Holmgren expects fine over comments

Seattle Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren said Wednesday he “kind of messed up” when he said the NFL told him there were officiating mistakes made during last Sunday’s overtime win over the New York Giants.

“I think it’s kind of a tempest in a teapot,” Holmgren said near the end of news conference. “I kind of messed up. What I should have said was, ‘I talked to the league, but what was said was confidential.’ “

Holmgren said he expected the league to fine him for breaching its confidentiality agreement between teams and the NFL officiating department regarding on-field decisions. The 14-year NFL head coach is one of eight members of the league’s competition committee that oversees rules and game operations.

“Now, because of the potential fines, my kids won’t get Christmas stockings,” Holmgren said, laughing.

Rams don’t expect Martz back

St. Louis Rams president John Shaw said he would be shocked if Mike Martz got medical clearance to return to coaching this season.

Martz stepped down Oct. 24 on doctors’ orders while suffering from endocarditis, a bacterial infection of the lining of the heart. Interim coach Joe Vitt has coached the team the last six games, going 3-3 heading into Sunday’s game against the Washington Redskins, and Shaw expects Vitt to finish out the year.

“I would be totally shocked if Mike got cleared,” Shaw told the Associated Press.

“Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick met with the media and took snaps with the first team, indicating Vitt is looking to give the rookie from Harvard his first start this week over veteran Jamie Martin.

Jauron picks Garcia to start for Lions

Interim coach Dick Jauron designated Jeff Garcia to start at quarterback for Detroit Sunday against Minnesota.

There had been speculation that Joey Harrington, or even rookie Dan Orlovsky, would start Sunday against the Vikings instead of the 35-year-old Garcia because team president Matt Millen said Monday when he fired coach Steve Mariucci and two assistants that he wanted to get more out of younger players.

Meanwhile, cornerback Dre’ Bly apologized to the team for being critical of Harrington, whom he had blamed for Mariucci’s firing.

Around the league

Running backs Corey Dillon and Kevin Faulk appeared closer to playing again for the New England Patriots, perhaps as early as Sunday at home against the New York Jets. … Rookie offensive lineman Cory Procter, who played for the University of Montana, was signed by the Dallas Cowboys, who released lineman Ben Noll. … The Indianapolis Colts released running back Ran Carthon. … Miami Dolphins linebacker Zach Thomas will miss his second game in a row Sunday because of shoulder and ankle injuries. … Tennessee rookie receiver Brandon Jones will miss the rest of the season with a torn ligament in his right knee. … San Diego Chargers linebacker Ben Leber was placed on the injured reserve list with a foot injury that will require surgery. Chargers left tackle Roman Oben practiced for the first time since spraining a foot against Kansas City on Oct. 30. … New Orleans tight end Ernie Conwell is expected to miss the rest of the season after left knee surgery.