Injury updates

There was mixed news on the Penguins injury front.

Defenseman Kris Letang, who was placed on injured reserve, will be out until after Christmas, coach Dan Bylsma said. That means the team will be without its top four defesemen for at least the near future. Paul Martin is out because of a broken leg. Brooks Orpik is out because of a concussion. Rob Scuderi is out because of a broken ankle.

The team also is without Deryk Engelland, who is suspended pending a hearing Wednesday with the NHL department of player safety.

Scuderi said after today's skate that he feels great but doctors want him to practice for a while before he plays. Bylsma said Scuderi, like Letang, is expected back after Christmas.

Winger Tanner Glass, who also was in the skate, also said he is feeling good. He said he needs a few more practices and needs to get his hand stronger. Bylsma said Glass is only three to five days away from being able to return.