NFL ROUNDUP: Saints back in Louisiana for '06

The Saints will return to Louisiana in 2006, that much seems certain. Exactly when and where they will play games gets a little fuzzier.

The owner says maybe as early as September in the hurricane-ravaged Superdome. The commissioner says, "It's too early to say."

The two made separate statements Friday about the team's future, and while both were upbeat, NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue was far more cautious in setting a timetable or even a site for the Saints' first game in New Orleans.

"There are a lot of things yet to be accomplished to make it more than a one-year arrangement," he said after meeting with players and coaches for about five hours. "There are a lot of chicken-and-egg decisions. It's a complicated situation."



Asked whether New Orleans could support an NFL team long-term, he said, "We think it can, but it's not a slam-dunk."

Earlier Friday, owner Tom Benson released a memo that said not only were the Saints hoping to be back in the dome in the fall, they were returning to their Metairie, La., practice complex next month.

Tagliabue, though, wouldn't rule out more games in San Antonio in '06.

Carolina: Linebacker Dan Morgan (shoulder) did not practice and was downgraded to doubtful.

Cleveland: Browns president John Collins denied that the club was planning to fire general
manager Phil Savage, who was hired less than a year ago to help fix Cleveland's floundering franchise. ESPN.com reported Friday that Savage was on the verge of being fired over "philosophical differences."

Houston: Rookie Vernand Morency will start at running back after Jonathan Wells (thigh) was placed on injured reserve.


Indianapolis: Wide receiver Marvin Harrison (hand) likely will return to the starting lineup for the season finale, but running back Edgerrin James might rest.

Jacksonville: At game time the Jaguars will decide whether quarterback Byron Leftwich returns from his broken left ankle.

Kansas City: Wide receiver Craphonso Thorpe agreed to a three-year contract.
New York Giants: Tight end Jeremy Shockey (ankle) and linebacker Reggie Torbor (hamstring) will miss tonight's game at Oakland.

St. Louis: Former Rams receiver and current broadcaster Jack Snow, 62, was in critical condition with a staph infection.

Washington: Quarterback Mark Brunell (knee) practiced and is expected to start against Philadelphia on Sunday.
source : freep.com