PRO FOOTBALL DAILY REPORT : AROUND THE NFL : Hostetler Is Doubtful; Packers Change Backups

Oakland Coach Mike White says he hopes to know by Friday if quarterback Jeff Hostetler will be able to start against San Diego. The Raiders listed Hostetler as doubtful for Monday night’s game at San Diego, but White left the door open. . . . Third-string quarterback Bob Gagliano was put on waivers by the Green Bay Packers, who then signed free agent Doug Pederson. Gagliano was signed as a free agent when Ty Detmer injured his thumb earlier this season. . . . Denver Bronco linebacker Elijah Alexander will have surgery on his right shoulder, ending his season. . . . Cornerback Maurice Hurst, a seven-year veteran waived by the New England Patriots on Monday, was claimed by the St. Louis Rams.

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A report by WBAL in Baltimore that the NFL is considering moving the Cincinnati Bengals to Cleveland and having them switch names with the Baltimore-bound Browns is “ludicrous,” the chairman of the Maryland Stadium Authority said Wednesday. . . . Illinois Gov. Jim Edgar sweetened the pot for keeping the Chicago Bears in Chicago, offering $28 million to improve the area around aging Soldier Field if the team agrees not to leave.