Cleveland Browns: In a move Browns coach Butch Davis had hinted at as early as two weeks ago, second-year veteran Andra Davis has been promoted to starting middle linebacker, leapfrogging veteran Barry Gardner.

Butch Davis had lauded the younger player's camp performance when ESPN.com visited with him, and it seemed only a matter of time until Davis supplanted Gardner. His play in Friday night's preseason game was especially effective, and the coaches then made it official on the depth chart.

Assuming that Andra Davis retains the job, the Browns will enter their opener with three second-year starters at linebacker, none of whom has ever started a regular-season game. Butch Davis said all three players were chosen in the 2002 draft with the express intent of adding speed to the position. Flanking Andra Davis will be Ben Taylor on the weak side and Kevin Bentley at the strongside position.

Bentley and Taylor were fourth-round choices in 2002 and Davis was a fifth-rounder.

"He's starting to show up now," Butch Davis said of his new middle linebacker. "He is making plays. He's a big, strong, athletic guy who fits the position." -- Len Pasquarelli

Kansas City Chiefs: Chiefs offensive tackle Willie Jones announced his retirement today, two weeks after suffering a sprained neck that left him temporarily paralyzed, the team announced.

Jones has not played since suffering the injury during the Chiefs' preseason opener against Green Bay on Aug. 4. Jones, who suffered temporary paralysis on a similar play in practice last season, lay motionless for nearly 10 minutes before being removed from the field on a stretcher.

He was hospitalized for two days after the latest injury. He is expected to make a complete recovery, but has decided not to play football again.

Jones, 27, appeared in six games with the Chiefs last season before injuring his neck, missing two games and then being placed on injured reserve for the balance of the year.

Jones played in 18 games in his previous four NFL seasons, all with the Chiefs. He saw his most extensive playing time as a pro in 2001 when he appeared in 12 games. Jones originally entered the NFL as a rookie free agent with St. Louis in '99, but did not see any game action with the Rams.

Houston Texans: Reacting quickly to replace injured fullback Jarrod Baxter, the Texans reached agreement in principle to acquire Deon Dyer from the Dolphins on Tuesday. The deal will be consummated once the fourth-year pro passes a physical examination.

Dyer, 25, was a fourth-round choice of the Dolphins in the 2000 draft. The former North Carolina star has appeared in 32 games and started one, but has never posted a rushing attempt and has just two receptions for 14 yards.

He is, however, viewed as an excellent lead blocker and, with the injury to Baxter, is precisely what the Texans need. Baxter was placed on injured reserve Monday with a foot injury and will miss the entire 2003 campaign. Baxter played in all 16 games for the Texans in 2000 and started in 10 of them.

A fifth-round pick in '02, Baxter carried seven times for 14 yards and had five catches for 33 yards last season. Coach Dom Capers acknowledged Monday that the former New Mexico star would be difficult to replace, but general manager Charley Casserly quickly filled the void with the pending deal.

The Dolphins have been trying for a few days to trade Dyer because of an excess at the fullback position. They spoke to a few teams about possible trades but the Texans were the lone club to step forward. It is believed the Dolphins will receive a late-round pick in the 2004 draft, conditional on Dyer making the regular-season roster.

Miami is also attempting to swap sixth-year veteran safety Scott McGarrahan, who earlier this week requested a trade. A standout special teams performer, McGarrahan is buried on the Dolphins depth chart and wants a chance for more playing time. Team officials have told McGarrahan that if they don't find a trade partner, he will be released next week.

-- Len Pasquarelli

Carolina Panthers: Kick returner Michael Bates was acquitted of a drunken driving charge after a judge ruled there was insufficient evidence to prove the accusation.

After the ruling Monday by Mecklenburg District Judge Hugh Lewis, Bates said he was chastened by the experience.

"I'm happy I was found not guilty,'' Bates said. "It was a learning experience. I understand not to drink and drive. Even if it's after one beer. It could be real dangerous.''

Bates, 33, was stopped about 6 p.m. on May 6 by a state Highway Patrol trooper on Interstate 485 in Charlotte. He was driving on the shoulder of the road, trying to get around heavy traffic.

Bates refused to take a breath test to determine his blood alcohol level. But Highway Patrol Trooper T.K. Pounds testified Monday that he could smell alcohol on Bates' breath. The trooper said Bates' eyes were red, glossy and bloodshot and that his speech was slurred.

Indianapolis Colts: Third-year tailback Dominic Rhodes, expected to serve as the top backup to Colts star Edgerrin James, has sought a second opinion on his right knee and it remains uncertain when he will return to the field.

An undrafted free agent in 2001, the former Midwestern Texas State star rushed for 1,104 yards as a rookie, replacing the injured James when a knee injury sidelined him. But then Rhodes tore the anterior cruciate ligament of his right knee in camp last year and missed the entire season.

His rehabilitation suffered a setback in May, when he underwent arthroscopic surgery on the knee to help enhance his range of motion. But the knee has swelled up in camp and Rhodes also has been bothered by a shoulder injury.

-- Len Pasquarelli

New England Patriots: The Patriots, still seeking to bolster their offensive line, are talking with former Chicago Bears starting right tackle James "Big Cat" Williams about a potential comeback. Williams, 35, played 13 seasons in Chicago before he was released early in the spring. During his prime, the massive Williams was regarded as one of the NFL's premier strongside blockers.

Last year's starting right tackle, Kenyatta Jones, is still recovering from offseason surgery on both knees. Adrian Klemm and Tom Ashworth have shared the position in camp, but neither has been particularly effective.

-- Len Pasquarelli