Vikes WR Sidney Rice says it's not about the money

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Sidney Rice says he's not putting his earning power above the team in his slow recovery from hip surgery.

Rice has been out all season after having surgery in August.

Rice spoke out Wednesday against speculation that he's taking his time to come back because he's concerned about his expiring contract. He says he has "not spoken about money" once since he joined the Vikings in 2007. Later, on his personal blog, he posted an entry titled "A Bunch of Bull" in which he reiterated his desire to play on Sunday against the Packers.

Rice says he felt "significant discomfort" when he woke up last Friday and Saturday, the reason he declared himself unable to play the Bears.

The Vikings have left the final decision up to Rice on whether he plays.