ASHBURN, Va. — The simmering feud between Donovan McNabb and Mike Shanahan and his son continued Thursday with a blistering statement from the quarterback’s agent.
Fletcher Smith took aim directly at the Redskins’ coach and Kyle Shanahan, the team’s offensive coordinator, for the way they have handled the benching of his client.
Smith said the bad blood between the quarterback and the Washington coaches is due to McNabb’s suggestions for improving the Redskins’ offense.
“I believe there is tension between Donovan and Kyle that’s rooted in the fact that Donovan has suggested modifications to Kyle’s offense based on intricacies Donovan has learned in his NFL career,” Smith wrote. “For example, Donovan has asked all year that the team run more screen passes to help manage the pass rush more effectively. Ironically, Kyle decided to employ Donovan’s suggestions after he unceremoniously benched him on Sunday.”
49ers going back to Troy Smith
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The 49ers are going back to Troy Smith as their starting quarterback while leaving open the possibility they might switch to Alex Smith at any time.
Coach Mike Singletary said Troy Smith will start Sunday’s game against the Rams in place of Alex Smith, who started San Francisco’s last two games.
“We could possibly use them both,” Singletary said. “The game will dictate it. Even though Troy is going to be the starter, we’re making sure that the game plan is such that we can possibly use both.”
Addai expects to face Raiders
INDIANAPOLIS — Colts running back Joseph Addai said he expects to return Sunday at Oakland after missing the past eight games with a nerve injury in his left shoulder.
“I feel like it’s a great chance. I feel like I’m heading in the right direction,” Addai said.
Linebacker Clint Session also is likely to play after missing the past seven games with a broken arm and a dislocated elbow.
Favre dealing with concussion
MINNEAPOLIS — Vikings quarterback Brett Favre missed a second consecutive day of practice because he failed to pass his baseline concussion test again, coach Leslie Frazier said.
Meanwhile, running back Adrian Peterson, who missed Monday’s loss to the Bears because of a knee and thigh bruise, did limited work in practice. Frazier said Peterson made dramatic improvement from Monday, but it remains uncertain whether he will play Sunday night at Philadelphia.
• Vikings cornerback Antoine Winfield has been fined $7,500 for a hit on Bears quarterback Jay Cutler on Monday night.
Sanchez nursing sore shoulder
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Jets coach Rex Ryan said it could be “a game-time type decision” whether quarterback Mark Sanchez plays Sunday at Chicago after he was limited in practice with a sore shoulder for the second straight day.
Denver Post wire services
