January 2013 4for4 Player News Articles

HC Ron Rivera said new OC Mike Shula's working knowledge of the Carolina offense and familiarity with franchise quarterback Cam Newton helped earn him the job over outsiders Hue Jackson and Pat Shurmur, both of whom interviewed for the position.

The coach said the decision centered around Newton's late-season development.

Over the final six games Newton combined for 14 touchdowns -- 10 passing and four rushing -- and had only two turnovers. The Panthers simplified the playbook and asked Newton to do less on offense.

Less turned out to mean more.

"I think the way Cam played the second half of the season, protecting the football the way he did and not giving up big sacks, just the way he played, his growth...." Rivera said. "He really had to go through the maturation process."

He didn't want to ruin that momentum by forcing Newton to learn a new system.

This sounds like good news for Newton, who played very well down the stretch. Early in the 2012 season, there was talk of a sophomore slump for Newton, as he had only accounted for eight total touchdowns (five pass, three rush) in his first seven games after averaging 2.2 total TDs per game in 2011. Starting in Week 9, he scored 19 TDs in his final nine games, a 2.1 TD per game average. He should continue to progress as an NFL quarterback in 2013.

Ravens TE Dennis Pitta (inner thigh) practiced without difficulty today at Tulane, per a pool report.

Saints TE Jimmy Graham has started rehab following surgery this month to repair a lingering wrist injury, saying "everything's going well" in the recovery process.

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Donald Driver will formally announce his retirement in a public event next week at Lambeau Field.

The Packers all-time leading receiver in receptions and yards confirmed his decision in a release that stated a retirement event will be held Wednesday.

"I played my entire career in Green Bay and have always enjoyed a special bond with the fans," Driver said. "I can think of no better way to retire than to celebrate with them and the Packers organization."

Driver retires with the most catches (743) and yards (10,137) in franchise history, and is third in touchdowns (61).

Jaguars RB Maurice Jones-Drew had his operation on Dec. 28 and doesn’t expect to be cleared for football activity until early this summer.

But he expects to return to the form that won him the NFL rushing title in 2010 (1,606 yards); he was limited to six games and one touchdown this past year.

Jones-Drew revealed the injury was a “mid-foot fracture,” not the more serious Lisfranc break that was assumed by many but never confirmed since then coach Mike Mularkey would never elaborate.

“I did mess up some things, but it wasn’t what people thought it was,” Jones-Drew said.

MJD will likely hold 2nd round value if he enters the 2013 healthy and ready to play.

And according to sources, the Steelers do not plan to franchise WR Mike Wallace, just coming off his rookie deal, and do not anticipate meeting his demands in the $10 million-$11 million yearly range, though they do expect other clubs to value him there.

The Buccanneers and WR Mike Williams have begun talking about a contract extension for the 2010 fourth-round draft pick.

"I've always been a proponent of running the football, obviously," LaDainian Tomlinson said. "I think that's another thing the Chargers really need to correct is getting another guy to go with Ryan Mathews. I think, at this point, Ryan has shown it's hard for him to stay healthy in the type of workload that he's had. So now, get somebody to help him. I still think he's a tremendous talent, but he needs some help in taking some of that workload off of him. ...

Eagles QB Michael Vick is due to receive that amount on Feb. 6, but the team is likely to buy time until the start of free agency on March 11 because of a provision in Vick's contract.

The Eagles would owe him the money only if no one else picked him up or if someone signed him for less than $3 million, according to an NFL source.

It's unlikely that no one picks him up or pays him less than $3 million, so the Eagles have some extra time to evaluate Vick.

Jaguars RB Maurice Jones-Drew expects to start rehabbing on dry land in March. Rehab will start with swimming in February.

Consider Packers RB Cedric Benson a solid backup plan. DuJuan Harris will certainly be back next season in Green Bay, while the Packers seem intent on giving James Starks one more season to prove himself and stay off the injury report. Alex Green, who played this season just a year removed from a serious knee injury, should be back for his third season in Green Bay. That means Benson's return to the Packers will likely be decided based on whether the team drafts a running back in April. If general manager Ted Thompson does draft a running back, that new player, along with Harris, Starks and Green, will be enough bodies at the position. That's the most likely scenario. But, if Thompson can't find good value on a running back in the draft, Benson could be the veteran on a cheap contract who steps in if the younger players don't perform well.

As it stands, we believe that Harris will emerge as the top back of this group in 2013.

Rams WR Danny Amendola is a poor man's, younger, cheaper Wes Welker. If New England can't re-sign Welker, it would not be surprising in the least if the Patriots made a run at Amendola.

Dolphins RB Reggoe Bush always intended to test free agency in March, barring the Dolphins making a surprisingly attractive offer. It’s not out of the question Bush could return if nobody offers him a deal similar to the $4.5 million he made this season. From all indications, the Dolphins haven’t ruled it out.

Remember, the Dolphins waited months after the season before making an effort to re-sign Ronnie Brown a few years ago.

But the Dolphins would be fine moving on without Bush and making Lamar Miller their lead running back, with Daniel Thomas and a cheap addition rounding out their stable. Former Notre Dame tailback Jonas Gray, recovered from a knee injury, also will get a look.

This could be a case of the Dolphins leaking this "news" in an effort to drive Bush's price down, but the market will ultimately set his price.

Reggie Bush's ability to make explosive plays and contribute on special teams will lead to a nice market forming for him, I'm sure, and it's highly unlikely he stays with Miami, sources said.

Bush averaged 4.6 YPC in two seasons with the Dolphins and only missed one game in that span. He'll turn 28 in March, so he should be productive for a few more years. The Packers could be interested in his versatility out of the backfield, but he'll have a number of suitors if he hits the open market.

Teams don't want to spend much for running backs these days, and Rashard Mendenhall's lost season could lead to him re-signing with the Steelers on a discount.

The Rams announced Tuesday that Rob Ryan will not run their defense in 2013.

"After extensive conversations regarding defensive philosophy, the Rams and Rob Ryan agreed he was not the right fit for the club's defensive coordinator position," COO/Executive VP of Football Operations Kevin Demoff told the team website. "The Rams will continue the interview process with the club'€™s other candidates.

No details were given, but Ryan does prefer a 3-4 scheme to the Rams' 4-3. That could have been the difference in philosophy, but it's odd the team didn't deny the reports last week and have now called them premature. Something changed in the last five days.

The Eagles and Saints are the lone teams left without a defensive coordinator on staff. Ryan's five minutes might turn into much more if he can't make a late push for one of those two jobs, or isn't willing to take a lesser position.

If there was any remaining doubt whether two-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Greg Jennings is going to be back with the Packers next season, it may have been erased Monday.

Jennings' 4,788 square-foot home in De Pere, Wis. -- located 10 minutes from Lambeau Field -- was put up for sale with an asking price of $525,000.

Jennings will almost certainly not be back in Green Bay next season.

“The options become limitless,” said Bills new RB Tyrone Wheatley with his two versatile backs, C.J. Spiller and Fred Jackson. “The more you can do the better for you. That’s my saying and these guys can do it all. They both have distinct skill sets, but they also present a different type of threat towards defenses.”

Wheatley sees Jackson as the thunder and Spiller as the lightning. And though a split backfield with both Jackson and Spiller on the field at the same time sounds like an easy solution to outside observers, that’s not what Buffalo’s run game will be.

“I would just say multiple,” said Wheatley when asked to describe the run game. “I know that’s kind of vague and it doesn’t really clear things up, but we’re a multiple set. We could do two-back, we could be one back. We could be single back, we could be shotgun. It’s a multiple set.”

This is a situation to watch closely this summer. Spiller proved he's ready for a RB1 workload, but as long as Jackson is around, his stock will be deflated.

Word is the 2013 season will very likely be Titans WR Kenny Britt’s last in Nashville. Although he was not involved in the stabbing that occurred in the early hours of January 13th, it’s just the most recent in a long line of examples of Britt putting himself in precarious situations with the wrong people. The Titans still think Britt has the makeup of a game-changing wide receiver — and they are likely to continue making excuses for him to keep him on the roster for the final year of his rookie contract — but his constant brushes with the law and injuries make it far too risky to depend on him long term.

Don't be surprised if Britt has a big year given that he's playing for a new contract and is another year removed from major knee surgery.

There is virtually no chance the Packers keep Ryan Grant. They didn’t want him last season and only signed him in December out of desperation due to injuries. Meanwhile, the Packers have nothing to lose by offering Cedric Benson another one-year, minimum salary contract. If he bombs in training camp the Packers walk away no worse for the wear.

We believe DuJuan Harris will emerge as the team's primary back if the Packers don't draft a RB in April.

Patriots RB Danny Woodhead once again was the change-of-pace back, and the Patriots' most well-rounded backfield player. He found a role in the Patriots’ up-tempo, spread attack and was the same reliable player he’s become known as. Shane Vereen has similar skills to Woodhead, but was not able to consistently get on the field for the Patriots. He flashed dynamic athleticism, speed and pass-catching ability in playing just less than 13 percent of the snaps this season. With Woodhead set to become a free agent, Vereen could be in line for a larger role next season.

Woodhead would seem to be on the team’s radar for a return, but could be lured elsewhere in free agency.

Asked if he's "comfortable" with Mark Sanchez as QB of NYJ, GM John Idzik says, "I'm comfortable with Mark being a Jet." He reiterated that there will be competition.

There are signs the normal downhill trend has begun for Patriots QB Tom Brady.

It went pretty much unnoticed as the Pats made a run toward another Super Bowl appearance, but Brady’s numbers declined in 2012. His completion percentage of 63 percent was excellent by most standards, except perhaps his own. It was his lowest percentage since 2006. The percentage of his passes that went for touchdowns dropped to 5.3, his lowest number since 2009. And his average yards per pass was 7.6, his lowest since 2008.

Perhaps more significantly, he turned in his weakest performances over the final month, the time when he tries to peak. He completed 58.5 percent of his passes in December and averaged 7.0 yards per pass. His touchdown-to-interception ratio always has been outstanding and was again for most of this season. But Brady’s lowest ratio in that department came in December when he had 10 touchdowns with five interceptions.

Those who saw the AFC Championship game against Baltimore realize Brady’s mobility, which was never great, is slowing down. He is beginning to show his age, which is only to be expected.

NBC reported Monday morning QB Alex Smith wants the 49ers to release him before free agency starts in March.

Here’s a more realistic offseason scenario for Smith: After the smoke clears from Super Bowl week, he or his agent can give the 49ers a list of teams which Smith finds desirable, and the Niners can see if they are able to work out a trade for draft picks this year and *conditional draft picks in 2014.

That way, the 49ers get something in return for Smith – a sure pick in this coming draft in April (lucky to be a third rounder), and an “if” deal for another pick or picks in 2014 predicated on Smith’s performance.

Following his introductory news conference last week, Cardinals coach Bruce Arians was asked about the team's running game.

“I know that [Ryan Williams] can flat run the football,” Arians said. “I’m a Hokie. I know all about Ryan and I love him.”

Arians attended and played college football at Virginia Tech. Maybe that’s why he never mentioned the guy at the top of the Cardinals’ depth chart: Beanie Wells. Or maybe it was just an oversight.

Wells certainly hopes so, because he’s looking at this coaching change as a chance for a fresh start. Wells finished with career lows in carries (88) and yards (234) this season after spending the first half of the year on IR to heal his surgically repaired knee and, to a lesser extent, a severe case of turf toe.

Ravens TE Dennis Pitta (thigh) returned to practice after not practicing on Friday.

“The season [Rashard Mendenhall] had was not what we would have hoped for,” said Steelers President Art Rooney II when asked for his assessment. “Obviously, we knew he was coming back from an injury so there were some unknowns there. So, without getting into the real specifics with Rashard, it’s fair to say that we are going to need a better performance out of the running back position if we’re going to be successful, Whether it’s Rashard or [Jonathan Dwyer] or [Isaac Redman] or somebody else, we have to be better at that position, as well as others, but certainly at that position. In this offseason that’s something we’ve got to look at and decide how we get better and who we get better with.”

No charges will be filed against 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree after he was investigated for an alleged sexual assault by the San Francisco Police Department.

This news should help Crabtree and the 49ers focus on the Super Bowl.

New Orleans Saints tight end Jimmy Graham had surgery to repair his lingering wrist injury earlier this month, a league source confirmed.

The exact nature of Graham's surgery is unknown. But he will likely have plenty of time to recover before summer camps and training camp. The Saints revealed late in the 2012 season that Graham had been fighting through the nagging injury for the entire season - though he never missed a game or practice because of the wrist injury.

Like Rob Gronkowski, Graham's per game numbers slipped (from 12.3 PPG in 2011 to 10.1 PPG in 2012). He was battling this wrist injury throughout the season, so there's a good possibility that he'll bounce back in 2013. He holds extra value in PPR formats.

