Westbrook Out for the Season After Tearing Knee Ligament

Michael Westbrook, who led the Washington Redskins in receiving yards last season, will be sidelined for the season after tearing a ligament in his left knee in Sunday’s loss in Detroit.

Westbrook, who had 69 receptions for 1,191 yards and nine touchdowns last season, was hurt in the third quarter. He will be replaced by a combination of James Thrash, Irvin Fryar and Zeron Flemister, an undrafted rookie who has one catch.

“It still comes down to the teams that handle adversity the best,” Coach Norv Turner said. “Other teams have lost players. You have to find a way to overcome it.”

Washington moved quickly to fill Westbrook’s absence. Gary Uberstine, the agent for receiver Andre Reed, says Reed has agreed to terms on a one-year deal worth $500,000 with the Redskins. Reed must pass a physical today.

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Tampa Bay All-Pro John Lynch became one of the NFL’s highest-paid safeties when he received a five-year, $24-million contract extension. Lynch’s deal includes a $5.6-million signing bonus. . . . The Green Bay Packers could be facing life without right tackle Earl Dotson, whose chronic back injury might force him to retire. Dotson, whose back locked up on him on the second play from scrimmage in the Packers’ loss at Buffalo on Sunday, underwent an MRI on Monday. Results weren’t announced because team physician Patrick McKenzie hadn’t had time to consult with Dotson. The team said Dotson’s plans would be revealed today. . . . Dallas linebacker Dat Nguyen will miss at least two games because of a sprained left knee. . . . Lion linebacker Stephen Boyd is questionable for Sunday’s game against Tampa Bay because of a lower back strain sustained in the win over Washington.