Joey Harrington will start at quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons against Indianapolis after Byron Leftwich missed practice yesterday with a bruised tailbone.
The Falcons (3-7) host the Colts (8-2) tomorrow night.
Coach Bobby Petrino sidestepped whether Harrington will remain as Atlanta's starter for the rest of the season.
"Well, what we're doing, since this is such a short week, is we're worrying about the Indy game right now," Petrino said. "We have a little break after that, and we'll see how everything goes."
Since Petrino benched Harrington in Week 7, Leftwich is 0-2 as a starter. He missed two games with ankle injuries.
Petrino indicated Leftwich departed Atlanta's 31-7 loss to Tampa Bay last week because of an injury. The fifth-year veteran completed 15 of 28 passes for 106 yards. He also threw two interceptions and lost a fumble that Ronde Barber returned for a touchdown.
After calling trainer Ron Medlin when he returned home Sunday night, Leftwich arrived early Monday at the team's training complex. Petrino said X-rays were negative.
The Falcons are 3-5 in games Harrington has started, but the sixth-year veteran helped Atlanta win two straight before Leftwich returned from ankle surgery.
The Falcons also placed defensive tackles Rod Coleman (hand triceps) and Trey Lewis (knee) on injured reserve, ending the season for both players.
Polamalu, Holmes out?
Steelers strong safety Troy Polamalu and wide receiver Santonio Holmes seem certain to miss at least one game and possibly more with injuries from Sunday's loss to the Jets. Polamalu sprained a knee and Holmes injured ankle ligaments. Both are listed as doubtful for Monday night's home game against Miami (0-10) . . . Cowboys receiver Patrick Crayton missed practice because of a sprained left ankle and may miss tomorrow's game against the New York Jets . . . Giants linebacker Mathias Kiwanuka was placed on injured reserve, two days after breaking his left leg against Detroit. To fill the ex-Boston College player's roster spot, the Giants signed former Patriots running back Patrick Pass . . . Ravens defensive end Trevor Pryce has a severe pectoral tear and will probably be out for the remainder of the season . . . The Jaguars released quarterback Todd Bouman, two days after David Garrard returned to the starting lineup . . . The Redskins signed receiver Anthony Mix, reuniting quarterback Jason Campbell with one of his former Auburn teammates. An undrafted free agent out of college, Mix spent last season on the Giants' practice squad. He began this season on New York's active roster and played in four games with three receptions.More woes for Vick
Michael Vick's "deteriorating financial condition" prompted federal prosecutors to ask a judge to order the former NFL star to set aside nearly $1 million for the care of pit bulls seized from his dogfighting operation. In court papers filed in Richmond, the government asked US District Judge Henry Hudson to issue a restraining order that essentially would freeze about $928,000 to fulfill Vick's legal obligation to cover the costs of caring for the dogs and finding homes for them . . . Giants Stadium will bolster security in an effort to crack down on rowdy Jets fans who chant obscenely at women during halftime. New Jersey Senate president Dick Codey demanded a crackdown after The
