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Compiled from Times wires
© St. Petersburg Times, published November 25, 2000
Bettis says he'll play against Bengals
PITTSBURGH -- Running back Jerome Bettis returned to practice Friday and pronounced himself ready for the Steelers' game at Cincinnati on Sunday.
Good thing, because Bettis has been the biggest part of the offense all season.
Bettis was held out of practice for two days because of a contusion on his lower left leg. He went through a full workout Friday and said he was fine.
"We were trying to get the swelling down and that's why I didn't practice for a couple of days," he said. "They were worried about what might happen if I got hit when there was still swelling there. It's come along real well. It's not a problem."
Bettis was injured in Sunday's 34-24 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
"Donovin Darius blitzed on one of the first plays and hit my leg with his knee or his foot," Bettis said. "It was a freak thing. That hadn't happened like that in my whole career. You get 11 or 12 weeks into a season and you know you're going to be banged up one way or another."
Bettis carried the ball only 12 times against Jacksonville, mostly because the Steelers fell behind and had to try to pass their way back into the game.
After three consecutive 100-yard games, Bettis has topped 100 yards just once in the past four games. Pittsburgh's inability to make good passes makes it easier for opponents to defend against the run.
One aspect of the running game has gone better than expected in recent weeks. Rookie fullback Dan Kreider has stepped in and done an efficient job as Bettis' lead blocker.
Kreider, who started the season on the practice squad, is the Steelers' third option at fullback. Starter Jon Witman broke his leg Oct. 15 and backup Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala (broken foot) will miss his fifth game.
"Danny's doing a great job," Bettis said. "There hasn't been a second thought about him at all."
Receiver Will Blackwell (knee) also will be available for the first time this season.
Coach Bill Cowher said he may use Blackwell to return kicks to get him accustomed to contact again.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Titans quarterback Steve McNair missed practice for the second straight day because of a sprained thumb and is questionable for Sunday's game at Jacksonville.
Coach Jeff Fisher said McNair's status will be a game-time decision. "If he can throw the ball in pregame warmups, he'll play. If not, he won't," Fisher said.
Backup Neil O'Donnell has been taking snaps with the first team.
The injury occurred on the last play of Wednesday's practice when McNair banged his throwing hand into the helmet of running back Mike Green. His nail was crushed.
X-rays were negative; the thumb was drained Thursday.
"I haven't tried to do anything," McNair said. "They just want me to rest so that the soreness will go away."
O'Donnell is struggling with health issues, as well. He was hospitalized recently with a virus and sinus trouble and was winded Thursday as he filled in for McNair on the practice field. Nevertheless, Fisher said O'Donnell is ready.
"He's had a good week of practice," O'Donnell said. "There's not a sense of panic with us right now."
Tennessee has beaten Jacksonville in their past five matchups.
BRONCOS: Receiver Scottie Montgomery strained a knee ligament during a non-contact practice session. "It's a medial collateral (ligament injury) coach Mike Shanahan said. "I don't know how serious it is right now." Montgomery, signed after veteran Robert Brooks was released two weeks ago, was on the active roster for Sunday's victory over San Diego, though he hasn't played. ... Running back Terrell Davis' playing status was downgraded to doubtful because of severe pain in his lower left leg.
CHARGERS: San Diego signed Armon Hatcher from its practice squad in case strong safety Rodney Harrison (hamstring) can't play Sunday against Kansas City.
CHIEFS: Kansas City signed defensive tackle Norris McCleary to a three-year contract and placed Andre O'Neal (shoulder) on injured reserve. Financial terms of McCleary's contract were not released.
EAGLES: Running back Thomas Hamner signed a two-year contract. He fills the spot created Wednesday when running back ex-Seminole Amp Lee was released.
LIONS: Charlie Batch, who led Detroit past New England despite bruised ribs, will start Thursday when the Lions play at NFC Central-leading Minnesota, coach Gary Moeller said. Though Batch took a battering Thursday against the Patriots, he still threw for 194 yards and a touchdown and ran for another before being relieved in the fourth quarter by Stoney Case. The Lions have potential playoff tiebreaker wins over the Saints, Redskins and Giants, all of whom have four losses.
PANTHERS: Melvin Tuten, who was out of football for two years and hasn't started at left tackle since 1996, will split playing time with Jeno James. Tuten spent part of the past two seasons with the Broncos, but has played in only two games. ... Running back Tshimanga Biakabutuka is doubtful (turf toe). Brad Hoover is his backup.
CALGARY -- Stampeders quarterback Dave Dickenson, a former University of Montana star, was selected as the league's outstanding player. Dickenson, a four-year veteran, completed 317 of 493 passes for 4,636 yards and a league-leading 36 touchdowns. The Stampeders were upset by the B.C. Lions in Sunday's West Division final and Dickenson was forced out at halftime with ligament damage in his knee.