NEW YORK — The league lifted the television blackout for Monday night's New Orleans Saints-New York Giants game at Giants Stadium, allowing the game to be seen in the New York area even though it was not sold out by yesterday's deadline.

The game was originally scheduled to be the Saints' home opener, but was moved to Giants Stadium because of the damage done to New Orleans by Hurricane Katrina. The league usually blacks out games locally when all tickets are not sold, but it waived that rule because of what it called "extraordinary circumstances" in a statement released yesterday.

The remaining tickets will continue to be sold, the league said.

The game and fund-raising telethon for Hurricane Katrina relief will be televised in the New York area by ABC beginning at 7:30 p.m. Eastern.

Roethlisberger

practices

PITTSBURGH — Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger practiced with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but is still listed as questionable for tomorrow's game in Houston.

Coach Bill Cowher said it likely would be a game-time decision. If Roethlisberger can't play, former starter Tommy Maddox will take his place.

Roethlisberger was held out earlier in the week with a bone bruise on his knee, and was downgraded from probable (75 percent chance of playing) to questionable (50 percent) by Cowher.

Roethlisberger, the 2004 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, is 14-0 as a regular-season starter. He was hurt while throwing for two touchdowns in a 34-7 victory Sunday over Tennessee, but was pulled from the game because of the big lead rather than the injury.

Razzano suspended

TAMPA, Fla. — Tampa Bay fullback Rick Razzano was suspended four games by the league for violating its policy on anabolic steroids.

Rookie Razzano, a seventh-round draft pick from Mississippi, said through the team that he tested positive for a substance he used in training before joining the Buccaneers. The third-stringer did not identify the substance.

"I take full responsibility for my mistake and encourage all athletes to be fully aware of all substances which may be prohibited by the NCAA or their respective sports and leagues," Razzano said. "I apologize to my family, my coaches, teammates, the ownership and Buccaneer fans for the embarrassment and distraction I have caused. Let my experience be a further lesson for all."

Note

• Philadelphia quarterback Donovan McNabb will start in the Eagles' home opener tomorrow against San Francisco despite a bruised chest.

• Jay Gruden, 38, the younger brother of Tampa Bay coach Jon Gruden and a part-time assistant coach with the team, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said.

"Obviously I'm very disappointed," Jon Gruden said.