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Minnesota Vikings: While he remains weeks away from playing, Vikings tailback Michael Bennett received some positive news this week during a re-examination of his left foot by specialist Dr. Robert Chandler.

Chandler told Bennett and Vikings trainers that the third-year veteran, who led the team's top-rated offense in 2002 and made his first trip to the Pro Bowl, should be able to begin jogging in about three weeks, when his cast is removed. Bennett underwent surgery early in the spring, and then a subsequent procedure aimed at promoting bone growth, after he injured the foot in an offseason training session.

There were some doubts that Bennett, the Vikings' first-round choice in the 2001 draft, would play at all this year. Now there is a chance, it seems, he might be able to return at some point in the second half of the season.

"At least it's more than just a long shot," coach Mike Tice said. "There's a possibility we could get him back (for the stretch run). It would be a huge boost."

Regardless of whether he returns or not during the season, it is likely Bennett will require offseason surgery to address the foot injury in a more aggressive manner.

-- Len Pasquarelli

Pittsburgh Steelers: Running back Jerome Bettis practiced Friday despite a groin injury that limited his playing time in the Steelers' season opener.

Bettis, now the backup to Amos Zereoue, remains questionable for Sunday's game at Kansas City.

Bettis was pulled from Sunday's 34-15 victory over Baltimore with a sore right groin after gaining 14 yards on four carries.

The last time he played against the Chiefs, Bettis ran for 112 yards on 19 carries in the Steelers' 20-17 victory in 2001. Bettis is the 10th-leading rusher in NFL history.

Atlanta Falcons: There has been no official announcement from the team, but it appears that second-year free safety Kevin McCadam will make his second career start for the Falcons on Sunday against the Washington Redskins.

Both of the Atlanta starters, free safety Keion Carpenter (hamstring) and strong safety Cory Hall (knee), have been ruled out of the game.

McCadam appears to be the choice over rookie Travaris Robinson, an undrafted college free agent who made a critical coverage error in last week's season opener. McCadam played primarily on special teams as a rookie in 2002, but did notch one start. He had seven tackles from scrimmage in 2002.

-- Len Pasquarelli

Oakland Raiders: Raiders coach Bill Callahan might wait until pregame warmups on Sunday to decide who will start in place of injured free safety Rod Woodson. The veteran defender underwent arthroscopic knee surgery this week and is sidelined indefinitely.

Conventional wisdom is that former starting strong safety Anthony Dorsett Jr. will move over to free safety against Cincinnati, but he is not 100 percent healthy.

The alternatives include moving one of the cornerbacks, either Terrance Shaw or first-round draft choice Nnamdi Asomugha inside to safety. Asomugha began his career at the University of California as a safety.

-- Len Pasquarelli

San Francisco 49ers: Eric Heitmann, the 49ers' starting left guard, will miss Sunday's game at St. Louis after spraining his ankle during practice.

Heitmann, a second-year pro from Stanford, started 12 games for the 49ers last season. He will be replaced by Dwayne Ledford, coach Dennis Erickson said Friday.

The 49ers expect linemen Scott Gragg and Derrick Deese to play Sunday. Gragg's injured ankle forced him to miss last Sunday's victory over Chicago, ending his streak of 112 consecutive starts, while Deese also sprained his ankle during the game.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.