Bucs/NFL

Older acquisition is holding off QB Young

By TIMES WIRES
Published September 19, 2006

NASHVILLE - The Vince Young era hasn't arrived yet for the Titans. If Kerry Collins keeps posting a 1.3 passer rating, it won't be far off.

Jeff Fisher said again Monday he is sticking with Collins as Tennessee's starter after the veteran's anemic performance in a 40-7 loss at San Diego that was the franchise's worst loss since December 1989.

"Kerry was brought here because of his experience," Fisher said. "We're sticking with Kerry and continuing to develop Vince."

And what about Billy Volek, who inherited the starting role when Steve McNair was traded to Baltimore in June, only to be demoted to No. 3 when the Titans signed Collins on Aug. 29?

"That doesn't mean Billy's not going to get on the field right now. This is where we are with our quarterback situation," Fisher said.

BENGALS: Outside linebacker David Pollack suffered what the team termed "a significant" neck injury but he has no paralysis and could return in 2007. Pollack was placed on injured reserve, ending his season. He was hurt in the first quarter Sunday when his helmet hit Browns running back Reuben Droughns' shoulder pads.

BRONCOS: Jake Plummer got the collar but not the hook. Mike Shanahan said he's not turning the offense over to rookie Jay Cutler though the coach "dialed down" his offense in a 9-6 overtime win against Kansas City on Sunday after Plummer's four-turnover performance the week before.

Also, a day after Cedric Cobbs nearly fumbled away the overtime kickoff, Denver signed former Steelers receiver/returner Quincy Morgan to a one-year deal.

BROWNS: Frustrated and confused at not being on the field during some key third-downs Sunday, Kellen Winslow claimed he should have been a bigger part of Cleveland's game plan and blamed coaches for a lack of imagination on offense.

"Some of the coaches might be holding us back a little bit," Winslow said. "We have nothing to lose. I don't mean to try and go behind their backs or whatever, but we're 0-2, we have nothing to lose, let's go."

Winslow, who had four catches for 42 yards, didn't identify any coaches, but the tight end's pointed comments appear to be directed at second-year offensive coordinator Maurice Carthon.

COLTS: Defensive lineman Dwight Freeney, receiver Brandon Stokley and kicker Adam Vinatieri were awaiting MRI exam results after injuries. Stokley aggravated a sprained left ankle that kept him out of the opener against the Giants. Vinatieri hurt his groin in Sunday's 43-24 victory over Houston and did not kick the extra point or kick off after the final scoring drive. Freeney had an unspecified leg injury.

DOLPHINS: Right guard Bennie Anderson could miss the rest of the season with a torn triceps muscle. Miami has already seen three other guards - Seth McKinney, Joe Toledo and Joe Berger - suffer injuries.

RAIDERS: Aaron Brooks will miss two to four weeks with a strained pectoral muscle, giving the starting quarterback job to Andrew Walter. Brooks was hurt Sunday after fumbling his second straight snap from center in the first quarter of a 28-6 loss to Baltimore.

TEXANS: Left tackle Charles Spencer had surgery to repair a broken leg and is out the rest of the season.

[Last modified September 19, 2006, 01:33:32]