The Indianapolis Colts placed offensive lineman Makoa Freitas, a Kamehameha Schools alum, on injured reserve yesterday.

Freitas, a sixth-round selection by the Colts in the 2003 draft from the University of Arizona, sustained a foot injury in the preseason finale.

Because Freitas is on injured reserve he will not play this season.

BRONCOS

RICE EXPECTED TO MAKE DECISION ON FUTURE

Jerry Rice was checked out of his hotel in Denver yesterday as he contemplated whether to retire or play his final season as a fourth or fifth receiver for the Broncos.

Rice survived Denver's cutdown to 53 players Saturday.

But his agent, Jim Steiner, said the NFL's all-time leading receiver had been notified by Broncos coach Mike Shanahan that he would not be their No. 3 receiver.

"That's out of the picture," Steiner said.

Steiner said Rice wanted to close out his career no lower than a third receiver.

"That's what his goal was," Steiner said. "That's what he wanted."

Workers at the hotel where Rice has stayed since he signed with Denver — a golf resort close to the Broncos facility — said Rice's golf clubs were gone, and he checked out of the hotel late last week. Steiner said Rice was in San Francisco yesterday and a decision would likely come today, after he had a chance to meet with Shanahan.

BROWNS

TIGHT END MILLER SIGNS ONE-YEAR CONTRACT

Veteran tight end Billy Miller signed a one-year contract with Cleveland yesterday.

Miller, waived by the Houston Texans last week, provides needed depth with Steve Heiden the only healthy tight end on the roster. Aaron Shea strained a chest muscle in the preseason finale at Chicago, and his status for the opener Sunday against Cincinnati hasn't been determined.

The 6-foot-3, 252-pound Miller, entering his sixth NFL season, was Houston's leading receiver in 2002, catching 51 passes for 613 yards and three touchdowns.

To make room for Miller on the roster, the Browns released rookie wide receiver Brandon Rideau, who was later signed to the practice squad.

The Browns also completed the trade of offensive lineman Melvin Fowler to the Minnesota Vikings for offensive lineman Nat Dorsey.

The teams agreed to the deal Saturday, pending the players passing physicals.

EAGLES

TEAM GETS BIG RUNNING BACK IN GORDON

Philadelphia filled its need for a big running back, claiming Lamar Gordon off waivers from the Miami Dolphins yesterday.

Second-year pro Bruce Perry was released to make room for Gordon.

"Lamar is a big back with good speed and quickness," Eagles coach Andy Reid said. "He also has the ability to catch the ball, which will help him in this offense. He's a talented, young running back who should be a good complement to the rest of the backs on this team. We're looking forward to getting him into Philadelphia and onto the practice field this week."

The 6-foot-1, 223-pound Gordon has 171 carries for 590 yards and two touchdowns, and 51 receptions for 411 yards and two scores in three seasons.

A third-round pick by St. Louis in 2002, Gordon spent two years with the Rams and was traded to Miami two days before the season opener last year. He is scheduled to practice with the team today.

The Eagles have been looking for a back with size since Correll Buckhalter went down with a season-ending knee injury for the third time in four years. Pro Bowl running back Brian Westbrook, rookie Ryan Moats and third-year pro Reno Mahe each are listed at 5-10 or shorter and under 212 pounds.

ELSEWHERE

Jaguars: Jacksonville placed linebacker Jorge Cordova on injured reserve yesterday with a knee injury. To replace him, the Jaguars claimed linebacker Tracy White off waivers from Seattle.

Jets: New York acquired offensive lineman Steve Morley from Green Bay yesterday for an undisclosed draft choice. The Jets also cut first-year guard Jason Nerys, and claimed wide receiver Dante Ridgeway off waivers from the Cincinnati Bengals and cornerback Lamont Reid off waivers from Arizona.

49ers: San Francisco claimed tight end Trent Smith off waivers from Baltimore yesterday, cutting tight end Aaron Walker to make room on the roster.

Bears: Chicago claimed defensive backs Daven Holly and Chris Thompson off waivers and waived offensive lineman Steve Edwards and defensive back Jerrell Pippens.

Vikings: Minnesota released veteran punter Darren Bennett and claimed rookie Chris Kluwe off waivers.