Smith bristles at rumor

Carolina receiver still questionable

Steve Smith heard the rumor: He's coming back slowly from his hamstring injury as a ploy to get a new NFL contract.

The wide receiver shredded that theory Wednesday as he tries to work his way back onto the field for the Carolina Panthers.

"For the people who are insulting me and this organization, who think I'm going to stoop down to that level, that's not me," Smith said. " ... I can do a lot of things more important than to make a [fool] out of myself and the organization. You're foolish to think that."

Still listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Smith did agility drills and some light running on an adjacent field while his team practiced Wednesday.

Last week, an Internet site speculated that Smith might be sitting out to gain leverage for a new contract. The Tampa Tribune repeated the rumor this week.

FISHER SAYS VOLEK LIED, REPEATEDLY ASKED TO BE TRADED: Coach Jeff Fisher lashed out at critics of the Tennessee Titans' dealings with Billy Volek, saying Wednesday that Volek lied to him and never took advantage of the opportunity to be the starter.

The Titans finally traded Volek on Tuesday to the San Diego Chargers for a sixth-round draft pick that could become a fifth-rounder depending on playing time. Fisher said Volek asked to be traded the day the Titans signed Kerry Collins late last month.

"I never at any time in my career have gone into such detail [about a trade]. But I felt the responsibility, as Billy felt he was thrown under the bus," Fisher said. "Billy threw this organization under the bus, along with a number of his teammates."

It was unprecedented public criticism by Fisher, who repeatedly has protected his players.

BRIEFLY

* Clinton Portis made it through the entire practice Wednesday for the first time since injuring a shoulder, and Washington Redskins cornerback Shawn Springs had a setback in his attempt to return from abdominal surgery.

Portis is listed as probable on the injury report. Springs was questionable and will be re-evaluated today.

* League MVP Shaun Alexander missed the Seattle Seahawks' practice Wednesday with a foot injury, but he is probable to start Sunday's showdown against the New York Giants.

* Because of the timing of the bye week, Terrell Owens might not miss any games because of his broken hand.

Owens broke the bone leading to his right ring finger Sunday night and had a plate surgically attached to it Monday.

Although the hand was swollen and aching Wednesday, Dallas Cowboys coach Bill Parcells said he's optimistic the receiver will be back at work next week and catching passes a week from Sunday against Tennessee.

* Philadelphia Eagles running back Brian Westbrook missed practice Wednesday because of a sore knee and is questionable for the game against the San Francisco 49ers.