Player groups deride donation

Two organizations that represent retired professional football players facing medical and financial hardships on Friday dismissed a $10-million NFL and NFL Players Assn. contribution to a retiree medical fund as “a public relations move.”

“If there are $100 million of medical care costs caused by playing in the NFL, don’t the owners owe it to those employees injured?” asked former Cleveland Browns defensive back Bernie Parrish, who founded Retired Players for Justice.

“Retired players are owed hundreds of millions, and we intend to get justice.”

This week, the NFL and NFLPA announced that professional football would contribute $10 million to a fund it helped create to assist former players in covering the costs of joint replacement surgery, cardiovascular screening and assisted living. -- Greg Johnson

Philadelphia Eagles starting right tackle Jon Runyan did not practice for the third consecutive day and is questionable to make his 185th consecutive start Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings.

Runyan bruised his tailbone when he fell in the training room last week but played in Philadelphia’s 19-16 loss to Chicago. He will be reevaluated after the team arrives in Minnesota.

The Eagles also could be without both of their starting safeties.

All-Pro Brian Dawkins, who hasn’t played since suffering a neck stinger on Sept. 17 against the Washington Redskins, is listed as doubtful, though he practiced the last two days. Sean Considine hurt his ankle during practice Thursday but returned to the field Friday and is listed as questionable.

Carolina Panthers Coach John Fox named 43-year-old Vinny Testaverde the starting quarterback for Sunday’s game against Indianapolis. Testaverde got the assignment ahead of David Carr, who is recovering from a back injury.

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew was limited in practice Friday -- the third consecutive day he sat out part of team drills -- and was listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Jones-Drew sprained his left knee with about a minute to play Monday night against the Indianapolis Colts.