Saints’ new homes

The New Orleans Saints will head back to their home state for four games at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, La., and will play three others in San Antonio’s Alamodome, their headquarters since being displaced by Hurricane Katrina.

While the team and league settled that matter Monday, most of the specifics are still being determined. Ticket plans are being worked out, too, as are ways to tie proceeds to the relief effort.

Many of the Saints are living in a hotel across an interstate from the Alamodome, so they’ll have a short commute for games Oct. 2 or 3 against Buffalo, Oct. 16 or 17 against Atlanta and Dec. 24, 25 or 26 against Detroit.

The team will travel to the LSU campus for games Oct. 30 or 31 against Miami, Nov. 6 or 7 against Chicago, Dec. 4 or 5 against Tampa Bay, and Dec. 17, 18 or 19 against Carolina.

The Saints seemed pleased with the split, which enables them to reach out to fellow Louisiana residents trying to recover from the devastating storm while also showing appreciation for the hospitality they’ve received in Texas.

“I think the fact of what San Antonio did for us – we had no other place to go where something like this was set up – that’s what made this happen,” Saints owner Tom Benson said.

Speaking publicly for the first time since the hurricane, Benson repeatedly deflected discussions about the team’s future.

“We’re not going to worry about that today,” he said, adding that his only long-term goal is getting the Saints to the Super Bowl this season.

The manager of the Superdome has said it will take months before the building’s future can be determined. It’s possible the stadium will be torn down, leaving the Saints to find a new home.

Rhodes back with Seahawks

Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Ray Rhodes rejoined the team after being hospitalized last week following a spell of dizziness.

Coach Mike Holmgren said Rhodes was at the team’s headquarters at 5:45 a.m. Monday, but he was being sent home early. Holmgren said Rhodes will watch film and help with the game plan, but isn’t sure if he’ll be with the team at practice on Wednesday or on the sidelines Sunday when the Seahawks play host to Atlanta.

“We’re going to ease him back into things. We will do what is right for him, certainly,” Holmgren said. “Right now (the doctors) are taking a little more conservative approach. Talking to Ray, he doesn’t like that so much, but we’ll do the right thing.”

Pack’s Walker out for season

Javon Walker, Brett Favre’s best receiver, will miss the rest of the season after tearing up his right knee in Green Bay’s opening loss at Detroit on Sunday.

Walker will need an operation once the swelling subsides to repair the torn anterior cruciate ligament and will require between eight and 12 months of rehabilitation.

“Talking to him last night, he’s very positive and upbeat about it, understands what’s ahead of him and is planning on breaking all kinds of records on getting back sooner,” coach Mike Sherman said.

Walker made the Pro Bowl last season after catching 89 passes for 1,382 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Jenkins’ season over, too

Kris Jenkins was poised to regain his status as the best defensive tackle in the NFL this season. Instead, the cog of the Carolina Panthers’ line will miss his second straight year due to injury.

Jenkins, a 2003 All-Pro, tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during Carolina’s loss to the New Orleans Saints. Although he was injured in the first quarter, he said he didn’t realize the severity and briefly returned to the field in the third quarter before leaving for good.

“I didn’t think it was that bad … it felt like I had hyperextended it at first,” he said. “I could still run on the thing.”

The two-time Pro Bowler missed 12 games last season with a shoulder injury.

Wright to replace injured Boller

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Kyle Boller will miss this Sunday’s game against Tennessee with a hyperextended right big toe, so Anthony Wright will make his first start since facing the Titans in the 2003 playoffs.

Boller was injured Sunday night while being sacked by Larry Tripplett in the third quarter of the Ravens’ 24-7 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. He was replaced by Wright, who went 19 of 31 for 214 yards and two interceptions.

Chargers activate Gates

All-Pro tight end Antonio Gates rejoined the San Diego Chargers’ active roster after serving a three-game suspension for missing a team-imposed deadline to report to training camp.

Gates sat out the final two exhibition games and Sunday’s 28-24 loss to Dallas.

“I definitely was with the first group today, so that’s a good sign,” Gates said.

Gates became a star in just his second season, leading the Chargers with 81 catches for 964 yards. His 13 touchdown catches set an NFL record for tight ends.

Around the league

Mark Brunell will replace ailing quarterback Patrick Ramsey for the Redskins’ game against the Cowboys on Monday night. … Bengals running back Kenny Watson had surgery to repair a torn biceps, and will not play again this season. … Colts coach Tony Dungy received a three-year contract extension this weekend. … Jaguars offensive line coach Paul Boudreau returned to work, a day after collapsing in the locker room from “heat and dehydration.”