Maddox will start at QB for Steelers

Pittsburgh – Steelers coach Bill Cowher didn’t hesitate Tuesday to announce Tommy Maddox will start against Houston, mostly so it wouldn’t distract his team.

Last week, Cowher waited to pick Kordell Stewart as his quarterback, mostly to distract their opponent. Cowher said Maddox was playing too well before getting hurt Nov. 17 to lose his job to an injury.

Also, a knee injury will sideline Steelers tight end Mark Bruener for the rest of the season – his second major injury in slightly more than a year.

Bruener will be replaced in the lineup by Jerame Tuman, a Liberal native.

Dolphins release QB

Miami – The Miami Dolphins released third-string quarterback Dave Dickenson on Tuesday, one day after Jay Fiedler was cleared to start Monday against the Chicago Bears.

NFL suspends Peppers

Charlotte, N.C. – Star rookie defensive end Julius Peppers of the Carolina Panthers was suspended Tuesday for the final four games of the season for violating the NFL’s substance-abuse policy. The 22-year-old defensive lineman ranks third in the NFL with 12 sacks but will end his season short of Jevon Kearse’s rookie record of 14 1/2.

Chargers claim Tuthill

San Diego – The San Diego Chargers claimed kicker James Tuthill off waivers from the Washington Redskins on Tuesday, one day after cutting kicker Wade Richey.

Eagles’ Landeta on IR

Philadelphia – The Eagles placed punter Sean Landeta on injured reserve Tuesday, and signed Jason Baker to a two-year contract. Landeta, the NFL’s all-time leading punter, strained his right calf in Sunday’s 10-3 win against St. Louis.