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McNabb unlikely to play against Giants

PHILADELPHIA - Donovan McNabb is unlikely to play in Philadelphia's game against the New York Giants on Sunday because of a groin injury.

"I wouldn't bet on it," Eagles coach Andy Reid said Tuesday when asked if McNabb could start. "He doesn't look good today."

McNabb injured his groin while trying to tackle Dallas' Roy Williams after throwing an interception. Williams returned the pick 46 yards for a touchdown with 2:43 left to lead the Cowboys to a 21-20 comeback victory over the Eagles on Monday night.

Reid said McNabb had an MRI on Tuesday morning, and was waiting to see a specialist. If McNabb doesn't play, Mike McMahon probably would start over Koy Detmer against the Giants.

McMahon, listed as the third-string quarterback, played the last series against Dallas, and drove the Eagles to the Cowboys 42 before David Akers missed a 60-yard field goal attempt in the final seconds.

In four seasons with Detroit, McMahon started seven games. He had only a 43.8 completion percentage with 10 touchdowns and 13 interceptions, but he is mobile, rushing for 273 yards on 46 carries.

Detmer has been McNabb's backup the last six seasons. He is the No. 2 quarterback this year only because he holds the ball on extra points and field goals.

McNabb has played through several injuries this season, including a sports hernia that will require surgery. He walked gingerly to the podium at his post-game news conference and grimaced with every step.

Reid said McNabb is "sore more in the groin area than in the abdominal area."

BRONCOS: Rookie tight end Wesley Duke was made active and veteran safety Marques Anderson was waived.

CARDINALS: Pro Bowl defensive end Bertrand Berry (torn left pectoral muscle) and starting guard Reggie Wells (fractured left ankle) were placed on injured reserve, ending their seasons.

DOLPHINS: Quarterback Gus Frerotte said he may not be able to play at Cleveland because of a swollen right index finger he sustained against New England.

49ERS: Tight end Terry Jones was picked up off waivers from Baltimore and tight end Trent Smith was waived.

GIANTS: Longtime public-address announcer Bob Sheppard will retire at the end of the season. He reportedly will continue to announce New York Yankees games as he has for the last 55 years.

PATRIOTS: Center Dan Koppen is out for the season after injuring his shoulder against Miami. Defensive back Randall Gay was also put on injured reserve (ankle).

STEELERS: Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who has missed two games since having knee surgery Nov. 3, threw some passes but is listed as questionable at Baltimore. Coach Bill Cowher said he won't know more about Roethlisberger's status until he sees him in practice today. If he can't play, Tommy Maddox will be their third starting QB in four games.

VIKINGS: Quarterback Daunte Culpepper had surgery to repair three torn ligaments in his right knee. Culpepper, who was hurt Oct. 30 at Carolina, won't return until next season.

Police disclosed that a Canadian Football League player is HIV positive after he was charged with sexual assault, saying they thought a public health warning about his health was necessary.

Linebacker Trevis Smith of the Saskatchewan Roughriders and formerly of the University of Alabama was arrested Oct.28 in Regina, Saskatchewan, and charged with aggravated sexual assault. Smith denies the charges and will plead not guilty, said his lawyer, Paul Harasen.

He was freed on bail and ordered by a judge Nov.2 to practice safe sex, tell all future partners he's HIV positive and surrender his passport.

The case has raised questions over privacy in the workplace, fears some players might have about playing against an HIV-positive opponent and an employer's responsibly for protecting the public.

The Canadian Public Health Association is offering information packets to all nine CFL teams to help educate players and management about HIV and AIDS.

Smith, 29, a starting middle linebacker, was placed on the Roughriders' disabled list after the arrest and hasn't played since. The team's season ended Sunday with a playoff loss to Montreal.