January 2011 4for4 Player News Articles

Despite the way they are being listed on official injury reports, rookie center Maurkice Pouncey and defensive end Aaron Smith will not play in Super Bowl XLV against the Green Bay Packers, sources have told the Post-Gazette.

The Post-Gazette reported last week that Pouncey has a broken bone in his left ankle to go with the high-ankle sprain he sustained on the opening series of the AFC Championship game and was not expected to play against the Packers.

Despite that, the Steelers on Friday listed Pouncey as questionable on their injury report, a designation that means he has a 50-50 chance of playing against the Packers. Coach Mike Tomlin did not acknowledge the broken bone when asked about it today at the team's first press conference for Super Bowl XLV.

Nonetheless, shortly after the team arrived at their hotel, sources confirmed to the Post-Gazette that Pouncey will not play in the game.

And neither will Smith, who has not played since Week 6 after tearing the triceps tendon in his arm. The Steelers have kept a roster spot open for Smith, but he has not practiced since the injury and will not play against the Packers. But, like Pouncey, the Steelers are listing him as questionable on their injury report.

Former U of Miami OC Mark Whipple has agreed to become Browns QB coach. With Whipple and Pat Shurmer, Browns not likely to hire an OC.

Pat Shurmer is expected to call the plays for the Browns.

Steeler DL Aaron Smith is a long shot to play against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, despite recovering faster than he anticipated after partially tearing his triceps in late October.

The Steelers listed the 12th-year veteran as questionable for Super Bowl XLV on the injury report released Friday. But Smith hasn't fully practiced since his injury, and time is waning in his bid to complete a comeback like Rod Woodson's in 1995, when the former Steelers great missed virtually the entire regular season after having reconstructive knee surgery only to return in time for Super Bowl XXX.

"I've come to grips with it," Smith said of the possibility he will not play. "I'm holding out hope, but that's a reality I've had to deal with (for) months. I've tried optimism, I've tried pessimism. I've tried being happy. I'm just day to day. If I get an opportunity to (play,) it will be a blessing."

The Packers are 11-6 in dome games under McCarthy and the team averages nearly a touchdown more inside (30.6 points) than outside (24.3). The Packers have averaged 381.6 yards in domes, compared to 356.3 outside.

The Carolina Panthers are expected to have their coaching staff finalized this week, but one of the moves has apparently already been made. And it's not going to be popular among the players.

Veteran running backs coach Jim Skipper, one of the few holdovers from John Fox's staff they considered retaining, was informed Sunday afternoon they were going in another direction.

Free agent-to-be DeAngelo Williams said in late November keeping Skipper would go a long way toward convincing him to stay, and Jonathan Stewart, Mike Goodson and Tyrell Sutton each took to Twitter to express their support.

The Philadelphia Eagles will make it official next month and place their franchise tag on quarterback Michael Vick, a league source has confirmed.

The move will prevent Vick from leaving Philadelphia this offseason and ensure he's tied to the Eagles for the 2011 season.

Hines Ward has stated several times, including the past week, that he has no plans to retire.

Packers LBs Erik Walden (ankle) & LB Frank Zombo (knee) are listed as questionable in the Super Bowl BYE week practice report.

LB Desmond Bishop (ankle), T Chad Clifton (neck), LB A.J. Hawk (knee), WR Greg Jennings (knee) & C Jason Spitz (calf) are probable.

Steelers defensive end Aaron Smith (triceps tendon) and safety Will Allen (sprained knee) were listed as questionable. Smith, who has not played since Week 6, has not participated in a practice since his injury and is not expected to play in the Super Bowl.

Steelers As usual, Pro Bowl safety Troy Polamalu practiced Friday for the first time this week. So did cornerback Bryant McFadden (abdominal/groin) and rookie wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (sprained toe). They are listed as probable.

Left tackle Jonathan Scott (ribs) did not practice again, though he is listed as probable.

Maurkice Pouncey showed up at the Steelers facility Friday wearing a protective boot on his injured left ankle, not the hard cast he had been wearing the past couple days.

Also, because the Steelers and Green Bay Packers were required to submit an official injury report for the first time for Super Bowl XLV, Pouncey was listed as questionable -- meaning he has a 50-50 chance to play.

Jeff Fisher & the Titans agreed on a buyout of about $4 million, less than the $6.5 million salary Fisher was scheduled to earn this year

Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey has a broken bone in his left ankle along with the previously-announced high ankle sprain. His status for Super Bowl XLV Feb. 6 remains highly doubtful.

Steelers sources say they have not yet ruled him out of the game against the Green Bay Packers, but a number of teammates remain privately skeptical that he will be healthy enough to play.

All those wondering if the door might be open for Vince Young to return to Titans following news of Fisher departure, forget about it.

Mike Holmgren inched closer to declaring Colt McCoy as the Browns’ No. 1 quarterback.

In an interview this week on ESPN Chicago, the Browns’ president alluded to McCoy while explaining why he hired Pat Shurmur as head coach.

“I hired Pat because I think we have a good young quarterback,” Holmgren said, “and I wanted an offensive-minded head coach. It pretty much boiled down to that. And, I wanted one familiar with the system I was familiar with.”

Coach Jeff Fisher and the Tennessee Titans are parting ways, sources have confirmed to The Tennessean.

Fisher has spent the past 16 seasons with the team. The Titans finished 6-10 last season, the Titans opted not to extend Fisher’s contract but there were indications he would be back for 2011.

Reached on Thursday after SI.com first reported the news, Titans owner Bud Adams had no comment and seemed surprised by the report.

“Where did you hear that? I better check on that. I can’t talk about it now. I have to talk to my people there,’’ Adams said. “I haven’t talked to them today. I really can’t talk about it now because I don’t know what’s been said. I want to see what is going on.’’

While visiting local students at North Hills High School in April, Hines Ward proclaimed he would retire if he won a third Super Bowl. Nearly nine months later and on the cusp of another ring, Ward didn't exactly quash the idea that Super Bowl XLV would be his last game if the Steelers would defeat Green Bay.

"My mom asked me that the other day. I really haven't thought about it, to be honest," Ward said. "I don't want to make an emotional decision based off that."

"I know Jerome went out on top and stuff like that," Ward said. "I really haven't thought about it. I just want to be singly focused on winning this ballgame and figure out what is going to happen after that."

The Steelers drafted Emmanuel Sanders and Antonio Brown in this year's draft and Mike Wallace in last year's. Wallace led the team in yards, receptions and touchdowns this past season.

Plaxico Burress is expected to be out of prison in six months, and once Burress is free, his agent is ready to get right to work on getting him signed with an NFL team.

“I’m not a big advocate of making predictions on teams because so much can change,” Drew Rosenhaus told Josina Anderson on Showtime’s Inside the NFL. “But I am not afraid to make the following prediction: Plaxico Burress will be playing in 2011, and he will play very well. And it will be a very happy ending to a very tough, tough story for him.”

Giants running back Brandon Jacobs, a teammate who has become close with Burress’s children while Burress has been imprisoned, said he believes there’s “no question” that Burress would be welcomed back to the Giants.

Steelers Pro Bowl center Maurkice Pouncey will not play in Super Bowl XLV because of an ankle injury suffered in last weekend's AFC Championship Game, a teammate told the Tribune-Review on Wednesday.

"We are definitely sad that he won't be able to be with us in the Super Bowl," left guard Chris Kemoeatu said after Wednesday's practice on the South Side. "Definitely I feel bad for him. We just have to win it for him. It's definitely a huge loss for us."

Pouncey said after the Steelers' 24-19 victory over the New York Jets on Sunday that he planned to play in the Super Bowl against the Green Bay Packers.

"I had the same injury before on my other ankle, and I know how to attack it," he said.

Plenty of folks scoffed at Titans running back Chris Johnson’s goal of 2,500 rushing yards in 2010. When he finished well short of it – Johnson had 1,364 yards – he had to hear about it. On Wednesday, Johnson said he has the same goal for 2011, and doesn’t care what anyone thinks.

“I have the same goal: 2,500,’’ Johnson said via cell phone from Hawaii, site of Sunday's Pro Bowl . “I want to win more, but I still have the same goals. I want to go for 2,500. … It is very realistic. I had a good season last year. I know a lot of people said I didn’t have a good year, but I did. When you put the stats up there, I had a good year. Some people say I had a bad year, but I set my standards so high people expect that.’’

Ravens WR Derrick Mason underwent two successful surgeries in Philadelphia yesterday: hernia surgery & broken pinky on his right hand.

Source: Frank Gore is ahead of schedule with rehab from a broken hip. He resumed running two weeks ago, won't have any ill effects in '11.

Steelers C Maurkice Pouncey on crutches in a cast. He said he doesn't know when he's going to get it off. Didn't want to talk about it.

One free agent RB has surfaced to the top of the must get list for the Dolphins: Carolina's DeAngelo Williams. He's mold of what Phins want in 2011

It looks like the 26-year-old WR Devin Aromashodu needs to head elsewhere if he wants to jump-start his career. He will be a restricted free agent and it would be surprising if the Bears brought him back after he spent all but Week 1 deep on the depth chart.

"It's been a tough year," Aromashodu said. "I wish it could have been better. I'll discuss things with my agent and see where it goes."

He would be crazy to want to return for another season, right?

"Would I be crazy?" Aromashodu said. "I don't want to burn any bridges. I definitely know I can play in this league. I've experienced good things so I know what I am capable of doing. I know once I get my opportunity again I just need to take advantage of it. That's what I've always done."

Omar Kelly, beat reporter for the Miami Sun Sentinel says to bank it, Titans QB Vince Young will be playing for the Vikings in 2011. They have his QB coach and Leslie Frazier.

Causing frustration to quarterback Carson Palmer and a group of hard-working teammates, aggravating coaches and triggering consternation within the organization, a "circus atmosphere" made a difficult situation even worse during a dreadful season for the Cincinnati Bengals.

One reason Palmer has requested a trade is due to his displeasure with the atmosphere that enveloped the team last season as the team struggled despite the presence of veteran wide receivers Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco, according to league sources with knowledge of the situation.

According to sources, several players, including Palmer, want a more serious approach to football without constant controveries and distractions.

What does that mean? That means they want the Bengals to be a lower-key, more focused, winning football team going forward.

Buffalo Bills General Manager Buddy Nix said he's looking for a "franchise impact" player -- regardless of the position -- with the third overall pick in the NFL draft.

While acknowledging the obvious fact the Bills still have "a ways to go" in their building effort, Nix says he's encouraged by the competitiveness the team showed last season.

He thinks the Bills probably have to add a quarterback to the roster at some point in the draft. He says the team is committed to sticking with the 3-4 defensive scheme. He likes Demetrius Bell as the starting left tackle, and he thinks Eric Wood is probably going to shift from guard to center. He also is confident linebacker Shawne Merriman will revive his career.

Following the second of two practices Tuesday, Panthers GM Marty Hurney did not rule out using the #1 overall pick to select a quarterback. Whether through the draft or free agency, Hurney indicated the Panthers want to create competition for Jimmy Clausen after finishing with the league's worst offense and passing attack in 2010.

Jaguars RB Maurice Jones-Drew said the knee recovery will take 4 months & that it was bone-on-bone in the back of his knee at the end of the season.

Chad Ochocinco has indicated that he will be changing his name back to Chad Johnson.

The MRI on Bears QB Todd Collins' shoulder came back negative, so he won't need surgery. He passed his exit physical with the Bears.

The Denver Broncos and new head coach John Fox have hired New Orleans defensive backs coach Dennis Allen as their defensive coordinator, sources close to the situation have told us.

Allen reportedly interviewed with the Philadelphia Eagles for their defensive coordinator vacancy last week.

Chris Ivory's post-operation report was positive. HC Sean Payton said he needed one screw inserted into his ankle.

New York Giants general manager Jerry Reese was asked again about Plaxico Burress and whether the team would have interest in their former wide receiver once he is released from jail later this summer.

Reese reiterated, as he says about all free agents, that the team will explore the situation. But he said he will be in contact with Burress after his sentence ends.

“Well, you know my standard answer to that, we investigate everything and we’ll definitely investigate that,” Reese said. “But you know Plax, when he gets home I think the first thing he’ll want to do is just spend time with his family, and we’ll be in contact at the appropriate time. So we’ll just let that unfold.”

“Absolutely, we will not rule that out,” Reese added.

Panthers linebacker Dan Connor took a few strides Monday, which could signify a big step forward. Connor, who landed on injured reserve in November with a hip injury, said he ran for the first time Monday since surgery.

The linebacker said he suffered a bone chip in his hip joint during the Oct. 31 game at St. Louis, calling it a "freak injury." He said he thought it was a hamstring strain at first, and played the following week against New Orleans but was unable to finish.

It's similar to his 2008 ACL tear, which he suffered running down a kickoff, only to continue playing the same game. Connor said his experience coming back from that one has made this process quicker, and that he was well ahead of pace for a return.

Saints WR Marques Colston is expected to have scopes performed on his knee and wrist, which could make him miss time during organized team activities.

Jets CB Antonio Cromartie on his future: "I hope that I can be back. I love this style of defense. I love playing for a guy like Rex."

I just confirmed that #Bears QB Jay Cutler has a Grade II MCL tear, which typically takes 3-4 weeks to heal.

Saints HC Sean Payton said today that Chris Ivory & Pierre Thomas had successful surgeries and have begun rehabs.

Jets HC Rex Ryan on Santonio Holmes and Braylon Edwards: "I don't know if it's feasible, but we'd love both guys back."

Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler suffered an medial collateral ligament tear in Sunday's 21-14 loss to the Green Bay Packers, and the team is in the process of determining the grade of the injury, according to the Chicago Sun-Times on Monday.

The Bears have yet to make an official announcement about Cutler's injury.

Cutler was on the sideline after the Bears' opening drive in the second half due to the injured knee. Cutler told reporters after the game that the injury happened on the Bears' final possession of the second quarter before he threw an interception. He played the rest of the half and tried to go back in the third, but he aggravated it.

"We gave it a go that first series, but I couldn't really plant and throw, so they kind of pulled me," Cutler said Sunday.

Cutler's injury prompted unkind speculation from other players around the league on Twitter, but Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher vehemently defended Cutler to reporters after the loss.

"Jay was hurt," Urlacher said. "I don’t question his toughness. He’s tough as hell. He’s one of the toughest guys on our team. No, we don’t question his toughness."

Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey plans to play in Super Bowl XLV despite sustaining a high ankle sprain in a 24-19 win against the New York Jets.

Pouncey, the first Steelers rookie offensive lineman to make the Pro Bowl since the 1950s, left the AFC Championship Game on the first possession after Jets linebacker Bryan Thomas fell on his left leg.

Pouncey did not return to the game but he said afterwards that he will play Feb. 6 against the Green Bay Packers in Dallas.

“I know in my heart that I’m playing in that game,” Pouncey said after the Steelers earned their third trip to the Super Bowl in the last six years. “I had the same injury before on my other ankle and I know how to attack it. I know how to approach things.”

I'm told Jay Cutler has an MCL tear, and they are determining grade.

Bengals owner Mike Brown: "We are not trading Carson." Says Carson Palmer requested trade last week and Brown said 'No.' Also, Childress not coming to Bengals.

Carson Palmer has threatened to retire if he isn't granted a trade. We'll have to see how this situation unfolds over the offseason.

Steelers Inactives
Will Allen DB
Charlie Batch QB
Crezdon Butler DB
Jonathan Dwyer RB
Tony Hills T
Steve McLendon DT
Chris Scott T
Aaron Smith DE

Jets Inactives
Kellen Clemens QB
John Conner RB
Jeff Cumberland TE
Marcus Dixon DE
Vernon Gholston DE
Jarron Gilbert DT
Matthew Mulligan TE
Patrick Turner WR

Carson Palmer will ask the Cincinnati Bengals to trade him and will contemplate retirement if he does not get his wish, according to several sources. Palmer, the No. 1 overall pick by the Bengals in 2003, was unavailable for comment as he and his wife Shaelynn were awaiting the birth of their third child.

A Bengals spokesman had no comment. The team has Palmer under contract through 2014.

Palmer has become the object of fan frustration in the past two years and sources said he has grown frustrated with the team's inconsistencies. The Bengals finished 4-12 in 2010.

Sources familiar with Palmer's plan and mindset said he is financially secure for the rest of his life and willing to follow through and retire.

Several teams will be in the market for quarterbacks this offseason. Seattle will have an opening at quarterback if the Seahawks can't re-sign Matt Hasselbeck. Palmer won the Heisman Trophy for now-Seahawks coach Pete Carroll at USC in 2002. San Francisco, where his wife was raised, and Arizona could also be options.

