Seahawks Exercise Mirer Option

The Seahawks told quarterback Rick Mirer on Wednesday that they will exercise a two-year, $8 million contract extension that will keep him with the team through the ‘97 season.

The decision was apparently made Tuesday, well ahead of the Dec. 15 deadline stipulated in the contract Mirer signed in August of 1993.

Even though Mirer was so flu-ridden that he couldn’t practice, management didn’t want to waste time letting him know that he remains the quarterback it is building an offense around.

“I never imagined it would be an issue,” Mirer said. “But I guess I am somewhat relieved.”

Raiders call on Hobert

Looking for a spark after three straight losses, Oakland coach Mike White said third-string quarterback Billy Joe Hobert will direct a struggling Raiders offense at home Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Hobert was 17-0 as a starter at the University of Washington before he was forced to leave school early for accepting a loan from a booster.

White said he made the decision after consulting his three quarterbacks - Jeff Hostetler, the starter until shelved with a shoulder injury; Vince Evans, the 40-year-old substitute starter until undone by eight turnovers in the last two games; and Hobert, who made his regular-season debut by passing for two touchdowns late in last Sunday’s 29-23 loss to Kansas City. Hobert describes himself as an instinctive player.

“That’s my biggest attribute, being able to see the field and going on my first feel, not overthinking or overanalyzing,” said Hobert, a third-round draft pick in 1993.

Miller out; Rypien in

The St. Louis Rams ruled out quarterback Chris Miller for Sunday’s game against Buffalo, but Miller said his latest concussion wasn’t that serious and that he will return.

Ex-Washington State quarterback Mark Rypien will start Sunday.