Indianapolis – Two days after burying his son, Tony Dungy rejoined the Indianapolis Colts on Thursday, hugging his players and assistant coaches and thanking the public for its support while he dealt with his personal tragedy.

“It was the right time to come back,” he said following an afternoon workout. “I talked about it with my wife, and we went through the grieving process, and now we’re starting with the healing process.”

Dungy left the team Dec. 22 when his 18-year-old son, James, died. A preliminary autopsy report indicated the teen took his own life, but the exact cause of death won’t be released until a toxicology examination is completed in four to six weeks.

Team president Bill Polian and owner Jim Irsay urged Dungy to stay with his family as long as needed while assistant head coach Jim Caldwell filled in. On Tuesday, players, coaches and team officials flew to Tampa for the funeral, the first time they had seen their coach since he left to be with his family.

His return surprised and excited everyone, as did his announcement that he would coach Sunday’s regular-season finale in Arizona.

A locker room that had been subdued during Dungy’s absence suddenly came alive.

NFL

Bengals reward Palmer

Cincinnati – The Cincinnati Bengals reworked and extended Carson Palmer’s contract Thursday, giving themselves more salary-cap flexibility and a chance to keep their franchise quarterback through 2014.

By adding six years to a deal that could pay him $118.75 million, they also showed they’re serious about winning for years to come. The Bengals have won the AFC North title and are preparing for their first playoff appearance in 15 years.

Edwards says he’s staying

New York – Once again, Herman Edwards’ coaching future is the subject of intense speculation. For the second time in six weeks, he shot down rumors Thursday that he will succeed his mentor, the Chiefs’ Dick Vermeil, who is expected to retire next week if his team doesn’t make the playoffs.

“I plan on being here. I want to be here,” the Jets’ coach said.

BASEBALL

Randa to play for Pirates

Pittsburgh – Joe Randa, the third baseman on the only Pirates team in 13 years to contend for a division title, is returning to Pittsburgh.

The Pirates, who lost out on signing free agent Bill Mueller, were close to agreement Thursday on a $4 million, one-year contract with Randa. The team held off announcing the signing until it reviewed results of a physical Randa took Wednesday.

The 36-year-old Randa, a former Royal, hit a career-high 17 homers while splitting last season between the Reds and Padres, making $2.15 million. He has hit .300 or better four times, including a .302 season with Pittsburgh in 1997, and has driven in 80 runs or more four times.

Rangers sign Millwood

Arlington, Texas – Kevin Millwood went to Cleveland for a year to prove he was healthy. Now, he’ll be the ace in the Texas Rangers’ overhauled rotation. Rangers manager Buck Showalter said Millwood would be his starter on opening day: April 3 at home against the Boston Red Sox, another team that had pursued Millwood.

Tejada upset with Orioles

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic – Disgruntled shortstop Miguel Tejada is “more upset” with the Baltimore Orioles because they haven’t gotten stronger in the offseason than with the team not fulfilling his trade request.

“Now, I am more upset than when I requested the trade, because it’s been a month, and they haven’t done anything,” Tejada told the Associated Press on Thursday.

Hendricks paid tribute

Baltimore – Elrod Hendricks was remembered as a “kind, wonderful person” Thursday at a funeral attended by thousands in honor of the man who spent nearly four decades as a player and coach with the Baltimore Orioles.

Baseball standouts Eddie Murray, Cal Ripken and Lee May were among those filling The Cathedral of Mary Our Queen in tribute to Hendricks, who died Dec. 21 of a heart attack at 64.

Nats add Ortiz, Armas

Washington – Right-handers Ramon Ortiz and Tony Armas Jr. agreed to one-year deals Thursday with the Washington Nationals. Ortiz, who signed for $2.5 million, was 9-11 with a 5.36 earned-run average in 30 starts for Cincinnati last season. He has made at least 30 starts in four of the past five years and is 68-60 with a 4.72 ERA for his career. Armas, who will earn $2.1 million, went 7-7 with a 4.97 ERA for Washington in 2005, going 0-2 with a 9.75 ERA in his last three starts. His final appearance came Sept. 1, and he later had surgery on his throwing shoulder.

NBA

Sonics’ Fortson suspended

New York – Seattle SuperSonics forward Danny Fortson was suspended for two games without pay Thursday for berating a referee and failing to promptly leave the court after an ejection. The suspension began with Thursday night’s game at Denver. He also will miss Saturday’s home game against Memphis.

Rockets sign Lucas, Davis

Houston – The Houston Rockets signed guard John Lucas III and forward Josh Davis on Thursday and waived swingman Stephen Graham. Lucas is the son of former NBA player and coach John Lucas, who was the first pick of the 1976 draft by the Rockets.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

Cowboys lose pair

Stillwater, Okla. – Oklahoma State likely will be without two of its top four scorers when it plays Arkansas State on Saturday. The Cowboys (8-4) announced Thursday that forward David Monds was doubtful for the game after sustaining a bone bruise in Oklahoma State’s last game and that forward Torre Johnson Jr. was suspended indefinitely for breaking team rules.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

FSU linebacker accused

Hollywood, Fla. – Florida State’s leading tackler was suspended by the team and questioned by police Thursday after a 19-year-old woman accused him of sexually assaulting her. A decision regarding whether to charge senior linebacker A.J. Nicholson would be made following the completion of an investigation expected to extend into next week, police said.