Falcons Put Dunn on Injured Reserve

Warrick Dunn’s season ended Tuesday when the Atlanta Falcons put their leading rusher on injured reserve because of a torn ligament in his left foot.

Dunn had to be carried off the field early in the fourth quarter of the Falcons’ 38-31 loss to Tennessee on Sunday. Coach Dan Reeves said Monday that Dunn initially was hurt during his 162-yard rushing effort in a 23-20 overtime loss at New Orleans the previous week.

Atlanta has lost two straight and nine of 10 games as it prepares to visit Houston this Sunday. T.J. Duckett will replace Dunn as starter.

Quarterback Michael Vick has sat out since breaking his right leg in an exhibition game. The Falcons put linebackers Sam Rogers and Will Overstreet on injured reserve in October.

Dunn had never been put on injured reserve in his seven-year career. His injury is similar to what Atlanta linebacker Keith Brooking endured three years ago -- a ligament tear at the base of his toes. The team doesn’t know whether Dunn, like Brooking, will need surgery.

Dunn, in the second season of a six-year, $28.5-million contract, had 672 yards rushing, 336 yards receiving and five touchdowns in 11 games this year.

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The Denver Broncos suspended Daryl Gardener for two more games after he lashed out publicly at Coach Mike Shanahan over a one-game suspension.

The original suspension was for unspecified conduct detrimental to the team. Gardener responded by telling a Denver radio station last week that he didn’t believe Shanahan wants him on the team and called the coach “that little man up there.”

Those comments violated a clause in every NFL contract requiring players to give their best efforts and loyalty to their team, the Broncos said in a statement.

Shanahan talked with team leaders before extending Gardener’s suspension and all supported the action, the Broncos said.

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A woman was charged with lying to police for accusing Detroit Lion wide receiver Scotty Anderson of rape. Prosecutor Mike Duggan said Nicole Dolores Milburn was not raped and did not have sex with Anderson. Milburn was charged with filing a false police report. Anderson never faced charges in the case.

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Chicago quarterback Chris Chandler is day to day because of a sprained right shoulder. An MRI exam on the shoulder came back negative, the Bears said.... Minnesota released running back Doug Chapman and claimed rookie tight end Richard Angulo on waivers from St. Louis.... Washington signed tackle Kenyatta Jones, who was released a month ago by New England after being charged with assault.... Jacksonville Coach Jack Del Rio said he will stick with Byron Leftwich as his starting quarterback. Del Rio said Monday he was considering benching his first-round draft pick in favor of David Garrard.