Texans’ Banks Is Out for the Season

Houston Texan quarterback Tony Banks, who broke his right hand in Sunday’s victory over the Atlanta Falcons, will sit out the rest of the season because of the injury.

Banks was injured late in the first half of Houston’s 17-13 victory when he hit his throwing hand on the helmet of Falcon defensive tackle Ellis Johnson.

Banks and safety Ramon Walker, who tore a ligament in his left knee, were put on injured reserve Monday, Coach Dom Capers said.

Banks, starting for the injured David Carr, completed eight of 14 passes for 100 yards before the injury. Carr replaced Banks and completed two of five attempts for 25 yards. He had one pass intercepted.

Carr, who aggravated his sprained right shoulder in Sunday’s game, will start for the Texans (5-7) next week against Jacksonville (3-9) if he has recovered. Rookie Dave Ragone, a fourth-round draft pick from the University of Louisville, will be his backup while Mike Quinn, whom the Texans signed from their practice squad, will be the third-string quarterback.

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Suspended running back William Green did not return to the Cleveland Browns, further clouding his future with the team.

Green was banned by the NFL for four games last month for violating the league’s substance abuse program.

The 23-year-old, who has a history of drug and alcohol problems, was eligible for reinstatement Monday.

However, the second-year back and the club’s leading rusher, whose fiancee has been accused of stabbing him in the back with a knife, was not at the club’s training facility.

“He did not take part in any team-related activities today,” team President Carmen Policy said. “We are preparing for Monday night’s game with St. Louis as though William will not be available.”

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Detroit Lion rookie receiver Charles Rogers, who broke his collarbone in practice on Oct. 7, will go on injured reserve this week, ending his season. Rogers was the second overall pick in this year’s draft.

In five games before the injury, Rogers caught 22 passes for 243 yards. Even after sitting out nearly two months, he still leads the team in touchdowns with three.