The Associated Press

DAVIE, Fla. - Jay Fiedler was named the Miami Dolphins' starting quarterback for a fifth consecutive season following a six-month competition with A.J. Feeley.

But coach Dave Wannstedt stressed the decision was effective only for Sunday's season opener against Tennessee.

"Jay is starting because he gives the team the best chance to win this week," he said. "Next week is like a whole other world to me."

Fiedler completed 20 of 33 passes for 199 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions during the preseason, staying healthy through training camp for the first time in five years. Feeley was 23-of-41 passing for 244 yards with no touchdowns and one interception.

Fiedler, 32, previously beat back challenges from Brian Griese (in 2003) and Damon Huard (in 2000). But the Dolphins clearly wanted Feeley to be their quarterback - for this season and the future.

They traded a second-round draft pick in March for Feeley, 27, who had been Philadelphia's third-string quarterback. Then they signed him to a five-year deal worth $21.6 million.

The team also gave Fiedler permission to pursue a trade. He briefly tested the market before agreeing to a restructured contract with the Dolphins that eliminated the $2 million bonus he was due in April.

"They told me it was going to be a fair shot, that they weren't just handing the job over to someone else," said Fiedler, who is more mobile than Feeley but has less arm strength. "It all came to fruition, and I'm thankful for that."

• Miami fullback Rob Konrad had surgery to remove damaged tissue from his infected right thigh and is unlikely to play Sunday.

STEELERS: Coach Bill Cowher finally confirmed Duce Staley as the starter at running back.

The move has been considered a formality since Staley was given a $4 million signing bonus in March, but Cowher split time between the two in exhibition games.

Staley, at 29, is three years younger than Bettis, has had less wear and tear than the NFL's No. 6 career rusher and, unlike Bettis, can be used as a receiver out of the backfield and on third downs.

The Steelers plan to use Bettis as a change-up back and in short-yardage situations.

VIKINGS: Kicker Morten Andersen, 44, the second-leading scorer in NFL history who was cut by Kansas City, signed with Minnesota. The Vikings released Brett Conway, who lasted just a week as the replacement at kicker for Aaron Elling, whom the Vikings cut after he struggled in the preseason.

TITANS: Kicker Joe Nedney left practice early after injuring a leg while kicking off a tee.

He missed the 2003 season after tearing a ligament in his right, non-kicking leg in the first half of the opening game. Coach Jeff Fisher wouldn't discuss which leg Nedney injured, and said it remains to be seen if punter Craig Hentrich would be needed as a substitute.

GIANTS: New York signed 36-year-old kicker Steve Christie, putting Todd France out of a job. France, 24, hurt his starting chances by badly missing a 44-yard field-goal attempt in Thursday's preseason finale against Baltimore.

The 36-year-old Christie, who had been considering retirement, is entering his 15th NFL season. He hit 15 of 20 field goal attempts and all 36 of his extra points last season with San Diego.

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