PRO FOOTBALL DAILY REPORT : AROUND THE NFL : Colts’ Emtman Back on Comeback Trail

Defensive end Steve Emtman, the top pick of the 1992 draft, but out most of the past two years with separate knee injuries, passed a physical exam and was cleared to begin practice with Indianapolis.

“It does not mean that he is ready to play by any means,” Colts vice president of operations Bill Tobin said. “We have taken the rehabilitation and conditioning as far as we can and now it is on to more strenuous activity.”

Emtman tore two ligaments and the patellar tendon in his right knee last Oct. 10 in a game against Dallas. He had surgery in October and again in January.

The Colts also said rookie linebacker Trev Alberts, the fifth player picked in this year’s draft, is seeking a third opinion on his injured elbow. Alberts suffered a dislocated right elbow Aug. 5 in a game against Seattle.

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Rodney Hampton returned to camp a little poorer due to his unexcused absence the previous day. The New York Giants running back explained his absence by saying he had to take care of a personal family matter in Baton Rouge, La. It was not known if Dan Reeves levied the maximum $4,000 fine. . . . Carlton Haselrig, healing from a dislocated wrist, was missing from the Pittsburgh Steelers’ training camp again for personal reasons. The Steelers have declined to comment about the former Pro Bowl guard’s whereabouts. “We should have some further update in a couple of days,” Coach Bill Cowher said. . . . Arizona’s No. 2 quarterback, Jim McMahon, missed his third consecutive practice because of a left ankle sprain and might not play when the Cardinals visit Detroit on Friday. . . . Seattle lost backup wide receiver Reggie Barrett for the season. Barrett underwent surgery to repair ligament damage in his right knee. He was injured in Seattle’s 29-6 exhibition victory over Tampa Bay, a game in which he caught passes of 52 and 15 yards. . . . Denver cut veteran safety Michael Ball, a six-year pro who signed with the Broncos as a free agent last spring.