Mark Sanchez's headfirst dive gave the New York Jets a big first down -- and a huge scare.

Rest easy, Rex. The Sanchise isn't seriously injured.

Sanchez might be able to play in New York's next game after the posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee was injured in the Jets' 19-13 victory Thursday against Buffalo. Coach Rex Ryan said an MRI exam yesterday revealed the severity of the injury, which could have been much worse.

"I feel good ... it sounds like he's going to be healthy," Ryan said. "I think that is the best news we could've hoped for."

Ryan said Sanchez will initially wear a brace to stabilize the knee, and is optimistic the rookie could be ready to go against the Buccaneers Dec. 13 at Tampa Bay. Since the Jets played Thursday, they have 10 days before their next game -- giving Sanchez extra time to heal. That could be good news for the Jets (6-6), who kept their slim playoff hopes alive with the win against the Bills.

"We'll see how he is during the week," Ryan said, "but it was encouraging news."

Sanchez was injured when he dived headfirst on an 8-yard run early in the third quarter. He was examined by trainers on the sideline and replaced by Kellen Clemens before he made his way with a slight limp to the locker room.

Defensive end Antonio Smith was fined $12,500 for a hit on Colts tight end Dallas Clark. Smith was given the fine for hitting Clark away from the play on an interception return by Brian Cushing in Houston's loss Sunday to the Colts.

Outside linebacker Jeremy Thompson was hospitalized for testing after suffering a neck injury in a collision with running back Kregg Lumpkin during practice. Thompson remained conscious after the neck stinger. He missed the Packers' first two preseason games because of a shoulder stinger earlier this year.

Wide receiver DeSean Jackson (concussion) is one of four Philadelphia players ruled out Sunday against the Falcons. Jackson, wide receiver Kevin Curtis (knee), running back Brian Westbrook (concussion) and linebacker Akeem Jordan (knee) were ruled out.

Carolina placed defensive tackle Tank Tyler (knee) on injured reserve and claimed fellow defensive tackle Derek Landri off waivers from Jacksonville. Tyler becomes the 10th Panthers player to be lost for the season.

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