PRO FOOTBALL / DAILY REPORT : AROUND THE NFL : Broncos’ Elway Appears Ready for Showdown With Chiefs

John Elway threw the ball hard and apparently without discomfort as the Denver Broncos began preparations for Sunday’s regular-season finale at Kansas City.

The winner earns the final playoff spot in the AFC.

Elway reported some soreness in his throwing shoulder after he returned from a four-game absence to lead the Broncos past Seattle, 10-6, last Sunday.

The New England Patriots announced that Coach Dick MacPherson will return to the sidelines,

MacPherson, who missed the last seven games while recuperating from colon surgery, said he will make some coaching decisions during Sunday’s game against the Miami Dolphins.