Carter Says Kidney Function Is Back Near 100 Percent

DAVIE, Fla. (AP) Miami Dolphins receiver Cris Carter says his kidney function slipped to 20 percent when he was in the hospital earlier this month, but he's back near 100 percent and may soon get clearance to return to practice.

Carter has missed the past two games and won't play Sunday against San Diego. He'll see the doctor again Monday, and he has already started conditioning drills and lifting weights.

"The most important thing is my overall health, not when I'm going to play," he said Wednesday. "The doctors are taking good care of me, but they don't want a relapse."

Carter spent seven days in the hospital before being released Friday. Fatigue, dehydration and the flu contributed to the kidney problem.

Carter, who turns 37 Monday, came out of retirement and signed with the Dolphins on Oct. 21. He played in one game before being hospitalized.