League Reportedly to Get Tough on Taunting

Reacting to San Francisco receiver Terrell Owens’ antics last week in Dallas, the NFL reportedly has broadened its rules on taunting.

Jerry Seeman, the league’s senior director of officiating, told FOXSports.com Thursday that any pose an individual strikes--regardless of whether its directed at the opposing player or bench--will be considered taunting and result in a 15-yard penalty and fine.

“What we have advised is, effective immediately, if the officials detect a pose, it will be called taunting,” Seeman said. “This is independent of which way the pose is directed.”

After both of Owens’ touchdowns Sunday in the 49ers’ 41-24 victory at Texas Stadium, the receiver sprinted to midfield and celebrated on the Cowboys’ star logo. His second trip to midfield sparked the ire of Cowboy safety George Teague, who leveled Owens.

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Barring setbacks, Denver quarterback Brian Griese and running back Terrell Davis are expected to reclaim their starting jobs Sunday against New England.

Griese, who has torn cartilage in his throwing shoulder, threw without apparent discomfort. Davis, hobbled since the season opener because of a sprained left ankle and foot, had his best practice to date, according to Coach Mike Shanahan.

Kicker Jason Elam, however, looks to be about a week away from returning to the lineup. Elam broke two transverse process bones in his lower back against Atlanta on Sept. 10.

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Tennessee tight end Frank Wycheck, knocked out of last week’s game against Pittsburgh because of a concussion, expects to play Sunday against the New York Giants, as is quarterback Steve McNair, who is recovering from a bruised sternum. . . . Mark Brunell returned to practice for Jacksonville and took most of the snaps after missing workouts on Wednesday because of a calf injury. . . . New York Giant kicker Brad Daluiso, who missed practice Thursday because of a sore back, expects to play against Tennessee.