Beuerlein Gets Three-Year Deal

Steve Beuerlein, who took over as the Carolina Panthers’ starting quarterback last month amid questions about Kerry Collins’ commitment, was given a three-year, $9-million contract extension Wednesday.

“I’m not making John Elway or Dan Marino or Steve Young money,� said Beuerlein, 33. “But I’m making more money than this little kid from Los Angeles ever thought he could make, and I’m very happy it’s all worked out.�

*

Minnesota Viking Coach Dennis Green expects quarterback Randall Cunningham to start Sunday against Cincinnati. . . . The San Francisco 49ers signed cornerback Tyrone Leggett, waived special teams standout Curtis Buckley and said rookie R.W. McQuarters might start at cornerback Sunday against Atlanta. . . . Green Bay running backs Raymont Harris and Darick Holmes split snaps during Wednesday’s practice as the Packers put Travis Jervey on injured reserve because of a broken ankle and claimed running back Michael Blair off waivers from Cincinnati. . . . The Chicago Bears put rookie running back Curtis Enis on injured reserve because of a torn knee ligament. His rehabilitation process is expected to last seven to 10 months.

AFC / Oiler Lineman Hopkins Is Out The Tennessee Oilers’ offensive line took a big hit with the news that Brad Hopkins, who has started the past 70 games at left tackle, will be out three to four weeks because of a strained groin.

The Oilers did get some good news with the return of free safety Marcus Robertson to practice. He has been sidelined the last two games after having arthroscopic surgery on his knee.

*

NFL statisticians threw John Avery for a one-yard loss, costing the Miami Dolphins’ rookie his first 100-yard game.

A play on which Avery fumbled in the first quarter of Sunday’s victory over the Indianapolis Colts was originally tabulated erroneously as no gain. Elias Sports Bureau, which keeps league statistics, notified the Dolphins that they were instead assessing Avery with a one-yard loss. The decision changed Avery’s final rushing total from 100 yards to 99.