Eric Hammond on Sports

Packers CB Harris hurts knee vs. 49ers

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Packers cornerback Al Harris appeared to hurt his left knee and left on a cart early in the fourth quarter for X-rays in Green Bay's game against the San Francisco 49ers.

Harris was injured away from the play defending 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree with Green Bay leading 30-10. He stayed down in an awkward position and did not put any weight on the leg when he was helped by trainers to the cart.

While on the cart, he pulled his sock down and tried to brace his left knee, but the team didn't identify which knee was injured.

Harris missed four games last season with a spleen injury, but before that, had played in every Packers game since being acquired before the 2003 season.

Simms gets start for Broncos against Chargers

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Chris Simms is starting an NFL game for the first time since he was nearly killed in a game three years ago.

The Denver Broncos' backup quarterback got to nod over hobbled starter Kyle Orton, whose sprained ankle kept him out of practice all week. Orton threw a few passes at Invesco Field this morning but after several minutes went back into the locker room.

Orton is in uniform and not among the players that were inactive for the game against San Diego.

Simms' last start was on Sept. 24, 2006, when he played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and was battered so badly by the Carolina Panthers that he needed emergency surgery to remove his spleen.

Wilf on Childress extension: Why wait?

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Vikings owner Zygi Wilf says there was no reason to wait on a contract extension for coach Brad Childress.

Wilf told reporters before Sunday's game against Seattle ``there was never that type of thought'' to delay the deal until assessing the team after the season. Wilf says the organization feels ``very comfortable'' with Childress in charge.

Childress signed his new contract on Thursday. It reportedly runs through the 2013 season.

Wilf also reiterated the team's urgent desire to raise the request for a new stadium at the Minnesota Legislature this session. The Vikings are upset with the Metrodome's operator for proposing to extend their lease by two more years to buy time for a stadium bill.

Wilf says that's just a way for ``everyone to procrastinate.''

Orton misses third practice with ankle injury

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Kyle Orton missed a third consecutive practice Friday with a sprained left ankle.

Coach Josh McDaniels says the Denver Broncos quarterback's availability for Sunday's pivotal contest with San Diego will come down to a game-time decision.

Backup Chris Simms again took first-team practice repetitions, as he has all week in the absence of Orton, who was injured during last week's 27-17 loss at Washington.

Simms is in line to make his first start since September 2006, when he suffered a life-threatening spleen injury while with Tampa Bay.

McDaniels says Orton would be put through a workout before Sunday's game and how he performs will determine whether he plays.

MSFC backs plan to have Vikings renew Dome lease

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The commission that operates the Metrodome has approved a plan aimed at keeping the Minnesota Vikings in the stadium past the current lease expiration in 2011.

The Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission unanimously passed a plan by its finance committee on Thursday. It calls for the Vikings to get revenue from any postseason games at the Metrodome. But it also threatens to reinstitute a $4 million annual rent if the team does not sign a two-year lease extension.

The Vikings sent a scathing letter to the commission on Wednesday denouncing the plan. They call any proposals to extend the lease a ``non-starter.''

Owners Zygi and Mark Wilf are trying to get a brand new stadium built on the Metrodome site.

Big plays help Vikings overcome carelessness

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings committed 13 penalties and turned the ball over three times in the red zone against Detroit on Sunday.

They were able to overcome those errors in a 27-10 victory over the hapless Lions. But the Vikings know they won't be able to afford such carelessness against better opponents down the line as they chase home-field advantage for the playoffs.

The Vikings are 8-1, one game behind New Orleans for the best record in the NFC. With home games coming up against Seattle and Chicago, Minnesota is well positioned to keep putting pressure on the Saints for the No. 1 seed.

Coach Brad Childress says he views all the penalties as ``an anomaly'' and expects cleaner play against the Seahawks this week.

Season of change: Twins mark move with new jerseys

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Twins have new logos and uniforms for their new era of outdoor baseball.

Pitcher Scott Baker and outfielder Denard Span were at a downtown news conference Monday to model the outfits.

Span wore a 1961-style cream-colored, red-trimmed jersey with blue ``Twins'' script lettering and pinstripes. That will be used on opening day at Target Field in April and Saturday home games in the 2010 season.