WR Titus Young took to Twitter again to voice his displeasure with the Lions:

"Oh I'm not done, if y'all going to cut me let me go. I'm tired of the threats"

"Never needed the money Give me a dollar and a ball bet I come back #HallofFame"

We're betting against the Hall of Fame at this point.

Rams hired former Cowboys DC Rob Ryan as their defensive coordinator.

Rob Ryan's defenses the last 9 seasons (PA rank): 24, 16, 13, 22, 24, 26, 18, 25, 31 (Yards Allowed): 19, 14, 22, 31, 27, 22, 3, 27, 30. Ryan may be overrated when it comes to running a defense.

New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo and secondary coach Ken Flajole have been relieved of their duties, the team announced Thursday.

"I personally want to thank Steve and Ken for their contributions during what was an unprecedented 2012 season," Saints coach Sean Payton said. "Philosophically we are changing our defense to a 3-4 alignment and right now is the best time to accomplish this transition."

Browns OC Norv Turner on what he gleaned from watching tape of QB Brandon Weeden: “I saw a young guy that I think now and I thought then has a real positive upside and when I look at him on tape, I haven’t spent any time with him, but when I look at the tape I see a guy who can be a really good player. I think a lot of playing quarterback has to do with the people you have around you and getting those guys playing at a high level. People may think it’s being unfair to Brandon to say ‘well they’re being cool about it.’ I think it’s being fair to him to say ‘hey we have a young guy that has some talent and we’re going to find out about him.’ We’re going to coach him and do everything we can to make him the best player he can be and let’s see where it goes. He’s going to have an opportunity to go compete, play and grow and I’m excited to be working with him.”

Keep in mind that Turner was the one raving about WR Robert Meachem and we all know how that turned out.

The Falcons seem committed to running back by committee. That’s fine. But the committee can’t include Michael Turner. He confirmed their pre-season fears that he had worn dead with a career-low average of 3.6 yards per carry. He ran well against Seattle but that was the exception. Jacquizz Rodgers is a keeper, but the offense needs a better running threat.

While the Seahawks have told QB Matt Flynn they are willing to trade him, finding trade partner is problematic because several expect he'll be cut.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones seemed excited Tuesday when he discussed still having QB Tony Romo as the team’s starter.

“Tony is so much on the page with us,” Jones said on the NFL Network. “He’s naturally a glass half-full guy, so he’s fired up about what we can do. I’ll tell you this, I really would hate to be sitting here talking about getting better, and starting fresh at quarterback and not having Romo. He’s a big part of what we got to go with. He gets criticized and I always say, ‘Good, now tell me who you want me to have there at quarterback? Go pick that guy for me for the next game. Go get a better one right now.’ Do they just come out here and you can just take one home with you?”

Titans WR Kenny Britt's snap percentage jumped from 50% to 83% after OC Dowell Loggains took over as offensive coordinator.

Maybe Loggains just took over at the point Britt was really starting to his stride. Maybe he doesn't believe in rotating his wide receiver. Maybe, maybe, maybe. Whatever the cause, except for the season finale, Britt played a higher percentage of the time in every game under Loggains than he had in any single game under Chris Palmer. As I chronicled yesterday, this didn't mean Britt was targeted more frequently, just that he played a lot.

By adding another receiver through the draft or free agency, the Bills would also give themselves the flexibility to move Steve Johnson inside to the slot, something GM Buddy Nix indicated the team would like to do more of.

“I think Stevie Johnson’s a guy that really fits the slot well,” he said. “But we need a big-time outside receiver. T.J. [Graham] gives us a lot of that, but you still need to get another, bigger guy that can line up out there and catch the ball when he’s covered.”

Reggie Wayne, the Colts’ veteran, had statistics (75-960-4) in 2011 that mirrored what Larry Fitzgerald dealt with in 2012 (71-798-4). But when Bruce Arians came in to Indianapolis as offensive coordinator before the 2012 season, one of his goals was to make Wayne the impact player he had always been. Now that Arians is head coach of the Cardinals, he has the same plans for Fitz.

“As a receiver, you can’t hand it to them, you have to throw it to them,” Arians said. “They can double-cover him, and you don’t throw it to him if he is double-covered and someone else is single-covered. You’ve got to take what is there as a quarterback, but you do have to get him the ball because he is such a tremendous talent.

“When I first met with Reggie, Reggie had been on the left side for 10 years. The first day of spring I put him over there on the right, and he looked like he had palsy. I said, ‘It’ll come. You have to retrain your body here. Wait until I put you in the slot.’ There was buy-in.”

Now, Fitzgerald is ahead of the curve there. The Cardinals have been moving him around for a while now, just to get him open. Wayne’s resurgence not coincidentally benefited from the arrival of Andrew Luck at quarterback, and as of today, it doesn’t look like a Luck-type will end up behind center for the Cardinals this season. But Arians understands the ball must end up with Fitz more often than it did last season.

This is all well and good, but the Cardinals are unlikely to land a QB like Andrew Luck this offseason, so at this point we're not all that high on Fitzgerald in 2013.

The Jets are likely to be hard-pressed to retain free agents like tight end Dustin Keller and running back Shonn Greene, sources said.

Many were quick to make a comparison to Adrian Peterson when Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III tore the ACL and lateral collateral ligament in his right knee, which was surgically repaired earlier this month. But hold on, says Peterson. Not so fast.

"That's not fair," Peterson told NFL.com's Jeff Darlington after the NFC's first Pro Bowl practice of the week Wednesday. "Everybody's body heals differently. That's something nobody is going to understand."

"This is also a matter of genetics," Peterson said. "Look at my dad. And my mom's side, my aunts and uncles, they're all ripped. At 50 years old, they've got six packs and eight packs.

"My body just heals differently. I know it has a lot to do with rehabilitation and work ethic -- but I really credit my genetics for my recovery as much as anything else."

This is a reminder that what Peterson did this year was unprecedented. Fantasy owners shouldn't expect every athlete with an ACL tear to respond this way.

Despite his behavior issues, the Lions have left the door open for WR Titus Young to return to the team next season.

"Every player's unique, and every player has different circumstances," HC Jim Schwartz said. "I think you could go across the league and find a bunch of guys (that have put troubles behind them). But like I said toward the end of the season, that's in the player's court to be able to get that done, and we're going to need to see more signs of that getting done."

Titans QB Jake Locker had surgery in Nashville to repair his twice dislocated non-throwing shoulder and a broken bone at the front of the shoulder.

He expects to be in a sling until he sees his doctor again in about a month. In the meantime, he’s working with physical therapists to maintain range of motion.

When doctors clear him for more activity, Locker said he plans to return to Nashville and continue rehab at Baptist Sports Park. He hopes to be ready for minicamps in June.

Even with DuJuan Harris, who showed the most explosion, decisiveness and ability to get to the second level of the group, RB coach Alex Van Pelt doesn’t know whether the Packers need him to be an every-down guy.

The takeaway here is that Van Pelt isn't sold on the idea of Harris as a full-timer. We believe he is the best (by far) that the Packers have at the moment and barring an addition via the draft or free agency, he'll hold the most value heading into 2013 fantasy drafts.

Once seen as the Packers' possible go-to back, the window is closing for James Starks to seize an every-down role. He turns 27 next month and while the team doesn’t want to change the 6-foot-2 back’s running style, RB coach Alex Van Pelt admits he’s probably better suited for a change-of-pace role at this point.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that Tony Sparano has been hired as Raiders assistant head coach/offensive line coach. According to the Oakland Tribune, the team has not confirmed the hire.

The Jets were 12th in total rushing yards, but that was mainly due to the fact that they were 6th in rush attempts. Sparano's ability to coach the O-line will have a big impact Darren McFadden's production.

HC Rob Chudzinski on if QB Brandon Weeden is the starter for 2013: "I think it's premature'' to say that.

On the surface, Weeden's arm looks like a good fit for Norv Turner's offense, but he wasn't terribly consistent in his rookie season and the team may look to upgrade the position.

The Oakland Raiders have a new regime running the show, but they seem to be stuck with the same quarterbacks that the old guard left them.

Carson Palmer is too expensive to release. And the team still wants to give Terrelle Pryor a real shot at winning the quarterback job. Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie said Tuesday at the Senior Bowl that Pryor would get a chance to compete for the starting job.

"(Pryor) needs to see if he can take a game over in the preseason, make some plays and carry out a game plan," McKenzie told Alex Marvez and co-host Jim Miller on Sirius XM NFL Radio. "Let him compete. That's what it's all about. If it looks like he can help us win, at the end of the day, that's what it's all about. That's what we want."

No doubt encouraged by the success of young, dual-threat QBs like Cam Newton, Robert Griffin III, Russell Wilson and Colin Kaepernick, the Raiders want to see if Pryor can bring the same type of play to the table. This is not good news for Carson Palmer, whose playing time may go the way of the dodo.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said Tuesday that coach Jason Garrett will no longer hold the offensive play-calling duties.

Calvin Watkins of ESPNDallas.com passes along word straight from Jones at the Senior Bowl, where Jones announced that Garrett will no longer call plays. Jones strongly intimated that offensive line coach/coordinator Bill Callahan will call the plays moving forward. Multiple Cowboys reporters said Callahan will be the play-caller, although that's not officially confirmed.

"When he became head coach, it was at my insistence that he continued to call the plays, and I felt that philosophically ... It was not at Jason's insistence," Jones said. "So if we make a change there, it will be more of a concession on my part to go forward with a little different procedure."

The Detroit Lions hoped Titus Young would step up in his sophomore season to become a dangerous complement to wide receiver Calvin Johnson.

Instead, Young's considerable immaturity floated to the surface again. The final straw came in Week 11, when Young -- the team's second-round pick in the 2011 draft -- lined up in the wrong spot on the field multiple times against the Green Bay Packers. Reportedly, it was done in an act of defiance, leading to the team's decision to deactivate him a week later for conduct detrimental to the team.

In a mysterious bit of timing, Young took to Twitter on Tuesday to both defend his actions in that loss to the Packers and express his wish to stay off the field if he's not an active part of Detroit's game plan going forward.

"Like I said I never been selfish but if I'm not going to get the football i don't want to play anymore"

Young's tweets do nothing to enhance his already damaged reputation. He's writing a one-way ticket out of Detroit, while presenting himself as a risky option for the NFL's 31 other teams. Young has talent, but his attitude and behavior make him easy to pass on.

Young has the talent to be a solid real-world WR2, but his personality and poor decision-making are serious red flags.

Roger Goodell reinstated New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton.

"I am thankful today Commissioner Goodell has granted me reinstatement," Payton said in a statement Tuesday. "As I stated back in March. I, along with Mickey Loomis take full responsibility for all aspects of our football program. I clearly recognize that mistakes were made, which led to league violations. Furthermore, I have assured the Commissioner a more diligent protocol will be followed.

"Lastly, I feel we have learned from our mistakes and are ready to move forward. I want to thank our owner, Mr. Benson and all of our great fans for the overwhelming support throughout this past year. I am excited to be back as Head Coach of the New Orleans Saints!"

Under Bruce Arians, the Colts were an aggressive, down-the-field passing bunch. He frequently stressed the importance of picking up yards “in chunks.’’ QB Andrew Luck averaged 12.9 yards per attempt, one of the top averages in the league.

New OC Pep Hamilton ran a the West Coast offense at Stanford, which revolves around a shorter, more efficient passing game as well as a power running attack.

“It’ll be a variation of the West Coast (with) West Coast principles,’’ Hamilton said. “The short, efficient passing game, a high completion rate.

“But I enjoy watching our guys just come off the ball, the guys up front, and trying to knock the opponent back. I’m a big believer of the power-running game and . . . I think that ultimately opens up your passing game, the play-action passes.’’

HC Mike Smith says QB Matt Ryan has a sprained left shoulder. If the Falcons would have won, he would have played in two weeks.

Jim Caldwell will remain as offensive coordinator for Ravens, HC John Harbaugh announced.

Pierre Garçon is still weighing a decision on whether to undergo surgery on his right foot, according to a person with knowledge of the Washington Redskins receiver’s health.

That person, who was not authorized to speak publicly about Garçon’s situation, said he is leaning toward simply resting the foot but should make an official decision in the coming weeks.

Garçon has never undergone surgery and is not keen on having a procedure on the foot, which he said would take three to four months to heal but would offer no guarantee of fixing the issue.

The tear in the plantar plate affected Garçon’s ability to push off at the line of scrimmage and impacted his ability dig his foot into the ground and cut.

This could turn into a situation where Garcon rests his foot and still eventually has surgery, which would push his recovery deep into the summer. He has a ton of upside, but this injury is a major concern heading into the 2013 fantasy season.

“It’s probably the last time I’m going to wear that uniform,” Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez said, choking up. “I didn’t want to take it off, to tell you the truth. All good things come to an end and, like I said all season long, this is probably my last one. What an unbelievable ride.”

