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Donovan McNabb underwent surgery about eight weeks ago, and according to team officials is enjoying a successful rehab and is right on schedule to participate in spring mini-camp.

According to phillyBurbs.com beat writer Reuben Frank, McNabb has refused several interview requests since the end of the season. He has not spoken publicly since early December, when he was very early in his rehab after surgery to repair the sports hernia that ended his season after just nine games.

But general manager Tom Heckert told Frank this week that McNabb is doing as well as anybody could have hoped for after Dr. William Meyers performed surgery on McNabb on Nov. 28.

"He looks great," Heckert said. "He's working out here every day, he feels good, and he's excited about getting back healthy next year. He's running -- not full speed yet, but it's pretty close. We think he's coming along great. Looking at the guy now and watching him out there, you wouldn't even know he had surgery."

McNabb's season ended on Nov. 14, when he was leveled by Cowboys linebacker Bradie James during Roy Williams' interception return for a touchdown that turned an apparent win over the Cowboys into a crushing loss. That hit drastically worsened a sports hernia that had been nagging McNabb more and more each week.

Frank went on to remind readers that even though McNabb's numbers weren't that bad -- his 85.0 passer rating for the season was actually slightly higher than his career mark -- he was ineffective much of the year while fighting the worsening effects of the injury.

McNabb said he began feeling discomfort in his abdominal area before training camp even began, and he was never able to play the way he was accustomed to -- baffling defenses and creating plays by moving effortlessly behind the line of scrimmage.

"He wasn't healthy all year," Heckert said. "Even before it got really bad, there was a lot he just couldn't do.

"Now he'll be able to move around fine, like he always has, getting out of things and making a lot of big plays. That's always been a big part of our offense and when he was limited moving around it really limited what we were able to do."

It showed.

The Eagles went 4-5 in McNabb's nine starts and then 2-5 in seven starts under Mike McMahon. They finished 6-10 and failed to reach the playoffs for the first time since 1999. This was the first year since 2000 they didn't reach the NFC championship game.

Heckert wasn't the only Eagle talking up McNabb's progress.

"Donovan looks amazing," said veteran punter Sean Landeta, who has been working out at the team headquarters alongside McNabb on a daily basis. "I wish everybody could see how hard he's working and just how much effort he's putting into his rehab. You can just see looking at him how hungry he is and how determined he is. There's no question in my mind he'll be back as good as ever."

McNabb turned 29 just before his surgery and will be entering his eighth NFL season this summer. If all continues to go well, he will be fully involved in the post-draft mini-camp scheduled for the second weekend of May.

And Frank wondered: "What about the curious lack of public support for McNabb, whose 60-28 career record remains the best of any active NFL quarterback with 80 or more starts?"

There is a sizable population of Eagles fans who have lost their confidence in McNabb and expect his struggles of 2005 to continue into next year.

"People are nuts to think that Donovan McNabb isn't a great quarterback," Heckert said. "Look at the quarterbacks around the league. Peyton Manning broke the touchdown record and has been MVP and he has yet to get his team to a Super Bowl. And Donovan has.

"Donovan will be fine. He's our quarterback and will continue to be our quarterback, and we're glad we have him."

In a semi-related follow up to a couple of previous items (review here and here). ... According to Denver Post staff writer Bill Williamson, Tom Nalen sat in a near-empty Broncos locker room Monday and pondered how Denver could improve in 2006.

When asked about one of the most talented players expected to be available this offseason, Nalen didn't hesitate.

"I'd take T.O.," said Denver's veteran center and as Williamson added "a quiet" team leader.

Nalen said controversial wide receiver Terrell Owens would succeed in Denver. Nalen -- whose opinion was backed by other Broncos players Monday -- said Denver's veteran-oriented roster could help Owens work his way back into the NFL. Nalen said the presence of fellow veteran receiver Rod Smith -- the undisputed leader of the Broncos -- would help Owens adjust quickly if he were to come to Denver.

"If it would work anywhere, I think it would work here because of the guys in the locker room," Nalen said. "Guys would keep him straight. ... I think he'd conform. He'd fit in here."