Bears Inactives
Devin Aromashodu WR
Kahlil Bell RB
Caleb Hanie QB
Marcus Harrison DT
Herman Johnson G
Joshua Moore DB
Craig Steltz DB
Edwin Williams G

Packers Inactives
Evan Dietrich-Smith OG
Josh Gordy DB
Graham Harrell QB
Pat Lee CB
Nick McDonald G
Dimitri Nance RB
Jarius Wynn DE
Frank Zombo OLB

DE Shaun Ellis (knee) did not practice today and will be listed as questionable for Sunday's game. Rex Ryan, however, said he will play. Ellis was key to stopping the Patriots' offense last week.

Also listed as questionable are CB Drew Coleman (knee), S James Ihedigbo (knee/ankle) and WR/KR Brad Smith. Ryan said that that he expects them all to play.

Bears safety Chris Harris tells me his hip pointer is "feeling better - feeling good actually." Although he will get a shot before the game.

Ben Roethlisberger battled a cold this week that left him without his voice for two days. Feeling better now, should not be issue tonight.

In his four games against the Packers, Cutler has been sacked 14 times. Cutler’s passer ratings against the Packers, starting with the first game last year, have been: 43.2, 74.9, 82.5 and 43.5. Fortunately for the Bears, the two higher ratings came at Soldier Field.

There is no doubt that Green Bay has weaker special teams. The Pack allowed a record 102-yard kickoff return to Eric Weems in Atlanta, and in the loss to the Bears, Devin Hester had a 62-yard punt return for a touchdown.

It will be imperative that Packers punter Tim Masthay duplicates his Week 17 effort against Hester. In that game, Masthay, who didn’t punt once against the Falcons, kicked to Hester eight times and the Bear returned only two. Masthay put four punts inside the 20-yard line, two of them inside the five, and had a touchback. The Packers totally bottled up Hester. “The objective, when you’ve got a guy who can change the game the way Devin can, is you’ve got to limit the space that he has to operate in,” Slocum said. “And, No. 2, limit the total number of return opportunities.”

Aaron Rodgers has been particularly adept at escaping pressure and making throws while on the run. The offensive lineman on the spot may be Packers rookie RT Bryan Bulaga, who grew up in suburban Chicago. He’ll see a rotation of Israel Idonije and Julius Peppers, who each had eight sacks this season.

The Bears must neutralize NT B.J. Raji if they are going to attempt to run between the tackles. Bears center Olin Kreutz needs help in order to limit Raji. A big factor in how this plays out will be the condition of Soldier Field. If the field is choppy, Green Bay’s defenders may shorten their stride to the quarterback, making it tougher for the Bears to block them. But blocking can work against Green Bay if the Packers’ linebackers and CB Charles Woodson are coming on blitzes.

One reason the Bears feel good about themselves is the jelling of the offensive line. They finally shut the revolving door and used the same starters for the last 10 games.

In the process, offensive line coach Mike Tice has taught them how to help one another and quit panicking when a play breaks down. The line isn’t full of individual stars, but they have solid guards in Chris Williams and Roberto Garza and an improving J’Marcus Webb at right tackle.

The Bears can definitely win if they can sustain a running game and limit the Packers’ possessions.

The Packers scored only 27 points against Chicago in two games this season. They totaled that many in the first half against the Falcons.

During the regular season, Jets punter Steve Weatherford tied an NFL record by placing 42 punts inside the opponents’ 20-yard line. He had only four touchbacks. But in two playoff games, Weatherford has six touchbacks and two punts inside the 20. In the Dec. 19 win in Pittsburgh, Weatherford plopped three punts inside Pittsburgh’s 10-yard line, including one at the three that led to a New York safety.

Surprisingly, the Jets won’t put CB Darrelle Revis on Pittsburgh’s Mike Wallace, possibly the game’s fastest big-play receiver. Instead, Antonio Cromartie will have that assignment as Revis concentrates on Hines Ward. The Steelers will try to get RB Rashard Mendenhall unleashed in hopes of helping with some play-action attempts.

In New York’s win in Pittsburgh late in the season, the Steelers were minus TE Heath Miller and perhaps the game’s finest safety, Troy Polamalu. Against New York’s blitz, Miller will be Ben Roethlisberger’s favorite target against safety Kurt Coleman. Pittsburgh doesn’t believe Coleman can outmuscle Miller.

The big edge in the AFC Championship Game goes to New York’s offensive and defensive lines. The Jets should be able to sustain their blocks against Pittsburgh’s front, allowing Shonn Green to run inside and freeing LaDainian Tomlinson for his end runs and screen receptions. New York’s pass rush could prove to be too much for Pittsburgh’s battered offensive line.

Pittsburgh’s most consistent offensive lineman this season has been rookie center Maurkice Pouncey, but if Pittsburgh can’t run a lick, it could be a long afternoon in what could be one of the coldest playoff games in Steelers history.

At midweek, one personnel man said, "This game is between Clay Matthews and Julius Peppers. If Matthews outplays Peppers, the Packers win the game."

Matthews was asked about the comment.

"I think it's going to boil down to who plays the best defense," said Matthews. "We both contribute to our defenses. In a roundabout way, I think he's right.

"Obviously, Peppers influences that defense greatly. I'd like to think I have a little impact, too. It should be a defensive battle and a low-scoring game."

Packers center Jason Spitz, who has a recurring calf injury, sat out Friday and is questionable. Linebacker Frank Zombo (knee) is out. McCarthy indicated everyone else will play.

Linebacker A.J. Hawk has a bruised knee and was limited Friday.

In Chicago, safety Chris Harris (hip) practiced on a limited basis. He's questionable, but coach Lovie Smith said he'll play.

Safety Atari Bigby will be in uniform and probably will play some from scrimmage against the Bears. He missed the last three games with a groin injury.

"We'll try to get him some snaps," safeties coach Darren Perry said. "We'll see how the game goes. Absolutely, Charlie (Peprah) is our starter. We certainly wouldn't want to disrupt any of our chemistry right now by making a change."

Since being activated from reserve status Nov. 6, Bigby has played in just four of a possible 10 games and has merely four tackles.

"He's looked very good," said Perry. "Just lateral movement, quickness, all that stuff."

It is unclear which Steelers cornerback will draw the assignment of covering New York Jets wide receiver Braylon Edwards in the AFC championship game.

Starter Bryant McFadden likely would get the duty, but he is listed as questionable for the game because of an abdominal injury he sustained against the Baltimore Ravens last week.

If McFadden can't play, third cornerback William Gay would be in line for the job, and he believes it will be one of the toughest assignments for a cornerback Sunday.

Jets QB Mark Sanchez (right shoulder probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for the AFC Championship Game. All signs point to Sanchez being as healthy as he has been in several weeks. The Jets may well be forced to rely on the arm of Sanchez, with the Steelers the best team in the NFL against the run. Still, don't expect huge numbers. Sanchez is our 4th ranked QB out of 4 in this weekend's games.

Packers RB John Kuhn (shoulder probable) was limited at practice again Friday but is probable for the NFC Championship Game. Kuhn should be good to go for his usual limited work. The Packers goal line back scored a rushing and receiving TD in last weeks blowout win over the Falcons and is as likely as anybody to find the end zone this weekend.

Jets WR Santonio Holmes (quadricep probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Sunday. Holmes only caught 3 balls for 20 yards last week, but one of them was a timely TD grab falling out of the end zone. He has the most upside of any Jets receiver.

Bears WR Earl Bennett (not injury related) is practicing fully and has been removed from the injury report after getting Wednesday off. Bennett looks healthy, but was an afterthought in the Bears offense last week with one catch for 13 yards.

Jets WR Brad Smith (groin questionable) was limited at practice again Friday and is questionable for Sunday. Rex Ryan has indicated that Brad Smith will be available this weekend. He is expected to handle return duties. His role outside of the return game is limited.

James Ihedigbo (knee/ankle), Darrelle Revis (hamstring) and Drew Coleman (knee), all limited on Thursday, were active during the open portion of Friday’s practice.

Mark Sanchez was active on Friday and practiced fully on Wednesday and Thursday. His right shoulder injury seems to be a non-issue at this point.

WR/KR Brad Smith also was active on Friday during the open portion of practice. Smith, who suffered a groin injury in the first half of the Jets’ Wild Card win over the Colts, will return kicks on Sunday against Pittsburgh in the AFC Championship game, according to special teams coach Mike Westhoff.

Dick Jauron has agreed to become the defensive coordinator of the Cleveland Browns, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.

Browns coach Pat Shurmur met with Jauron about running his defense Tuesday and Wednesday. Jauron, a head coach with the Chicago Bears, Buffalo Bills and Detroit Lions, spent last season coaching the Philadelphia Eagles' secondary.

“One of the reasons we’ve been successful these past two weeks is we’ve been able to disguise our man coverages, disguise our zones,” Jets defensive coordinator Mike Pettine said, “and make it uncomfortable not just for the quarterback reading what we’re in (but also) the receivers have to be on the same page as well if they’re running the route the quarterback thinks they should be running.”

Pettine’s statement came in response to a question about the Steelers’ Mike Wallace, one of the fastest wide receivers in the NFL. Pettine believes one of the keys to slowing down Wallace is to mix the looks they give him, though he admitted it’ll often be “Football 101: If you have a great vertical threat, as many times as you can you want to jam him at the line and keep somebody high over the top.”

The Jets had better make sure that top stays on. Wallace led the NFL this season with 26 catches of 20 yards or more, including five for more than 50 yards. And of his 10 touchdowns, nine were for 29 yards or more.

Brad Smith and Jason Taylor both on field during early portion of practice for the Jets.

Dave Wannstedt is returning to the NFL. Wannstedt recently resigned under pressure at the University of Pittsburgh following a 7-5 season. Wannstedt had a 42-31 overall record in six years coaching his alma mater.

Wannstedt came to Pitt from the Miami Dolphins, where he was head coach from 2000 until resigning midway through the 2004 campaign. Wannstedt also had a 42-31 record in Miami and led the Dolphins to two playoff appearances. Wannstedt was 40-56 in six seasons (1993 to 1998) as Chicago's head coach.

Packers NT B.J. Raji’s one play as a goal-line fullback last week at Atlanta worked well enough to think the Packers will consider using it again.

Coach Mike McCarthy lined up the 337-lb. nose tackle as one of three backs when the Packers faced a second-and-goal from the Falcons’ 1 in the second quarter. Raji and Quinn Johnson lined up as fullbacks, and John Kuhn as halfback. Offensive lineman T.J. Lang also was in the game as a tight end.

Raji was the lead blocker for Kuhn, who took the hand-off up the middle and scored easily behind him.

“That just came up last week,” McCarthy said. “Some of the things that we were doing with our inside run game, and our goal-line package, we wanted to improve it, wanted to add a wrinkle to it and just going off of game planning.

Vince Young has his sights set on competing to be a starter for an NFL team.
Young says in a segment aired by ESPN on Wednesday night that he will work to let his next team know he's an elite quarterback who just wants to win games and be the best. Asked if he could work as a backup, Young laughed.

"I'm going to go into the organization, the team, and compete. That's all I can do, and let them make their own decision after that," Young said. "Definitely I am a starting quarterback, an elite quarterback in the NFL. I want to go ahead and start. But like it always is, the coaches have the last word."

Tennessee owner Bud Adams actually had the last word Jan. 5 when the Titans announced that they would either release Young or try to trade him away because he's not in their plans for 2011. Adams agreed with Coach Jeff Fisher the quarterback drafted No. 3 overall in 2006 had to go after an incident Nov. 21.

Oakland hired former Ravens assistant coach Al Saunders as its offensive coordinator.

Jets QB Mark Sanchez (right shoulder) took full practice reps again Thursday. All signs point to Sanchez being as healthy as he has been in several weeks. The Jets may well be forced to rely on the arm of Sanchez, with the Steelers the best team in the NFL against the run. Still, don't expect huge numbers. Sanchez is our 4th ranked QB out of 4 in this weekend's games.

Packers RB John Kuhn (shoulder) was limited at practice again Thursday. We'll check back Friday for a status on Kuhn. The Packers goal line back scored a rushing and receiving TD in last week's blowout win over the Falcons.

Bears WR Earl Bennett (not injury related) took full practice reps Thursday after getting Wednesday off. Bennett looks healthy, but was an afterthought in the Bears offense last week with one catch for 13 yards.

Jets WR Santonio Holmes (quadricep) took full practice reps again Thursday. Holmes only caught 3 balls for 20 yards last week, but one of them was a timely TD grab falling out of the end zone. He has the most upside of any Jets receiver and always seems to step up in big games.

Jets WR Brad Smith (groin) was limited at practice Thursday. Rex Ryan has indicated that Brad Smith will be available this weekend. His role outside of the return game is limited.

Former Minnesota Vikings assistant coach Darrell Bevell has agreed to become the Seattle Seahawks' offensive coordinator, a team source said Thursday.

The Seahawks originally wanted to interview Bevell for their quarterbacks coach job, but he became a candidate for their offensive coordinator position after Jeremy Bates was fired Tuesday following one season with the team.

Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said Wednesday that Bates' firing was because of a "philosophical issue" and a move into a different direction. Carroll also said the hiring of former Oakland Raiders head coach Cable as an assistant head coach in charge of the offensive line was a return to his philosophy that "got sidetracked" during the season.

Although Bevell wasn't officially let go when the Vikings began restructuring their coaching staff to start the offseason, the team interviewed Josh McDaniels and on Wednseday hired Atlanta Falcons quarterbacks coach Bill Musgrave to be its offensive coordinator. McDaniels accepted the St. Louis Rams' offensive coordinator job Tuesday.

Bevell's experience as the Vikings' offensive coordinator, his ability to navigate a difficult situation (with high tension between former coach Brad Childress and star quarterback Brett Favre in Minnesota) and his work with quarterback Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay all worked in his favor. Bevell also has ties to Seahawks general manager John Schneider.

Titans defensive coordinator Chuck Cecil was informed on Thursday he will not be retained by team, according to sources.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, who missed the last 10 games of the 2010 season with a broken left collarbone, said he's completely healthy.

"I wish the season would start today," Romo said during a brief chat during the Mavericks-Lakers game Wednesday. "I feel good."

Rex Ryan, reading injury report, says "everybody is ready to roll." Brad Smith, good to go.

Defensive end Aaron Smith did nothing more in practice Tuesday than he has been doing, and he will not play Sunday.

Patriots quarterback Tom Brady is expected to undergo foot surgery Thursday afternoon at Massachusetts General Hospital, according to a source close to the situation.

The operation, to be performed by Patriots team physician George Theodore, will address a lingering stress fracture in the quarterback’s right foot. There is a small chance that Brady will push back the surgery to Monday but no further.

Brady dealt with the injury throughout the season, receiving treatment from the team’s medical staff, but since the stress fracture remains, it was determined that surgery was the best option, said the source.

Jets LB Jason Taylor (concussion) didn't practice. He's been cleared for tomorrow. Will play sunday.

Rex Ryan on who Revis will cover: "Whoever we put him on is probably not a good thing for that person."

Saints TE Jimmy Graham is clearly a budding star at the position. With a full offseason of development, he should win the starting job next season. If Dave Thomas is re-signed -- and I think he will be - then Jeremy Shockey is expendable although I do think he could be a candidate to return at a restructured deal.

Eagles announce hiring of Titans DL coach Jim Washburn. Excellent move. Pretty much the reason Tennessee got so much more outta Haynesworth. If Redskins can trade Haynesworth, chances are it won't be to Eagles. But if they set him free, I bet Albert would walk up I-95 to Philly.

Bears S Chris Harris continues to insist he's playing Sunday. Plans to sleep at facility if necessary to get extra treatment.

Hue Jackson will remain the Raiders primary play-caller as head coach. While league sources say Al Saunders is all but signed as the new offensive coordinator, Jackson said he and Davis are still in the process of checking names off a list of candidates. Saunders worked with Raiders quarterback Jason Campbell for two years in Washington and with then quarterbacks-coach Jackson in Baltimore in 2009.

Good news for #Jets: WR/KR Brad Smith (groin) on the field for practice, going through warm ups.

The Baltimore Ravens acted swiftly Tuesday night to replace departing defensive coordinator Greg Mattison, hiring secondary coach Chuck Pagano as his replacement.

Mattison returned to the college game, taking over the University of Michigan defensive coordinator post under new coach Brady Hoke.

"We're excited for our defense and for Chuck, and we're happy for Greg Mattison," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said.

