THINKS THE EAGLES STOLE ONE
A report that Brett Favre's presence had caused a "schism" in the Minnesota locker room caused mixed reactions among the Vikings yesterday.
Some appeared amused - punter Chris Kluwe loudly suggested there was a "schism in the camera crew" as photographers scrambled around early in practice - while others seemed to be annoyed.
"I'm not taking any schism questions because it's a bunch of [expletive]," defensive end Jared Allen said. "So there you go. Let's ask normal questions."
Safe to say, Favre belonged in the annoyed category, saying he did not even know what "schism" means.
"I've got no reaction," Favre said when asked about an ESPN report Wednesday that cited anonymous sources as saying some Vikings supported Tarvaris Jackson and others thought Sage Rosenfels should start. "I'm just doing what I can do, hopefully help this team win, and just trying to fit in. I'm not worried about that. That's for you guys to have some fun with.
"Once again, I have no idea what that means. I'm assuming it's controversial."
Told the word schism refers to a division or separation into factions, Favre said, "Well, good."
He wasn't smiling.
"You guys have to keep stirring the pot, I guess, so somebody's got to make up a story like that," Favre told a large group of media members as he stood on the back stairs of the Vikings' practice facility. "I can assure you, I don't think anybody in that locker room, me included, would use that word."
Favre said he thinks the reception he has received has been fine.
"It's always a work in progress," he said of earning respect. "I'm not going to sit here and tell you, 'OK, I've earned it.' To be here eight, nine days, whatever it's been, I'd be a fool to sit here and tell you I've won everyone over in the locker room, and that's not what I'm trying to do. I was brought in here to help this team win, not to make friends."
The Vikings waived receiver Glenn Holt.
Holdouts. With all teams having concluded training camp and moved to their year-round facilities, two first-round picks remain unsigned: San Francisco receiver Michael Crabtree and Cincinnati tackle Andre Smith. Both were top-10 picks.
T.O.'s progress. Buffalo receiver Terrell Owens is a step closer to recovering from a sprained toe after working out and catching passes in individual drills during practice. Coach Dick Jauron said it's possible the receiver will be cleared to start practicing fully next week.
Jimmy: Stadium's OK. Jimmy Johnson loves the video boards at Cowboys Stadium just where they are - 60 yards long and 90 feet above the field.
"If there's anything wrong, it's that people are going to watch the video board and not the game," Johnson said. "It is so dominating, but I think it's cool. I think it's great."
Noteworthy. Steelers kicker Jeff Reed has a sprained ankle and might not play in tomorrow's game against Buffalo. . . . 49ers quarterback Shaun Hill returned to practice after leaving on Wednesday with a stiff back. . . . Colts offensive lineman Ryan Lilja will miss tomorrow's game against Detroit with a bruised shoulder suffered last week against the Eagles.
Rams 24, Bengals 21
CINCINNATI - Kyle Boller, filling in for Marc Bulger for the second consecutive game, completed 14 of 20 passes for 96 yards and a touchdown in leading St. Louis (2-1) to a preseason victory over Cincinnati (1-2).
Dolphins 10, Buccaneers 6
TAMPA, Fla. - Chad Pennington threw a 2-yard pass to Anthony Fasano for the game's only touchdown in the third quarter as Miami beat Tampa Bay (1-2).
The Dolphins improved to 3-0 in the preseason.
