Sports

NFL

Saints move to a Monday doubleheader

Associated Press
Published September 6, 2005

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NEW YORK - The Saints-Giants game, driven from New Orleans by Hurricane Katrina, will be played as part of a nationally televised doubleheader starting at 7:30 on the Sept.19 edition of Monday Night Football .

The game, already moved to the Giants' home in the New Jersey Meadowlands, will begin on ABC, then switch to ESPN at 9, when ABC goes to the regularly scheduled game between Washington and Dallas in Irving, Texas. In New York and Louisiana, as well as other parts of the Gulf Coast, ABC will continue to carry the Giants-Saints game, switching to Redskins-Cowboys when the Saints game ends.

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said other details such as ticket sales will be announced soon.

Meanwhile in San Antonio, Texas, for the first time in three days, the Saints didn't spend their afternoon watching news reports of destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina. They were finally back on the practice field, getting used to their new surroundings.

"I think being on the field and in the meetings is a time that's away from all that," coach Jim Haslett said. "It's good for your mind to get on the field and practice and be where you're with your peers."

Though the Saints still are awaiting word where they will play the balance of their home games, the team expects to practice in San Antonio for the rest of the season.

WARD SIGNS: Four-time Pro Bowl receiver Hines Ward, on the verge of becoming the leading receiver in Steelers history, agreed to a four-year contract that could be worth as much as $25.8-million and includes $10-million in guaranteed money and more than $2-million in incentives. Ward had one year left on his previous contract, worth $1.67-million this year, and is set through 2009.

BROWNS: Charlie Frye beat out former UF quarterback Doug Johnson and was named the backup to former Buc Trent Dilfer.

COLTS: Receiver Brandon Stokley has been cleared to play in the opener at Baltimore after missing the preseason with a shoulder injury.

COWBOYS: Peerless Price joined his new club and immediately began learning a new position and a new playbook. Coach Bill Parcells said he would force-feed as much information as the speedy Price can handle before deciding whether to use his new deep threat in the opener at San Diego. "We'll see if he can catch on by Sunday," Parcells said. Quincy Morgan was cut to clear a roster spot.

RAIDERS: Receiver Jerry Porter said he's ready to start in Thursday's opener against New England after injuring his hamstring in training camp.

PACKERS: Quarterback Brett Favre skipped practice to rest the left ankle he slightly sprained Friday at Tennessee.

REDSKINS: Right tackle Jon Jansen broke the base of his thumb in practice, returning after missing all of last season with a ruptured Achilles'. Jansen will play while wearing a splint and cast.

SEAHAWKS: Defensive coordinator Ray Rhodes was hospitalized and is undergoing a series of tests, coach Mike Holmgren said. Holmgren was not specific about Rhodes' problem.

CFL: Milt Stegall became the league's career TD receptions leader Sunday, catching his 118th and 119th scoring passes in Winnipeg's 45-26 loss at Saskatchewan.

[Last modified September 6, 2005, 03:15:21]

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