Cowboys’ Johnston to Have Surgery

Dallas Cowboy fullback Daryl Johnston will undergo surgery Oct. 31 to repair a bulging disk in his neck and sit out the rest of the season, he said Wednesday.

Johnston told Dallas-Fort Worth television station KXAS that, contrary to some reports, it will not end his career.

“I feel I may be able to come back stronger,” he said.

*

Chris Chandler, who suffered his second concussion in six weeks last Sunday, won’t start at quarterback when the Atlanta Falcons face the Carolina Panthers Sunday night, Coach Dan Reeves said. Either Billy Joe Tolliver or rookie Tony Graziani will get the start.

*

A sprained left ankle and right foot will keep San Francisco defensive tackle Bryant Young sidelined when the 49ers play at New Orleans on Sunday. Junior Bryant will replace him. . . . The Green Bay Packers signed veteran defensive lineman Gerald Williams, 34, off waivers from the Carolina Panthers. . . . The Panthers promoted Tshimanga Biakabutuka to starting halfback for Sunday’s game against Atlanta. . . . Emory Smith, younger brother of Dallas’ standout running back Emmitt Smith, was signed to the Cowboys’ practice squad.