Broken Leg Sidelines Friesz for Season

John Friesz, who recently signed a two-year, $4.5-million contract to become the Seattle Seahawks’ franchise quarterback, will be lost for the rest of the season because of a broken tibia in his right leg.

Friesz was injured in the first quarter of a 17-16 loss Sunday in Detroit when he was hit by a pass rusher. He played two more quarters before being taken out.

Rick Mirer will be the starter for Seattle’s final five regular-season games, Coach Dennis Erickson said.

“I’m extremely disappointed,” Erickson said. “John’s played extremely well for us.”

The Seahawks--and Friesz--thought he had sustained a sprained right knee, but an MRI exam showed the fracture.

Friesz was hurt with 2:24 left in the first quarter after throwing a pass that was intercepted by Detroit’s Ryan Stewart, Erickson said.

Despite his broken leg, Friesz continued to play until Erickson brought Mirer off the bench to replace him on the third play of the final quarter.

Erickson said Stan Gelbaugh will be Mirer’s backup.

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Oakland cornerback Larry Brown will sit out the rest of the year because of a foot injury.

Brown will have his right foot put in a cast today to try to heal an injury to the tissue connecting the arch to the heel that has bothered him since training camp.

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Vinny Testaverde plans to start at quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens against Jacksonville on Sunday despite bothersome rib and hip injuries.

“Right now, I feel like I’ll play this weekend,” Testaverde said. “I feel very optimistic that everything will settle down, and with the right treatments I’ll be ready to go Sunday.”

Testaverde spent much of Sunday on the sideline after being thrown to the turf during the Ravens’ 38-20 loss to the 49ers.

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Andre Rison, a four-time Pro Bowl receiver signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars to boost their passing game, was released for what Coach Tom Coughlin described as lack of performance.

“Something had to be done and we did it,” Coughlin said. “I think it’s time we get the arrow pointed in the right direction again.”

Rison never resembled the receiver who caught at least 80 passes a year in five consecutive seasons with the Atlanta Falcons.

He was third among Jacksonville receivers with 34 receptions for 458 yards and only two touchdowns.

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Miami Dolphin guards Keith Sims and Chris Gray will sit out next Monday’s game against Pittsburgh because of injuries, and Gray could be sidelined for the rest of the season.

Gray broke the fibula in his left leg in Sunday’s 23-20 victory at Houston. Sims sprained his right knee at Houston. The three-time Pro Bowl selection may be able to return against Oakland on Dec. 1.