NFL

Jags face storm as well as Seahawks

By wire services
Published September 8, 2005

JACKSONVILLE - Tropical weather could play a bigger role than heat and humidity in Jacksonville's season opener.

Tropical Storm Ophelia strengthened Wednesday off Florida's Atlantic coast, threatening parts of the state and southern Georgia with strong wind and heavy rain. The system could affect Sunday's game against Seattle and make Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio's jersey swap a moot point.

"I always feel like what I've got is weatherproof," Jags quarterback Byron Leftwich said. "I can play through anything: rain, sleet, snow. I always tell the coaches, "Don't be afraid to throw the ball in the rain or snow.' "

This could be unlike anything Leftwich has played through before, though.

Ophelia's sustained wind increased and forecasters said it could reach hurricane strength by Thursday.

The Seahawks were planning to fly into Jacksonville on Friday.

"We just found out today that there's something going on out there," Seattle running back Shaun Alexander said. "I don't really get too involved in that. I figure what's going to happen is going to happen. But my favorite games are when they deflate the football anyway. That's the way I like to play."

The rain could dampen Del Rio's plan to make the Seahawks suffer in their dark jerseys.

Del Rio decided to make the Seahawks wear their green and blue home jerseys at Alltel Stadium on Sunday, hoping the dark shirts will cause more sweat for players unaccustomed to dealing with the sweltering Florida heat.

"It makes all the sense in the world to me," Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren said. "If I was Jack, I would do the same thing."

BILLS: Starting right guard Chris Villarrial twisted his ankle in practice and his status is uncertain for Buffalo's season opener against Houston on Sunday.

BRONCOS: Denver signed free agent wide receiver David Terrell, recently released by New England. He has 128 career catches for 1,602 yards with nine touchdowns over five seasons.

BROWNS: Cornerback Gary Baxter (concussion) and running back Lee Suggs (ankle) were listed as doubtful on Cleveland's first injury report, another sign they may miss the opener against Cincinnati.

COLTS: Indianapolis re-signed veteran receiver and punt returner Troy Walters, who had been released Monday. Walters had seven receptions for 88 yards and one touchdown in the preseason.

DOLPHINS: Offensive lineman John St. Clair was released by Miami, which also signed free agent cornerback Kiwaukee Thomas.

49ERS: Tight end Eric Johnson was downgraded to doubtful because of an arch injury, meaning San Francisco will likely be without last season's leading receiver for its opener Sunday against St. Louis.

GIANTS: Quarterback Eli Manning (right elbow) is listed as probable for Sunday's opener against Arizona.

JETS: New York signed offensive tackle Scott Gragg and placed Marko Cavka on injured reserve with a broken arm.

SEAHAWKS: Defensive coordinator Ray Rhodes was hospitalized for two nights this week because of dizziness. The 54-year-old coach was told by team doctors to stay home for the Seahawks' opener Sunday in Jacksonville.

ARENA LEAGUE: Because of the effects of Hurricane Katrina, the league and its players association moved the free-agent signing period back 21/2 weeks to Oct. 1. The draft to stock the expansion Utah Blaze will be held Sept. 26.

ROBBINS JAILED: A Miami judge ordered former Raiders center Barret Robbins jailed for at least two weeks because he possessed marijuana while awaiting trial on attempted murder charges stemming from a brawl with police.

Times staff writer Frank Pastor contributed to this report.

[Last modified September 8, 2005, 01:50:14]