Elway Won’t Play Against the Packers

Denver Bronco quarterback John Elway, still hampered by a strained hamstring, will not start Sunday against Green Bay and might sit out the following game as well.

Denver Coach Mike Shanahan said Friday that Bill Musgrave will make his first start in place of Elway, who has sat out nine games because of injury or illness in 14 seasons. The Broncos are 2-7 in those games.

“Talk about an empty feeling going back there [to Green Bay] and not being able to play,” Elway said after trying to practice Friday. “But the negatives of my playing far outweigh the positives.”

The Broncos (12-1) already have clinched home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs. The Packers have clinched an NFC playoff berth.

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Buffalo quarterback Jim Kelly and running back Thurman Thomas will return Sunday when the Bills play the Seahawks at the Kingdome. . . . San Diego quarterback Stan Humphries, recovering from a concussion, should be able to play again in one week, Charger Coach Bobby Ross said. . . . The Chicago Bears signed kicker Jeff Jaeger to a three-year contract.