NFL News and Notes

Quarterback Jason Campbell will make his NFL debut Sunday for the Washington Redskins, replacing Mark Brunell for a 3-6 team apparently heading nowhere and needing a plan for the future.

Coach Joe Gibbs announced Monday that Campbell, who has been inactive for all 25 games of his pro career, would start against Tampa Bay.

Meanwhile, running back Clinton Portis underwent surgery on his broken right hand. Portis, hurt against the Eagles, will be sidelined three to four weeks. Ladell Betts will replace him.

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Kansas City Chiefs tight end Tony Gonzalez will be sidelined for at least one week after spraining his left shoulder in Sunday's loss to Miami.

More will be known with test results today.

Meanwhile, quarterback Trent Green could be cleared for full practice for the first time since suffering a severe concussion in the Sept. 10 opener.

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Tennessee Titans receiver David Givens tore a left knee ligament on a freak play in Sunday's loss to Baltimore when he planted his leg and will miss the rest of this season, the team said.

In other Titan news, DT Albert Haynesworth has returned after the longest on-field suspension in NFL history.

Hayensworth kicked Dallas offensive lineman Andre Gurode in the face opening up a huge gash on Gurode that required numerous stitches. No word from head coach Jeff Fisher on when or if Haynesworth will be activated.

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The NFL announced that the starting time for the Philadelphia Eagles' game at Indianapolis against the Colts on Nov. 26 has been switched to 8:15 EST so that it can be televised by NBC.

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Injury news: Dallas Cowboys linebacker Greg Ellis will miss the rest of the season after tearing his left Achilles' tendon in Sunday's victory over Arizona.

The Atlanta Falcons lost defensive end Patrick Kerney for the season, ending his streak of 105 consecutive games played, because of a chest injury, suffered in Sunday's loss to Cleveland.

New England Patriots right guard Billy Yates will miss the rest of the season after breaking his leg in Sunday's loss to the New York Jets.

St. Louis Rams LT Orlando Pace tore his left triceps muscle and will miss the remainder of the season. Rams CB Travis Fisher broke his left forearm and will miss 4-5 weeks.

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League MVP Shaun Alexander may get back on the field this week and Pro Bowl quarterback Matt Hasselbeck will be right behind him.

Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren said Monday that both of his injured stars may play Sunday at San Francisco, pending tests in practice this week.

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Carolina 24, Tampa Bay 10
Steve Smith had the flu, but it sure didn't look like it against the Bucs on Monday night. Smith caught eight passes for 149 yards, including a 36-yard TD in the fourth quarter as the Panthers moved into a tie with Atlanta for second place in the NFC South at 5-4. Julius Peppers led the Carolina defense with three sacks, giving him a league-leading 11 for the season. Tampa Bay fell to 2-7 on the year.


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