Two Dolphin Players Out for the Season

Defensive tackle Daryl Gardener and guard Mark Dixon were officially declared out for the season Tuesday when the Miami Dolphins put them on injured reserve.

The Dolphins also decided not to activate receiver O.J. McDuffie or tight end Alonzo Mayes from the physically unable to perform list, meaning they will miss the season.

Miami signed defensive tackle Henry Taylor to a two-year contract. Taylor played in one game with the Chicago Bears this season before being waived Oct. 29. He has also been with San Diego, Detroit and Atlanta.

Gardener underwent surgery to remove disk fragments and scar tissue from his back Nov. 24. It was his second back operation in 14 months.

Dixon broke his right leg Nov. 25 against Buffalo and had surgery Tuesday. The eight-year veteran said last week he’s contemplating retirement.

*

Jerome Bettis, the NFL’s rushing leader, most likely will miss division-leading Pittsburgh’s game against the New York Jets on Sunday because of groin and hip injuries.

Bettis was listed as doubtful, meaning there is a 25% chance he could play. But Coach Bill Cowher said even that might be overestimating his chances.

“We’ll see how he is by the end of the week but, by listing him as doubtful, you can see where I’m heading,” Cowher said.

Tests on Bettis’ hip showed no serious injury, and surgery is not necessary. Bettis also was bothered by a sore groin and abdomen before coming out of a 21-16 victory Sunday over Minnesota after gaining 81 yards in three quarters.

*

A lawyer for New England Patriot receiver Terry Glenn asked a judge to dismiss assault and battery charges, claiming Glenn’s 5-year-old son wasn’t to be believed when he told two policemen, “Daddy pushed Mommy.”

Glenn’s lawyers asked Wrentham (Mass.) District Court Judge Daniel Winslow to dismiss the charges, and also to exclude statements made by Terry Glenn Jr. and his mother, Kimberly Combs. Winslow said he would rule on both motions “in due course.”

Glenn’s lawyer, Joseph Cataldo, conceded that Glenn argued with Combs and told her to leave. But he said Combs made up the domestic abuse claim to cover herself after she upended a plate of food in Glenn’s bedroom, poured soda pop on his bed and broke his laptop.

*

The Detroit Lions signed quarterback Scott Dreisbach and put cornerback Robert Bailey on injured reserve. Dreisbach will be Detroit’s No. 3 quarterback behind rookie Mike McMahon, who will make his first start Sunday at Tampa Bay. Ty Detmer will be McMahon’s backup. ... The Cincinnati Bengals signed tight end Kirk McMullen to the roster from the practice squad to replace Tony McGee, whose season is over because of a knee injury. ... Wide receiver Patrick Batteaux was released by the San Diego Chargers, along with two practice squad players. The Chargers likely will fill the vacant roster spot with a cornerback. Rookie Tay Cody sprained his right ankle in a 13-10 overtime loss at Seattle and is questionable for Sunday’s game at Philadelphia.