Slow-Starting Jaguars Release Clark

The Jacksonville Jaguars aren’t satisfied with three straight near-misses, or with some of their starters. Coach Tom Coughlin proved that by releasing starting cornerback Vinnie Clark.

“There will be further roster moves. . . . some to accommodate injuries, others to try to make people understand that what we’re about is performance,” Coughlin said.

“The further we go without getting that performance, the more the chances a move will be made.”

Clark, who has started every game for the Jaguars since their expansion season a year ago, had a miserable game Sunday.

On the Patriots’ first drive, Clark was called for pass interference when he grabbed Terry Glenn’s jersey. Ben Coates later beat Clark for a five-yard touchdown pass.

Clark also was called for encroachment while lined up outside against Glenn, and Drew Bledsoe picked on him repeatedly.

He came out of the game late in the second quarter after getting hit in the calf and never returned.

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The Oakland Raiders’ tailback debate has been settled for at least one week.

With Harvey Williams sidelined because of a strained calf, Napoleon Kaufman--averaging 9.0 yards per carry--will get his first start of the season Sunday at Chicago.

Williams, who rushed for 1,114 yards last season and leads the Raiders with 50 carries this year, was injured in the third quarter of Sunday’s 40-34 loss to San Diego.

Coach Mike White said Williams will sit out at least one game and that an MRI test will determine if there is serious damage to the right calf.

“Harvey Williams is an all-around back with blocking, receiving and running skills. The biggest thing Harvey does is coming out of the backfield,” White said.

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Josh Miller is too sore to kick, forcing the Pittsburgh Steelers to sign another punter before Sunday’s game against Houston.

Miller, signed late in the preseason as Rohn Stark’s replacement, has a hernia that might require surgery as early as today. He is expected to miss at least two weeks.