Bettis Has a Swelled Hand

Pittsburgh Steeler running back Jerome Bettis is bothered by swelling in his left hand, a problem that does not appear on the Steelers’ weekly injury list. The pain may be a factor in two late-game fumbles by Bettis that the Steelers have had to overcome in the last three weeks.

Bettis said his fingers are sore and that has made it difficult for him to grip the ball securely.

“It’s a little banged up on my left side,” he said. “Until that swelling can go down, it’s going to be a problem for me to carry it on my left.”

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Buffalo Bill linebacker Damien Covington, who recorded a career-high 24 tackles in last week’s 23-20 overtime loss to Denver, will be sidelined six weeks because of ligament damage to his left knee suffered in practice Thursday.