The Associated Press

INDIANAPOLIS - Running back Edgerrin James is expected to start when the Indianapolis Colts play the Houston Texans on Sunday at the RCA Dome.

James has missed the last three games with a lower back injury, but the two-time NFL rushing champion was able to practice Monday and Wednesday.

Coach Tony Dungy, who earlier in the week expressed a wait-and-see attitude toward James' return, was optimistic Wednesday.

"I think he should be fine," Dungy said. "Edgerrin can do a lot of things well, so you don't have to tailor your offense specifically. You can do a lot of things with him in there without having to substitute. That's probably the advantage it gives you offensively."

DOLPHINS: Linebacker Junior Seau insists he meant no harm when he suggested the way to stop former teammate LaDainian Tomlinson is to feed him fried chicken and watermelon.

Tomlinson, whose Chargers face the Dolphins on Monday night, said he was not angered by the comments. Dolphins officials backed Seau and agreed that he intended no malice.

Asked Wednesday how to limit Tomlinson, San Diego's star running back, Seau told reporters: "You give him watermelon and load him up with fried chicken and tell him to keep eating."

Seau, who is of Samoan descent, later said he and Tomlinson, who is black, are friends and the comment was meant in jest. Seau was wearing a Tomlinson jersey when he made the comment.

BROWNS: Coach Butch Davis isn't saying if he's going to start the quarterback with the broken leg or the one with the battered confidence.

Davis wouldn't announce Wednesday whether Kelly Holcomb or Tim Couch will be the starter Sunday at New England.

"We'll have an update probably some time, 12 o'clock on Sunday," Davis said. "Stay tuned."

RAMS: Offensive tackle Kyle Turley plans to play this week, although on Wednesday he was still feeling the effects of a concussion.

TITANS: Tight end Frank Wycheck is improving from his latest concussion and might be able to play Sunday for the first time since the season opener.

VIKINGS: Michael Bennett went through his first practice with Minnesota this season Wednesday afternoon, and the running back was removed from the physically unable to perform list.

RAIDERS: Rich Gannon's status for Oakland's next game remained uncertain Wednesday after the team declined to release the results of tests on the MVP quarterback's bruised throwing shoulder.

REDSKINS: Washington changed backup quarterbacks Wednesday, signing Tim Hasselbeck and cutting Rob Johnson.

LIONS: Joey Harrington will return as Detroit's starting quarterback against Chicago on Sunday.

BRONCOS: Denver re-signed Jarious Jackson on Wednesday to back up Danny Kanell, the team's only healthy quarterback.

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