By The Associated Press
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb will continue playing with a sports hernia that likely will need surgery and definitely will leave him in discomfort and pain all season.
“Fortunately for me, I haven’t got to the point where you just can’t go,” McNabb said. “Once that happens, then I think the best way of handling this is not being out there. But I don’t think that would ever happen.”
Trainer Rick Burkholder said rest will not fix the problem and McNabb can play if he can handle the pain.
McNabb, who practiced Wednesday, does not have to be sidelined now because of the injury.
“We’re hoping it’s something we’ll be able to manage,” Burkholder said. “The plan with Donovan is to allow him to participate, continue to rehabilitate him and we’re going to take it on a day-by-day, game-by-game situation.”
McNabb is expected to start Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs. He also is playing with soreness in his chest and a shin contusion.
“I’m ready to go,” McNabb said Wednesday. “I don’t have any concerns right now. … It’s just something you have to deal with and realize some days you’ll feel great and some days you won’t.”
McNabb was tested last week for the sports hernia, but coach Andy Reid called the injury an abdominal strain after the Eagles’ victory over the Oakland Raiders. McNabb went to Boston on Tuesday for another opinion and it was confirmed he has a sports hernia.
Also, Reid said kicker David Akers will miss the game against the Chiefs because of a torn hamstring.
Chiefs: Pro Bowl left tackle Willie Roaf likely will miss Sunday’s game against Philadelphia as he rests his injured left hamstring.
Steelers: Linebacker Clark Haggans injured a groin late in Sunday’s 23-20 loss to the New England Patriots and had surgery that will sideline the former Colorado State star until at least Pittsburgh’s Nov. 6 game at Green Bay.
Titans: Quarterback Steve McNair and receiver Drew Bennett didn’t practice because of a sore foot. “I think both of them will practice (today),” coach Jeff Fisher said.
Vikings: Cornerback Brian Williams was ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Atlanta Falcons because of a sprained left knee.
Starting free safety Darren Sharper is listed as questionable with a less severe MCL sprain, but if he can’t play, Ken Irvin will get his first start at safety after playing his first 10 years in the league at cornerback.
Receiver Nate Burleson will miss his second game with a sprained knee, while defensive end Lance Johnstone is listed as doubtful with a strained right pectoral muscle.
Falcons: Atlanta signed receiver Jerome Pathon, who caught 34 passes for 581 yards and a touchdown for the New Orleans Saints last season.
Patriots: New England signed running back Amos Zereoue after it was announced Kevin Faulk would miss Sunday’s game against the San Diego Chargers with a foot injury. Zereoue rushed for 425 yards and three touchdown with 39 receptions for 284 yards last season with the Oakland Raiders.
Jets: New York signed Kliff Kingsbury to be its third quarterback. Kingsbury, taken by the Patriots in the sixth round of the 2003 draft, most recently was on the Broncos’ practice squad.
Seahawks: Cornerback Kelly Herndon (neck stinger) and wide receiver Peter Warrick (groin) missed practice because of injuries.
Herndon, a former Bronco, is expected to return today, while Warrick was listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Washington Redskins.
Defensive coordinator Ray Rhodes also returned to the practice field for the first time since suffering a mild stroke Sept. 4.
49ers: Linebacker Jamie Winborn cleaned out his locker as the team announced plans to trade the former starter. Winborn lost his job to converted defensive end Andre Carter last week, and coach Mike Nolan suggested the fifth-year pro should stay away while the 49ers find him a new home.
“He sees himself as a starter, and I would tend to agree with that,” Nolan said. “It just won’t be here.”
Also, receiver Jason McAddley and cornerback Willie Middlebrooks, acquired in a preseason trade with Denver for defensive end John Engelberger, re-signed with team.
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