Raiders owner Al Davis said he wouldn't know whether or not Pro Bowl cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha would be brought back after the final year of his contract was voided, but he hinted the Raiders would have cut him instead of picking up an option that was set to be worth at least $16.8 million. "Can that $17 million bring you two or three quality players to help you win?"

New Rams offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels says he plans to build the St. Louis offense around quarterback Sam Bradford AND running back Steven Jackson.

"We'll hope to build around those two guys and do the best we can going forward with our offensive system," McDaniels said.

McDaniels had a pass-happy reputation in Denver, with the Broncos running the ball only 39 percent of the time this season.

"I'm looking forward certainly to working with everybody there," McDaniels told the Post-Dispatch on Tuesday evening. "Sam's an extremely talented player....He's a very accurate guy. Does a lot of things in the pocket well. Does things out of the pocket well. We'll hope to take the things that he did well this year and try to build on ‘em as he goes into his second year."

As for Jackson? "Steven is a guy that I've admired for a long time," McDaniels said. "He's a versatile guy. He runs downhill and gets the hard yards. Takes care of the football very well, which is obviously important in our game. And he's got the opportunity and the ability to take it the distance when he touches the football."

Steelers HC Mike Tomlin did not sound concerned about the status of his two offensive tackles: Jonathan Scott, who was injured in Sunday’s win over the Ravens, and Flozell Adams, who left the game at halftime due to illness.

S Troy Polamalu (ankle) will be limited in practice this week “like we always do,” Tomlin said, although Tomlin was confident Polamalu won’t miss the AFC Championship Game after missing the first meeting against the Jets.

“If we are going to err, we are going to err on the side of caution,” Tomlin said. “We will make sure that Troy is at Heinz Field Sunday at 6 p.m.”

The Steelers could have a major part of their defense back on Sunday if defensive end Aaron Smith progresses during practice this week. Smith, a one-time Pro Bowler, has not practiced since tearing his triceps Oct. 24 in Miami. Tomlin said Smith will practice this week and if he plays, it will likely be on a limited basis.

“A snap count is probably going to be a part of that discussion if he is deemed well enough to go,” Tomlin said. “The guys that have been given the opportunity to replace him, like Ziggy Hood, have more than met the standard. They deserve to continue to play. But it would be nice to add that tool to the toolbox if we have the opportunity to do so on Sunday.”

The Seahawks have hired former Raiders HC Tom Cable as Offensive Line Coach. He has also been given the title of Assistant Head Coach.

Josh McDaniels will be Sam Bradford's new mentor after all.

The Rams hired McDaniels as offensive coordinator, team and league sources told ESPN on Tuesday.

Earlier Tuesday, sources said a significant snag in negotiations between the Rams and McDaniels had led the team to broaden its search to include coaches with West Coast-system roots in which Bradford excelled during his rookie season.

McDaniels will replace Pat Shurmur, who was hired as head coach of the Cleveland Browns last week.

Josh McDaniels uniting with Sam Bradford could be a fantasy match made in heaven. Bradford completed an impressive 60% of his passes for 18 TDs and over 3500 yards in his rookie campaign, while Josh McDaniels had Kyle Orton looking like a Pro Bowler before injuries slowed down his season. Expect the pass happy attack to continue in St. Louis, as the Rams look to add a big play receiver in the offseason.

Former San Francisco head coach Mike Singletary is joining former teammate Leslie Frazier on his staff in Minnesota.

Singletary's agent, Bob LaMonte, confirmed in an e-mail to The Associated Press on Tuesday that Singletary will be the linebackers coach and assistant head coach under Frazier with the Vikings. Singletary told ESPN 1000 in Chicago during a radio interview earlier in the day he's coming to Minnesota.

"I will be in Minnesota with Les," Singletary told "The Waddle & Silvy Show." "I will be a linebackers coach/assistant head coach."

Osi Umenyiora got the operation he needed and is now on the road to recovery.

The Giants’ defensive end underwent surgery on his hip Monday to repair side effects from a torn labrum he suffered in 2006, according to someone informed of the procedure. The person, who requested anonymity because neither the Giants nor Umenyiora have provided an update, said the surgery was “very successful.”

The person said Umenyiora’s surgery was performed at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York by orthopedic surgeon Brian Kelly. The expected recovery time is three months, which means Umenyiora would be working his way back to top shape in late April. He might be limited in offseason workouts and organized team activities – provided, of course, both will take place under a new collective bargaining agreement.

Jeremey Bates has been fired as Seahawks offensive coordinator.

Bucs coach Raheem Morris said continuity should help the Bucs progress after the team picked up his two-year option worth $2-million per season.

Offensve coordinator Greg Olson and Morris, who doubles as the defensive coordinator, will return in 2011. Not back will be special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia, who left after nine seasons to take a similar job with the San Diego Chargers. The Bucs also picked up the one-year option on Dominik.

"This is awesome,'' Morris said. "We've got a great situation, with Josh Freeman and being able to keep most of the staff together. It's all great.

Laurence Maroney, 25, is being held on unlawful weapons charges and drug charges. News 4 confirms he and 3 other men were in a vehicle pulled over by officers late Monday night.

Maroney's publicist Jane Higgins told News 4 that Maroney was not with the car involved in the high speed chase. He just happened to be behind the car, ‘by pure coincidence.’ He has a permit for the gun, but the permit was in a wallet that wasn't on him. He believes the police made a mistake in arresting him.

Here is Higgins' written statement:

"Mr. Maroney was unlawfully arrested for possession of weapons. He holds a permit to carry a concealed weapon and he had his permit on his person when he was arrested. He was not arrested for any drugs nor was he involved in a high speed chase. He was released without being charged with any offense and we do not anticipate he will be charged with any criminal offense."

Rams talks breaking down with Josh McDaniels; Rams seek permission to talk to Falcons' Bill Musgrave & Vikings' Darrell Bevell for Rams OC job.

New Carolina Panthers coach Ron Rivera has started to fill his staff, adding an offensive coordinator and reportedly a defensive coordinator Monday.

NFL Network insider Michael Lombardi cited a league source in confirming that the Panthers have hired Sean McDermott as defensive coordinator, two days after he was fired by the Philadelphia Eagles.

Rob Chudzinski was hired as offensive coordinator, The Herald in Rock Hill, S.C., reported, citing two team sources.

Chudzinski, a former Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator, spent last season as the tight ends/assistant head coach in San Diego, where he worked with Rivera.

The Eagles have a decision to make this offseason. If they want to bring Michael Vick back, which by all indications they do, they can either sign him to a long-term extension or hit him with the franchise tag (although those options could change, depending on what happens with the CBA).

Clark asked Vick if he'd be OK with getting the franchise tag. While the designation provides a huge one-year salary, it does not provide longer-term security as Vick would be in the exact same position after next season.

"Absolutely, absolutely. No problem," Vick said. "I think about my situation two years ago, and to me, it's about securing my future financially, but I was in a position where I didn'thave anything at one point after having everything. So now it's all just a blessing, so whatever it is, whether it's a franchise tag or long-term deal, or however my agent and the Philadelphia Eagles, or whatever team may be, work it out, I'm going to be happy. But hopefully it's here."

Chad Pennington says he ‘learned so much’ from new Dolphins OC Brian Daboll, and vows to make one last comeback attempt.

The Oakland Raiders promoted offensive coordinator Hue Jackson to head coach Monday after he helped the team more than double its scoring output in his first year with the franchise.

Jackson will be formally introduced at a 4:15 p.m. ET news conference Tuesday -- two weeks after the Raiders announced they weren't picking up a contract option to keep coach Tom Cable.

"The fire in Hue will set a flame that will burn for a long time in the hearts and minds of the Raider football team and the Raider Nation," team owner Al Davis said in a statement.

Jackson was widely considered the leading contender to land the job as soon as the Raiders announced Cable's departure. This is Jackson's first head-coaching job at any level.

Jackson was hired a year ago to take over the play-calling duties from Cable and oversaw a transformation on offense. Oakland scored more than twice as many points in 2010 as it did in '09 -- and the Raiders won eight games to avoid an eighth consecutive losing season.

Led by quarterback Jason Campbell, a breakout season from running back Darren McFadden and big plays from rookie wide receiver Jacoby Ford, the Raiders finished sixth in the NFL in scoring with 410 points. That was the sixth-most points scored in a season in franchise history.

"That's why I came to the Raiders, was to improve, but we didn't improve fast enough," Jackson said late in the season. "... We expect to be challenging for the playoffs, challenging for our division year in and year out, and we're not getting that done, so to me, that's a disappointment. There's either first place or there's last place, and there's no in between."

That was a far different tone than the one expressed by Cable, who notably pronounced "you can't call us losers anymore," after the Raiders capped the 8-8 campaign by beating the AFC West champion Kansas City Chiefs in the season finale.

The Raiders won all six division games, but just two of their other 10. They became the first team since the 1970 NFL-AFL merger to have a perfect record in its division and not make the playoffs.

Ravens HC John Harbaugh said the team would consider any player who could help the Ravens go further into the postseason.

“I don’t know Plaxico Burress at all, I’ve never met him, but we’d consider him.” Harbaugh said Monday. “We’d consider anybody. It just depends on where he’s at. I’d like to find out what kind of person he is, to see where he’s really at in his life.”

Bears safety Chris Harris, who watched the second half of Sunday's victory over the Seahawks in a sweatsuit after suffering a left hip injury, said there's no way he will miss the NFC Championship Game against the Green Bay Packers.

Harris said he would get more medical evaluation of the injury Monday, and an NFL source said "he should be fine and able to play on Sunday."

Broncos Head Coach John Fox has announced 8 members of his coaching staff; Mike McCoy-Offensive Coordinator, Clancy Barone-Tight Ends, Brian Callahan-Offensive Quality Control, Dave Magazu-Offensive Line, Wayne Nunnely-Defensive Line, Jay Rodgers-Defensive Quality Control, Eric Studesville-Running Backs and Tyke Tolbert-Wide Receivers. Additional appointments will be announced when they are completed.

Ravens HC John Harbaugh said he thinks S Ed Reed will be back with the Ravens for 2011.

“I’m very impressed with and proud of Ed Reed. Always have been, but even moreso this year,” Harbaugh said Monday. “I’ve seen him say publicly where he plans on playing for as long as he can, and he’s told me – I don’t think he’d mind me saying this – he wants to play football. Ed’s got a chance this offseason to be healthier than he’s ever been going into a season because I don’t think he has anything major – that I’m aware of right now – any major injuries. He’s got some things he’s got to work through, and I think he’s going to have a full year of offseason conditioning. He’s really excited about that. I don’t want to speak for him. He’ll have to tell you all that, but I think Ed’s going to have a great year next year.”

Brett Favre isn't messing around this time. We think.

Two sources told FOXSports.com on Monday that Favre has already filed his retirement papers with the NFL, just weeks after the end of his 20th season.

While he could still change his mind, as he did in the 2008 and 2009 offseasons, there is no indication Favre will return. The 41-year-old quarterback stated 2010 was his final season after rejoining the Vikings in August and reiterated that intent throughout an injury-plagued campaign.

Favre's NFL-record string of 297 consecutive regular-season starts ended last month when he was forced to miss a mid-December game against the New York Giants because of a shoulder injury. Favre returned the following week against Chicago but suffered a concussion that sidelined him for Minnesota's final two contests.

Favre had one of his most disappointing seasons in 2010. He threw 19 touchdowns compared to 11 interceptions and finished with his lowest completion percentage (60.6) since 2006. Favre also was fined $50,000 for not being forthright with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell in an investigation.

Favre, though, is still considered a future first-ballot Hall of Fame selection with one Super Bowl title and most NFL career passing records in his name.

Steelers defensive Aaron Smith (torn triceps) did not play against the Ravens and he is not expected to play against the Jets, even though he was listed only as doubtful Friday on the injury report.

Outside linebacker James Harrison, who had three sacks for the first time in his postseason career, injured his right shoulder on the final sack when he dived to knock Flacco out of bounds.

Harrison returned to finish the game and Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said he would be in some discomfort this week, but Harrison is expected to play against the Jets.

The news might not be as good for backup safety Will Allen, who injured his knee in the second half and did not return. Allen is one of the team's top special-teams players and said he might not be able to play against the Jets.

Packers Rookie James Starks, a sensation against the Philadelphia Eagles, looked like just another running back Saturday night in the Green Bay Packers' 48-21 victory over the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC divisional playoffs.

Starks carried 25 times and gained 66 yards, a paltry 2.6-yard average that paled in comparison to his 23 carries, 123 yards, 5.3 average six days earlier in Philadelphia.

"I'm a lot better than that," Starks said. "My standards for myself are a lot higher. I've got to pick my legs up. Break more tackles. I've got to break the big one."

Four of Starks' carries were for minus yardage, four for no gain and four for a gain of 1 yard. His long rush was 13 yards.

"That's something I have to look at," said Starks when asked if he missed any holes. "I think I could have done better."

Counting playoffs, Starks has rushed 77 times for 290 yards (3.8) and no touchdowns.

Jets WR/KR Brad Smith (groin) was inactive. He said he wanted to play, but coach Rex Ryan told him to wait a week.

The Ravens have several pending unrestricted free agents.

That includes wide receivers T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Donte' Stallworth, offensive tackles Marshal Yanda and Jared Gaither, offensive guards Chris Chester and Tony Moll, fullback Le'Ron McClain, backup quarterback Marc Bulger, defensive tackle Haloti Ngata, cornerbacks Chris Carrand Fabian Washington and strong safety Dawan Landry, kicker Billy Cundiff and punter Sam Koch.

Plus, running back Willis McGahee is unlikely to be back unless he takes a drastic pay cut from his scheduled base salary of $6 million for next season under his seven-year, $40.12 million contract that has three remaining years with $19.7 million left on his contract.

Meanwhile, McClain remains frustrated that he didn't get more involved in the offense beyond blocking.

The Vikings' three division rivals all appear to be set at quarterback, with Rodgers in Green Bay, Jay Cutler in Chicago and Matthew Stafford in Detroit. "We've got to find a quarterback," Vikings HC Leslie Frazier said. "You look at the playoff teams and none of them really have an issue at quarterback, they have their starting quarterback and most likely for years to come. We've got to find us a quarterback that we can build our franchise around, and if we do, it's going to stabilize a lot of things for our team and our organization."

Jets Inactives
Kellen Clemens QB
John Conner RB
Jeff Cumberland TE
Marcus Dixon DE
Vernon Gholston DE
Jarron Gilbert DT
Matthew Mulligan TE
Brad Smith WR

Patriots Inactives
Tony Carter DB
Thomas Clayton RB
Mark LeVoir T
Marques Murrell LB
Rich Ohrnberger G
Taylor Price WR
Myron Pryor DT
Fred Taylor RB

Wes Welker will start the game on the bench today because of his press conference comments during the week.

Seahawks Inactives
Marcus Brown DB
Paul Fanaika G
Breno Giacomini T
Amon Gordon DE
Lemuel Jeanpierre C
J.P. Losman QB
Joe Pawelek LB
Josh Pinkard CB

Bears Inactives
Kahlil Bell RB
Desmond Clark TE
Caleb Hanie QB
Marcus Harrison DT
Herman Johnson G
Joshua Moore DB
Craig Steltz DB
Edwin Williams G

The Dallas Cowboys will hire Rob Ryan as their defensive coordinator, a team source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.

Widely considered the most valuable player for the Bears defense, Julius Peppers seemingly disappeared when the teams played in October, contributing just three tackles playing against a rookie offensive tackle in Russell Okung. The Bears finished the game with no sacks, and were credited with only one quarterback hit, allowing veteran quarterback Matt Hasselbeck plenty of time to diagnose coverages and pick them apart.

Seattle sacked Bears quarterback Jay Cutler six times when the teams played in Oct., but since then the Seahawks have dialed back the pressure somewhat. The Seahawks have sent four rushers or fewer approximately 90 percent of the time over their last two games. But against the Bears in Week 6, the Seahawks generated 4 ½ of their sacks with blitzes from defensive backs. So it’ll be interesting to see what tactic the Seahawks employ in Sunday’s meeting. The Seahawks have been able to apply sufficient pressure with the four-man rush lately because of improved play from defensive ends Chris Clemons and Raheem Brock.

The Patriots lack depth on the defensive line, after putting defensive end and team sack leader Mike Wright on injured reserve.

The week before the Patriots had to put Ron Brace on IR, making it 14 players sent to the inactive list. Because the team is so short-handed for defensive linemen, Alabama rookie Brandon Deaderick was activated from the suspended list in order to help in practice. Deaderick has missed several meetings and was suspended, but now the club needs him.

