The Associated Press

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Titans quarterback Steve McNair sat out Saturday's practice with sore ribs. It was the third week in a row he didn't practice the day before a game.

He participated in limited on-field work Friday. McNair also threw some passes early in Thursday's workout.

"There was a little irritation; I wasn't as loose as I should have been," he said. "Some of the soreness is gone. From last week to this week, I feel a lot better."

He's listed as questionable for Monday's game against New England.

In the last two games - both Tennessee victories - McNair completed 72.4 percent of his passes with three touchdowns and no interceptions.

Defensive end Jevon Kearse made it through a full week of practice for the first time since breaking his left foot in the season opener. He is listed as questionable.

"It looks like there might be a chance to have him play for us," coach Jeff Fisher said.

GREEN BAY

The Packers signed 5-foot-6 return specialist J.J. Moses off their practice squad Saturday to replace Darrien Gordon, who was waived.

Moses, who will be available for possible kick and punt return duty Sunday at San Francisco.

When the second-year pro from Iowa State makes his NFL debut he'll become one of the smallest players in the league.

He said his small size is a plus.

"It depends on whether you're trying to have me as a punt returner or a receiver," he said. "But all my life I've been one of the smaller guys on the team, so it doesn't really bother me at all. I feel like I'm 6-foot-3 when I'm out there, to be honest."

Coach Mike Sherman said he'd wait until Sunday to decide whether Moses or receiver Robert Ferguson would return punts and kickoffs.

But Moses got most of the work in practice during the week and his teammates were excited that he might finally get his chance to help them out.

Moses could be the Packers' secret weapon down the stretch, safety Darren Sharper said.

"He's going to definitely excite some people. I wouldn't be surprised - and knock on wood - if he takes one to the house," Sharper said. "Because when he's on the scout team, you basically can't touch the guy. He's like a little squirrel you're trying to get your fingers on and you just can't do it."

Moses, who spent the last two training camps in Kansas City, led the NFL Europe League in punt returns last summer while playing for the Scottish Claymores, averaging 11.2 yards for 25 runbacks. He also ranked third in kickoff returns with 344 yards on 14 returns, a 24.6-yard average.

Meanwhile, Gordon landed in Oakland, where the Raiders were hoping to bolster their flagging secondary and special teams.

Gordon, a 10-year NFL veteran who ranks third in the league with 3,601 punt return yards, caught 44 punts without a fumble this season, but averaged only 5.1 yards per return - 14th in the NFC. Last season Gordon led the conference with 14.1 yards per return with the Atlanta Falcons.

SAN FRANCISCO

Receiver Terrell Owens, slowed by a groin injury, was downgraded Saturday from probable to questionable for the 49ers' game against Green Bay on Sunday.

Owens leads the NFC with 92 receptions for 1,225 yards and 12 touchdowns. He has struggled with a bruised heel for most of the season, but his strained right groin prevented him from practicing at full speed this week.

The 49ers face the Packers on Sunday in their final home game of the season, but the torrential rains that covered the San Francisco Bay area over the weekend could dampen the effectiveness of both teams' passing games at Candlestick Park.

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