Cracked Kneecap Sidelines Rice

Jerry Rice’s touchdown in his astonishing return from major knee surgery came at an awful price: He cracked his kneecap when crashing to the ground and will miss the rest of the season.

“It’s very unfortunate,” San Francisco coach Steve Mariucci said. “He was playing very well. He felt very good. After the play, he did get up slow. But that’s where the fracture took place, when his knee hit the ground.”

Rice’s touchdown catch was the 49ers’ first score in their 34-17 win over Denver on Monday night, which clinched home field for San Francisco throughout the playoffs. He underwent surgery Tuesday to repair the left kneecap, which was broken across the middle and likely will need a screw or wire inserted into it to hold it together and promote healing.

The surgery was performed by team physician Michael Dillingham, who repaired shredded ligaments in the same knee when Rice was hurt in the season-opener at Tampa Bay, his first serious injury in 13 seasons.

Denver’s Davis questionable

Denver running back Terrell Davis partially separated his right shoulder after making a catch in the second quarter of Monday night’s 34-17 loss to San Francisco. He is questionable for Sunday’s game against San Diego.

Denver linebacker Bill Romanowski had a national audience Monday night when he spit in the face of San Francisco wide receiver J.J. Stokes. Tuesday, he set out to make a private apology.

Coach Mike Shanahan said Romanowski is trying to contact Stokes. The league has not taken action.

Veteran defensive tackle Michael Dean Perry was released by the Broncos.

Denver free safety Steve Atwater will undergo surgery on both shoulders after the season, the team said.

Aikman to return to Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman said he will return next season.

“I’ll be back,” Aikman said. “I’ve always said 10 years is important to me, so I’ll play. I just hope (owner) Jerry Jones takes the necessary steps to get this thing back on track.”

Barry Switzer isn’t blaming himself for the Dallas Cowboys’ failed season.

“I did as good a job as when we won the Super Bowl, probably a little bit better considering some of the younger players,” he said Tuesday.

Dallas has won three Super Bowls in the 1990s, including one in Switzer’s second season as coach, but are 6-9 this year.

Around the league

Raiders cornerback Albert Lewis has a sprained anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee and is doubtful for the team’s regular-season finale against Jacksonville. … The Redskins signed kicker Chris Jacke through the 1998 season. … Eagles defensive tackle Rhett Hall underwent surgery to repair two torn ligaments in his left knee. The team’s sack leader will be out at least four months. … Bills receiver Andre Reed will miss the regularseason finale Saturday against the Packers with a separated shoulder. … The Bills’ quarterback situation took yet another turn when coach Marv Levy said Alex Van Pelt would start against the Packers. … Bengals receiver Darnay Scott indicates that his decision on whether to return to the Bengals is largely dependant on whether Boomer Esiason returns for the final year of his contract. Scott has had his best games since Esiason replaced Jeff Blake at quarterback.