Garrard to start for Jacksonville

David Garrard will make his second consecutive start at quarterback in place of Byron Leftwich on Sunday when the Jacksonville Jaguars play host to the Tennessee Titans.

Leftwich said Thursday that Coach Jack Del Rio told him before practice he was sticking with Garrard, who led the Jaguars to a 13-6 victory at Philadelphia last week and improved to 5-1 as a starter the last two seasons.

“All I know is that I was told I won’t be the starter on Sunday,” Leftwich said. “So now is the time to get the ankle healthy. But me personally, I’d be lying to you if I said I couldn’t start. I feel I could go out there and play well, but we’ll see.”

Leftwich initially hurt his left ankle Oct. 1 at Washington. The injury flared up nearly two weeks later, but Leftwich convinced coaches he was OK to play two days later at Houston. Leftwich then played poorly in a 27-7 loss.

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Second-year defensive tackle Mike Patterson signed a seven-year contract extension worth $32 million that will make him a Philadelphia Eagle through 2016.

The extension, which could be worth more than $40 million with incentives, came unusually early in Patterson’s career -- only a year and a half into his rookie deal -- making him the first member of his draft class to get a significant extension. The extension contains $9 million in guaranteed money.

Patterson, 23, started seven games last season after being selected by the Eagles with the 31st pick out of USC in the 2005 draft.

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With injured Tampa Bay quarterback Luke McCown practicing again, Chris Simms’ season could be over.

Simms, who started the first three games after helping the Buccaneers win the NFC South a year ago, has been sidelined since having his spleen removed after a loss to Carolina on Sept. 24.

The Buccaneers have not ruled out his playing again this season. However, that prospect dimmed when doctors told the fourth-year pro the earliest he likely could return is late December with one or two games remaining.

“I don’t have a crystal ball, but obviously he’s had a very serious injury,” Coach Jon Gruden said.

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The unbeaten Indianapolis Colts could be without two key starters -- Pro Bowl safety Bob Sanders and right tackle Ryan Diem -- in Sunday night’s game at New England.

Both are listed as questionable, along with 15 other Colts players. Defensive tackle Montae Reagor is the only player listed as out.

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Denver Bronco starting tailback Tatum Bell has sprained both big toes and starting fullback Kyle Johnson has a sprained ankle, as does backup running back Cedric Cobbs. All are listed as probable for Sunday when the Broncos visit the Pittsburgh Steelers.

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Seattle’s Darrell Jackson spent his second consecutive practice inside the training room getting treatment for his sore left foot. But the Seahawks’ leading receiver said he is “getting better,” and he remains probable for Monday night’s game against Oakland.

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Pro Bowl center Olin Kreutz signed a contract extension that keeps him with the Chicago Bears through the 2010 season.