Leftwich Will Start Over Brunell for Jaguars

Jacksonville Jaguar quarterback Byron Leftwich will start Sunday against San Diego, leaving a healthy Mark Brunell on the bench.

For the second straight day, Leftwich said, he took the majority of the snaps with the first team during Thursday’s practice. Brunell said he didn’t take any.

The left-handed Brunell is listed as questionable for Sunday with a cut on his left elbow. He said the elbow is fine, however, and he looked good throwing in individual drills early in practice.

Coach Jack Del Rio made the announcement shortly after practice.

“The injury plays into it a little bit,” Del Rio said. “And I feel like this is our best option to help us win.”

The coach also announced receiver Jimmy Smith would start Sunday, in his first game back from a four-game suspension for violating the league’s substance-abuse policy.

*

Steve Smith lashed out at the Carolina Panthers for allegedly calling him a “marginal receiver” while discussing contract options.

Smith, who leads the Panthers in yards receiving (118) and receptions (12) this season, is due to become a restricted free agent at the end of the year.

“They called ... Monday basically spitting in my face about why I haven’t got a contract,” Smith said. “I haven’t said anything to them. They called [my agent], and he told me why I haven’t got a contract, because ‘I am a marginal receiver.’ ... That’s what they told him.”

Carolina General Manager Marty Hurney declined to comment about Smith’s comments, or whether negotiations are ongoing.

*

New York Jet defensive lineman John Abraham was charged with drunken driving after he drove his sports utility vehicle into a fire hydrant and lightpole, police at Baldwin, N.Y., said. The accident occurred late Wednesday.

Abraham pleaded not guilty and was released on his own recognizance. The misdemeanor charge carries a maximum sentence of one year in jail.

*

Cleveland quarterback Kelly Holcomb will not start Sunday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers because of a broken leg.

So, for the second straight week, Tim Couch will replace Holcomb, who also has a sprained left ankle and has improved but not enough for the Browns (1-3) to risk putting him in the game against the Steelers (2-2).

*

Daunte Culpepper missed his second straight practice, increasing the probability that Gus Frerotte will start this weekend when undefeated Minnesota visits Atlanta.... Running back Clinton Portis expects to play for Denver against Kansas City after testing his bruised chest in contact drills.... Edgerrin James returned to practice for Indianapolis and is expected to play in Monday’s game against Tampa Bay.... Carolina right tackle Jordan Gross was fined $5,000 by the NFL for a late hit against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.... Atlanta outside linebacker Will Overstreet had season-ending surgery to repair a torn ligament in his left shoulder.