Practice watch

Quarterback Tarvaris Jackson was in uniform but spent the early, open portion of practice working on the side with head athletic trainer Eric Sugarman, jogging and backpedaling.

Jackson didn't practice Wednesday because of a strained groin muscle and his status for Sunday's game at Kansas City remains uncertain.

Of the other players who missed Wednesday, safety Darren Sharper (hip) returned to practice and safety Dwight Smith (hamstring) was in uniform but did not participate in any early drills.