The Bears may wait to see how their team responds in the playoffs before extending a long-term contract to Lovie Smith. With John Fox signing for $2.5 million in Denver after earning close to $6 million in Carolina this season, it shows that ownership can roll back salaries and still hire quality coaches. Both Pat Shurmur in Cleveland and Leslie Frazier in Minnesota received contracts in the same range as Fox while Ron Rivera got $2.8 million in Carolina. Smith earned $5 million this season.

Seahawks wide receiver Mike Williams caught 10 passes for 123 yards in the October game and his size and toughness are ideal against Chicago’s Cover 2 defense. Williams and Ben Obomanu are precision route runners and Hasselbeck is going to need time to connect with them and also tight end John Carlson and Brandon Stokely, who came up big against the Saints. Carlson had two touchdowns.

Down the stretch, the Bears have actually run more than Cutler has thrown and that dimension helped them win the North. This is why it’s difficult to accept that Seattle can duplicate the pass pressure (six Cutler sacks) from their win simply because the Bears are a totally different offensive team.

Seattle was fortunate last week that the Saints didn't have their proven inside runners like Chris Ivory. The Bears will be geared up to give Matt Forte 20 carries and then work play action and plenty of bootlegs to keep Cutler safe.

Seattle actually outrushed Chicago in October, but the Bears plan to clamp down on Marshawn Lynch and look for defensive end Julius Peppers to make life miserable for rookie left tackle Russell Okung with inside moves, putting pressure on his tender ankle.

Packers Inactives
Atari Bigby SS
Evan Dietrich-Smith OG
Graham Harrell QB
Nick McDonald G
Dimitri Nance RB
Frank Zombo OLB
Korey Hall RB
Josh Gordy CB

Falcons Inactives
Spencer Adkins LB
Mike Johnson G
Trey Lewis DT
Garrett Reynolds T
Lawrence Sidbury DE
Brian Williams DB
John Parker Wilson QB

Steelers Inactives
Charlie Batch QB
Crezdon Butler DB
Jonathan Dwyer RB
Tony Hills T
Steve McLendon DT
Chris Scott T
Aaron Smith DE
Jason Worilds LB

Ravens Inactives
Lamar Divens DT
Davon Drew TE
Arthur Jones DT
Bryan Mattison G
Jason Phillips LB
Dennis Pitta TE
David Reed WR
Tom Zbikowski FS

The Patriots always are going to find the opponents' strength and attack it. They always are going to work to make you play left-handed. It's like: "If this is your greatest strength, we're going to take that away. If you beat us with your second or third thing, fine, but you're not going to beat us with the thing you do best."

The first thing the Patriots are going to try to stop is the Jets' running game. New England is going to have something gameplan specific for this game to help them stop the run.

They're going to try to keep Mark Sanchez in the pocket and make him throw from the pocket. That's a real strength of the Jets -- Sanchez's ability to make plays outside the pocket.

The Jets will move the pocket, play bootlegs, throw some fast passes, throw in some misdirection plays. Those are good for Sanchez. He puts pressure on the perimeter of the New England defense.

The Jets have got to have long, sustained drives that end in points. The best way to beat Tom Brady is to not have him on the field. And when he's on field, make it cloudy, cloudy, cloudy. Eventually he's going to get you; it's a law of averages. So the fewer opportunities he has to get you, the better your chances.

Click the Full Article link above for a great read from former Jets & Browns HC Eric Mangini on how to beat the Patriots.

Ravens RB Ray Rice wrote on Twitter this morning that he’s “feeling a lot better,” and told a fan who expressed concern, “you know I’m playing.”

Rice had been sick last night. We don't like him against the Steelers defense, and he's likely not to be at full strength.

Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice started feeling sick Friday afternoon and had been vomiting at the team hotel in Pittsburgh early Friday evening, according to ESPN's Bob Holtzman.

It's unclear whether the illness will affect his status for Saturday's game against Pittsburgh.

Rice had 17 carries for 57 yards and five catches for 42 yards and a touchdown in last weekend's AFC Wild Card win against Kansas City.

Ray Rice was already a bad play going against the Steelers top run defense. Look for another option.

The Bears reported no injuries Friday.

Jets QB Mark Sanchez (right shoulder probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Sunday Night. Sanchez says the shoulder feels as good as it has felt in the last month. He will play Sunday, but continues to find himself at the bottom of the QB rankings.

Patriots QB Tom Brady (right shoulder, foot probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Sunday. Brady always shows up on the injury report but doesn't miss games.

Jets RB Tony Richardson (finger Probable) took full practice reps Friday and is Probable for week 19.

Falcons WR Roddy White (knee questionable) returned to full practice reps Friday but is listed as questionable for the Divisional Playoffs. White frequently shows up on the injury report, but there's no indication that he is in danger of missing Saturday Night's game. Expect him to play.

Packers WR Donald Driver (knee probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Saturday Night. Driver is practicing fully, which is a great sign. He caught 5 balls for 41 yards last weekend, but James Jones is the more explosive receiver after Greg Jennings.

Jets WR Santonio Holmes (quadricep probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Sunday. Expect Holmes to be the most productive Jets WR this weekend.

Patriots WR Deion Branch (knee questionable) was limited at practice again Friday and is questionable for Sunday. Branch had a week off to rest his knee. We expect him to play this weekend, but owners will want to monitor the Sunday inactives and swap in another receiver if Branch ends up inactive.

Ravens WR Donte' Stallworth (illness probable) took full practice reps again Friday after missing Wednesday due to illness. Stallworth is probable for Saturday.

Jets WR Brad Smith (groin questionable) took limited reps again Friday and is questionable for Sunday.

Patriots TE Aaron Hernandez (hip questionable) took limited reps again Friday and is questionable for Sunday. Hernandez said yesterday that he is ready to go against the Jets Sunday after getting 3 weeks off to rest the hip. For what it's worth, in two games against the Jets Hernandez has posted stat lines of 3-51-1 and 6-101-0, while teammate Rob Gronkowski has posted 1-14-0 and 1-12-0. Because the Patriots are the last game of the week, playing Hernandez does carry some risk if your format doesn't allow swapping in of teammate Rob Gronkowski at the last minute if Hernandez ends up being inactive.

New 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh on Friday hired three of his Stanford assistants, including both coordinators, a source told Comcast SportsNet.

Vic Fangio, 52, who served as an NFL defensive coordinator for 11 seasons with three different teams, has agreed to be the 49ers' defensive coordinator. Fangio was Harbaugh's defensive coordinator at Stanford and was instrumental in the Cardinal's 12-1 record and Orange Bowl victory over Virginia Tech.

Greg Manusky, the 49ers' defensive coordinator the past four seasons, was hired Friday by the San Diego Chargers in the same role, the Chargers announced.

Greg Roman was hired as 49ers offensive coordinator earlier today, the San Jose Mercury News reported and CSN confirmed.

Nnamdi Asomugha said there's "a good chance" he's back with Raiders next season.

Pete Carroll said Lofa Tatupu (concussion) has not fully been cleared, but that "the signs are really good that he'll play."

The Chargers have a one-two punch for at least another season (and probably longer) that could rival any in the league if both Ryan Mathews and Mike Tolbert stay healthy.

The pair averaged a combined 4.2 yards per carry in 2010. The plan going forward would be to rotate them based on who’s hot and which defense the Chargers are facing.

Considering that and the money he can make elsewhere, it seems unlikely that Darren Sproles will continue as the third-down back. That leaves Curtis Brinkley, who will certainly be given a chance. But the Chargers could also keep him on the practice squad and bring in a veteran.

Here is the final injury report for Saturday's divisional playoff game between the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers:

Ravens (13-4)

Questionable: C Matt Birk (knee), CB Chris Carr (thigh), S Tom Zbikowski (back)

Probable: LB Tavares Gooden (shoulder), WR Donte' Stallworth (illness)

Steelers (12-4)

Doubtful: DE Aaron Smith (triceps)

Probable: CB Bryant McFadden (abs, groin), S Troy Polamalu (ankle, Achilles)

Greg Roman, who helped Stanford produce a pair of Heisman Trophy runners-up over the past two seasons, will follow his boss a few miles down the road.

New 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh hired Roman as his offensive coordinator Friday, sources told The Mercury News. The 49ers have yet to confirm the announcement.

Roman spent 13 seasons as an NFL assistant before joining Harbaugh’s Stanford staff in 2009. He has never been a coordinator at any level — at least by title — but his wide-ranging job description at Stanford demonstrates the influence he had in the Cardinal’s offensive success and creativity. He was listed most recently as the associate head coach / assistant head coach offense / tight ends / offensive tackles coach.

In that role, he helped Andrew Luck emerge as one of top players in the nation. Luck led the Pac 10 in quarterback rating, total offense, passing yards and touchdown passes.

The Hillsborough County State Attorney's Office will not pursue charges against Bucs WR Mike Williams.

This goes back to a November 19th traffic stop in which Williams was taken in on suspicion of DUI. Williams was well below the legal limit and never in danger of being charged.

Patriots TE Aaron Hernandez on injured hip: "I'm ready."

Another coach with Holmgren ties -- Dick Jauron -- also is being considered for the Browns' defensive coordinator position, a league source told NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora. Rob Ryan no longer is in the Browns' plans and will interview with the Dallas Cowboys about their defensive coordinator job.

Ryan Grant, Green Bay’s leading rusher from 2007-’09, should be fully recovered from an ankle injury that landed him on the injured reserve list Sept. 14. Grant said this week that he expects to be 100% sometime next month and will be a full participant in Green Bay’s offseason program if a new labor deal is in place.

Brandon Jackson said he owns a house in Green Bay and would prefer to remain a Packer. But Jackson also said Green Bay’s management team hasn’t made any contact with his people.

John Fox has been a proponent of the 4-3 look on defense, but because of the extreme roster makeover that would be required to move from their current 3-4 scheme, he hinted before his interview with the Broncos he might consider a hybrid look for the coming season. Elvis Dumervil will likely get moved back to end. And he should take heart that with Fox calling the defensive shots in New York, Michael Strahan had seasons with 14, 15 and 22 1/2 sacks. Julius Peppers topped 10 sacks six times with Fox at Carolina.

Broncos new HC John Fox has favored power formations on offense — extra tight ends in a one-back set or a traditional two-back look. He has preferred to pound the ball. In the three seasons his team won at least 11 games in Carolina, he ran the ball 51.8, 50.5 and 53.7 percent of the time. By comparison the Broncos ran the ball 42.6 and 39.1 percent of the time in Josh McDaniels' two seasons as coach.

This is all good news for Knowshon Moreno if he can stay healthy. Look for the Broncos to target another complimentary back in the draft.

Falcons WR Roddy White (knee) was limited at practice again Thursday. White frequently takes limited reps throughout the week. He should be good to go coming off a Falcons BYE.

Jets QB Mark Sanchez (right shoulder) took full practice reps Thursday. Sanchez says the shoulder feels as good as it has felt in the last month. He will play Sunday, but continues to find himself at the bottom of the QB rankings.

Patriots QB Tom Brady (right shoulder, foot) took full practice reps Thursday. Brady always shows up on the injury report but doesn't miss games.

Packers WR Donald Driver (knee) took full practice reps Thursday. Driver is practicing fully, which is a great sign. He caught 5 balls for 41 yards last weekend, but James Jones is the more explosive receiver after Greg Jennings.

Jets WR Santonio Holmes (quadricep) returned to full practice reps Thursday. Expect Holmes to be the most productive Jets WR this weekend.

Patriots WR Deion Branch (knee) was limited at practice Thursday. Branch had a week off to rest his knee. Expect him to play this weekend.

Jets WR Brad Smith (groin) returned to limited practice Thursday.

Ravens WR Donte' Stallworth (illness) took full practice reps Thursday after missing Wednesday due to illness.

Patriots TE Aaron Hernandez (hip) took limited reps again Thursday. Hernandez is expected to return to the lineup against the Jets after getting 3 weeks off to rest the hip. For what it's worth, in two games against the Jets Hernandez has posted stat lines of 3-51-1 and 6-101-0, while teammate Rob Gronkowski has posted 1-14-0 and 1-12-0.

Expect Jerricho Cotchery to be the Jets' top punt returner on Sunday. Westhoff all but ruled out Santonio Holmes - who let a ball roll between his legs during a first-half return against the Colts, a near-disastrous mental mistake – saying, "We're probably going to look in a little bit of a different direction."

Westhoff said the Jets would likely "mix it up," possibly using Joe McKnight if he is active and maybe even putting two men deep to return. But Cotchery will be the top option.

Jets CB Drew Coleman is scheduled to have a precautionary MRI on his injured knee. The Jets nickel cornerback was hurt near the end of practice today. The injury isn't believed to be serious.

In their effort to make the long climb from their current state — arguably their lowest point in franchise history — back to their once Super Bowl-contending past, the Denver Broncos have called on the guy who has done it before.
The Broncos hired John Fox, recently of the Carolina Panthers, to be their next head coach. He signed a four-year contract.

"I am excited to announce that John Fox has agreed to terms to become the 14th head coach in Broncos history," John Elway, the team's executive vice president of football operations, stated via twitter.

"Coach Fox is a great fit for us not only with his coaching ability but also his personality. He is a dynamic and proven leader who will energize our entire organization. John has coached great defenses, turned teams around and been to Super Bowls."

Looks like Jets WR Brad Smith is participating in drills for the first time this week.

Rams offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur has been named the Browns' fifth head coach since they returned as an expansion franchise in 1999. He will be officially introduced at a press conference on Friday at the Browns facility.

In hiring Shurmur, Browns President Mike Holmgren is retracing the path which led him to his first NFL head coaching job in Green Bay 19 years ago.

Shurmur was never a head coach at any level. But like Holmgren and his many eventual coaching proteges, Shurmur learned the NFL game as a quarterbacks coach and then as a coordinator in the pass-first offensive system now commonly referred to as the West Coast offense.

Seahawks HC Pete Carroll hopes to have LB Lofa Tatupu back in place Sunday.

"He's going through the walk-throughs and stuff," Carroll said. "So far, his tests and everything have gone very well. It looks very favorable for Lofa to play in this game."

Greg Olsen's statistics certainly back up the concern he had last offseason after Mike Martz was hired as offensive coordinator.

Olsen knew tight ends had not played big roles for Martz and he shared concerns with management when talk of a trade first surfaced. Now, after he has caught 41 passes for 404 yards and five touchdowns, Olsen feels better even though 20 tight ends put up more impressive receiving numbers this season.

"I didn't have as many catches but I had as many impact plays if not more key catches, third downs, touchdowns, whatever the case," Olsen said. "I contribute in the running game, pass protection in the backfield, blitz pickup, so it's not always about stats.

"This year kind of opened my eyes to that. In the past, I wanted to catch the ball more. This year, 'Hey, you can be a tight end and have a huge impact on the game and maybe only catch one or two passes.' There is no doubt I am a better all-around player."

A quicker release has been cited for Roethlisberger's career-low five interceptions and his 32 sacks, which, while not necessarily low over 12 games, represents an improvement over his previous four seasons.

"He worked extremely hard when he was off on his accuracy and changed his motion a little bit, and it's paid off for him all season," said Bruce Arians, the Steelers' offensive coordinator.

"He shortened his delivery a little bit and worked extremely hard with George Whitfield in that time, and George helped him out fundamentally. It was kind of like a golfer changing his stroke, it was minor but he really gets it out faster."

Mark Sanchez said the progress on his shoulder is continuing steadily, and that he feels like he's at the best point in his recovery in nearly a month.
"I was full practice today for the first time in a while, and that was huge," Sanchez said at his locker today. "We know it's getting better and that's the most important thing, week by week it's getting better, so I'll be ready to go."
Since he admitted as much, Sanchez was asked if he would reveal how bad the injury actually was during it's lowest points — a time before the Chicago game when Jets coach Rex Ryan thought he may need to sit out.
But Sanchez didn't delve into specifics, just noting the continued improvement.
"It's feeling good, it's feeling good now, that's the most important thing but it's nothing our trainers can't handle," he said.

Ravens offensive tackle Michael Oher (sprained right knee, ankle) is no longer on the injury report.
"I'm good," he said. "I'm all right."

Ravens Pro Bowl linebacker Terrell Suggs upped the ante in the blood feud with the Pittsburgh Steelers without even saying a word.

During interviews Wednesday, Suggs sported a black T-shirt that says, "Hey Pittsburgh" and has a large Raven giving the middle finger salute.

Over the summer, Suggs wore a shirt at training camp that said: "You bet your sweet ass I hate Pittsburgh." Team officials tried to stop Suggs from wearing the shirt during interviews, but were unsuccessful in deterring him.

