Hawks’ Jennings gets start

Since arriving in Seattle as a first-round draft pick, Kelly Jennings has gone from the high of being a starter on a playoff team, to the low of coming into this summer as the Seahawks’ fourth cornerback.

Jennings started 15 of 16 games in 2007, his second year in the NFL, but lost that starting job last season to Josh Wilson. The Seahawks then added Ken Lucas in free agency in April, meaning Jennings was slated to spend most of his Sundays of the sideline unless injuries happened.

With Josh Wilson out because of a high ankle sprain, Jennings will move into the starting lineup when the Seahawks face the Bears today in Seattle. Marcus Trufant has been out all season with a back injury, so Jennings has been needed already as a cornerback in nickel packages. But now that Wilson is out, Jennings will be on the field for nearly every defensive play.

Panthers’ Diggs out

Carolina linebacker Na’il Diggs was declared out of Monday night’s game after missing his third straight practice Saturday with bruised ribs. Starting strong safety Chris Harris, top fullback Brad Hoover and defensive end Everette Brown also sat out the workout and are listed as doubtful.

Landon Johnson or James Anderson will fill in for Diggs at strongside linebacker. Coach John Fox repeated that Diggs does not have a cracked rib, but he hasn’t practiced since the Atlanta game.

Colts’ Brackett, Hayden out against Cardinals

Middle linebacker Gary Brackett and cornerback Kelvin Hayden did not travel with the Indianapolis Colts to Arizona where they will play the Cardinals tonight.

Brackett injured his left knee late in last Sunday’s victory at Miami. Hayden hurt his hamstring.