Around the NFL

Chiefs: Uncertain future for team, coaches

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — When told his name was popping up in connection with the vacant coaching job at San Diego State, Kansas City Chiefs coach Herm Edwards delivered a glib and funny reply.

“I’ve got a college team right now that I’m coaching,” the embattled leader of the very youthful and 1-10 Kansas City Chiefs said with a laugh. “Next question.”

Asked again, he repeated the same line and the matter was dropped.

But given an opportunity the next day to put an end to any speculation his non-denial might fuel, the third-year Chiefs coach had even less to say.

“I’m just not talking about that at all,” he said.

Edwards might be inclined to give serious thought to leaving the NFL and returning to San Diego State, where he graduated in 1976. He could be leaving his options open because Chiefs owner Clark Hunt might be losing patience with a coaching staff that’s 1-19 since a year ago last October.

The 2008 campaign is shaping up as the Chiefs’ worst season since the late Lamar Hunt founded the franchise in 1960. Last week’s 54-31 loss to Buffalo broke the team record for points allowed, and in other losses this miserable season they’ve given up a team-record 332 yards rushing and set the team mark by squandering a 21-point lead.

Browns: Quinn still pondering operation

BEREA, Ohio — Cleveland quarterback Brady Quinn is still deciding whether to have surgery on his damaged right index finger. He didn’t get much help making up his mind while passing the turkey and mashed potatoes around the Thanksgiving table.

“I don’t have a bunch of family doctors, so they didn’t have any more insight into the situation,” he joked.

Quinn is done for the season after breaking the finger on his throwing hand, an injury he made worse by playing in Sunday’s loss to the Houston Texans.

Doctors have given the second-year QB two options: have an operation or immobilize his finger in a splint for six weeks. It’s possible even if Quinn chooses rest as his course of recovery, he may still need surgery if the injury doesn’t heal properly.

NFL: Fines for Porter, Warren

DAVIE, Fla. — Miami linebacker Joey Porter has been fined $7,500 for unsportsmanlike conduct during Miami’s 48-28 loss to New England on Sunday.

NFL spokesman Corry Rush said Friday that Porter was fined for verbally abusing the opponent after the play was over.

Raiders defensive lineman Gerard Warren also was fined $5,000 for roughing the passer against Denver.

Cowboys: Good news on Ware and Barber

IRVING, Texas — MRI tests on injured Dallas linebacker DeMarcus Ware and running back Marion Barber revealed no significant damage a day after both were injured in the Cowboys’ Thanksgiving Day win over Seattle.

An MRI test on Ware’s hyper-extended left knee showed no ligament damage Friday. An MRI on Barber’s right fifth toe, which was dislocated, revealed no fracture.

Both players will receive treatment throughout the weekend. They will be evaluated daily next week.

Falcons: Abraham says he’s ready

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — John Abraham promises he will play Sunday at San Diego.

The Falcons’ three-time Pro Bowl defensive end didn’t return after sustaining a mild concussion in last week’s win over Carolina. Tied for third in the NFL with 12 sacks, Abraham vows he’ll be in the lineup when Atlanta (7-4) visits San Diego (4-7). He participated in practice Friday for the third straight day.

“I’m good,” Abraham said. “I’ll be ready to go.”

Abraham was already battling injuries to his neck and shoulder when he rushed from the left side against a Panthers double-team and got knocked backward and onto the Georgia Dome turf. He walked off the field without help early in the fourth quarter, but team trainers quickly diagnosed a mild concussion.

Giants: Injury benches Burress

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress will miss Sunday’s game against Washington with a sore right hamstring.

Burress pulled the hamstring in the Giants’ win over Baltimore on Nov. 16. He then aggravated the injury in the opening series last Sunday against Arizona, and then sat out the rest of that game.

Giants coach Tom Coughlin said Friday that Burress “is progressing, no doubt. He is getting better.”

Domenik Hixon, who is dealing with an ankle injury, will start in Burress’ place.

Redskins: Injuries could bench three

ASHBURN, Va. — Middle linebacker London Fletcher and defensive linemen Andre Carter and Kedric Golston did not practice Friday and will be game-time decisions for the Washington Redskins on Sunday against the New York Giants.

All three had foot injuries in last week’s 20-17 win over the Seattle Seahawks and are listed as questionable on the injury report.

Also Friday, receiver Santana Moss was fined $5,000 for punching cornerback Josh Wilson in the second quarter of last week’s game. Moss drew a 15-yard penalty on the play.

Associated Press