Battered McNair says it’s time to think of future

To be clear, Steve McNair never used the word retirement.

But the co-MVP of the 2003 NFL season sent a clear message that he’s hurting, and this time the physical pain mixed with a losing season has the Tennessee quarterback ready to think about quitting.

“I feel like at this point in time you have to take a hard look at it,” McNair said after a 31-21 loss to the Houston Texans on Sunday that put the Titans at 4-7, ending their playoff hopes and putting them in the cellar of the AFC South.

“Back in the days, I used to play and play well when I was hurt, but at the same time it has taken a toll. I just have to look at it and evaluate myself, but I’m going to continue to work hard this season and do the best I can do to try and win five ballgames.”

Coach Jeff Fisher didn’t hear of McNair’s comments until the team was on the way to the airport in Houston. He spoke with his quarterback Sunday night and again Monday and feels McNair, who turns 32 on Feb. 14, was simply frustrated.

Cardinals turn to Navarre

The Cardinals have yet another starting quarterback, this one a rookie.

John Navarre will become Arizona’s third starting quarterback in the last four games when the Cardinals play the Lions in Detroit on Sunday. The seventh-round draft pick, who never has taken a snap in an NFL regular-season game, will make his debut in the state where he was a three-year starter for the University of Michigan.

Asked his reaction when coach Dennis Green told him the news, Navarre said: “Excitement. I was anxious to get going. My first thoughts were what I’m going to do to get an edge this week.”

Green benched Shaun King after two starts and elevated Navarre over Josh McCown, who had the job for the first nine games.

Pennington questionable for Sunday

Chad Pennington sounds optimistic about his chances of returning to quarterback the New York Jets this weekend.

Pennington, who has missed the last three weeks with a strained right rotator cuff, is questionable for the game Sunday against Houston. He will share snaps with Quincy Carter during practice this week before determining whether he can play.

“I always said I’m going to come back when I feel I can help my team and not hurt my team,” Pennington said. “I feel that way. I feel like I can play well.”

Around the league

The Falcons agreed to a six-year contract extension for tight end Alge Crumpler, one day after he caught the winning touchdown pass in a victory over New Orleans. Crumpler leads the team with 43 receptions for 709 yards and six touchdowns. … Chiefs quarterback Trent Green underwent X-rays of his sore ribs and is listed as questionable for this week’s game at Oakland. Kansas City safety Greg Wesley, who injured his hamstring Sunday in pregame warmups, is doubtful. … Browns linebacker Andra Davis will miss the remainder of the season after tearing a ligament in his left knee during Sunday’s loss to the Bengals. … The Broncos lost cornerback Lenny Walls for the season after he dislocated his shoulder for the third time in the last 10 weeks. … Redskins kicker John Hall will be back in uniform Sunday after missing five games with a groin injury.