Brunell Expects to Face Jaguars

Quarterback Mark Brunell of the Washington Redskins practiced Friday for the first time this week and planned to start Sunday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

“I feel good. I practiced today, so I expect to play on Sunday,� Brunell said. “The arm improved over the course of the week.�

The left-handed Brunell needed three stitches to repair a nasty cut in his throwing elbow after last week’s victory against the Houston Texans. He has kept the arm wrapped all week to prevent infection.

Brunell has not skipped a start because of injury since joining the Redskins in 2004, even when various ailments have kept him sidelined during midweek practices.

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The NFL fined Carolina Panthers defensive end Al Wallace $7,500 for his fourth-quarter hit on Tampa Bay quarterback Chris Simms.

Simms underwent surgery to remove a ruptured spleen after the game last Sunday.

It was unclear what hit caused the injury, but Simms had complained of soreness and shortness of breath before the hit, which did not draw a penalty.

Wallace was fined for unnecessary roughness on the play. He hit Simms shortly after he threw a pass and landed on top of him. Wallace said he didn’t know Simms had released the ball.

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Safety Ed Reed and outside linebacker Terrell Suggs were held out of the Baltimore Ravens’ final practice of the week because of injuries, and both are listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the San Diego Chargers.

Reed has a foot injury. Suggs has a sore hamstring. Ravens Coach Brian Billick said they would be game-time decisions.

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Dallas Cowboys receiver Terrell Owens practiced for the second straight day, but Coach Bill Parcells said he hasn’t decided if he would play Sunday against the Tennessee Titans.

Owens had only a small bandage over the scar on his right hand from surgery Sept. 18, a day after he broke a bone near his ring finger against the Redskins.

“The injury status has not changed, and we’re going to make some game-time decisions as to who’s going to participate,� Parcells said.

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Indianapolis Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri, who sat out last week’s game against Jacksonville because of a groin injury, practiced and could play against the New York Jets on Sunday.... Buffalo Bills linebacker Takeo Spikes has a lingering right hamstring injury and probably will sit out Sunday’s game against Minnesota.... Kansas City Chiefs left tackle Kyle Turley has a sore back and is questionable for Sunday’s game against the San Francisco 49ers.