Chiefs Not Saying Who Will Start

The identity of Kansas City’s starting quarterback at Detroit on Thanksgiving Day must remain a secret, Coach Marty Schottenheimer said.

But if it’s not Rich Gannon, who replaced Steve Bono in the second half Sunday against the San Diego Chargers and threw two touchdown passes, the decision will ignite one of the biggest quarterback controversies in Chief history.

“I know who’s going to play quarterback, but I’m not talking about it right now because I think it’s in the best interests of our team that I don’t,” Schottenheimer said. “I know what I’m going to do, and I will let you know as soon as I think it’s appropriate.”

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Baltimore owner Art Modell and Coach Ted Marchibroda have contacted the NFL’s director of officiating about some questionable calls in a 28-25 overtime loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.

“There were some situations and penalties that we thought should have been handled differently, ones we strongly disagree with,” Modell said. Immediately after the game, Marchibroda said he would not appeal to the league. He changed his mind Monday.

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Quarterback Neil O’Donnell was cleared to play by New York Jet doctors and expects to start Sunday against Houston. He separated his right shoulder against Oakland Oct. 6. He sat out six games, in which the Jets went 1-5. They lost the six games in which he played.

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Indianapolis quarterback Jim Harbaugh, who was walking on crutches after Sunday’s game, was back jogging slowly with teammates Monday and said he was hopeful he’d be available for this week’s game as an emergency quarterback.

Harbaugh, who has overcome a broken nose and ankle injury to start the team’s first 12 games, stretched a ligament in his left knee Sunday when he was hit by New England’s Willie Clay while completing a pass.

Paul Justin is expected to start Sunday when the Colts (6-6) entertain AFC East leader Buffalo (9-3).

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Oakland punter Jeff Gossett and defensive tackle Chester McGlockton were injured in Sunday’s 27-21 victory over Seattle. Gossett broke at least one rib when he was tackled on a fake punt and McGlockton hurt his hamstring.

Raider Coach Mike White said the team probably would know today whether Gossett, who was having as much trouble holding the ball as kicking it, would be available this Sunday against Miami.

His replacement, Billy Joe Hobert, averaged 39.5 yards on his two kicks. That’s only slightly less than the 39.7 yards Gossett has averaged on his 57 kicks this season. White said McGlockton, who was unable to run Monday, is questionable for the game against Miami.