Saints cornerback out with knee injury

NEW ORLEANS, Dec. 24 (UPI) -- The New Orleans Saints, hoping for the final NFC wild card slot, will be without injured cornerback Mike McKenzie for Sunday's game at Chicago.

McKenzie left this past Sunday's loss to Philadelphia in the first quarter with a strained left knee. Monday, it was revealed he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in the knee and will be out the remainder of the year.

McKenzie suffered the injury after Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb scrambled for 40 yards before fumbling at the 24-yard line. McKenzie had the first chance to jump on the loose ball, but it squirted into the end zone.

The Saints also will miss tailback Jamaal Branch who broke his leg on the opening kickoff against the Eagles.

The Saints (7-8) are a game behind Washington and Minnesota. They have to win at Chicago and hope the Redskins lose at home to Dallas, and the Vikings lose at Denver.