January 2010 4for4 Player News Articles

Dwight Freeney flew to South Florida on Friday to begin a battery of treatments to fix an ankle injury suffered during the fourth quarter of the AFC Championship Game, according to a source. Freeney set up the use of a hyperbaric chamber to help, a usual technique he uses to try to heal from injuries quickly.

He is also using a device called ARP that is similar to a stem device to move the blood supply to the damaged ankle. The ARP operates differently than normal stem devices, but ARP has helped him in past years recover quickly from groin and hamstring pulls.

The problem with this ankle injury is that it is one of the worst degrees he could have suffered. The swelling and pain have bothered him all week. He even had to wear a boot.

If Freeney is able to recover enough to play, he may not be able to play the whole game. He is expected to receive treatment until game time and hopes to be in uniform.

Lamont Smith, the agent for veteran wide receiver Derrick Mason, told the Times at the Senior Bowl this week that he expects to meet soon with Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome about Mason’s future. An unrestricted free agent, Mason has been conflicted about whether he’ll retire. At this point, though, the two-time Pro Bowl selection is expected to try to work something out to remain in Baltimore.

Baltimore Ravens free safety Ed Reed has withdrawn from the Pro Bowl due to lingering injuries from this past season.

Mike Martz met with quarterback Jay Cutler in Nashville, Tenn., on Saturday, presumably to convince the Bears’ quarterback that the two could make beautiful music together.

Cutler has typically met with offensive coordinator candidates during the interview process at Halas Hall. This is believed to be the first time a candidate traveled to meet with Cutler, which seems to be an indication of how eager the former Rams head coach is to tutor a quarterback that he told the Sun-Times earlier this month would be the most gifted signal caller he has ever worked with.

Norv Turner and Vincent Jackson came to the defense of embattled San Diego Chargers placekicker Nate Kaeding, saying the team's abrupt exit from the playoffs shouldn't be placed on his shoulders -- or his much-derided right foot.

"That was on all of us," Jackson said of the Chargers' 17-14 AFC divisional meltdown at the hands of the underdog New York Jets.

Said Turner, "Nate is a competitor, and Nate is really a great player. I don't know see that it should be any different for Nate than it should be for me or the rest of the guys on our football team." Jackson, a first-time Pro Bowler and a reserve at wide receiver for the AFC squad.

The Pro Bowl means a $1.5 million bonus for Julius Peppers, which will tide him over until the next paycheck.

He says he has no idea who will be writing it.

"Anywhere is a potential landing spot," the Carolina Panthers' defensive end said following the final practice for the NFC all-stars Saturday. "I'm not going to say I want to play for any team or I prefer to play anywhere, because I really haven't thought about it. I haven't thought about playing for x, y or z."

Last year the Panthers gave Peppers the NFL's highest single-season salary of more than $1 million a game. The contract included a $1.5 million bonus for making the Pro Bowl.

The deal came after the Panthers placed the restrictive franchise tag on him, denying Peppers his wish to leave in free agency.

Carolina could restrict his movement by placing the franchise tag on him again, but that would come with a 20 percent raise, meaning a salary of more than $20 million.

Quarterback Troy Smith currently plays for the franchise that used to be the Cleveland Browns. (Cue the Browns fans either who insist that the Ravens were never the Browns or who get pissed at us for mentioning it.) Now, Smith wants to play for the franchise that currently is the Cleveland Browns.

Smith made his preferences known in a recent interview with Mark "Munch" Bishop of ESPN Radio's Cleveland affiliate.

"There is no doubt about it," Smith said regarding his desire to play for the Browns. "It has always been a childhood dream of mine. It's funny how we always talk about Cleveland. That's the first thing that comes to mind with anything I do whether I get a chance to come home and be a part of that organization or not. You know, I would love to get that chance if that opportunity comes up, but the political and right thing to say in this situation is that I would love to be anywhere that would give me a chance. But, without a doubt, there would be no second guessing in my mind if I could come back home and be a part of something that I love."

The Ravens have hired Jim Zorn as their quarterbacks coach, coach John Harbaugh told The Baltimore Sun on Saturday.

“Jim played successfully in the league for a long time,” Harbaugh said, “and certainly understands what an NFL quarterback goes through. He has been an NFL quarterback coach, NFL head coach and is familiar with our offense. That’s a great resume for us.”

The National Football League appeared to back off Friday on its trademark ownership claims to the phrase "Who Dat" and the fleur-de-lis logo, saying it is challenging the sale of items only "when those products contained or are advertised using other trademarks or identifiers of the Saints."

" 'Who Dat' we do not claim to own by itself," said Brian McCarthy, a spokesman for the NFL. "It's when 'Who Dat' is used in conjunction with Saints marks that it's a problem."
McCarthy said T-shirts and items with 'Who Dat' and a fleur-de-lis logo unlike the one owned by the Saints are allowed as long as they are not advertised as being Saints or NFL paraphernalia.

