McAllister will serve as honorary captain

Deuce McAllister will lead the New Orleans Saints into the playoffs, at least during introductions.

The Saints re-signed their popular all-time rusher Friday with the intention of making him an honorary captain, but McAllister won’t play in today’s divisional-round playoff game against the Arizona Cardinals, Saints coach Sean Payton said.

Payton said the Saints first discussed the idea of making McAllister an unofficial guest captain two weeks ago. When reserve defensive tackle Rodney Leisle hurt his knee and was unable to practice this week, Payton and general manager Mickey Loomis decided to make McAllister an official part of the team.

“We felt like it was appropriate for the divisional game,” Payton said. “He’s so well thought of. He’s so well respected by the players.”

McAllister has rushed for 6,096 career yards. His 55 total touchdowns and 49 rushing TDs also are club records.

However, he tore anterior cruciate ligaments in both knees, first his right one in 2005 and then the left in 2007.

Bears sign Tice

The Chicago Bears signed former Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Tice to be the team’s offensive line coach.

Tice spent the last four years as Jacksonville Jaguars assistant head coach.

Before arriving in Jacksonville, the former Seattle Seahawk spent 14 seasons with the Vikings as a player and coach.

Around the league

Tom Cable apparently will remain coach of the Oakland Raiders at least until next week. Cable had not had a second straight day of meetings with owner Al Davis as of early Friday afternoon. … The Cincinnati Bengals say that wide receiver Chad Ochocinco has been added to the AFC’s Pro Bowl team. … San Francisco will play Denver next season at Wembley Stadium, the fourth straight year the NFL will stage a regular-season game in London.