SAN ANTONIO ? Dallas Cowboys receiver Raghib Ismail will undergo neck surgery today to repair damage from a collision with a teammate last week in practice.

Although he’s likely to be out for the season, doctors said he should be able to continue his career.

Dr. Dan Cooper described the injury as a huge herniated disk. The problem is made worse by the fact Ismail has a relatively small spinal canal.

Ismail will have the disk removed and the two vertebra around it fused together.

It will be done by Dr. Drew Dossett, who has performed the same procedure on many pro athletes, including former Cowboys fullback Daryl Johnston.

Bills

Defensive end Erik Flowers, Buffalo’s first-round pick in the 2000 draft, was among nine players cut by the Bills on Tuesday. One released was receiver Jeremy McDaniel, who had 54 catches for 826 yards in 24 games over three seasons with Buffalo.

Buccaneers

Fans attending Tampa Bay Buccaneers games this season will not be patted down by security guards at stadium gates.

Citing civil liberties issues and concerns over possible lawsuits, the Tampa Sports Authority’s board voted 9-2 Monday to reject a request by the Bucs and the NFL that all game day visitors to Raymond James Stadium, including players, be frisked for weapons and explosives.

Broncos

Hold those obituaries about Terrell Davis’ playing career.

Because of chronic knee injuries, the Denver Broncos running back was placed on the injured-reserve list Tuesday, which ends his season and likely signals the end of his career.

But Davis insisted he was not retiring.

Both Davis and Denver owner Pat Bowlen said the festivities of the past few days including Davis’ introduction in uniform prior to Monday night’s San Francisco-Denver game and his mile-high salute to the fans should not be construed as a retirement announcement.

“As Mr. Bowlen said, this is not a retirement party,” Davis said Tuesday. “I’m going to do everything I can possibly do to see if I can return to the field again.”

He admitted, however, that “barring a miracle, from what I’m hearing, this is it.”

Steelers

Pittsburgh linebacker Kendrell Bell, the 2001 defensive rookie of the year, will miss the rest of the preseason with a sprained left ankle.

Dolphins

Miami Dolphins defensive end David Bowens broke his hand in practice and underwent surgery Tuesday that will sideline him for about three weeks. Bowens injured the top of his left hand when he hit it against a teammate’s helmet Monday night.