Leaf Is Back at Charger Helm

San Diego, one loss short of matching the 1975 team for the worst start in franchise history, will start Ryan Leaf at quarterback on Sunday in Denver.

The Chargers (0-10) have won only 11 times in 40 years at Mile High Stadium, but defeated the Broncos, 12-6, in last season’s finale on Jan. 2. It was the Chargers’ last victory.

The Chargers haven’t managed consecutive victories in Denver in more than 30 years.

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Former Kansas City kick return specialist Tamarick Vanover was sentenced to two months in jail and two months in home detention in a federal stolen car case. Vanover, 26, must also pay a $10,000 fine, spend three years under supervised release and pay restitution of $6,241 to an insurance company. Vanover pleaded guilty Feb. 22 to a federal count of aiding and abetting the sale of a stolen vehicle that crossed state lines. . . . Oakland kicker Sebastian Janikowski returned to practice and might play against New Orleans after missing two weeks because of an infected left foot. . . . Buffalo running back Sammy Morris missed his second consecutive practice because of an ankle injury and is questionable for Sunday’s game against Kansas City. The availability of defensive back Donovan Greer, who has an ankle injury, will be a game-time decision. . . . Denver signed Steve Lindsey to handle kickoffs. Jason Elam will continue to handle place-kicking for the team.