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Around the NFC

By Compiled from Times wires

© St. Petersburg Times, published September 1, 2000

COWBOYS: The team hasn't named a starter at left cornerback for Sunday's opener with the Eagles, but all signs point toward rookie Kareem Larrimore. He worked with the first team again, while newly acquired free agent Phillippi Sparks rotated in with the second team. But Sparks is trying to overcome two battles, learning the system and getting back into shape. And the latter seems to be the most difficult, considering the Cowboys practiced in 108-degree temperatures at Valley Ranch. But when asked if he'd be ready for Sunday, Sparks had an easy reply. "I have no choice. They need me," he said. "I'm willing to do whatever it takes, but I'm not going to be stupid. I know how far to go. I've told the coaches do you want me for the first two weeks or the last two weeks? I'm gonna be smart and be ready for when they need me."

EAGLES: Brandon Whiting will start at left defensive end over Mike Mamula. Whiting began the preseason rotating with Corey Simon and Hollis Thomas at the two defensive tackle positions. He moved into the defensive end role after Greg Jefferson went down with a torn ACL on Aug. 21.

GIANTS: WR Ron Dixon (heel), TE Pete Mitchell (knee), DE Jeremiah Parker (neck) and CB Andre Weathers (knee) sat out of practice.

PANTHERS: Chuck Smith, a pricey off-season acquisition, is listed as probable for Sunday's opener at Washington. The defensive end has rarely practiced since joining the team and played in only one of four preseason games. He said he is ready to go, injuries and all. "You can't rush wine and you can't rush Chuck," Smith said. "I've got to get back into the flow, I'm a gamer. It's just how it is." The team hardly has rushed Smith since luring him from Atlanta with a five-year, $21.75-million deal. He came with 581/2 career sacks and a bad right knee. The Panthers knew about the knee, but found it was worse than they thought. Smith needed surgery shortly after he arrived to remove damaged cartilage.

RAMS: Trung Canidate, out with a high ankle sprain since early in training camp, went through his second workout without problems. He was listed as questionable on Wednesday, but has been feeling much better. "I still feel little tweaks in my leg," the running back said. "The main thing is I feel better. I'm just anxious to get in." Canidate left practice early Monday with pain in his right ankle, but coach Mike Martz said that was because it had been wrapped too tightly. "Shoot, he feels fine," Martz said. "His dilemma right now is getting caught up."

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