Confident Vick can regain his once-dynamic form, the Bills safety said yesterday he would encourage his team to pursue Vick if the Eagles - who hold a $5.2 million option on the backup quarterback next season - decide to release Vick in the offseason.

In noting he was a proponent of the Bills' pursuing Vick since before he signed with the Eagles in August, Whitner said he's more convinced Buffalo can use him next season. Without specifically naming Bills starter Trent Edwards or backup Ryan Fitzpatrick, Whitner noted that players - himself included - are replaceable if they can't get the job done.

"If you're not getting the job done, then they're going to bring in other players. It's a competition thing," Whitner said. "You bring in other guys that can get the job done that can help you win. I would welcome bringing in Michael Vick."

The Bills (3-5), whose offense ranks among the NFL's worst this season, returned to practice yesterdayafter a 4-day break during their bye, and prepare to play at Tennessee this weekend.

Whitner's comment came a day after Dungy linked Vick and the Bills during NBC's NFL pregame show. Dungy, the former Colts coach who serves as Vick's adviser, referred to Buffalo as "a dark horse" candidate to land the quarterback if he becomes available.

Dungy also divulged for the first time that the Bills had previously expressed interest in signing the player last summer when Vick was searching for a team after serving 18 months in federal prison for running a dogfighting ring.

The Bills yesterday declined to discuss Dungy's remarks by noting Vick is a member of the Eagles. NFL tampering rules prevent teams from discussing players under contract to other teams.

Noteworthy

League spokesman Randall Liu said the incident will be reviewed for possible discipline.

Hall was surrounded by Falcons players and coaches after teammate LaRon Landry was whistled for a late sideline hit on quarterback Matt Ryan.

Hall claimed Atlanta coach Mike Smith tried to put his hands on him "in a harmful way."

Hall said he will complain to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.

* The NFL has started an evaluation process to determine if Oakland coach Tom Cable needs mandatory counseling related to an alleged assault of an assistant coach and alleged past domestic abuse allegations, according to a report.

ESPN, citing sources familiar with the league's review, reported that Cable will be evaluated by independent doctors. No charges have been brought against him for the alleged assault of assistant Randy Hanson or domestic abuse allegations.

* Chicago defensive tackle Tommie Harris apologized for throwing a punch at Arizona offensive lineman Deuce Lutui on the fourth play of Sunday's game. Harris was ejected and could be suspended by the league.

* Buffalo quarterback Trent Edwards expects to be cleared to play this weekend at Tennessee after missing nearly a month recovering from a concussion.

* Cleveland coach Eric Mangini said he would wait until tomorrow to announce whether Derek Anderson or Brady Quinn will start Monday night against visiting Baltimore.

* Carolina weakside linebacker Thomas Davis has a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee and will miss the rest of the season. The injury occurred during Sunday's loss to New Orleans.

* Cincinnati receiver Chris Henry will miss the rest of the season after having surgery on the broken left forearm he suffered on his only catch during Sunday's win over Baltimore.

* New York Giants backup linebacker Gerris Wilkinson will be sidelined up to 2 months following surgery to repair a dislocated right wrist. He was hurt during Sunday's loss to San Diego.

* Green Bay outside linebacker Aaron Kampman played most of Sunday's loss at Tampa Bay with a concussion before leaving in the fourth quarter. Defensive coordinator Dom Capers said he and other coaches didn't know of the injury until late in the game.