Jaguars Test First-Timer

With quarterback Mark Brunell sidelined because of a knee injury, Jay Fiedler will make his first NFL start Sunday for the Jacksonville Jaguars, who need a victory over the Cincinnati Bengals to help erode the memory of a humiliating 41-14 loss to the Tennessee Titans and wrap up the division title and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.

“I don’t know if I ever envisioned a certain situation for my first start,� the Dartmouth graduate said, “but this is the situation I’m in now and I’m ready to take it. I don’t mind being thrown into the fire and getting some pressure thrown on me, that’s fine with me.�

Meanwhile, Brunell said he expects to be back at full strength for the playoffs.

Coach Tom Coughlin said the team is gearing Brunell for a comeback the weekend of Jan. 15, the second week of the playoffs. That means a victory Sunday, which would clinch a first-round bye, is critical for the Jaguars.

“Mark’s a tough guy,� Coughlin said. “He knows what the timetable is. He’s well aware of it.�

In Tennessee, Titan safety Marcus Robertson might be available for the playoffs despite needing plastic surgery for facial lacerations suffered Monday in a motorcycle accident. Doctors needed 150 stitches to close his cuts.

Coach Jeff Fisher said Robertson was wearing a helmet, but it wasn’t buckled on.

“He was very, very disappointed,� Fisher said. “He felt like he made a bad decision and let his teammates and fans down. That’s something he’s going to have to work through. He’s a little uncomfortable with his appearance right now. As I told the team, ‘When you see him, if you have a motorcycle, you’ll sell it.’ �