Jaguars Are Mindful of Storm

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 the Seattle Seahawks.

“I always feel like what I’ve got is weatherproof,” Jaguar 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.’ ”

Tropical storm warnings were posted along a 100-mile stretch of the state’s central-Atlantic coast, from Sebastian Inlet to Flagler Beach.

Ophelia’s sustained wind increased and forecasters said it could reach hurricane strength today.

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.”

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Former Pro Bowl defensive tackle Corey Simon, signed last week by Indianapolis after he was released by Philadelphia in a contract dispute, is hurriedly trying to learn the Colt system, as well as get back into football shape.

He went through a couple of brief walkthroughs Monday and Wednesday mornings and had his first full practice with the rest of the team Wednesday afternoon.

He still doesn’t know how much playing time he’ll get during the opener Sunday night at Baltimore.

“I think I’m doing really well,” Simon said. “It’s different than I played in Philadelphia, not as much blitzing and things of that sort, so you’re able to really pin your ears back and get after it and not have to worry about anything.”

Coach Tony Dungy listed Simon behind starter Larry Tripplett at left tackle and said Simon would probably be on the field for 20 to 30 plays against the Ravens.

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New York Giant quarterback Eli Manning has been listed as probable for Sunday’s opener against the Arizona Cardinals. Manning sprained his right elbow in an exhibition against Carolina on Aug. 20 and resumed practicing Tuesday. He said Wednesday that he felt no pain in the elbow after Tuesday’s workout and was able to complete Wednesday’s practice with no problems.

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The manager of the Superdome, which was damaged by Hurricane Katrina, expects it will take more than two months to get a damage assessment and determine whether the domed stadium should be repaired or razed.

Three large holes are in the roof, and two inches of water are on the field in some places, and the entire surface on which the New Orleans Saints play their games must be removed.

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Houston Texan offensive lineman Chester Pitts signed a five-year contract extension.

Pitts, a left guard who has not missed an offensive play in three seasons with Houston, was in the final season of his rookie contract.

The 6-foot-4, 329-pound player was a second-round pick out of San Diego State in the 2002 draft.

Financial terms weren’t immediately available.

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The Denver Broncos signed free-agent receiver David Terrell to take the spot vacated when Jerry Rice retired.

Terrell, a fifth-year player, was released by New England on Saturday after signing with the team April 5.

He was a first-round draft choice of the Chicago Bears and eighth overall in 2001, but never made much of a contribution with the Bears.

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Offensive lineman John St. Clair was released by the Miami Dolphins, who signed free-agent cornerback Kiwaukee Thomas.

St. Clair started 14 games at tackle last season, but slipped to a backup role at guard during the exhibition season under new Coach Nick Saban.

Rookie fullback Kyle Eckel was put on Miami’s reserve-military list after being called up by the Navy and the Dolphins signed guard Joe Berger off the Carolina Panthers’ practice squad.

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The Indianapolis Colts re-signed veteran receiver and punt returner Troy Walters, two days after he was released to make room for another player on the team’s 53-man roster.

Walters, a backup to Marvin Harrison last season, had seven receptions for 88 yards and one touchdown in the exhibition season. He was waived to make room for linebacker Keith O’Neil, claimed off waivers from Dallas on Sunday.

Walters rejoined the team after the Colts waived defensive back Dexter Reid. Reid went to the Colts last week off waivers from New England.