A "lesser" McNair may be better, and the confusing world of NFL rules

Steve McNair's injured shoulder may be a blessing in disguise for the Titans in Sunday's match-up in Baltimore with the Ravens.

I say that based on past performances under much the same circumstances. He is a much more precise thrower, calmer in the pocket and seemingly focused better, in situations where his mobility is in question. It is a scenario that forces him to abandon his Saint Vitus' dance and resultant ad-lib, errant passes, along with an air of confusion that comes on all too often when he is healthy and all options are open.

He is not likely to consider the notion of running with the football for fear of re-injuring his pained shoulder, save for a few well-timed dashes and slides here and there to give the illusion of being something other than one-dimensional.

Would a "complete" McNair be more preferable? Probably, but he has proven himself to be more formidable when less is asked of him.

The real condition regarding his injury and his ability to throw a football is the main question still open.

Decoding the Injury Report

Since 1967 the NFL has instituted a mandatory, weekly formal injury report for all its teams. But does the concept really have any merit?

For example, McNair is listed as "questionable" for Sunday's tilt with the Ravens. Tackle Leon Searcy of the Ravens is listed as "out." Searcy's status seems clear but McNair's availability is on the iffy side.

There is a method, however, in appraising the four areas on the injury report - out, doubtful, questionable and probable: "out" means a zero percent chance of playing, "doubtful" indicates a 25 percent chance, "questionable" means a 50 percent chance, and "probable" means 75 percent.

Other than "out," the other areas allow for a ton of leeway. The report, though, appeals to fantasy league participants and to fans who savor all the details; however, the original logic behind the move was to make the information public to counteract inside information known by bookies and gamblers. But you can make book that gamblers today know when a "doubtful" is really a "probable" better than most fans.

The names of the injured players and their status must be turned over to the NFL every Wednesday and Thursday, and reports are issued from the league every Wednesday and Friday. Injuries after the Thursday update must be reported to the league, the competing team, broadcast outlets and the venerable Associated Press.

It's the gamblers and the opposing coaches, though, who sniff out the real scoop.

When is a Quarterback not a Quarterback?

When Neil O'Donnell was named QB to start for the injured McNair in the Jacksonville game, it created a quandary for the coaching staff as to whether McNair should be named the backup or the third-string field leader.

Most of us wondered why it mattered.

It turns out that it had little to do with the strictly clerical aspect of keeping the depth chart up to snuff and everything to do with a little-known rule.

Billy Volek is the Titans' third-string QB. With McNair as the No. 3 QB (which is how it turned out), the No. 1 and No. 2 QBs would not be allowed to return to the game once No. 3 entered the contest at any juncture previous to the fourth quarter. The third QB can replace either QB in the fourth quarter, at which point any of them can return.

Call it the "third quarterback rule." The water is murky here when you try to immerse yourself into a clear understanding of the intent behind the stricture, which is that the No. 3 is technically not on the so-called active roster. He's added as a sort of extra in case of an emergency.

Like I said, it's as clear as mud.