Redskins tap Wuerffel

Ashburn, Va. ” Danny Wuerffel will start Sunday for the Washington Redskins, the fourth quarterback change of the season by coach Steve Spurrier.

Trying to reverse a two-game losing streak as well as mounting criticism from within his own team, Spurrier said Wednesday that Wuerffel would have a the opportunity to play the entire game against the St. Louis Rams.

“He’s our quarterback, his game and away we go,” said Spurrier, who cut short his post-practice remarks after several questions put him on the defensive.

Panthers release Terry

Charlotte, N.C. ” The Carolina Panthers released offensive lineman Chris Terry on Wednesday, hours after he surrendered to authorities for failing to appear in court on a misdemeanor charge of assaulting his wife. General manager Marty Hurney said he and coach John Fox met with Terry and told the player “that we thought it was best that we release him,” Hurney said. “Our decision was based on a series of occurrences involving the player and the club.”

Seattle’s Jackson likely

Kirkland, Wash. ” Four weeks after his frightening postgame seizure, Seattle receiver Darrell Jackson is likely to play when Kansas City visits the Seahawks on Sunday. Coach Mike Holmgren said Wednesday that Jackson, listed as probable, has passed all the neurological tests he was administered since an Oct. 27 seizure in Dallas. Jackson was held out an additional two weeks as a precaution because his situation was extraordinary, Holmgren said. He returned to practice last week but was not activated for last weekend’s game against Denver.

Griese back in 2 weeks?

Denver ” The swelling in Brian Griese’s sprained left knee has subsided enough that the Broncos quarterback is hoping to return for Denver’s Dec. 1 game against the Chargers. Griese said Wednesday that the knee was still sore and unstable, but that he expects to be back a week earlier than planned.

James questionable

Indianapolis ” The Indianapolis Colts listed running back Edgerrin James as questionable for Sunday night’s game at Denver because of a sprained right ankle. The Colts also announced safety Cory Bird was going on injured reserve and would miss the rest of the season because of a hip injury.

Smith talks to owner

Irving, Texas ” Emmitt Smith has spoken to Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and coach Dave Campo about his diminishing role with the team. Smith said Wednesday he was satisfied after talking to Jones and Campo, but the NFL’s career rushing leader refused to go into detail about what was said. In the two games since he broke Walter Payton’s career rushing record, Smith has 24 carries for 61 yards. Smith now has 16,804 yards.

Packers sign McKenzie

Green Bay, Wis. ” The Green Bay Packers turned to their past in reinforcing both their offensive and defensive lines Wednesday. The Packers, who travel to Tampa Bay on Sunday for a showdown of the league’s only 8-2 teams, signed free-agent defensive end Keith McKenzie, moved center Mike Flanagan to right guard and reinserted 37-year-old Frank Winters at center. Also, Najeh Davenport underwent surgery to repair his fractured left eye socket and was placed on injured reserve, ending the rookie running back’s promising season.

Ravens’ Lewis doubtful

Owings Mills, Md. ” Ray Lewis has another injury besides his ailing shoulder ” soft tissue damage in his left leg, which could sideline him Sunday when the Ravens play Tennessee. The standout linebacker was held out of practice Wednesday and was listed as doubtful in the team’s injury report to the league. Ravens coach Brian Billick said Lewis’ status for Sunday probably would be determined shortly before kickoff.