BENGALS: With the release of punter Brad Costello and kicker Doug Pelfrey, the kicking duties will be taken over by an inexperienced group: Neil Rackers as kicker; Daniel Pope, a punter claimed off waivers from Kansas City, where he averaged 41.8 yards per kick; and Brad St. Louis, the snapper on punts and field goals.

BILLS: Right guard Joe Panos, who missed the 1999 season with a neck injury, will miss at least the season opener after injuring a foot. Running back Jonathan Linton's rib injury will keep him out of Thursday's preseason finale against the Eagles.

BRONCOS: Running back John Avery was waived, despite rushing for 61 yards on 12 carries in the preseason. "I really think John has improved as a player and did everything he possibly could to make our team," coach Mike Shanahan said. "But I did not think he was going to make our team, unless something happened very drastically. So we decided to give him an opportunity to have a chance to go to another team because I believe he can play in the NFL." Avery, 24, rushed for 503 yards on 143 carries as a rookie for the Dolphins in 1998, but he had only 21 yards on five carries for the Broncos last season. ... Wide receiver Rod Smith, cited in a domestic-violence incident, received a $25,000 conditional fine from the NFL that he will not have to pay if he adheres to the terms of his two-year probation. Smith, arrested Jan. 24 for suspicion of domestic violence, pleaded guilty last month to one misdemeanor count of verbal abuse.

BROWNS: Quarterback Tim Couch has a bruised right elbow but is expected to be able to play in Saturday's preseason finale at Green Bay. Rookie Spergon Wynn will get most of the playing time as the search continues for a backup for Couch.

CHARGERS: Wide receiver and punt returner Nate Jacquet was obtained from the Dolphins for a draft choice next year. Jacquet, played at San Diego State from 1995-96, ranked second in the NFL in 1999 by averaging 12.5 yards per punt return, the highest season average in Dolphins history. To make room for Jacquet on the roster, the Chargers released wide receiver Stepfret Williams.

DOLPHINS: Wide receiver Jeff Ogden was obtained from the Cowboys for a 2002 draft pick. ... Quarterback Jay Fiedler, who had arthroscopic surgery to repair torn cartilage in his right hip, will start the preseason finale Friday against New Orleans. Fiedler is trying to assume the starting role vacated by Dan Marino and unclaimed by Damon Huard.

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