Stomach flu keeps Warner sidelined

ST. LOUIS -- Kurt Warner had another setback in a fractured practice week Wednesday, missing the Rams' workout with stomach flu.

The NFL's MVP reported for meetings Wednesday morning, but became ill. Team trainer Jim Anderson drove Warner to a hospital, where he received fluids on an outpatient basis, and then home.

Coach Mike Martz said he expected Warner back today. Warner was sent home partly because Martz didn't want more teammates becoming infected with what he believed to be a one-day bug that has been affecting the Rams the past month.

"It's probably as serious as stomach flu gets," Martz said after practice. "I'm more concerned about it spreading to the rest of the team.

Strahan wins defensive title

The sack has become the most glorified defensive play in the NFL, a major reason why Michael Strahan is The Associated Press Defensive Player of the Year.

Strahan, who set an NFL record with 22 1/2 sacks for the New York Giants, earned a seven-vote margin over Chicago linebacker Brian Urlacher in balloting announced Wednesday.

"Only seven," Strahan said with a huge smile that showed off his famous gap-tooth look. "I'm disappointed, but I'll take it."

Strahan, one of the league's most popular players for his outgoing, entertaining yet humble manner, always has been a fearsome pass rusher. He was a force against the run this season, too, and, with linebacker Jessie Armstead and the rest of New York's defense plagued by inconsistency, Strahan was Mr. Reliable.

Elsewhere

The Chargers are trying to set up an interview with fired Redskins coach Marty Schottenheimer for their vacant coaching job, general manager John Butler said.

The Colts scheduled interviews with former Tampa Bay coach Tony Dungy and New York Jets defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell, agents said.

Rams offensive guard Adam Timmerman was elevated to his second Pro Bowl, replacing the injured Larry Allen of Dallas.

Bears defensive tackle Ted Washington earned his fourth trip to Hawaii, selected as the replacement for Warren Sapp, who will have surgery on his left shoulder this week.

Marshall Faulk, All-Pro running back of the St. Louis Rams, won Player of the Year honors from the Maxwell Football Club.

-- From wire reports