Williamson went on to remind readers that Denver's offense often lacked the ability to attack deep down the field this season. Asked whether he thought Owens would enhance Denver's offense to the point of making it a Super Bowl team, Nalen said, "He'd fit into any offense. He's a great player."

Owens missed the last two months of the season, benched in Philadelphia after clashing with several people in the organization, including head coach Andy Reid and McNabb. Owens, who also had trouble with coaches and teammates in San Francisco, could be available through a trade, although a deal can't be made until early March. He likely will be released by the Eagles in March and become a free agent.

Because of Owens' problems, he likely will sign a fairly reasonable short-term deal.

Denver defensive tackle Gerard Warren said he believes the Broncos can handle any player because of the veteran leadership, which includes Smith, Nalen, quarterback Jake Plummer, safety John Lynch, linebackers Al Wilson and Keith Burns and cornerback Champ Bailey.

Warren -- who had a reputation as being a difficult locker room presence while with Cleveland -- said he felt a warm welcome when he was acquired in March.

"This is a special locker room, and if T.O. were to want to be here and be part of this, the guys would accept him," Warren said. "We're a real team here, and I think the guys know that if you bring in a special player like that, it's to help the team. All these guys from Cleveland came in and fit in, and I think he would, too."

Burns, Denver's special-teams captain, said the Broncos' locker room is a place players succeed when they conform to the team concept. Third-round pick Maurice Clarett never adjusted to Denver's concept, failed to fit in and was released during training camp.

"He can be himself, but he'd also be a part of a team," Burns said of Owens. "If he were able to do that, I think guys would welcome him with open arms."

As Rocky Mountain News staffer Lee Rasizer noted, head coach Mike Shanahan hasn't been willing to speak specifically about the controversial receiver. Still, in general terms, he said, "If somebody handles himself the right way, they could come into this organization but they're going to have to live by the standard we practice."

He added he had no problem working with Owens' agent, Drew Rosenhaus.

Rasizer added, however, it's believed Broncos owner Pat Bowlen is against bringing Owens on board despite the fact the receiver could come cheaper than usual and will have to be on his best behavior to keep a job, given his past run-ins with management with two teams. ...

Owens also got an endorsement from a Tampa Bay Buccaneer last week.

Defensive end Simeon Rice, appearing on Fox Sports Net's "Best Damn Sports Show Period," said he would welcome Owens with open arms.

"He's a gamer," Rice said. "If we had a player like him, we'd have been in the Super Bowl this year."

As St. Petersburg Times correspondent Stephen F. Holder noted, the Bucs have been linked to Owens in reports, but no one in the organization has publicly expressed interest.

Whatever the case, it's likely conversations about Owens were taking place at the Senior Bowl with Rosenhaus making the rounds. ...

Getting back to the Broncos. ... During an unusually expansive season-ending press conference, Shanahan addressed a handful of issues that might interest Fantasy owners.

Asked about the two back-rotation featuring Mike Anderson and Tatum Bell, and whether he preferred having one workhorse runner, the coach replied: "I think everybody would like a franchise-type back. That would be nice to have a guy that you could give the ball 30 times a game, but those guys aren't always out there. You pick them; usually you're picking them for the next coaching staff."

Anderson will be 33 next season but, Shanahan added, "If he's productive, he'll play; if not, then he'll be in a backup role." Shanahan also wants free agent Ron Dayne back at the position and said "he'd love" Bell to prove he can carry 25 times a game and still be productive.

On the disappearance of Darius Watts, who went from No. 3 receiver in training camp to inactive nearly all season: "He still probably has as much ability as any receiver I've been around," Shanahan said. "This off-season will be crucial for him to get consistent catching the ball. And when he does, he'll be a difference-maker. And if he doesn't, then he won't be on the field."

Asked about Plummer's future, Shanahan pointed out his consistency, competitive streak and the "real high standard" he sets for himself.

"If you watched Jake perform, you have to feel very good about Jake Plummer," Shanahan said. "We're hoping he just keeps on improving and getting better with time. ..."