'Who Dat' shirts being sold at the Fleurty Girl shop on Oak Street would be acceptable, McCarthy said, as long as the shop removes advertising referring to the Saints.

Vikings offensive tackle officially has partied his way out of the Pro Bowl.

A league official just told me that McKinnie has been dismissed from the NFC team and will not play in Sunday's game.

He missed four of the five practices and attended only one team meeting all week.

The Colts listed four players as questionable on the injury report at the end of their first week of Super Bowl preparations.

Dwight Freeney (ankle) and Jerraud Powers (foot) didn’t practice for the third consecutive day, Donald Brown (foot) didn’t practice Friday and Melvin Bullitt was limited Friday.

Austin Collie was a new addition to the report with a foot injury.

He was limited but is designated as probable, along with 16 other Colts including Reggie Wayne (knee), Joseph Addai (shoulder), Antoine Bethea (back), Gary Brackett (knee), Antonio Johnson (shoulder), Charlie Johnson (foot) and Robert Mathis (shoulder).

The Saints received good news on the injury front Friday, when CB Malcolm Jenkins (hamstring), FS Darren Sharper (knee) and LB Jonathan Vilma (knee) all returned to practice, albeit in limited fashion.

Jenkins didn’t play in last weekend’s NFC Championship Game, but he’s listed as questionable for next weekend’s Super Bowl against the Colts. Sharper and Vilma, who did play last weekend, also are questionable for the Super Bowl.

The Saints held their third consecutive practice without TE Jeremy Shockey (knee), DE Will Smith (groin), CB Randall Gay (foot) and RB Lynell Hamilton (ankle). All four are listed as questionable on the injury report.

My sense is the Cardinals will continue their transition to more of a running team under Leinart, asking more of lead back Beanie Wells than they did in his rookie season of '09, and taking some of the burden of the offense off Matt Leinart's shoulders. They won't expect him to pick up right where Warner left off and execute the passing game to that level after almost three years of rust.

The first psychological salvos of Super Bowl XLIV have been fired -- and they're aimed at Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning.

But mild-mannered Colts coach Jim Caldwell, much like predecessor Tony Dungy, isn't the kind of guy to get into a war of words.

New Orleans defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, speaking earlier in the week on a Tennessee sports talk radio show, said the Saints will need to deliver some "remember me" shots on Manning and added, "you hope he doesn't get back up and play again" at Sun Life Stadium on Feb. 7th.

Caldwell, asked specifically about Williams' statements this morning, said, "I just think that comments that individuals make, we can't control that. They use whatever motivational tools they'd like to. And that's up to him. I'm not going to pass judgment on anything he says. We're going to focus in on what we do and go from there."

Vikings LT Bryant McKinnie is subject to a fine from the NFL after an unexcused absence from Friday morning's NFC Pro Bowl practice.

Kurt Warner has called an end to one of the great storybook careers in NFL history.

The 38-year-old quarterback announced his retirement from the game on Friday after a dozen years in a league that at first rejected him, then revered him as he came from nowhere to lead the lowly St. Louis Rams to two Super Bowls, winning the first of them.

"Not much on the drama part of it, as most of you know," Warner said to begin a news conference at the Cardinals' training facility.

"Obviously, it's been 12 unbelievable years, some of the best years of my life," a composed Warner said. "But I want everybody to know that I'm just as excited about the next 12, that I'm excited about what lies in front of me. I'm excited about spending more time with my family, and seeing what God's going to do next."

Written off as a has-been, he rose again to lead the long-suffering Arizona Cardinals to the Super Bowl a year ago.

Warner walked away with a year left on a two-year, $23 million contract, knowing he still had the skills to play at the highest level.

Warner's departure leaves Matt Leinart the presumed replacement. The former Heisman Trophy winner has started 17 games for Arizona but only one in the last two years.

During the season Cowboys linebacker DeMarcus Ware was bothered by neck, wrist and foot injuries.

Ware will have a bone spur removed from his left foot, the same foot in which he suffered a stress fracture in during the season, once he returns from the Pro Bowl.

Ware said he expected to out about a week and he would "wear some comfortable shoes." He should be 100 percent for the off-season program.

Q: What do you make of the Tom Cable Watch the past three weeks or so? Have you spoken with Davis and what have you learned?

Cable: Well, we’ve had a lot of conversations. You’re right, there’s been a lot of speculation. But the whole time, we’ve talked about where we’re at as a football team. And that’s everything. That’s the organization, that’s the coaches, that’s the roster, our free agents, who we need to get signed back, just everything that goes into it. We really never have had discussions about what would or wouldn’t happen. It’s just always been about evaluating the Oakland Raiders. I don’t know that at anytime he’s ever said he was going to change or he wasn’t going to change. It’s just an evaluation process that every team goes through. We did great diligence in terms of an organization, the coaches, and here we are getting ready for the 2010 season and starting the scouting routine with the Senior Bowl.

Q: So, do you expect to be the coach of the Raiders for 2010?

