The Associated Press

ST. LOUIS - There will be no last chance for Kurt Warner to make a good impression after the Rams quarterback was placed on injured reserve Thursday.

The move came a day after St. Louis coach Mike Martz suggested there will be an open quarterback competition next year if former third-stringer Marc Bulger, who led the Rams to five straight victories earlier in the season, picks up where he left off.

Warner, the NFL's MVP two of the last three seasons, admitted he was taken aback by Martz's comments. The coach has been steadfastly in Warner's corner all year.

"Yeah, it would surprise you just because he's always been my biggest advocate, and I think he knows what I'm capable of doing," Warner said. "If I'm not 100 percent, if I can't do what I've done in the past, then the best guy should have the job."

Warner finished with 11 interceptions and just three touchdown passes. Last season, he threw for 4,830 yards, second most in league history, and 36 touchdowns in leading the Rams to a 14-2 record and their second Super Bowl berth in three seasons.

JETS: Two potentially damaging distractions hit the New York Jets: an investigation into an assault of a limousine driver, then a brawl at practice.

The day began with rampant speculation about which member of the offensive line is being accused of assaulting a Long Island limo driver Monday outside an East Norwich, N.Y., steakhouse.

Jets coach Herman Edwards acknowledged he knows which player is being accused, but the team refused to identify him.

PANTHERS: Quarterback Rodney Peete feels he has a few more years left in his playing career. The 14-year veteran has made 11 starts this season, more than he has had since 1995.

"Going into this year, there was talk between my immediate family of, 'OK, how many more years you going to play?'" Peete said. "But after going through this year, I feel like I could definitely go a couple more years. I'm having fun."

Peete, 36, isn't sure if he'll be back with Carolina. Signed to a one-year contract, Peete will be an unrestricted free agent after the season.

Panthers general manager Marty Hurney said the team would wait until after the season to determine whether to re-sign Peete.

VIKINGS: Quarterback Daunte Culpepper and Nike Inc., announced a settlement in a lawsuit filed by the sports apparel maker.

As part of the settlement, Culpepper will continue to endorse, wear and use Nike products throughout the NFL season. Further terms of the settlement and Culpepper's contract with Nike weren't released.

Nike filed the lawsuit in June to contest Culpepper's signing an endorsement contract with rival Reebok International, Ltd. Culpepper was planning to sign a long-term contract and appear in a television commercial for Reebok, but Nike exercised its right of first refusal and matched Reebok's offer.

Wide receiver Randy Moss pleaded guilty to two minor charges related to pushing a traffic officer with his car in downtown Minneapolis. Three other counts, including a marijuana possession charge, were dismissed as part of a plea agreement.

Moss was ordered to pay $1,200 in fines and sentenced to 30 days in jail. Moss was given two days' credit for time already served, and the rest of his sentence will be stayed as long as Moss doesn't commit any similar driving offenses.

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