NFL Notes: Steelers expected to host opener

The 2006 NFL season most likely will start in Pittsburgh on Sept. 7, keeping with a recent trend of beginning the schedule with the current Super Bowl champion.

The NFL also is considering an ESPN doubleheader for Monday, Sept. 11 — one beginning at 3 p.m. PDT and the second at 6 p.m., NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said Monday.

Aiello also confirmed the league is still open to a game overseas for 2006. The NFL is rumored to be working on a deal to have two teams play at London's Wembley Stadium next season.

The Sept. 7 game will be the fifth straight Thursday opener. NBC, which takes over from ABC as the network for night games, will televise the game.

The proposed Monday night doubleheader would provide ESPN with a 17th game. Thursday and Saturday nights are now unavailable to ESPN because the NFL Network will air eight late-season games on those nights.

The NFL schedule comes out in April, although games such as the opener may be announced earlier. The league already has said the New Orleans Saints will return to the Superdome on Sept. 24, hosting the Atlanta Falcons.

T.O. TV seeks network

For those who can't get enough of Terrell Owens, the controversial receiver has agreed to a deal to star in his own reality TV series.

Banyan Productions said T.O. TV plans to combine Owens' "passion for working out with his natural curiosity about other people."

Banyan executive Tom Fowler said his company is in negotiations with several interested networks.

Notes

• The New York Jets and agents for QB Chad Pennington have begun discussions aimed at dramatically reducing the injured quarterback's salary-cap figure for 2006, a source told Newsday. Pennington, who is recovering from rotator cuff surgery, is due to count $12 million against the salary cap, including a $6 million salary and $3 million roster bonus.

• James Shortt, a South Carolina doctor accused of writing illegal steroid prescriptions to football players, has agreed to plead guilty to one federal conspiracy charge as part of a plea agreement, according to court documents. In exchange, prosecutors will drop 42 similar counts against the doctor. Shortt faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

• The St. Louis Rams added four assistants to new coach Scott Linehan's staff: Joe Baker (defensive quality control), Jim Chaney (assistant offensive line), Jeff Horton (special assistant for offense) and Brad Roll (assistant strength and conditioning).

• New Buffalo coach Dick Jauron added Turk Schonert (quarterbacks), Charlie Coiner (tight ends) and former Bills QB Alex Van Pelt (offensive quality control) to his staff.

• The Arizona Cardinals re-signed CB Robert Tate, who started five games last season.