NORFOLK, Va. — Former NFL star Michael Vick could be out of federal prison and in a Virginia halfway house by Jan. 20, one of his attorneys told a federal bankruptcy judge yesterday.

Vick is serving a 23-month prison term in Leavenworth, Kan., for bankrolling a dogfighting conspiracy and is scheduled to be released from federal custody around July 20.

Last month, Vick also pleaded guilty to a state dogfighting charge, avoiding more prison time. The case's resolution also cleared the way for his early release from prison and possible transition into a halfway house.

Attorneys for the suspended Atlanta Falcons quarterback contend his long-distance absence has complicated his bankruptcy proceedings in Virginia, so they are working to get him moved to the state, said Michael Blumenthal, one of Vick's bankruptcy attorneys.

Conversely, the bankruptcy case might complicate plans for Vick's transfer.

U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge Frank Santoro ordered that paperwork must be completed to ensure Vick's appearance at a bankruptcy hearing set for Jan. 30 in Newport News. That paperwork could take weeks to process and could delay the halfway house program, Blumenthal said.

Blumenthal yesterday asked Santoro to postpone the hearing by a week, which would improve the chances of Vick being transferred before his required appearance in bankruptcy court. Santoro refused.

BROWNS

Tight end Heiden out: Cleveland tight end Steve Heiden has torn ligaments in his right knee and will miss the rest of the season.

Heiden injured the ACL during Cleveland's 30-10 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night. Browns coach Romeo Crennel says Heiden will undergo surgery tomorrow.

Heiden has been starting in place of the injured Kellen Winslow, and the Browns are now down to third-string tight end Darnell Dinkins and rookie Martin Rucker.

COLTS

Sanders, Addai questionable: The Indianapolis Colts could get defensive back Bob Sanders and running back Joseph Addai back in the lineup for tomorrow night's game against Jacksonville.

Coach Tony Dungy told reporters yesterday he thought both would play against Jacksonville. But after practice, team president Bill Polian offered a different assessment.

"Joseph is questionable, and Bob, I think, is, too," Polian told NFL Network. "I would say Bob's chances are probably 51-49 of playing."

Addai sat out Sunday's 31-21 victory over Detroit, with a right shoulder injury. Sanders the 2007 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, has missed four of the last five games with swelling in his right knee, the same knee on which he had surgery earlier this season with a high ankle sprain.