Alstott Likely Out for Season

Fullback Mike Alstott probably will be sidelined for the rest of the season after spraining his left knee in Tampa Bay’s 13-10 loss to the Chicago on Sunday.

“It doesn’t sound like it’s going to require any surgery,” Coach Tony Dungy said. “It’s just going to be a matter of resting up and letting it heal.”

The Buccaneers said he is expected to be sidelined eight weeks. Dungy said Charles Kirby, a third-year pro in his first season with Tampa Bay, will replace Alstott.

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Ike Hilliard of the New York Giants will be hospitalized two days with a bruised sternum and lung, and probably won’t play Sunday against Arizona.

The receiver was hurt in the third quarter of a loss to Detroit on Sunday. He was hit in the chest by safety Kurt Schulz on a pass down the middle.

Schulz was penalized for helmet-to-helmet contact. NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said the hit would be reviewed to see if disciplinary action is warranted.

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Dallas center Mark Stepnoski was ruled out for the season because of a knee injury and safety Darren Woodson will sit out at least one game because of a broken arm. Stepnoski is the seventh starter Dallas has lost for the season.

Woodson broke his forearm in the second quarter Sunday while tackling Baltimore Raven running back Jamal Lewis. Although Woodson played in the second half, Coach Dave Campo indicated the quick turnaround between games will keep him out. The Cowboys face Minnesota on Thursday.