Saints coach Payton tears MCL on sideline

TAMPA, Fla. -- New Orleans coach Sean Payton will have surgery Monday after tearing the MCL and fracturing the tibia in his left leg following a collision on the sideline during the Saints' 26-20 loss to the Buccaneers Sunday.

Payton fell to the ground and got his leg caught underneath Saints tight end Jimmy Graham when he was tackled early in the first quarter. Payton stayed down while receiving medical attention before being helped to the bench. He remained there with his leg propped on the bench but kept on his headset.

Graham spent time with Payton after the game and said the coach was in good spirits. "I talked to him and said, 'My bad,' '' Graham said. "He said, 'No, it's not your fault. You're the one fighting for the first down.' ''

The players alternated clearing out their two sideline benches between possessions to allow Payton to see from his seat until he was driven off on a golf cart with 3:40 left in the first half. Offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael assumed the play-calling duties.

Josh Freeman threw for 303 yards and two TDs and Earnest Graham gained 109 yards as the Bucs (4-2) snapped a four-game winning streak by the Saints (4-2). -- AP