When will we see the Real Daunte Culpepper?

For the sake of the Miami Dolphins, let's hope it's sooner than later.

The knife sliced into his right knee one year ago Wednesday, an anniversary Miami Dolphins quarterback Daunte Culpepper likely would rather forget.

Now, it seems every bad dream Daunte Culpepper had at that time has returned to haunt him all season long this year. And unfortunately, the Miami Dolphins are hurting big time because of it.

The injury has not faded from his mind or his soul. Not yet, at least. And certainly not this week. ''It has been an extremely painful process both physically and emotionally since the injury,'' Daunte Culpepper once said. ''I am wishing for the absolute best for my teammates this season. I will be their biggest fan.''

''I only wish I could be with them on the field,'' he added.

The very words of Daunte Culpepper last year. Lo and behold, he's injured yet again and now, he's losing his starting job to an unheralded quarterback named Joey Harrington.

Daunte Culpepper was officially listed as ''Out'' on the team's injury report, although he did practice in pads Wednesday for the first time in more than two weeks. His rehabilitation process, however, the one designed to regain explosiveness in his knee, will keep his return on hold.

''He wants to be on the field playing,'' backup quarterback Cleo Lemon said. ''He had a lot of success with the Minnesota Vikings. He went to Pro Bowls, and he has a lot of relationships with guys still on the team. I'm sure this is a different week for him than other weeks.''

Culpepper has politely declined interview requests since he last spoke publicly Oct. 12, three days after he was benched for Joey Harrington.

Who will win Super Bowl XLI at Miami, Florida? Sports Interaction has the outright odds on that one.

Indianapolis Colts 7.00

Dallas Cowboys 15.00

Seattle Seahawks 11.00

Pittsburgh Steelers 11.00