INDIANAPOLIS — Colts strong safety Bob Sanders could miss up to six weeks after spraining his right ankle Sunday at Minnesota, and team officials are contemplating whether the 2007 defensive player of the year might need arthroscopic surgery on his knee, too.
“It’s kind of similar to (receiver) Roy Hall’s injury,” coach Tony Dungy said. “He had his knee scoped, too, so he’s going to be out a while longer. If it’s going to be two or three weeks, then it makes sense to get it scoped. But (defensive tackle) Keyunta Dawson had the same kind of thing and he told me he was going to practice today, so we’re not really sure.”
Apparently, those plans changed, too. Dawson did not practice Wednesday.
Team president Bill Polian was more definitive, saying Sanders would miss four to six weeks. Sanders’ likely replacement is second-year safety Melvin Bullitt.
Vikings bench Jackson, turn to Frerotte
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — Brad Childress decided the Vikings can no longer afford to let quarterback Tarvaris Jackson, 25, learn on the job, so the coach turned to 15-year veteran Gus Frerotte to run the offense.
Jackson, who has completed just 51 percent of his passes this season, admitted to “inconsistent play to say the least,” but also said he was surprised and upset by the move.
“I could easily hold my head low, keep my head down, you know, be a cancer to the team,” Jackson said. “I’m still frustrated and mad about the situation, but I’m going to use that as motivation to try to get better and just better myself for the future.”
Footnotes.
Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson sat out practice because of a jammed right big toe. “Hopefully I’ll be as close to 100 percent as possible” for Monday night’s game against the Jets, he said.
• Chiefs quarterback Tyler Thigpen, the first player from Coastal Carolina selected in the NFL draft, will start Sunday against the Falcons.
• Raiders running backs Justin Fargas (groin) and Darren McFadden (toe) missed practice, with Fargas unlikely to play Sunday at Buffalo and McFadden probable.
• The Jaguars re-signed former University of Colorado offensive lineman Chris Naeole.
• Bears return specialist Devin Hester (ribs) did not practice and is questionable for Sunday’s game against the Buccaneers. Also, safety Brandon McGowan will undergo season-ending surgery on his left ankle.
• Buccaneers tight end Jerramy Stevens was activated after serving a suspension for violating the NFL’s substance-abuse policy.
The Associated Press
