Jets' Ellis to play with broken hand

FLORHAM PARK, N.J., Jan. 18 (UPI) -- New York Jets defensive end Shaun Ellis is expected to play in the AFC championship game despite a broken hand, Coach Rex Ryan said.

The Jets play the top-seeded Colts in Indianapolis Sunday.

Ellis broke his left hand Sunday early in the Jets' 17-14 win over the San Diego Chargers. He left the game but returned later with the hand in a cast.

Although Ellis' hand is broken "we're going to let him think it's no big deal," Ryan said Monday.

"We hope that we can come up with something for him that he can function a little better," the coach said.

The 32-year-old Ellis, in his 10th season with the Jets, has had 6 1/2 sacks this season

Ellis said the injury would require surgery, but not right away because if he's operated on his hand will not heal in time to play against the Colts, Newsday reported.

"So," he said, "you just suck it up, cast it up again and go play."