Marino Practices Again

Dan Marino, sidelined because of a pinched nerve in his neck, practiced Monday for the first time in nearly six weeks but it’s still not clear if he will start Thursday against the Cowboys at Dallas.

Dolphin Coach Jimmy Johnson said Marino’s arm strength has returned to normal, but his endurance remains a concern.

“He just said his arm gets tired quicker now than what it did before,” Johnson said.

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Suspended San Diego quarterback Ryan Leaf played flag football at a local park during the weekend, disappointing team officials and raising questions about whether he violated his contract.

Coach Mike Riley said he spoke with Leaf, and the second-year pro admitted that he had played flag football Saturday. According to reports, Leaf sprained an ankle and had to be helped off the field.

General Manager Bobby Beathard refused to comment on whether the Chargers would take action against Leaf.

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The Indianapolis Colts suspended defensive end Shawn King and safety Tito Wooten for four weeks after the two players missed bed check last weekend. . . . Miami Dolphin starting wide receiver O.J. McDuffie did not practice and is day-to-day because of a severely sprained left big toe. . . . Jacksonville Jaguar wide receiver Keenan McCardell is recovering from a deep thigh bruise and is day-to-day.