NFL DAILY REPORT : Dilfer Returns to Practice

Trent Dilfer’s sore right shoulder felt better Thursday and the Tampa Bay Buccaneer quarterback returned to practice for Sunday’s game against the Denver Broncos.

“Trent’s going to be fine,” Coach Tony Dungy said. “He was able to go through the whole practice and throw. He probably had a little discomfort, but he’ll be OK.”

Dilfer, who has made 68 consecutive starts, sat out most of Wednesday’s practice because of what he said an MRI exam showed was swelling in the rotator cuff.

“It’s significantly better from [Wednesday],” Dilfer said. “Our trainers did a good job of treating it . . . and I threw without a whole lot of discomfort.”

*

The Green Bay Packers announced that Pro Bowl tight end Mark Chmura will undergo two additional weeks of tests before he makes a decision on his future. His wife and agent have urged him to retire, and the Packers are preparing for a season without his contributions.

Chmura will be sidelined for Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings--and perhaps forever--after three incidents of temporary numbness and partial paralysis resulting from a bulging disc in his neck.

*

Defensive end Alfred Williams of the Denver Broncos briefly rejoined team workouts, but Coach Mike Shanahan said it was premature to speculate whether Williams will play Sunday against Tampa Bay.

After sitting out last week’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs because of back pain, Williams discovered on Monday that he has two bulging discs. He skipped Wednesday’s practice.

“Alfred practiced a little bit today,” Shanahan said. “He got a few reps in there, so that’s a good sign. But to say he’ll be ready to go, that’s a little premature. I really don’t know.”

Williams is listed as questionable for Sunday.

*

Cornerback Dexter McCleon of the St. Louis Rams re-injured the hamstring that kept him out of the season opener two weeks ago but is listed as probable for Sunday’s game against the Atlanta Falcons.