Sanders Earns Another Honor

Barry Sanders is smart as well as quick. That’s why he gives most of the thanks for his success to the Detroit Lions’ offensive line. Recently, he has been thanking them a lot.

Less than a week after joining the 2,000-yard rushing club, Sanders was chosen Friday as the Associated Press’ NFL offensive player of the year.

Sanders rushed for 2,053 yards this season, second only to Eric Dickerson’s 2,105 in 1984.

“I am just lucky that I am the one carrying the ball,” said Sanders, who also won the award in 1994, when he ran for 1,883 yards, his previous career high. “I also am so fortunate to stay healthy and do the things that I do. Timing, preparation and talent all has to come together to make this happen.”

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Lion linebacker Reggie Brown is making slow progress from a neck injury.

“Reggie Brown continues to respond to treatments,” Dr. Russ Nockels, director of spinal disorders and neurotrauma at Henry Ford Hospital, said in a statement.

During a four-hour operation Monday, Nockels fused the first two vertebrae of Brown’s neck and fitted him with a neck brace--commonly called a halo--that he must wear for the next three months.

Nockels said Brown also is receiving daily rehabilitation.

Brown was injured during the fourth quarter of Detroit’s 13-10 victory Sunday over the New York Jets. He has regained limited movement of his limbs and is not considered quadriplegic, doctors have said.