PRO FOOTBALL REPORT / WEEKDAY UPDATE : AROUND THE NFL : Irsay Says Meyer Will Return for 1991

Indianapolis Colt owner Robert Irsay said that Coach Ron Meyer will return for the 1991 season, the last year of his contract, but other changes in the coaching staff will be made.

“Ron has done a good job of coaching, so we just have to fix up some damages we have at the other end,” Irsay told the Indianapolis News.

Irsay said he wouldn’t know until after Jan. 1 specifically what the changes would be, but say they would not be “massive.”

“I’ve had a couple of long talks with Ron, and I think we’ve found where our problem is,” Irsay said. “I think when you’re sick, you have to find out what’s wrong. . . . I think we’ve got to correct some of the coaching staff as far as offensive and defensive plays.”

CBS and ESPN have broadcast reports this season that Meyer would be replaced.

“I never made a decision to let Ron go,” Irsay said. “Everybody else in the country has, but not me.”

The Colts (6-8) will play host to the Washington Redskins tonight.

The Green Bay Packers (6-8)) must win today against the Detroit Lions or they are out of the playoff picture. If they beat the Lions at Lambeau Field, they could still make it even if they lose at Denver next week.

At 7-9, they would need plenty of help. Dallas and Tampa Bay would have to lose twice each and Minnesota and New Orleans would have to lose at least once.

Meanwhile, with Don Majkowski injured, Anthony Dilweg hobbled and slumping, third-string quarterback Blair Kiel is ready to make the second start of his six-year NFL career. Kiel started a strike game for the Indianapolis Colts in 1987.

The Packers’ offense has scored only two touchdowns in three weeks, and today they face a Lion team (5-9) that is coming off a 38-21 victory over Chicago.

Detroit’s run-and-shoot offense is beginning to click with an injury-free Rodney Peete at quarterback. Against the Bears, Peete threw four touchdown passes.