Collins Could Start Sunday

Carolina Panther quarterback Kerry Collins, who suffered a broken lower jaw in the preseason and sat out the first two regular-season games, probably will return for Sunday’s game at San Diego.

ESPN reported that it is 99% certain that Collins will start. Collins, who was hit under the chin by Denver linebacker Bill Romanowski during an Aug. 9 exhibition game, was expected to be sidelined for five to six weeks.

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San Diego receiver Tony Martin has a strained left hamstring suffered last week against the New Orleans Saints and practiced twice this week in a limited capacity. He is listed as questionable but said Friday he is ready to play.

A decision on Martin’s availability may not be made until shortly before kickoff Sunday against Carolina.

Charger quarterback Stan Humphries will start and the team probably will activate fullback Carwell Gardner for the game.

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The league fined the Oakland Raiders $25,000 for failing to open the locker room to reporters after Monday night’s last-second 28-27 loss to Kansas City.