Owens Missing but Not Cowboys

Drew Bledsoe lobbed two passes into the end zone and saw his receivers make terrific catches on both in his exhibition debut for the Dallas Cowboys at Shreveport, La.

Neither play, however, was made by the receiver everyone is waiting to see him throw to -- Terrell Owens.

Terry Glenn reached around his defender’s head and made a one-handed touchdown catch on Bledsoe’s first lob, then Sam Hurd fought off his defender for another touchdown, helping the Cowboys beat the New Orleans Saints, 30-7.

The Cowboys also saw their first-team defense shut out the Saints’ starters. New Orleans didn’t get a first down on its first three series.

Reggie Bush spiced things up with a nine-yard run and an 11-yard gain on a third-and-two screen, on the final drive of the first half. He finished with seven yards in four carries and 14 yards on two receptions.

At halftime, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said that Owens may have another MRI exam taken to see why his hamstring continues to bother him after weeks of treatment.

“Certainly it is sore and he is going to be working to improve that,” Jones said. “We will be evaluating it more.”

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The Philadelphia Eagles brought four-time 1,000-yard rusher Stephen Davis in for a physical and interview to see if the 32-year-old and his creaky knees can bolster an undersized running game hit with injury and inconsistency.

“He’s been very productive in this league,” Coach Andy Reid said. “We just want to investigate it.”

Davis was released by Carolina in March after finishing the season on injured reserve because of knee injuries that affected his final two seasons with the Panthers. He missed all but two games in 2004 because of microfracture surgery, and lost his starting spot last season to DeShaun Foster.

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The Arizona Cardinals released six players, upgraded fullback James Hodgins to the active roster and obtained guard Brandon Gorin from the New England Patriots in exchange for an undisclosed draft pick.

The team cut wide receiver Damarius Bilbo, defensive end Garrett McIntyre, quarterback Jeff Otis, center Kyle Schmitt and tight ends Alex Shor and Andy Stokes.

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The draining effects of three weeks’ worth of training combined with boring television and comfortable couches were enough to lull Denver Broncos Al Wilson and Champ Bailey to sleep, the players said.

Neither set an alarm clock at their residences and both overslept and missed the curfew to be at the team hotel on Friday night. Because they had no prior offenses, Coach Mike Shanahan accepted their stories.

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Hines Ward, a four-time Pro Bowl receiver, practiced again with the Pittsburgh Steelers after being out since Aug. 4 because of a sore left hamstring. He has missed both of their exhibitions, although the Steelers’ skill-position starters played little in either one.

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Jim Sorgi’s shoulder injury may force the Indianapolis Colts to bring in a new backup quarterback.

Coach Tony Dungy said the team was still awaiting results from Sorgi’s MRI exam before deciding whether to sign another backup quarterback.

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Peerless Price was fined by the Buffalo Bills for missing practice Sunday after the receiver mistakenly misread the team’s schedule.

“It’ll cost him a good deal of money,” Coach Dick Jauron said after Price rejoined the Bills. Jauron did not disclose the amount Price was fined.

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Carolina receiver Steve Smith sat out the final practice of training camp because of his strained left hamstring.... Green Bay fullback William Henderson had arthroscopic knee surgery and will be out two to three weeks.... First-round draft pick Michael Huff will be doubtful for the Oakland Raiders’ exhibition Friday because of a sprained left ankle.... Linebacker LaVar Arrington had to leave the New York Giants’ practice because of swelling in one of his knees.... The Packers released punter B.J. Sander.