DAVIE, Fla. — Daunte Culpepper underwent arthroscopic knee surgery Thursday to remove a piece of cartilage that has hampered his recovery from reconstructive surgery a year ago.
The problem was discovered when Culpepper was examined Wednesday by Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala.
"Behind his kneecap there was a little piece of articular cartilage that was causing some catching," coach Nick Saban said. "That's what was causing the problem.
Culpepper will remain on the active roster, at least for now, so there remains a chance he'll play again this season.
Culpepper underwent major knee surgery in November 2005. He returned to the field more quickly than expected and played in Miami's first four games, but with his mobility hampered, he was sacked 21 times.
NINERS JOHNSON OUT: San Francisco 49ers tight end Eric Johnson will miss at least the next two weeks after injuring his left knee during practice. Johnson, who has 32 catches for 282 yards and two touchdowns this season, missed two of the last three seasons with serious injuries. He had a team-leading 82 catches for 825 yards in 2004. Johnson will be replaced by rookie Vernon Davis.
TITANS' WHITE STRAINS HIP: Tennessee Titans rookie running back LenDale White sat out Thursday's practice because of a strained hip but said he should be back on the practice field today. White, a second-round pick from Southern California, suffered a strained hip muscle in Wednesday's practice.
VIKES' WILLIAMS DOUBTFUL: Minnesota Vikings' defensive tackle Pat Williams was downgraded Thursday from questionable to doubtful for the game Sunday at Chicago because of a right knee injury.