Steelers’ Maddox Out of Hospital

Pittsburgh Steeler quarterback Tommy Maddox is out of the hospital, fully recovered in less than two days from a spinal cord injury that easily could have been much worse.

How long it takes him to get over the emotional stress of the scary experience may determine how quickly he returns -- and how well he plays.

Maddox breezed through tests for his cerebral and spinal cord concussions Tuesday before being released from a Pittsburgh hospital, glad to be out but weary from the frightful ordeal.

“There certainly is a psychological effect,” said Joseph Maroon, the neurosurgeon who treated Maddox. “When you’re lying on a football field, unable to feel your arms or legs and unable to move, I can’t imagine a more frightening experience. I’ve seen this in quite a few athletes, and they haven’t returned to function.”

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A judge in Charlotte, N.C., ordered Carolina Panther offensive lineman Chris Terry arrested after he failed to appear in court on a misdemeanor charge of assaulting his wife.

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Julius Peppers’ appeal of his four-game suspension will not be heard by the NFL until next week, leaving Carolina’s rookie defensive end and the league sack leader eligible to play Sunday against Atlanta.

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Dallas Cowboy safety Darren Woodson (abdomen) and offensive lineman Larry Allen (ankle) will have season-ending surgeries, a move aimed at having both players fully recovered for off-season workouts.... Pittsburgh Steeler kicker Todd Peterson was put on injured reserve because of a broken rib and will be sidelined the rest of the season. The Steelers have signed Jeff Reed.... Cleveland Brown tight end Aaron Shea was put on the injured list and will sit out the rest of the season because of a severely sprained left ankle.... The New York Giants released punter Tom Rouen and re-signed wide receiver Tony Simmons.