Bills coach Dick Jauron was "guardedly optimistic" Willis McGahee will play against Jacksonville this weekend after the running back took part in his first practice on Thursday. It was McGahee's second straight day of practice after breaking three ribs in a 24-10 win against Green Bay on Nov. 5. Jauron said McGahee was involved in some contact and described the player as moving well while wearing added padding to protect his ribs.

Jacksonville's injury-depleted defense suffered another setback Monday night when safety Donovin Darius broke his right leg against the Giants and was lost for the season. It's the second consecutive season that Darius' season ended early. He missed most of last year after tearing a ligament in his left knee.

It is a near certainty that Randy Moss will not be wearing the silver and black next season. The Jaguars nearly completed a trade for the wide receiver before the deadline last month and could be the favorites for his services this off-season. Mike Tice is an assistant coach in Jacksonville.

Jaguars QB Byron Leftwich will have surgery Tuesday on his injured left ankle, possibly ending his season. Leftwich missed three games before visiting renowned orthopedist Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala., this week. He was told to rest the ankle, then return for a re-evaluation. The Jaguars released a statement Saturday that said Leftwich has opted for surgery. But the team also said he still might return this season.

According to ProFootballTalk.com, Jack Del Rio could be fired by the Jaguars if they fail to make the playoffs. The rumor was floated by one of its league sources. Owner Wayne Weaver just gave Del Rio an extension, so if he lets him go, he's on the hook for the last two years of the deal at approximately $6.5 million.

Mike Nolan and Jack Del Rio are ready to suit up. The 49ers' coach and his Jaguars counterpart have the NFL's permission to wear dress suits designed by Reebok during two games this season. Nolan is expected to debut his old-school outfit, black suit, a white shirt and a red-and-gold-striped tie, at the 49ers' home game against Seattle on Sunday. Del Rio also will wear a suit-and-tie ensemble in Monday night's home game against the Giants.

Byron Leftwich's contract runs out after the 2007 season, and there was talk about extending the deal earlier this season. That won't happen now that David Garrard is the starter, and there's little chance the team will redo the deal anytime soon. Unless Garrard bombs the rest of the way, Leftwich either will return next season in the final year of his deal or the team will look into shopping him during the offseason.

Quarterback Byron Leftwich will get a second opinion on his injured left ankle Monday, which could spell the end his season and possibly his four-year run as the Jaguars starter. Agent Tom Condon said Leftwich will visit renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala., after Leftwich was told by Jaguars team doctors that he wouldn't be able to play again this season. "He was told he has debris and bone spurs in the ankle that mean if he jammed it again, the pain would just come back again," Condon said. "They're saying he won't be healthy the rest of the year and that he's going to need surgery."

David Garrard will make his second consecutive start at quarterback in place of Byron Leftwich on Sunday when the Jacksonville Jaguars host Tennessee. Leftwich said Thursday that coach Jack Del Rio told him before practice he was sticking with Garrard, who led the Jaguars to a 13-6 victory at Philadelphia last week and improved to 5-1 as a starter the past two seasons.