In yet another follow up to an ongoing story (see here, here and here). ... Vikings quarterback Daunte Culpepper followed through Tuesday on a long-rumored move, firing agent Mason Ashe. And as Minneapolis Star Tribune beat writer Kevin Seifert pointed out Tuesday, the decision led to a possibility that apparently has been brewing for months: Might Culpepper replace Ashe with. ... Himself?

Culpepper has told at least one member of the organization that he planned to negotiate his next contract personally as part of a year-long plan to get more involved in his business affairs. Culpepper, in fact, said last summer after accepting an $8 million raise: "I'd rather deal with stuff on a one-on-one basis. Sometimes that is the best way."

Or not. ... As Profootballtalk.com editor Mike Florio put it: "Culpepper's new agent has a fool for a client."

After all, it's highly unusual for NFL players to represent themselves in contract negotiations, given both their legal intricacies as well as the potential for hard feelings created when a player has no buffer between management. For that reason, Culpepper almost assuredly will hire someone with a legal background to assist in the matter, but he appears intent on at least taking the lead.

Culpepper did just that earlier this month after the Vikings refused Ashe's offer to begin renegotiating Culpepper's contract. The following week, Culpepper circulated a letter to key members of the organization, including owner Zygi Wilf, calling for a face-to-face meeting to spark talks.

That meeting fizzled when Rob Brzezinski, vice president of football operations, speaking for Wilf, told Culpepper that the contract would not be changed. Culpepper reportedly stormed out of team headquarters and skipped a scheduled face-to-face meeting with new head coach Brad Childress.

Childress, however, claimed on Wednesday that he and Culpepper talk on a weekly basis.

"You classify rumors as just that, rumors," Childress said Wednesday on "The Drive on Fox" with Chris Myers and Bryan Cox. "There's nobody that knows what Daunte and I talk about except Daunte and I, and I'd like to keep it that way."

Childress said Culpepper's status as the Vikings' No. 1 quarterback has not changed.

"I said in my opening comments. ... He's a franchise quarterback, and I don't believe a guy loses his position based on injury," Childress said. "So the first thing is he doesn't need to be injured anymore. He's got to rehab. He's got control over that. I don't have control over that."

Meanwhile, former Vikings receiver Randy Moss told Dan Patrick on Patrick's ESPN Radio show that he spoke to Culpepper on Monday night.

"Does he want out of Minnesota?" Moss said, repeating Patrick's question. "I really can't get that feel. What Daunte wants is some clarity. Clarity meaning, where is his future going to be? Is it going to be with them, as a franchise quarterback, or does he need to go elsewhere?

"Once he gets clarity, then they can go from there."

Earlier, Moss said he and Culpepper reminisced about their days with the Vikings. Moss said he gave Culpepper some insight on the receiver's new NFL home.

"I gave him a little lowdown on Oakland, the city, the team, the players," said Moss, now with the Raiders. "We just talked about a lot of things."

Moss referred to Culpepper as a "brother" and said the two have a positive relationship.

"I just want to let people know that there's nothing between us but love," Moss said. "But by him and me reuniting would be like a Cinderella story."

An unlikely, but not impossible Cinderella story. ...

In addition to Oakland, recent reports have hinted that Arizona, St. Louis and Miami could all have interest in Culpepper.

But some of the heaviest speculation has centered on Baltimore, where incumbent Kyle Boller has not been guaranteed the starting job in 2006. On Monday, Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome told the Baltimore Sun that he had not spoken with the Vikings about Culpepper but did not rule out the possibility.

"Just like in free agency, we've got to utilize every possibility we can to get better," Newsome told Sun staffer Jamison Hensley.

The Ravens had a chance to land Culpepper in the 1999 draft, but Newsome decided to select cornerback Chris McAlister with the 10th overall pick. The Vikings then drafted Culpepper one pick later.

There had been talk that the Ravens could trade McAlister for Culpepper, but McAlister's contract might make that improbable. ...

