County Jail on his own recognizance and ordered to have no contact with the alleged victim, who told the judge that she did not wish to press charges because of repercussions from Florida fans.- AP