NFL

NFC: Ex-'Canes QB Dorsey back in 49ers huddle

By wire services
Published October 27, 2005

SANTA CLARA, Calif. - Ken Dorsey is expected to start for the 49ers on Sunday in place of rookie quarterback Alex Smith, who has two strained ligaments in his right knee.

Dorsey, a third-year pro who won a national championship at the University of Miami, started seven games last season for the 49ers. He spent Wednesday's practice as the first-string quarterback while Smith watched from the sideline as San Francisco installed its game plan.

Though coach Mike Nolan won't announce his starter until today, Dorsey seems all but certain to get the job.

"My position is that no matter what happens, I'm going to go out there and prepare and be ready to go," Dorsey said. "I have a lot of faith in this coaching staff, and they're going to make the best decision."

Early last week, Dorsey was the third-string quarterback with almost no shot at playing this season. But San Francisco traded veteran Tim Rattay to Tampa Bay, and Smith got hurt while getting tackled by LaVar Arrington in Sunday's 52-17 loss to the Redskins.

FAVRE HAS DOUBTS: Even Brett Favre isn't sure he has the magic to pull the Packers back from the brink.

Green Bay is 1-5, and injuries have devastated the three-time defending NFC North champs, who are without their top two running backs and three of their top wide receivers.

"I feel like when I'm on the field I will always have a chance to help this team win and will be the difference," Favre said, "That's what's been disappointing this year more so than any other year, because we've lost four games by nine points and I would think that I could be the one who could make the difference."

The most painful loss was 32-29 in Carolina. Favre rallied the Packers from a 19-point deficit against the Panthers but failed to move them into field-goal range on their final drive.

"We've had chances, like Carolina, I was disappointed as I've ever been after that game sitting in my locker," Favre said. "I'm thinking to myself, "We came back. We gave it a run.' But that's not enough in my mind. It makes me start questioning, "Do I still have the magic or whatever?' "

SAINTS ON AIR: Saints fans in New Orleans will be able to watch their team's home games in Baton Rouge even if they're not sellouts. With the Saints based in San Antonio, their fans scattered and the Superdome severely damaged by Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath, the NFL said networks may broadcast the games as a gesture of good will.

The Saints play the Dolphins on Sunday at LSU's Tiger Stadium.

LIONS: Cornerback Dre' Bly is expected to be out three to four weeks after having surgery on his right wrist. Bly has four interceptions, trailing only Indianapolis' Cato June, and 28 in his seven-year career.

RAMS: Defensive end Leonard Little, whose younger brother was shot to death last week, may miss a second straight game while in mourning. Interim coach Joe Vitt excused Little from a 28-17 victory over the Saints.

[Last modified October 27, 2005, 01:28:19]