PITTSBURGH -- Ben Roethlisberger is out for the second time in a month with an injured knee. The Pittsburgh Steelers can only hope they play better without the NFL's top-rated passer than they did during his last absence.

SANTA CLARA -- Alex Smith hopes to return to action next weekend, but the San Francisco 49ers might be a bit more cautious with their No. 1 overall draft pick.

PHILADELPHIA -- Terrell Owens returned to practice Thursday, a day after he was listed as doubtful for Philadelphia's game at Washington on Sunday.

ALAMEDA -- Back in March, Adam Treu found out from coach Norv Turner he would begin this season as Oakland's backup center.

LOS ANGELES -- Channing Frye and Salim Stoudamire are in the NBA now. A big blow for Arizona, to be sure, but don't assume the Wildcats are in rebuilding mode this season.

ALAMEDA -- Randy Moss was held out of practice Thursday for the second straight day, and Oakland's star receiver is listed as questionable for Sunday's game at Kansas City.

GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Brett Favre says he would be reluctant to return to Green Bay next season if Mike Sherman isn't still the head coach.

California will provide the backdrop for the inaugural Amgen Tour of California in February 2006, a professional cycling race modeled after the Tour de France, race presenter AEG has announced

The playoff-bound Justin-Siena volleyball team played its typical three-game sweep match in the team's final regular season home finale against Terra Linda on Thursday night.

BOZEMAN, Mont. -- It started on an airplane.

WASHINGTON -- Senate opponents of drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge failed Thursday to strip a measure ordering such development from a massive budget package, as supporters of exploration argued that the oil is needed to help break America of its import habit.