Gonzalez wouldn’t definitively say that this would be his final season after the game, but added that his mind is “pretty much” made up on the subject. Since the offseason, Gonzalez has contended that he’s 95 percent sure he’s going to retire and that, once the season ended, he’d take some time and talk it over with his family.

This certainly sounds like someone who has already made up his mind, but he did leave the door open for a potential return. He has lost a step over the years, but has maybe the best hands of any tight end in the league. He would be a top 5 fantasy TE if returned for another season.

Ravens Inactives
Omar Brown DB
Bryan Hall DT
Adrian Hamilton LB
Ramon Harewood G
Asa Jackson CB
Deonte Thompson WR
DeAngelo Tyson DE

Patriots Inactives
Kamar Aiken WR
Jake Bequette DE
Marcus Forston DT
Derrick Martin DB
Nick McDonald G
Malcolm Williams DB
Markus Zusevics T

Falcons Inactives
QB Dominique Davis
WR Tim Toone
OT Lamar Holmes
G Phillipkeith Manley
G Harland Gunn
DT Travian Robertson
DE Lawrence Sidbury

49ers Inactives
QB Scott Tolzien
RB Jewel Hampton
G Joe Looney
NT Ian Williams
DL Tony Jerod-Eddie
LB Cam Johnson
S Trenton Robinson

Michael Crabtree is expected to start and play his normal role.

49ers source said he “highly, highly doubted” SF WR Michael Crabtree will be charged in events that led to investigation of sexual assault.

Crabtree is expected to play against the Falcons.

Former Browns HC Pat Shurmur is expected to join Chip Kelly's coaching staff in Philadelphia, likely as Eagles' offensive coordinator.

There's no doubt that new HC Chip Kelly will be running the offense, and since the two men have no previous connection, Shurmur is something of an odd hire.

Harold Goodwin, the Indianapolis Colts’ offensive line coach, is expected to join Bruce Arians as the Arizona Cardinals’ offensive coordinator, according to a person with knowledge of the situation.

Goodwin has been an NFL assistant since 2004 when he worked with the Chicago Bears’ offensive line. From 2007-11, he was an offensive assistant with the Pittsburgh Steelers. It was during that stretch he and Arians first worked together.

The Jaguars have an agreement with Chicago Bears linebackers coach Bob Babich to be the defensive coordinator.

Babich was the head coach at North Dakota State for six years (1997-2002), where new HC Gus Bradley was on the staff the entire time as the Bison’s defensive coordinator.

Ravens RB Bernard Pierce is expected to play, even if it's on a limited basis.

Redskins beat writer Rich Campbell on QB Robert Griffin III:

It seems ambitious to expect Griffin to be at full strength by Sept. 8, 2013, the opening Sunday of next season. Ambitious, but not impossible. That’s my sense after speaking to three orthopedic surgeons (none of whom have examined Griffin), several players who have had ACL reconstruction surgery and one player who had the same ACL reconstruction revision surgery as Griffin did.

Griffin had surgery on Jan. 9, so he has one day shorter than eight months to be ready for the first game. Some athletes have returned to activity from ACL reconstruction revision surgery in six months, orthopedists said, but “returning to activity” is different than playing quarterback at a Pro Bowl level.

I’ve heard different opinions from orthopedists about how Griffin’s lateral collateral ligament repair might affect the timetable of his recovery. One said it could delay the short end of the timetable to eight months instead of six. But we know orthopedist James Andrews, who operated on Griffin last week, expects Griffin to be ready for the start of the season, so that tells us what Andrews believes about the impact of the LCL repair.

When Seattle defensive coordinator Gus Bradley was named head coach in Jacksonville on Thursday morning, Brian Schottenheimer’s disappointment didn’t last long.

As for quarterback Sam Bradford, he was anything but disappointed when Schottenheimer called to say he was staying as Rams’ offensive coordinator now that he no longer was a candidate for the Jagaurs’ top job.

“Yeah, you can say that,” Schottenheimer said, laughing. “Sam was a little bit pumped up. He and I have a really good relationship and we have a great staff in place. But Sam was very, very excited. He is truly a joy to coach.”

With the return of Schottenheimer, Bradford will have the same coordinator and same offensive scheme in back-to-back seasons for the first time in his NFL career.

After throwing for 3,702 yards and 21 TDs in 2012, It seems like Bradford's career is back on track after a rough second season. The stability of Jeff Fisher as head coach and Shottenheimer as OC certainly helps and the emergence of rookie Chris Givens in the passing game gives Bradford a viable deep option. Over his final eight games, he averaged 238 yards and 1.6 TDs.

New Cardinals Bruce Arians loves him some RB Ryan Williams. Both went to Va. Tech, Arians lit up when talking about Williams' ability.

It sounds as if Williams has a good shot at a big workload if he can get and stay healthy.

Redskins WR Pierre Garcon hasn’t yet decided whether or not to have surgery on the injured toe that hobbled him for much of the year.

Garcon tore ligaments in the second toe of his right foot and missed a total of six games, but played the final seven games of the regular season despite not being fully healed, and finished the year with 44 catches for 633 yards and four touchdowns. Garcon’s agent said this week that the receiver is still weighing his options.

Garcon said at the conclusion of the season that he still hoped to avoid surgery, but would seek multiple opinions from doctors before making a decision.

Garcon was WR27 on a PPG basis, and that included a total of seven catches for 49 yards and zero touchdowns in Weeks 4, 5 and 11 as he was initially trying to play through the injury. In the other seven games, he averaged 5.4 catches for 85 yards and 0.57 TDs, which projects to 87-1360-9 over the course of a full season. Those are WR6-type numbers, so if Garcon can get and stay healthy, there is a ton of upside here.

Washington Redskins wide receiver Josh Morgan had surgery on his lower right leg on Friday.

The fifth-year veteran this past season played in all 16 games a year after missing all but five contests after breaking his right leg and tearing ligaments near his lower leg/ankle area.

It wasn’t immediately clear what the latest procedure corrected. The Redskins didn’t release any information on Morgan’s surgery, and his agent didn’t immediately respond to inquiries about Morgan’s status.

The Oakland Raiders hired former Jaguars quarterbacks coach Greg Olson for their open position, ESPN's Bill Williamson reported.

Olson is expected to bring a power-run game that should better fit Darren McFadden, who never seemed to find his way in fired Greg Knapp's zone-blocking scheme. That was Knapp's undoing. Olson was an offensive coordinator for six years before his stint in Jacksonville - three in Tampa Bay, two in St. Louis and one in Detroit.

It's good news for McFadden who has proved to be elite when in the right system.

The Indianapolis Colts have their new offensive coordinator, and it's someone Andrew Luck already knows.

A person familiar with the decision said Stanford offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton has accepted the same position with the Indianapolis Colts, where he will be reunited with Luck.

Luck no doubt has a high level of comfort with Hamilton, so we expect him to progress as one of the league's best young quarterbacks.

Former Arizona Cardinals DC Ray Horton is now the new defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns, the team announced on Friday. Horton replaces Dick Jauron, who new Cleveland coach Rob Chudzinski decided not to retain.

Horton is not leaving Arizona on good terms, he was reportedly upset with the team after getting passed over for the Cardinals head coaching job that eventually went to Bruce Arians.

The Panthers have promoted quarterbacks coach Mike Shula to offensive coordinator, a source with knowledge of the situation said Friday.

Shula, 47, is expected to continue to coach Cam Newton and the rest of the team's quarterbacks. He replaces Rob Chudzinski, who left last week to become Cleveland's head coach.

The Jets hired Marty Mornhinweg as their offensive coordinator after he served in the same position the past seven years under Andy Reid with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Mornhinweg, who replaced the fired Tony Sparano, was an assistant for 10 years with the Eagles and becomes the Jets' third offensive coordinator in as many seasons.

Mornhinweg is expected to bring a more wide-open passing approach to the Jets, who have relied more often on a run-first "Ground-and-Pound" philosophy under Rex Ryan.

It is uncertain if Sanchez, owed $8.25 million in guarantees, or Tebow, expected to be traded or released, will remain with the team.

Figuring out the Jets' unsettled quarterback situation will be a major task for Mornhinweg, Ryan and newly hired general manager John Idzik.

The Jacksonville Jaguars have hired University of Miami offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch for the same position, ESPN reported Saturday morning.

Fisch has been the Hurricanes' coordinator and quarterbacks coach the past two seasons. He has an extensive NFL background with stints with the Houston Texans, Baltimore Ravens, Denver Broncos, Minnesota Vikings and Seattle Seahawks.

He was the quarterbacks coach in Seattle in 2010, where he worked with new Jaguars coach Gus Bradley, and the Minnesota offensive coordinator in 2009.

Chicago Bears head coach Marc Trestman is wasting no time in rounding out his new staff, hiring Mel Tucker Friday as defensive coordinator.

Tucker comes to the Windy City after serving as defensive coordinator and then assistant head coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars from 2009-2012. He was previously defensive backs coach and then defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns from 2005-2008.

49ers RB Frank Gore (knee, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 20. Gore is good to go for a pretty nice matchup with the Falcons, though they have been stopping the rush a bit better in recent weeks.

Ravens RB Bernard Pierce (knee, questionable) returned to take limited reps Friday after missing practice Thursday and is questionable for Week 20. Pierce said he was going to play against the Patriots, but is clearly not 100%. Expect a lot of Ray Rice on Sunday.

Patriots RB Danny Woodhead (thumb, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 20. Woodhead will play, but may not see his usual snaps after Shane Vereen's big game last week.

Ravens WR David Reed (thigh, questionable) took limited practice reps all week and is questionable for Week 20.

Ravens WR Anquan Boldin (shoulder, probable) and Torrey Smith (back, probable) took full practice reps all week and are probable for Week 20. Both players will play and should produce in a great matchup against the Patriots.

49ers RB Bruce Miller (shoulder, probable) took limited practice reps all week and is probable for Week 20.

Ravens RB Vonta Leach (knee, ankle, questionable) took limited practice reps again Friday and is questionable for Week 20.

Ravens RB Anthony Allen (head, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 20.

49ers TE Garrett Celek (foot, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 20.

Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski (forearm) has been ruled out for Week 20. He is done for the year with a broken forearm.

The San Francisco Police Department says 49er wide receiver Michael Crabtree is being investigated for an alleged sexual assault.

While this will no doubt be a distraction, it's not expected to impact Crabtree's availability for Sunday's game against the Falcons.

Steven Jackson told fantasy editor Michael Fabiano he plans to sit down with the St. Louis Rams in the offseason to determine his options, but admitted that “retirement is an option” if he’s not entirely happy. The veteran back referred to the retirement Detroit Lions great Barry Sanders as an example of a player who walked away in his prime instead of staying in the game too long.

Jackson has a player option for 2013, and it looks like he's planning to hit the open market if he can't come to terms with the Rams. With nearly 2,400 regular season carries in his career and his 30th birthday coming up in July, teams may be cautious when committing to Jackson long-term.

DuJuan Harris showed a lot of potential, but the Packers aren't blind to the fact he's 5-7 and 208 pounds. He held up well averaging 10 carries a game, but that's a far cry from the 250 to 300 carries he'd get as a lead back.

"You'd have to see a body of work over an entire season, whether he wore down later in the season," Van Pelt said. "He was great for us when we had him. He was fresh. Quite a change from what we had in the room."

It's doubtful the Packers will take another chance on Cedric Benson, who signed during training camp and played in just five games before being put on injured reserve with a Lisfranc fracture in his foot. Ryan Grant was a short-term addition who deserved a ton of credit for the job he did both on the field and in the locker room, but he is not the future.

James Starks has been as unreliable as a back could be despite possessing tremendous talent. He has missed 26 of 48 regular-season games because of injury and was no help down the stretch. His salary, assuming he has met playing time qualifiers, will jump to $1.323 million, which is equal to the lowest restricted free agent tender in 2013.

The Packers may not be willing to pay that given his health history.

Our money is on Harris returning as the lead back, though the Packers may elect to draft RB or sign someone in free agency.

Ravens RB Bernard Pierce did not practice on Thursday.

I'm told Ray Horton is out as Cardinals defensive coordinator and will be replaced by former Eagles DC Todd Bowles.

Horton was reportedly furious after being passed over for the head coaching job.

The Patriots have officially ended Rob Gronkowski's season.

The team placed Gronkowski on injured reserve on Thursday, confirming all the reports that the Pro Bowler would not be able to return to the field this season because of his forearm injury. Gronkowski's absence will open up a roster spot for the Patriots. He reportedly underwent surgery earlier this week.

Bruce Arians has accepted four-year deal, with a team option for a fifth year, as head coach with Arizona Cardinals.

This is good news for the Arizona offense, but the team still needs a QB to build around.

Adam Schefter does not believe that Falcons Jacquizz Rodgers is the long-term answer at RB: "Michael Turner has mileage on his tires and Jacquizz Rodgers is too small to be an every-down back." Schefter believes the Falcons will draft a RB.

