Dolphins’ Marino Is Probable Despite Neck, Shoulder Spasms

Miami Dolphin quarterback Dan Marino practiced Friday but was added to the team’s injury report as probable for Sunday’s game at New England because of spasms in his right trapezius, a muscle that covers the neck and shoulder.

Marino, who has completed 59.3% of his passes with four touchdowns this season, has started 45 consecutive games. If he were unable to play, he would be replaced by Damon Huard.

*

Brian Griese--not Bubby Brister--will be the starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos in Sunday’s home game against the Green Bay Packers, Coach Mike Shanahan said.

Shanahan said earlier in the week that Brister, sidelined by a strained oblique muscle on his left side, needed to practice by Friday if he expected to play this weekend. Brister tried to throw before Friday’s practice, but said he was still suffering.

“He will not be able to go, so Brian will be No. 1 and Chris [Miller] will be No. 2,” Shanahan said, adding that he hoped Brister would be ready to play next week. “It keeps on improving. He just can’t torque it. He can throw it, but to go in his normal full rotation it’s bothering him.”

The NFL also fined the Broncos $25,000 for failing to make a “timely and full disclosure” last week of Brister’s injury. Brister was hurt on Friday, but the Broncos didn’t list him as injured until Saturday.

*

Nearly lost in all the attention over Steve Young’s concussion problems are the San Francisco 49ers’ injury concerns in other key areas heading into Sunday’s game against Carolina.

Terrell Owens, San Francisco’s leading receiver, may not play because of a high left ankle sprain suffered in last week’s 42-20 loss at St. Louis. Owens hasn’t practiced all week.

Coach Steve Mariucci said it could be a game-time decision whether Owens plays.

Cornerback Craig Newsome probably won’t play after suffering his second concussion in two weeks.

Center Chris Dalman also is questionable because of a left knee sprain and Ben Lynch may start in his place.

*

Green Bay Packer wide receiver Jahine Arnold is likely out for the season after slightly tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee at practice Thursday. Arnold will have more tests before the Packers confirm his season is over. --Associated Press