Colts tackle a big weakness by adding Simon

The Indianapolis Colts, hoping to fix a glaring weakness, reached a multiyear agreement yesterday with Corey Simon, a former Pro Bowl defensive tackle released by Philadelphia in a contract dispute.

Simon wanted a long-term deal with Philadelphia and refused to sign a one-year franchise tender. The Eagles removed the franchise tag on the former first-round draft pick Sunday, making him an unrestricted free agent. Roosevelt Barnes, Simon's agent, said he finished the deal with Colts president Bill Polian yesterday morning and that Simon, who has 32 sacks in his five-year career, would probably be in Indianapolis today for a physical. Coach Tony Dungy said Simon should be ready for the season opener Sept. 11 at Baltimore.

Saints seeking home

Commissioner Paul Tagliabue says it's unlikely the Saints will play in New Orleans this season after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. ''At this point, you have to proceed on the assumption . . . that they may be unable to play in New Orleans at all for the entire season," Tagliabue said in an interview with CNBC. The Saints are to host the Giants Sept. 18, and the game could be moved to Giants Stadium or played at a neutral facility such as the Alamodome in San Antonio . . . Doctors have placed a stent in an artery in Trent Green's lower left leg and put the Chiefs quarterback on blood-thinners in an effort to restore full circulation. Green had numbness in the leg and foot and left Saturday's game against Seattle . . . Chargers quarterback Drew Brees and right tackle Shane Olivea sprained ankles last night against San Francisco, and didn't return.