Reed Leaves Broncos, but Isn’t Retiring

Andre Reed, whose 941 receptions are second to Jerry Rice on the NFL career list, left the Denver Broncos on Friday in hopes of finding a team in need of an experienced wide receiver.

Bronco Coach Mike Shanahan told reporters he thought Reed was retiring after 15 seasons, but Reed’s agent said that was not the case.

“That whole thing with retiring was a miscommunication,” agent Gary Uberstine said. “They’ve since talked and cleared it all up. He’s not retiring and Mike has granted him his release so he can pursue a more immediate opportunity.”

Reed’s departure came a few days after Shanahan told the receiver he would not be in uniform for Denver’s season opener Monday night against St. Louis.

“I think it’s always tough when you’re going to be in the Hall of Fame and then all of a sudden you might not dress out for a game,” Shanahan said. “He’s got a lot of pride and he’s worked extremely hard. I know he can play in the NFL. It’s just with our situation right now, he would not be dressing.”

Reed, who signed with the Broncos on the eve of training camp in June, narrowly made Denver’s roster and was buried on the depth chart behind Ed McCaffrey, Rod Smith, Robert Brooks and Travis McGriff.

Despite his situation, Reed said he was content playing a backup role. When asked earlier this week about the prospect of watching from the sideline, Reed said he was willing to be patient if it meant a chance to win a championship.

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Quarterback Doug Pederson, who considered retiring after being released by the Philadelphia Eagles, signed a two-year contract with the Cleveland Browns.

Pederson, a seven-year veteran, started nine games last year for the Eagles before being benched in favor of rookie Donovan McNabb. He was booed mercilessly by Philadelphia fans, and the experience had the 31-year-old Pederson contemplating retirement after his release Sunday.

However, after getting a call from the Browns, Pederson talked it over with his wife and decided to come to Cleveland.

“There are things I want to accomplish and things I want to do in this league,” Pederson said. “I’m still healthy and somebody wanted me.”

The Browns had been looking for a backup for Tim Couch since Ty Detmer underwent season-ending surgery after tearing his Achilles’ tendon during an exhibition game.

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Dan Marino disagrees with Miami Dolphin Coach Dave Wannstedt’s decision to start Jay Fiedler at quarterback over Damon Huard.

The retired Dolphin quarterback offered his opinion during an online chat on the CNN/SI Web site.

“I don’t agree with the decision,” Marino responded when asked about Wannstedt’s choice for Sunday’s opener against Seattle. “Damon won five games in six starts.

“That alone and Jay Fiedler not playing in the preseason is the reason I feel that Damon should start. . . . At times Damon does take too many sacks, but they are coaching him to do that.”

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Detroit quarterback Charlie Batch informed Lion Coach Bobby Ross that he would not be able to play Sunday against the New Orleans Saints, meaning Stoney Case will get the start.

“I left the decision up to Charlie, and he told me that he wouldn’t be able to play,” Ross said. “He just didn’t think his knee was strong enough. I’ll support that decision fully.”

Batch broke a bone in his right knee on June 5, and missed all of training camp and the preseason. As late as Monday, he felt that he would be able to play if he got medical clearance, but changed his mind as the week progressed.

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Prosecutors filed a motion asking a judge to decide if Deidra Lane can face the death penalty if convicted of first-degree murder in the shooting death of her husband, former NFL running back Fred Lane.

Mecklenburg County (N.C.) Superior Court Judge Shirley Fulton scheduled a Sept. 18 hearing on the state’s motion.

Telephone messages left with lead prosecutor Marsha Goodenow and defense attorney Henderson Hill were not immediately returned.

Deidra Lane, 25, is out of jail after posting a $100,000 bond last week.