Left guard Pete Kendall did turn up for practice and drew praise from coach Jim Zorn for running wind sprints after practice a month before his 35th birthday. However, cornerback Shawn Springs and safety LaRon Landry remained AWOL.

While Zorn and defensive coordinator Greg Blache said that they hadn't heard from the missing defensive backs, teammates said they had heard from them and that each had missed his flight.

Running back Clinton Portis was back on the field after missing some time last month with a hip flexor. However, receiver Antwaan Randle El remained out after having a knee scoped on May 5. Safety Vernon Fox was also still sidelined after having a knee scoped a week earlier.

-- David Elfin

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