Against the Ravens, Steelers WR Mike Wallace hasn't caught a touchdown this season with two catches for 24 yards in the first meeting in Pittsburgh and five catches for 76 yards in the second game. A major reason why Wallace has been unable to strike deep against Wallace: the coverage of speedy Ravens cornerback Lardarius Webb.

Webb's recovery speed came in handy in the first game, a 17-14 Ravens win, as he caught up to Wallace to knock the football down in the end zone after he broke free. "Lardarius can run, for one thing, and Mike can run, so that helps," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. "Lardarius is very athletic. I think he's getting more and more healthy with the knee. That's helped him.

"He's playing with really good technique. He's been very disciplined. So, if he can continue to grow and play that way, he should be fine."

Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said Wednesday that Devin Hester is the Chicago Bears player who most concerns him, but Carroll will not punt away from Hester on Sunday at Soldier Field.

"We've got to kick the ball to him," Carroll said on "The Afternoon Saloon" on ESPN 1000. "There's nothing we can do about it. We'd like to not [punt], though. That would help us."

Banta-Cain (groin), Branch (knee), Cunningham (calf), Hernandez (hip), Moore (hamstring) & Vollmer (shin) limited for Pats. Pryor (back) DNP

Rex Ryan says he expects Brad Smith (groin) to play. Will stay as KR if he's 100 pct.

The Pittsburgh Steelers might not have Aaron Smith back this season unless they reach the Super Bowl, a source with knowledge of the situation said Wednesday.

Asked if the Seahawks will try to re-sign Matt Hasselbeck this offseason, Carroll said, "yeah, we do want him back."

Jets announced OT Damien Woody is being placed on IR with his Achilles injury that will require surgery today.

Wayne Hunter, who started at RT the last 3 weeks, will start in place of Big Wood.

Free safety Ed Reed returned to the Ravens on Tuesday after spending one day with his family in Louisiana to deal with the disappearance of his brother, who jumped into the Mississippi River to elude police last Friday. He came back to Ravens headquarters on Tuesday, attending meetings and a late afternoon practice.

"He was in good spirits," coach John Harbaugh said. "He seemed like he was doing pretty well."

In the last four games of the regular season, Boldin had caught a combined eight passes for 67 yards and zero touchdowns. But unlike other defenses, the Chiefs didn't bracket Boldin on Sunday.

"They were playing a lot of man coverage," he said. "So we were able to run our normal stuff, get open, and get guys in one-on-one situations, which they were able to win. … If you ask any receiver in this locker room, if they get one-on-one coverage, everyone feels like they'll come out with a win."

Boldin has fared well this season against the Steelers, making 12 grabs for 186 yards and a touchdown. In the Ravens' 13-10 loss on Dec. 5, Boldin caught five passes for 118 yards and the touchdown.

"They like to blitz a lot," he said of Pittsburgh. "Whenever you blitz, you leave your corners alone on the outside. But they're a good defense, you can't take that away from them. They get a lot of pressure, and that's the way they cause a lot of chaos for offenses."

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said Boldin will have the defense's attention

"[N]o question, he is a legit red-zone threat," Tomlin said. "We, of course, gave up a touchdown to him in Baltimore last time we played them. We're not concerned about trying to stop Anquan Boldin individually or Ray Rice individually or Todd Heap individually. We recognize that they're good players — as is their quarterback and others. We just want to do enough to win."

Jets QB Mark Sanchez (shoulder) warmed up left-handed and practiced hand-offs in the portion of practice open to the media yesterday afternoon.

RT Damien Woody (knee) did not practice. Backup Wayne Hunter filled in with the first team but said he’s expecting Woody will play.

WRs Brad Smith (quad) and Santonio Holmes (quad) were also not working in the portion of practice open to the media.

When the Jets and Patriots met in Week 13, Revis spent a chunk of time covering Wes Welker, but he was also matched up on Brandon Tate in some situations. Revis said he doesn’t care what his assignment is on Sunday, joking that he would cover Danny Woodhead if he’s asked to.

In last week’s first-round victory, Revis took Reggie Wayne out of the game.
The Colts receiver, who was second in the league with 111 catches this season, had one catch for 1 yard. Wayne was fuming after the game, calling himself “irrelevant.”

The last time the Bears & Seahawks met, the Bears were much more pass-oriented as Jay Cutler attempted 39 passes coming off a concussion. Forte and Taylor combined for a just 42 yards on just 12 carries in the 23-20 loss.

"No, we didn't run it,'' Forte recalled, "but we've gotten better at that throughout the season, so I'm not worried what we did the last game. It will be a different game.''

It has to be, for the Bears' sake.

When coach Lovie Smith demanded during the off week that his team needed to come off the bus running, he knew what he was talking about. The Bears went 2-4 in games they failed to rush for 100 yards and they were 1-5 in games in which they attempted 10 or more passes than runs.

Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie, taking the baton from Rex Ryan, who criticized Tom Brady's post-touchdown "antics" earlier this week, ripped into the Patriots quarterback in a profanity-laced rant Tuesday, calling him an "asshole," and claiming he hates him.

The Bears got almost all of their run-game production from tailback Matt Forte, who eclipsed 1,000 yards for the second time in his career. But the other half of their intended backfield duo had one of the least productive seasons for a running back in NFL history. That's right. Chester Taylor finished the season with 267 yards on 112 carries, an average of 2.38 yards per attempt. According to Pro Football Reference's database, Taylor is the first post-merger running back to average less than 2.4 yards per carry with a minimum of 100 carries. I'm not sure I can offer an explanation, but 100 carries is a pretty decent sample size. The Bears didn't get much bang for the $7 million they paid Taylor this season.

Talkative tight end Vernon Davis loves the idea of adding quarterback Donovan McNabb to the 49ers’ roster.

That’s what Davis told Terrell Owens during a chat on “The T. Ocho Show,” which airs tonight at 7:30 p.m PT on Versus.

“Oh, man, I’d love to catch passes from Donovan McNabb,” Davis says, when asked about the Redskins passer.

Running back Pierre Thomas said Tuesday he expects to have surgery to clean up his injured left ankle, the one that kept him out of 11 games this past season.

But he’s not pushing all his chips into the center on the idea of being cut open just yet.

“Honestly right now I feel good,” Thomas said. “So hopefully I won’t need surgery. But I’m going to see this doctor (Dr. Robert Anderson in North Carolina). I’ve been told surgery, but hopefully this doctor will say, ‘Hey, you don’t need it.’ ”

Thomas told reporters Tuesday as players were at the Saints’ facility on Airline Drive in Metairie that doctors told him there was no ligament damage, just fluid built up in and around the joint.

Thomas re-injured his ankle the Friday before the Jan. 2 regular season finale. He didn’t play again this season and never got back on the practice field before being placed on IR on Jan. 5.

Jets WR Santonio Holmes is not practicing today.

Here's a scary thought for Michael Vick's (FSY) opponents: He could play even better next year.
Vick had the best season of his career and led the Philadelphia Eagles to an NFC East title without the benefit of practicing as the starting quarterback until Week 2 of the season.

There's no telling how well he would've played had he spent the entire offseason, all the organized team activities, minicamps and training camp preparing with the rest of the first-team offense and working with coach Andy Reid and offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg.

"I think going through a whole training camp and just being here, being with Andy, he knows a lot of things that I need to work on, that'll make me a lot better as a quarterback," Vick said. "It'll pay huge dividends for me, so I'll be excited about that. I'll follow the same routine I had last year, keep the same attitude and the same work ethic."

Ron Rivera was introduced as Panthers HC at a press conference Tuesday afternoon and talked about his goals for the first team he's in charge of, and promised an "attacking" style.

"I'd like it to be an aggressive, physical football team," the former Chicago Bears linebacker promised.

During a 30-minute press conference, Rivera referenced mentors such as Chicago coaches Mike Ditka, Buddy Ryan and Dave McGinnis, along with former Dallas coach Jimmy Johnson.

He talked about sharing their forward styles in terms of defense (emphasizing the Panthers were a 4-3 team), as well as offense. He said he's going to work with general manager Marty Hurney on putting together a staff quickly, but emphasized that finding balance on offense was going to be central to his challenge.

Rivera, who played nine years in the NFL and has 14 years experience as an assistant coach, understood the hurdles he has with a team that began 2010 as the league's youngest.

He referred to quarterback Jimmy Clausen being the starter at the moment, but also said they wanted to bring in someone to compete for that job, stressing the role of his offensive coordinator and quarterback coach in that process.

WR Donald Driver, who suffered a bruised knee in the playoff victory over Philadelphia, ran with no apparent problems as the Packers returned to practice and began preparing for Atlanta in the Don Hutson Center.

DE Cullen Jenkins, who didn't play the final few snaps Sunday after his problematic calf started cramping up, also practiced. S Atari Bigby (groin) participated in the jog-through.

Even FB Korey Hall (knee) got in a little work with the scout team. Bryan Bulaga, whose shoulder was wrapped after the game Sunday, practiced, too. LB Frank Zombo (knee), who had been limited to running on the side and lifting weights, was on the field but mostly was talking to position coach Kevin Greene.

The portion of practice open to the media was abbreviated from six periods to three, but the Packers appear to be as healthy as they've been in weeks.

Todd Haley said in his press conference today that he did not remove play calling duties from Charlie Weis in 2nd half of playoff game.

Former Chargers DC Ron Rivera has agreed to become Panthers next HC. Two sides now putting finishing touches on the contract.

With a head coach in place, the Panthers must now address their most obvious need, a quarterback. They are unlikely to select one with the #1 overall pick now that Andrew Luck has decided to remain in school.

Patriots TE Aaron Hernandez has returned to practice.

Hernandez has now had 3 weeks to rest the hip, an injury that never seemed that serious in the first place. Expect him to play this weekend.

Patriots RB Danny Woodhead sheds the red jersey and is cleared for contact in full pads practice

Woodhead suffered a head injury in week 17. He has been medically cleared.

Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck is playing with a brace to protect his injured left wrist, and he has had fluid drained off his left hip three times since injuring it on Dec. 26. But other than that, he feels pretty good.

"I feel like I've been pretty healthy this year," he said.

Hasselbeck wanted to play in the regular-season finale against St. Louis, but Carroll opted to start Charlie Whitehurst played instead. That gave Hasselbeck an extra week to heal, and he responded with the best playoff performance of his career.

"More than anything, we've got so many new guys on our team, so many new teammates, that I think it's important to kind of go through the fire with your teammates," Hasselbeck said, "So you know who you can count on when times get tough. You know who you can depend on."

Steelers S Troy Polamalu, who played a full game Jan. 2 after missing the previous two with an Achilles-related injury, did not practice last week and will be held back again in the early practices this week "so he can be in the best shape possible on Saturday," said Tomlin, who pronounced his Pro Bowl safety "to be in pretty good shape."

Cornerback Bryant McFadden, who has been dealing with a hamstring injury, also will be limited in practice early this week but is "progressing nicely," according to Tomlin.

With zero tackles against the Chiefs, Ngata registered his first zero-tackle contest since Dec. 13, 2009 against the Detroit Lions.

The thigh injury that limited the two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle in practice last week bothered him at the outset of Sunday's game, but the thigh improved as the game wore on, Harbaugh said.

"I thought it did take him a while and early on, I think he wasn't quite as explosive maybe as he is other times," Harbaugh said. "But towards the end of the game, he was, and then we were able to get him out. But he came through it well. So it looks like he's in good shape."

Back on Dec. 5, Ravens defensive tackle Haloti Ngata broke Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger's nose with an inadvertent left-handed blow to his face.

Ngata didn't get flagged, but he was fined $15,000 afterward. Despite the disciplinary action, Harbaugh said the defense won't alter the way it attacks quarterbacks, especially one as large as the 6-foot-5, 241-pound Roethlisberger.

"[W]e're going to try to get after him like we always do," Harbaugh said Monday. "It's going to be real important, and he knows that. That's a key to stopping him. You've got to get him down. You can't let him extend plays, and if he does extend plays, you've got to cover those guys, and that's easier said than done."

Ravens free safety Ed Reed is in Louisiana with his family, dealing with the disappearance of his younger brother on Friday.

Coach John Harbaugh said Monday that there is no timetable for Reed's return as the team prepares for Saturday's AFC Divisional playoff game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field.

"We've left that up to Ed," Harbaugh said. "I know that Ed knows this team inside and out. We haven't talked to him yet today. So I think it's going to kind of depend on the circumstances down there, what he feels he needs to do with his family. But we'll give him a lot of leeway."

After Starks played a key role Sunday by rushing for 123 yards in Green Bay's 21-16 victory over Philadelphia in an NFC wild-card game, it would appear the committee approach has run its course.

Jackson and Kuhn still have a place in certain offensive packages, but McCarthy has found his 20-carry back.

And not a moment too soon, because the Packers (11-6) face the NFC's top-seeded team, the Atlanta Falcons (13-3), at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Georgia Dome.

"Well, he definitely deserves opportunity," McCarthy said at his news conference Monday. "He'll run the ball against Atlanta, if that's what you're asking me. Yeah, he's going to carry the ball in Atlanta. He earned that."

"We've known how good James was the first day he came in," said linebacker A.J. Hawk. "We weren't even wearing pads back in the spring and we knew he could do some great things."

The reporter Gary D’Amato speculates that the Packers have found their 20 carry back. While Starks looked good against the Eagles & we expect him to be heavily involved against Atlanta, let's not forget his 18 carry games against the 49ers earlier in the year, followed up by a 6 touch performance against the Lions.

Seahawks WR Ben Obomanu (dislocated shoulder) has had "a phenomenal recovery," Carroll said. He's expected to play Sunday

Packers WR Donald Driver's bruised knee won't stop him from practicing or playing in Atlanta, McCarthy said.

Bob Fescoe of 610 Sports in Kansas City reports that Todd Haley stripped Chiefs OC Charlie Weis of the play-calling duties during the second half of the game. Which means that the horrendous showing is on the shoulders not of the guy who left the team, but of the guy who’ll still be there.

The news confirms Jason Whitlock’s in-game instincts. After the Chiefs tried to run a sweep on fourth and short early in the second half, Whitlock said via Twitter: “Todd Haley, ladies and gentlemen. He just put his stamp on the game with 4th-down call. And trust me, that was all Haley.”

It was all Haley. For all of the second half.

Rex Ryan sounded optimistic WR Brad Smith (groin) will play vs. Patriots. He was iffy about RT Damien Woody (knee)

Saints HC Sean Payton said chris Ivory will undergo foot surgery with Dr. James Andrews. Pierre Thomas will also be evaluated by Andrews on his ankle.

Dwayne Bowe led the league with 15 touchdown catches during the regular season, and he was chosen to his first Pro Bowl. But for some reason Sunday, he not only had zero catches — he wasn’t even thrown to.

Coach Todd Haley didn’t offer answers for why one of the Chiefs’ best playmakers was mostly invisible. But he appeared to be frustrated by it.

“To have a game like that,” Haley said, “and one of the guys that you’ve kind of ridden throughout the year appears to be uninvolved in the plan — we’ve got to do a better job of figuring out ways to get the ball in the hands of our guys that have consistently made plays.”

Bowe missed practice on Wednesday. The team said he had an illness, but Bowe was back on the practice field and catching passes Thursday. Haley said Sunday that Bowe’s health had nothing to do with why he wasn’t involved.

Here's the unofficial breakdown on the Jets' offense (press-box view):

RUNNING BACK
LaDainian Tomlinson -- 38/70 snaps
Shonn Greene -- 32/70

FULLBACK
Tony Richardson -- 28/70

TIGHT END
Dustin Keller -- 43/70
Ben Hartsock -- 32/70
Rob Turner (G) -- 7/70
Matt Mulligan -- 6/70

WIDE RECEIVER
Braylon Edwards -- 50/70
Santonio Holmes -- 49/70
Jerricho Cotchery -- 30/70
Brad Smith -- 6/70

Analysis: As expected, Tomlinson and Greene continued to split the playing time. Last week's rest helped both backs, especially Tomlinson, who ran like a young back again ... The unsung hero was Hartsock, who did a fantastic job in the running game and actually caught a pass ... Smith's playing time was limited because of a quadriceps injury.

Steelers Running back Mewelde Moore (knee) returned to practice after sitting out last week and should play against the Ravens. Moore was injured in the season finale in Cleveland.

Rookie outside linebacker Jason Worilds (knee), who also was injured against the Browns, worked lightly but did not participate in team drills. His status is unknown.

The Steelers have never lost a playoff game to the Ravens, also beating them in a 2001 divisional playoff game, 27-10, at Heinz Field. What's more, they are 8-1 in their past nine wild-card or divisional playoff games at home, including 4-1 at Heinz Field.

