Dolphins Consider Signing Cris Carter

The Miami Dolphins are giving serious consideration to bringing receiver-turned-broadcaster Cris Carter out of retirement and back onto the football field, according to NFL and HBO sources.

Carter, who turns 37 next month, retired after last season as the league’s second all-time leading receiver. He has been working as a commentator on HBO’s “Inside the NFL.”

The Dolphins, who at 5-1 are tied with three teams for the league’s best record, are hurting at receiver in light of an injury to Oronde Gadsden, who suffered a ruptured ligament in his left wrist last Sunday and is considering season-ending surgery. Gadsden’s decision about whether to undergo the operation right away hinges on whether the Dolphins offer him a satisfactory contract extension.

Another Dolphin receiver, Chris Chambers, was knocked out of last Sunday’s game at Denver after absorbing a helmet-to-helmet hit by Bronco safety Kenoy Kennedy. Chambers is listed as questionable for today’s game against Buffalo.

A Dolphin official said no decisions on Gadsden or roster moves will be made until Monday, at the earliest.

Miami was one of the teams that considered signing Carter in the off-season. In 15 seasons with Philadelphia and Minnesota, Carter made 1,093 catches for 13,833 yards and 129 touchdowns.

--Sam Farmer

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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who have the NFL’s top-ranked defense, gave defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin a two-year contract extension.

Kiffin is in his seventh year with the Buccaneers and his 20th in the NFL. His extension runs through the 2004 season.

Tampa Bay (5-1) has given up an NFL-low 56 points and an average of 250.7 yards season. The Buccaneers have given up only 30 points in their current five-game winning streak.

“Monte is one of the best defensive coordinators in the league,” Buccaneer General Manager Rich McKay said on the team’s Web site. “The continuity of the coaching staff is a priority of this organization, and extending Monte is a part of that continuing plan.”

The Buccaneers didn’t disclose financial terms of the extension. ESPN reported on its Web site that Kiffin’s salary will average $1 million annually in 2003 and 2004, making him the highest-paid assistant in the league.

The Detroit Lions activated wide receiver Germane Crowell from the physically unable to perform list and put linebacker Brian Williams on injured reserve.

Crowell has been recovering from injuries to both knees. Williams sustained a leg injury against Green Bay in Week 3.

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Pittsburgh Steeler linebacker Kendrell Bell expects to start Monday against the Indianapolis Colts despite a sprained ankle that has limited him to playing in one quarter this season.

--Associated Press