NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger is back at work and will call the plays Sunday when the Titans visit the Texans before starting his treatment for cancer.
Coach Jeff Fisher said Thursday that Heimerdinger met with his doctors Wednesday night and will start his treatment Monday.
“So obviously he feels good enough to finish up this week and call the game, so we’re very, very excited for that and to have him back and keep him involved,” Fisher said. “We’re praying for him, and it’s been a very, very emotional day, but it’s been great to get him back.”
Rookie quarterback Rusty Smith will be making his first NFL start against the Texans, and Fisher was preparing for the quarterbacks coach to handle play-calling with help from himself and offensive line coach Mike Munchak.
Portis placed on IR
ASHBURN, Va. — Redskins running back Clinton Portis was placed on injured reserve because of a torn muscle in his lower abdomen. He will have surgery and require at least two months of rehabilitation, ending his season with a career-low 227 yards on 54 carries with two touchdowns.
The Redskins signed running back Andre Brown.
Gates sore after practice
SAN DIEGO — Chargers tight end Antonio Gates was in pain as he tried to practice in a limited role. Gates has missed the last two games because of a torn plantar fascia in his right foot.
“I wanted to see how I would respond to defenders being in the way and making unexpected cuts in the flow of a route,” Gates said. “Everything has been controlled to this point. I didn’t finish, but I’m incredibly sore.”
He said he’ll wait until today to determine if he truly took a positive step toward playing Sunday night at Indianapolis.
McGee rests; Spiller practices
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Terrence McGee missed practice a day after aggravating a knee injury, leaving the Bills cornerback questionable to play Sunday against the Steelers.
On the bright side, rookie running back C.J. Spiller has a chance to play after practicing for the first time since hurting his right hamstring in a 14-12 win over Detroit on Nov. 14.
“It’s slow progress, but we’re right on schedule,” Spiller said, noting he was able to burst and cut during his few carries in practice. “My intention is to try to go. But I’ve got to come in (today) and see how it feels.”
Footnotes.
Falcons receiver Roddy White (knee) and defensive end John Abraham (groin) returned to practice but did not fully participate in the two-hour session. Both are questionable for Sunday’s game against the Packers.
• The Black Eyed Peas will be the featured halftime performer at the Super Bowl on Feb. 6 at Cowboys Stadium.
