PRO FOOTBALL / DAILY REPORT : AROUND THE NFL : Testaverde Out for Season?

The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback controversy ended Monday, far more suddenly than it began, when X-rays revealed a second-degree shoulder separation that will probably finish Vinny Testaverde for the season.

Testaverde said he was still hoping to return. But Coach Bill Belichick doubts it.

“It looks like he’s going to be out in the six-, eight-, 10-week range,” Belichick said. “He’ll probably go on (injured reserve). It’s not definite, but that’s the way it looks.”

Under NFL rules, once a player is placed on injured reserve, he is out for the season, including playoffs. Bernie Kosar will return as Cleveland’s starter.

Testaverde was hurt in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s 28-23 victory over Pittsburgh when he got sandwiched between linebackers Reggie Barnes and Kevin Greene while trying to scramble for a first down. Greene hit him under the right shoulder as Barnes slammed into him from behind.

“It’s late in the game, we’re down by a couple of points,” Testaverde said. “Had it been the third quarter or the first half, I probably would have slid. It’s unfortunate I hurt my shoulder, but that’s part of the game.”

Rich Gannon, the Washington Redskins’ backup quarterback, has a broken bone in his right foot and could be sidelined for next Monday night’s game against the Buffalo Bills. . . . Outside linebacker Jerrol Williams of the San Diego Chargers, who underwent surgery last week on his dislocated left shoulder, was placed on injured reserve.