Reggie Wayne still was doing a slow, quiet, frustrating burn as he deliberately dressed.

"It's bull. It's bull, man," the five-time Pro Bowl receiver said after being a non-factor in the Indianapolis Colts' 17-16 loss to the New York Jets in Saturday night's AFC wild-card playoff game at Lucas Oil Stadium.

"I give everything I've got no matter what. Every day, I give it everything. And . . . one ball, that's all."

During the regular season, Wayne finished second in the NFL with a career-best 111 receptions. Against the Jets and Pro Bowl cornerback Darrelle Revis, he had one catch for 1 yard.

More frustrating to Wayne was the fact quarterback Peyton Manning delivered only one pass in his direction. "I shouldn't have even suited up," Wayne said. "I should have watched the game like everybody else. I was irrelevant."

The last time Wayne had just one catch in a game in which he played from start to finish was Sept. 9, 2004, at New England (one catch, 42 yards).

Kevin Kolb isn’t one for ultimatums – he handled his demotion this season with class – but the backup quarterback wants out if the Eagles plan on bringing Michael Vick back as their starting quarterback, a source close to the situation said.

Kolb wants to start and whether that’s for the Eagles or not, he will let coach Andy Reid know that during a scheduled Monday meeting. The 26-year-old has been the Eagles' backup for most of four seasons.

Asked what would be a best-case scenario for next season, Kolb said, “To start.”

“I love it here, as everybody knows,” Kolb said after the Eagles’ 21-16 playoff loss to the Packers. “My family’s settled in here. I would love to be starting here. But I want to be starting somewhere.”

Kolb was then asked if could take another season in Philadelphia as the backup.

“I can’t answer that question,” he said.

Kolb is under contract for another season, though. The Eagles gave him a one-year extension and an $11 million bonus last April after they traded away Donovan McNabb and gave him the starting job. But he’s slated to earn only $1.4 million next season, which is a very low sum for a backup.

Vick, however, is not under contract for next season. The Eagles are expected to franchise him if there is a tag in the new collective bargaining agreement as most assume there will be.

In the last meeting between the Jets & Patriots, the Jets had cornerback Darrelle Revis covering Wes Welker on the majority of snaps. One way the Patriots countered that was lining Welker up in the offensive backfield, or simply not lining up a receiver to Revis' side of the field (Revis didn't always flip sides in those instances). When Welker wasn’t in the game, the Jets had Revis on Brandon Tate, leaving Antonio Cromartie on Deion Branch. Over the course of the game, Branch won that matchup decisively.

Donald Driver was the only player who was listed on the Packers post-game injury report. He said he suffered a bruised knee. He was able to return to the game. After the game he didn’t appear to be limping.

Packers defensive end Cullen Jenkins didn’t think he’d play as many snaps as he did in his first action since injuring his calf against San Francisco Dec. 5.

But necessity dictated otherwise.

The Eagles had the ball for 60 snaps on offense and with quarterback Michael Vick keeping plays alive and the defense fighting for its life, Jenkins had to suck it up. On the final series, his calf started to cramp up and when he came to the sideline, defensive line coach Mike Trgovac refused to let him go back in.

“I was getting a little fatigued and I had to be a little cautious,” Jenkins said. “When they got that big play (28-yard pass on the final drive), I could feel myself tightening.”

Jenkins finished the day with just one tackle.

“I dropped it,” Packers WR James Jones said. “I care about it. It’s over, we won, I dropped it.”

Luckily for Jones, the Packers were able to score a touchdown in the third quarter to reach 21 points and then get a game-saving interception from cornerback Tramon Williams with 33 seconds left. Had the Eagles scored on their final possession, Jones’ drop would have been the difference in the game.

“In fairness to James, he clearly had the obvious opportunity right there before the half to put it to 21,” coach Mike McCarthy said. “But he has a thumb he’s dealing with. So he’ll fight through it. He’s a warrior. He takes great care of his body, but he’ll be the first one to tell you he needs to make that catch.”

Drops have become more than a rare occurrence for Jones, whose play recently was summed up with a beautiful scoop of a Rodgers low pass for a 9-yard touchdown on one play and the dropped bomb on another. Jones dropped a sure long gain against the New York Giants two weeks ago and sure touchdowns against the New York Jets and Dallas Cowboys before that.

Packers Inactives
Atari Bigby SS
Evan Dietrich-Smith OG
Josh Gordy DB
Howard Green DE
Korey Hall FB
Graham Harrell QB
Nick McDonald G
Frank Zombo OLB

Eagles Inactives
Jamar Adams DB
Stewart Bradley MLB
Jeremy Clark DT
Austin Howard T
Brandon Hughes CB
Max Jean-Gilles G
Mike Kafka QB
Bobby McCray DE

Chiefs Inactives
Charlie Anderson LB
Chris Chambers WR
Mike Cox FB
Reshard Langford DB
Quinten Lawrence WR
Rudy Niswanger C
Tyler Palko QB
Anthony Toribio DT

Ravens Inactives
Lamar Divens DT
Davon Drew TE
Tavares Gooden ILB
Arthur Jones DT
Jason McKie RB
Dennis Pitta TE
David Reed WR
Tom Zbikowski FS

Pro Bowl cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha's contract voided and he will be allowed to become a free agent without the Oakland Raiders being able to use their franchise tag on him, according to an NFL Players Association document.

Asomugha’s deal included a little-known clause that said his contract would void if he didn’t achieve his not-likely-to-be-earned incentives in 2010 -- and he didn'’t.

His contract also contained a stipulation that if he didn’t achieve his incentives, the Raiders would agree not to designate him their franchise or transition player.

To achieve his incentives, Asomugha had to play in a greater number of defensive plays in 2010 than he did in 2009, and this season Asomugha played in only 14 games whereas he played in all 16 in 2009.

He also could have achieved his incentives by improving upon on his interceptions, fumble recoveries or sacks this season -- but he didn't have any interceptions, fumble recoveries or sacks this season.

He will be the top defensive player available whenever free agency begins.

Expect there to be no shortage of suitors for Asomugha's services, assuming the Raiders can't work out a deal to keep him in Oakland.

John Elway, barely into his first weekend as the Denver Broncos' new chief of football operations, already is in damage-control mode.

Elway took to his Twitter account Saturday to deny speculation that he would trade quarterback Tim Tebow.

The fuss started when Peter King strongly implied on NBC that Elway might trade Tebow to the team that hires former Broncos coach Josh McDaniels as offensive coordinator.

Elway has said on several occasions since being hired as the Broncos' new vice president of football operations that Tebow is a good football player, but he has to become a good quarterback. Elway also has said Tebow's famous work ethic will help him make the transition and that the next Broncos coach should be as big a believer in Tebow's promise as he is.

In response to King's report, Elway tweeted: "To clarify my thoughts on Tim Tebow... I think he's a very good football player, and if anyone can turn themselves into a great QB, Tim can."

"Myself and our entire organization think very highly of him. We are pleased with his first year as a Bronco," Elway added in a second tweet.

His third was his strongest yet: "Any speculation that the Denver Broncos are considering moving Tim is completely false."

The Eagles allowed 49 sacks this season (Vick down 34 times) while the Packers had 47 sacks on the season, led by Clay Matthews. The Packers’ defense allowed only 15 points, second-lowest in the NFL. Green Bay also won two games this season when they scored only 10 or fewer points. The last time that happened was 1946.

The Eagles’ are shaky in the secondary with Dimitri Patterson struggling and Asante Samuel bothered by a knee strain that caused him to miss three starts down the stretch. Also, rookie Kurt Coleman is starting at free safety after Nate Allen was lost for the season.

You can look for Aaron Rodgers to use quick throws on short to intermediate pass patterns to maintain possession and then look deep to Greg Jennings, who has 12 receptions of 25-plus yards and six touchdowns in his last seven games.

The Packers figure to blitz Michael Vick just like Minnesota did because cornerback Charles Woodson is adept at disguising his intentions and continues to be a great playmaker on defense. Containment off the edges will be imperative if the Packers decide to liberally blitz Vick, who ran for 103 yards and passed for 175 in the Week 1 game when the Packers gave Kevin Kolb a concussion.

Vick loves to throw off of bootlegs and extend plays with his feet.

Powerful running back LeSean McCoy, who led all runners with 78 receptions this season, could be the key to the game, especially if Todd Herremans and Jason Peters can handle Green Bay’s front. If McCoy can find some running room, it should help Vick immensely to work play-action and find tight end Brent Celek in the deep middle.

The Packers’ defense will be improved up front with the return of versatile Cullen Jenkins, who has great pass rush techniques. Nose tackle B.J. Raji has been a load and is powerful enough to dominate Eagles center Mike McGlynn.

Those two help take the heat off outside linebacker Clay Matthews, the game’s most versatile pass rusher. He can work any edge and also the middle. The Packers were solid in coverage in that season opener against DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin, who had a combined eight catches for 68 yards and a touchdown.

Kansas City has lost six straight playoff games, tying an NFL record shared by six other teams. Their last win was with Joe Montana at quarterback in 1993 when they beat the old Houston Oilers in the Astrodome and lost in the AFC Championship Game in Buffalo.

The Chiefs have the least playoff experience among the 12 teams in the postseason. The Chiefs have 21 players who have appeared in a postseason game; the Ravens have 42. The Ravens have 19 of 22 starters with postseason experience.

There’s a chance that Todd Haley will be his own offensive coordinator next season, after running off Charlie Weis to the University of Florida. It’s interesting to note that Haley fired Chan Gailey at the end of preseason in 2009 and Haley’s play-calling and new offense produced a 4-12 season.

The Chiefs must be able to run the ball (164 yards a game) against one of the premier defensive tackles in Haloti Ngata, plus a great supporting cast of Ray Lewis and Kelly Gregg. If they can do that, then Cassel will be able to use play-action and find Bowe or rookie tight end Tony Moeaki.

In 10 victories, the Chiefs averaged 196.8 yards rushing, gave up 12 sacks and turned the ball over eight times.

And Jamaal Charles was one of the best all-around running backs in the NFL this season. Charles is great once he breaks the line of scrimmage or after the catch.

The Ravens simply haven’t looked good on offense lately. Yes, Ray Rice had that great game against the Saints, but in the last six weeks Baltimore’s offense has slumped from No. 12 to No. 22 overall and managed just 199 yards in a close win over Cincinnati, the second-fewest yards in 53 games under coach John Harbaugh.

You can bet that Rice (107.3 yards average rushing over last three games) will be the featured performer, which means that Chiefs linebacker Derrick Johnson and defensive end Glenn Dorsey must have solid games and fight through the blocks. Baltimore is 6-1 when Rice gets at least 20 carries.

The Chiefs just allowed the Raiders 209 rushing yards and they didn’t have Darren McFadden. If Rice doesn’t produce, the Ravens will turn to Joe Flacco, who passed for over 300 yards against the Chiefs last season.

Flacco does have three receivers with over 600 career receptions, but he’s been off target with Anquan Boldin lately. Boldin has only five catches for 26 yards in his last three starts. However, the Chiefs are vulnerable at cornerback and it makes sense to throw as long as the Ravens can control pass rusher Tamba Hali.

Say what you will about Philadelphia’s young duo of DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin, but the Packers’ receiving corps is also young but a lot deeper. Greg Jennings is the equal of Jackson, plus Jordy Nelson and James Jones are also great after the catch. Rodgers also has Donald Driver, who may be 35, but still plays like he’s 25. Driver believes that Rodgers’ arm is as strong as any quarterback’s in the league.

John Elway, the new executive V.P. of football operations in Denver needs to hire a head coach and, ultimately, the team needs to decide on a strategy for dealing with the franchise’s second first-round pick in 2010. For now, the news for Tebow isn’t good.

“I don’t think Tim Tebow is a good quarterback at this level at this time,” Elway told Peter King of NBC and Sports Illustrated.

The news could be good for former Broncos coach Josh McDaniels. As King explained it, if/when McDaniels lands in a new city as an offensive coordinator (possibly the Twin Cities), McDaniels’ first order of business could be to lobby his team to trade for Tebow. But as King points out, no trades of players can be done until the next league year begins. And the next league year won’t begin until a new labor deal has been negotiated.

Seahawks Inactives
Marcus Brown DB
Paul Fanaika G
Breno Giacomini T
Amon Gordon DE
Lemuel Jeanpierre C
J.P. Losman QB
Joe Pawelek LB
Josh Pinkard CB

Saints Inactives
Adrian Arrington WR
Joique Bell RB
Charles Brown T
Danny Clark OLB
Matt Giordano DB
Jimmy Graham TE
Anthony Hargrove DT
Chris Ivory RB
Malcolm Jenkins FS
Pierre Thomas RB

Ravens S Ed Reed told ESPN's Rachel Nichols he plans to play against Chiefs. "My brother loved football," Reed said. "He would want me to play."

A fragile peace appears to have been brokered between Dolphins coach Tony Sparano and General Manager Jeff Ireland.

How long it will last – and how effective they will be as a tandem going forward – remains to be seen in the wake of the team’s failed pursuit of former Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh.

For now, it should help that Sparano’s contract has been extended two years, through 2013, according to a Dolphins source. His $2.8 million salary is believed to remain in the same range, and he will also have an “expanded role” in player personnel decisions.

Ireland, as before, will have the final say in that area, including how the Dolphins will use the 15th overall pick in the next NFL Draft.

“There’s no problem there,” the source said Friday night of the Sparano-Ireland dynamic

The 29-year-old brother of Ravens safety Ed Reed is missing after jumping into the Mississippi River in Louisiana, several media outlets are reporting.

Officers from the St. Charles Parish Sheriff's Office had been pursuing Brian Reed, 29, in St. Rose, La., on Friday, WWLTV.com in New Orleans reported. The man was seen jumping into the river at about 10 a.m.

Deputies say they saw Brian Reed jump into the river, go underwater and disappear, the website reported.

Jason LaCanfora reports: Ravens supporting Ed Reed and his family with his brother missing. Team unsure at this time whether he will travel with them to KC at 2pm

Eagles QB Michael Vick (quadricep probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Sunday. Vick has declared himself 100% for the weekend.

Seahawks QB Matt Hasselbeck has been named the starter for the Seahawks Wildcard matchup with the Saints. Hasselbeck could be less than 100% and is no sure bet to finish the game. He is our lowest ranked starting QB for the weekend.

Jets QB Mark Sanchez (right shoulder probable) took limited reps again Thursday and is probable for Saturday Night. Sanchez is fully expected to play Sunday and is improving but not yet at 100%.

Colts RB Dominic Rhodes (hip questionable) returned to limited practice Friday. Rhodes expects to play Saturday night despite the questionable tag. Rhodes received 11 touches in week 17 to 3 for Donald Brown, but the RB situation in Indy remains a guessing game behind Joseph Addai.

With Saints RBs Pierre Thomas & Chris Ivory placed on season-ending IR, Reggie Bush is slated to receive his heaviest workload of the season. Still, expect Julius Jones to receive a decent amount of early down work in addition to mop up duty should the Saints build a big lead. The Saints are currently 10.5 point favorites. Newly signed DeShawn Wynn could also be in the mix but will likely have only a minor role.

Colts WR Reggie Wayne (knee Questionable) returned to full practice reps Friday. Wayne has missed plenty of reps this season and has been listed as questionable with regularity, but he has yet to miss a game. Expect Wayne to play Sunday but he will have a tough matchup with Jets CB Derrelle Revis.

Chiefs WR Dwayne Bowe (illness) was removed from the Chiefs injury report Friday and is expected to be a full go this weekend against the Ravens.

Jets WR Santonio Holmes (toe probable) took full practice again Friday and is listed as probable. The turf toe injury doesn't appear to be severe. Expect Holmes to be fine for a Saturday matchup with the Colts.

Saints WR Marques Colston (knee probable) took full reps again Friday and is probable for Wildcard weekend. The Seahawks have been poor against the pass, allowing 3+ passing TDs in 3 of their last 4 games. Expect the Saints to lean heavily on the pass with Chris Ivory & Pierre Thomas on IR.

Eagles WR DeSean Jackson is no longer on the injury report and is even expected to handle return duties this weekend.

Ravens WR Derrick Mason (abdomen, ankle Probable) took full practice reps Friday and is Probable for week 18.

Saints TE Jimmy Graham (ankle out) has been ruled out for Wildcard weekend. Graham is dealing with an ankle injury that forced him out of week 17. Jeremy Shockey (groin probable) and Dave Thomas (knee probable) are practicing fully this week but don't have near the upside of the rookie Graham.

