49ers’ Hearst Returns to Practice

San Francisco 49er running back Garrison Hearst, out since Nov. 30 because of a broken collarbone, practiced Wednesday for first time since his injury.

“He looked good running straight ahead,� San Francisco Coach Steve Mariucci said.

Hearst, the 49ers’ leading rusher, will undergo a bone scan today to determine whether the break has healed.

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Strong safety LeRoy Butler (soreness), guard Aaron Taylor (bruised shoulder) and defensive end Gabe Wilkins (sprained knee) all sat out the Green Bay Packers’ practice.

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Several unnamed Denver Bronco offensive linemen were awaiting word on whether they would be fined by the NFL for their liberal use of Vaseline in Sunday’s divisional playoff game at Kansas City.

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said it is “illegal for that substance to be on the uniform.� Miami guard Jeff Buckey was fined $40,000 on Monday for just such a violation in a Dec. 7 game.

The Broncos in question, however, had Vaseline on their arms, not their jerseys.

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Bronco backup safety Dedrick Dodge escaped injury but his $44,000 GMC truck was totaled when he lost control on snow and ice in suburban Aurora, Colo.

Dodge was passing another vehicle on a curve when his vehicle hit a patch of snow and started sliding.

“Once my brakes locked, that was it,� Dodge said. “It was like the ‘Dukes of Hazzard.’ �

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The Pittsburgh Steelers worked out briefly at Three Rivers Stadium before heavy rain forced them into their indoor practice bubble at Duquesne University. Tight end Mark Bruener (foot) and wide receiver Yancey Thigpen (foot sprain) were held out for precautionary reasons.

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Philadelphia Eagle executive vice president Joe Banner downplayed reports that the team is considering hiring former quarterback Ron Jaworski for its front office.

“On the specifics of who we have and haven’t talked to, we’re not going to say anything,� Banner said.

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Tony Walker, an Indianapolis Colt linebacker who sang the national anthem and played trumpet at the team’s anti-drug rallies in 1991 and 1992, has been charged with conspiracy to deal marijuana.

Walker, 29, was accused of trying to smuggle marijuana into the Plainfield Correctional Facility, where he had worked as a recreation leader since 1994. Walker resigned from the prison job.

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The Kansas City Chiefs promoted Jimmy Raye to offensive coordinator. Raye takes over for Paul Hackett, USC’s new coach.