Johnson barred from Chiefs

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson was told to stay away from the team yesterday while the NFL and the Chiefs complete their investigation into his use of a homosexual slur twice this week.

Johnson issued an apology, and a national gay rights advocacy organization called on the league and the team to take action against the two-time Pro Bowl back.

The latest chapter in Johnson's stormy career began Sunday night when he questioned coach Todd Haley's football credentials on his Twitter account. He used the slur during an exchange with one of his Twitter followers.

On Monday, Johnson used the slur again as he brushed off reporters and told them he would not comment, according to the Kansas City Star, which recorded the comment.

The Chiefs said they have told Johnson he would not be allowed to practice with the team or participate in team activities until the matter was resolved.

Johnson, who needs only 75 yards rushing to become the Chiefs' all-time leader, apologized to Haley, the team, fans and the league "for the words I used."

"I regret my actions. The words were used by me in frustration, and they were not appropriate," he said through a spokesman. "I did not intend to offend anyone, but that is no excuse for what I said."

Jarrett Barrios, president of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, called on the NFL and the Chiefs to take disciplinary action against Johnson and seize a chance to educate "on the dangers of homophobia in sports."

Titans' owner wants Young to start at QB

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Jeff Fisher has stayed away from a quarterback controversy all through the Tennessee Titans' dreadful start.

Now, team owner Bud Adams reportedly wants a change.

Adams informed Fisher he wants Vince Young to start over Kerry Collins this weekend against Jacksonville, according to the Tennessean. The Nashville newspaper cited sources that Adams apparently told Fisher his preference after the Titans lost to New England 59-0 on Oct. 18 and became more insistent during the bye week.

Fisher declined Monday to say who his starter will be Sunday for "competitive reasons." He had stuck with Collins throughout the 0-6 start as the best chance to win.

Snelling praised, may get more playing time

ATLANTA -- Atlanta Falcons backup running back Jason Snelling, a former L.C. Bird and Virginia standout, might have earned more playing time with his effort in Sunday's loss to Dallas.

With fullback Ovie Mughelli and running back Jerious Norwood injured, Snelling had seven carries for 68 yards against the Cowboys.

Mughelli has missed two straight games with a calf injury, and Norwood was held out with a hip injury. Coach Mike Smith said he wouldn't have injury updates before tomorrow, but he said Snelling might have earned more time on the field.

"Well, if he continues to run the ball like that, yes," Smith said. "He ran the ball very effectively. He's a guy who has come in and played fullback for us and the tailback position as well, and Jason, every time he has gotten an opportunity, he has played very efficiently."

Meanwhile, former Saints running back Aaron Stecker has been signed by Atlanta ahead of Monday night's game in New Orleans. Stecker played nine seasons in the NFL, including five seasons with New Orleans from 2004-08.

The Falcons also placed rookie safety William Moore, a second-round pick from Missouri, on injured reserve with a hamstring injury.

Jaguars' Mathis could miss game

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Rashean Mathis wore pink cleats, pink gloves and pink wristbands as part of the NFL's drive to support breast cancer awareness month.

Now, he's got a pink cast to match.

Jacksonville's best defensive back has a broken index finger on his left hand and could miss Sunday's game at Tennessee.

If he can't play, Scott Starks or Tyrone Brackenridge probably would start opposite rookie Derek Cox.

49ers lose Pashos

SAN FRANCISCO -- The San Francisco 49ers have taken a big blow to their already struggling offensive line, losing right tackle Tony Pashos for the season with a broken left shoulder blade. The 49ers placed Pashos on injured reserve after he had an MRI Monday. He was hurt during Sunday's 24-21 loss at Houston, his first start at right tackle in place of Adam Snyder.

Elsewhere

• Buffalo defensive back Donte Whitner has been placed in a first-time offenders program with probation for three months for a disorderly conduct case in Cleveland. Whitner was arrested in April on allegations of trying to force his way past police officers dealing with a crowd outside a nightclub. He was charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.

• Linebacker William Kershaw signed with the Miami Dolphins, who placed cornerback Will Allen on injured reserve with a left knee injury. Kershaw was in training camp with the Dolphins and released before the regular season.

The New York Jets re-signed cornerback-kick returner Justin Miller, acquiring a replacement for the injured Leon Washington on special teams. Washington, a Pro Bowl returner last season, was placed on injured reserve after breaking his right leg Sunday in the Jets' win at Oakland. He replaced an injured Miller as the primary returner in 2007.