Brunell Has Surgery

Jacksonville quarterback Mark Brunell had surgery Monday to alleviate swelling in his left elbow and won’t be able to return to practice for at least a couple of weeks.

Coach Jack Del Rio said Brunell got the gash on his throwing elbow when he slid on the artificial turf in Indianapolis on Sept. 21, and the injury created a swelling that worsened over time.

Initially the injury needed five stitches. A week later, Brunell was listed as questionable on the injury report. He told people he was fine and could take over for Byron Leftwich, who had taken his starting spot. Del Rio didn’t agree.

“He hasn’t been back,” Del Rio said. “He proclaimed himself healthy. But I was never given the green light on Mark being healthy, and he remains unhealthy. We just hope this comes out OK, and he’ll heal quickly.”

*

New York Jet Coach Herman Edwards said there is a “50-50” chance quarterback Chad Pennington will start against Philadelphia on Oct. 26.

Pennington, out since the preseason because of a broken and dislocated left wrist, will begin team drills this week. Edwards said there is no chance Pennington will start Sunday against Houston, but he could be New York’s No. 3 emergency quarterback.

*

Minnesota quarterback Daunte Culpepper will return to the starting lineup Sunday when the Vikings play host to Denver.

Culpepper missed the Vikings’ previous two games after three small bones in his lower back were broken Sept. 21 at Detroit.

*

Washington tight end Robert Royal has a broken bone in his right hip and will sit out at least six weeks.... Denver linebacker Ian Gold will sit out the rest of the season after tear- ing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.