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Petrino Stays Mum On Starting QB

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The Associated Press

Published: November 17, 2007

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. - Atlanta Falcons coach Bobby Petrino declined to say Friday whether Byron Leftwich or Joey Harrington will start at quarterback against Tampa Bay.

"I thought they both looked good," Petrino said. "Byron was moving around and had no ill effects from practice the last two days, so that was good to see."

Petrino did say he won't wait until Sunday to tell his players who will start.

With Leftwich able to practice three straight days, he's likely to start. Petrino reiterated earlier this week that Leftwich is still No. 1 on the depth chart even though he missed the last two games with an ankle injury.

Atlanta probably won't have receiver Joe Horn for the second straight game. Horn has missed practice this week with a strained hamstring.

BILLS: Rookie running back Marshawn Lynch (left ankle sprain) missed his third straight practice and is doubtful for Sunday night's game against New England.

Rookie Dwayne Wright and veteran Anthony Thomas will likely split the running back duties.

DOLPHINS: Linebacker Zach Thomas has been officially ruled out for Sunday's game at Philadelphia.

Thomas, 34, has missed four games since suffering a concussion in September.

Defensive end Matt Roth (groin) also did not practice Friday and has been ruled out for Sunday.

EAGLES: Halfback Brian Westbrook missed practice for the second straight day with a knee injury and is questionable for Sunday's game against Miami.

"I think he'll be ready to go," Coach Andy Reid said Friday. "It's not bad. There's a little swelling."

PANTHERS: Quarterback Vinny Testaverde will start Sunday against the Green Bay Packers.

Coach John Fox chose the 44-year-old Testaverde over a healthy David Carr, but declined to name him the permanent starter for the Panthers. Both Carr and Testaverde are 1-2 this season as the starter.

It's unclear if Testaverde will have his top offensive option, wide receiver Steve Smith, who is listed as questionable after missing his third straight practice Friday with a shin contusion. Fox said Smith will be a game-time decision.

SEAHAWKS: Coach Mike Holmgren wouldn't officially say running back Shaun Alexander is "out" for Sunday's game against Chicago, but did say that backup Maurice Morris would get his second straight start.

Alexander has been hampered all season by a broken left wrist, and added a twisted left knee and ankle to the equation two weeks ago against Cleveland.

TEXANS: Running back Ahman Green won't play Sunday against New Orleans because of a swollen left knee. Ron Dayne will start in his place.

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