Chargers will play at home as scheduled
Chased from their homes and practice fields by deadly wildfires, the San Diego Chargers will return home to play the Houston Texans at
The game's date and time had been in doubt because Qualcomm was used as a major evacuation center during the wildfires that swept San Diego County. The stadium closed as an evacuation center at noon yesterday.
"The city will be able to provide sufficient public safety personnel to manage a professional football game without impeding ongoing wildfire recovery efforts," Mayor Jerry Sanders said in a press release.
The Chargers canceled practice Monday, then flew to Tempe, Ariz., Tuesday night for three days of practice at the Arizona Cardinals' headquarters.
Touching down
The Giants and Dolphins arrived in London yesterday morning for the NFL's first regular-season game played outside North America, and went through light practices and meetings."Earlier in the meetings, you could see people were tired," Giants defensive end Michael Strahan said. "But now, everyone's awake, feeling good."
Said Giants coach Tom Coughlin, "I told the players, 'You just put a smile on your face and realize that some things aren't going to run as smoothly as you're used to.' "
Testaverde tabbed
Panthers coach John Fox named 43-year-old Vinny Testaverde the starting quarterback for tomorrow's game against Indianapolis, getting the nod instead of David Carr, who is recovering from a back injury. Carr practiced and is listed as probable . . . The Vikings won't announce their starting quarterback until tomorrow morning, but signs still point to veteran Kelly Holcomb replacing the injured Tarvaris Jackson against Philadelphia. Jackson is questionable with a broken index finger on his throwing hand . . . Eagles starting right tackle Jon Runyan missed his third straight practice because of a bruised tailbone and is questionable to make his 185th consecutive start tomorrow against the Vikings . . . Jets linebacker Jonathan Vilma (knee) will miss tomorrow's game against Buffalo, and it's uncertain how long the former Pro Bowler will be sidelined. Rookie David Harris will start in Vilma's spot . . . Bills defensive end Chris Kelsay (ankle) missed his third consecutive practice and will be a game-time decision . . . Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew was limited in practice because of a sprained left knee - the third consecutive day he's missed part of team drills - and is questionable tomorrow against Tampa Bay.
