Defensive end Shaun Ellis sat out practice because of a broken left hand Wednesday but is expected to play in the AFC championship game against the Colts.

Ellis broke the hand on the Jets’ first defensive play in their 17-14 victory at San Diego on Sunday but later returned with a cast wrapped up like a club.

He said he’ll have surgery to have screws inserted after the game against the Colts. If the Jets make it to the Super Bowl, Ellis will have two weeks to have the skin heal properly.

“We’re telling him it’s going to be just fine,” coach Rex Ryan said.

Ellis left the locker room without speaking with reporters to have his hand treated. It’s expected he will wear a cast that gives him more flexibility to wrap up on tackles.