The Oakland Raiders signed Jeff George to a contract Monday, bringing back a player who hasn't thrown an NFL pass in five seasons. George, the No. 1 overall pick by Indianapolis in 1990, joined the team in time for Monday's afternoon practice. He previously played for the Raiders in 1997-98, starting 23 games and throwing 33 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. It is not immediately clear what his role will be on the Raiders, who already have Aaron Brooks, Andrew Walter and Marques Tuiasosopo on the roster.

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 played the first 16 of his 20 NFL seasons with San Francisco, shed no tears during a short signing ceremony at the 49ers' training complex. 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 San Francisco 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 practice fields behind him. "I feel welcome here. I feel like this is my home, and this is something I'll never forget."

Former NFL lineman Barret Robbins was placed on probation Monday and ordered to continue treatment for bipolar disorder under a plea agreement resulting from a brawl with police who shot him. Robbins, 32, got five years' probation under the agreement approved last week by Miami-Dade County Circuit Judge Leon Firtel, who also ordered him to avoid alcohol while on probation. Firtel found Robbins guilty of five charges, including attempted murder and battery. The remaining charges were dropped. "We felt this was the most appropriate outcome," said Ed Griffith, a spokesman for Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle.

Receiver Jerry Rice will retire as a member of the 49ers next week. Rice, who holds most of the significant NFL receiving records, won three Super Bowls during 16 years with the 49ers. He will sign a contract Thursday at the 49ers' training complex before making his retirement official, the club officially announced Saturday. The wideout will be honored again during halftime of the 49ers' game against the Seahawks on November 19.

The Minnesota media attempted to highlight a brewing feud between Randy Moss and Art Shell during Monday's game. "I was just more (ticked) off," Moss said. "I've never in my career been taken out of a (exhibition) game during a drive." Although Moss' words may have had a volatile ring to it, he said he was going to keep the issue in-house. "He made a decision," Moss said. "He's the head coach. I've got to live with it. I don't call the shots. I can understand where he's coming from, but at the same time, I love the game, I love to play ball. We're out there sweating and breathing hard, so just leave me in and take me out after a punt, (or) score a field goal, whatever the results may be, (and) I would've been satisfied."

The Raiders' 16-13 preseason victory over the Vikings on Monday night began a new era for ESPN and Monday Night Football.

Football season at the Metrodome seemed to be missing something last year. For the first time in eight years, Randy Moss wasn't there hauling in long touchdown passes. That could change Monday night when Moss returns to the place where he became a star, this time for a preseason game against his former team. The Vikings traded the supremely talented but maddeningly enigmatic Moss to the Raiders before last season.

Despite a dispute with new coach Art Shell, demanding a trade, missing practices the first day of training camp with a strained calf and being bumped back to working with the second string when on the field, Jerry Porter could play on Monday night when the Raiders take on the Vikings. "Rod says he is expected to play, so we'll see," Shell said after talking to trainer Rod Martin regarding Porter's physical status. "If he's ready to go, he'll play."

Final details of a one-day contract are being worked out that will allow legendary receiver Jerry Rice to retire as a 49er. A team spokesman said the 49ers are working out the details with the NFL. The 49ers also are trying to find a date within the next two weeks when Rice and other principles such as owner John York would be available to make a formal announcement. Rice had been scheduled to do his Sirius Satellite Radio program live from the 49ers' headquarters on Tuesday. But a 49ers spokesman said the live appearance now will take place on the day that the formal announcement is made. Speculation as to the date for the actual ceremony has centered around the 49ers' home game on November 19 against the Seahawks.

Wide receiver Jerry Porter has returned to practice for the Oakland Raiders despite previous run-ins with coach Art Shell that resulted in a trade demand. "Sure, it's good to see him out here," Shell said. "If we can get anybody out here working, that makes our team better when we don't have to tax any one position."