Titans’ White sits out practice again

Tennessee Titans running back LenDale White sat out his third consecutive day of practice Friday, but did watch as his teammates went through their workout in preparation for their game Sunday against the Houston Texans.

The rookie from USC has been bothered by flu as well as a hip injury that he originally suffered during practice last week, then aggravated Sunday during a 20-17 victory over the Indianapolis Colts.

He is listed as questionable on the team’s injury report.

“He’s still struggling with the hip flexor,” Titans Coach Jeff Fisher said, though he added that White was better.

With no practice time, White might not be active Sunday, opening the door for former starter Chris Brown to back up Travis Henry.

Also, starting right guard Benji Olson missed his second straight day of work because of back spasms.

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The Chicago Bears say it will take a team effort to overcome the probable loss of their second Pro Bowl defender this season.

The Bears lost safety Mike Brown six games into the season. Now it’s defensive tackle Tommie Harris who is unlikely to return.

Brown was put on injured reserve in October because of torn foot ligaments. Harris was injured Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings. He has a severe hamstring injury and a sprained left knee.

The hamstring is expected to keep him out of the last four regular-season games and the playoffs. He had played in 44 consecutive games since being drafted in 2004, starting 43.

Chicago might also play Monday night in St. Louis without another Pro Bowl player, defensive back Nathan Vasher, who has a sore hamstring.

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Running back Ladell Betts signed a five-year, $11-million contract extension with the Washington Redskins, opting to remain in Clinton Portis’ shadow rather than test free agency after a career-best season.

Betts, getting a chance to start while Portis is on injured reserve, has rushed for 100 yards in back-to-back games for the first time, including a career-high 155 last week in a loss to Atlanta.

The fifth-year back also has set season career-highs in rushing attempts (141) and yards (643). He has 40 receptions, one behind team leader Santana Moss.

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Carolina Panthers receiver Keyshawn Johnson was fined $5,000 by the NFL for throwing his helmet late during the fourth quarter of Monday night’s loss at Philadelphia.

Johnson was upset that pass interference wasn’t called on Eagles cornerback Lito Sheppard, who was covering Johnson and intercepted Jake Delhomme’s pass in the end zone with 25 seconds left to preserve the Eagles’ 27-24 victory.

Johnson yelled at the official, then took off his helmet and threw it to the ground. It rolled about 20 yards along the sideline.

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Vikings running back Chester Taylor’s bruised ribs left him doubtful on the injury report and unlikely to play against Detroit.

Taylor went through part of practice, but Coach Brad Childress said he would need “a sprint to get to this game.”

Ciatrick Fason probably would take over as the featured back if Taylor is out, with Mewelde Moore increasing his share of the load.

Taylor, who is fifth in the league with 1,098 yards rushing, was hurt in last week’s loss to the Bears on what he called a late hit.

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Denver Broncos kicker Jason Elam said he’s playing. Middle linebacker Al Wilson isn’t sure.

Elam said his injured left hamstring feels much better and that he will play Sunday against the San Diego Chargers.

“I wish I had another week to get it completely better, but I feel good and should be OK,” Elam said.

Wilson, who injured his neck running into teammate Gerard Warren during Sunday night’s game against Seattle, said his status will depend on how he feels when he wakes up Sunday.

“I’m 50-50,” he said.

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New England Patriots linebacker Junior Seau, out for the year after his third straight season-ending injury, said he plans to return next year for an 18th season. This one ended after he broke his arm against the Bears on Nov. 26.

Seau, who turns 38 next month, signed a one-year deal with the Patriots after a brief retirement. He told the San Diego Union-Tribune he has no plans to retire again.