Raiders’ Starter Is Probably Mirer

Oakland Raider quarterback Marques Tuiasosopo is doubtful for Sunday’s game against the New York Jets because of a torn knee ligament.

Tuiasosopo underwent an MRI exam on his injured left knee Monday. Results from the test weren’t immediately available, but Coach Bill Callahan said Tuiasosopo has a partially torn medial collateral ligament.

“It does not look good this week,” Callahan said of Tuiasosopo. “Marques and Rich Gannon are doubtful. It looks like Rick Mirer will be the starting quarterback.”

Tuiasosopo, a third-year pro, made his first NFL start in place of the injured Gannon, the 2002 most valuable player, in the Raiders’ 23-13 loss at Detroit on Sunday, but didn’t last long. On Oakland’s third offensive series, he bobbled a snap, then ran up the middle and fumbled on a hard hit by Boss Bailey. Tuiasosopo stayed in for two more possessions before being sidelined.

Tuiasosopo could be put on injured reserve. Callahan said the Raiders are considering elevating quarterback Tee Martin from the practice squad, and the team also is planning to bring in quarterbacks for workouts.

Ronald Curry would be the No. 3 quarterback this week behind Martin if Tuiasosopo can’t play.

“We’re in big trouble, man,” left guard Frank Middleton said. “Our No. 1 quarterback is out. Tui’s hurt. Rick Mirer is the last one standing.”

Callahan will stay with a basic offense for Mirer this week.

“We won’t get crazy or anything,” Callahan said. “We will keep it, by and large, simple for him.”

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For the first time in 17 years, Bruce Smith was a reserve. He’s not happy about it.

The defensive end said he would seek an explanation from Washington Coach Steve Spurrier about Smith’s limited role in the Redskins’ 21-14 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday.

“Absolutely. I want to know what their intentions are,” Smith said. “I have goals that I’d like to achieve for myself, team goals and individual goals.

“At some point and time in your career, you have to take a stand and be a little selfish.”

Asked whether he felt Spurrier was singling him out by not starting him, Smith said “Yes.”

When told of Smith’s comments, Spurrier said, “I’m sorry he feels that way. He’s not being singled out.”

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Quarterback Jay Fiedler had a setback in his rehabilitation from a sprained knee, meaning Brian Griese will start a third consecutive game for the Miami Dolphins.... Cleveland Brown running back William Green was suspended for one game by Coach Butch Davis, who was disappointed by the arrest of one of his top players on charges of driving under the influence. Green, also cited last week for marijuana possession, will sit out Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Davis said.... The New Orleans Saints cut Grady Jackson, a talented but troubled defensive tackle who has been unable to keep his weight down and had just completed a one-week suspension for breaking a team rule.