nfl roundup | News & notes

49ers: Braylon Edwards ran routes on his surgically repaired right knee during the 49ers’ open week, giving coach Jim Harbaugh hope that the veteran wide receiver will be back for Sunday’s home game with the Cleveland Browns. Edwards is scheduled to return to practice today when the team reconvenes. This week was the goal after Edwards hurt his knee making a 21-yard catch on the 49ers’ third play from scrimmage in a 27-24 overtime loss to the Cowboys on Sept. 18. At 5-1, San Francisco is in a strong position in the NFC West. The 49ers return from their off week with a three-game division lead over Seattle (2-4). Arizona is 1-5 and St. Louis 0-6.

Broncos: Although Tim Tebow’s mechanics are far from polished and his passes far from pretty, his moxie appears to be in perfect working order. When the game’s on the line, the Denver Broncos’ charismatic quarterback finds a way to rally his team, happy feet in the pocket and all. Tebow, in his first start of the season, pulled off an improbable comeback Sunday, bringing the Broncos back from a 15-0 deficit in the waning minutes of regulation for an 18-15 overtime win over winless Miami. With this implausible victory, the popularity of Tebow is only going to skyrocket — as if it weren’t sky high already. Many fans have long wanted Tebow as their starter.

Jets: Just like that, the New York Jets have gone from gloom and doom to confident and fun-loving again. Two wins in a week can do that as Rex Ryan’s team heads into its open-week break. All of that talk about the Jets spiraling out of control has been replaced by the spunk and swagger that appeared to be missing earlier in the season. Ryan defended his secondary Monday after San Diego tight end Randy McMichael said the Jets’ defensive backs aren’t “anything” by quoting a line from the movie, “Anchorman,” with Will Ferrell: “Stay classy, San Diego.”

Titans: Mike Munchak is sticking both with his approach and his Tennessee Titans right now despite two ugly losses and a run game that remains the worst in the NFL. The Titans (3-3) turned in the most lopsided home loss since moving into LP Field in 1999 with a 41-7 loss to the Houston Texans on Sunday, and they were outplayed in every category.

Associated Press