PRO FOOTBALL DAILY REPORT : AROUND THE NFL : With Kosar Out, Browns Sign Tomczak

Former Ohio State quarterback Mike Tomczak was acquired Wednesday by the Cleveland Browns. Tomczak is listed as a backup quarterback, but speculation is that he could soon be starting.

To make room on their roster, the Browns placed Bernie Kosar on injured reserve because of a broken right ankle sustained in Monday night’s loss to Miami. Kosar will miss at least six weeks.

Todd Philcox will start Sunday against the Raiders.

Tomczak, 29, who was waived by the Green Bay Packers after a long preseason holdout, signed a one-year deal worth a reported $425,000.

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Defensive tackle Keith Millard, once a dominating player with the Minnesota Vikings, was released by the Seattle Seahawks.

The Seahawks had traded their second-round draft choice and future considerations to the Vikings for Millard, who missed much of training camp because of knee problems. He underwent arthroscopic surgery last month to remove a piece of cartilage in his right knee. He underwent reconstructive surgery on that knee in 1990 and 1991.

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The Vikings acquired running back Keith Henderson from the San Francisco 49ers for an undisclosed draft choice. Henderson, 26, led San Francisco with 561 rushing yards last year. But he lost favor by fumbling three of the 11 times he handled the ball in the first two regular season games. The Vikings then waived running back Ronnie West and the 49ers signed nine-year veteran tight end Chris Dressel. . . . Strong safety Bubba McDowell of the Houston Oilers didn’t show up for Wednesday’s practice in a contract dispute, then said he would be back today. . . . Running back Albert Bentley signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers, who made room by waiving rookie cornerback Alan Haller. . . . Indianapolis Colt quarterback Jack Trudeau has recovered from his bruised back to return to practice and is expected to be recovered before Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Bills.

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William Fassel Jr., father of Jim Fassel, offensive coordinator for the New York Giants, was killed when the car he was driving overturned in the California desert after he apparently fell asleep, authorities said. Fassel will be in California to handle funeral arrangements, but is expected to rejoin the team for Monday night’s game against the Chicago Bears.

Giant defensive end Leonard Marshall, meanwhile, underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee to remove tissue damaged in last Sunday’s loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Marshall could return for the Oct. 4 game against the Raiders.