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Culpepper Probable for Sunday’s Game

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Associated Press

Todd Bouman remains a backup for the Minnesota Vikings despite passing for 348 yards and four touchdowns in his first NFL start.

Daunte Culpepper, who sat out with a sprained knee as Bouman led the Vikings to a 42-24 victory over Tennessee, will be listed as probable on the injury report this week and should return as the starter Sunday at Detroit.

“We anticipate [Culpepper] making a lot of progress this week,” Coach Dennis Green said.

With punter Mitch Berger injured, the Vikings still might be able to find some work for Bouman against the Lions.

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Berger broke a bone in his neck while making a tackle on a kickoff in the third quarter Sunday against the Titans and might have to sit out a game.

Green said that Bouman could step in for Berger as the punter, and as holder on extra points and field goals.

“He can do a lot of different things,” Green said. “Gary Anderson, of course, can kick off and Todd Bouman can hold. So we can have it covered.”

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Three consecutive field goals helped Neil Rackers keep his job as the Cincinnati Bengals’ kicker.

The Bengals released kicker Jaret Holmes from their practice squad, an indication that Rackers’ job is safe for the rest of the season. The Bengals signed Holmes to the practice squad Nov. 1 after Rackers missed six of nine attempts during one stretch.

The Bengals waived tight end Marco Battaglia.

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Cleveland Coach Butch Davis said O.J. Santiago will not be arrested by Pittsburgh police, who had expected the tight end to turn himself in sometime this week.

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“He will not be arrested,” Davis said. “There is no arrest warrant.”

On Saturday, Pittsburgh Police Lt. Kevin Kraus said an arrest warrant had been issued Friday against Santiago for misdemeanor marijuana possession.

Davis said Santiago and his attorney had been “working with the authorities in Pittsburgh” and the Browns had been told Santiago would not be arrested.

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Buffalo receiver Peerless Price was fined $30,000 by the league for shoving an opponent from behind after the Bills’ game against San Francisco on Dec. 2.... Detroit Lion safety Tommy Bennett has been suspended for the final four games this season for violating the league’s policy banning the use of steroids.

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