QB McNair out for Titans

Posted: 11:47 a.m., Cincinnati time

By Mark Curnutte
Enquirer staff writer

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Co-MVP Steve McNair will not play this afternoo against the Bengals.
He is inactive because of a bruised sternum. Backup Billy Volek will start for Tennessee at quarterback.

McNair has 20 career touchdowns against the Bengals, his most against any team, and is 9-3 in 12 starts. Titans running back Chris Brown, who was questionable with a toe injury, will play. He is the NFL's third-leading rusher.

The Bengals made two changes in their starting lineup in preparation for the game this
afternoon against the Titans.

T.J. Houshmandzadeh will start at one wide receiver, instead of Peter Warrick, who is
again inactive because of a shin injury. And Landon Johnson will start at middle linebacker,
ahead of fellow rookie Caleb Miller, who is not injured.

The most notable inactive player for the Bengals is defensive lineman Carl Powell. With
Tony Williams done for the season, Langston Moore is making his first start at tackle. Powell's
knee injury removes a valuable backup. Rookie defensive tackle Matthias Askew is active and is
expected to play a significant number of snaps.

Other Bengals inactives: cornerback Rashad Bauman, running back Chris Perry, cornerback
Terrell Roberts and offensive linemen Alex Sulfsted and Stacy Andrews.

E-mail mcurnutte@enquirer.com