The Seahawks listed no players on their Friday injury report, while the Saints have declared four players out - LB Danny Clark, TE Jimmy Graham, DT Tony Hargrove, S Malcolm Jenkins in addition to RBs Pierre Thomas & Chris Ivory already placed on IR.

The New Orleans Saints issued their final injury report Friday afternoon and ruled out safety Malcolm Jenkins, tight end Jimmy Graham, defensive tackle Anthony Hargrove and linebacker Danny Clark.

Jeremy Shockey and Dave Thomas will fill in, but neither presents the upside of Graham.

Titans Coach Jeff Fisher will return to the team for the 2011 season, according to sources familiar with the situation.

This could likely mean the end of the Vince Young era for the Titans.

Filed to ESPN: Jim Harbaugh is expected to agree to a five-year contract with the 49ers. Jim Harbaugh's five-year deal with the 49ers will be worth $25 million. 49ers called press conference for this afternoon. Harbaugh to be introduced. Suspense over.

As originally expected, Harbaugh wanted to keep his family in the Bay Area. The next order of business will be to find a suitable starting quarterback for the 49ers. Kyle Orton is rumored to be available.

There are a host of reasons why running the ball a touch more on Sunday would benefit the Eagles. And, yes, the Packers' run defense - which has allowed a sixth-worst 4.7 average yards per carry - is one of them.

But exposing quarterback Michael Vick, who will be playing with a quadriceps bruise, to fewer hits has to be the primary motive.

"We're going to run it a bit and kind of get him out of that pocket a little bit more," McCoy said. "I think that, with play fakes, will help him out."

Another way to aid Vick would be giving him extra blockers. Over the last half of the season teams have blitzed Vick in every way imaginable. McCoy has been solid in pass protection but had trouble picking up the Vikings' blitz last week.

"We're not really changing much of the [blocking] schemes," McCoy said. "Just fixing it a little."

Despite having the second-highest rushing average per carry (5.2) among the league's top 20 rushers and the most total yards from scrimmage in the NFC, McCoy did not get voted to the Pro Bowl. But he averaged only 13.8 carries per game and had the least amount of totes among the top 16 rushers.

"We have so many playmakers, the pie is so big. Everybody has to get your share," McCoy said.

Steelers running back Mewelde Moore returned to practice Thursday, as the Steelers concluded their work week. Still not practicing were right tackle Flozell Adams, receiver Hines Ward, safety Troy Polamalu, linebackers James Harrison and James Farrior, cornerback Bryant McFadden and defensive end Aaron Smith. All except Smith, who dressed for practice but didn't participate, are scheduled to practice when players return Sunday. Smith's status for the Jan. 15 playoff game at Heinz Field remains uncertain.

The New Orleans Saints likely will wait until pretty close to game time to decide if injured safety Malcolm Jenkins and tight end Jimmy Graham will play in Saturday’s playoff game with the Seahawks.

Graham has an ankle injury and Jenkins has a knee injury and neither has practiced this week. The Saints will hold a walk-though practice at Qwest Field in a couple of hours. I wouldn’t expect the Saints to let Jenkins or Graham do much in that practice and that’s largely due to the weather conditions.

As you might expect, today looks like the typical January day in Seattle. It’s raining, it’s cool and it’s foggy. My guess Jenkins and Graham will continue doing whatever rehab work they’ve been doing and the real test will come before the game tomorrow.

If Graham can't go, Jeremy Shockey and Dave Thomas will fill in. Neither has anywhere near the upside of Graham.

Colts RB Dominic Rhodes (hip) said after Thursday’s workout that he plans on playing against the Jets. “I’m fine. [Sitting out of practice] is just precautionary. I wouldn’t miss [the game],” he said.

Eagles QB Michael Vick (quadricep) took full practice reps Thursday. Vick has declared him 100% for the weekend.

Chiefs WR Dwayne Bowe (illness) returned to full practice Thursday after missing Wednesday due to sickness. Bowe is expected to be a full go this weekend against the Ravens.

Colts WR Reggie Wayne (knee) took limited practice reps Thursday. Wayne has missed plenty of reps this season and has been listed as questionable with regularity, but he has yet to miss a game. Expect Wayne to play Sunday but he will have a tough matchup with Jets CB Derrelle Revis.

With Saints RBs Pierre Thomas & Chris Ivory placed on season-ending IR, Reggie Bush is slated to receive his heaviest workload of the season. Still, expect Julius Jones to receive a decent amount of early down work in addition to mop up duty should the Saints build a big lead. The Saints are currently 10.5 point favorites. Newly signed DeShawn Wynn could also be in the mix but will likely have only a minor role.

Colts RB Dominic Rhodes (hip) missed practice Thursday. We'll look to see what Rhodes can do on Friday. Rhodes received 11 touches in week 17 to 3 for Donald Brown, but the RB situation in Indy remains a guessing game behind Joseph Addai.

Jets QB Mark Sanchez (right shoulder) took limited reps Thursday. Sanchez is fully expected to play Sunday and is improving but not 100%.

Seahawks QB Matt Hasselbeck (hip) has been named the starter for the Seahawks Wildcard matchup with the Saints. Hasselbeck could be less than 100% and is no sure bet to finish the game. He is our lowest ranked starting QB for the weekend.

Ravens WR Derrick Mason (abdomen, ankle) took full practice reps Thursday.

Eagles WR DeSean Jackson is no longer on the injury report and is even expected to handle return duties this weekend.

Jets WR Santonio Holmes (toe) took full practice Thursday. The turf toe injury doesn't appear to be severe. Expect Holmes to be fine for a Saturday matchup with the Colts.

Saints WR Marques Colston (knee) took full reps Thursday and appears on track to return to the starting lineup in Wildcard Weekend. The Seahawks have been poor against the pass, allowing 3+ passing TDs in 3 of their last 4 games. Expect the Saints to lean heavily on the pass with Chris Ivory & Pierre Thomas on IR.

Saints TE Jimmy Graham (ankle) missed practice again Thursday. Graham is dealing with an ankle injury that forced him out of week 17 and will likely be listed as questionable for Wildcard Weekend. Jeremy Shockey (groin) is practicing fully this week but doesn't have near the upside of the rookie Graham.

Saints TE Dave Thomas (knee) took full practice reps Thursday.

Seattle will start QB Matthew Hasselbeck in Saturday's wild-card game vs. the Saints.

Jason Garrett nailed his audition. He is the full-time coach of the Dallas Cowboys.

The team announced Garrett's promotion Thursday afternoon at a news conference at Cowboys Stadium.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones peeled the interim label off Garrett and made him -- officially -- the eighth head coach in the history of this proud franchise. Garrett is the first head coach who also played for the Cowboys, as he was a backup to Troy Aikman in the 1990s.

Garrett made the choice easy for Jones by going 5-3 during his half season in charge. He took over a team that had been 1-7 and was asked to merely make them competitive. He not only compiled a winning record, but his losses were by a total of seven points.

Having seen what Garrett could do, Jones didn't even interview him. He considered receivers coach Ray Sherman and Miami Dolphins assistant head coach Todd Bowles, who still could join the staff as defensive coordinator.

Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck, the odds-on favorite to be the No. 1 pick in this spring's NFL draft, announced Thursday that he will stay in school and play his redshirt junior season. "I am committed to earning my degree in architectural design from Stanford University and am on track to accomplish this at the completion of the spring quarter of 2012," Luck said in a statement. The school announced that Luck wouldn't be made available for comment.

The Carolina Panthers own the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft and indicated earlier this week that they would be interested in drafting Luck if he decided to leave school.

Sounds like, after listening to Bobby April, that DeSean Jackson will handle punt returns on Sunday.

Dwayne Bowe back at Chiefs practice Thursday.

Saints receiver Marques Colston fully participated in Wednesday's practice after having arthroscopic knee surgery last week. Tight end Jeremy Shockey (groin) and tight end David Thomas (knee) were limited in Wednesday's practice.

The Titans plan to either release or trade quarterback Vince Young, according to sources familiar with the situation.

With backfield mates Pierre Thomas and Chris Ivory now sidelined for the rest of the season, Bush suddenly is the feature back for the Saints as they begin their quest for a second Super Bowl championship.

Not the scat back. Not the utility back. Not the factor back. He's THE back.

And judging by the kilowatt smile he brandished for the media mob, he's relishing the newfound opportunity. "I'm excited," Bush said. "Knowing that my number is going to be called a lot more this game, I'm looking forward to it."

This is Bush's chance to prove to his critics, his teammates, the league, his future employer and quite possibly himself that he has what it takes to be a bona fide NFL running back.

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick said he is feeling 100 percent and his injured quadriceps will not be a factor in Sunday's game against Green Bay, ESPN's Sal Paolantonio reported Wednesday.

Kansas City confident WR Dwayne Bowe will play Sunday. He is sick, but nothing more than that. No hidden injuries. The WR will be ready to go vs. Ravens.

Saints coach Sean Payton confirms that RB Pierre Thomas has been placed on Injured Reserve. Payton said Pierre Thomas had a setback last week at practice and that everyone "felt this was the best move."

This is a big blow to the Saints as they lost Chris Ivory to IR yesterday. It looks as if Reggie Bush and Julius Jones will carry the majority of the load for the Saints, with DeSean Wynn also in the mix for a few touches. While Jones should see the bulk of the carries, he doesn't have a track record of producing when given the opportunity. Expect the Saints to lean heavily on the pass.

Mark Sanchez’s sore right shoulder remains a source of intrigue for the Jets, but coach Rex Ryan said that will not be used as an excuse heading into Saturday’s playoff game against the Colts. Sanchez limited his throws during yesterday’s practice, although he passed more than he did during the team’s first practice last week.

“I got probably almost all the throws, I felt good with the plan, accurate, and I threw the ball well,” Sanchez said.

Dwayne Bowe wasn't participating during the open practice period today. Not good, considering he's really KC's only receiving threat.

Chiefs Playoff Transaction: WR Kevin Curtis signed; DB Donald Washington to injured reserve.

Eagles HC Andy Reid indicated that Michael Vick will take full practice reps this week.

Dolphins WR Brandon Marshall hinted that he’s had issues with the Miami Dolphins’ conservative offensive play calling, especially how he was used in 2010, and some of it center on Chad Henne’s conservative approach to playing quarterback.

Marshall also outright admitted he and Tyler Thigpen, who replaced Henne against the Patriots, were improvising on a couple of occasions during Sunday’s 38-7 loss to the New England Patriots, a game where he caught five passes for 97 yards, most of which came in the second-half with Thigpen at the trigger.

Changing plays on the field led to Marshall having a heated discussion with quarterback coach David Lee, who didn’t like the fact Marshall and Thigpen were changing in-routes to go-routes based on the coverage Marshall was seeing.

One of those improvised plays drew a 32-yard penalty and set up the Dolphins’ lone touchdown. That pass interference was the second one the Dolphins’ Pro Bowl receiver drew all season, joining the one Jets linebacker Bart Scott committed in Miami’s 10-6 victory on Dec. 12th.

“We had a little discussion on the sidelines about keeping the route on,” Marshall said of his dispute with Lee, which centered on the type of press coverage New England cornerback Devin McCourty was playing him.

“They expect me to run an in-route, but me as a player, when we get singled with no safety over the top I want to take a shot and just converted it to a go….Seemed like an easier throw, easier play was the go route…. The quarterback coach was just doing his job. He didn’t know that me and Tyler were on the same page in terms of seeing the same thing out there.”

Marshall said he and Thigpen talked through the Patriots’ coverage often during the game. But sources tell me they changed some of Marshall’s routes in the huddle before looking at New England’s defense.

Will Carson Palmer be back with the Bengals? Barring a major change in heart, which looks unlikely to happen, one of Lewis’ major priorities will be finding complementary parts for Palmer.

“It’s important to recapture the spirit of our football team,” Lewis said. “I told him (Palmer) yesterday privately that it’s important to me that I will help him be the player that I know he is and I believe in him and he’s important to me.”

How about Cedric Benson? That all depends on what changes are made on offense. If Bratkowski is back, Benson will not return after a frustrating season. Benson has not hid his feelings about the direction of the offense this past season.

“There is a time for change and I think now is a pretty good time,” Benson said. “We found ourselves being very successful a year ago and kind of didn’t master the thing going into this year that made us successful the previous year. Somebody missed that somewhere.”

Wade Phillips will be hired as the Texans new defensive coordinator. This comes a day after Frank Bush and several defensive coaches were fired by the team.

The Oakland Raiders have told coach Tom Cable they are not picking up his option to bring him back next season.

The team announced the decision Tuesday night.

Cable's agent Don Yee says other teams have already shown interest in hiring Cable for other jobs. Cable has extensive experience as an offensive line coach.

Yahoo! Sports reported on Dec. 12 that Cable was upset when Hue Jackson was hired as the Raiders' offensive coordinator and that Jackson's associates are pushing him to find another job.

Jackson denied there was a rift when asked about the story days later.

"I don't know where all that stuff comes from," Jackson said. "We all here have a pretty good working relationship. I have known Tom here longer than probably anybody that's on this staff, other than Mike Waufle because I worked with those guys before. I was a little surprised by it. There's no truth to it."

If the Raiders plan to promote Jackson, they have competition. They gave the cross-bay rival 49ers permission to interview Jackson for their head coach opening earlier Tuesday afternoon.

It's Tuesday, which is usually a players' day off for the Seahawks.

But due to the Saturday playoff game shortening this week by a day, they practiced.

They aren't, however, required to issue an injury report. So we don't have an official update on the status of Matt Hasselbeck, Charlie Whitehurst or anyone else.

What we can tell you is that Hasselbeck and Whitehurst split reps at quarterback, but that's it.

Saints Place RB Chris Ivory on IR; Sign RB DeShawn Wynn.

So it turns out the Ivory injury was a bit more serious that initially let on. This clears up the Saints RB situation a bit for the playoffs, but Pierre Thomas is still considered questionable. Thomas is the favorite to be the lead horse on Saturday, but if he can't go Reggie Bush, Julius Jones & the newly signed DeShawn Wynn would have to cary the load.

Marvin Lewis signs deal to return to Bengals.

The Saints are not required to offer any injury updates until they release a participation report after their first practice of the week Wednesday.

"Guys were in today, got treatment, and we'll get 'em up to speed, get 'em healthy. We'll have to be real careful about how we practice this week, and go from there," Payton said. "We'll get 'em up to speed and get 'em healthy as quickly as possible."

At least nine players will be questionable for the Saints (11-5) heading into the short week leading up to Saturday's wild-card game at Seattle (7-9), including three players that were knocked out of Sunday's loss to the visiting Tampa Bay Buccaneers: safety Malcolm Jenkins (right knee), tailback Chris Ivory (left foot) and tight end Jimmy Graham (left ankle).
Six other players were held out of Sunday's game with injuries: receiver Marques Colston (right knee), tailback Pierre Thomas (left ankle), tight end Jeremy Shockey (groin), tight end David Thomas (right knee), defensive tackle Anthony Hargrove (knee) and linebacker Anthony Waters (ankle).

None of those players was available for comment after Sunday's game or Monday morning. The only player who has addressed his health status recently is Colston, who insisted Saturday that he will be back in time for the playoff opener, despite having arthroscopic surgery on his right knee to clean up some loose cartilage last Tuesday.

The severity of Sunday's injuries are unknown. Graham appeared to be limping earlier in Sunday's game before he ultimately left following a 4-yard touchdown catch in the first quarter. Ivory left the game following back-to-back runs in the second quarter, but it wasn't clear when the injury occurred. A reporter from CBSSports.com reported seeing Ivory briefly in the locker room Monday on crutches and with a boot on his left foot.

Jets QB Mark Sanchez took limited reps in Tuesday practice today.

Marvin Lewis left the Bengals complex when the two sides could not agree on franchise's direction and his future there is in serious jeopardy.

Through 11 of his 13 starts, veteran Kyle Orton played beautifully, if mostly between the 20s. Orton, though, could not overcome the Broncos' ineffective running game and push the offense into the top 10 in scoring.

Tim Tebow was almost the anti-Orton in his final three games: hardly pretty between the 20s, but his running ability helped him play well in the red zone and in the fourth quarter. Tebow will be the Broncos' starting quarterback in 2011. Orton is too good to play backup, so he will likely be traded. The Broncos will ask for a second-round draft pick.

Brady Quinn is a backup with starting experience.

Jeff Fisher's contract allows him to play the QB he wants and he will not be back there if Vince Young is. Unless Bud Adams changes his mind, its over.

Leslie Frazier receives a three-year contract from the Vikings.

Seahawks TE Chris Baker (hip) and G Chester Pitts (concussion) out for this game.

RB Deshawn Wynn has been signed by the Saints.

