RENTON, Wash. — So much for Mike Holmgren’s quiet motorcycle ride into that self-described “sabbatical” next year.
The lame-duck coach of the skidding Seahawks had a chance Wednesday to slam the door on rumors he is a prime candidate to take over his hometown 49ers in 2009.
Instead, he left it slightly ajar.
“When I was at Lincoln High School, and for years, that was my dream job. And it never quite came to fruition,” Holmgren said. “But times change and right now, I think it’s been stated . . . for the 27th time: The plan for me and Kath (wife Kathy) is to take a year off after this time in Seattle. We’ve been here 10 years, and we love it here, and that’s the plan. While I’m flattered — we have a lot of friends in the Bay Area — that’s the plan right now.”
San Francisco and Seattle are abuzz with rumors Holmgren is the prime candidate to lead the 49ers next season. San Francisco (2-5) fired coach Mike Nolan this week and replaced him with Mike Singletary on an interim basis, beginning Sunday against the last-place Seahawks.
Chiefs’ Johnson “disgusted”
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Saying he was “kind of disgusted with myself,” Larry Johnson apologized for behavior that’s led to an NFL investigation and to his benching for a second straight week.
“This is the first time in my life I actually had to stand up, I mean actually woke up and kind of be disgusted with myself and disgusted as far as the way my life and my career is heading right now,” the running back said. “. . . And I promise not only to the fans, not only to teammates, players, coaches, GMs and my own family that I do anticipate seeking help to get better as far as getting my life on track.”
Johnson is accused of spitting a drink in a woman’s face this month at a nightclub.
Meanwhile, coach Herm Edwards announced his top two quarterbacks, Brodie Croyle (knee) and Damon Huard (hand), suffered season-ending injuries in last week’s 34-10 loss to Tennessee.
Third-teamer Tyler Thigpen will start against the Jets on Sunday and be backed up by Ingle Martin.
Footnotes.
After a limited workout, Cardinals receiver Anquan Boldin (sinus, jaw) said he was uncertain whether he would play Sunday at Carolina.
• Texans receiver Andre’ Davis will miss up to three weeks after surgery to repair a dislocated left ring finger.
• After some light leg work with weights and spending time in the pool to improve range of motion, Rams running back Steven Jackson (quadriceps) was optimistic he’d be ready for Sunday’s game at New England.
• The Bears signed safety Terrence Holt and placed rookie cornerback Zackary Bowman on injured reserve with a biceps injury.
• Eagles guard Shawn Andrews is expected to miss at least six weeks after surgery on his injured back. But running back Brian Westbrook (ribs) should be back for Sunday’s game against the Falcons, along with receiver Kevin Curtis (hernia).
• The Cowboys put safety Roy Williams (arm) on injured reserve.
• Patriots safety Rodney Harrison (quadriceps) was placed on injured reserve.
• Browns tight end Kellen Winslow appealed his one- game suspension for critical comments he made about the team.
