Jets rely on third-string quarterback at practice

The New York Jets have issues at quarterback.

Chad Pennington missed practice Wednesday with a stomach virus, while backup Quincy Carter went home to Georgia to be with his ailing mother. Pennington may not be able to practice today, but coach Herman Edwards is confident he will be ready for Saturday’s playoff game against Pittsburgh.

“He’ll play,” Edwards said. “I would be shocked if he didn’t.”

Pennington called Edwards on Tuesday night to say he was sick. He came to Jets headquarters and tried to practice, but Edwards took one look at him and sent him inside to get some rest.

Carter went home Tuesday, so No. 3 quarterback Brooks Bollinger took the snaps with the first-team offense at practice.

Edwards said he did not know when Carter would return.

Fox ignores Minnesota owner’s request

Minnesota Vikings owner Red McCombs asked Fox Sports to remove play-by-play announcer Joe Buck from Sunday’s playoff game at Philadelphia because of his sharp criticism of wide receiver Randy Moss, and was turned down by the network.

After catching a touchdown pass in last weekend’s win at Green Bay, Moss celebrated in the end zone by pretending to pull down his pants and moon Packers fans. Buck immediately called it a “disgusting act.”

McCombs said Buck’s comments “suggested a prejudice that surpassed objective reporting.”

Moss didn’t practice because of a sprained right ankle. He’s listed as probable for Sunday.

Around the league

Linebackers Joey Porter and Kendrell Bell missed Pittsburgh’s practice with flu-like symptoms. Both are expected to return today. … New England defensive end Richard Seymour (knee) was listed as questionable for Sunday’s playoff game against Indianapolis.