Denver wide receiver Clifford Russell was immobilized and taken off the field on a stretcher after spraining his neck in the fourth quarter yesterday against host Kansas City.

Russell, a Campbell High alum, was hurt on Kansas City's return of the kickoff following a Denver touchdown.

He lifted his left hand and waved as he was taken off the field.

A Denver official said Russell was being taken for examination.

"His condition seems to be resolving. They are still doing some tests and we are hopeful that he will be coming back on the team plane with us. We are just not sure yet," said Jim Saccomano, vice president of public relations.

CARDINALS

RECEIVER BOLDIN HURT IN HELMET-TO-HELMET CLASH

Arizona wide receiver Anquan Boldin was carted off the field after a scary helmet-to-helmet collision in the end zone with 27 seconds remaining in the Cardinals' 56-35 loss to the New York Jets yesterday.

Coach Ken Whisenhunt said Boldin was alert and was moving his extremities. He was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in New York for what Whisenhunt said were precautionary reasons.

Boldin tried to catch a pass from Kurt Warner, but was hit in the back and then took a shot to his helmet from Eric Smith. Both Boldin and Smith fell to the turf, and Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald immediately waved to the sideline for help.

Trainers ran out to check on Boldin, and soon the entire Cardinals team surrounded its teammate as the Giants Stadium crowd fell silent. Smith, also injured on the play, was able to get up after a few moments.

REFEREE HOCHULI

OFFICIAL MAKES ANOTHER QUESTIONABLE CALL

Referee Ed Hochuli was at the center of another questionable call yesterday, flagging Julius Peppers for a roughing-the-passer penalty that wiped out Carolina's interception return for a touchdown in the first quarter against Atlanta.

After Matt Ryan's pass was intercepted by Richard Marshall, Hochuli threw a flag and announced Peppers made a helmet-to-helmet hit on Ryan. It erased the touchdown and gave the Falcons a first down on a drive that ended with a punt.

Replays showed Peppers made contact as Ryan released the ball, and appeared to hit him first with his shoulder.

Two weeks ago, Hochuli's missed call helped Denver's comeback 39-38 win over San Diego.

Also, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones was fined $25,000 by the NFL for publicly criticizing Hochuli.

It is the first time that Jones has been fined by the NFL.

Jones told reporters two weeks ago that Hochuli was one of the most criticized officials. The owner followed up that on his weekly radio show with comments about how Hochuli's crew calls a lot of penalties.

ELSEWHERE

Panthers: Carolina lost both its offensive tackles when Jordan Gross (concussion) and Jeff Otah (right ankle) were injured against Atlanta.

Chiefs: Rookie left tackle Branden Albert was carted off the field with what appeared to be an arm injury against Denver.

HAWAI'I PLAYERS IN NFL

Atlanta place kicker Jason Elam (University of Hawai'i) made 3 of 3 field-goal attempts, including a long of 44, against Carolina.

Arizona safety Aaron Francisco (Kahuku High) had 8 tackles, including 7 solo, against the New York Jets.

Carolina defensive lineman Ma'ake Kemoeatu (Kahuku High) had 3 solo tackles against Atlanta.

Arizona defensive end Travis LaBoy (UH) had 1 solo tackle against the New York Jets.

Dallas' Mat McBriar (UH) had 6 punts for an average of 49.2 yards, including a long of 59, against Washington.

San Francisco defensive lineman Isaac Sopoaga (UH) assisted on two tackles against New Orleans.

St. Louis linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa (UH) had 9 solo tackles against Buffalo.

San Francisco linebacker Jeff Ulbrich (UH) had 1 solo tackle against New Orleans.