Posted Thursday, October 11, 2012 --- 8:05 a.m.

Here is the latest Wisconsin sports news from The Associated Press:

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) -- Green Bay Packers running back Cedric Benson has been placed on injured reserve, but designated to return. Benson sprained his left foot in last weekend's loss at Indianapolis. He must sit out eight games, but he's eligible to practice after six weeks.

HOUSTON (AP) -- The Houston Texans have signed linebacker Barrett Ruud following Brian Cushing's season-ending injury. Ruud was cut by New Orleans on Monday. The Texans play the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Chris Carpenter pitched five-plus scoreless innings yesterday as the St. Louis Cardinals blanked the Washington Nationals 8-0 to take a 2-1 lead in the NL division series. Pete Kozma hit a three-run homer and Allen Craig added an RBI double for the Cardinals. St. Louis can finish off the Nats in today's Game 4.

CINCINNATI (AP) -- The San Francisco Giants topped the Cincinnati Reds 8-3 yesterday to even up their NL division series at 2-all. Angel Pagan, Gregor Blanco and Pablo Sandoval all homered for the Giants. Matt Cain will start Game 5 against Cincinnati's Mat Latos today.

Copyright 2012. The Associated Press.