PRO FOOTBALL / DAILY REPORT : AROUND THE NFL : Broncos’ Humphrey Finally Reports

Running back Bobby Humphrey reported to the Denver Broncos on Thursday, ending a sometimes-acrimonious 97-day holdout.

Humphrey, a 1,000-yard rusher the past two seasons, walked out on the first day of training camp in July, demanding renegotiation of his four-year contract, which had two years remaining and which was to have paid him $315,000 this year.

The Broncos insisted that Humphrey report to the team before any contract adjustments would be considered, and a stalemate ensued.

Denver entertained trade offers for Humphrey and appeared on the verge of dealing him, but ultimately the team rejected such offers as inadequate. When the NFL trading deadline passed last week, Humphrey either had to report or sit out the season.

“It’s great to be back,” Humphrey said at a news conference shortly after his arrival at Bronco headquarters. “I’m here to play ball. There are no hard feelings. Things are not worked out, but I’m happy.”

Cincinnati Bengal management may have unsettled the team by releasing some veteran players this season, quarterback Boomer Esiason says.

Esiason said he realizes the team has to make changes because of its 0-6 start. But he said management has undercut veteran players somewhat by releasing running back Stanford Jennings, offensive lineman Brian Blados and cornerback Carl Carter.

“Whoever thought in Week 6 on this football team that people would say, ‘Well we’ve got to get some young players into the lineup to see if they can do it?’ ” Esiason said. “So is that an indication that the upper, upper part of the team has given up on the season?”

Freeman McNeil, the New York Jets’ all-time leading rusher, will be sidelined at least four weeks after arthroscopic surgery on his left knee.