NFL

Bruschi practices, says he'll try for next game

By wire services
Published October 20, 2005

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. - For the first time since a minor stroke eight months ago threatened his NFL career, Patriots star linebacker Tedi Bruschi was practicing with his team Wednesday.

"I'm back playing the game that I love," Bruschi said. After practice he said he had some jitters, but wasn't discouraged by anything that took place.

"If you haven't done something in a long time, you always have some nerves the first time back," Bruschi said. "I feel good with my conditioning level. It's where it needs to be, I think. Game shape is another thing, but we'll cross that road when we come to it. I thought it was a good day."

Bruschi said he had no pain or discomfort and would try to be ready for the next game Oct. 30 against Buffalo.

Coach Bill Belichick said he didn't know if Bruschi would play against Buffalo, but on Monday said it was possible.

SHARE AND SHARE ALIKE: Peyton Manning and Marvin Harrison still intend to split the ball from their record-breaking 86th touchdown pass together. Manning intimated the Hall of Fame might want it, but said he believes the ball - and the decision - will be up to Harrison and himself.

MOSS DOUBTFUL: Randy Moss is unlikely to play against Buffalo after being listed as doubtful in the Raiders' injury report.

Moss attended the team's walk-through but was still nursing bruised ribs, a strained groin and a bruised pelvic area .

DOPING: Aden Durde, a Carolina practice squad player, left the team after the NFL cited him for violating the league's steroid policy.

SAINTS: New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin disparaged Saints owner Tom Benson for working with San Antonio officials to permanently keep the NFL team in Texas.

Nagin is concerned that San Antonio officials said publicly that Benson is working with them to relocate the franchise to Texas.

"We want our Saints, we may not want the owner back," Nagin said.

"Whatever the Saints want to do, you let them leave, but they can't take our logo, they can't take our name, and you give us a promise to give us a franchise when this city's back," Nagin said.

The Saints are unable to practice in the Alamodome for the next three weeks because of a builder's convention being held there.

VIKINGS: Sunday's noon game at the Metrodome is officially off the board for bettors at Nevada sports books, pending possible suspensions. ... The team has a new director of security, Dag Sohlberg. Though he is not available for interviews, Vikings vice president of public affairs and stadium development Lester Bagley said the retired FBI agent is up to speed on situation surrounding the Oct. 6 boat party on Lake Minnetonka. ... Nate Burleson is expected to return Sunday against Green Bay after missing three games because of a sprained left knee.

BROWNS: Rookie Braylon Edwards' quick recovery from an infection in his right arm may put him back in the lineup sooner than expected. Edwards practiced on a limited basis and was listed as doubtful for Sunday's game . The wide receiver has missed two games and had been expected to miss at least a month.

REALITY TV: Jerry Rice is joining an eclectic group of athletes who will compete against regular folks on Pros vs. Joes, which will air in 10 one-hour episodes on Spike TV in April. Athletes include Rice, Karl Malone, Reggie Jackson and Jennie Finch, among others.

[Last modified October 20, 2005, 01:20:19]