In a move that maintains continuity for quarterback Peyton Manning, the Broncos have promoted quarterbacks coach Adam Gase to offensive coordinator.

Gase replaces Mike McCoy, who on Tuesday became head coach of the AFC West rival San Diego Chargers.

Browns have named Norv Turner offensive coordinator, team announced. It was expected.

This is probably good news for RB Trent Richardson, who should continue to see plenty of work as the offensive centerpiece.

The Jacksonville Jaguars hired Seattle defensive coordinator Gus Bradley as head coach Thursday, the latest move in the team's rebuilding project.

Bradley spent the last four seasons in Seattle, where his defense improved each of the last three years and finished in the top 10 in points and yards the last two. This season, the Seahawks ranked first in the NFL in points allowed (15.3), fourth in yards (306.2) and tied for fourth in takeaways (31).

Seahawks tight end Zach Miller and receiver Sidney Rice were on crutches, nursing foot and knee injuries, respectively.

Bears receiver Brandon Marshall said he underwent a minor scope on his hip Tuesday night.

"Just a little clean up," Marshall said.

He's had hip procedures in the past, but he insisted the injury isn't an issue. He will not, however, defend his Pro Bowl MVP because he will not play in the NFL's All-Star game later this month in Hawaii.

"No, I'm not going to play," Marshall said.

Ravens WR Torrey Smith gave the Patriots headaches in the first meeting. Baltimore won the Week 3 matchup, 31-30, and Smith had six receptions for 127 yards and two touchdowns.

Smith is a matchup problem for the Patriots that concerns Belichick in this week's rematch. Expect New England to make some adjustments to try to prevent the big plays Smith can make.

"He’s always been able to run and the guy that makes all the plays down the field," Belichick said. "He can also run after the catch on the shorter and intermediate routes. If you give him a big cushion, that’s a problem too. He’s made a lot of big plays down the field on deep balls and that’s opened up things for him underneath as well. He’s been very productive."

The major difference in this meeting is New England acquired No. 1 cornerback Aqib Talib in a midseason trade with the Tampa Bay Bucanneers. The Patriots knew they needed a better cover corner against dynamic receivers like Smith if they want to make a Super Bowl run.

Talib spent much of last week’s game defending Houston Texans Pro Bowl receiver Andre Johnson. Expect Talib to see a lot of time on Smith Sunday.

Ravens RB Bernard Pierce said he's definitely playing despite knee injury.

The Eagles confirmed a report by ESPN's Chris Mortensen that Oregon coach Chip Kelly, who turned down the Eagles to stay with the Ducks, has now agreed to coach the Eagles. He is flying into Philadelphia this afternoon and will be introduced at a 1:30 p.m. Thursday news conference.

“Chip Kelly will be an outstanding head coach for the Eagles,” team chairman Jeffrey Lurie said in a release. “He has a brilliant football mind. He motivates his team with his actions as well as his words. He will be a great leader for us and will bring a fresh energetic approach to our team.”

No details were available, but a fair assumption might be that the Eagles upped their financial offer. There was much speculation that Kelly got a raise from Oregon to spurn the NFL, but no one ever confirmed that.

There is already speculation that Kelly may elect to retain the services of Michael Vick, who could be a good fit for his offense. Vick's contract ($15.5 million in 2013) and reputation in the locker room will b obstacles to overcome. Consider this a boost for the entire Philadelphia offense, especially RB LeSean McCoy.

The Bears took a swing for the fences by choosing Marc Trestman to be the 14th head coach in team history, an NFL source told the Tribune early Wednesday.

Trestman is a somewhat unconventional choice, having been out of the NFL for eight years. But he also is a proven winner, having won back-to-back Grey Cup championships as coach of the Montreal Alouettes in the Canadian Football League. Trestman has a 64-34 record in five years as a head coach.

In addition to having head coaching experience, Trestman is a quarterback guru who has spent most of his professional life coaching passers. Clearly, he is being brought to the Bears to get the most out of Jay Cutler and whoever else lines up under center during his tenure.

Trestman, 57, was Bernie Kosar’s quarterbacks coach at the University of Miami in 1983, when the Hurricanes won the national championship. In the NFL, Kosar, Steve Young, Scott Mitchell, Jake Plummer and Rich Gannon played well under Trestman’s guidance. Gannon won the 2002 Most Valuable Player award while being coached by Trestman on the Raiders.

Clearly an offensive mind, Trestman represents another fresh start for QB Jay Cutler.

Seahawks QB Pete Carroll acknowledged that it would be nice to have another quarterback on the roster with a similar skill set in terms of running ability as Russell Wilson.

“We’ve talked a lot about that,” Carroll said. “It would be nice to have another guy that might be able to be a factor that way. There’s some really good kids out there. We’ll see.”

Most signs point to Matt Flynn being traded at some point this offseason.

Packers QB Aaron Rodgers says he will NOT play in the Pro Bowl because of multiple injuries.

Packers HC Mike McCarthy on TE Jermichael Finley: "I really felt Jermichael Finley was a different man, a different player from the bye week on. ...There's a change in that young man."

Finley was good down the stretch and is likely going to be in a Packer uniform for at least one more season.

Bears WR Brandon Marshall will need to get hip scoped, according to NFL source.

Arthroscopic surgery is fairly non-invasive, so this shouldn't be a big concern for Marshall.

Kuharsky: Titans TE Jared Cook is heading for free agency and I fully expect him to get a franchise tag.

OC Mike McCoy informed the Broncos this morning that he is accepting the San Diego Chargers head coaching job.

The Broncos were #4 in total yards and #2 in points scored, so McCoy should bring some offensive know-how to the Chargers.

The 25-year-old Jermichael Finley has a contract for 2013 after striking a two-year, $14 million deal with the Packers last offseason.

To get there, however, the Packers will need to pick up the polarizing tight end’s $3.5 million roster bonus due in March before shelling out another $4.45 million for his services next season.

The question general manager Ted Thompson must answer during the offseason is whether he’s willing to pay such a steep price for the 6-foot-5, 247-pound Finley, whose natural athleticism has been tempered during his five years in Green Bay by untimely dropped passes on the field and his outspokenness off of it.

Finley's drops were not as big of an issue in 2012, as he was 8th among TE in reception pct (receptions/targets) after finishing 29th in that category in 2011. He gained at least 50 yards in six of his last seven regular season games.

Broncos RB Knowshon Moreno, who emerged as a potent offensive force the last six weeks of the season, left Saturday's game with a knee injury. Before getting hurt early in the third quarter, he gained 32 yards on 10 carries and also caught a 14-yard touchdown pass. Moreno was fitted with a knee brace as he left the stadium Saturday night, but he was walking without much limp as he walked through the locker room Sunday.

In six games since taking over for an injured Willis McGahee, Knowshon Moreno has averaged 111 total yards and 0.7 TDs, which are RB5-type numbers. In his first nine games, McGahee averaged 98 total yards and 0.4 TDs (RB10 numbers), so he was good in his own right. Both players are under contract through 2014, so we may see a RBBC a la Jonathan Stewart/DeAngelo Williams that HC John Fox used while with the Panthers.

Titans tight end Jared Cook is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent in March, and he’s a player the team is very much interested in retaining.

Cook can’t help but question the team’s decision to fire his position coach last week, however. John Zernhelt was relieved of his duties by coach Mike Munchak after spending seven seasons with the team.

“I am very surprised at that, very surprised. I just don’t understand that move. Point black. Period. I mean, Coach Z was a great run blocking coach and he really explained the run game and he really broke things down to where you could really understand things better.

“And he was great in the development of all of us. I just don’t get why you would want to let a guy like that go.”

Sources tell WBZ-TV’s Dan Roche the thumb injury RB Danny Woodhead suffered on the Patriots first offensive play will not keep him out of Sunday’s AFC Championship game against the Baltimore Ravens.

Woodhead became somewhat expendable with the fine play of Shane Vereen, who posted 124 total yards and three touchdowns against the Texans.

Texans WR DeVier Posey suffered a torn Achilles tendon on Sunday.

WBZ-TV’s Dan Roche is reporting that Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski will undergo surgery on his broken forearm on Monday, according to an NFL source.

Gronkowski re-fractured his left forearm in Sunday’s 41-28 playoff win over the Houston Texans, bracing himself on a catch out-of-bounds. The tight end sat on the sidelines in obvious pain following the play, and after being checked out by the Patriots medical staff retreated to the New England locker room for X-Rays.

Packers WR Greg Jennings spoke about his future on Sunday.

"The Packers are going to do what's best for the Packers ... as the other half of the business man, sitting down at that table, I have to do what's best for myself and my family."

Later, Jennings sounded as if the decision had already been made: "I'll definitely be in touch with these guys, throughout my career, so that's the one thing that you take away from it."

Jennings cleaned out his locker.

It's a matter of supply and demand, and given the Packers' relative strength at WR, they aren't going to want to pay him what he'll be able to get on the open market. The 29-year-old has been linked to Miami, where former Packer OC Joe Philbin is the head coach.

Police in New Jersey want to talk to Titans wide receiver Kenny Britt about an incident that resulted in his brother being stabbed Saturday night.

Britt dropped off his brother at Jersey City Medical Center early Sunday morning, but was uncooperative with officers when asked what happened, police said.

“We are looking to speak to Mr. Britt in reference to the incident,’’ Jersey City Police Capt. Edgar Martinez said on Sunday. “We are currently in the process of trying to do that.”

Police believe Britt was at the scene of an altercation leading up to the stabbing.

Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski has broken his forearm again and needs surgery. His season is over.

Hopefully, Gronkowski will be ready to go for training camp.

Patriots Inactives
Kamar Aiken WR
Jake Bequette DE
Daniel Fells TE
Derrick Martin DB
Nick McDonald G
Malcolm Williams DB
Markus Zusevics T

Texans Inactives
Antoine Caldwell G
Roc Carmichael DB
Cameron Collins LB
Andrew Gardner T
Terrell McClain DT
Stanford Routt CB
Cody White G

Seahawks Inactives
WR Deon Butler
CB DeShawn Shead
CB Byron Maxwell
LB Allen Bradford
OG Rishaw Johnson
OT Mike Person
DT Jaye Howard

Falcons Inactives
QB Dominique Davis
OL Phillipkeith Manley
WR Tim Toone
OT Lamar Holmes
OL Harland Gunn
DE Lawrence Sidbury
CB Chris Owens

DE John Abraham is active for the Falcons.

Broncos RB Knowshon Moreno left Saturday's game with a knee injury. He did not return. The extent of the injury is not known.

The Chiefs announced they have hired longtime Green Bay personnel man John Dorsey to replace Scott Pioli as GM, who was fired after four tumultuous years and a 2-14 finish this past season.

Daniel Thomas’ mid-December knee injury required surgery, according to his representation – he should be fine by the spring – and the second-round pick has fallen behind Lamar Miller in the organization’s eyes. Disconcerting: His three fumbles were the most by any NFL back with fewer than 100 carries, and only four backs with as many attempts had a lower per-carry average than Thomas’ 3.6. Incidentally, Reggie Bush tied for the league lead among backs with five fumbles.

Broncos Inactives
Andre Caldwell WR
C.J. Davis G
Chris Gronkowski RB
Caleb Hanie QB
Tracy Porter CB
Sealver Siliga DT
Julius Thomas TE

Ravens Inactives
Omar Brown DB
Bryan Hall DT
Adrian Hamilton LB
Ramon Harewood G
Christopher Johnson DB
David Reed WR
Deonte Thompson WR

The big issue with Rams WR Danny Amendola remains his penchant for injuries. After a separated SC joint (clavicle) and foot injury sidelined him for five games and limited him in three others, the fact he has suited up for a total of only 12 games the past two seasons is major cause for concern.

“Had he stayed healthy, he probably would have had something like 100 catches and 1,100 yards — No. 1 WR-type numbers,” the insider said. “But they’re hesitant to cut a long-term deal for him.”

In 2012, Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew made a play for a new contract. It didn’t work.

This year, he plans no such effort.

He told Adam Schein of SiriusXM NFL Radio that the veteran tailback who had most of his season marred by a foot injury will neither hold out nor even ask for a new contract.

“I went to them last year,” Jones-Drew said. “It didn’t work out. I’m not going to reach out to them because, you know, I just feel like I tried that last year [and] it didn’t work. If the Jaguars want to do a new deal I’m more than open to talk. I’m not going to say I don’t want to go there. I’ve grown up there. This is where I started. I want to win a championship there. That’s what I want to do."

New coach Rob Chudzinski declined to comment on whether or not Brandon Weeden will be his starting quarterback.

"I don't want to get into specific players right now, any of the players on the roster," said Chudzinski. "I've seen a little bit and until I get the full look at the 16-game schedule and have the opportunity to see that with our staff, I'm not going to comment and be premature."

Chudzinski described his offense as a "vertical, downfield passing game and a balanced offense. ... We're going to focus on running and throwing the ball and doing whatever we need to do to win."