According to Pro Football Weekly, Culpepper's future won't be decided until the Vikings have a chance to design a multi-point plan of attack for the upcoming offseason. Until then, the Vikings would like to put any talks regarding Culpepper, including trade discussions, on hold.

Childress wants the chance to evaluate Culpepper within his yet-to-be-implemented system.

That won't happen for at least six months because of Culpepper's health status. According to NFL Network insider Adam Schefter, Culpepper is said to be ahead of schedule in his rehab with his knee injury.

But the Vikings want Culpepper to spend his offseason conditioning, and further rehabbing, in Minnesota -- an idea the veteran signal caller has yet to publicly embrace.

Culpepper said he'll be back on the field by August, but the Vikings want to be sure he's both healthy and beyond the mental and physical errors that caused him to play so poorly in 2005.

So for now, the notion of a trade or other movement doesn't appear imminent. But as Schefter summed up: "At this time last year, a trade for Moss wasn't close, either. ..."

Other Fantasy-specific news and notes from around then NFL. ...

In New England. ... One of the biggest decisions for the Patriots this offseason is what to do with receiver David Givens, who becomes an unrestricted free agent next month.

According to Boston Herald staff writer Michael Felger, the prevailing wisdom remains that Givens will receive an offer (and probably several) early in free agency. In fact, Felger went on to suggest it won't be a question of if a former Bill Belichick aide makes a run at the Pats' emerging No. 2 receiver, but which one ultimately lands the prize.

Cleveland's Romeo Crennel, Miami's Nick Saban and the Jets' Eric Mangini are all thought to be interested.

What's the price?

The low end of the scale is represented by Cincinnati's T.J. Houshmandzadeh, who signed a four-year, $13 million deal with the Bengals last offseason. Felger, however, believes more apt comparisons involve deals signed by Plaxico Burress with the Giants (six years, $25 million, $8 million in bonuses) and Derrick Mason with the Ravens (five years, $20 million, $7 million signing bonus) last year.

And when former Pats veteran David Patten, 31, receives a five-year, $13 million deal (with a $3.5 million bonus) as he did from Washington last March, it's safe to assume Givens, 25, will do very nicely for himself.

Givens is considered by some to be the best free agent receiver available on the market, along with Indianapolis' Reggie Wayne and Pittsburgh's Antwaan Randle El. After those three, the ranks thin considerably.

All of that should be a concern to the Pats, given they only have two receivers under contract for next year -- Deion Branch, Bethel Johnson -- and the more important of the two, Branch, is getting serious about a new deal himself.

In an article published Monday, PFW advised readers that team officials "love Givens for his production and work ethic," but they are concerned by the fact that he has missed time with various nagging injuries in his career.

So should another team blow them away with a lucrative offer, Belichick and Scott would probably choose to fill the No. 2 receiver role through the draft rather than having to outbid the suitor. ...

In Chicago. ... The Bears will not be big players in free agency, but that doesn't mean they won't play.

"We have 'wants,'" pro personnel director Bobby DePaul said Wednesday. "We don't have super 'needs.' That's a good place to be in."

According to Chicago Tribune beat man John Mullin, talk during this year's Senior Bowl practice week was that the Bears' first priority will be Randle El when free agency begins in March.

Randle El has averaged 40 catches for 12.4 yards and 42 punt returns for 9.5 yards during his four seasons with the Steelers.

Randle El also would give the Bears a third-string quarterback on game days without using the active roster spot. His play in the Steelers' playoff run will drive up the price, but the Bears are in excellent salary-cap shape and have not shied from making decisive, big-money moves the last three off-seasons.

The Bears also want another speed receiver to fortify a position that has Bernard Berrian and Mark Bradley, both of whom missed time with injuries in 2005. ...

In Jacksonville. ... Some are calling for the Jaguars to dump Jimmy Smith, but according to Sporting News columnist Dan Pompei, it's not going to happen. At least not in the immediate future.

Smith dropped a few passes this season -- and he'll turn 37 on February 9 -- but the powers that be in Jacksonville believe he remains a fine player who can run, create separation and make plays.

