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

San Francisco Releases Former Cougar Carolan

From Wire Reports

The San Francisco 49ers released veteran tight end and former Washington State Cougar Brett Carolan Thursday, and while the move was surprising it shows how highly the club thinks of rookie Sean Manuel.

Manuel, a seventh-round draft pick, is the identical twin of Sam Manuel, and until recently, the only way he got attention was as part of the first twin combination drafted by the same team since the Rams picked Marlin and Mike McKeever in 1961.

With the 49ers crippled at tight end by injuries, Sean Manuel has moved up to the first team and is scheduled to make his second straight start Saturday against San Diego. But more than that, he’s making a serious run at the 53-man roster, once thought improbable considering the team’s strength at tight end.

More indicative of where Sean stands is the release of Carolan, a sure pass catcher with the team the past two seasons.

Mobley, Williams fined for hits

Denver Rookie linebacker John Mobley was fined $10,000 and defensive end Alfred Williams $7,500 for separate hits on San Francisco quarterbacks in an exhibition game last weekend, the NFL announced.

The league issued the fines after reviewing game film sent by San Francisco coach George Seifert, who complained about hits on Gino Torretta and Steve Young.

Mobley’s hit left Torretta unconscious as he was sliding to the ground on a short scramble. Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said Mobley had left the ground as Torretta was sliding and would have been at waist level had Torretta continued running.

Woolford fined by NFL for substance abuse

Chicago Bears cornerback Donnell Woolford said he has been fined for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy when he was arrested for drunken driving.

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said Woolford could still be suspended by commissioner Paul Tagliabue for the cornerback’s July 2 conviction. Woolford also was involved in a 1994 drunken driving incident, so he could be disciplined by the NFL as a second-time offender.

Stewart earns shot with Steelers

Kordell Stewart’s first chance to win the Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback job may also be his last chance.

Stewart, who excelled in the unique role of quarterback-wide receiver-running back last season, gets his first exhibition start Sunday against Green Bay. What isn’t certain is if he will get another start.

“If I can go out there against Reggie White and the Packers, one of the best defenses in football, and show what I can do and put some points up, that will say enough right there,” Stewart said. “But you wish you could have more time as far as having one game for this guy and another game for that guy.”

Hot ticket

It was only a scrimmage, but that didn’t stop 51,118 fans from turning out in El Paso, Texas, to watch the Dallas Cowboys and Houston Oilers.

The scrimmage, won 17-16 by Dallas in this stronghold of Cowboys fans, produced the first sellout crowd at the Sun Bowl. It also generated some $1.3 million, much of which was expected to go to charities.

Eagles 30, Jets 16

Chris T. Jones, who earned the coach’s praise but little playing time as a rookie last season, showed why the Philadelphia Eagles are high on him.

The former Miami Hurricane caught two TD passes as the host Eagles took advantage of six turnovers to beat New York. Jones, who had five catches for 70 yards, and Irving Fryar combined to pace a Philadelphia offense that passed for 203 of its 229 yards.

Bills 35, Vikings 12

Henry Bailey, considered a long shot to make the team, scored on a 97-yard kickoff return and an 8-yard catch to lead Buffalo past host Minnesota at Minneapolis.

It was Buffalo’s first kickoff return TD in exhibition play since 1969. The Bills haven’t scored on a kickoff in the regular season since Al Edwards went 91 yards in 1991.