This could be bad news for the chances of either Pierre Thomas or Chris Ivory playing this weekend. Their statuses are up in the air.

Wide receiver Vincent Jackson, who played in the equivalent of 3½ games and made 14 catches for 248 yards and three touchdowns after a lengthy contract dispute, spoke briefly on his way out of the locker room Monday.

Asked if he think he'll be back, he said. "I have no idea."

Asked if wanted to continue playing for the Chargers, he replied: "Yep."

Asked his thoughts on having the franchise tag placed on him, he said, "I’m not going to get into that."

Asked how his time here this season was, Jackson said, "Awesome."

Seahawks WR Mike X Williams confirms he has signed a three-year extension.

Texans coach Gary Kubiak will return next season, but defensive coordinator Frank Bush has been fired.

The Texans (6-10) lost eight of their last 10 games, mostly due to a defense that gave up a league-high 4,280 yards passing. Houston allowed 33 touchdown passes, tied with Dallas for the most.

On Monday, Houston also fired secondary coach David Gibbs, linebackers coach Johnny Holland and assistant linebackers coach Robert Saleh. Speculation has swirled for a week that owner Bob McNair is interested in meeting with fired Cowboys coach Wade Phillips, who's been a defensive coordinator most of his career.

One day after the NFL regular season ended, Commissioner Roger Goodell sent an e-mail to about 5 million fans, telling them that "if both sides give a little," the league and its players' union "can and will reach an agreement" on a new labor deal.

Citing the U.S. economy, and saying, "a 10 percent unemployment rate hurts us all," Goodell wrote Monday: "Yes, NFL players deserve to be paid well. Unfortunately, economic realities are forcing everyone to make tough choices and the NFL is no different."

Goodell outlined two key elements in negotiations among owners and players to replace the collective bargaining agreement, which expires March 4:

» Expanding from a 16- to 18-game regular season, which Goodell called "a significant change" that would "resolve fan complaints about preseason" by dropping two exhibition games.

» Instituting "a new system that properly compensates proven veterans and retired players by shifting some of the outrageous sums paid to many unproven rookies."

In 2009, according to the e-mail, NFL teams agreed to contracts worth $1.2 billion -- including $585 million in guaranteed pay -- for 256 drafted rookies.

"Don't get me wrong: top draft choices will continue to be highly paid," Goodell wrote. "All we're asking for is a return to common sense in paying our rookies. Other leagues have done this and we can too."

A person with knowledge of the situation said Monday that Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio's job is safe.

The person spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because Jaguars owner Wayne Weaver hasn't made his decision public.

I saw Saints RB Chris Ivory on crutches & a boot on his foot during open locker room period. Payton refused to speak about injuries today.

Houston Texans fired its defensive coordintor Frank Bush.

Cincinnati Bengals coach Marvin Lewis may not wait to hear if owner Mike Brown wants to bring him back. Instead, a source close to Lewis said the 2009 NFL Coach of the Year may pursue the open job at the University of Pittsburgh after spending the past eight years with the Bengals. NFL Network reported earlier in the day that the university, which fired head coach Michael Haywood on Saturday, was interested in Lewis.

Vick said he’s getting close to 100 percent after taking off Sunday’s 14-13 loss to Dallas to nurse the thigh contusion he sustained in Tuesday night’s loss to Minnesota.

Vick was sacked six times and turned the ball over the three times Tuesday night against the Vikings, nine days after the offense had struggled against the Giants before an incredible eight-minute showcase that turned a 21-point deficit into a 38-31 win at the buzzer.

But Vick doesn’t think the past few weeks have any bearing on the postseason or serve as extra motivation.

“It’s the postseason. Win or go home, and that should motivate everybody,” he said. “Do your job, or if you don’t you won’t be playing next week. And that all I can say. There’s really nothing more to say. It’s win or gome hoime. Nothing matters. This is the season. The season starts now.”

Bills QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, who threw 23 touchdowns and 15 interceptions, said he considers himself the team's starter for next season. Asked if this season was satisfying from a personal standpoint, he said: "The first thing you look at is the record. We're not satisfied with that. We're not satisfied with the way the season went. I'm satisfied in the sense that I think I improved this year. I made an improvement this year over last year. ... I need to continue to get myself better, and in turn I think that makes the team better."

The Baltimore Ravens didn't escape unscathed from their victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, suffering injuries to key players on both sides of the football.

Free safety Ed Reed hurt his ribs and was grimacing in pain on the field and sidelines, but returned.

Offensive tackle Michael Oher sprained his right knee for the second time this season. He also twisted his ankle on the play and didn't return.

Cornerback Josh Wilson and linebacker Dannell Ellerbe incurred shoulder stingers and didn't return. And Pro Bowl defensive tackle Haloti Ngata received treatment after getting banged-up on a fumble recovery.

None of the injuries are expected to prevent them from playing in next Sunday's AFC wild-card game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium.

No big surprise, but Darrelle Revis will be shadowing Reggie Wayne against Colts in wildcard game.

Coach Pete Carroll said afterward that he expected Charlie Whitehurst to start all week though Matt Hasselbeck was available to play if needed.

He was asked what he will do at the position going forward.

"We just figure it out," Carroll said. "I don't even know. You're asking about next week? It's not next week yet."

For what it’s worth, Danny Woodhead, who sustained a concussion in the first quarter of yesterday’s 38-7 win over the Dolphins, appeared all right in the locker room after the game.

After six seasons, Ronnie Brown acknowledged he could have played his final game with the Dolphins. The running back will be an unrestricted free agent in the offseason. Brown and Ricky Williams, also a free agent, could be of interest to the Patriots, who are expected to have Fred Taylor retire in the offseason.

The Eric Mangini Era is over after two seasons of 5-11 records.

The Browns coach was fired this morning in a meeting with President Mike Holmgren. He had two years remaining on his contract at an average salary of about $3.9 million, according to previous reports.

Holmgren is scheduled to address the media at 1 p.m.
Unlike a year ago, when Holmgren met with Mangini over a few days to decide his fate, this inquisition didn't take long.

Two NFL sources speculated that Holmgren himself would take over as coach, returning to the sideline for the first time since he left as Seattle coach following the 2008 season. It's possible that he would seek to retain defensive coordinator Rob Ryan and special teams coordinator Brad Seely.

Seahawks Inactives
WR Brandon Stokley
LB Joe Pawelek
OG Paul Fanaika
OT Breno Giacomini
OT Will Robinson
OT Stacy Andrews
DT Amon Gordon
3rd QB: J.P. Losman

QB Matt Hasselbeck is active, but there's still no word on if he or QB Charlie Whitehurst will draw the start. Neither should be of fantasy consideration.

Rams Inactives
S Michael Lewis
CB Justin King
LB David Nixon
LB Curtis Johnson
OG John Greco
WR Mardy Gilyard
TE Derek Schouman
DT Jermelle Cudjo

Redskins Inactives
Andre Brown RB
Erik Cook C
James Davis RB
Derrick Dockery G
Reggie Jones DB
Joe Joseph DT
Donovan McNabb QB
Carlos Rogers CB

Giants Inactives
Jake Ballard TE
Duke Calhoun WR
Jamon Meredith T
Hakeem Nicks WR
Shaun O'Hara C
Mitch Petrus G
Dave Tollefson DE
Corey Webster CB

Chargers Inactives
Darry Beckwith ILB
Tyrone Carter DB
Patrick Crayton WR
Larry English OLB
Jacob Hester FB
Travis Johnson DE
Darrell Stuckey DB
Cam Thomas DT

Cowboys Inactives
Alex Barron T
Phil Costa G
Clifton Geathers DE
Jon Kitna QB
Jermey Parnell OT
Andrew Sendejo DB
Teddy Williams WR

Titans Inactives
Vincent Fuller DB
Justin Gage WR
Jovan Haye DT
Robert Johnson DB
Troy Kropog T
Bo Scaife TE
Rusty Smith QB
David Thornton OLB

Eagles Inactives
Stewart Bradley MLB
Trent Cole DE
DeSean Jackson WR
Winston Justice T
Trevor Laws DT
LeSean McCoy RB
Asante Samuel CB
Michael Vick QB

Packers Inactives
Atari Bigby SS
Evan Dietrich-Smith OG
Josh Gordy DB
Korey Hall FB
Graham Harrell QB
Cullen Jenkins DE
Nick McDonald G
Frank Zombo OLB

Bears Inactives
Kahlil Bell RB
Earl Bennett WR
Caleb Hanie QB
Marcus Harrison DT
Herman Johnson G
Joshua Moore DB
Craig Steltz DB
Edwin Williams G

49ers Inactives
Phillip Adams DB
Nate Byham TE
David Carr QB
William James DB
Keaton Kristick LB
Joe Staley OT
Will Tukuafu DE
Patrick Willis ILB

Cardinals Inactives
Derek Anderson QB
Ben Claxton C
Marshay Green CB
Gerald Hayes ILB
A.J. Jefferson CB
Ben Patrick TE
Joey Porter OLB
LaRod Stephens-Howling RB

Texans Inactives
Garrett Graham TE
Anthony Hill TE
Andre Johnson WR
Matt Leinart QB
Sherrick McManis DB
Bernard Pollard SS
DeMario Pressley DT
Shelley Smith G

Jaguars Inactives
Daniel Baldridge T
Alvin Bowen OLB
Nate Collins DT
Justin Durant OLB
Maurice Jones-Drew RB
John Matthews WR
Zachary Miller TE
Tiquan Underwood WR

Broncos Inactives
Champ Bailey CB
Jeff Byers C
Stanley Daniels G
Chevis Jackson DB
Louis Leonard DT
Laurence Maroney RB
Eric Olsen G
Kyle Orton QB

Colts Inactives
Al Afalava DB
Mike Hart RB
Kelvin Hayden CB
Javarris James RB
Jacques McClendon G
Daniel Muir DT
Clint Session OLB
Jaimie Thomas G

The Rams go for a sweep of the season series, which would mean a NFC West title and a home playoff game next Saturday. The Seahawks are hoping by game time that QB Matt Hasselbeck (hip) will play despite not practicing all week. Charlie Whitehurst is more mobile, but Hasselbeck is more accurate down the field and a passing game is necessary considering the Seahawks average a league-low 85 yards rushing per game. Seattle has been outscored by 58 points during their three-game losing streak while Rams QB Sam Bradford has set an NFL rookie record with 335 completions. He also has a chance to be the first QB picked No. 1 overall in the draft to lead his team to the playoffs in his rookie season. Bradford does have a deep weapon in Missouri rookie WR Danario Alexander, who was drafted low because of three different ACL surgeries to his left knee. Alexander is averaging 17.2 yards a catch.

Who knows what Titans owner Bud Adams will do with coach Jeff Fisher, who has one year remaining on his contract? The Titans have lost seven of their last eight games. Titans QB Kerry Collins, 38, is unsigned for next season as he makes final start for the injured Vince Young.

Broncos rookie QB Tim Tebow is coming off his first 300-yard passing game of his career as he tries to prove his worth for next season. Based on his play, the Broncos may decide to keep Tebow and part ways with injured Kyle Orton for next season.

Jets Bills could end up being a pretty ugly game, considering Jets coach Rex Ryan plans to rest five banged-up defensive starters — like cornerbacks Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie — while both starting quarterbacks, Mark Sanchez and Ryan Fitzpatrick, are also hurt. Sanchez may only play a series or two, giving way to Kellen Clemens while Fitzpatrick hasn’t practiced all week due to a sprained knee. He will test it in the morning, but Brian Brohm could start. The Bills may not be able to take advantage of the Jets’ secondary because they are down to receivers Stevie Johnson, Naaman Roosevelt and Paul Hubbard.

Pats coach Bill Belichick, a strong contender for Coach of the Year, may have a difficult time securing his fourth 14-win season because he is unlikely to play Tom Brady and many of his nicked-up starters for more than a quarter. The Dolphins are 6-1 on the road as they shoot for an 8-8 season, something that should save Tony Sparano’s job. Miami’s Cameron Wake currently leads the NFL with 14 sacks, while beleaguered QB Chad Henne would like to finish on a high note after being booed by the home crowd last Sunday. Henne is the 27th-rated NFL passer. Brian Hoyer, who will replace Brady, has attempted only 29 career passes.

Chiefs RB Jamaal Charles needs 20 rushing yards to reach 1,400, while his per carry average of 6.39 yards is a shade behind Jim Brown’s NFL record of 6.4 set in 1963. Chiefs QB Matt Cassel is three TD passes shy of Len Dawson’s franchise record of 30. The big news in K.C. is that offensive coordinator Charlie Weis wants to get as far away from Todd Haley that he’s willing to take a college coordinator job at the U. of Florida.

San Francisco LB Patrick Willis, will miss his first ever NFL start after X-rays showed the broken bone in his right hand became misaligned in last week’s loss to the Rams. Willis hasn’t missed a start since his junior season at Ole Miss. With Alex and Troy Smith not guaranteed of jobs next season, third-stringer Nate Davis could be the one San Francisco quarterback returning.

Stanford’s Jim Harbaugh remains the top choice of the 49ers to replace the fired Mike Singletary as head coach. In fact, there are rumors that owner Jed York is willing to offer Harbaugh an overall package of $40 million. But one serious hang-up for Harbaugh is York’s interest in promoting Trent Baalke to general manager. Baalke’s promotion could be a deal breaker. Harbaugh would prefer to have the NFL Network’s Michael Lombardi as his right-hand man handling personnel. Lombardi, who had success in Philadelphia and Oakland, started his personnel career in San Francisco under Bill Walsh. He and Harbaugh are great friends.

If Harbaugh does get a great financial deal from the 49ers, you can bet that his brother, John, will be interested in the final numbers. The Ravens head coach is heading to the playoffs for a third consecutive season and is deserving of a raise — or at least Jim Harbaugh money. The 49ers have four pending free agents among their defensive starters; linebackers Takeo Spikes and Manny Lawson, Aubrayo Franklin and safety Dashon Goldson. “This probably will be the last time that we're together as a whole,” Spikes said. The 49ers will also want to reduce CB Nate Clements’ $7.5 million salary for next season.

After no turnovers in his first six starts, Michael Vick has six interceptions and three lost fumbles in his last six games. In 80 career starts, Vick has fumbled 66 times. The Eagles are locked into the No. 3 seed in the NFC playoffs regardless of the outcome of this game. There is no question that Vick needs the day off because he’s been getting hit on a regular basis now that he has become a pocket passer.

The Cowboys must sustain a running game in order to protect unproven QB Stephen McGee, who will focus on his two healthy pass options, TE Jason Witten and WR Miles Austin. McGee is an effective passer on quick slants while the Eagles will want to force him from the pocket and make him throw on the run. Veteran QB Jon Kitna has a strained oblique muscle in his left abdomen. He tried to throw on Friday and was only about 60 percent. The Cowboys signed former UFL quarterback Chris Greisen, who passed for five TDs while leading the Florida Tuskers to the title game.

In their nine wins, the Giants have outrushed their opponents 1,533 to 668. It is essential that RBs Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw remain patient behind their line, looking for openings. Eli Manning has only one solid receiver in Mario Manningham, and he’ll be guarded by Pro Bowler DeAngelo Hall. Hakeem Nicks will miss another game for the Giants. The Giants are currently playoff longshots partially because of their 41 turnovers this season; Manning has 24 interceptions. When the Giants beat the Redskins 31-7 on Dec. 5, they rushed for 197 yards, were also plus-5 in the turnover department and controlled the ball for over 34 minutes.

Bears coach Lovie Smith could strongly change his course for this game if the unbelievable would to happen — both the Falcons and Saints get upset, thus giving the Bears a shot at home-field advantage throughout the playoffs with a win. “We’re going to try to win the game,” Smith said. “None of that has anything to do with what we’re doing. We’ll get into the game, and see what’s going on during the course of the game. We want to go into the playoffs on a high as much as anything.”

The Packers’ passing game hit on all cylinders last Sunday against the Giants as Aaron Rodgers passed for four scores. The Packers’ receiving corps is not a good matchup for Chicago’s cover-two scheme. The Bears don’t have enough speed in the secondary to stay with Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, Jordy Nelson and James Jones. Chicago is hopeful that good field conditions, which don't exist at Soldier Field, will allow them to get consistent pressure on Rodgers with their four-man defensive line. Julius Peppers could be a big mismatch against Green Bay RT Bryan Bulaga when he flops to that side.

QB Shaun Hill will start again for the Lions and remains bothered by a sore right index finger. WR Calvin Johnson is expected to start despite missing practice all week. The Lions did catch a break with Minnesota playing on Tuesday night in Philly and basically having only two practice days to prepare for this game.