PHILADELPHIA — The Eagles agreed to terms on a one-year deal Monday with quarterback Jeff Garcia, a 10-year veteran who played for Philadelphia in 2006 and went 6-2 in eight starts — including the playoffs — while Donovan McNabb was injured.
The Eagles needed a backup quarterback in case McNabb, who suffered a broken rib in Philadelphia’s 38-10 victory over Carolina in the season opener, is not able to play this week against the Saints.
Third-year pro Kevin Kolb filled in for McNabb and will start if McNabb is out, coach Andy Reid said.
“Whether it’s a week or two weeks or the entire season, I’m excited about the opportunity,” Garcia said. “As far as a team I can go to and blend right in, this is the team for me to do that.”
Garcia, who was signed by Oakland in the offseason to push JaMarcus Russell and serve as a mentor to the former No. 1 overall draft pick, was released by the Raiders on Sept. 5.
Philadelphia’s other quarterback, Michael Vick, is not eligible this week because he was suspended for the first two regular-season games as the last part of the NFL’s penalty for his role in a dogfighting ring.
Polamalu doesn’t need surgery
PITTSBURGH — Steelers two-time all-pro safety Troy Polamalu doesn’t need surgery to repair the tear in his left medical collateral ligament that occurred during a scramble for the ball on a blocked-field goal attempt Thursday against Tennessee. Coach Mike Tomlin’s preliminary estimate of how long Polamalu will be out also hasn’t changed — three to six weeks.
Fox sticking with Delhomme
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Jake Delhomme is still Carolina’s starter — even after 11 turnovers in two games.
He does have a new backup, however, with the arrival of A.J. Feeley to replace injured Josh McCown.
Coach John Fox defended Delhomme, saying his beleaguered quarterback’s status “hasn’t changed” a day after he threw four interceptions and lost a fumble in Carolina’s 38-10 loss to Philadelphia.
“It’s like Tiger Woods doesn’t win every tournament. (Roger) Federer doesn’t win every tournament,” Fox said. “There’s a lot of people out there that practice and get paid too.”
Feeley, who was cut by the Eagles this month, will replace McCown, who was headed to injured reserve after injuring his left foot and knee Sunday.
Hayward sidelined for season
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jaguars defensive end Reggie Hayward broke his left leg Sunday at Indianapolis and will miss the rest of the season.
One of five team captains, Hayward broke his fibula in a fourth- down pileup against the Colts.
Players promise brains to science
BOSTON — Three NFL players announced they will donate their brains and spinal cord tissue to a Boston University medical school program that studies sports brain injuries.
Even though dozens of former NFL players have agreed to donate their brains after death, Ravens center Matt Birk, Seahawks linebacker Lofa Tatupu and Cardinals receiver Sean Morey are the first active players to do so. The goal of the university’s Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy, a collaborative venture between BU Medical School and Sports Legacy Institute, is to better understand the long-term effects of repeated concussions.
Footnotes.
Giants receiver Hakeem Nicks (foot) and running back Danny Ware (elbow) are probably going to be sidelined at least two weeks.
• Colts president Bill Polian said Anthony Gonzalez sprained ligaments in his right knee in Sunday’s victory over Jacksonville and the team is not sure how much time the third-year receiver could miss.
• Seahawks linebacker Leroy Hill will be out at least two weeks with a lower stomach or groin injury.
The Associated Press
