Lee

Amp Lee was the team's offensive MVP in 1997 when he set a team record with 61 receptions by a running back. He broke that mark in 1998 with 64 catches, but this season he's been on the field for only 13 plays.

Offensive coordinator Mike Martz said he'd like to get Lee more involved in this week's divisional playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings.

"He's got a lot to give," Martz said.

But Lee will be coming from a standing start. The trade for Marshall Faulk made Lee a fifth wheel, and he's also been injured most of the season.

"There's a chance you'll see Amp," coach Dick Vermeil said. "He'll definitely be active."

But Vermeil added: "If you're not healthy, you can't play, regardless of what you did the year before."

Lee's main contribution to the NFC West champions has been on the scout team. He has only three catches for 22 yards and three carries for 3 yards.

"My teammates respect me a lot, and they know what I'm capable of doing," Lee said. "But they see me, and they know I'm not right. I'm not me."

Lee's physical problems are all on the right side of his body. It began in early July, when he had surgery for tendinitis in his knee and sat out all of training camp.

Vermeil was not pleased with the timing of the surgery, considering Lee experienced pain at the end of last season.

Next came a bruised foot. In recent weeks, a pulled hamstring has hampered him. But he's close enough to 100 percent now that he's hoping to help.

"I feel like I could have some success and be a part of the fun," Lee said. "My decision for this month is to just give it all I've got, whatever that is.

"If that's one play, 10 plays, 20, whatever, that's my goal."

Lee, who totaled 1,492 yards receiving in 1997 and '98, realizes that his contribution would have been curtailed even if he'd been at full strength all season. On the way to the NFL total yardage record of 2,429 yards, Faulk obliterated Lee's receiving record for a back with 87 catches for 1,048 yards.