The Associated Press

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Jaguars punter Chris Hanson needed surgery to close up a gash on his right, non-kicking leg Thursday after he miscalibrated while using an ax to hack at the massive tree stump that coach Jack Del Rio placed in the locker room.

Del Rio used the stump as a symbol for the mantra he has adopted for the Jaguars (1-4) this season: "Keep chopping wood."

Hanson took the message literally, and wound up being rushed to the hospital, where he received several stitches, team spokesman Dan Edwards said. Hanson's leg will be in a boot for four to six weeks, and the team hasn't decided whether to place him on injured reserve, Edwards said.

The accident happened while position players were in meetings.

"Specialists have more free time on their hands," Del Rio said.

On Thursday, when the media was allowed into the locker room, the stump was still there, albeit much worse for wear. The ax, meanwhile, was gone. Asked what happened to the ax, several players shook their heads and smiled.

In June 2002, Hanson, his wife and former Jaguars kicker Jaret Holmes were severely burned while they were making fondue at Hanson's house, and the fondue pot overturned.

BUCS, REDSKINS WARNED: The NFL told the Buccaneers and Redskins no pregame hostilities will be tolerated when the teams meet Sunday, and reminded them that it is not permissible to run through opponents' formations during stretching before the game. Tampa Bay's Warren Sapp has been known for such pregame tactics.

"It will result in a 15-yard penalty," spokesman Greg Aiello said.

RAMS: Free safety Jason Sehorn was ruled out of Monday's game with the Falcons due to soreness in the left foot he broke in late July.

BROWNS: Quarterback Kelly Holcomb, who has a hairline fracture in his right fibula, could be out until after the Browns bye week, meaning he would be ready for the Nov. 9 game at Kansas City.

DOLPHINS: Linebacker Junior Seau ran lightly and practiced, but he remains questionable for Sunday's game at Jacksonville after straining a hamstring last week. He will try to go through a full practice today.

JETS: Quarterback Chad Pennington threw during seven-on-seven drills. Pennington, who throws right-handed, dislocated and broke his left wrist in the preseason and is not expected back for several weeks.