The vertical passing game should be welcome news for the big-armed Weeden, who can run such a scheme providing he can improve his accuracy on the deep ball. Chudzinski got the best out of a similar passer in 2007 with Derek Anderson, who made the Pro Bowl that year. Anderson went 10-5, throwing 29 touchdowns and 19 interceptions. He also earned a career-high 82.5 rating. They were all by far his best career numbers.

Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart said he underwent arthroscopic surgery Friday on his left ankle.

Packers RBs James Starks (knee, probable) and Alex Green (knee, probable) took full practice reps all week and are probable for Week 19. DuJuan Harris is expected to see the lion's share of touches, but Starks may be a factor as well.

Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch (foot, probable) returned to take limited reps Friday after missing practice earlier in the week and is probable for Week 19. Lynch is battling a foot sprain, but will play through it against the Falcons on Sunday.

Texans QB T.J. Yates (right elbow, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 19.

Ravens WR Torrey Smith (back, probable) took limited practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 19. Smith caught one pass (on three targets) for 14 yards when he last faced the Broncos in Week 15.

Seahawks WR Sidney Rice (knee, probable) missed practice Friday and is probable for Week 19. Rice has been gutting it out lately, and only has two catches in his last three games.

Patriots WR Brandon Lloyd (knee) was removed from the injury report Friday after taking limited practice reps Thursday. With both tight ends back in the lineup, we're not expecting much from Lloyd against the Texans, though he does have a good matchup.

Ravens WR Anquan Boldin (shoulder, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 19. Boldin has been playing pretty well lately, but has a tough matchup with the Broncos this week. He was shut out when the two teams played in Week 15.

Packers WR Randall Cobb (illness, probable) and Jordy Nelson (ankle, probable) took full practice reps on Friday after being limited earlier in the week and are both probable for Week 19. The Packers WR pecking order is muddled when everyone's healthy, so it's tough to say who will get the fantasy points against the 49ers. We suspect that Nelson is the least healthy of the group.

Texans RB Ben Tate (foot, probable) and Justin Forsett (knee, probable) took full practice reps all week and are probable for Week 19.

49ers RB Bruce Miller (shoulder, probable) took limited practice reps all week and is probable for Week 19.

Ravens RB Vonta Leach (knee, ankle, probable) took limited practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 19.

Ravens RB Bernard Pierce (knee, probable) took limited practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 19. He was effective as a backup to Ray Rice last week. The Ravens have a tougher matchup this week, however.

Patriots WR Wes Welker (ankle) was removed from the injury report Friday after taking limited practice reps Thursday. Welker is good to go for a pretty nice matchup against the Texans. He has 18 catches in his last two games.

Packers WR Jarrett Boykin (ankle, out) missed practice all week and is out for Week 19.

Packers TE Jermichael Finley (hamstring, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 19. Finley will play against the 49ers.

Texans TE Owen Daniels (shoulder, probable) took full practice reps on Friday after being limited earlier in the week and is probable for Week 19. Daniels was targeted just three times (catching two passes for 24 yards) when he faced the Patriots in Week 14.

Patriots TE Aaron Hernandez (ankle) was removed from the injury report Friday after taking limited practice reps Thursday. Hernandez had eight catches for 58 yards and two TDs against the Texans back in Week 14.

Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski (forearm, hip, probable) took full practice reps on Friday after being limited earlier in the week and is probable for Week 19. Gronk is good to go for Sunday's game against the Texans.

Broncos WR Matt Willis (knee, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 19.

Ravens WR David Reed (thigh, probable) took limited practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 19.

Broncos WR Trindon Holliday (ankle, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 19.

Ravens WR Tandon Doss (ankle, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 19.

49ers TE Garrett Celek (foot, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 19.

Texans TE Garrett Graham (concussion, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 19.

Packers RB DuJuan Harris is likely to split time with James Starks, who is expected to return this weekend, but he'll get first crack and if he is effective may render the other backs unnecessary.

The intention was never for receiver Percy Harvin to play out the fifth and final year of his rookie contract. The Vikings generally address their top players' contracts a year early. Harvin knows that and expects a new deal.

Issues and all, Harvin was an early-season MVP candidate and may have his sights set on top-10 receiver money, which would put him in the $9 million annual range. But are the Vikings willing to make that type of commitment, and does Harvin want to be here?

If no deal can be worked out, it would only make sense for the Vikings to shop Harvin, with a draft pick or picks in the second or third round the probable return. First-round picks simply are too cheap and valuable to give up on top of a mega-contract.

Because of Giants coach Tom Coughlin’s desire to have two or three capable running backs, it is doubtful Ahmad Bradshaw ($3.75 million) is in any danger of being cut.

David Wilson may be the lead back in 2013, but he will likely have the very productive Bradshaw waiting in the wings.

Tim Tebow is expected to be one-and-done with the Jets, and now that the potential landing spot in his hometown of Jacksonville is officially closed, the NFL may have seen the last of Tebow Mania.

“Here’s the reason it could be over for him: the distraction,” the source said. “It’s not that someone wouldn’t like to look at him, but the distraction he brings to an organization is not worth it. Now you’ve got two places he’s been and both are adamant that he can’t play quarterback. Adamant. Both paid a heckuva price to kick the tires.”

We're not completely convinced that the Jacksonville door is fully closed. New GM David Caldwell said, “I can’t imagine a scenario in which he’ll be a Jacksonville Jaguar — even if he’s released.” But talking about another team's players is tampering and Caldwell could be playing coy so that he can get Tebow for free. Time will tell.

Rob Chudzinski's first head coaching job will be with the team he loved as a kid.

Chudzinski, who spent the past two seasons as Carolina's offensive coordinator, has been hired by the Cleveland Browns as their sixth full-time coach since 1999.

The Panthers fell to 19th in total offense after finishing 7th in that category in 2011, Chudzinski's first year in Carolina. He likes to feature the tight end, which is good news for Jordan Cameron, but Trent Richardson will be the centerpiece of the Browns' offense, especially if the team hires Norv Turner as OC.

David Akers has earned the right to kick for the 49ers in the playoffs, Jim Harbaugh said Thursday.

Akers, who struggled in the regular season, won a six-day completion against new addition Billy Cundiff, who the 49ers signed last week.

If you were looking forward to seeing Tim Tebow playing quarterback or any other position for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2013, you can stop doing that now. At his introductory press conference, newly-hired general manager David Caldwell slammed the door on the Jaguars acquiring Tebow this or any offseason.

“I can’t imagine a scenario where he’d be a Jacksonville Jaguar,” Caldwell said when asked about Tebow on Thursday.

We'll see how this plays out, but Caldwell's statement certainly doesn't support the notion that Tebow will be under center in Jacksonville in 2013.

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Chris Rainey was arrested Thursday morning and charged with one count of simple battery (dating violence), the Gainesville, Fla., police department confirmed.

The Steelers later announced they have waived Rainey. The Steelers released the following statement regarding Rainey from general manager Kevin Colbert:

"Under the circumstances and due to this conduct, Chris will no longer be a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers."

Rashard Mendenhall is a free agent and may not return, so the Pittsburgh backfield may look very different in 2013.

Packers WRs Randall Cobb and Jordy Nelson returned to practice on Thursday.

This is good news for Aaron Rodgers, though it will be difficult to predict which Packer WRs will produce against the 49ers.

Steelers RB Chris Rainey was arrested this morning by Gainesville PD and charged with one count of Simple Battery (dating violence).

Witnesses observed Rainey slap victim across the face.

Bills TE Scott Chandler is having ACL surgery today coming off the Week 16 knee injury he sustained against the Dolphins.

“I’m doing well right now,” Chandler told Murphy. ”I’ve got surgery scheduled for Thursday so I won’t be going along so well after that. But I’m anxious to get it done and get back on the road to recovery and be ready to go next year.”

Chandler said there isn’t anything complicated about his surgery.

“It’s a pretty straightforward ACL from what I understand,” he said. ”You trust that those guys know what they’re doing and I’m going to do everything I can to be ready as soon as I can. The onus is on the guy doing the recovery so I’ll be working hard at it and hopefully be back out there.”

Make no mistake about it, Falcons RB Jacquizz Rodgers wants to be a feature back in the NFL.

“Shouldn’t that be every running back’s goal? To be the guy?’’ Rodgers said in a phone interview Wednesday. “I’m just going to work hard and keep trying to be that guy.’’

While Michael Turner is the feature back for now, the Falcons could be looking for a new one as soon as next season. Turner has shown some signs of aging, and he’s carrying a high salary-cap figure.

The return of Packers running back James Starks may be near.

Despite the emergence of first-year running back DuJuan Harris, who has moved into the lead back role, there is still a place for Starks if he can show that he's completely recovered from a knee bruise suffered Dec. 2.

Starks was the back who came onto the scene in the playoffs two years ago and played an integral part of the team's run to a Super Bowl XLV title. Whether he's ready to join Harris in a shared role won't be known until practice tape is evaluated at the end of this week.

Alex Green remains mostly out of the mix even though he doesn't have an injury. His surgically repaired knee has worn down toward the end of the season, and the coaches feel he hasn't looked as explosive as earlier in the season.

No one can truly predict yet how long it will take for Redskins QB Robert Griffin III to recover. Three orthopedic surgeons familiar with the type of procedure Griffin had – but not involved in his case – said the quarterback could face a lengthy road back.

But, like the medical experts, people within the Redskins organization also believe it is optimistic to expect that Griffin could return to full strength by the start of the 2013 season in September.

Dallas Cowboys linebacker DeMarcus Ware said he will undergo surgery on his right shoulder Thursday but hopes he will be cleared to return to the field in time for training camp.

Ware was bothered for much of the season with a posterior torn labrum, which caused his shoulder to pop in and out of place.

It has not been decided whether Ware will have surgery on his hyperextended right elbow. The hope is that rest will help resolve the issue, but he could have a minor procedure performed later in the offseason.

The Jacksonville Jaguars dismissed coach Mike Mularkey after one season, the team announced Thursday.

Mularkey becomes the eighth NFL coach fired since the regular-season ended.

New GM Dave Caldwell is thought to be eyeing 49ers offensive coordinator Greg Roman or Falcons defensive coordinator Mike Nolan as Mularkey's replacement, sources told ESPN.

Mularkey helmed a less-than-stellar offense in Atlanta, so it was a strange hire for the Jaguars last year.

Take a look at WR Miles Austin’s yards-after-catch per reception over the past four seasons: 7.3, 6.3, 4.7, and 4.6. While some of the decline can be attributed to regression toward the mean (we’d never expect Austin to continue to average 7.3 YAC per reception, so some decrease is inevitable), it’s also clear that the receiver has lost a little something.

The Cowboys could potentially save money by releasing Austin early in the offseason because his cap charge will rise after June 1, meaning his spot on the team in 2013 is far from a sure thing. Nonetheless, I think you’ll see him in Dallas next year simply because he’s still a really talented wide receiver. Players who stand 6’2’’, 220 pounds, run sub-4.5, and have 1,300-yard, double-digit touchdown seasons under their belts don’t grow on trees. The Cowboys will likely try to renegotiate with Austin, using the potential cap space they could retrieve if they release him early as leverage in their talks.

Raiders RB Darren McFadden is due to make $5.6 million in the last year of his contract, and though teams might be interested - and GM Reggie McKenzie might listen - the trade offers probably wouldn't be that big for an oft-injured back coming off his worst season.

And that's fine by HC Dennis Allen.

"I like Darren. I think he's a good running back," Allen said. "He's an explosive player, and I think he can continue to produce in the future."

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/raiders/article/Raiders-Allen-won-t-play-what-if-g...

Packers WR Randall Cobb missed Wednesday's practice with an illness.

Packers HC Mike McCarthy said that WR Jordy Nelson (knee, ankle) should be ready to practice tomorrow (Thursday), been ongoing, something he's been fighting through.

As the Cowboys prepare for the decisions that they face in this off season, running back is one of those positions that will need their attention. There is no question that DeMarco Murray will be the starter in 2013 but who will the backups be? Felix Jones is in the final year of his deal and will most likely not be resigned. The organization did the best they could to try and help him develop but the expectations of the front office were not met and with that being the case, it is time to move on.

Seahawks have informed kicker Steven Hauschka that he'll be placed on Injured Reserve, out for rest of season due to a calf injury.

Ryan Longwell will kick on Sunday.

The surgery Dez Bryant put off until the end of the season, occurred Tuesday morning. The Cowboys’ wide receiver had a successful procedure that will likely keep him out for parts of the offseason conditioning program.

Obviously, the Cowboys won’t rush Bryant back this summer, but the hope is he will be 100 percent ready for training camp in Oxnard, Calif. in late July, if not sooner for a possible June mini-camp.

