NFL notes: Moss, Vikings together again

Brett Favre finally got his wish. He will be playing with Randy Moss and the Minnesota Vikings couldn’t be happier about it.

The Vikings got Moss from New England on Wednesday for a 2011 draft pick, another acquisition that comes just in time to rejuvenate a stagnant offense for a challenging stretch of games.

The Patriots gave the seven-time Pro Bowl wide receiver the exit he expected and sent him back to the team that turned him into a superstar after drafting him in the first round in 1998.

There are still plenty of fond memories in Minneapolis of Moss’s electrifying performances, along with his colorful comments and contrarian behavior.

“He can still go downtown and get the football, which is a stand-alone factor,” Vikings coach Brad Childress said.

The Vikings play at New York on Monday night, and Childress said without hesitation Moss would be in uniform against the Jets – in his old purple No. 84.

Early-rising Holmes finishes suspension

Santonio Holmes arrived at the New York Jets’ facility in Florham Park, N.J., before the sun rose, eager to get his day started.

After not practicing for four weeks because of a suspension, the wide receiver was downright antsy to be on the field again, even if it was only 6 a.m.

“I was a little upbeat this morning,” Holmes said. “I was up early, walking the dog, got myself situated, driving to practice ready to go.”

Holmes, acquired from Pittsburgh in April, is expected to make his regular-season debut for the Jets on Monday night against Minnesota. He was forced to sit the first four regular-season games by the NFL for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.

Chicago QB Cutler returns from concussion

Chicago quarterback Jay Cutler was hitting receivers in stride, and for once, there were no defenders near him. Of course, it was only a practice drill.

Cutler was back at it on a limited basis after a 17-3 loss to the New York Giants in which he got sacked nine times in the first half and left with a concussion.

Cutler’s status for this week’s game at Carolina was unclear. League guidelines say he must get clearance from an “independent neurological consultant” before playing again

Around the league

Arizona coach Ken Whisenhunt announced that former BYU standout Max Hall will make his first NFL start Sunday when the Cardinals are home against Super Bowl champion New Orleans, replacing the erratic Derek Anderson. … Houston linebacker Brian Cushing returned to practice for the first time since his four-game drug suspension. … Tracy Porter will be out three to four weeks after arthroscopic surgery to repair the lateral meniscus in his left knee, leaving New Orleans without one of its starting cornerbacks. … Rookie safety T.J. Ward, who in just four games as a pro has developed a reputation as a ferocious tackler and fearless talker, was fined $15,000 for his helmet-to-helmet hit on Cincinnati wide receiver Jordan Shipley during the fourth quarter of Cleveland’s win last Sunday. … Detroit coach Jim Schwartz said quarterback Matthew Stafford is still not healthy enough to play. Shaun Hill will start Sunday for the winless Lions at home against St. Louis.