Two greats, one last time?
When the Seattle Seahawks and Arizona Cardinals squared off at Sun Devil Stadium two months ago, it marked the 11th time that Emmitt Smith and Jerry Rice had gone head-to-head in an NFL game.
It also marked the first time in almost 20 years that NFL record-holders in rushing yards and receptions have played on the same field.
On Sunday, the duo will go at it again for what might be the final time.
Neither Rice, 42, nor the 35-year-old Smith has said for sure how much longer he will play. Smith told Arizona reporters earlier this month that he hoped to play one more year, while Rice said Thursday that he’s not ready to discuss his future.
“I’m going to address that after this season,” he said. “I really like the system, I enjoy the guys I work with, and I don’t know what the next few years might bring me.”
But their years of experience leave people wondering whether one – if not both – of the future Hall of Famers will hang up the cleats after the 2004 season.
“When you’ve been in the league as long as we’ve been in the league, you never know what’s going to happen,” Rice said. “This might be the last time that we get a chance to step on the field with each other.”
McGahee misses second practice
Buffalo running back Willis McGahee missed his second straight practice and is questionable for Sunday’s game at San Francisco.
Injured with a bruised and hyperextended right knee, McGahee wore a wrap on his leg, but walked without a limp.
Will he play against the 49ers?
“I don’t have no answer for you,” he said.
McGahee was hurt in Buffalo’s 33-17 win at Cincinnati on Sunday.
Coach Mike Mularkey did not make himself available for comment. He said Wednesday that McGahee will be evaluated daily.
Bulger says he’s ready to go
Marc Bulger said he’s ready to return from a bruised shoulder, good news for a suddenly feeble St. Louis offense that totaled one touchdown during the two games he missed.
“When you’ve got your best players on the field, you feel a lot better, no question about it,” defensive tackle Tyoka Jackson said. “He’s a Pro Bowl quarterback in my opinion.”
In Bulger’s absence, Chris Chandler played his way out of the backup job with six interceptions two weeks ago and another quarter of confused non-productivity before getting benched in last week’s 31-7 loss to the Cardinals.
Testaverde unsure of future
Vinny Testaverde appreciates owner Jerry Jones saying the Dallas Cowboys consider him their starting quarterback for next season, but Testaverde is not sure he wants to do it.
He’s not sure he wants to retire, either, but at age 41 figures it’s at least something to think about.
He has played every game this season, starting all but one, and will start Sunday against the Washington Redskins
Around the league
The Cardinals signed strong safety Adrian Wilson to a $21 million, five-year contract extension. … LSU coach Nick Saban, who has been offered the head coaching position with the Dolphins, kept Miami on hold, still hesitant about making the leap to the NFL. … 49ers quarterback Tim Rattay will have surgery on his throwing arm Tuesday to correct a problem that has bothered him all season. … Despite having the worst season of his NFL career, quarterback Jeff Garcia hopes to return to the Cleveland Browns this next season.