Colts TE Clark finished
The number of go-to targets for Peyton Manning is shrinking.
Pro Bowl tight end Dallas Clark was put on injured reserve Friday and will have season-ending wrist surgery. Clark said he met with three surgeons before the decision and plans to return next year for a ninth season.
Clark ranks third on the team with 37 catches for 347 yards after catching 100 passes for 1,106 yards and 10 touchdowns last season, when he made the All-Pro team.
The Colts did not say how or when Clark was hurt, but he appeared to grab at his left wrist during a play in the Oct. 17 win at Washington.
The Colts don’t have much depth behind Clark. There are three other tight ends on the roster, including rookie Brody Eldridge (three catches, 23 yards). The others, Jacob Tamme and Justin Snow, play mostly on special teams.
The 31-year-old Clark and Manning have developed into one of the most prolific quarterback-tight end combinations in NFL history. Earlier this season, the two connected on their 44th touchdown pass, second only to Drew Bledsoe and Ben Coates (45).
More fines handed out
The NFL has fined more players, mostly for unnecessary roughness in games last weekend, sending another strong message that violent conduct wouldn’t be tolerated.
Minnesota defensive end Ray Edwards was fined the most, $20,000, for spearing Dallas running back Marion Barber on Sunday.
The 15 fines were unusually high for one week, a signal of the NFL’s resolve to police violent play. Generally, either a $5,000 or $10,000 fine is handed out for roughness. In this week’s total all but two were for roughness.
Other notable fines were handed out to New Orleans cornerback Malcolm Jenkins, who was fined $10,000 for two hits, one to the head area of Tampa Bay quarterback Josh Freeman and one out of bounds, and Tennessee defensive end William Hayes was fined $10,000 for a late hit.
Also, Philadelphia quarterback Kevin Kolb was fined $5,000 for a horse-collar tackle on Atlanta’s William Moore while Moore was returning an interception.
Favre probe continues
The NFL still is investigating allegations that Vikings quarterback Brett Favre sent lewd photos and inappropriate text messages to a New York Jets game hostess two years ago, with the door open to a conversation between the woman and league officials.
NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said the review is ongoing.
Phil Reese, the manager for the former hostess, Jenn Sterger, told the Associated Press that she is “strongly considering” speaking with NFL officials conducting the probe.
The New York Daily News first reported that Sterger may meet with NFL investigators next week, citing unidentified sources.
Now the Vikings QB, Favre was interviewed by NFL vice president for security Milt Ahlerich on Tuesday about his alleged advances toward Sterger in 2008, when Favre played for the Jets. Neither he nor the NFL has provided details of that meeting.
Sterger has not commented on the allegations, which were posted on website Deadspin.
Around the league
Carolina Panthers receiver Steve Smith practiced for a third straight day and is probable for Sunday’s game against San Francisco. Smith has been out since spraining his left ankle against New Orleans on Oct. 3. … Tennessee Titans quarterback Vince Young missed a third straight practice with a sprained left knee and ankle and is questionable for Sunday’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles. … Titans coach Jeff Fisher excused wide receiver Kenny Britt from practice and is giving him the benefit of the doubt while he gathers information about a bar fight the coach says the wide receiver tried to break up. … Miami Dolphins first-round draft pick Jared Odrick has been placed on injured reserve, ending his season. The team made the move two days after Odrick hurt his left foot in practice.