PRO FOOTBALL DAILY REPORT : AROUND THE NFL : Lions Fire Offensive Coordinator, Drop Peete Behind Kramer and Ware

Three consecutive defeats by the Detroit Lions, capped by an shutout loss to the Minnesota Vikings, cost quarterback Rodney Peete his starting position and offensive coordinator Dan Henning his job on Monday.

Henning will be replaced by Dave Levy, in his second season as Detroit’s assistant head coach. Peete, who was sacked seven times and threw four interceptions against Minnesota, was dropped to third string behind Erik Kramer and Andre Ware.

Coach Wayne Fontes denied he was making a scapegoat of Henning, who was in his second year as offensive coordinator.

“These were decisions I had to make that I think are best for this team,” Fontes said. “We’ve been struggling on offense all year.”

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The San Francisco 49ers’ Ricky Watters, whose 896 rushing yards rank second in the NFC, suffered strained right knee ligaments against Cincinnati on Sunday night and might be sidelined for up to two weeks. Watters, who ran for 78 yards and three touchdowns against Cincinnati, was expected to be replaced by Amp Lee.

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Miami Dolphin quarterback Scott Mitchell, recovering rapidly from a dislocated shoulder, expects to start next Monday night against Pittsburgh. Steve DeBerg has started the past three games in Mitchell’s absence, including Sunday’s 19-14 loss to the New York Giants. . . . Robert Smith, Minnesota’s rookie running back, suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in the victory over Detroit and will be sidelined for the season. Scottie Graham, cut by Pittsburgh and the New York Jets before the Vikings signed him in September and put him on their practice squad, is expected to start Sunday against Dallas. . . . Green Bay tackle Tootie Robbins suffered a season-ending torn right triceps in a loss to the Chicago Bears.