The Associated Press

ST. LOUIS - St. Louis Rams wide receiver Isaac Bruce needs 19 yards for his sixth straight 1,000-yard season, and he might get them this weekend despite a mild ankle sprain.

Bruce injured his left ankle in the first quarter of Sunday's 27-22 victory over the Seahawks when Marshall Faulk rolled up on the back of his legs on a running play. Bruce caught an 18-yard touchdown pass, his fourth in four games, later in that quarter before leaving for X-rays.

An MRI exam on Monday revealed the extent of the injury. Coach Mike Martz said Bruce would be held out of practice until Saturday in preparation for Sunday's home finale against the Bengals.

"It's not very significant," Martz said. "He has the potential, the possibility anyway, of being available this week."

Bruce is second on the team with 69 receptions for 981 yards, a 14.2-yard average and five touchdowns.

BRONCOS: Clinton Portis' right leg injury is not as bad as first thought, tests showed Monday, and he'll be able to play this weekend.

Portis ran for 139 yards and two touchdowns Sunday.

LIONS: Team president Matt Millen apologized for using a derogatory term for gays in a heated exchange with Kansas City receiver Johnnie Morton.

Millen ran into Morton, whom he cut after the 2001 season, after the Chiefs' 45-17 victory Sunday.

Millen said he congratulated Morton but was greeted with an insult.

"Unfortunately, I retaliated with a derogatory term directed toward Johnnie," Millen said in a statement. "I apologize if I offended anyone. It was certainly not meant to do anything other than express my frustration and disappointment."

FALCONS: Rich McKay joined the team as president and general manager, less than a week after leaving Tampa Bay because of a rift with coach Jon Gruden.

McKay said his relationship with Gruden had deteriorated so much he had to ask to be let out of his contract.

HORN CASE: The NFL is considering whether to discipline Saints receiver Joe Horn for making a choreographed cell phone call in the end zone to celebrate a touchdown.

League spokesman Greg Aiello said Monday that he doesn't expect a decision until later in the week. Horn could be fined or suspended.

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