A Nevada judge in Carson City denied motions by lawyers for Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger to dismiss a civil lawsuit alleging he raped a Lake Tahoe casino worker, according to court documents released yesterday.

Washoe District Judge Brent Adams rejected arguments that the suit should be dismissed, saying the woman's allegations make a "sufficient" claim that if proven, would entitle her to relief.

"The court recognizes that a motion to dismiss is only proper where it appears beyond doubt that the plaintiff could prove no set of facts which, if true, would entitle them to relief," Adams wrote in the order filed late Tuesday.

Adams also refused to strike the woman's complaint, finding that as written, it is not "unnecessarily salacious or graphic," as argued by Roethlisberger's lawyers.

EAGLES

VICK, NIKE REUNITE

Philadelphia Eagles' Michael Vick is back with Nike two years after the company severed ties over the quarterback's involvement in a dogfighting ring.

"Mike has a long-standing, great relationship with Nike, and he looks forward to continuing that relationship," his agent, Joel Segal, said yesterday.

Segal would not reveal terms of the deal. Nike did not respond to requests for comment.

ELSEWHERE

Cowboys: Dallas left tackle Flozell Adams was fined by the NFL for the third straight week, the latest for kicking at Carolina defensive end Julius Peppers. Adams was docked $7,500. He was fined $5,000 for an unnecessary roughness penalty in the opener and $12,500 for two plays against the New York Giants. Also, yesterday, Cowboys' running back Felix Jones was fined $5,000 for an attempted leg whip.

Cardinals: Marc Bulger (bruised rotator cuff in his throwing shoulder) did not practice yesterday, increasing the likelihood that winless St. Louis will go with backup Kyle Boller at quarterback on Sunday in San Francisco.

Chargers: Running back LaDainian Tomlinson was back at practice yesterday for the first time since spraining his right ankle in the season opener, an encouraging sign for San Diego (2-1), which plays at Pittsburgh (1-2) Sunday night.

Titans: Tennessee re-signed veteran returner Mark Jones, after cutting him Sept. 4. The move comes after Ryan Mouton, a rookie out of Hawai'i, fumbled a kickoff and lost a punt after trying to fair catch the ball over his shoulder. The turnovers turned into 14 points and a loss at the New York Jets last week.