NFL notes: Colts hit hard in secondary

INDIANAPOLIS - The injury bug is still haunting the Indianapolis Colts.

Cornerback Marlin Jackson and safety Bob Sanders were lost for the season yesterday as 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 anterior cruciate ligament injury to his left knee during a non-contact drill Wednesday. He had been rehabbing the knee after he was hurt against Seattle on Oct. 4.

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

Sanders had just returned to the lineup two weeks ago. He had missed all of training camp and the first five games of the year after undergoing offseason knee surgery.

Indianapolis' other veteran cornerback, Kelvin Hayden, also is expected to be sidelined for the next three to four weeks after he suffered a sprained knee vs. the 49ers.

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

Giants name Rouse starting safety

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - Riding a three-game losing streak, the New York Giants decided yesterday to insert Aaron Rouse into the starting lineup at safety for tomorrow's game against the San Diego Chargers.

The former Virginia Tech star will replace beleaguered veteran C.C. Brown, who has been beaten twice on deep passes for touchdowns during the losing streak.

Rouse was awarded to the Giants on waivers in September after Kenny Phillips was lost with a season-ending knee injury.

Rouse was drafted by Green Bay in the third round in 2007. He played in 27 games with 11 starts before being waived in September.

Law joins Broncos

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. - Defensive back Ty Law has agreed to terms on a deal with the Denver Broncos.

Law, 35, a five-time Pro Bowl selection, will fit in with veterans Champ Bailey, Andre' Goodman, Brian Dawkins and Renaldo Hill, all in their 30s.

A first-round pick by New England in 1995, Law helped the Patriots to three Super Bowl titles. He played for the New York Jets last season.

Rodgers, Driver probable for Packers

GREEN BAY, Wis. - Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers and receiver Donald Driver practiced and are probable for tomorrow's game at Tampa Bay.

Rodgers suffered a sprained toe in last Sunday's 38-26 loss to the Minnesota Vikings and has been coping with a sprain in his other foot. Driver, 34, is coming off treatment for a neck injury. He hasn't missed a game because of injury since Week 2 of the 2003 season.

Elsewhere

• New England released guard Kendall Simmons, who was inactive for six of his seven games with the team. He played only on special teams on Oct. 18 in a 59-0 win over Tennessee. Simmons, 30, signed with the Patriots on Sept. 6 after being waived by Pittsburgh.

Miami linebacker Channing Crowder (left shoulder) and nose tackle Jason Ferguson (elbow) are listed as doubtful for tomorrow's game against New England. Both have been limited in practice this week. - From Wire Reports