Colts Keep Quiet On Qb Situation
Jim Harbaugh, the highest-rated quarterback in the NFL, may not even start this week for Indianapolis.
Craig Erickson, who started the first two games, Harbaugh and coach Ted Marchibroda know who will start at Buffalo, but weren’t telling after Wednesday’s practice. The QBs shared time with the first unit.
“We’ll make the formal announcement as far as the starting quarterback is concerned right at game time,” Marchibroda said. “We’re going to give our guys pretty much equal work this week in practice.”
Marchibroda thought keeping his decision quiet might affect Buffalo’s preparations. However, Bills coach Marv Levy said in a teleconference Wednesday that his team would prepare for the Colts without thinking about the Colts’ decision.
“The only quarterbacks I prepare for differently are John Elway, Steve Young, and Randall Cunningham, guys who are great scramblers,” Levy said.
Harbaugh has come off the bench two straight weeks to take over for a struggling Erickson, producing dramatic touchdown drives that sent both games into overtime late in the fourth quarter.
Free to leave in two years
The Oilers will be free to leave Houston after the 1997 season after resolving their lawsuit late Wednesday with Harris County, the city and Astrodome USA.
The agreement came after the parties negotiated all day and into the evening. U.S. District Judge Lynn N. Hughes signed the final consent decree around 9 p.m.
Around the league
Detroit quarterback Scott Mitchell, who missed one play last week due to lightheadedness, can play in Sunday’s home opener against the Arizona Cardinals. … Green Bay wide receiver Robert Brooks was selected NFC offensive player of the week for his performance Monday night, which included the eighth 99-yard touchdown reception in NFL history. Oakland’s Jeff Hostetler was named the AFC offensive player of the week.. … The Carolina Panthers, struggling with one of the worst rushing games in the NFL, named newly acquired Derrick Moore their starter at halfback Wednesday. … The Chicago Bears signed rookie quarterback Steve Stenstrom, a day after the Kansas City Chiefs signed him and tried to sneak him through waivers.