NFL notes: Redskins’ Betts questionable vs. Broncos

WASHINGTON - Washington running back Ladell Betts is questionable for the Redskins' game against Denver in which he had been slated to start for Clinton Portis.

Coach Jim Zorn said yesterday he thinks Betts will play tomorrow despite a sprained ankle, but the coach also is prepared to go with a running back by committee of Betts, Rock Cartwright and Quinton Ganther.

Portis is out after sustaining a concussion in last week's loss to Atlanta. Stephon Heyer, who was moved this week from left tackle to right tackle, also is listed as questionable with a sprained knee.

Zorn also said that Chad Rinehart has regained the right guard spot. Will Montgomery (Virginia Tech) had started the past three games.

Panthers' Williams battling sore knee

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Carolina running back DeAngelo Williams is questionable for the Panthers' game against Atlanta with a sore left knee. Williams sat out practice for the second time in three days. He was limited Thursday.

Williams is fifth in the NFL with 768 yards rushing.

Fellow running back Jonathan Stewart (Achilles' tendon), receiver Muhsin Muhammad (knee), tight end Dante Rosario (knee) and fullback Tony Fiammetta (concussion) also are questionable.

Eagles' Westbrook back from concussion

PHILADELPHIA - Eagles running back Brian Westbrook will be back on the field tomorrow against San Diego after missing two games because of a concussion.

Westbrook, who also has been bothered by a sore ankle, practiced twice this week. He deemed himself ready to go before the team left for its flight to California.

Westbrook, already limited much of this season with knee and ankle injuries, suffered the concussion when he took a knee to the head in the Eagles' Oct. 26 win over Washington.

• Linebacker Akeem Jordan (James Madison) is out for the game because of a knee injury.

Bills' Owens says he's good to play

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. - Buffalo Bills receiver Terrell Owens returned to practice and declared himself ready to play tomorrow at Tennessee. Owens was held out of practice Wednesday and Thursday with a strained hip.

Meanwhile, the Bills will be without three starters on defense - linebacker Keith Ellison (quad), cornerback Terrence McGee (knee) and defensive tackle Kyle Williams (knee).

Gore, 49ers beat gaffe-prone Bears

SAN FRANCISCO - Frank Gore ran for 104 yards and a touchdown, and Jay Cutler threw a career-high five interceptions as San Francisco snapped a four-game losing streak by beating Chicago 10-6 on Thursday.

Cutler, whose last pick came in the end zone on the game's final play, has a league-high 17 interceptions. Niners quarterback Alex Smith won for the first time in eight starts since Week 2 in 2007.

Winfield will miss third straight game

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. - Minnesota Vikings cornerback Antoine Winfield says his injured right foot still isn't quite ready and he will not play against Detroit tomorrow.

The Pro Bowler has missed the past two games and was hoping to be ready coming off the bye week. Winfield says he expects to be ready next week against Seattle.

Elsewhere

• Starting center Dan Koppen is one of 10 New England Patriots listed as questionable for tomorrow's game against undefeated Indianapolis. Koppen hurt his knee in last Sunday's win over Miami.

• New York Jets linebacker Vernon Gholston was listed as doubtful for tomorrow's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars because of a strained hamstring. Wide receiver Brad Smith and cornerback Lito Sheppard are expected to play after missing a few weeks with quadriceps injuries.

• Short-handed at outside linebacker, Green Bay is turning to an untested rookie for their game against Dallas. Coach Mike McCarthy said that Brad Jones will start in place of Aaron Kampman, who will miss his first game because of injury since October 2003.

• Arizona Cardinals starting linebackers Gerald Hayes and Chike Okeafor are doubtful for tomorrow's game against NFC West rival Seattle. Neither has practiced this week because of back injuries. Hayes would miss his second straight game.

Miami guard Justin Smiley is listed as doubtful for tomorrow's game against Tampa Bay because of a shoulder injury. Reserve nose tackle Paul Soliai (ankle) and reserve linebacker Erik Walden (hamstring) also were listed as doubtful.

Thursday's summary, Page C7