Dolphins’ Carter Out of Hospital

Miami Dolphin receiver Cris Carter was released from a hospital on Friday and watched his team practice for the first time since being sidelined because of kidney problems.

Carter, who had been hospitalized since Nov. 9, said he hopes to begin practicing within two weeks.

“I’m feeling a lot better,” Carter said. “We’re going to take it slow. I need my kidneys to recover.”

A variety of factors, including fatigue, dehydration and flu, contributed to the kidney problems, Carter said.

Coach Dave Wannstedt is targeting the Dolphins’ Dec. 1 game at Buffalo for Carter’s return.

“It’s good to see him out of the hospital and with a smile on his face. We’ll probably have another meeting with the doctors on Monday or Tuesday,” Wannstedt said. “But we’re optimistic.”

Carter’s teammates were surprised by Carter’s presence at practice.

“He brought a smile to everyone’s face when he came out there,” said James McKnight, who replaced Carter in the starting lineup.

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All-pro running back Marshall Faulk might return to practice today with the St. Louis Rams hoping his injured legs will feel good enough for him to play Monday night against the Chicago Bears.

Faulk didn’t practice Friday, but Coach Mike Martz said he was making progress. Faulk, listed as questionable for the game, ended up watching practice after doing some running on a treadmill.

“He did quite a bit, actually, just to see where he was and get some cardiovascular training going,” Martz said. “He’s still got a little bit of soreness.”

Faulk sprained his right ankle and strained a tendon in his left foot last Sunday against San Diego. The ankle is more of an issue than the foot.

“I’m a little pessimistic about it, but we’ll just see,” Martz said. “If he’s ready, he’s ready. We’ve been through this before, and Marshall is always very optimistic about these things.”

Rookie Lamar Gordon will start if Faulk, who has missed seven games in eight-plus seasons in the NFL, isn’t able to play.

Kurt Warner, who will be the backup quarterback to Marc Bulger against the Bears, handled scout team duties Friday.

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Indianapolis Colt running back Edgerrin James went through a full practice and is expected to play Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys.

James missed the last two games because of a strained hamstring and torn rib cartilage.

“He did well,” Coach Tony Dungy said. “He said that he feels well. He’s running well, so right now it looks optimistic.”

James, who missed most of last season with a knee injury, likely will share time with backup James Mungro.

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Baltimore Raven Coach Brian Billick is expected to make a game-time decision on whether linebacker Ray Lewis will play against the Miami Dolphins this weekend.

Lewis was upgraded to questionable. The all-pro has missed five straight games because of a partially left dislocated shoulder.

“Ray had a good week. We’ll see how he is come Sunday,” Billick said.

Lewis participated in practice Thursday and a walkthrough Friday but said his shoulder was sore.

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Dallas Cowboy offensive lineman Larry Allen won’t play Sunday at Indianapolis, missing his fourth consecutive game because of an injured left ankle.

Coach Dave Campo, speaking after practice, would not address Allen’s status beyond Sunday. There have been strong indications that if the seven-time all-pro didn’t play this week he would have season-ending surgery.

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Tampa Bay rookie running back Travis Stephens was put on injured reserve because of a dislocated left big toe.

The Buccaneers filled the roster spot by signing defensive tackle DeVone Claybrooks from the practice squad.