Colts put Sanders, Jackson on IR

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By From combined dispatches

The injury bug is still haunting the Indianapolis Colts.

Cornerback Marlin Jackson and strong safety Bob Sanders were lost for the season Friday when the team placed them on injured reserve.

Jackson, who missed the second half of the 2008 season after injuring his right knee during practice, suffered an ACL injury to his left knee during a noncontact drill Wednesday. He had been rehabbing the knee after he was hurt against Seattle on Oct. 4.

Sanders, a two-time Pro Bowl selection, tore his left biceps against the 49ers last weekend and will need surgery.

Sanders had just returned to the Colts' lineup two weeks ago. He had missed all of training camp and the first five games of the season after undergoing offseason knee surgery. He has missed 40 of 87 games during his six-year NFL career.

Indianapolis' other veteran cornerback, Kelvin Hayden, is also expected to be sidelined for the next three to four weeks after he suffered a sprained knee during the 18-14 victory over San Francisco. Hayden is not expected to undergo surgery.

The Colts (7-0) host AFC South rival Houston (5-3) on Sunday. Texans quarterback Matt Schaub and receiver Andre Johnson will likely be looking at a Colts defense with two rookies - Jerraud Powers and Jacob Lacey - starting at cornerback. Third-year veteran Melvin Bullitt will take Sanders' place.

Receiver Anthony Gonzalez, meanwhile, underwent arthroscopic surgery Thursday to clean out loose particles in his right knee. Gonzalez suffered a sprained ligament in the knee during the Colts' season-opening victory over Jacksonville. A date for his return has yet to be determined.

BRONCOS: Defensive back Ty Law agreed to terms on a deal with Denver.

Kevin Poston, Law's agent, confirmed the move. A Broncos spokesman said the team had no comment.

Law is expected to sign Saturday, pending the passing of his physical. He may even make it out to practice as the Broncos (6-1) prepare to host Pittsburgh on Monday night.

The 35-year-old, a five-time Pro Bowl selection, will fit right in with veterans Champ Bailey, Andre Goodman, Brian Dawkins and Renaldo Hill, who are all in their 30s.

DOLPHINS: Linebacker Channing Crowder and nose tackle Jason Ferguson are listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against New England.

Both have been limited in practice this week. Crowder missed last week's win against the New York Jets with a left shoulder injury, and Ferguson has an elbow injury.

Coach Tony Sparano hedged when asked if he's optimistic Crowder will play.

"I'm kind of right in the middle right now," Sparano said. "He's done some work. Whether or not it's enough work, I'm not sure."

LIONS: Coach Jim Schwartz said he's optimistic receiver Calvin Johnson and running back Kevin Smith will play Sunday at Seattle.

Johnson has missed Detroit's past two games with a sore right knee but practiced all week. Smith, who injured a shoulder in last weekend's 17-10 loss to St. Louis, missed Wednesday's practice but took part in workouts Thursday and Friday.

Quarterback Matthew Stafford was limited in practice this week by a sore right knee but is expected to play. The last time Stafford, Johnson and Smith played together was during the first half of the Lions' only win of the season, a 25-17 victory over the Redskins on Oct. 26.