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Around The NFL: Raiders QB Hurt, Big Ben Is Angry, Falcons Back Mike Smith

By Danny Cox

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When problems come up in the NFL, you've got to be able to get support from somewhere. There is always the hope that the support will come from your teammates,  players, coaches or owners or someone who is in your franchise. Problems can arise from all types of situations and when the world outside of your team doubts you, then it's time to turn to those wearing the same colors.

Terrelle Pryor dealing with a "banged up" knee and sprained MCL

The Oakland Raiders lost to the New York Giants on Sunday and quarterback Terrelle Pryor ended up rather "banged up," but the team is hoping it isn't too serious. After the game, Pryor said that he has a "sprained MCL" that just got worse throughout the week and he was not at 100 percent against the Giants.

Pryor played the game with a brace on his leg and he obviously couldn't put a lot of weight on it or push off throughout the game. His day consisted of completing 11 of 26 passes for 122 yards, one interception and a lost fumble. He was also sacked four times.

As of now, undrafted rookie Matt McGloin is the only other quarterback on the active roster, but the Raiders have worked out some veterans in the past month.

Ben Roethlisberger refutes rumors of wanting to leave Pittsburgh

Ben Roethlisberger has spent his entire NFL career as a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers. In the midst of one of their worst seasons in a long time, rumors are starting to swirl that Big Ben wants out of yellow and black, but he denies any of those reports and confirms that he wants to finish his career in Pittsburgh.

"It's ridiculous," Roethlisberger told the media after Sunday's 23-10 victory over the Buffalo Bills. "This is where I've always wanted to be. I don't want to play for anyone else."

"I'm a Pittsburgher – this is home. I'm proud to raise my kids here. I don't want to play for anyone else."

Steelers president Art Rooney II said in a statement that the report is "erroneous" and the Steelers have "not explored" a trade for their starting quarterback.

Atlanta Falcons ownership backing coach Mike Smith despite awful season

The Atlanta Falcons are also in the middle of an awful season as they fell to 2-7 this year after Sunday's loss to the Seattle Seahawks. With a bad season comes conversation of changes being made and fingers immediately start pointing at head coach Mike Smith. Some rumors even have ESPN analyst and former NFL coach Jon Gruden coming in to Atlanta.

Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff heard about the report and said that "Mike Smith is a hell of a football coach; he's the leader of this team."

Entering this season, Smith was 56-24 overall and has two NFC South titles since 2008. The team finished 13-3 last year and headed to the NFC Championship where they lost to the San Francisco 49ers. Smith signed a contract extension in February 2011, and it appears as if the team is still confident in him despite this bad season.

For more NFL news and updates, visit NFL Central.

Danny Cox knows a little something about the NFL, whether it means letting you know what penalty will come from the flag just thrown on the field or quickly spouting off who the Chicago Bears drafted in the first round of the 1987 draft (Jim Harbaugh). He plans on bringing you the best news, previews, recaps, and anything else that may come along with the exciting world of the National Football League. Danny is a freelance writer covering all things NFL. His work can be found on Examiner.com.

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