Reinstated Carter Signed by Vikings

Dale Carter, a four-time all-pro cornerback who recently completed an 18-month suspension for violating the league’s substance-abuse policy, signed a one-year contract with the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday.

Carter hopes to suit up Sunday at Philadelphia, his agent said. He’s also getting a chance to play with his brother, receiver Jake Reed.

“He’s always wanted to play with his brother. That’s always been a dream of his,” said his agent, Mitch Frankel, who also represents Reed and fellow receiver Cris Carter.

Frankel declined to disclose the terms of the contract, but added: “He believes he can help at his position.”

So do the Vikings, who’ve been hurt by an inexperienced and injury-riddled secondary the last few seasons.

“We’ve always believed in guys getting a second chance,” Coach Dennis Green said. “That’s what the world is all about.... The timing worked out for us, and I think it will work out for Dale, also.”

Carter was reinstated by the league Wednesday and practiced Thursday.

Green hoped he would be ready to play some on special teams Sunday.

“I’m hoping he can ... get used to carrying his pads and using his headgear and so forth,” Green said. “Then we’ll take it from there.”

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Quarterback Chris Chandler practiced, taking about half of the snaps with the Atlanta Falcons’ first-team offense.

Coach Dan Reeves plans to wait until Sunday, though, to decide whether Chandler or rookie Michael Vick will start for the Falcons against the Dallas Cowboys.

Chandler left Atlanta’s 24-10 loss to New England at the end of the third quarter with injured ribs. The 14-year veteran did not practice Wednesday.

“He was much improved over what he was yesterday,” Reeves said. “So I think he’s got a chance.”

After what he called one of the “poorest games” ever by a Bronco defense in a 38-28 loss to Oakland on Monday night, Coach Mike Shanahan said he’s assuming a more active role again.

An offensive specialist, Shanahan expects to be more involved defensively during meetings and on the practice field, as well as having more of a say about defensive play-calling and schemes.

“I think [owner] Pat [Bowlen] hired me to be in charge of the team,” Shanahan said.

“Defense is a segment of the team, so I’ve got to do a better job of getting everybody ready. It comes back to me.”

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Jacksonville Jaguar salary-cap expert Michael Huyghue told owner Wayne Weaver of his plans to leave the team before the end of the season to go into business with an NFL agent.

Huyghue will go into partnership with agent David Dunn, who earlier this season split with Leigh Steinberg.

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The Tennessee Titans put defensive tackle John Thornton on injured reserve and signed tight end Brian Natkin from the practice squad.