Colts' coach hospitalized with leukemia

INDIANAPOLIS – It took Chuck Pagano less than nine months to instill his fighter's mentality and hopeful spirit in the Indianapolis Colts.

He will need both to survive the biggest battle of his life – leukemia.

In a somber news conference Monday, the Colts announced their new coach had been hospitalized for cancer treatment and probably would not return to full coaching duties this season. He will be replaced on an interim basis by offensive coordinator Bruce Arians.

"He will do fine," Arians said, his voice cracking as he recalled his own fight with prostate cancer in 2007. "I know him. He's a fighter.

"He's survived tough times already in his life. As a cancer survivor myself, I know that these first few days are really hard on you, but as he and I talked yesterday, it's just a matter of time."

Following practice, players signed a get-well card that read in part: "We are in your corner 100 percent. Get rest, but we can't wait to get our leader back."

"When I first heard about it, my heart dropped," cornerback Jerraud Powers said. "You think about your family members or someone that's actually been affected by it. But Chuck will fight this thing, and he will beat this thing. There's no doubt in my mind."

Jets – Aaron Berry, who was arrested twice this summer and cut by Detroit Lions, signed with New York.

With All-Pro cornerback Darrelle Revis likely out for the season with a torn ligament in his left knee, Berry gives the Jets much-needed depth.

To make room on the roster, New York waived-injured tight end Dedrick Epps, who hurt his right knee Sunday against the 49ers.

• X-rays were negative on wide receiver Santonio Holmes' foot after he was injured against the 49ers. He is still expected to be sidelined for a few weeks.

Browns – Key wide receivers Josh Cribbs, Mohamed Massaquoi and Travis Benjamin were among six players missing practice. Safety T.J. Ward also was absent following right thumb surgery.

That's not exactly how Cleveland (0-4) wants to prepare for its upcoming road game against the Super Bowl champion New York Giants.

Chiefs – Coach Romeo Crennel announced Matt Cassel will remain the team's starting quarterback.

The embattled Cassel has thrown a league-leading seven interceptions, including three in the first half of Sunday's 37-20 loss to San Diego.

Crennel balked when asked whether he considered putting in backup Brady Quinn, but it slowly became clear he has become less enamored of his starter.

Titans – Jake Locker has no structural damage to his left, non-throwing shoulder, and coach Mike Munchak said the quarterback will be day-to-day this week.

Locker dislocated his shoulder early in Sunday's 38-14 loss to Houston when he was sacked by Texans cornerback Glover Quin. Munchak said the injury occurred when the quarterback hit the turf. He watched the rest of the game with his arm in a sling and had an MRI.

Broncos – Getting suspended a game and fined $50,000 for his Week 3 hit on Houston quarterback Matt Schaub will not change the playing style of middle linebacker Joe Mays.

"I'm going to keep playing the way I've been playing, the way that I was taught to play … " Mays said following his reinstatement. "I'm not going to hold back at all. I may try to be safe a little bit, I guess. But as far as me holding back the way I play, no."

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