Redman edges Ryan for Falcons’ opener

Chris Redman has edged rookie Matt Ryan, the NFL’s No. 3 overall draft pick, and will start at quarterback in Atlanta’s preseason opener Saturday night at Jacksonville.

Redman had gone three years without playing in an NFL game before the Falcons signed him 18 months ago.

Williams has surgery

Chicago Bears first-round draft pick Chris Williams had surgery to repair a herniated disk. He was expected to start at left tackle.

Jets release Pennington

Chad Pennington quickly became the odd man out once Brett Favre joined the New York Jets. He was released Thursday, ending the QB’s eight-year, injury-plagued career with the New York Jets. He was expected to find a new home soon: Minnesota and Miami were possibilities.

On the field

At Detroit, Super Bowl hero Eli Manning struggled and Detroit beat the New York Giants 13-10. … At Foxborough, Mass., Yamon Figurs’ 52-yard punt return set up Baltimore’s only touchdown in a 16-15 win over New England. … At Cleveland, the New York Jets scored three long touchdowns in a 24-20 win over the Browns. … At Glendale, Ariz., New Orleans’ Robert Meachem caught four passes for 129 yards and a touchdown in a 24-10 win over Arizona. … At Chicago, Larry Johnson ran for a score on the opening drive and led Kansas City to a 24-20 win over the Bears.