Saints Quarterback Injures Knee

November 23, 1999 JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) -- New Orleans quarterback Billy Joe Tolliver tore ligaments in his left knee during Sunday night's 41-23 loss to Jacksonville, and his status for the remainder of the season was in limbo.

``He'll be out, I'm sure,' coach Mike Ditka said. ``I would assume he might be out for the year. I don't know for sure. I couldn't say. But he tore ligaments.'

The injury occurred in the third quarter when Jaguars linebacker Brant Boyer came in untouched and tackled Tolliver low. The Saints quarterback, making his third straight start, limped off the field under his own power.

``A guy was just trying to get a sack,' Tolliver said. ``He caught me a little low. That's football. I don't know the medical jargon. I just play.'

Tolliver left the game 10-for-14 for 159 yards with a 1-yard touchdown run. He was replaced by Billy Joe Hobert, who has started five games this season.