Baker wore a solid gray, red-trimmed jersey with blue ``Minnesota'' script lettering and no pinstripes. That will be the team's new road uniform.

Both of the new uniforms also have a special logo to mark the team's 50th season.

The Twins also slightly altered the red ``Twins'' script on their primary logo and home uniform.

Broncos QB Orton misses 2nd half with ankle injury

LANDOVER, Md. (AP) — Quarterback Kyle Orton sat out the second half of the Denver Broncos' 27-17 loss to the Washington Redskins on Sunday with an injured left ankle and wasn't sure whether he'll be able to play next week.

Orton came up hobbling after being tackled on a third-down scramble right before halftime. He was on the sideline during the second half, his ankle heavily taped.

``I was hoping to come back out, and I just wasn't able to,'' said Orton, who was 11 for 18 for 193 yards and two long touchdown passes to Brandon Marshall.

Coming out of halftime, Orton said he tried a few practice throws but then told coach Josh McDaniel he wouldn't be able to play.

Orton said after the game it was too soon to say whether he would be able to play against the San Diego Chargers next Sunday.

Minot St., Dickinson St. gear up for NAIA playoffs

Two North Dakota schools are heading to the NAIA football playoffs.

Minot State (8-2) plays top-ranked powerhouse Sioux Falls (11-0) in the first round while Dickinson State (7-3) meets No. 2-ranked Carroll College (11-0). Both North Dakota teams will play on the road Saturday.

Minot State visits Sioux Falls at 1 p.m. and Dickinson State travels to Carroll, Mont., for a noon (MST) game.

Minot State is in the playoffs for the first time since 2002 and Dickinson State for the second straight year and third time since 2005.

UND arena to host 2 millionth fan

GRAND FORKS (AP) — Ralph Engelstad Arena is getting ready to welcome its 2 millionth University of North Dakota men's hockey fan.

The fan is expected to walk through the doors Saturday night, when the Fighting Sioux host St. Cloud State.

The fan is to be recognized during the first period of the game and will be awarded a parking spot for the rest of the hockey season. The fan also will receive a $100 gift card.

The arena opened in October 2001.

Shanahan selected for Colorado Sports Hall of Fame

DENVER (AP) — Former Denver Broncos coach Mike Shanahan is among a half dozen sports personalities selected for the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame.

Shanahan was fired in December after 14 seasons and two Super Bowls with the Broncos. He's 146-98 in his coaching career, which he plans to resume next season somewhere in the NFL.

Former Avalanche captain Joe Sakic also will be inducted at a banquet on April 20.

Joining them in the class of 2010 are former Northern Colorado football coach Bob Blasi, Cherry Creek High School baseball coach and Colorado Rockies scout Marc Johnson, former NCAA champion wrestler Dean Lahr and former Broncos announcer Larry Zimmer.

North Dakota rivals to meet in baseball

FARGO (AP) — The Bison-Sioux rivalry is back, at least in baseball.

Officials say North Dakota State and the University of North Dakota will play a baseball doubleheader next spring at the Metrodome in Minneapolis.

Bison and Sioux teams have not played each other since their baseball teams met in 2005.

NDSU athletic director Gene Taylor said he and UND athletic director Brian Faison are talking about basketball and football competition. Because of scheduling, Taylor said 2012 would be the earliest the football teams could play.

On WCHA hockey

It was a good weekend for the University of North Dakota hockey team, picking up a road sweep.

I know its only Michigan Tech, but picking up four points on anyone elses ice is good in the WCHA.

Minnesota took two points in Wisconsin and the surprise was when Alaska-Anchorage hung up seven goals on Denver in a Saturday victory.

Minnesota-Duluth even got into the upset act, winning Friday night in Colorado College.

It's going to be another wacky year in the WCHA.

Twins exercise 2011 option on Cuddyer

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Twins have picked up outfielder Michael Cuddyer's $10.5 million option for 2011.

Cuddyer hit a career-high 32 home runs to lead the team. He also had 94 RBIs and was sixth in the American League with 73 extra-base hits.

