Packers’ Aaron Rodgers has concussion

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is beginning the evaluation protocol for his second concussion this season. His availability for Sunday’s game at New England remains unclear.

Rodgers left Sunday’s loss at Detroit shortly after he was hit hard on back-to-back plays in the second quarter, a scramble and a sack. He was replaced by Matt Flynn.

Rodgers also suffered a concussion in Green Bay’s loss at Washington on Oct. 10. He played against Miami the following week and has not missed a game since taking over as the Packers’ starter in 2008.

Packers Coach Mike McCarthy says doctors will consider Rodgers’ recent concussion as they evaluate him this week.

Buccaneers linebacker arrested

Tampa Bay linebacker Geno Hayes was jailed on disorderly conduct and trespassing charges after a dispute at a Tampa, Fla., nightclub, the third arrest of a Buccaneers player in the last two months.

Coach Raheem Morris called the string of run-ins with the law frustrating but also said Hayes will play Sunday when the surprising Buccaneers (8-5) try to bolster their playoff hopes against the Detroit Lions.

The third-year pro from Florida State was booked into Hillsborough County Jail hours after the Buccaneers returned home from a 17-16 victory at Washington.

Ryan supports Sanchez

New York Jets Coach Rex Ryan is standing by Mark Sanchez a day after he considered benching his struggling quarterback.

Ryan said Monday that Sanchez needs to improve in a hurry but gave him a vote of confidence. Ryan says Sanchez “is our quarterback, he’s my quarterback” despite another poor showing in the Jets’ 10-6 loss to the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.

Sanchez was 17 for 44 for 216 yards and an interception, his 12th of the season. After not throwing an interception in his first five games, Sanchez has at least one in each of the last eight.

Ryan said Sunday he thought about yanking Sanchez in the third quarter Sunday but reiterated that he’ll “always be our quarterback” and the team will go as far as he takes it.