Colts’ McFarland injures his knee

Defensive tackle Anthony McFarland, an important contributor in the Indianapolis Colts’ run to a Super Bowl title last season, may miss extensive playing time after injuring his knee in training camp.

McFarland hurt the patella tendon Friday and missed Saturday’s controlled scrimmage after an MRI exam showed the extent of the injury, the team said.

Colts Coach Tony Dungy called the injury serious and that it might require surgery but did not give details on how it happened.

“It’s a long-term injury,” Dungy said. “[Surgery is] something that we’re contemplating. It’s something that I think is going to happen.”

McFarland, who was acquired in a trade from Tampa Bay last season and helped shore up the Colts’ run defense in the playoffs, left the field early during Friday’s workout.

“He’s not going to be back in the next three or four weeks or anything like that,” Dungy said.

Carolina Panthers safety Mike Minter, the team’s career leader in tackles and one of its most popular players, has decided to retire because of chronic knee pain, a person familiar with the decision said.

An official announcement is expected today. Minter did not practice Monday.

Terrell Owens’ back pain is only spasms and isn’t considered serious.

An MRI done Monday, when Owens sat out the Dallas Cowboys’ practice for the second straight day, showed no problems.

The Cowboys had the exam done because the 33-year-old receiver still had muscle stiffness a day after being treated by team trainers.

Miami Dolphins linebacker Joey Porter sought a second opinion before deciding whether to undergo arthroscopic knee surgery that could sideline him for at least two weeks. Porter has been out of action since Friday because of the injury, which began bothering him during the off-season. He was examined over the weekend and sought a second opinion from Birmingham, Ala.-based specialist Dr. James Andrews.

The Dolphins’ first exhibition is Saturday against Jacksonville. Porter would miss most or all of the exhibition season if he requires surgery.

Nose tackle Aubrayo Franklin left the San Francisco 49ers’ practice field on a cart because of a knee injury. Franklin, who left Baltimore to sign with San Francisco in the off-season, was injured when two offensive linemen rolled onto his leg during a play.

Coach Mike Nolan said Franklin, expected to be a starter, sprained his knee but would undergo more tests.

Buffalo Bills backup defensive end Anthony Hargrove pleaded not guilty to several misdemeanor charges stemming from a weekend confrontation with police outside a nightclub in Rochester, N.Y.

Hargrove was scheduled to appear in Rochester city court again Thursday morning. It’s not clear whether the hearing will prevent Hargrove from traveling with the Bills that day for their exhibition opener at New Orleans on Friday.

Hargrove was charged with harassment, resisting arrest and criminal mischief after an altercation outside a nightclub early Sunday morning. According to police, Hargrove was arguing with a bouncer when police arrived.

He is accused of shoving an officer in the face and breaking his glasses.

Denver Broncos first-round draft pick Jarvis Moss injured his left knee during one-on-one pass-rush drills and was taken off the field for medical tests.

The Broncos were awaiting results of an MRI exam and holding out hope he wasn’t seriously hurt.

The 6-foot-6, 265-pound defensive end from Florida was drafted with the 17th overall pick to provide Denver with some much-needed help rushing the passer. He signed a five-year, $18-million deal on July 28.