When slugger Justin Morneau went out with a back injury in September, Cuddyer moved from right field to first base. He hit .352 with seven homers and 22 RBIs in the next 19 games as the Twins leapfrogged the Tigers and won the AL Central title.

The option is part of a contract Cuddyer signed in 2008. He will make $8.5 million in 2010 and be paid $33.5 million over the life of the four-year deal. If the Twins had declined the option, they would have owed Cuddyer a $1 million buyout.

Pro Bowler Ty Law signs with Broncos

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — The Denver Broncos have shored up their secondary with another veteran, signing cornerback Ty Law.

The 35-year-old Law, who has been to five Pro Bowls, gives the Broncos five players over 30 in the defensive backfield that now sports a combined 20 Pro Bowl selections.

To make room, the Broncos waived defensive back Jack Williams. Law's signing also likely means reduced playing time in the nickel and dime packages for rookie Alphonso Smith.

Law, a 15-year veteran, played seven games with the New York Jets last season and had been training in Florida in case the right team came calling.

3 Packers fined $5,000 each by league

NEW YORK (AP) — Green Bay Packers Johnny Jolly, Al Harris and rookie B.J. Raji have been fined $5,000 each by the NFL for actions in last Sunday's loss to Minnesota.

Defensive tackle Jolly was fined on Friday for unnecessary roughness for head-butting Minnesota running back Chester Taylor.

Cornerback Harris was fined for unnecessary roughness for grabbing a helmet-opening to make a tackle, and DT Raji was fined $5,000 for a major facemask violation.

Timberwolves hire Martin as assistant

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Timberwolves are bringing Darrick Martin back again — as an assistant this time.

Martin was hired on Thursday to be the team's assistant director of player development. He will serve under assistant coach J.B. Bickerstaff, helping the young Timberwolves players both on and off the court.

Martin had two stints as a point guard with the Wolves during his 13-year playing career. He started his career in Minnesota as a free agent in 1994-95. In his second stint with the team, he filled in for the injured Sam Cassell as the starting point guard for three games of the Western Conference finals against the Lakers.

Good timing: Favre, Vikings take 7-1 record to bye

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) — Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings have arrived at their bye week with a 7-1 record and only a handful of bumps and bruises.

The injuries include a groin muscle to Favre that acted up during warmups before Sunday's win at Green Bay. Coach Brad Childress says he wasn't concerned about his 40-year-old quarterback.

Other key players who could use time to rest include left guard Steve Hutchinson (back) and wide receiver Percy Harvin (shoulder). Cornerback Antoine Winfield has missed the last two games because of a sprained foot.

Minnesota returns from the bye with three straight home games.

Favre hears boos everywhere he turns at Lambeau

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — This sure wasn't the reception Brett Favre used to get at Lambeau Field.

Favre was booed loudly when he and the Minnesota Vikings took the field for their first offensive series Sunday, and there were more whistles and jeers anytime the former Green Bay Packers icon got near the ball. This is Favre's first trip back to Green Bay since signing with the Vikings, the Packers' loathsome rival.

Favre showed flashes of the gunslinger who delighted Packers fans for 16 years, hitting Chester Taylor for a 20-yard gain on third-and-5. But the Vikings were forced to punt when Favre couldn't connect with Bernard Berrien on third-and-9 from his own 45 and it was the Green Bay defense that was cheered as he left the field.

Toews misses fourth straight game

CHICAGO (AP) — Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews missed his fourth straight game because of concussion-like symptoms, sitting out Friday night against Montreal.

Toews hasn't resumed skating after a crushing open-ice hit from Vancouver's Willie Mitchell on Oct. 21. Toews is listed as day-to-day.

``The progress hasn't been exactly where we wanted it,'' Chicago coach Joel Quenneville said. ``There's been some progress, but at the same time, we're just waiting to see.''

After Friday, the Blackhawks don't play again until Thursday night at Phoenix, followed by a game the next night at Colorado.

Quenneville said Toews will make the trip with the team.

``We've got the weekend here and a couple of days next week,'' Quenneville said. ``Hopefully we can get him back on the ice and back out there.''

Toews, in his third NHL season, has a goal and four assists in nine games. Last season, the 21-year-old center had a team-high 34 goals, and added 35 assists.