Chiefs HC Andy Reid has spent money on offense before and he loves receivers. If he thinks Dwayne Bowe is worth a big deal, I can see Reid really thinking about it. I think the odds of Bowe staying in Kansas City are greater with this regime than had the previous regime been kept.

Remember, DeSean Jackson got a huge deal last spring with Reid probably approved, so he's not afraid to pony up for a playmaker, and Bowe certainly qualifies.

The Buffalo News has confirmed Syracuse offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett is joining Doug Marrone with the Bills.

Hackett was the OC for Syracuse in 2012 and runs a balanced offense. Hackett is a former Bills assistant.

As expected, the Bills have hired Mike Pettine as defensive coordinator. Pettine had been with Jets previous four seasons.

The Bills defense was an underachieving unit in 2012 and Pettine was hired to turn it around.

Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III is undergoing total reconstructive surgery of his right knee early Wednesday morning to repair torn anterior cruciate and lateral collateral ligaments, but he is expected to be ready for the opener of the 2013 NFL regular season, according to team sources familiar with the determination made by orthopedic specialist Dr. James Andrews.

The torn ACL was diagnosed late Tuesday as a complete tear of the patella graft that was used to repair Griffin's torn ACL suffered at Baylor in 2009. A team source said Andrews likely will use a patella graft from Griffin's left knee to repair the most recent tear.

Griffin's recovery is projected at six to eight months, barring any setbacks, sources said.

Griffin should be able to participate in training camp if all goes well with his recovery. It's a tough blow for RG3 and his owners, but he's still a worthwhile keeper at this point.

When the ball slipped from RB Stevan Ridley’s grasp early in the Patriots’ Week 15 loss to the 49ers this season, there were some fans of the team who started to wonder: Is he headed for a repeat of 2011?

Upon further review, the fumble was not a fumble—it was determined that Ridley was down before the ball came out. He did fumble later in the game, but it was the type of fumble a player can’t do much about: San Francisco safety Donte Whitner, running at full stride, put the crown of his helmet right on the end of the ball and it popped out.

Ridley was holding the ball high and tight, so his coaches couldn’t find fault with that play, but the fumble that wasn’t and Ridley’s goal-line fumble a week earlier against Houston were enough. In the days leading up to the game in Jacksonville, Ridley was forced to relive the plays again and again in the film room.

Asked what he will discuss with WR Percy Harvin when he returns to Minnesota for his exit physical, HC Leslie Frazier said: "It'll be more just to see how he is physically, just to talk with him a little bit. And I know (Vikings athletic trainer) Eric Sugarman and his staff will bring me up to date on that. But it will just be more reconnecting as opposed to getting on the same page."

As for Harvin's injury, Frazier has been told the receiver is "headed in the right direction."

"He has to go through his physical, and I'll learn more once he gets through (it)," Frazier said.

Despite the fact he will be coming off a season-ending injury and is known for being volatile, Harvin will be looking for a new contract this offseason.

It sounds as if Harvin won't have to undergo surgery this offseason.

Ryan Longwell, a 15-year NFL veteran who has not been in uniform this season, will sign with the Seattle Seahawks following a tryout Tuesday during which he outperformed competition from three other kickers, including Neil Rackers, according to sources.

The Seahawks signed Longwell for Sunday's divisional playoff game against the Atlanta Falcons because regular kicker Steven Hauschka suffered a calf injury against the Washington Redskins and his availability is in jeopardy.

The Seahawks will monitor Hauschka's performance in practice as well as the improvement on his calf before deciding whether he or Longwell is active Sunday.

Jets HC Rex Ryan effectively divorced himself from the "ground and pound" mantra that he championed for four years, making it clear that he wanted an unpredictable and "attacking" style of offense.

"When we look for the new offensive coordinator," Ryan said, "I want somebody with same type of belief that I have."

Nearly one year ago, Ryan said this about former OC Tony Sparano: "We are definitely like-minded people, liked-minded coaches and we believe in running the football."

Ryan has changed his tune with the hope of re-making the offense.

49ers TE Vernon Davis has six catches and no touchdowns in the last six games and he left early in a Week 16 loss against Seattle because of a concussion that also limited him in the regular-season finale against Arizona. Even some of the most faithful and famous 49ers have questioned why coach Jim Harbaugh and QB Colin Kaepernick can't get Davis the ball more.

Harbaugh has repeatedly said Davis remains an integral part of the game plan each week, touting the tight end's pass protection and blocking downfield. He insists Davis draws double coverages on almost every play, freeing up others to make plays.

"They're wary of getting beat by Vernon Davis," Harbaugh said. "I think that's the biggest, greatest share."

Packers WR Jordy Nelson (knee) did not practice on Tuesday.

Nelson was limping on Saturday and does not appear to be close to 100% at this point.

Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III is expected to undergo surgery this week on his torn lateral collateral ligament and at that time doctors will determine how much damage has been done to his anterior cruciate ligament, a source told ESPN.

Griffin suffered a partially torn LCL in his right knee during Sunday's playoff game against the Seahawks, a source said.

Griffin also likely tore at least part of his ACL, but it's unknown how severe it is because a previous knee injury he suffered at Baylor in 2009 required two screws and a rubber band to hold it together.

The Cowboys have fired defensive coordinator Rob Ryan.

The Cowboys finished the 2012 season ranked 19th in total defense and 24th in scoring defense, but were without several key starters for much of the season, including LBs Sean Lee and Bruce Carter and NT Jay Ratliff.

Within the organization, while faith remains RB Ryan Mathews can have a good career, there is some doubt he'll become the player that was envisioned three years ago.

He's yet to seize a full-time role. He's made strides, but he must further refine the technical aspects of the position, be less a brawler and more a boxer in the ring, showing the polish that'll make him reliable on a down-to-down basis.

"I came into this season missing two games with my right broken clavicle," Mathews said. "I left the season missing two games with a left broken clavicle. They say bad things come in threes. Hopefully, all mine are done. All mine are done, and I'll be good.

"If not, I'm just going to keep taking my punches and keep working and doing what I need to do to better myself."

Broncos RB Willis McGahee returned to practice on Tuesday.

McGahee isn't eligible to return until the AFC Championship game, so we're expecting Knowshon Moreno to get the lion's share of the RB touches on Saturday.

Cowboys WR Dez Bryant is having surgery on his finger on Tuesday.

Dez Bryant emerged as a top tier fantasy receiver this season, averaging 6.3 catches for 110 yards and 1.13 TDs in his last eight games. That projects to 101-1760-18 (or 284 fantasy points) over the course of a 16-game season. Since 2001, only Randy Moss (2003, 2007) and Calvin Johnson (2011) scored more than 260 FP in a season, so Bryant finished on a torrid pace. He's likely to be a 2nd round pick in 2013.

The Jets have fired offensive coordinator Tony Sparano, as expected, per league sources.

No surprise here, as the Jets were mostly a disaster offensively. With a possible change at QB and RB (Shonn Greene is a free agent).

Redskins WR Pierre Garcon said that he wants to do everything possible to avoid surgery to repair a torn ligament in the second toe of his right foot.

Garcon missed six of eight games because the pain was too great for him to push off, change direction or run with any explosiveness. Garcon returned after the bye in Week 10 and played the next seven regular season games, recording 36 catches for 480 yards and three touchdowns during that unbeaten streak.

Garcon said the pain hasn’t subsided, but that he has learned to play with the pain. Asked what his offseason would likely entail, Garcon said, “See a couple doctors, get a couple opinions and see what’s the best route to go about for getting it healed up to 100 percent.” He bristled at the notion of surgery, however.

“That’s the LAST thing,” Garcon exclaimed. “Hopefully surgery is not an option, but if I get enough doctors to say I need surgery, then surgery it is. But, if I can limp around for seven more years, I’ll probably limp around for seven more years and be all right.”

Garcon was WR27 on a PPG basis, and that included a total of seven catches for 49 yards and zero touchdowns in Weeks 4, 5 and 11 as he was initially trying to play through the injury. In the other seven games, he averaged 5.4 catches for 85 yards and 0.57 TDs, which projects to 87-1360-9 over the course of a full season. Those are WR6-type numbers, so if Garcon can get and stay healthy, there is a ton of upside here.

The MRI exam of Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III’s right knee suggested that Griffin has suffered partial tears of his anterior cruciate and lateral collateral ligaments, according to several people with knowledge of the test results.

Redskins Coach Mike Shanahan said Griffin is scheduled to be examined Tuesday in Pensacola, Fla., by orthopedic surgeon James Andrews to determine whether the test results show new or previous injuries.

It was not immediately clear whether surgery would be required or how long Griffin would be sidelined if the partial ligament tears are determined to be fresh injuries. Griffin suffered a torn ACL in the same knee in 2009 while he was in college at Baylor, and has been playing in recent weeks with a mild sprain of the LCL.

One person with knowledge of the situation said Griffin might have to undergo exploratory surgery to determine the extent of the damage and whether the injuries are new. Another said Griffin hopes to avoid full-blown reconstructive surgery if the tears are partial, even if they are new injuries.

It's good news that the ACL isn't completely torn, but obviously even a partial tear is reason for concern. Stay tuned.

Broncos running back Willis McGahee says his rehabilitation from an injured knee is on track, but "if we played a game tomorrow, no I couldn't go."

McGahee tore a ligament in the knee Nov. 18 and the Broncos placed him on recallable injured reserve. He is eligible to return to practice Tuesday and could play in the AFC title game if Denver makes it.

Knowshon Moreno figures to play his normal role this week and still get plenty of work even if McGahee does return in two weeks.

The Bucs will not discuss extending Josh Freeman's contract in the off-season. That means his rookie deal will expire after 2013. If he plays great, the team will use its franchise tag on Freeman and try to sign him to a long-term deal. The exclusive-rights franchise tender for a quarterback would likely be more than $17 million for one year.

In many ways, it's the Bucs' only play. They don't want a situation like the Jets have with QB Mark Sanchez; they'd like to cut ties but have guaranteed him $8.25 million next season.

But the Bucs are headed down a slippery slope you can spend decades on — change the coach, change the quarterback.

Coach Greg Schiano inherited Freeman, so he has no loyalty to the enigmatic quarterback. He likes a lot of things about Freeman's game — he did set franchise records for passing yards and touchdowns — but plans to add a quarterback, either in the draft or free agency, to compete with Freeman next season.

Through Week 14, Freeman was averaging 1.9 touchdowns and just 0.6 interceptions, but he finished the season on a very sour note, throwing nine picks and only two TDs in his final three games. It's not like the closing schedule (NO, STL, ATL) was super difficult, either. It looks like that stretch may have cost Freeman an extension, at least for now.

Ravens RB Bernard Pierce finished the win against Indianapolis with three straight runs that earned a first down and allowed the offense to run time off the clock. Coach John Harbaugh said there was no design behind giving the ball to Pierce rather than Ray Rice.

"We like both of those guys in that situation," Harbaugh said. "Bernard has earned the right to be in on those kind of situations. I like both of our backs a lot."

Rice lost two fumbles in the game, which may have impacted the decision-making in the fourth quarter on Sunday.

Redskins RB Roy Helu (toe) still having problems with his toe. Said he can jog now but still can't sprint. Having pain and treatment still.

Alfred Morris is expected to remain the RB1 for the Redskins in 2013.

This summer, the Bengals will try to find a running back to pair with BenJarvus Green-Ellis who has speed to get the outside.

Packers WR Jordy Nelson downplayed the fact that he’d limped off the field late.

“I feel great,” Nelson said. Asked what he did to his leg late in the game, Nelson replied, “Nothing.”

Nelson, who missed three games with a hamstring injury and then aggravated his knee during last Sunday’s regular-season finale at Minnesota, played just 19 snaps by unofficial count in Saturday night’s game, catching three passes for 51 yards.

HC Mike McCarthy was limiting Nelson’s playing time. He went with a lot of three-receiver sets with Greg Jennings, Randall Cobb and James Jones as the receivers.

“It just kind of unfolded that way, just with the groups we went with, starting off with what we call the ‘Zebra’ (package) – the three wide receiver, one tight end, one back set,” McCarthy explained. “That’s just the way it sorted out. (With) Jordy coming back off of injury, I don't want to call it a rep count, but it wouldn’t have been smart for him to try to go out and play 60 plays.”

Cobb was coming off an injury as well, but he played 38 snaps on Sunday. At this point, we're expecting Nelson to be fourth in the WR pecking order in terms of snaps.

Running and time of possession weren’t a problem for the Colts Sunday. The rookie, Vick Ballard, acquitted himself extraordinarily well. The organization seems to have found a workhorse; he’s averaged 21 carries per game the last five games.

Seattle coach Pete Carroll said that placekicker Steven Hauschka suffered a calf injury during the game that limited him to just field goal attempts, with punter Jon Ryan taking over kickoff duties.

“You could see him limping out there,” Carroll said. “But he made good kicks out there when we needed him.”

