“We were the soap opera for the NFL the last two weeks,’’ quarterback Jason Campbell said, “so hopefully it’ll calm down a little bit.’’
The unexpectedly strong vote of confidence was delivered in the morning by executive vice president of football operations Vinny Cerrato. After letting anxiety build following last week’s loss to Kansas City, Cerrato opened his weekly radio show by saying: “Jim Zorn is the head coach of the Washington Redskins and will be for the rest of this season, and hopefully into the future.’’
The news dampens the speculation that began when Zorn was asked to give up his play-calling duties following a loss to the previously winless Chiefs.
Meanwhile, Redskins Pro Bowl left tackle Chris Samuels said he will be out indefinitely because of a neck injury that has put his career in jeopardy.
Bills’ Edwards out
Bills starting quarterback
Trent Edwards won’t play at Carolina tomorrow because of a concussion. Former Harvard signal-caller
Ryan Fitzpatrick will get the start. Starting safeties
Donte Whitner (ankle) and
Bryan Scott (ankle), and starting right tackle
Jonathan Scott (ankle) also will miss the game . . . Steelers safety
Troy Polamalu returned to practice after sitting out two days to rest his left knee and expects to play tomorrow against the Vikings . . . Jets wide receiver
Jerricho Cotchery will sit out tomorrow’s game against the Raiders, missing his second straight game with an injured left hamstring. Wide receiver
Brad Smith and cornerback
Lito Sheppard, both nursing quadriceps injuries, also will not play . . . The NFL fined Titans safety
Chris Hope $10,000 for a roughing-the-passer call in the Patriots’ 59-0 rout of Tennessee in which
Tom Brady threw for six touchdowns. Among those also fined by the league for infractions last week: The Bengals’
Chad Ochocinco was fined $10,000 for a uniform violation - the wideout was fined for wearing the wrong colored chin strap (black); San Diego rookie linebacker
Larry English was fined $7,500 for a horse-collar tackle Monday; and Saints linebacker
Jonathan Vilma received a $10,000 fine for his helmet-to-helmet hit on Giants quarterback
Eli Manning.
© Copyright 2009 Globe Newspaper Company.
