NFL UPDATE : Testaverde Regains Starting Job in Tampa Bay

Two weeks after losing Tampa Bay’s starting quarterback job, Vinny Testaverde has it back.

Coach Ray Perkins said the fourth-year pro will be in the lineup Sunday when the Buccaneers (4-7) try to break a five-game losing streak against the Green Bay Packers.

Perkins didn’t offer much insight into his reasons, but emphasized he was not unhappy with Chris Chandler’s performance as a starter.

Nevertheless, the change came just a day after Testaverde said he felt “cheated out of my position” and Chandler threw for only 125 yards while being sacked seven times in a 31-7 loss to the San Francisco 49ers.

Testaverde lost his job after he threw five interceptions Nov. 4 against the Chicago Bears. Chandler started the last two games, but the Bucs’ offense scored only one touchdown in a loss to New Orleans and none against San Francisco.

San Francisco 49ers safety Ronnie Lott said the team has offered him a “fantastic” three-year contract extension that would pay him more per year than his current $800,000 salary.

“I think it’s something I should accept,” said Lott, a 10-year veteran out of USC who is in the final year of a multiyear contract. He said he expects to sign the contract this week.

Lott, 31, said the new contract is not guaranteed.

“At my age?” Lott said. “I wish.”

Club Vice President John McVay said the club made “a very substantial contract offer” to Lott.

Neither Lott nor the club would give details of the deal.

Lott, a seven-time Pro Bowl selection, has 41 tackles--fifth-highest on the team--and is tied for the team lead in interceptions with three.

Lott, who negotiated the deal directly with team owner Eddie DeBartolo Jr. and other club officials, said he’s relieved to have the contract issue resolved.

“It’s one less thing to think about,” he said.