Alexander probable

League Most Valuable Player Shaun Alexander missed the Seattle Seahawks’ practice on Wednesday with a foot injury, but is probable to start Sunday’s showdown with the New York Giants.

Alexander, the defending league rushing champion who set an NFL record with 28 touchdowns last season, injured his left foot while rushing for 51 yards in Seattle’s Sept. 10 win at Detroit. He did not miss practice last week and played throughout most of last Sunday’s win over Arizona with the foot still sore.

When asked if the team’s approach with Alexander’s foot had moved beyond precautionary to concerning, coach Mike Holmgren paused and said: “Well, I wouldn’t call it … his foot is sore. So until the soreness is out, we’re going to give him a couple of days.

“We’re just trying to calm it down a little bit.”

Alexander ran for 89 yards on 26 carries against the Cardinals. That was the first time in two seasons that Alexander had been held to less than 100 yards rushing in consecutive games.

Alexander has started 68 of the last 69 Seattle games, dating to the end of the 2001 season when he replaced then-injured starter Ricky Watters. Alexander started last January’s NFC championship game eight days after sustaining a concussion in the first half of a playoff win over Washington.

His only missed start in the last five years came on Sept. 21, 2003, when he helped deliver his first child, daughter Heaven. Alexander then rushed to the stadium and entered that game in the second quarter.

The Seahawks’ other injury concern is at tight end. Itula Mili, who had been scheduled to start for Jerramy Stevens while Stevens remains out into October following knee surgery, will not start on Sunday. Veteran Will Heller, the only other tight end on the roster who is known mostly for his blocking, will start.

Mili’s left knee injury is not as serious as initially feared, so Holmgren is hoping Mili will back up Heller against the Giants.

Owens might not miss time

Thanks to the timing of the bye week, Terrell Owens might not miss any games because of his broken hand.

Owens broke the bone leading to his right ring finger Sunday night and had a plate surgically attached to it Monday. Although Owens’ hand was swollen and aching, Dallas Cowboys coach Bill Parcells said he’s optimistic the receiver will be back at work next week and catching passes a week from Sunday against Tennessee.

“I certainly wouldn’t rule it out now,” Parcells said. “Maybe five days from now I might, but I wouldn’t rule it out now. … I know we’re looking to try to get him moving around pretty good in the next day or so. So we’ll see where we are.”

Owens did not speak with reporters, but said Sunday he’d be out two to four weeks. A return against the Titans would be 13 days after the surgery.

Favre says trade not likely

After losing two home games to start the season, Brett Favre can understand why people might think he would welcome a trade to a contender.

But Favre, who turns 37 next month, doesn’t necessarily think that would be any better than sticking it out for the rest of the year – and perhaps beyond – in Green Bay.

“You know, it all, it sounds great,” Favre said. “But to learn a new system – to basically start over – the expectations would be so great. And people may say, ‘Well, say your season’s not going the way you would like it here, at least you could go somewhere else and take a chance at winning.’ Well, I’m taking that chance now.”

Fisher lashes out at critics

Coach Jeff Fisher lashed out at critics of the Tennessee Titans’ dealings with Billy Volek, saying that Volek lied to him and never took advantage of the opportunity to be the starter.

The Titans finally traded Volek on Tuesday to the San Diego Chargers for a sixth-round draft pick that could become a fifth-rounder depending on playing time. Fisher said Volek asked to be traded the day the Titans signed Kerry Collins late last month.

“I never at any time in my career have gone into such detail (about a trade). But I felt the responsibility, as Billy felt he was thrown under the bus,” Fisher said. “Billy threw this organization under the bus, along with a number of his teammates.”

Around the league

Philadelphia running back Brian Westbrook missed practice because of a sore knee and is questionable for the game against San Francisco. … Carolina All-Pro wide receiver Steve Smith is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against Tampa Bay, denying any rumors he’s holding out for a new contract. … Clinton Portis made it through Washington’s entire practice for the first time since his shoulder injury, while cornerback Shawn Springs had a setback in his attempt to return from abdominal surgery. … Dwight Freeney’s injured leg muscle kept him out of practice, and Indianapolis won’t know until later this week whether he’ll play Sunday against Jacksonville.