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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Bledsoe Sidelined For Sunday

From Wire Reports

At his midday press conference in Foxboro, Mass., New England coach Bill Parcells confirmed Tuesday that Drew Bledsoe will not play until the separated left (non-throwing) shoulder he suffered in a Sept. 17 game at San Francisco is healed.

“He’s going to have to practice efficiently at some point before I’ll play him again,” said Parcells. “I don’t know when that will be. We’ll see how he looks next week.”

The coach went on to say that, in retrospect, he may have erred in keeping the injured and ineffective Bledsoe in the San Francisco game until the closing minute.

The Pats travel to Atlanta Sunday.

Bledsoe sustained a third-degree separation when he was sacked by linebacker Ken Norton Jr. in the first quarter of the Pats’ 28-3 loss to the 49ers.

On Monday, Bledsoe had a series of tests done on his shoulder by Dr. James Andrews, a renowned orthopedics specialist.

Dr. Andrews recommended the quarterback not play Sunday, a decision that apparently was shared by Dr. Bertram Zarins, the team’s physician, and trainer Ron O’Neill.

Tagliabue takes charge

Commissioner Paul Tagliabue intends to investigate a referee’s miscalculation - and Pittsburgh coach Bill Cowher’s reaction - concerning a play in Sunday’s game between the Steelers and Minnesota Vikings, according to a published report.

USA Today said Tagliabue will examine the actions of referee Gordon McCarter, who overturned a missed 49-yard field-goal attempt by Vikings kicker Fuad Reveiz on the final play of the first half when McCarter said he counted 12 Steelers on the field which turned out to be incorrect. Tagliabue also will review Cowher’s conduct.

Cowher, meanwhile, expressed regret Tuesday for stuffing an instant photo in McCarter’s shirt pocket, but he also didn’t apologize.

End zone

Due to poor performances, kicker Doug Brien and punter Tommy Thompson may be in danger of losing their jobs with the San Francisco 49ers… . Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is scheduled to meet with Tagliabue and a group of NFL owners in Washington today, a week after NFL Properties filed a $300 million lawsuit against Jones. Jones said he plans to discuss his proposal to update NFL Properties.