NFL

Three nicked-up Indy starters to sit out against Seattle

By wire services
Published December 24, 2005

INDIANAPOLIS - Three injured Colts starters, receiver Marvin Harrison, linebacker Cato June and right tackle Ryan Diem, will not travel to Seattle for today's game.

Harrison has a broken bone in his right hand and has not practiced all week. June has spent the past two months dealing with a hernia, sore knee and sore ankle. Diem, also expected to miss the final regular-season game, has a sprained ligament in his left knee.

Earlier this week, coach Tony Dungy said Harrison was being fitted for a "hand apparatus" and likely could play through the injury. But with homefield advantage through the playoffs clinched, the Colts decided not to risk additional injuries.

Among others expected to sit are defensive linemen Corey Simon and Robert Mathis, who have foot injuries. Pro Bowl safety Bob Sanders (back) and defensive tackle Montae Reagor (knee) also might sit, and quarterback Peyton Manning, who has not missed a start in his eight seasons, is expected to see limited action.

BILLS: Offensive lineman Mike Williams will sit out his fourth game today against Cincinnati because of back and chest injuries sustained against Carolina on Nov.27.

RAIDERS: LaMont Jordan will not play today against Denver because of turf toe. Jordan, Oakland's first 1,000-yard rusher since 2000, was hurt last week against Cleveland. Zack Crockett and Justin Fargas will replace him.

TAMPA - Six NFL Europe teams will not use high school fields for training camp because of a new law requiring strict background checks for those who regularly enter school property.

The teams will move to fields owned by Hillsborough County, University of Tampa and USF, league officials said. Previously, they used UT and high school facilities at King, Jefferson, Dunedin, Lakewood and Boca Ciega for February workouts.

The six teams bring an estimated 750 players, coaches, scouts and other officials to the area. Players are scheduled to arrive Feb. 10 with practices beginning Feb.15.

The Jessica Lunsford Act, which took effect Sept.1, requires fingerprinting and background checks for contractors, vendors, referees and others who regularly go onto school property.

[Last modified December 24, 2005, 01:10:16]