vikings/nfl

Things got a little interesting Wednesday for a game that otherwise doesn't rank as one of the NFL's marquee matchups this weekend. The Oakland Raiders named Daunte Culpepper -- yes, that Daunte -- as their starting quarterback for Sunday's game at the Metrodome, hoping to capitalize on the emotions of a player whose grudge against the Vikings is well-known.

Raiders coach Lane Kiffin elevated Culpepper over starter Josh McCown, who officially sat out practice because of a bruised thigh. Kiffin, however, acknowledged the obvious while speaking to Bay Area reporters.

"He's is a great competitor," Kiffin said. "So he really brings you a spark all the time by the way he prepares and the way he practices. But I'm sure [the opponent] is an added incentive."

Culpepper last played in the Metrodome on Oct. 23, 2005, one week before tearing three ligaments in his right knee against the Carolina Panthers. He ranks as the highest-rated passer in Vikings history (91.5), but his messy departure during the winter of 2006 left resentment on both sides.

Culpepper proved diplomatic Wednesday, saying in Oakland that he was simply unable to develop a relationship with new coach Brad Childress.

"I'm not going to say I didn't get along with him," Culpepper said. "I just didn't really get a chance to know him, and he didn't get a chance to know me. Unfortunately, that's how the chips fell."

Culpepper admitted he was "fired up" when Kiffin delivered the news and added: "When you go into a place that you played before, obviously emotion is going to be part of it. But the main thing is I have to try to keep an even keel, even though I know it's going to be crazy."

That last word aptly describes the 22-month odyssey that will have him wearing a Raiders uniform Sunday at the Metrodome. The Vikings granted his wish to be traded to his home state of Florida, but lingering knee problems limited him to four games with the Miami Dolphins and he was swept aside this summer by new coach Cam Cameron.

The Raiders signed him July only when they determined that rookie JaMarcus Russell, the No. 1 pick of the 2007 draft, was destined for a long holdout. Culpepper has started four games for the oft-injured McCown, throwing for 817 yards and four touchdowns while committing six turnovers. Most notably, he accounted for five touchdowns Sept. 30 in a 35-17 victory over his other former team, the Dolphins.

Culpepper ran for three touchdowns in that game, pointing excitedly to his right knee after one of them as if to say he is finally healthy. But even two years after surgery, no one believes Culpepper has regained the mobility that made him so dangerous for the Vikings.

"He still looks kind of hesitant," Vikings nose tackle Pat Williams said. "I don't think he's full tilt yet. I don't think he's full speed yet. He looked kind of hesitant on that knee."

Childress added: "I can't say he looks like a first-year Daunte Culpepper, but he is still able to move out of the pocket and make plays."

Whatever he has lost physically, Culpepper believes he has gained it back in a mental and spiritual sense. His trials have included a public flogging from Childress, who criticized him for seeking a new contract from the Vikings while refusing to rehabilitate his injury in Minnesota. He also flamed out as the quarterback of the team he most wanted to play for in Miami.

Culpepper seemingly has no future in Oakland, where Russell could soon take the starting job. But Culpepper believes the journey to get back on the field has made him a better player.

"Honestly, I truly believe I'm better," he said. "I'm a couple years older, two years older, and I've seen a lot and done a lot. It was a necessity for me to go through what I've been through the past couple years for me to be where I'm at right now. I'm just looking forward. I'm glad I got the opportunity to go out and showcase myself, do what I love to do and help this team win."

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Daunte Culpepper has started four games for the Raiders.

Kevin Seifert • kseifert@startribune.com