NEW ORLEANS — New Orleans Saints defensive end Bobby McCray was arrested early yesterday and charged with driving while intoxicated and other counts, police said.

Police spokesman Gary Flot said McCray, 28, was stopped by an officer who saw him speeding about 4:30 a.m. yesterday. He was booked into Orleans Parish Prison on charges of driving while intoxicated, speeding, careless operation of a motor vehicle and not having his vehicle registration with him.

A jail spokesman said McCray was released on his own recognizance around 7 a.m.

McCray refused to take a breathalyzer test, police spokesman Janssen Valencia said.

"You have the right to refuse the test, but it has consequences," Valencia said. "Those include arrest and losing your license."

A person suspected of driving drunk in Louisiana and refusing the breath test automatically loses his license for one year.

Flot said McCray did not resist arrest.

McCray was signed to a five-year contract in March 2008, and took over as the starter during the last half of the season when defensive end Charles Grant was injured. He responded with 37 tackles (26 solo), the second-highest total of his career, and a club-high six sacks.

BEARS

CB TILLMAN HAS BROKEN RIBS

Chicago Bears cornerback Charles Tillman could miss the season finale against Detroit after breaking his ribs during the 36-30 overtime win over the Minnesota Vikings.

Tillman also suffered a lung contusion Monday night on an inadvertent helmet hit by teammate Craig Steltz as they tackled Minnesota's Visanthe Shiancoe. Tillman stayed on the ground for several minutes and then was taken off the field on a stretcher.

FALCONS

KICKER HAUSCHKA SIGNS ON

The Atlanta Falcons may be forced to make another change at place-kicker for their final game of the season at Tampa Bay.

The Atlanta Falcons have signed former Baltimore Ravens kicker Steve Hauschka. Matt Bryant suffered a hamstring injury in Sunday's win over Buffalo.

Bryant continued to kick extra points after suffering the injury but defensive end Kroy Biermann was used on kickoffs in the second half of the 31-3 win over the Bills.

The Falcons released University of Hawai'i alum Jason Elam and signed Bryant on Dec. 1. Hauschka was released by Baltimore last month.

LIONS

STAFFORD'S SURGERY A SUCCESS

The Detroit Lions say rookie quarterback Matthew Stafford has undergone successful surgery on his right knee.

Stafford had what the Lions called minor surgery yesterday. He was placed on injured reserve last week after a physical exam revealed he wouldn't be ready to play in Sunday's season finale against Chicago.

Stafford completed 201 of 377 passes for 2,267 yards with 13 touchdowns and 20 interceptions this season.

STEELERS

POLAMALU NOT READY TO PLAY

Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu may not be ready to play Sunday in Miami.

Polamalu, out for the last six games and most of a seventh with a left knee injury, began running in a straight line only Monday. He has yet to begin cutting, turning or twisting, moves needed to play in a game.

Coach Mike Tomlin said yesterday the five-time Pro Bowl player would be limited if he practices this week. Polamalu said recently he hoped to return for the Dolphins' game.