Bruschi Takes His First Step Back

Tedy Bruschi lifted both legs far over his head as he lay on his back and stretched. He chased teammate Mike Vrabel and blocked him playfully in the back. He ran to the next drill.

And he smiled.

For the first time since a minor stroke eight months ago threatened his NFL career, the Patriot star linebacker was practicing with his team Wednesday.

“I’m back playing the game that I love,” Bruschi said before putting on his shoulder pads and his dark blue No. 54 jersey, carrying his helmet out of the locker room and walking into the noon sun.

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 Patriots’ next game, Oct. 30 against Buffalo.

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

The mayor’s comments came after the departures of two top Saint executives who were supportive of keeping the Saints in Louisiana. 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. “ ... For them to be openly talking to other cities about moving is disrespectful to the citizens of New Orleans.”

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Seattle Coach Mike Holmgren said the team was not aware of any connection between the severe beating of Seahawk safety Ken Hamlin outside a nightclub and the shooting death of a man found in a park, though police continued to investigate that possibility.

Seattle police spokeswoman Debra Brown said Holmgren’s assessment was premature.

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Oakland Raider receiver Randy Moss is unlikely to play Sunday against the Buffalo Bills after being listed as doubtful in the team’s injury report. “We’ll know Sunday,” Moss said.... Baltimore Raven star safety Ed Reed will almost certainly sit out Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears because of a high ankle sprain, an injury that could sideline the 2004 NFL defensive player of the year for several weeks.... As expected, Tampa Bay quarterback Brian Griese will sit out the rest of the season after tearing ligaments in his left knee.... Concerned about the health of T.J. Duckett, the Atlanta Falcons activated rookie running back DeAndra Cobb from the practice squad.... New England safety Guss Scott was put on injured reserve because of a knee injury. The Patriots re-signed cornerback Hank Poteat and receiver Andre’ Davis.... The San Diego Chargers signed guard Wes Sims from the practice squad.