Brunell Expects to Start Against Patriots

Mark Brunell isn’t allowed to say it. But with the Jacksonville quarterback suffering no significant setback to his injured ankle after his first big practice, it seems sure he’ll start Sunday when the Jaguars face the New England Patriots in an AFC wild-card playoff game.

“I’m not allowed to pronounce myself a starter,” Brunell said before Thursday’s practice. “I know some of you were a little upset, feeling like it was a smoke screen. But honestly, going into yesterday, I didn’t know how it would feel.”

“We’re planning on seeing Brunell,” Patriot Coach Pete Carroll said. “We have to make sure we understand what Mark can do. He’s got tremendous ability. He can move with the ball. If he’s 100% and playing, we have to be able to attack that.”

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Dallas Cowboy cornerback Deion Sanders remains doubtful for Saturday’s NFC wild-card game against the Arizona Cardinals because of an injured big left toe. . . . Ray Sherman resigned as the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offensive coordinator on Thursday after the team’s first losing season since 1991. Sherman, who had been given a two-year contract when he was hired, spent less than a year on the job. The Steelers finished 7-9, ending a string of six consecutive seasons in which they made the playoffs. The offense managed only 21 touchdowns, fewer than any other team but Philadelphia. The Steelers might also have to replace their defensive coordinator. Jim Haslett is a candidate for the head coaching jobs with Philadelphia, Seattle, Baltimore and Chicago. He interviewed with the Eagles in Philadelphia on Thursday. . . . Five Minnesota Vikings--quarterback Randall Cunningham, rookie receiver Randy Moss, guard Randall McDaniel, defensive tackle John Randle and perfect kicker Gary Anderson--were selected to the Associated Press’ All-Pro team.