NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Jeff Fisher has stayed away from a quarterback controversy all through the Tennessee Titans' dreadful start.

Now, team owner Bud Adams reportedly wants a change.

Adams informed Fisher he wants Vince Young to start over Kerry Collins this weekend against Jacksonville, according to the Tennessean. The Nashville newspaper cited sources yesterday that Adams apparently told Fisher his preference after the Titans (0-6) lost to New England, 59-0, on Oct. 18 and became more insistent during the bye week.

A call to Adams' Houston office was referred to the team's media relations department in Nashville. A message was not immediately returned yesterday.

CHIEFS

JOHNSON BARRED

Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson was told to stay away from the team yesterday while the NFL and the Chiefs complete their investigation into his use of a homosexual slur twice this week.

Johnson issued an apology and a national gay rights advocacy organization called on the league and the team to take action against the two-time Pro Bowl back.

He first used the slur Sunday night when he questioned coach Todd Haley's football credentials on his Twitter account during an exchange with one of his Twitter followers. A day later, he used it again as he brushed off reporters and told them he would not comment, according to the Kansas City Star, which recorded the comment.

Th Chiefs told Johnson he would not be allowed to practice or participate in team activities until the matter was resolved.

SHORT SNAPS

Buccaneers: Tampa Bay released offensive lineman Marcus Johnson yesterday after his arrest on a DUI charge. Johnson was arrested and later released on $500 bail early yesterday morning when Tampa police found Johnson sleeping in a car near the Bucs' stadium.

49ers: San Francisco lost right tackle Tony Pashos for the season with a broken left shoulder blade. The 49ers placed Pashos on injured reserve a day after he had an MRI exam on the shoulder. He was hurt during Sunday's 24-21 loss at Houston.

Redskins: Washington said two-time Pro Bowl tight end Chris Cooley will have surgery today on his broken ankle. If the procedure goes well, Cooley might not be placed on injured reserve and could return to action in about eight weeks.