Jets QB Sanchez dodges serious injury to knee

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Mark Sanchez's headfirst dive gave the New York Jets a big first down — and a huge scare.

Rest easy, Rex. The Sanchise isn't seriously injured.

Sanchez might be able to play in New York's next game after spraining the posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during the Jets' 19-13 win over Buffalo on Thursday. Coach Rex Ryan said an MRI exam Friday revealed the severity of the injury, which could have been much worse.

"I feel good that it sounds like he's going to be healthy," Ryan said. "I think that is the best news we could've hoped for."

Ryan said Sanchez will initially wear a brace to stabilize the knee, and is optimistic the rookie could be ready to go against the Buccaneers at Tampa Bay on Dec. 13.

Sanchez was injured when he dived headfirst on an 8-yard run early in the third quarter. He was examined by trainers on the sideline and replaced by Kellen Clemens before he made his way with a slight limp to the locker room.

Sanchez was already nursing a sore left knee after he was hurt in a 17-6 win over Carolina last weekend. Concerned about Sanchez's sliding abilities, Ryan had brought in Yankees manager Joe Girardi for a tutorial Tuesday.

Despite that session, Sanchez went headfirst instead of feet first on the play he was injured, and defended his actions after the game.

"In the heat of the moment, I don't know how else to explain it, I was really trying to get a first down and advance the chains," Sanchez said. "That's just the way I play."

Ryan was angry and frustrated by Sanchez's decision, calling him a "knucklehead" after the game. The coach said he hadn't spoken to Sanchez on Friday, but didn't back down from his initial comments.

"Everything I mentioned is for the safety of him," Ryan said.

Browns' injuries mounting

BEREA, Ohio — All the injuries to the Cleveland Browns this year have left coach Eric Mangini starting over.

"Some stuff you do have to spend time on you wouldn't typically," Mangini said. "Like learning guys' names. We've had quite a few new faces come through."

More could be on the way.

Cleveland could be down as many as five defensive starters from last week when it faces the Chargers (8-3) on Sunday. Defensive lineman Kenyon Coleman's right knee injury has ruled him out, cornerback Eric Wright was listed as doubtful on Friday's injury report with a sore left hamstring, and linebacker Kamerion Wimbley was unsure if his knee will allow him to play.

The Browns (1-10) already have placed Pro Bowl nose tackle Shaun Rogers and safety Brodney Pool on injured reserve this week. Now they could be without their best cornerback as they face a San Diego passing attack ranked ninth in the league. Wright and Pool have combined for all six of the defense's interceptions this year.

Notes

• Washington RB Clinton Portis continues to show symptoms from a concussion suffered Nov. 8 and will return to a specialist in Pittsburgh on Monday and Tuesday to evaluate his progress.

• WR DeSean Jackson (concussion), WR Kevin Curtis (knee), RB Brian Westbrook (concussion) and LB Akeem Jordan (knee) have been ruled out for Philadelphia's game against Atlanta.

• Carolina placed DT Tank Tyler (knee) on injured reserve and claimed DT Derek Landri off waivers from Jacksonville.

• New York Jets S Kerry Rhodes has been fined $5,000 by the NFL for throwing a ball into the stands following an interception against Carolina.

• Houston DE Antonio Smith has been fined $12,500 for a hit on Indianapolis TE Dallas Clark.