Ram Coach Martz Sidelined by Heart Infection

St. Louis Ram Coach Mike Martz has an infection of the heart that will require treatment with antibiotics and keep him out of practice for a couple of days. He is expected to coach Sunday against Seattle.

“I haven’t been feeling good for four or five weeks, and there is some type of infection in my body that has gotten worse,” Martz said. “They think they’ve identified what it is.”

Martz, 54, said doctors believe he has endocarditis, a bacterial infection of the heart’s inner lining or the heart valve. Treatment involves taking antibiotics over a long period, Martz said.

*

New York Jet Coach Herman Edwards named Vinny Testaverde his starting quarterback, a move the Jets hope can spark their offense.

His first start comes Sunday against Tampa Bay, the team that drafted him No. 1 overall in 1987. When he takes the field, Testaverde, 41, will be the fourth-oldest quarterback to start a game in the Super Bowl era, behind Steve DeBerg, Warren Moon and Doug Flutie.

“There’s certain things that can happen, hopefully will happen, with getting the ball down the field, getting the ball out quick, trying not to take sacks, hoping everybody gets their confidence up,” Testaverde said.

*

As expected, Detroit wide receiver Charles Rogers was suspended for four games for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy.

“I will make no excuses for what I did, and I accept full responsibility for my actions,” Rogers said in a statement released by the Lions. “I let down a lot of people, mainly myself.”

*

Philadelphia Eagle safety Brian Dawkins and middle linebacker Jeremiah Trotter sat out practice, but neither is expected to miss Sunday’s game at Dallas.... The Seattle Seahawks signed veteran punter Tom Rouen and released Leo Araguz.... The Tampa Bay Buccaneers put offensive lineman Matt Stinchcomb on injured reserve because of a back injury.