While the speculation locally and in NFL circles is that WR Percy Harvin won't be back with the Vikings next season because of his personal problems with the franchise, HC Leslie Frazier said: "I don't see any reason why Percy wouldn't be back with us. He should be."

You would think that if Harvin, who was put on injured reserve last month, is traded, the Vikings would get a strong package for him.

Harvin is signed through 2013 but wanted a new deal in the 2012 preseason. It remains to be seen whether or not the two sides can come together on a new contract, but at this point it seems like Harvin isn't a big fan of the organization.

Seahawks coach Pete Carroll acknowledged after the game that the team is worried about the injury suffered by defensive end Chris Clemons, who started all 16 games during the regular season and led the team with 11.5 sacks. Carroll said Clemons will have an MRI back in Seattle on Monday.

A league source told PFT’s Darin Gantt that there’s fear Clemons has an ACL injury.

It would be a big blow to the Seattle defense if Clemons is out against the Falcons.

Redskins QB Robert Griffin III (knee) will have MRI on Monday, but one teammate who spoke to him said Griffin does not believe he suffered any type of serious tear.

The MRI will determine treatment, but at this point it doesn't sound as if he has any torn ligaments.

Redskins Inactives
Brandon Banks WR
Dezmon Briscoe WR
Tom Compton T
Adam Gettis G
Rex Grossman QB
Roddrick Muckelroy LB
Vic So'oto LB

Seahawks Inactives
Allen Bradford RB
Deon Butler WR
Winston Guy SS
Jaye Howard DT
Rishaw Johnson G
Mike Person T
DeShawn Shead DB

Colts say Bruce Arians is in the hospital and will not call today's game.

He apparently has flu-like symptoms. Obviously, this negatively impacts the Colts' chances of moving the ball effectively on offense, though the team has responded well to adversity all season.

Ravens Inactives
S Omar Brown
CB Kriz Johnson
OLB Adrian Hamilton
OL Ramon Harewood
G Jah Reid
WR Deonte Thompson
DT Bryan Hall

Ray Lewis makes his return to a sure to be fired up Ravens team playing for Ray's last Hurrah.

Colts Inactives
WR Nathan Palmer
CB Teddy Williams
Delano Howell
RB Delone Carter
DT Kellen Heard
G Joe Reitz
OT Tony Hills

Vick Ballard will continue to see a heavy workload with Delone Carter out and Donald Brown on IR.

Syracuse coach Doug Marrone agreed to become the next head coach of the Buffalo Bills, according to a person informed of the discussions between the teams.

He has NFL experience as both a player and a coach. Marrone was drafted in the sixth round of the 1986 NFL draft by the Los Angeles Raiders, then played a season each with the Miami Dolphins (1987) and the New Orleans Saints (1989).

Marrone began his coaching career in 1992 as tight ends coach at Cortland State, and also coached at the collegiate level at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, Northeastern, Georgia Tech, Georgia and Tennessee.

He returned to the NFL in 2002 as offensive line coach with the New York Jets, and moved to New Orleans before the 2006 season when he was named the Saints' offensive coordinator.

Marrone did a good job while at Syracuse and is well regarded in coaching circles. The Orange's top two running backs, Jerome Smith and Prince-Tyson Gulley, carried the ball an average of 29.6 times in 13 games last season, so C.J. Spiller figures to see a healthy workload in 2013.

Packers Inactives
WR Jarrett Boykin
CB Davon House
RB James Starks
LB Frank Zombo
WR Donald Driver
DT Jordan Miller
DE Jerel Worthy

Vikings Inactives
Stephen Burton WR
Brandon Burton DB
George Johnson DE
Troy Kropog T
Tyrone McKenzie LB
Christian Ponder QB
D'Aundre Reed DE

Joe Webb will start in place of Christian Ponder who is dealing with elbow bursitis. This is a blow to the Vikings offense, but Webb does have some experience as a starter. Webb is actually a better fantasy start than Christian Ponder, given his mobility.

Texans Inactives
CB Roc Carmichael
CB Stanford Routt
FB Tyler Clutts
G Antoine Caldwell
T Andrew Gardner
G Cody White
NT Terrell McClain

Bengals Inactives
WR Dane Sanzenbacher
CB Jason Allen
S Chris Crocker
HB Daniel Herron
DT Devon Still
DT Brandon Thompson
TE Richard Quinn

Have been told it is "looking more likely" Joe Webb will start tonight. Still no final word. But Vikings much closer to Plan B.

This would be a blow to the Vikings offense, but Webb does have some experience as a starter.

The injury to Vikings QB Christian Ponder's throwing elbow is more than a bruise.

The Minnesota Vikings' quarterback once again is dealing with elbow bursitis -- a buildup of fluid that may need to be drained before Saturday night's NFC wild-card playoff game against Green Bay.

An NFL source said Ponder should be able to play with the injury, which generally is treated with rest but may take weeks to fully heal. The bigger concern may be his limited practice reps this week.

The expectation is the Vikings will work out Ponder at Lambeau Field a few hours before the 7 p.m. kickoff to make sure the issue is not significantly impacting his throwing motion.

Sources tell me HC Ron Rivera is staying in Carolina. Next up: GM search next week.

Texans QB T.J. Yates (right elbow, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 18.

Redskins QB Kirk Cousins (illness, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 18.

Vikings QB Christian Ponder (right elbow, questionable) took limited practice reps all week and is questionable for Week 18. Ponder is expected to play, but it doesn't look like he will be 100% for Saturday's game. Keep in mind that he injured his elbow in the second quarter of Week 17, and it didn't impact his play at all.

Colts QB Andrew Luck (knee, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 18. Luck has been playing through the injury for most of the year.

Redskins QB Robert Griffin III (knee, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 18. RG3 figures to be somewhat limited in a fairly tough matchup against the Seahawks. He may not run the ball as much as he normally does.

Texans RB Justin Forsett (knee, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 18.

Texans RB James Casey (knee, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 18.

Ravens RB Anthony Allen (head, probable) took limited practice reps all week and is probable for Week 18.

Texans RB Ben Tate (foot, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 18.

Ravens RB Bernard Pierce (ankle, probable) took limited practice reps all week and is probable for Week 18.

Packers RB James Starks (knee, questionable) took limited practice reps all week and is questionable for Week 18. Alex Green (knee, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 18. Look for DuJuan Harris to get the lion's share of the carries for the Packers, especially if he gets off to a good start.

Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch (back, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 18. Lynch should post good numbers in a mediocre matchup with the Redskins.

Texans RB Tyler Clutts (abdominal, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 18.

Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (abdomen, probable) took full practice reps on Friday after being limited earlier in the week and is probable for Week 18. No worries here. Peterson has averaged 211 total yards and 1.5 TDs in two games against the Packers this season.

Bengals RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis (hamstring, probable) took full practice reps on Friday after being limited earlier in the week and is probable for Week 18. The Law Firm is good to go for a tough matchup with the Texans.

Colts RB Delone Carter (ankle, questionable) took limited practice reps Friday and is questionable for Week 18. If he plays, he could vulture a few goal line carries from Vick Ballard.

Texans TE Owen Daniels (chest, knee, probable) took limited practice reps all week and is probable for Week 18. HC Gary Kubiak expressed a desire to get Daniels more involved, but he has been hampered by multiple injuries.

Ravens TE Billy Bajema (head, probable) took limited practice reps all week and is probable for Week 18.

Texans WR DeVier Posey (foot, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 18.

Redskins WR Josh Morgan (hand, foot, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 18.

Ravens WR Tandon Doss (ankle, questionable) took limited practice reps all week and is questionable for Week 18.

Packers WR Jarrett Boykin (ankle, out) missed practice all week and is out for Week 18.

Ravens WR Anquan Boldin (shoulder, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 18. Boldin has a nice matchup with the Colts this week.

Redskins WR Pierre Garcon (foot, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 18. Garcon is good to go for a tough matchup against the Seahawks.

Ravens WR Torrey Smith (knee, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 18. Smith is fine for a great matchup against the Colts.

Packers WR Randall Cobb (ankle, probable) and Jordy Nelson (knee, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and are probable for Week 18. It appears that Aaron Rodgers will have a full complement of receiving options on Saturday. It's good for him, but it makes it tough to predict how the fantasy points will be distributed among the Packer receivers.

Ravens RB Vonta Leach (knee, ankle, probable) returned to take limited reps Friday after missing practice Thursday and is probable for Week 18.

Packers TE Jermichael Finley (quadricep, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 18. Finley has gained at least 60 yards in four of his last five games.

Lions GM Martin Mayhew on WR Ryan Broyles:

"As soon as we got really excited about him, he got hurt (ACL tear) and he was done for the year. We didn't get a whole lot out of Ryan, but Ryan had a great rehab on his first ACL, he's a tough guy and a hard worker.

"I feel pretty confident he's going to get through this one too, but next year might be the same as this year was where he may not do much during camp and he may come on around midseason. That's kind of the way that might go."

The Bengals believe WR Marvin Jones going to be A.J. Green's running mate for a couple of terms. After battling the No. 1-ranked Steelers defense for 65 yards on five catches in what amounted to his first playoff game on Dec. 23, Jones followed it up with five more catches last week for 45 yards and his first NFL touchdown on an 11-yard play. The Bengals are hoping their prized speedster is finding his stride just in time as he searches for the deep ball he consistently found in training camp and preseason but hasn't seen yet in his first 18 catches, the longest of which is 23 yards.

Broncos RB Ronnie Hillman learned a painful lesson in the regular-season finale. He lost the seventh fumble of the season from the team's running backs late in the first quarter and did not carry the ball for the remainder of the game. The seven fumbles — this was Hillman's first lost fumble of the year — from the team's backs was tied with Buffalo for most in the league by that position group. Hillman finished with 13 yards on his three carries. Hillman's playing time was already trimmed some with the arrival of Jacob Hester, and fumbles would only impact that more moving forward. He has the speed, however, the Broncos want in the offense and if he shows quality ball security in practice, he'll see action in the postseason.

Just one hour after the team announced they parted ways with general manager Scott Pioli, NFL.com's Steve Wyche reports that the Chiefs reached an agreement to make Andy Reid the team's next head coach, according to source with knowledge of contract. The contract is being reviewed.

It's not hard to see why Kansas City was attractive to Reid. The team had five Pro Bowlers despite a two-win season. They play in a weak division with a strong fan base and an ownership with a history of respect in the league. Most importantly, they can offer Reid what they offered Pioli: Control.

Reid will be able to shape the organization in his image. He is expected to bring a general manager or personnel director that he's familiar with so they can work together in lockstep. But make no mistake: Reid will be in charge.

Reid has had a rough few years in Philadelphia, but it's clear that he's an upgrade at head coach and it sounds as if he will have final say on personnel issues as well. This is good news for the Chiefs organization and especially Jamaal Charles, who should thrive under Reid, who wasn't afraid to use LeSean McCoy and Brian Westbrook. This also could impact Dwayne Bowe, as his contract negotiations should get a fresh start.

Bengals RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis (hamstring) was limited again on Thursday.

Lions WR Calvin Johnson was particularly bothered by a bad knee all season. Surgery is not on the immediate agenda but the situation will be re-examined after Johnson has had a chance to rest it.

Per Vikings HC Leslie Frazier, QB Christian Ponder was highly limited today. Trying to calm down elbow.

It doesn't appear that Ponder will be 100% on Saturday and the expected 20-degree weather won't help keep the elbow loose.

Packers WR Jordy Nelson (knee) was a full participant in practice Thursday and said in the locker room afterward that he expects to play against the Minnesota Vikings Saturday night.

Fellow WR Randall Cobb (ankle) was also a full participant, which means the Packers will have their top four receivers healthy and on the field come game time.

"I feel good," Nelson said.

Asked if he had any doubts he would play, he said: "No, none whatsoever."

This is great news for Aaron Rodgers and the offense as a whole, but it will be difficult to predict how the fantasy points will be distributed among Nelson, Cobb, Greg Jennings, James Jones and Jermichael Finley.

Giants RB David Wilson may go from the doghouse to being the "lead dog" next season. General manager Jerry Reese and head coach Tom Coughlin discussed the state of the Giants heading into the offseason on WFAN on Thursday, and the GM believes Wilson has what it takes to start next year.

"I don’t think there’s any question that he can be that," Reese said, when asked if Wilson can be a lead back. "It’s a two- and three-back league nowadays, but do I think he can be a lead dog? I do think that."

"Because he’s not a little guy, and he has incredible balance," Reese continued. "You see guys have some big hits on him and he stays up -- he’s not an easy guy to take down. So he’s much stronger than you might think just from how he looks on the field. But he’s a sleek, well-chiseled athlete. I do believe he can be the lead back."

Perhaps that is why Ahmad Bradshaw was so uncertain about his status next year. Bradshaw is coming off a 1,000-yard season, and is under contract for the next two seasons at $3.75 and $4 million in base salary. But he Giants may ask some of their veterans to restructure their deals, including him.

