Pittsburgh’s Tommy Maddox, Philadelphia’s Donovan McNabb and Denver’s Brian Griese won’t be able to help their teams for a while after being injured this past weekend.

Maddox, injured Sunday in Pittsburgh’s 31-23 loss in Tennessee, was up and walking again before being released Monday from a Nashville hospital. He has concussions to the brain and spinal cord, but no structural damage.

McNabb could miss the rest of the regular season and possibly the playoffs with a broken right ankle. And Griese’s sprained left knee will keep him out of Denver’s lineup against Indianapolis next weekend and could sideline him for three weeks.

Maddox hasn’t been cleared to play – he was admitted to a Pittsburgh hospital Monday night for more precautionary tests – but the Steelers are relieved and optimistic he might return later this season.

At least 15 minutes passed Sunday at The Coliseum while Maddox was turned onto his back and strapped to a backboard after trainers cut off his face mask. Maddox was unconscious for about five minutes but never stopped breathing.

Kordell Stewart will start in place of Maddox.

The Broncos initially said Griese could be out up to a month, but lowered the estimate Monday after an MRI showed a second-degree sprain of the medial collateral ligament. Steve Beuerlein will start against the Colts on Sunday night.

Bucs: Barber has surgery

Tampa, Fla. – Tampa Bay cornerback Ronde Barber had surgery Monday on his broken left thumb and is questionable for this week’s game against the Green Bay Packers. X-rays revealed a break, and the Bucs (8-2) are hoping he can be fitted with some sort of protective cast or padding that will allow him to play against the Packers. Defensive tackle Anthony McFarland, who’s missed two games since breaking his right forearm on Oct. 27, will not play against Green Bay. Defensive tackle Warren Sapp (lower back strain), receiver Keyshawn Johnson (bruised ribs) and offensive tackle Kenyatta Walker (right ankle sprain) are probable against the Packers.

Titans: Kearse on mend

Nashville, Tenn. – Tennessee end Jevon Kearse could play this weekend against Baltimore for the first time since breaking his left foot in the season opener. He practiced Friday for the first time since the injury. Tight end Frank Wycheck, who missed Sunday’s game against Pittsburgh with a concussion, should be able to run and will be re-evaluated later this week. Cornerback Dainon Sidney (broken left forearm) may return to practice this week with a splint.

Saints: McAllister ailing

New Orleans – Saints running back Deuce McAllister is questionable for this weekend’s game against Cleveland because of a sprained right ankle. Also, tackle Victor Riley was charged Monday with driving while intoxicated.

Redskins: QB benched

Ashburn, Va. – Steve Spurrier is changing starting quarterbacks for the fourth time this season, but he isn’t saying who the new one will be. The Washington Redskins coach said Monday that Danny Wuerffel or rookie Patrick Ramsey will start Sunday against the St. Louis Rams in place of Shane Matthews. Also, safety Sam Shade was placed on injured reserve Monday with a neck injury that could force him to retire.

Jets: Szott activated

Hempstead, N.Y. – The Jets placed guard Dave Szott on the active roster Monday and waived offensive lineman Darnell Alford. The 34-year-old Szott is in his 13th season.

Colts: James to play

Indianapolis – Edgerrin James has a sprained right ankle but is expected to play this weekend at Denver. James was injured late in Sunday’s 20-3 victory over Dallas. The status of two other players who were injured Sunday is uncertain :quot; starting defensive tackle James Cannida and backup cornerback Nick Harper.

Cowboys: Woodson hurt

Irving, Texas – Dallas Cowboys safety Darren Woodson probably will miss more than this weekend’s game against Jacksonville with an abdominal injury.

Panthers: Peete still QB

Charlotte, N.C. – Rodney Peete’s four turnovers against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers won’t cost him his job as starting quarterback for the Carolina Panthers. Coach John Fox said Monday he planned to stick with the 36-year-old Peete against Atlanta.

Jaguars: Bryant hurt

Jacksonville, Fla. – CB Fernando Bryant sustained a concussion and will be held out of contact in practice early this week. Other injuries the Jaguars will watch this week: WR Patrick Johnson (abdomen), who missed his third game; WR Bobby Shaw (toe); WR Jimmy Smith (shin); LB T.J. Slaughter (groin); CB Ike Charlton (knee); LB Joe Tuipala (elbow).