NFC DAILY REPORT : Lions Reiterate Sanders Is Not in Their Plans

Responding to reports that Barry Sanders’ father, William, will ask the running back to return to Detroit long enough to break Walter Payton’s NFL rushing record, the Lions reiterated that they consider him retired--and that’s it.

Lion owner William Clay Ford Sr. said he had more pressing concerns than the Sanders situation.

“Nobody’s heard from him, so we don’t know what he really thinks,” Ford told radio station WWJ. “It’s just pure speculation.

“I’m going by what he said--his desire to not play is stronger than his desire to play. . . . But he’s history as far as we’re concerned now.”

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Arizona Cardinal Coach Vince Tobin is downplaying the significance of the decision to list defensive tackle Eric Swann as doubtful for Monday night’s game against the San Francisco 49ers.

It’s the first time the two-time Pro Bowl performer has been listed as anything other than out since the seventh game of last season, because of knee surgery.

“He hasn’t been cleared for a game yet, but this is Wednesday and we’ll see what happens,” Tobin said. “He would have to be cleared before he would be declared eligible to play.”

Swann, who refused comment, said about two weeks ago that he expected to be ready in six to eight weeks.

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Tampa Bay Buccaneer quarterback Trent Dilfer sat out most of practice because of a sore right shoulder, but he is is expected to play Sunday against the Denver Broncos. Dilfer has started 68 consecutive games. . . . The Atlanta Falcons signed running back Winslow Oliver, 26, cut two weeks ago by the Carolina Panthers, to take the roster spot of star rusher Jamal Anderson, who was placed on the injured reserve list after suffering a season-ending knee injury in Monday’s loss to the Dallas Cowboys. . . . Chicago Bear kicker Jeff Jaeger said he is “90%” recovered from a hip injury and should be ready to play at Oakland on Sunday. Jaeger’s replacement, Brian Gowins, was cut for the third time this season Monday after missing a 50-yard field goal and a potential game-winning 48-yarder in Sunday’s loss to Seattle.