MINNEAPOLIS—When Carolina defensive end Julius Peppers had a field day against Minnesota left tackle Bryant McKinnie in a nationally televised game three weeks ago, you can bet DeMarcus Ware was watching. When Ware’s Dallas Cowboys come to town on Sunday for an NFC divisional playoff game, he will be looking for similar success against the 6-8, 335-pound “Mount McKinnie,“ who is charged with protecting Brett Favre’s blind side.

Unlike most rookie receivers, Virginian Percy Harvin never had much trouble adjusting to life in the NFL. The confident former Florida Gator never flinched at the Minnesota Vikings’ voluminous playbook, deftly made adjustments on the fly while running a route, and looked like a natural returning kickoffs for the first time in his career.

Brett Favre’s presence in Minnesota galls most Packers fans. And the nausea level could be off the charts tonight if Favre leads his latest team past the one he quarterbacked so successfully for so long.

Brett Favre’s latest retirement lasted all of three weeks. The three-time MVP has done an about-face for the second time in as many years and will play for the Minnesota Vikings this season. “I felt I did everything I possibly could do to get where I need to be,“ Favre said yesterday. “You’re 39, your arm may not feel like it did at 21. But the pieces are in place that you don’t have to do that much and I agree with that.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. - Patriots owner Robert Kraft suggested that New England has little interest in signing Michael Vick. Kraft said the team doesn’t need the former Atlanta Falcons and Virginia Tech star because the Patriots already have the best quarterback in Tom Brady. Patriots coach Bill Belichick praised Vicks’ ability last week when he was conditionally reinstated by the NFL after serving 18 months in prison for running a dogfighting ring.

The Minnesota Vikings yesterday waived former Virginia Tech quarterback Sean Glennon, offensive lineman Bobby Lepori and tight end Nick Walker . All three were signed as rookie free agents after not being drafted in April. Lepori played at Fresno State and Walker at Alabama. The cuts trimmed the Vikings’ roster to 82 players. The roster limit is 80 players, but drafted rookies do not count against the cap until they are signed.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. - Here’s a sample, compliments of New England Patriots linebacker Pierre Woods, of what television viewers can expect when Rodney Harrison goes on the air: “When you hit someone, you want their mommas to feel it.“ “I miss Rodney. I wish he was here,“ Woods said after New England’s optional workout yesterday. “Wherever he’s at, I’m sure he’s going to be great.“

Vikings president: We’re still interested in Favre

Retired quarterback Brett Favre is scheduled to meet with Minnesota Vikings coach Brad Childress about a possible comeback, according to an ESPN report yesterday. The report, citing a anonymous source, said Favre and Childress will meet at an undisclosed location later in the week. The longtime Packers quarterback retired for the second time after spending last season with the New York Jets. Both he and his agent, Bus Cook, said previously this spring that Favre intended to stay retired.

NEW YORK - Six players, including the heart of the Minnesota Vikings’ stout defensive line, were suspended for four games without pay by the NFL yesterday for violating the league’s anti-doping policy. All six were punished for using a diuretic, which can serve as a masking agent for steroids. The suspended players were running back Deuce McAllister and defensive linemen Charles Grant and Will Smith of New Orleans; defensive linemen Kevin and Pat Williams of Minnesota; and long snapper Bryan Pittman of Houston.