This is not major news at this point, but it is a snapshot of the team's current opinion of Wilson and it also could impact Ahmad Bradshaw, who is under contract for two more seasons. If Bradshaw is with the team in 2013, expect a RBBC approach with Wilson possibly in the lead role. If Bradshaw is not back, look for Wilson to start with Andre Brown as his backup.

Vikings RB Adrian Peterson returned to practice on Thursday, as expected.

Vikings WR Percy Harvin hasn't been at Winter Park since being placed on injured reserve on Dec. 5.

When asked about Harvin's absence, HC Leslie Frazier said this: "It's purely up to him. If he wanted to be around, he could be around. But the guys are working hard doing everything they can. I know he wants our team to do well and that's important. But we got some other guys who are on IR as well, so it doesn't concern us."

At this point, Frazier hasn't been told that Harvin will have to have surgery on the ankle.

Harvin's relationship with the team is strained due to the status of his contract, which runs through the 2013 season. Expect this issue to bubble up again this summer if not earlier.

Lions GM Martin Mayhew on RB Jahvid Best: "I am not at all inclined to rely on his return."

It looks like the Lions will move forward with Mikel LeShoure and Joique Bell as their primary RBs.

WR Victor Cruz remains positive that he will receive a new deal from the New York Giants.

But the wide receiver said during his weekly spot on WFAN that both sides opted to put contract talks aside during the season after "agreeing to disagree."

"It got tabled for a couple weeks, mainly because of the two sides agreeing to disagree at the same time," Cruz said. "So it had been tabled for a couple weeks, but now that the season’s over and the statistics are what they are, I think we’re going to get back and pick up the pen again and see what we can do."

Lions GM Martin Mayhew said WR Titus Young hasn't had surgery to repair knee he was placed on IR for. Waiting on doctor's decision.

Test results revealed no structural damage to the back of Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant.

In the regular-season finale against Washington, Bryant suffered a back injury in the second half and left FedEx Field in a wheelchair. Bryant, diagnosed with back spasms, was using crutches to walk on Tuesday.

The Cowboys' leading receiver also has a fractured left index finger, suffered with three weeks to play in the regular season, and nothing has been determined as to when he'll undergo surgery.

Bryant emerged as a top tier fantasy receiver this season, averaging 6.3 catches for 110 yards and 1.13 TDs in his last eight games. That projects to 101-1760-18 (or 284 fantasy points) over the course of a 16-game season. Since 2001, only Randy Moss (2003, 2007) and Calvin Johnson (2011) scored more than 260 FP in a season, so Bryant finished on a torrid pace. He's likely to be a 2nd round pick in 2013.

Titans QB Matt Hasselbeck sounds content with his role as Jake Locker's backup.

“Who knows what happens next year?” said Hasselbeck, who will enter the third and final season of his contract with the Titans and count $7.5 million against the team’s salary cap. “But I like our quarterback room a lot and if I’m here, I understand where we are in Jake’s development and all that, so I guess, really, I’m OK with being a part of his maturing process if that’s the role I have to play. What also goes with that role is stepping in if he can’t go, so I knew all that coming in.

“Some guys might feel differently at the stage I am in my career or whatever. But the only thing that’s important to me that goes with that is I want to be on a team that is good and that is heading in the right direction.”

Bills RB Fred Jackson was asked if he would rather go elsewhere if his role is lessened.

"This is where I started my career, and this is where I want to end my career," Jackson replied. "Even if I did leave here, who's to say where I go I won't be some third- or fourth-string back there?

"My thing is to go out and compete and make the most of the opportunities I do get. Whether that's here or somewhere else, I'm going to continue to show up and make plays and try and help my team win."

Jackson is signed through 2014, but will turn 32 in February, so he's definitely in the twilight of his career given the typical lifespan of NFL running backs. One thing working in his favor is that he didn't become a full time player until age 28 and has just 932 carries in his career. However, he has only played 20 games in the last two seasons and now has the reputation of being injury-prone.

Vikings RB Adrian Peterson didn't practice on Wednesday, but is fully expected to play on Saturday.

Despite the disappointing end to his season, Chargers RB Ryan Mathews sees this offseason as a way to heal and come back stronger next season.

“I live in San Diego. I might go home to Fresno or Bakersfield a couple times, but that’s just a three-hour drive. It ain’t much. Just get ready. (There’s) a lot of stuff I need to work on, stuff I need to get better, but I have what it takes to reach that next level and that’s what I plan to do.”

As far as his clavicles are concerned, Mathews said they are “pretty stable right now” and though he missed the last two games of the season, he feels good.

“I feel good physically,” Mathews said. “I really do. Like I said, I’ve been healthy for the most part this year. I haven’t had any setbacks or anything. It was just a bad year. That’s all you can say. You just have to look forward to next year, watch your film and do your homework, take the time for your body to rest and come back here just explosive. It’s time for me to show them why they bumped up to the spot they did to draft me. I’ve shown greatness at some times and I’ve shown I can be the worst player at some times. You just have to be consistent and that’s what I plan to do.”

Vikings QB Christian Ponder was limited in today's practice because of a bruised elbow suffered Sunday against the Packers.

Ravens WR Anquan Boldin (shoulder) is practicing in full on Wednesday.

Packers WR Jordy Nelson looked good in his workout, but the team doctor still has some concerns. He will be evaluated on Thursday.

Ravens MLB Ray Lewis intends to retire at the end of this season.

Kicker Billy Cundiff is signing with the 49ers.

David Akers remains with the team, so at this point it's not clear who will kick for the 49ers next week. They may hold a competition and release the loser before the Divisional Round.

The Cowboys’ desire to sign quarterback Tony Romo to a long-term contract extension this off-season hasn’t changed despite his three interceptions Sunday night in a do-or-die loss at Washington.

Cowboys coach Jason Garrett wouldn’t specifically address Romo’s contract status Monday, but he did fully support his quarterback.

Romo is under contract in 2013. The Cowboys tried to sign him to a long-term contract extension during the season, but Romo asked to table the talks until after the season to concentrate on football.

Bengals RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis (hamstring) returned to practice on Wednesday.

BJGE apparently strained his hammy in warmups last week, but looks to be on track to start in a bad matchup against the Texans, who are #3 in RB aFPA.

Titans WR Kenny Britt finished the 2012 season with a career high in receptions — in 14 games he had 45 catches for 589 yards and four touchdowns — but his 13.1-yard average was the lowest of his career after averaging 16.7, 18.5 and 17.0 yards in his first three NFL seasons.

Britt, a first-round pick in 2009, lacked the explosiveness he needed early in the season after missing all of training camp. He didn’t feel like himself until the end of the year, he said.

Britt finished the 2012 season with a career high in receptions — in 14 games he had 45 catches for 589 yards and four touchdowns — but his 13.1-yard average was the lowest of his career after averaging 16.7, 18.5 and 17.0 yards in his first three NFL seasons.

Britt, a first-round pick in 2009, lacked the explosiveness he needed early in the season after missing all of training camp. He didn’t feel like himself until the end of the year, he said.

New England's Rob Gronkowski received a long-term deal north of $50 million last offseason, while Jimmy Graham played for a base salary of $540,000. Graham will enter the final year of his contract in 2013 and it would appear he's in a prime position to ask for a hefty contract extension.

The problem for the Saints is that they're probably not in a position to give Graham a huge deal right now. No one is saying Graham would ever position himself for a holdout, but you could argue he's one of the few players in the league who you couldn't blame considering he has far exceeded his rookie contract.

This is complete speculation at this point, but the first step of a contract dispute is for the player to be in a position to hold out, and Graham's talent and current salary puts him in such a position.

A source told FOXSports.com the Atlanta Falcons have signed offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter to a contract extension that will keep him off the market until the 2014 offseason.

Atlanta’s offensive talent provided impetus for Koetter to stick with the Falcons. The chance to continue working with quarterback Matt Ryan and other weapons like wide receivers Roddy White and Julio Jones should continue to bolster Koetter’s head-coaching stock for the future.

Packers WR Jordy Nelson (knee) and TE Jermichael Finley (eye) did not practice on Tuesday. Randall Cobb (ankle, knee) practiced fully.

All three players are expected to play on Saturday.

Packers CB Charles Woodson has been cleared to play on Saturday.

Even though he was cleared from a concussion he suffered two weeks ago, Packers running back Alex Green did not play a single snap.

Green was the team's lead rusher before he suffered the concussion and it was very surprising to see that he wasn't on the field. After the game, Green said he was completely cleared and ready to play.

However, he said that when DuJuan Harris came into the game after Ryan Grant started and played a series, the running game took off. Harris finished with 70 yards on 14 carries.

"Everything was fine," Green said. "I got the same amount of snaps I usually get in practice. Nothing was different. I think they just wanted to go with the hot hand."

Harris is the best bet for touches out of the Packer backfield, but anything can happen with Mike McCarthy's "hot hand" approach.

Packers TE Jermichael Finley’s left eye was almost swollen shut after he was poked in the eye on his second-quarter reception at the goal line.

“I couldn’t see at all throughout the game. And now, it’s swelling up on me and seems like it’s going to close up on me,” Finley said. “The eye, I had to play. We’re in one of those battles, when you get hit, you have to get back up.”

This shouldn't be an issue on Saturday, but it's something to monitor this week. He has 18 catches for 203 yards in his last three games.

49ers HC Jim Harbaugh on WR A.J. Jenkins: “We need him to step up and we definitely think he’s capable of doing that.”

With David Akers struggling, 49ers are bringing kickers to San Francisco for workouts, including Billy Cundiff and Justin Medlock.

Seattle Seahawks cornerback Brandon Browner returned to the team Monday after serving a four-game suspension for banned substances.

Browner chose not to appeal the positive test, reportedly for Adderall, and missed the final four games of the regular season.

He was voted as a Pro Bowl alternate in his first NFL season, and ended up playing in the game as an injury replacement. Last season Browner had 54 tackles and six interceptions, two of which were returned for touchdowns.

This is obviously not good news for Robert Griffin III, who will face an even better secondary on Sunday.

Texans TE Owen Daniels has caught three passes for 27 yards in each of the last two games. He’s been bothered by a hamstring injury.

“He’s had some nicks, had his back issue,” HC Gary Kubiak said. “He had some hamstring issue. He’s missed a lot of practice for all the right reasons. We’re trying to get him to game day.

“We’ve got to get him more involved with what we’re doing. He’s holding up. It’s just that time of year, been through a lot of things where some people you’re just trying to get to the next Sunday, or the next Saturday in this case, so they can help your team.”

Jaguars RB Maurice Jones-Drew indicated Monday as the players said their goodbyes that he probably should have had the surgery sooner.

“I should have had it a little earlier than when I did but it’s just something that you learn from,’’ he said. “You’ve just got to keep going.’’

When asked if he regrets not getting the surgery earlier, he said, “It’s a part of the deal I guess. I tried to go. It just didn’t work and then finally enough was enough.’’

The possibility of having surgery immediately after the injury was an option, he said, “but at the time when we were talking about it, the thought was to let it heal a little bit and see how things go. Just waited a little too long at the end of the day.’’

Packers RB James Starks, who at times this season has been the primary back, appears to be a long shot to return from the bruised knee that kept him out of the final four regular-season games. Starks has not practiced since he was injured in the first meeting against the Vikings on Dec. 2.

Quarterback will be one of the central issues around the new coach and general manager of the Cardinals. That’s obvious. It was obvious to former coach Ken Whisenhunt, who mentioned over and over the need for more consistent quarterback play, and for team president Michael Bidwill, who noted during his press conference one of the requirements for his new decision-makers will be about “not just finding but also developing quarterbacks.”

Which takes us to the injured Kevin Kolb. In two seasons, Kolb has been hurt more than healthy. When he played this year, the Cardinals were finding ways to win. And Bidwill gave an important quote about the QB — who still figures to have to restructure his contract (he is due a total of $11 million in 2013) to return: “I’m not ready to give up on Kevin Kolb yet.”

Bidwill acknowledged the Cards “probably” haven’t gotten value yet on the Kolb trade, which included the hefty contract. “That’s one of the questions we will really focus on with the coaching staff candidates,” Bidwill said. “How do we see about Kevin and his performance and how we can turn him into the quarterback of the future here for the Cardinals and make that decision, if he is the right guy?”

This decision will drastically impact the value of Larry Fitzgerald, who struggled to a 71-798-4 season, his worst totals since his rookie season. Fitzgerald will turn 30 before next season.

Former Super Bowl-winning coach Mike Holmgren is willing to discuss returning to the sidelines if some of the seven teams that fired head coaches Monday have interest.

"If anyone is interested, I'll listen," said Holmgren, who indicated he will not aggressively pursue job openings.

After leaving the Cleveland Browns front office after the team's ownership change, he has relocated to Arizona, where the Cardinals fired Ken Whisenhunt. Holmgren declined to reveal which teams might interest him or whether he has been contacted about openings.