Chicago quarterback Jay Cutler takes a knee after one of the nine first-half sacks he absorbed from the New York Giants in the Bears' loss Sunday. A concussion will keep Cutler out of this Sunday's game in Carolina.

LAKE FOREST, Ill. — Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler will sit out Sunday's game at Carolina because of a concussion. Bears spokesman Scott Hagel said Thursday Cutler was examined by team and independent doctors after practicing on a limited basis Wednesday.

Cutler, who will be re-evaluated early next week, was injured in Sunday's 17-3 loss to the New York Giants, when he was sacked nine times in the first half.

LINZ, Austria — Serena Williams is returning to the WTA Tour at next week's Generali Ladies Linz after being sidelined since July because of a cut on her right foot.The Wimbledon and Australian Open champion confirmed her entry the same day she lost her No. 1 ranking. Denmark's Caroline Wozniacki will take over the top spot when the rankings are released Monday.

DETROIT — A devout Michigan State football fan called timeout before doctors could install a pacemaker in his chest, deferring the procedure until after the school's football game this weekend against rival Michigan.Major Hester said he's willing to risk death so he can watch Saturday's game in Ann Arbor on television. The Spartans are ranked 17th in the country and the Wolverines are ranked 18th.The 69-year-old retired office supply clerk said he put off the procedure until next week because he can't risk something going wrong on the operating table that would prevent him from watching the game.

NEW YORK — The Kentucky Derby will remain on NBC through 2015.Churchill Downs Inc. and NBC Sports on Thursday announced a five-year agreement in principle to extend the network's exclusive rights to the Run for the Roses, which has aired on NBC since 2001.