McKay Would Like to Work Elsewhere

Rich McKay wants out as general manager of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the Super Bowl champions are willing to let him go without receiving compensation.

The Buccaneers gave McKay permission to talk to other teams, and Tampa Bay’s general manager since 1995 could end up with the Atlanta Falcons, who are looking for a general manager to lead their coaching search to replace the fired Dan Reeves.

The Buccaneers said Friday they would not seek compensation if McKay walked out on the final four seasons of his $2.4-million-a-year contract. McKay’s relationship with Tampa Bay dates to 1976 when his father, John McKay, became the franchise’s first coach.

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Drew Brees is back as the San Diego Chargers’ starting quarterback. Coach Marty Schottenheimer named him to start Sunday against the Green Bay Packers.

He regained his job Friday, even though Doug Flutie led the last-place Chargers to two of their three wins this season.

Brees hasn’t played since being removed in the second half of a loss at Chicago on Nov. 2. Flutie led the Chargers (3-10) to two wins in five starts, including a 14-7 victory over the Detroit Lions on Sunday.

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Michael Bennett’s sprained ankle prevented him from practicing, and the Minnesota Viking running back was downgraded to questionable. That means he has a 50% chance of playing Sunday at Chicago. If he doesn’t play, Moe Williams will be the starter and rookie Onterrio Smith will get more playing time.

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The New England Patriots re-signed punter Ken Walter one week after he was released following one of his worst performances. He was cut Dec. 2, two days after averaging 27.3 yards on three punts in a 38-34 victory at Indianapolis, his second-worst game with the Patriots. At the time, he ranked last in the NFL with an average punt of 37.9 yards.

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Miami Dolphin quarterback Jay Fiedler practiced despite lingering soreness in his left knee and is expected to start Monday night against the Philadelphia Eagles.