Thousand Oaks, Calif. — Tiger Woods wore sneakers instead of spikes. He sat next to a bottle of Gatorade Tiger, not the silver U.S. Open trophy. One thing that didn’t change at his first press conference in 184 days were questions about his left knee.

But after speaking for a half-hour Wednesday at Sherwood Country Club, covering everything from his rehab to his caddie to his improbable victory at Torrey Pines, the most powerful statement about his health and future required no words at all.

Does he have any doubts he will be better than before?

Woods turned up the bottom of his lip, shook his head three times and mumbled, “Uh-uh,” as if that had never entered his mind.

Six months after reconstructive surgery on his left knee to repair a ruptured ligament — his third surgery in six years — Woods said he was right on schedule to return, already hitting short irons and excited about playing on a leg that has never been more stable.

“I’ve just been training and trying to get healthy enough to compete next year,” Woods said. “Everything has been right on schedule. I couldn’t have asked for anything more.”

The uncertainty is when he will return, and how his leg will respond when he goes through a full practice.

His plan was to start hitting balls in January, but he already has been chipping and putting, and taking full swings with small clubs, shots that go no more than 100 yards.

“I haven’t hit full shots with my entire bag yet,” Woods said. “As far as coming back, I don’t know.”

NFL

‘Pacman’ back with Dallas

Irving, Texas — Once again, Adam “Pacman” Jones is back with the Dallas Cowboys. Thought to be out for the season because of a neck injury, Jones returned to practice Wednesday and is expected to play Sunday, both at cornerback and returning kicks, after having missed only one game. Coach Wade Phillips said the herniated disk discovered last week has healed.

Sammy Baugh dies

Lubbock, Texas — Sammy Baugh, who set numerous passing records with the Washington Redskins in an era when NFL teams were running most every down, died Wednesday night, his son said.

Baugh, who was 94 and had numerous health issues, died at Fisher County Hospital in Rotan, David Baugh said. David Baugh said his father had battled Alzheimer’s and dementia for several years. He had been ill recently with kidney problems, low blood pressure and double pneumonia.

Sammy Baugh was the last surviving member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s inaugural class.

After starring at TCU, “Slingin’ Sammy” Baugh played with the Redskins from 1937 to 1952.

While he was noted for his passing, Baugh was one of the best all-around players of his day. One season he led the league in passing, defensive interceptions and punting. In one game, he threw four touchdown passes and intercepted four passes. He threw six touchdowns in a game — twice — and kicked an 85-yard punt.

Steelers deal approved

Irving, Texas — NFL owners approved a restructured ownership plan for the Pittsburgh Steelers on Wednesday that will keep the team under the control of chairman Dan Rooney and his son.

Under the plan approved by a 31-0 vote during a meeting of the owners, Rooney and his son, team president Art II, will own 30 percent of the team, meeting a league requirement on the equity on controlling ownership.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

OU lineman to miss game

Norman, Okla. — Oklahoma defensive tackle DeMarcus Granger has undergone back surgery and will not play in the BCS National Championship against Florida. Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops made the announcement Wednesday, a day after saying starting running back DeMarco Murray also will miss the Jan. 8 title game against Florida.

K-State hires coordinator

Manhattan — Kansas State has hired Utah offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig as the Wildcats’ offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Coach Bill Snyder announced the appointment Wednesday.

Ludwig, 44, has spent four years at Utah, helping lead this year’s team to an undefeated season and a Sugar Bowl game against Alabama. Ludwig will coach the Utes’ offense in the Jan. 2 game.

BASEBALL

Furcal picks Dodgers

Los Angeles — Rafael Furcal accepted a three-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers worth at least $30 million on Wednesday, and the Atlanta Braves accused the star shortstop of reneging on a deal they thought was agreed to earlier this week. A day earlier, Furcal had been close to accepting a $30 million, three-year offer from the Atlanta Braves, his original major league team.

Sandberg accepts new post

Sevierville, Tenn. — Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg will manage the Chicago Cubs’ Double-A Tennessee Smokies in 2009. The Southern League team announced Wednesday that Sandberg is moving up from the Cubs’ Class-A Peoria Chiefs, which Sandberg has managed the past two seasons.

Pudge to play in WBC

San Juan, Puerto Rico — Catcher Ivan Rodriguez will play for Puerto Rico at next year’s World Baseball Classic. The 14-time All-Star signed an agreement Wednesday to play in the 2009 tournament, Puerto Rico general manager Lou Melendez said.

Rodriguez recently ended a more than decade-long absence to return home to play in the island’s winter league.

TENNIS

USTA picks Birmingham

White Plains, N.Y. — The city of Birmingham, Ala., will play host to the 2009 first-round Davis Cup matches between the United States and Roger Federer-led Switzerland on March 6-8.

The Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex Arena is expected to seat more than 17,000 for the best-of-five series.