Reports : Bears to bench Grossman, start Griese

Rex Grossman reportedly will be benched by the Chicago Bears for Sunday's game at Detroit, with Brian Griese starting at quarterback.

Citing unidentified sources, NFL.com, the Chicago Tribune and the Chicago Sun-Times reported Tuesday that the beleaguered Grossman would sit when the Bears (1-2) visit the Lions (2-1).

The Bears would not confirm that any decision has been made, saying only that coach Lovie Smith would be available for his regular news conference today.

Grossman threw three interceptions as the Bears fell to the Dallas Cowboys 34-10 on national TV on Sunday night. The following day, Smith, who usually gives Grossman full support, instead said: "Will Rex Grossman start Sunday? Well, our evaluation process is going on right now, and if you come out to practice Wednesday, you'll have a better idea of who will be starting at all positions."

Grossman has struggled ever since February's Super Bowl, when he threw two interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown, in a 29-17 loss to the Colts. This year, he ranks 23rd in the league with 500 yards, has a 45.2 rating and is 47-for-89 (52.8 percent) with six interceptions and only one touchdown.

Now in his fifth pro season, Grossman has been inconsistent as Chicago's starter, but he did get the team to the Super Bowl last season.

Griese, a 10-year veteran, was a Pro Bowl pick with Denver in 2000. He has passed for 16,564 yards, but also has been released three times -- by the Broncos, Miami and Tampa Bay.

"I have confidence in our entire football team," Smith said Monday. "Brian is a part of that. After you have a loss like that, we all feel bad. We should."

McAllister out for year

New Orleans Saints running back Deuce McAllister said an MRI exam confirmed his worst fears: He tore his left anterior cruciate ligament in Monday' 31-14 loss to Tennessee. It is the second season-ending knee injury in three seasons for the Saints' 28-year-old all-time leading rusher.

During the second quarter, McAllister landed awkwardly after catching a short pass from Drew Brees.

McAllister said there was also some damage to his medial collateral ligament.

• Saints starting cornerback Jason David will miss four to six weeks because of a fractured left forearm.

Steelers' Ward doubtful

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward has a sprained right knee and is doubtful for Sunday's game at Arizona. Ward has missed only three games due to injury in 10 NFL seasons, and Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday he hasn't ruled Ward out of the game.

Etc.

• The San Francisco 49ers changed punt returners, cutting Brandon Williams and signing Michael Lewis, the former beer truck driver who got his start with the New Orleans Saints.

• The Dallas Cowboys released kicker Martin Gramatica from their injured reserve list.