George’s Status Still Uncertain

Tennessee Titan running back Eddie George returned to practice Friday but still is unsure whether he will play against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday.

George’s left foot swelled considerably after the Titans’ 21-13 loss to Dallas last week. He went to a hospital, wore an orthopedic boot early this week and missed two days of practice.

“It’s just gotten a lot better, but I still think it’s going to be a game-time decision,” George said Friday. “We’ll see how it responds, but it feels a lot better than it did two days ago.”

George is listed as questionable on the official league injury report for Sunday’s game, as are quarterback Steve McNair, middle linebacker Randall Godfrey, starting left cornerback Andre Dyson and backup tight end Shad Meier.

All have practiced this week to some degree, and McNair said he intends to start.

George has started all 98 games of his career, the third-longest streak for a running back in NFL history. Walter Payton started the first 170 of his career, and Ricky Watters the first 114.

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Cleveland Coach Butch Davis chose captains for Sunday’s game against Tennessee and one of them is quarterback Tim Couch.

Cleveland’s coach isn’t quite ready to publicly announce if Couch is starting, however.

“Don’t know yet,” Davis said.

Couch missed the first two games with a sore right elbow, but after spending the majority of the week practicing with the first-team offense, he probably will start against the Titans.

Kelly Holcomb is expected to return to his role as backup after starting against Kansas City and Cincinnati while Couch rested his arm. Holcomb was superb filling in for Couch, completing 44 of 69 passes for 526 yards with five touchdowns and no interceptions.

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The Seattle Seahawks activated offensive tackle Walter Jones and released guard Konrad Dean. Coach Mike Holmgren said Jones will start Sunday against the New York Giants.

Jones, a two-time Pro Bowl selection, signed a one-year, $4.92-million deal Monday after missing training camp and the first two regular-season games because of a contract dispute. Holmgren said he wasn’t sure how long Jones could play since he practiced for only one week.

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Cornerback Quentin Jammer, the fifth overall pick in April’s draft, was activated by the San Diego Chargers. Jammer was expected to play as a nickel back and on special teams when the Chargers (2-0) visit the Arizona Cardinals (1-1) on Sunday.... Carolina Panther kicker John Kasay had hernia surgery and will be out six to eight weeks. Team spokesman Charlie Dayton said the Panthers will determine today if they will put Kasay on injured reserve, which would mean he would be out for the season.