Testaverde returns to Jets

Vinny Testaverde was plopped on his couch, watching his beloved New York Jets and, like millions of other fans, could hardly believe his eyes.

In a span of seven plays Sunday, not one but two quarterbacks went down, starter Chad Pennington and backup Jay Fiedler. Out for the season. Both of them, with shoulder injuries.

There was only one thing to do.

“I called Herm (Jets coach Herman Edwards) and said, ‘I am here in whatever capacity you need me,’ ” Testaverde said. “To be a teacher … or to play, to be a starter or a backup. I want to get this team back on track to where everybody expects it to be. Whatever that role is … I feel in a good enough position to do that.”

Suddenly, 41-year-old Vinny Testaverde is back in the NFL.

“I’m excited, happy, nervous, anxious, all those feelings about playing for the Jets again,” he said.

With Pennington and Fiedler gone with shoulder injuries, Testaverde likely was signed to back up untested Brooks Bollinger. Considering Bollinger’s inexperience and the way Pennington and Fiedler were battered in Sunday’s 26-20 overtime loss to Jacksonville, seeing Testaverde behind center soon – a cruel joke a week ago – isn’t farfetched at all.

“Right now, Vinny is not starting, he is not running out of the tunnel in Baltimore being the starter,” Edwards said. “He is going to be standing next to me. Brooks is starting. From there, we will see.”

Bailey’s remarks irritate Vermeil

Thanks to Champ Bailey and Monday night microphones, the Kansas City Chiefs should be well motivated for their next game against the Denver Broncos.

First, the Chiefs (2-1) were embarrassed 30-10 Monday night at INVESCO Field, one of their worst losses in a long and often-bitter AFC West rivalry.

Then they found out that while the rout was taking place, the Broncos’ star defensive back accused them on national television of not even playing hard.

“The way they played up there in Kansas City, it ain’t the same, though,” said Bailey, who was miked by ABC.

Speaking to teammates on the Denver bench after the Broncos had taken control of the game in the first half, Bailey was clearly heard to say, “They’re playing a little different. They’re not playing as hard. I ain’t going to relax, though.”

“I know this – none of our players said Champ Bailey didn’t play hard when we beat them by three touchdowns last year out here,” Chiefs coach Dick Vermeil said. “Eddie Kennison (Chiefs receiver) didn’t say that Champ Bailey was not playing hard.”

“Bailey had an MRI exam on his injured left hamstring,, revealing no major damage. His status is uncertain for Sunday’s game against Jacksonville.

Patriots confirm end of safety Harrison’s season

New England Patriots safety Rodney Harrison will miss the rest of the season with torn ligaments in his left knee.

The Patriots placed Harrison on injured reserve, and agent Steve Feldman said the 32-year-old strong safety would have surgery in four to six weeks for a torn anterior cruciate ligament, medial collateral ligament and posterior cruciate ligament.

“The San Francisco 49ers placed wide receiver Rashaun Woods on injured reserve with a thumb injury, ending a second straight disappointing season for the team’s former No. 1 draft pick.

“Detroit Lions cornerback Fernando Bryant is out for the season with a separated right shoulder.

The Lions put Bryant on injured reserve.