By The Associated Press
Failing to fulfill the promise that made him the No. 5 pick in the 1994 NFL draft, linebacker Trev Alberts retired yesterday after three injury plagued seasons with the Indianapolis Colts.
The Colts announced the retirement a day after the former Nebraska star failed to show up for scheduled reconstructive surgery on his right shoulder.
"It was something that was hanging out there that needed to be closed, and now it is," said Bill Tobin, vice president of football operations for the Colts.
"He is going to get on with his life, and we are going to get on with our football team. Unless he decides to come out of retirement in years to come, he is probably history in the National Football League."
Alberts, who signed a six-year contract valued at $8.15 million in 1994, missed 20 games over three seasons because of a dislocated right elbow, concussion, partially dislocated left shoulder and hamstring injury.
Alberts could not be located for comment. His agent, Ralph Cindrich, has not returned telephone messages this week.
Packers
Brett Favre said his agent, James "Bus" Cook, is headed to Green Bay in hopes of wrapping up a contract extension that would make the star quarterback the NFL's highest-paid player.
The impending deal is worth between $44 million and $49 million over seven years and includes a signing bonus of between $10 million and $11 million. Even on the low end, Favre's deal would bump Detroit's Barry Sanders, who signed a reported six-year, $34 million deal on Sunday.
"I haven't signed it yet," Favre said. "I'm hoping it will be done. Bus is going to come in Thursday and we're going to talk to them Friday and see if we can't get it done. But we haven't locked anything up concrete."
Cowboys
Dallas receiver Michael Irvin and offensive tackle Erik Williams were excused from afternoon practice to attended a meeting regarding their character-defamation lawsuit against Fort Worth's KXAS-TV. The suit stems from the reporting of rape allegations against the players.
Raiders
Darrell Russell, the No. 2 overall pick in the April draft, signed a seven-year, $22.05 million contract with Oakland.
"It is a big relief. I look at it like it wasn't a holdout, it was like a chemist in the lab coming up with that perfect compound," said the former Southern California defensive lineman, the first of the top six picks to sign.
Russell has $8.325 million in guaranteed payments. The total package, the guaranteed amount and the average of $3.15 million per year are records for a rookie contract, said agent Leigh Steinberg.
Broncos
Denver backup quarterback Bill Musgrave retired, virtually assuring Bubby Brister of making the roster.
Musgrave played in six games last year, but slipped to fourth on the initial depth chart issued at training camp.
"Bill called me last night," coach Mike Shanahan said. "He's 30 years old and he's fighting for that No. 3 spot and he didn't really know if he was going to be on the team or not. He decided to retire.
"He's going to go to graduate school and kind of get on with his life. He wants to coach. I thought he was a lot smarter than that."
Meanwhile, defensive end Neil Smith's right knee injury appears to be minor. He was expected to practice today and might play in Saturday night's exhibition opener against Buffalo.
"I have a slight bruise on a nerve that is really bothering me," Smith said. "My leg feels kind of funny, but nothing's damaged, which is the most important thing. It's a day-to-day process."
Cardinals
Arizona defensive star Simeon Rice was bedridden for a third consecutive day while recovering from a severe headache.
With the headache gone, Rice still was feeling the effects of a painful diagnostic procedure performed Sunday at Flagstaff Regional Medical Center.
"Simeon is up and around now," coach Vince Tobin said. "His back is bothering him where he had the spinal tap, and that's the thing that's really keeping him out. It's hard for him to walk around, but I would hope that would subside and he'll be out here in a short period of time."
Eagles
Philadelphia signed Jimmie Jones, a free agent defensive linemen who started 14 games for St. Louis last season, to a one-year contract.
"He has good quickness up the field and is a big man," coach Ray Rhodes said. "That's what we were looking for as an anchor guy. This guy was a big part of Dallas winning its first Super Bowl. He can be a big help."
Jones, 31, earned $1.8 million last year with the Rams before falling victim to the salary cap. His Eagles contract is worth $500,000.
49ers
Offensive tackle Harris Barton pulled himself out San Francisco's workout because of recurring knee soreness. He'll be sidelined indefinitely.
Barton, who was switched from the right side of the line to the left, underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee in May.
"He's frustrated because he wants to be healthy and wants to have the quick feet that he's shown all these years," coach Steve Mariucci said.
Fullback Marc Edwards, a second-round draft pick out of Notre Dame, signed a four-year contract. Financial terms were not released.
Ravens
Jamie Sharper, Baltimore's top pick in the second round, ended a nine-day holdout by agreeing to a three-year, $1.7 million contract.
"I'm very happy to be here and have this process over with," said Sharper, a former Virginia linebacker selected 34th overall. "I'm ready to play a little football. That's the big thing."
Redskins
Defensive lineman Chris Mims underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee. Mims, who had surgery on the knee during the offseason, is expected to be sidelined for two to six weeks.
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