Giants lose safety Phillips for season

Safety Kenny Phillips’ season with the New York Giants ended only days after the best game of his career.

Phillips, who had two interceptions in Sunday night’s win over Dallas, was put on injured reserve by the Giants (2-0) on Thursday because of an unhealthy left knee. The team also announced it was awarded safety Aaron Rouse off waivers from Green Bay.

Phillips had been bothered by the knee since training camp. An MRI exam Wednesday revealed that the patella femoral arthritis in his knee has worsened.

A final determination has not yet been made on how to treat the condition.

Phillips was stunned that he would have to sit out the rest of the season.

“It never crossed my mind, ever,” Phillips said. “I knew the situation. I just felt I could push it through the season. So to get this news is a real shock.”

Phillips was leading the team in interceptions (two) and tackles (16) and was tied for the lead in passes defended (two).

Peterson’s back ‘not a big deal’

Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson said his back injury is “not a big deal at all,” meaning he should play against San Francisco this weekend.

Peterson has been limited in practice the last two days because of the injury. He rushed for 92 yards and a touchdown last week against Detroit, and leads the NFL in rushing entering the Vikings’ home opener against the 49ers.

Steelers’ Carter is fined for hit

Pittsburgh Steelers safety Tyrone Carter has been fined $5,000 for a hit that left him with a bruised left thigh.

The NFL penalized Carter for his hit on Chicago Bears tight end Greg Olsen last weekend.

Carter played hurt the rest of the game and said he may have given up a score-tying touchdown pass because of it. The Bears won, 17-14.

“They said I led with the crown of my helmet,” Carter said. “I watched the play over and over again and I hit him in the shoulder. So I don’t know. Ask the league. Of course, I’m going to appeal.”

Carter did not practice Wednesday or Thursday because of the injury but said he expected to play Sunday at Cincinnati.

Etc.

Seven San Diego Chargers players sat out practice, including running back LaDainian Tomlinson, outside linebacker Shawne Merriman and rookie right guard Louis Vasquez. . . . New York Jets rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez has some tendinitis in his right knee that isn’t expected to affect his availability for this weekend’s game against the Tennessee Titans.