MIAMI (AP) - Dolphins quarterback Josh McCown has decided to quit using chain saws, which should please his team.

A brush with a chain saw two weeks ago left McCown with a cut on the index finger of his throwing hand that required six stitches. But he expects to be ready for the start of training camp next week, said his agent, Mike McCartney.

"He has been throwing the football, and he's even playing golf," McCartney said. "He's fine."

The accident occurred at McCown's home in Jacksonville, Texas, while he and his brother, Tampa Bay quarterback Luke McCown, were cutting a tree stump.

McCown pledged to stay away from chain saws once he arrives in South Florida this week, McCartney said. The Dolphins open camp July 26.

The new Bill Parcells regime signed McCown to a $6.25 million, two-year contract in February. He'll bid to become the 13th starting quarterback for Miami since Dan Marino retired following the 1999 season.

McCown will compete with holdover John Beck and rookie Chad Henne. Last year McCown started nine games for the Oakland Raiders, throwing for 10 touchdowns with 11 interceptions.


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