Owens may get back to field

Terrell Owens might be closer to returning to the field this season, even though the Philadelphia Eagles still don’t want him back.

Arbitrator Richard Bloch did not issue a ruling after the 13-hour arbitration hearing Friday.

Richard Berthelsen, general counsel of the NFL Players’ Association, said a decision is expected by Tuesday and expressed optimism that Owens would not have to sit out the remainder of the season.

The dismissed Owens – who did not speak with reporters after leaving the hearing – is seeking reinstatement.

The All-Pro wideout was suspended on Nov. 5 following a series of incidents in which he again criticized quarterback Donovan McNabb, called the organization “classless” and fought with former teammate Hugh Douglas, who serves as team “ambassador.”

Two days later, the Eagles extended the suspension to four games and told Owens not to return to the team. Owens is losing more than $200,000 per game from his $3.5 million salary. He would be paid for the games he doesn’t play if the Eagles deactivate him as planned once the suspension is up.

The players’ association wants Philadelphia to release Owens if he’s not going to be reinstated after the four-game suspension is over.

Bills’ Losman to start against San Diego

J.P. Losman will start at quarterback for the Buffalo Bills against San Diego after Kelly Holcomb missed his third straight practice since getting a concussion.

Coach Mike Mularkey said he expected Holcomb to be medically cleared for the game Sunday, but wasn’t sure if he would serve as Losman’s backup or be the No. 3 QB.

Holcomb was hurt when he was sacked and fumbled in the second quarter of Buffalo’s 14-3 win against Kansas City on Sunday. It was Holcomb’s fifth consecutive start since replacing Losman, who struggled in opening the season at 1-3.

Ferguson re-injures knee

Green Bay Packers receiver Robert Ferguson re-injured his left knee and was carted off the field just one day after returning to practice.

Ferguson missed the last three games after tearing a ligament in the knee during a 23-20 loss at Minnesota on Oct. 23. He is expected to be evaluated further today.

Redskins receiver Patten out for season

Washington Redskins receiver David Patten is out for the season after undergoing surgery on his right knee.

Patten had been feeling irritation in the knee for a couple of weeks and had missed practices but not games. The pain grew worse this week, and doctors diagnosed a cartilage injury that required surgery.

Around the league

Chargers linebackers Shawne Merriman and Steve Foley returned to practice, and both are expected to play when San Diego hosts Buffalo. Merriman, a rookie who leads the Chargers with five sacks, was able to work after sitting out Thursday’s practice with a migraine headache. Foley, the Chargers’ sack leader last year with a career-best 10, has missed the last two games because of a strained abdominal muscle. … Safety Bob Sanders and receiver Brandon Stokley are expected to play for Indianapolis on Sunday against Cincinnati after missing practice time this week because of injuries. … Miami quarterback Gus Frerotte rejoined practice on a limited basis, an indication he’ll probably start at Cleveland despite a sprained right index finger. … The Arizona Cardinals moved strong safety Ernest Shazor from the practice squad to the 53-man roster and released wide receiver/kick returner J.J. Moses. … The Houston Texans placed offensive tackle Todd Wade on the injured list with torn ligaments in his right knee.