Running back depth was tested Sunday on a day when Fred Taylor and Thomas Jones were among the players forced to leave games because of injuries.

Taylor left Jacksonville's victory over Houston after injuring his right ankle for the second time in less than a month. Jones was knocked out of Chicago's game against New Orleans in the first half with bruised ribs.

The Jaguars and Bears both won anyway — as did Pittsburgh and Minnesota after they also lost running backs because of injuries.

Already without Jerome Bettis (thigh), the Steelers lost Willie Parker, who had topped 100 yards in three of their first seven games, in the third quarter of their victory at Green Bay with an injured left ankle. But Duce Staley had his first carries since the AFC championship in January, ran for 76 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries.

Also in that game, Steelers linebacker James Farrior left in the third quarter after injuring his left knee, and Packers defensive tackle Corey Williams fell awkwardly away from the play on Staley's 2-yard run. He left the field gingerly with a calf injury.

The Vikings needed a big game from Michael Bennett after Mewelde Moore left against the Detroit Lions in the fourth quarter with a sprained right wrist.

Moore was hurt in the first quarter, but played until taking himself out to avoid a late-game fumble.

"He hung with it for most of the game, but didn't want to put the ball on the ground," Vikings coach Mike Tice said.

The Lions couldn't overcome the loss of leading rusher Kevin Jones, held to 15 yards on seven carries before leaving in the second quarter with an injured right shoulder.

Taylor sprained his ankle on a 5-yard run early in the third quarter, tried to walk off the field, but fell to the ground in pain. He eventually left and was replaced by Greg Jones, who scored the go-ahead touchdown.

Taylor initially injured the ankle Oct. 9 against Cincinnati. He missed the following game against Pittsburgh, then returned after a bye week and ran for a season-high 165 yards and a touchdown at St. Louis.

He had 12 carries for 48 yards against the Texans before the injury. He also caught two passes for 15 yards.

Houston's injury problems were worse. Running back Domanick Davis and kick returner Jerome Mathis were inactive, then starting center Drew Hodgdon and backup Todd Washington were hurt Sunday. Also, cornerback Demarcus Faggins sustained a hamstring injury.

Thomas Jones gained 40 yards on 11 carries before leaving at Baton Rouge, La., but Adrian Peterson and Cedric Benson combined for 137 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries.

Bears coach Lovie Smith said Jones did not break anything, but could not say how long the running back would be out.

Kansas City's Priest Holmes, one of the league's top backs, was out because of a mild concussion, but backup Larry Johnson scored the game-winning TD against Oakland. Offensive tackle Willie Roaf (hamstring), and CB Patrick Surtain (knee) also were inactive for the Chiefs.

New York receiver Wayne Chrebet's career again could be in jeopardy after he sustained at least the ninth concussion of his college and pro careers when his head hit the ground after a late reception in New York's home loss to San Diego.

"I have a lot of concern that he'll be OK," quarterback Vinny Testaverde said. "It's just hard to see not only a teammate, but a very close friend get hurt the way he was."

The Jets had another injury when TE Chris Baker broke his left ankle. Coach Herman Edwards said, "He's done."

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The Chargers hung on for the victory despite playing without five starters who were inactive: LBs Steve Foley (abdominal injury) and Randall Godfrey (sister's funeral); SS Terrence Kiel (ankle); OT Roman Oben (foot) and C Nick Hardwick (ankle).

In Cleveland, Browns OG Cosey Coleman will undergo an MRI today for a sprained right knee.

At Tempe, Ariz., Pro Bowl defensive end Bertrand Berry left the field with an apparent shoulder injury with 9:44 to play.

In Baltimore, Ravens DB Dale Carter left with an injured hamstring.

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