The Associated Press

The Indianapolis Colts were more than beaten by New England. They were battered, too.

Tight end Dallas Clark hobbled in Monday on crutches, running back James Mungro was in a walking boot, guard Steve Sciullo struggled to turn. Coach Tony Dungy was already making contingency plans for the 9-3 Colts' game Sunday at Tennessee.

The Colts' division title hopes took a hit when they could not score from the 1 in the closing seconds of Sunday's 38-34 loss to New England.

Their standard two tight-end formations may have to be scrapped after Clark landed awkwardly on his lower right leg in the second quarter. Clark has a fractured fibula, and a further examination Monday revealed ligament damage. He is scheduled for surgery today and might not play again this season.

RAMS: For the first time in several weeks, St. Louis does not have a quarterback controversy. Marc Bulger's play in a blowout victory against Minnesota saw to that. Bulger has had his share of problems, throwing 10 interceptions in the previous four games. He was efficient in the 48-17 win that kept the Rams (9-3) tied with Philadelphia for the best record in the NFC.

Every Monday lately, coach Mike Martz has faced second-guessing about sticking with his young quarterback instead of giving benched two-time MVP Kurt Warner a shot.

"Anytime you go through that type of criticism and you struggle like he has at times, and then come back and play very well, you can only grow from that," Martz said. "I think it's a testimony to his character, his competitiveness, and his leadership qualities."

Bulger was 15-for-20 for 222 yards with one TD Sunday.

RAIDERS: Bill Callahan tried to massage his message Monday after the coach called his Oakland Raiders the "dumbest team in America."

"I totally respect our players and always have," Callahan said a day after Oakland's 22-8 loss to the Denver Broncos. "My problem is not with our players, it's the way we play.

TEXANS: David Carr intends to start Sunday at Jacksonville, a week after the Houston quarterback was suddenly called on to rally the Texans, sprained right shoulder and all.

BILLS: Drew Bledsoe's status is uncertain, although the QB is not experiencing any serious effects from a helmet-to-helmet hit.

BROWNS: Quarterback Tim Couch sustained a sprained knee ligament in Sunday's loss at Seattle, but the injury isn't as bad as originally feared.

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