FOOTBALL

BILLS LOSE SPIKES FOR SEASON

Pro Bowl linebacker Takeo Spikes will miss the rest of the season with a torn right Achilles’ tendon. An eight-year NFL veteran in his third season with Buffalo, Spikes was hurt while pressuring Falcons quarterback Michael Vick.

PATRIOTS’ HARRISON HAS TORN ACL

Rodney Harrison, the fiery leader of the New England Patriots’ defense, is expected to miss the rest of the season with a knee injury that further depletes a battered secondary. Harrison suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament Sunday that will sideline him the rest of the season, his agent, Steve Feldman, told the Boston Herald. Harrison, a strong safety who has started every game since arriving in 2003, was hurt in the first quarter of New England’s win over Pittsburgh when Steelers receiver Cedrick Wilson hit his legs after being bumped by a New England player.

HENRY SUSPENDED FOUR GAMES FOR VIOLATING DRUG POLICY

The NFL suspended Tennessee Titans running back Travis Henry for four weeks yesterday for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. The suspension is without pay, which gives the Titans salary cap relief to find a replacement. The Titans swapped a third round pick to the Buffalo Bills for Henry in July.

BASEBALL

A’S SIGN HAREN TO 4-YEAR DEAL

Dan Haren and the Oakland Athletics agreed to a four-year contract yesterday that will keep the right-hander locked up through his salary arbitration years. son with a club option for 2010. Haren is 13-12 with a 3.81 ERA in 33 starts this year.

– Associated Press