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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 3:35 p.m., Sunday, November 9, 2008

NFL: Gordon and McKenzie suffer season-ending injuries

Associated Press

Minnesota punt returner Charles Gordon was lost for the season after suffering a gruesome ankle injury.

Gordon broke his leg while he was tackled at the end of a punt return. He fielded the punt inside the 10, headed upfield and was immediately met by two Packers. As he planted his left leg to change direction, one of the defenders rolled up on the leg and the ankle gave way. He lay motionless on the turf while athletic trainer Eric Sugarman rushed out to see him.

Coach Brad Childress said Gordon needed to have a pin inserted into his leg, indicating a bad break, and he's undoubtedly lost for the remainder of the season.

"Sorry to see him go, and go like that," Childress said.

Gordon was in the locker room on crutches after the game, wearing hospital scrubs.

The Saints also lost cornerback Mike McKenzie to a season-ending injury. He was also on crutches in the New Orleans locker room after fracturing his right kneecap. The 10-year veteran cornerback was carted off the field after suffering the injury while defending a third-down pass to Michael Jenkins.

McKenzie tried to make the best of his second straight season-ending knee injury.

"I hope I get credit for that (tackle)," McKenzie said, forcing a smile while leaning on crutches after the game.

He tore his anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his right knee last season.

In Minneapolis, Green Bay middle linebacker Nick Barnett limped off with what coach Mike McCarthy called a bruised right knee on the first series of the second half.

The Tennessee Titans got a scare in the third quarter of their game against Chicago when fullback Ahmard Hall suffered a mild concussion after being hit by Lance Briggs.

In Detroit, Jacksonville wide receiver Matt Jones had a team-high five receptions for 62 yards before leaving the game in the third quarter with a bruised thigh. Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio said it was nothing serious and the receiver could have returned.

Indianapolis receiver Marvin Harrison took a shot to the head while trying to catch a TD pass. Originally the team said he suffered a concussion on the play, but the Colts later retracted the statement.