Even Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy isn't quite sure how the Brett Favre unretirement saga will play out over the next few days. But he does know this much: Favre or no Favre, Aaron Rodgers is his starting quarterback.

In his season-opening news conference at Lambeau Field yesterday, McCarthy strongly affirmed the team's commitment to Rodgers and reiterated that players and coaches spent the offseason planning to move forward after Favre retired in March.

"Aaron Rodgers is the starting quarterback for the Green Bay Packers," McCarthy said. "That's been stated over and over again. I hope we can finally understand that. That's where we are as an organization and as a head coach of the Green Bay Packers. I don't know how else to answer that question."

Packers players are scheduled to report to training camp today and will have their first practice tomorrow morning. McCarthy acknowledged the possibility that Favre could be there.

"Has he thought about it? I'm sure he has," McCarthy said. "Has he confirmed anything? Nothing has been confirmed."

The Packers have no plans to release Favre, whose rights belong to them until his contract expires after the 2010 season.

Favre could always just stay retired, but his next move might be to show up for camp — or at least try to use the threat of showing up and creating a media circus to force a trade.

CHIEFS

DORSEY SIGNS $51M DEAL

Glenn Dorsey walked up and shook hands with the man who'd just made him rich.

"I promise I'll work hard," said the big defensive tackle, towering over Kansas City owner Clark Hunt.

"I know you will," Hunt said. "It's great to have you with us."

After a brief contract holdout that essentially cost him only one practice, Dorsey signed a five-year, $51 million deal yesterday morning that includes an option year and more than $22 million in guaranteed money. The 300-pound All-American from LSU, the fifth player taken overall last April, will be the cornerstone of a line that's being rebuilt to make up for the loss of Pro Bowl defensive end Jared Allen.

ELSEWHERE

Bills: First-round pick Leodis McKelvin signed a five-year contract with Buffalo yesterday, and the cornerback is set to join the team after missing only two days of training camp. Selected 11th overall out of Troy University, McKelvin is expected to get a contract worth about $18 million.

Panthers: Carolina signed Jonathan Stewart to a five-year deal yesterday that includes $10.8 million in guaranteed money, putting all its draft picks under contract. Stewart, the 13th overall pick out of Oregon, is expected to compete for the starting running back job.

Titans: Tennessee has wrapped up its last draft pick, agreeing to terms with first-round selection Chris Johnson on a five-year, $12 million deal. Johnson, a running back out of East Carolina, was the 24th pick overall in the draft.

Saints: New Orleans running back Deuce McAllister sat out a practice yesterday morning because he had fluid drained from his surgically repaired left knee, then the Saints sent him for a precautionary MRI. McAllister said later in the afternoon that everything appeared to be fine.

Jaguars: Jacksonville placed receiver Reggie Williams (sprained right knee) and four others on the physically unable to perform list yesterday. Receiver Jerry Porter (hamstring), defensive end Jeremy Mincey (wrist), safety Chad Nkang (wrist) and tight end George Wrighster (knee) also were placed on the PUP list.

Patriots: New England has signed veteran running back Lamont Jordan a day after he was released by the Oakland Raiders. The Patriots did not disclose the terms of the deal, which was announced yesterday.

Eagles: Philadelphia cornerback Asante Samuel left yesterday morning's practice with a strained hamstring. Samuel was hurt while working in seven-on-seven drills.

Redskins: Washington defensive tackle Anthony Montgomery broke a bone in his right hand during yesterday's training camp scrimmage. Montgomery started 15 games last season.