The 33-year-old Rice signed a one-year, $3 million contract on Sept. 3. He chose Denver over St. Louis in part because of the opportunity to get more playing time after starter Ebenezer Ekuban suffered a season-ending Achilles' injury in training camp.

''Under the current situation, we felt like we were better with the younger players that we do have,'' coach Mike Shanahan said.

Rice, a 12-year veteran, has 121 career sacks, second only to Michael Strahan among active players.

Around the league

Vikings: Minnesota will wait until Sunday's pregame warm-ups to name either Tarvaris Jackson or Brooks Bollinger as the starting quarterback.

Giants: Receiver Plaxico Burress did not practice Friday and was listed as questionable for Sunday's game against Dallas.

Bills: Starting receiver Josh Reed and defensive end Aaron Schobel both missed practice Friday and are questionable for Sunday's game at Miami.

Dolphins: Middle linebacker Zach Thomas will sit out Sunday against Buffalo because of migraines, the fourth game he has missed since a concussion in September.

Titans: Defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth will be a game-time decision Sunday after missing his third consecutive practice with a right hamstring injury.

Redskins: Receivers Santana Moss and Antwaan Randle El were unable to practice again Friday.

Colts: Defensive tackle Raheem Brock (neck) and cornerback Marlin Jackson (foot) returned to practice after sitting out the two previous days with injuries.

Sunday

Denver at Kansas City, 11 a.m., Ch. 2

Minnesota at Green Bay, 11 a.m., Ch. 13

Dallas at N.Y. Giants, 2:15 p.m., Ch. 13

Indianapolis at San Diego, 6:15 p.m., Ch. 5

Monday

San Francisco at Seattle, 6:30 p.m., ESPN