Redskins give Zorn a vote of confidence

The Washington Redskins said Friday that Jim Zorn will be the coach for the rest of the season.

The unexpectedly strong vote of confidence was delivered in the morning by Vinny Cerrato, the team’s executive vice president of football operations, who opened his radio show by saying: “Jim Zorn is the head coach of the Washington Redskins and will be for the rest of this season, and hopefully into the future.”

The news dampens the speculation that began when Zorn was asked to give up his play-calling duties following the 14-6 loss to the previously winless Kansas City Chiefs. Zorn called the move “uncomfortable” and players expressed general concern over the state of the franchise, yet the powers that be remained silent until Friday.

“The frustration is very high, everywhere around here,” Cerrato said. “But the relationships internally within this organization, quite frankly, remain the same.”

Cerrato did not deliver a similar message to Zorn in person, but Zorn didn’t feel the need for it. The coach appeared to take the news in stride.

“I don’t necessarily have a reaction to that because I am the head coach,” Zorn said. “I want to be here for the next 10 years. That’s my story.”

Wright flips car

Cleveland Browns cornerback Eric Wright was back at practice hours after flipping his car on a wet highway entrance ramp. He may play Sunday against Green Bay.

Wright rolled his car early Friday when his vehicle slid on wet pavement. He was examined and released at MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland. The Browns sent him for more tests and Wright was back at the team’s training facility in Berea, Ohio, in time for practice.

Fines

Cincinnati Bengals receiver Chad Ochocinco was fined $10,000 by the NFL for wearing the wrong colored chin strap (black) during the Bengals’ loss to Houston last Sunday.

Also fined $10,000 was Tennessee Titans safety Chris Hope for roughing the passer against New England in a 59-0 loss during which Tom Brady threw for six touchdowns.

San Diego rookie linebacker Larry English was fined $7,500 for a horse collar tackle in the Chargers’ loss to Denver on Monday night.

New Orleans Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma received a $10,000 fine for his helmet-to-helmet hit on New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning.

Injuries

Buffalo Bills quarterback Trent Edwards has been ruled out of Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers after suffering a concussion last week against the New York Jets. . . . Minnesota Vikings Pro Bowl cornerback Antoine Winfield was listed as doubtful for Sunday’s game against Pittsburgh because of a sprained right foot. Steelers safety Troy Polamalu has returned to practice after sitting out two days to rest his still-healing left knee.

Going overseas

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell expects the league to start playing multiple regular-season games in Britain in the next few years -- an expansion that could lead to putting a franchise in London.