Alexander Is Out With Broken Leg

X-rays of Washington Redskin tight end Stephen Alexander revealed Monday that what was believed to be an ankle injury is actually a broken leg and he could be lost for the season.

Tests were made to see if the fracture occurred in Sunday’s game against Dallas or whether it has been the actual source of his discomfort all along.

Alexander was diagnosed with a severe ankle sprain earlier this season, missed four games and hobbled his way through two games he’s played since.

Alexander went to the Pro Bowl last year but has only nine catches this season. He will be a free agent at the end of the season.

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Rookie Mike McMahon, being groomed as Detroit’s quarterback of the future, will make his first start for the winless Lions at Tampa Bay this week.

He will replace Charlie Batch, who likely is out for the season after separating his right shoulder in Sunday’s 13-10 loss at Chicago.

Ty Detmer will back up McMahon, Detroit Coach Marty Mornhinweg said.

McMahon, a fifth-round draft pick from Rutgers, has completed 15 of 34 passes for 147 yards and a touchdown in limited appearances. In a 29-27 loss to Green Bay on Thanksgiving Day, he replaced Batch and nearly rallied Detroit (0-11) back after it trailed by 16 points midway through the final period.

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Minnesota Viking quarterback Daunte Culpepper’s sprained left knee might keep him out of his team’s next game against Tennessee.

Wearing a protective brace and clearly favoring his right leg, Culpepper started Sunday against Pittsburgh and completed 12 of 17 passes for 140 yards. But he wasn’t able to move around well in the pocket nor push off on his throws.

With Minnesota trailing 21-3 in the fourth quarter, backup Todd Bouman replaced Culpepper and threw for 200 yards and two touchdowns in the Vikings’ 21-16 loss.

Said Viking Coach Dennis Green: “We’ll look to make a judgment whether or not [Culpepper] needs to have a week off or he can go out and play.”

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Oakland defensive tackle Darrell Russell reportedly faces a one-year NFL suspension for testing positive for the drug Ecstasy and will meet with league officials Thursday to appeal the suspension. ... Cincinnati Bengal tight end Tony McGee will miss the rest of the season after injuring his right knee in Sunday’s loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. McGee sprained his medial collateral ligament and was placed on injured reserve and will need eight to 10 weeks to rehabilitate the injury. ... Wide receiver Eddie Kennison signed a two-year contract with the Kansas City Chiefs. Kennison played eight games with Denver this season but was released last month after he suddenly retired then later changed his mind. To make room for Kennison, the Chiefs released wide receiver Chris Thomas