Bettis to have surgery

Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jerome Bettis will have left knee surgery Jan. 27, after his second straight injury-interrupted season. Bettis tore cartilage Oct. 21 against Indianapolis. He missed four games because of the injury and did not have a 100-yard game after getting hurt. Bettis’ 666 yards were the second lowest total of his career, and he had only five yards in two playoff games.

Texans sign son of Oiler

Houston — The Texans added a link to Houston’s NFL past by signing offensive tackle Andy Stensrud, the son of former Oiler Mike Stensrud. The 6-foot-8, 272-pound Stensrud was among eight free agents added to the team’s roster Tuesday. He has played in NFL Europe and was cut in training camp last year by the New York Giants. Stensrud is a converted tight end from Iowa State.

Browns hire Dallas aide

Berea, Ohio — Cleveland added another former Dallas coach to its defensive staff Tuesday, hiring Clancy Pendergast as linebackers coach. He replaces Keith Butler, who was fired by the Browns on Monday. In Cleveland, Pendergast will join former Dallas coaches Dave Campo and Andre Patterson, hired in the past week by the Browns in the wake of the club’s collapse against Pittsburgh in the AFC playoffs.

Ex-Giant’s girlfriend pleads guilty in death

Paterson, N.J. — The girlfriend of former New York Giant Jeremiah Parker pleaded guilty in the beating death of her 4-year-old son and will testify against Parker.

Tauleah Kelly pleaded guilty Monday to manslaughter and child endangerment in the May 14, 2001, death of Elijah Kelly.

Parker is scheduled to stand trial Jan. 27.

Del Rio eyes Jags job

Charlotte, N.C. — Carolina defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio was given permission Tuesday to interview for the head coaching job with Jacksonville. Del Rio is largely responsible for lifting Carolina’s defense from worst in the league two years ago to second best last season. The former linebacker played 11 years in the NFL with the Saints, Chiefs, Cowboys and Vikings, making the 1994 Pro Bowl.

Rams hire assistant

St. Louis — Perry Fewell, Jacksonville’s secondary coach the past five seasons, was hired Tuesday by St. Louis. Fewell, 40, replaces Carlos Mainord, who was fired after one season. Fewell had one year remaining on his contract in Jacksonville, though Tom Coughlin was fired Dec. 30 as the Jaguars head coach. Prior to joining the Jaguars, Fewell was secondary coach at Vanderbilt from 1995-97.