PRO FOOTBALL / DAILY REPORT : AFC : Woodson Probably Sidelined for Season

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ worst fears were realized Monday when tests disclosed six-time Pro Bowl cornerback Rod Woodson has a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee and will probably be sidelined the entire season. “Unless God lets me heal faster than normal and we make the playoffs,” said Woodson, who will have surgery later this week.

Woodson, voted to the NFL’s 75th anniversary All-Time team last season, was hurt as he reached to his left to make an arm tackle on Detroit’s Barry Sanders during the Steelers’ 23-20 victory on Sunday. Woodson’s right leg planted in Three Rivers Stadium’s artificial turf and stuck, and the knee gave way before he could free his leg.

There was better news regarding backup quarterback Mike Tomczak, who bruised several ribs when he was body-slammed to the turf by the Lions’ Tracy Scroggins. He said he expects to play Sunday in Houston.

Starting quarterback Neil O’Donnell is sidelined at least two weeks because of a broken little finger.

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The Denver Broncos have lost Michael Dean Perry for anywhere from three to 12 weeks because of a knee injury. Perry, who anchored the Broncos’ defensive line in their 22-7 victory over Buffalo on Sunday night, is scheduled to undergo surgery today to repair cartilage in his right knee.

Perry, acquired by the Broncos from Cleveland as an unrestricted free agent during the off-season, made three tackles, including one sack for a six-yard loss, and blocked two passes against the Bills.

Coach Mike Shanahan said Shane Dronett would replace Perry.

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The Seattle Seahawks will be without starting defensive end Antonio Edwards, backup middle linebacker Dean Wells and No. 3 receiver Ricky Proehl because of injuries.

Edwards, Seattle’s starter at right defensive end, will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his right knee today for suspected cartilage damage. He will be sidelined at least two games.

Wells tore a ligament in his right elbow and will be sidelined for a minimum of two games.

Proehl broke his right fibula bone near the ankle, and could be sidelined as long as eight weeks. *

Starting left tackle Gerald Perry of the Oakland Raiders underwent surgery for a fractured right arm and is expected to be sidelined for up to six weeks. Perry’s arm was broken in the first quarter of a 17-7 victory over the San Diego Chargers.

His place will be taken by backup Robert Jenkins, who played for the Rams eight years before joining the Raiders in 1994.

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Craig Erickson will remain the starting quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts despite a shaky performance in Sunday’s 24-21 overtime loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.

Coach Ted Marchibroda yanked Erickson with 11:15 left to play and the Colts trailing, 21-13. Jim Harbaugh came on and helped the Colts tie the game and force the overtime.

Erickson threw three interceptions, was sacked twice and his mishandling of a snap resulted in a safety when the ball went out of the end zone. He completed 19 of 31 passes for 196 yards and one touchdown.

“It wasn’t one of Craig’s better games,” Marchibroda said. “Craig will do the job. He’s done the job in the past and we intend to give him every opportunity.”