Though the front office believes the team's young receivers are ready to step up and replace Smith's production, Pompei added that team officials see no reason to jettison Smith. The team has the cap room to keep him. The only way Smith will be let go before next season is if he suddenly shows he can't play anymore -- an unlikely scenario. ...

In Carolina. ... While the Panthers have arguably the NFL's best receiver in Steve Smith, beyond that, the team is quite thin at wideout. So, according to PFW, receivers coach Richard Williamson will have to work his magic again next season.

Williamson has been with the Panthers since their inception in 1995 and has been instrumental in molding guys like Smith and Muhsin Muhammad into Pro Bowlers. Williamson's challenge in 2006 is to discover a No. 2 receiver to start alongside Smith.

Drew Carter, who was promoted to the active roster in the final month of the regular season, will get a chance to compete with Keary Colbert.

While Carter is 6-foot-5 with speed comparable to Smith's -- some say Carter is the fastest player on the roster -- and all the potential in the world, PFW advised readers that team officials believe Colbert may have maximized his talents as a rookie in 2004 and that he may be best-suited to be a No. 3 receiver.

Look for the Panthers to address the receiver depth in the draft or by adding a veteran free agent. ...

In San Francisco. ... Also according to Pompei, the Niners are likely to bring in a veteran quarterback to back up Alex Smith.

Head coach Mike Nolan doesn't want competition at the position; he wants a mentor and an insurance policy. Last season Nolan was interested in Trent Dilfer, and Dilfer -- who had a hand in the development of Seattle's Matt Hasselbeck before being traded to the Browns -- would be an ideal candidate if he were available. ...

Also in San Francisco. ... Sacramento Bee staffer Matthew Barrows reported this week that Frank Gore underwent surgery in Miami to repair one of his separated shoulders.

He must wait another four weeks to have the same procedure performed on the other. ...

In Detroit. ... According to Sports Illustrated insider Peter King, new head coach Rod Marinelli is getting some rave reviews.

"The Detroit Lions have just gone from Club Med to the military," former Buc Lynch told King, who reminded readers that's fitting because Marinelli is a Vietnam vet.

The one thing Lions president Matt Millen wanted in a head coach was a Bill Parcells clone, a tough-hided guy who would make a bunch of disinterested players care about football again -- whether they wanted to or not.

King added that Charles Rogers, Damien Woody, Mike Williams are some of the guys who could live their lives quite happily if they never played another down of football.

Marinelli won't stand for that attitude.

Pompei chimed in by suggesting there will be no separate agendas in Detroit. From the front office to the equipment room, everyone will be together.

"Rod's an incredible guy," Dilfer, another former Buccaneer, told King. "He's the unsung hero of all those Tampa Bay teams. That defensive line he coached had some different personalities -- Warren Sapp, Simeon Rice -- and Rod controlled 'em, motivated 'em, got 'em to practice hard every day. I love Rod Marinelli. ..."

And finally. ... Miami Herald staffer Jason Cole noted this week that fan web sites continue to churn the idea of Houston's David Carr being traded to the Dolphins in exchange for a package of Ricky Williams and either a first-, second- or third-round pick.

While there is some logic to the idea -- the Texans could then take Houston native and Texas star Vince Young with the No. 1 overall pick -- Coles suggests there's one really big problem.

Do the Dolphins want to pay $24.5 million over the next three years for Carr?

That's the basic price. The breakdown is this: There are two options in Carr's contract. The first is that the Texans can pay him a $5.5 million bonus on Feb. 19 and then pay him base salaries of $5 million this year and $5.25 million in 2007. That's $15.75 million for two years.

The second is that Carr gets an $8 million bonus on Feb. 19 and base salaries of $5.25 million this year, $5.25 million in 2007 and $6 million in 2008. That's $24.5 million for three years. Neither price is appetizing for a guy who has a lot of potential but not much in results over his first four years.

The Texans could also not pick up the option and simply designate Carr as the team's franchise player. But that move only decreases his value because it means that a team acquiring Carr would have him on only a one-year deal.

In short, as one NFL executive recently told Cole: "The contract isn't tradable."