NFL notes: Pierce sidelined by neck injury

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce is out indefinitely after an MRI exam on Friday surprisingly revealed a bulging disk in his neck.

Pierce, 31, originally sustained a burner when the Giants played Arizona on Oct. 25. He had very little discomfort until practice this week, when the club's medical staff scheduled the MRI exam.

Pierce, in his ninth NFL year and fifth with the Giants, has 55 tackles, one sack, and one forced fumble in nine games this season. He was looking forward to trying to help New York (5-4) snap its four-game losing streak today against the Atlanta Falcons (5-4).

Saints to play without Bush, Ellis

NEW ORLEANS - Running back Reggie Bush and defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis are not traveling with the New Orleans Saints for today's game against Tampa Bay. Both players are expected to practice next week.

Bush missed practice this week with swelling in his left knee, the same knee on which he had surgery last December to repair cartilage. He has 484 yards and six touchdowns in combined rushing and receiving this season.

Ellis sprained his right knee in Miami in Week 7 and returned to practice this week on a limited basis. A first-round draft choice in 2008, he is one of New Orleans' primary run-stuffers.

Holmgren interested in talks with Browns

CLEVELAND - Former Seattle and Green Bay coach Mike Holmgren says he would be interested in working for the Cleveland Browns.

Holmgren said on his weekly radio show on Seattle's KJR that he has not yet spoken to Browns owner Randy Lerner, who is looking for a "serious, credible leader" football authority to run his struggling team, which is 1-8.

Titans' Gage will sit out vs. Texans

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Tennessee receiver Justin Gage is out for the Titans' game against the Houston Texans with broken bones in his lower back. Gage has not practiced since breaking the transverse process bones in his back at San Francisco on Nov. 8.