Dolphins-Titans shifts to Saturday because of storm

Friday, Sept. 10, 2004 | 11:21 a.m.

SUN WIRE REPORTS

The Miami Dolphins' home opener with the Tennessee Titans was moved to 10 a.m. PDT Saturday -- 24 hours ahead of schedule -- because of concerns about Hurricane Ivan.

With the possibility that Ivan could strike Sunday, the Dolphins asked for the change, which was recommended by Miami-Dade County Mayor Alex Penelas.

"Our first concern is for the families of the players and the staff and the people of Miami," Dolphins president Eddie Jones said. "The first question we asked was, 'How can we do this game and make it the safest for everyone?' "

The game is sold out.

The teams and the league considered two other options: playing the game this weekend at a different site, or playing later this season under a complicated plan that would have shuffled the schedules of other teams.

Since 1990, the Dolphins have had to alter the date or venue of a game four times, with a 3-1 record in such contests. Previous games have been affected by California wildfires, Sept. 11, the World Series and Hurricane Andrew.

"We anticipated this four or five days ago and discussed it as a staff," Titans coach Jeff Fisher said. "Anticipating it and now going through it, there is a difference. Everything will be fine. We are caught up and we are prepared."

Dolphins coach Dave Wannstedt said it will not be a factor.

"Our guys are anxious about playing," Wannstedt said. "And it really wouldn't make any difference."

Tennessee lured Gary Anderson, the NFL's career scoring leader, out of retirement last year to replace Nedney, who was lost to a season-ending injury.

Lucas was released in the final round of roster cuts Sunday. He was at his home in Arizona when the Rams called and re-signed him in time to play against the Arizona Cardinals, his former team, on Sunday.

Dwight is listed as questionable on the injury report. Coach Marty Schottenheimer has a rule that players must practice at least once during game week in order to play.

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