Rice retires as 49er

Jerry Rice signed a one-day contract to retire with the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday, officially ending the receiver’s matchless career back where it began.

Rice, who scored more touchdowns than anyone in league history, shed no tears during a short signing ceremony on the practice fields at the training complex opened in 1988 by the 49ers, his team for 16 of his 20 seasons.

The receiver wore his ring from the 49ers’ 1989 Super Bowl championship team on a chain around his neck as he hugged his wife, Jackie, and shook hands with 49ers owner John York.

“I would like to put the uniform on and run on that football field, but I think it’s time to move on,” Rice said, gesturing toward the fields where the current 49ers were practicing. “I feel welcome here. I feel like this is my home.”

Palmer prepares for return

Carson Palmer is ready to play.

With his rebuilt knee holding up in practice, the Cincinnati Bengals quarterback said that he will play in the next preseason game, his first action since his injury in the playoffs seven months ago.

Owens sits out again

Terrell Owens missed Dallas’ practice again, all but ensuring he will miss another preseason game and might not play until the regular-season opener.

Owens said that he aggravated his left hamstring injury by returning to practice too soon last week.

Browns acquire center

The Cleveland Browns, who have had problems at center all training camp, acquired center Lennie Friedman from the Chicago Bears for a 2007 conditional draft choice.

Chargers rookie has surgery

San Diego Charger rookie Marcus McNeill had minor surgery on a broken bone in his left hand and will miss this week’s exhibition game against the Seattle Seahawks. The left tackle is expected to return for the next game.