The NFL rejected an appeal by the players union Thursday on behalf of suspended Titans cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell turned down Jones' request for leniency Nov. 6. The NFL Players Association appealed that ruling as excessive and had a hearing by telephone Dec. 14. But Jones must serve the final two games of his seasonlong suspension.

"Commissioner Goodell notified Adam Jones today that his suspension for the 2007 season will not be modified," the league said in a statement.

"Once the Titans have concluded their 2007 season, Jones may begin limited activities at the club's facility and, assuming no further problems, will be eligible to participate fully in Tennessee's off-season workout program."

Jones' attorney, Manny Arora, did not immediately return a message left on his cell phone. The players' union did not immediately return a message left by The Associated Press.

Raiders consider giving rookie quarterback his first NFL start: Whether Oakland rookie quarterback JaMarcus Russell makes his first NFL start Sunday or not, he isn't too concerned about his role against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

"Not at all because I continue to prepare as if I'm going to play, no matter if I start or not," Russell said. "Whatever (Lane Kiffin's) decision is, he's the coach, he's the boss. I'll roll with that."

Earlier this week Kiffin said that Russell, the No. 1 overall pick in this year's draft, would definitely play against the Jaguars but probably wouldn't start. Kiffin later switched gears and told reporters that the team was considering letting Russell, who has made only two brief appearances this season, start in Jacksonville.

But despite growing sentiment in support of the idea from fans, media and players inside Oakland's locker room, the Raiders have yet to finalize their plans.

"Exactly how it will play out, I don't know that," Kiffin said Thursday. "But both guys will play and hopefully JaMarcus will play for an extended amount of time."

Rookie QB Smith to start against Seahawks: Rookie quarterback Troy Smith will make his first start Sunday when the Baltimore Ravens visit the Seattle Seahawks.

With Kyle Boller missing his second consecutive day of practice due to lingering effects from a concussion, including headaches and sensitivity to light, Ravens coach Brian Billick confirmed Smith will take his place.

"With Kyle, it would be problematic for him on Sunday, so, hopefully, he will be available to back up," Billick said. "Missing two days of practice would make it tough. We're certainly not going to put him at risk."