Former University of Tennessee standout Al Wilson visited the Detroit Lions on Tuesday as he attempts a comeback in the NFL.

Wilson, who missed the 2007 season due to a neck injury, was cleared to return to the NFL last month.

Denver cut Wilson, a five-time Pro Bowl player at middle linebacker, last April.

Wilson was plagued by injuries in the second half of 2006. Wilson suffered a neck injury as he ran into a teammate on a tackle against Seattle and had to be carted off the field. He was able to play the next three weeks.

He was nearly dealt to the New York Giants this year. However, he failed a physical and the Giants backed out of the trade.

Extra points ...

n NFL commissioner Roger Goodell told Sen. Arlen Specter face-to-face that he doesn't regret destroying the Spygate tapes. "I think it was the right thing to do," Goodell said after meeting for more than an hour with Specter, the ranking Republican on the Senate Judiciary committee. Goodell noted that "we were the ones that disclosed" the New England Patriots' illegal taping of the New York Jets' defensive signals. "I have nothing to hide," Goodell said.

n Goodell and New York Senator Charles Schumer will meet with Bills owner Ralph Wilson to explore ways to keep the team in Buffalo. With NFL approval, Wilson scheduled some Bills preseason and regular-season games in Toronto. The decision has led to speculation that the franchise will one day move north.

n Stump Mitchell followed Jim Zorn to Washington, joining the Redskins as running backs coach. Mitchell, Seattle's running back coach since 1999, will also have the title of assistant head coach. He and Zorn worked together on the Seahawks staff from 2001 through last season.

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