Freeman Puts Issues Aside, Signs With Packers

Antonio Freeman and Mike Sherman are trying to work things out.

The two parted on bad terms last summer after fighting about money and other matters. They were reunited Wednesday when the injured-riddled Green Bay Packers brought back Brett Favre’s all-time favorite target.

Freeman, who caught 57 touchdown passes from Favre between 1995 and 2001, signed a one-year, guaranteed deal and got his No. 86 jersey back from injured rookie Carl Ford.

Freeman is expected to start Sunday’s home game against the Detroit Lions. Pro Bowl receiver Donald Driver is out because of a neck injury.

“I never envisioned coming back,” Freeman said. “You have to take the situation as a blessing for both of us, because I was available and they were willing to welcome me back.”

Sherman, the Packer coach and general manager, banished Freeman from the season finale in 2001 after he showed up late for practice.

“I don’t hold hard feelings on people. I’m a fairly forgiving person,” Sherman said, blaming Freeman’s departure on finances.

The Packers released Freeman on June 3, 2002, after he refused a big pay cut.

The Packers also signed receiver Chris Jackson of the Arena Football League’s Los Angeles Avengers.

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All-Pro safety Brian Dawkins of the Philadelphia Eagles will miss two to six weeks with a sprained right foot.

Dawkins was one of three defensive starters injured in Monday night’s 17-0 season-opening loss to Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay. Pro Bowl cornerback Bobby Taylor also has a sprained foot and defensive end Brandon Whiting strained a hamstring.

Taylor and Whiting are doubtful for Sunday’s game against the New England Patriots.

The Patriots will be without linebacker Ted Johnson, who is out indefinitely because of a broken foot.

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Oakland Raider safety Rod Woodson underwent surgery late Tuesday to repair a meniscus tear in his left knee. The 38-year-old Woodson was hurt in the Raiders’ 25-20 season-opening loss at Tennessee. Coach Bill Callahan wasn’t sure how long his leader of the secondary would be sidelined. Receiver Jerry Porter is questionable for the Raiders’ home opener against Cincinnati with a strained stomach muscle.... The Tennessee Titans signed kicker Gary Anderson, the NFL’s career scoring leader and the league’s oldest active player at 44, to replace Joe Nedney, who is out for the season with a leg injury.