McNabb able to play
NFL NOTES Status listed as questionable but vows he’ll start Ravens re-sign Stewart to back up Wright at QB
Donovan McNabb threw four touchdowns on a broken ankle. He won’t let a chest injury keep him on the bench. McNabb didn’t practise yesterday because of a bruised chest, but the five-time Pro Bowl quarterback said he’ll play in Philadelphia’s home opener against San Francisco on Sunday.
“ Nothing will stop me from being on that field,” said McNabb, who was injured in the first quarter in the Eagles’ 14- 10 seasonopening loss at Atlanta on Monday night.
If McNabb can’t play — he’s listed as questionable — longtime backup Koy Detmer isn’t a lock to get the start. Detmer shared reps with third-string quarterback Mike McMahon in practice, and coach Andy Reid wouldn’t select a potential starter.
“ We’ll see as the week goes on,” Reid said. “ I’ll evaluate it and see what we want to do with it. I know both do a nice job.” STEWART BACK AS BACKUP: The Baltimore Ravens signed Kordell Stewart yesterday to play behind Anthony Wright, who will replace an injured Kyle Boller as the starter Sunday against Tennessee.
Stewart, a 32- year- old, 10- year veteran, served as the Ravens’ backup last season while Wright recovered from shoulder surgery. Although Stewart never threw a pass, he is familiar with the Baltimore offence.
“ It’s the logical choice,” coach Brian Billick said. “ Kordell was great for us last year. A great team member, understands the role. Hopefully there’s enough carry-over for him, verbiagewise, that he can adjust quickly. It’s a nice comfort zone having him back.” RAMS’ EXEC ON HOT SEAT:
A St. Louis Rams executive will be reprimanded for leaving a threatening phone message on the voice mail of a St. Louis PostDispatch columnist. Rams president John Shaw told the Post- Dispatch that team executive Samir Suleiman faces discipline, but declined to say what it would be. On Aug. 28, sports columnist Bernie Miklasz wrote that he was disturbed by “ infighting and politics” within the Rams organization, and said executives owe any head coach their support.
“ Be it ( Mike) Martz or another man, I don’t care who sits in the head coach’s office at Rams Park. The head coach should be backed, not back- stabbed, by associates,” Miklasz wrote. Suleiman left a message on Miklasz’s voice mail, stating, in part, “ tell your source that I’m not a back- stabber, I’m a ( expletive) throat slasher, and he’ll know the difference before it’s all said and done.’’
“ It’s shocking that he would leave a message like that,” Shaw told the newspaper. “It’s the type of behaviour that we don’t condone at any level.” MATHIS TO MISS ANOTHER:
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Kevin Mathis, who was kicked out of the season opener against Philadelphia after a scuffle in pregame warmups, won’t be playing this week, either.
Mathis injured his left knee in practice yesterday and the Falcons fear it could be serious. RHODES RECOVERING:
Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Ray Rhodes plans to be at Sunday’s game against Atlanta, but will not be calling plays. Rhodes was hospitalized last week after suffering from dizziness. He did not accompany the team to Jacksonville, where Seattle lost 26- 14.
“ He’s coming back a little at a time. We’re going per doctors orders on this,” coach Mike Holmgren said. “ If they say ’ No, he can’t be there,’ he’s not there.” MILI WAITING FOR RESULTS: Seattle tight end Itula Mili is listed as doubtful for Sunday’s game against Atlanta, still bothered by a blockage in his intestine. Coach Mike Holmgren said Mili had a scan done and was waiting to see the results.
“ If those results are positive, then that’s a good thing,” Holmgren said. “ If they’re not, then they have to do surgery to relieve this problem.” BULLUCK SITS OUT:
Tennessee linebacker Keith Bulluck sat out his first practice in years yesterday because of a sore right calf, but insists he won’t miss Sunday’s home opener with Baltimore.
“Honestly, I’m feeling fine,” Bulluck said. “ I know I’ll be out there on Sunday, and I don’t plan on missing a beat. I was in tune with practice today.
“ It was like a mental day for me.”