Brunell Clings to Job

A quarterback controversy for the Jacksonville Jaguars lasted about four hours Monday, but not without some indecision by Coach Tom Coughlin and a little humiliation for Mark Brunell.

After benching Brunell in a 15-10 loss against the Baltimore Ravens, Coughlin first said he wasn’t sure whether he would start Brunell or backup Jamie Martin next Monday night at Tennessee.

“I haven’t had a chance to think it through yet,” Coughlin said. “I’ll decide . . . based on how I feel.”

After talking with Brunell, Coughlin issued a statement saying he was still the starter.

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Cherron James, the 24-year-old brother of Indianapolis Colt running back Edgerrin James, was in critical condition after being shot in the back early Monday in Immokalee, Fla.

Police had a suspect, but no arrests had been made.

A Colt spokesman said James was aware of the shooting. James attended the team meetings and film reviews, then left without commenting on the news.

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Pittsburgh Coach Bill Cowher says quarterback Kent Graham will start Sunday against Cincinnati if his injured hip is healed.

The Steelers have won two road games with Kordell Stewart at quarterback, but Stewart won’t criticize the decision.

“We just can’t make this a Kent Graham-Kordell Stewart story,” he said. “We have to make this a Steelers story.”

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Hall of Fame coach Sid Gillman returned to his Carlsbad home Saturday after being hospitalized for more than two months following surgery for an aortic aneurysm.

Gillman, who turns 89 later this month, was working with a personal trainer doing weight training and stretching at his home on Aug. 3 when he passed out.

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Wide receiver Irving Fryar of the Washington Redskins will be sidelined at least two weeks because of a bruised nerve in his neck. The team also announced that guard Tre Johnson is officially done for the season because of knee surgery, and wide receiver Albert Connell will be fined but not suspended for a sideline tantrum Sunday. . . . Receiver O.J. McDuffie and defensive tackle Daryl Gardener, two of Miami’s best players, might return from injuries for the Dolphins’ Oct. 23 game against the New York Jets. . . . Running back Duce Staley of the Philadelphia Eagles is scheduled for an examination today on his injured right ankle. If the test is negative, Staley’s foot will be placed in a cast and he could return in about six weeks. If surgery is necessary, Staley will miss the rest of the season.. . . Atlanta quarterback Chris Chandler is doubtful for Sunday’s game against the St. Louis Rams because of bruised ribs.