PRO FOOTBALL / DAILY REPORT : NFC : Sanders Is Cleared to Face the Falcons

Deion Sanders has been cleared by the NFL to play in Sunday’s game against the Falcons in Atlanta even though the league has ruled his contract invalid, Dallas Cowboy owner Jerry Jones said.

The NFL notified Jones by mail last Friday that Sanders’ seven-year, $35-million contract is $1.39 million over the salary cap and therefore invalid. But the league called Jones Tuesday to say that Sanders can suit up while it seeks confirmation in U.S. District Court that the contract circumvents the salary cap.

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The Chicago Bears released 34-year-old veteran defensive end Richard Dent, the team’s career sack leader who had rejoined the Bears Sept. 18 after spending an injury-filled season in San Francisco.