Rams running back Steven Jackson ended his holdout yesterday and St. Louis appeared on the verge of signing him to a new multiyear contract.

Jackson told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch he had agreed "in principle" to terms of a deal. He added that once a few details were ironed out, "We'll be pretty much done."

The 235-pound Jackson, a bruising runner and the centerpiece of the Rams' offense, is entering the final season of a five-year, $7 million deal he signed as a first-round pick in 2004. The Rams averaged only 16 points last season while the team went 3-13.

Jackson told the newspaper in a story on its Web site that the stalemate had been about a difference in philosophy. He said talks "recommenced" late last week, and Jackson booked a flight from Las Vegas to St. Louis yesterday when a deal appeared imminent.

Jackson is scheduled for a physical this morning and could make it onto the practice field that day.

Jackson had his third consecutive 1,000-yard season in 2007.

ELSEWHERE

Chargers: San Diego linebacker Shawne Merriman had his knee examined yesterday in Alabama after lingering soreness kept him out of practice for more than a week. Merriman underwent surgery to repair cartilage damage five months ago but has had persistent pain in the knee during training camp.

Eagles: Philadelphia wide receiver Kevin Curtis will have surgery today to repair a sports hernia and will likely miss the start of the regular season. Eagles coach Andy Reid believes Curtis, the team's top receiver last season, will be back during the regular season, but no timetable has been set for his return.

Chiefs: Linebacker Demorrio Williams will likely miss the final two Kansas City preseason games with a broken bone in his right hand, but expects to be ready for the Sept. 7 opener at New England.

Seahawks: Seattle quarterback Matt Hasselbeck did not practice again because of a stiff back yesterday, and he may also miss his second consecutive preseason game against San Diego.

Trade: The Miami Dolphins traded cornerback Travis Daniels to the Cleveland Browns for an undisclosed draft pick. Daniels played in all 16 games last season for Miami, including five starts.