Brian Urlacher wasn’t sure how dominant he could be any longer, so he’s calling it a career after 13 seasons with the Chicago Bears.And what a career it was:•Eight Pro Bowl seasons.The Tennessee Titans and Miami Dolphins decided on their starting quarterbacks Monday.
Titans coach Mike Munchak said after practice that Jake Locker will start this season over veteran Matt Hasselbeck. First-year coach Joe Philbin announced after practice that rookie Ryan Tannehill will start the Dolphins’ opener Sept. 9 at Houston.
The eighth pick overall in 2011 out of Washington, Locker will play 40 to 50 snaps Thursday night against Arizona with three weeks to prep for the opener Sept. 9 against New England. He was chosen over veteran Matt Hasselbeck
Tannehill, who played at Texas A&M, was drafted with the eighth overall pick, making him the first quarterback taken in the opening round by the Dolphins since Dan Marino in 1983.
Eagles’ Vick exits after hard hit
X-rays on Michael Vick’s ribs were negative after he was knocked out of Philadelphia’s 27-17 preseason win over New England in Foxborough, Mass., in the first quarter by a hard hit.
Vick was leveled by Patriots linebacker Jermaine Cunningham after heaving a deep pass. Vick knelt on one knee, while surrounded by medical personnel, got up and walked to the sideline under his own power with 6:01 left in the quarter.
He was replaced by third-round draft pick Nick Foles.
Vick left after completing 1 of 3 passes for 5 yards and running once for 5 yards.
Bills cut Merriman
It’s lights out for Shawne Merriman in Buffalo after the Bills cut the one-time star pass-rusher.
General manager Buddy Nix said the decision was based in part on the potential the Bills saw in two younger players who had been competing with Merriman for the fourth defensive end spot. Nix wouldn’t say which two players were competing for the roster.
Around the league
The NFL suspended Kansas City linebacker Tamba Hali for the season opener for violating its policy on substance abuse. … Chicago signed safety Mark LeGree to a one-year contract and waived linebacker Ronnie Thornton. … Junior Seau had no alcohol or illegal drugs in his system when he shot himself in the chest at his home in May, according to the San Diego County medical examiner’s autopsy report. … Minnesota tight end Kyle Rudolph, a former Notre Dame star, passed his post-concussion tests and returned to practice. …
Dallas receiver Dez Bryant was diagnosed with patellar tendinitis in his right knee. … Atlanta lost offensive tackle Will Svitek to a season-ending right arm injury. …
Washington linebacker Brian Orakpo (shoulder) and strong safety Brandon Meriweather (knee) will miss the final two preseason games. … New Orleans linebackers Curtis Lofton (ankle) and David Hawthorne (torn meniscus) could miss the season opener. …
San Francisco coach Jim Harbaugh said running back Brandon Jacobs’ left knee could be healthy enough for him to start the season opener at Green Bay. … A person familiar with the situation said Jacksonville is going to play multiple home games in London beginning in 2013. … Denver safety Quinton Carter (hamstring), cornerback Tracy Porter (illness) and linebacker Danny Trevathan (ankle) returned to practice.
