Collins to Miss 5-6 Weeks

Quarterback Kerry Collins’ jaw is broken in two places and he will be sidelined five to six weeks, adding to the offensive problems of the Carolina Cougars.

Collins, the Pro Bowl quarterback who led the Cougars to the NFC West championship, was injured during Saturday’s 23-13 exhibition loss to the Denver Broncos. Staying in the pocket as he completed a pass in the second quarter, Collins took a hard shot to the bottom of his face mask from linebacker Bill Romanowski.

Collins underwent four hours of surgery Sunday at Carolinas Medical Center, where doctors inserted two plates to stabilize a fracture on the left side of his jaw and two more to stabilize a break at the front. Because surgeons used plates instead of wiring, Collins will be able to eat soft foods in several days.

He is expected to be sidelined five to six weeks, meaning he likely will miss the first three regular-season games--against Washington, Atlanta and San Diego--and possibly Sept. 21 against Kansas City. He is expected to return for the Monday night home game Sept. 29 against San Francisco.

Collins threw for 2,454 yards last season and had only nine interceptions in leading Carolina to the NFC title game.

Steve Beuerlein, an 11-year veteran, will be the starter. Beuerlein, 32, was 3-1 as a starter when Collins went down because of several injuries last season.

“We were in a similar position last year, and Steve did a very capable job for us,” Carolina Coach Dom Capers said. “ He is a player who has played well in big games, not only for us but throughout his career.”

Beuerlein is 25-25 as a starter for six different NFL teams.

“I don’t think there is really anybody on this football team that feels like I have to prove anything to them,” Beuerlein said.