Broncos coach Fox faces heart surgery

Denver Broncos coach John Fox needs heart surgery and will miss several weeks, team spokesman Patrick Smyth confirmed late Saturday.

Fox will undergo aortic valve replacement surgery early this week at a hospital in Charlotte, N.C.

Fox had been told earlier about his heart condition and had met with his surgeon over the weekend during the Broncos’ bye. He had been hoping to put off the operation until February.

That changed when the 58-year-old Fox was hospitalized after becoming dizzy playing golf near his offseason home Saturday.

The Broncos (7-1) reconvene Monday in preparation for their Nov. 10 game at San Diego.

Bears trade for Ratliff

Former Dallas Cowboys Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jay Ratliff has agreed to a one-year contract with the Chicago Bears.

Agent Mark Slough confirmed the move Saturday, saying Ratliff should be ready to play in two to four weeks.

A four-time Pro Bowl pick, Ratliff is joining a struggling defensive line. He’s also getting a fresh start after he was released by Dallas in mid-October.

Around the league

The Panthers activated RB Jonathan Stewart from the physically unable to perform list. The team waived running back Armond Smith to make room for Stewart on the 53-man roster. … New England DT Tommy Kelly (right knee) was placed on injured reserve and will miss the rest of the season.