PRO FOOTBALL / DAILY REPORT : NFC : Knee Problems Are Hampering Foster

Barry Foster has recurring swelling in his right knee, casting doubt on his availability for Carolina’s exhibition game Saturday against the New York Giants.

“I don’t know if we’ll have to get it drained or what. We’ll probably have to wait until tomorrow to decide,” Coach Dom Capers said after Foster missed the Panthers’ practice.

Foster has been hampered by injuries since being acquired in a trade in May, complaining of a sore foot and resting it often during preseason practice. He has averaged 2.8 yards on 22 carries in exhibition games and suffered what was diagnosed as a sprained knee when he was hit during Carolina’s Aug. 4 exhibition game against Chicago.

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Former Steeler Gary Anderson drew a standing ovation, then uncharacteristically missed two of five field goal attempts as the Philadelphia Eagles won anyway, 16-6, at Pittsburgh in completing their first unbeaten preseason in 34 years. The Steelers finished 1-3 in exhibitions.

Anderson, however, did hit from 31, 34 and 42 yards and Charlie Garner, backing up Ricky Watters, ran for 94 yards and the game’s only touchdown, a five-yarder with 9:26 remaining.

Randall Cunningham was ineffective, completing only six of 16 passes for 73 yards. But the Steelers’ Neil O’Donnell (three of 10 for 39 yards and two interceptions) was even worse. Steeler cornerback Deon Figures, originally expected to be out until October because of a gunshot wound to the left knee, played and was effective in coverage. *

The rivalry between the Dallas Cowboys and the San Francisco 49ers has extended beyond the field to the bidding for free agent cornerback Deion Sanders.

Dallas quarterback Troy Aikman has already said he’d be willing to restructure his contract to help facilitate the signing of Sanders, even saying he would play “for free” if it meant landing Sanders.

Now, several 49ers, including Steve Young and Brent Jones, are saying they would be willing to restructure contracts to help re-sign Sanders.

Carmen Policy, the 49er president, is scheduled to meet with Sanders’ agent Wednesday.