Tagliabue Says Retaliation Isn’t an Option

The Green Bay Packers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been warned by the NFL that assistant coaches who comment publicly about retaliation against players will be severely disciplined by the league.

The warning came in a memo written by Commissioner Paul Tagliabue following comments by Packer offensive line coach Larry Beightol after the hit Sunday on Green Bay tackle Chad Clifton by Tampa Bay defensive lineman Warren Sapp.

The memo was sent Tuesday, said a source in the league who requested anonymity.

The league has ruled the hit by Sapp was legal. Clifton remains hospitalized because of a hip injury and could be out for the season.

In a telephone conversation Monday, Beightol suggested to Buccaneer defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin that Sapp can expect to be cut-blocked the next time the teams meet, possibly in the playoffs.

*

Philadelphia quarterback Koy Detmer, who left Monday night’s game with a dislocated left elbow, is doubtful for Sunday’s game against St. Louis. He had X-rays that showed no further damage to the elbow.

A.J. Feeley will start if Detmer isn’t ready.

*

Minnesota running back Michael Bennett’s ankle isn’t broken, an MRI exam showed. Bennett, the NFC’s second-leading rusher, was injured in the Vikings’ 24-17 loss at New England on Sunday. He is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against Atlanta.

*

Miami quarterback Jay Fiedler and receiver Cris Carter were cleared to return to practice. Fiedler has sat out the last five games because of a broken right thumb. Carter has been out three games because of a kidney problem.

*

San Francisco waived punter Jason Baker and kicker Jose Cortez.... Kicker Tim Seder was released by Jacksonville.

INJURY REPORT, D9