In brief

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee running back Chris Johnson pulled off a Ricky Williams' move talking to reporters wearing a visored helmet, and he says he did it just to satisfy a couple teammates.

A team official tried to prompt Johnson to remove the helmet off before talking Friday. Asked if he lost a bet, Johnson says fellow running backs Jamie Harper and Darius Reynaud had been pushing him to wear the helmet all season long and that he finally was giving them what they wanted.

And Johnson made it clear this was a one-time fashion choice for his after practice wear, saying he was just having some fun.

The visor could become a permanent addition to his helmet. Johnson says he's been trying to get approval to wear the visor during games.

ALAMEDA, Calif. — Oakland Raiders safety Tyvon Branch practiced for the first time this week, an encouraging turn for a struggling secondary sorely lacking depth.

The news wasn't as promising for Richard Seymour. The seven-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle has not played since injuring his hamstring on Nov. 4 and did not practice Friday after aggravating the same injury a day earlier.

The Raiders need all the healthy bodies they can get. The defense is already minus four starters from the opening day lineup, including middle linebacker Rolando McClain, who returned this week following a two-game team suspension.

Oakland has dropped six straight and is trying to avoid losing 11 or more games for the eighth time in the last 10 years.

GREEN BAY, Wis. — The Green Bay Packers expect to have linebacker Clay Matthews back in the lineup Sunday against the Chicago Bears.

Matthews is listed as probable for the NFC North showdown. The team's top pass rusher has missed the last four games because of a hamstring injury.

Green Bay could be forced to make more changes on their offensive line. Right guard Josh Sitton (hip) is questionable for the game while T.J. Lang is probable after missing Green Bay's last game with an ankle injury.

Lang had been moved from left guard to right tackle after Bryan Bulaga suffered a season-ending hip injury last month.

The Packers listed safety Charles Woodson (collarbone), receiver Jordy Nelson (hamstring), running back James Starks (knee) and defensive end C.J. Wilson (knee) as out for Sunday.

ASHBURN, Va. — Robert Griffin III is 3 for 3 taking part in practice this week on his sprained right knee.

The league's top-rated passer participated again as the Washington Redskins moved inside their bubble for Friday's session ahead of Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns.

Griffin looked fine as he stretched with his teammates, again high-stepping and moving well laterally. He then made a few throws during the 15 minutes reporters were allowed to watch. He appeared to be favoring his leg less than he did Wednesday and Thursday.

Griffin sprained a ligament in his knee in the fourth quarter of last week's overtime win over the Baltimore Ravens. He was officially listed as limited in practice Wednesday and Thursday.

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Julio Jones isn't interested in discussing his accomplishments. Bravado is not his style.

When the Atlanta Falcons (11-2) hosts the New York Giants (8-5) on Sunday, Jones could move into a bigger role and become quarterback Matt Ryan's top target.

Roddy White, the team's leading receiver, has a sore right knee and did not practice this week.

If Jones becomes Ryan's primary option, the second-year wideout says he is prepared for the challenge. But don't expect Jones to pound his chest or do some fancy dance in the end zone. Long before he became the NFL's sixth overall draft pick 20 months ago out of Alabama, Jones preferred a lower profile, saying I've been like this my whole life.