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Around the NFC

By Compiled from Times wires

© St. Petersburg Times, published August 18, 2000

BEARS: Defensive tackle Chris Mims missed practice again Thursday, and there are doubts about whether he will be able to play Saturday in Cincinnati. After missing much of training camp with a hip-flexor injury, Mims' chances of making it to opening day with the team are less than 50-50. A standout on the 1994 Super Bowl runner-up San Diego Chargers, Mims was expected to be at least the No. 3 tackle behind Jim Flanigan and Mike Wells and possibly a challenger for a starting job.

49ERS: Coach Steve Mariucci has hinted that center Chris Dalman's neck injury might be worse than previously thought. Dalman, an eight-year veteran and a four-year starter for the 49ers, was hurt early last week during a blocking drill at the team's training camp when he was caught between defensive tackle Brenston Buckner and tackle Scott Gragg when he went down. An MRI showed disc damage, but it was hoped Dalman would respond to treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs. Dalman was getting additional medical opinions.

GIANTS: Running back Sean Bennett, an important part the multiformation offense, has been told to have surgery on his right knee that could end his season. Bennett intends to get a second opinion before deciding. "I'm unhappy. I want to play," Bennett said. The medial collateral ligament was injured on the first play of the preseason opener against the Bears on Aug. 5. Bennett has practiced at times the past two weeks, but he had an MRI this week.

PACKERS: Injuries have turned Basil Mitchell into the starting running back, giving him no time to think about his sudden -- albeit temporary -- rise through the NFL's pecking order. Injuries to Dorsey Levens and Ahman Green have put Mitchell on top of the Packers' depth chart before their preseason game at Miami. Mitchell, who had just 29 carries last year as Levens' rookie backup, could get that many Monday night. "It's not really a whole lot of pressure on me, because I've been through this before," Mitchell said. "I had to help out last year in a lot of different ways. I'm not afraid to fight for a spot on the team." Coach Mike Sherman said the Packers are unlikely to sign a veteran back for the preseason and the regular season's first two games.

RAMS: Running back Derek Loville, acquired from Denver on April 5 for a sixth-round draft pick, was cut. Loville was bothered early in camp by a hamstring injury. In two games, he carried seven times for 18 yards and caught two passes for 9 yards. "We've got some young guys that are coming on pretty good right now, and it looks like Derek might be toward the end," coach Mike Martz said. Second-year back Justin Watson impressed the coaching staff by playing well despite an ankle injury in Monday's 30-3 preseason loss at Tennessee. Watson lost a fumble but ran hard and gained 30 yards on seven carries. ... First-round draft pick Trung Canidate's injured ankle has improved and he might play in next week's preseason finale at Dallas. Originally, there was concern that Canidate might not be ready until late September.

REDSKINS: Coach Norv Turner said starting quarterback Brad Johnson will play at least a half Saturday against Cleveland. With most of the team's starters scheduled to play three quarters, Turner said Johnson might play into the third quarter if the team hasn't had many offensive snaps. Backup quarterback Jeff George, who didn't play in last week's win over the Patriots, will take over at some point in the third quarter and play behind an offensive line with a mixture of starters and reserves. ... Placekicker Brett Conway, who is working his way back from a strained quadriceps muscle, said he is hopeful but less than certain he will be ready to kick in the regular-season opener Sept. 3 against the Panthers.

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