Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez might be able to play in New York's next game after spraining the posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.

Coach Rex Ryan said an MRI exam yesterday revealed the severity of the injury, suffered in the Jets' 19-13 win over Buffalo on Thursday night.

"I feel good that 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 at Tampa Bay on Dec. 13.

"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 for several minutes on the sideline and replaced by Kellen Clemens.

Sanchez went headfirst instead of feetfirst on the play he was injured.

SEAHAWKS

HOLMGREN SAYS HE'D LIKE TO COME BACK

Mike Holmgren wants to talk to the Seahawks about coming back.

Seattle's former coach and one-time general manager said yesterday during his semi-weekly radio show in Seattle that he'd like to talk to Seahawks owner Paul Allen and chief executive officer Tod Leiweke about becoming the team's GM and perhaps president.

Those titles became vacant Thursday when the Seahawks forced Tim Ruskell to resign weeks before his five-year contract was to end.

"Absolutely, I would like to talk to them," Holmgren said on KJR AM from Arizona.

The 61-year-old former Super Bowl-winning coach with Green Bay is the Seahawks' longest-tenured and winningest coach. He spent 1999-08 remaking Seattle into an NFC contender.

ELSEWHERE

Texans: Houston defensive end Antonio Smith has been fined $12,500 for a hit on Indianapolis 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 35-27 loss to the Colts on Sunday.

Eagles: Phildelphia wide receiver DeSean Jackson has been ruled out of tomorrow's game against Atlanta. Jackson, who leads the Eagles with eight touchdowns this season, suffered a concussion in last week's win over Washington.

Panthers: Carolina running back DeAngelo Williams is questionable for tomorrow's game against Tampa Bay with a sprained ankle. Williams missed his third straight practice yesterday.