Cable: Well, absolutely. I don’t think there was ever any question. That, really, was more speculation than anything else. It’s never been a thought in my mind. We went at this thing every day, whether it was discussions with the owner or discussions with the staff, that we were moving forward and getting ready for 2010. So, it’s never really been an issue for us.

Colts Defensive end Dwight Freeney is being treated for a sprained ankle. Safety Antoine Bethea has a back issue.

So the Colts will hold a light practice Sunday, then send quarterback Peyton Manning, tight end Dallas Clark, wide receiver Reggie Wayne, center Jeff Saturday and defensive end Robert Mathis and possibly Bethea and Freeney south.
The rest of the team will follow Monday.

Of Freeney, Caldwell said, "He's coming along and he's getting better. I had a chance to visit with him a little bit earlier this morning and he's getting better."

Seahawks defensive end Patrick Kerney held a retirement party last week. Apparently, some of those in attendance are amused the media still has no idea.

Kerney, 33, was expected to undergo elbow surgery this offseason. Due $5.15 million in 2010, the Seahawks seemed likely to ask him to take a paycut. It sounds like they won't have to go through the trouble.

Drafted 30th overall by the Falcons in 1999, Kerney played in two Pro Bowls. He was first-team All Pro in 2007 with the Seahawks and recorded 82.5 sacks in his 11-year career.

Terrell Owens turned 36 in December. He signed only a one-year contract with the Bills that brought an uneven and ultimately disappointing season. Even as he talks of playing another two or three years in pursuit of an elusive Super Bowl ring, he recognizes that Rice's individual records are out of reach for him.

He blames — who else? — his quarterbacks.

"I know hands-down I'd be close to Jerry Rice's records if I had been with quality quarterbacks like he had," Owens said. "He had Joe Montana and he finished with Steve Young. That wasn't a dropoff.

"Say I had been with a guy like Tom Brady, Peyton Manning or Drew Brees all of my career. Are you kidding me?"

It is a sweet thought for a superstar in the twilight of a bittersweet career.

Browns WR Joshua Cribbs explained Thursday how he’s going to honor the teammates who helped him get to his second Pro Bowl. He brought nine of his core special teams blockers — Jerome Harrison, Lawrence Vickers, Blake Costanzo, Nick Sorensen and Ray Ventrone among them — in for Pro Bowl week, and he’s going to rotate wearing their jerseys the rest of the week, including Sunday’s game.

Asked yesterday during an interview on 97.5 The Fanatic if he would have a new contract for next season, Eagles WR Desean Jackson said, "Hopefully, it would be nice." As to whether he would command big money, Jackson replied, "I'm shooting for the top."

"I let Drew be the aggressive one and I just sit back and handle what I need to do," Jackson said. "That's all I can do."

Jeremy Shockey was one of eight players who did not practice Thursday as the New Orleans Saints got back to work for the first time this week. The others were safety Darren Sharper (knee), cornerback Randall Gay (foot), cornerback Malcolm Jenkins (hamstring), linebacker Jonathan Vilma (knee), defensive end Will Smith (groin), tailback Lynell Hamilton (ankle) and kick returner Courtney Roby (knee).

Offensive tackle Zach Strief (shoulder) was limited. Everyone else fully participated.

It's still too early to read much into the Saints' injury list, which is longer than usual. Coach Sean Payton said it's partly to give some extra rest to guys with the game still 10 days away.

"We're trying to look closely like we always do," Payton said. "I think a little bit is based off the fact that we backed off a few of these guys. We'll continue to rehab and get the treatment they need and progress here as we get closer."

Sharper and Vilma, in particular, have been getting some occasional days off late in the season to rest lingering knee soreness. Smith's injury doesn't appear to be serious, either. The other five players could remain questionable into next week, though.

The Broncos are expected to trade WR Brandon Marshall soon after March 5, when the NFL's trading and free-agency period opens.

Payton on Saints TE Jeremy Shockey: He had no setbacks. He did (visit Andrews) just to check & make sure and look at MRIs. They results & feedback were good.

Dwight Freeney missed Colts practice on Wednesday and Thursday, according to the team's official practice report.

Also missing practice on Thursday was defensive back Melvin Bullitt (knee) and defensive back Jerraud Powers (foot). Bullitt fully participated in practice on Wednesday.

Limited in practice on Thursday were defensive back Antoine Bethea (back) and tight end Jacob Tamme (ankle).

Fifteen Colts players fully participated in practice on Thursday despite injuries, including running back Joseph Addai (shoulder), linebacker Gary Brackett (knee), running back Donald Brown (foot), tackle Ryan Diem (elbow), defensive back Aaron Francisco (hand), running back Mike Hart (ankle), linebacker Ramon Humber (knee), defensive tackle Antonio Johnson (shoulder), tackle Charlie Johnson (foot), defensive end Robert Mathis (shoulder), guard Jamey Richard (shoulder), defensive back Jamie Silva (hand), tackle Tony Ugoh (knee), kicker Adam Vinatieri (hip), and receiver Reggie Wayne (knee).

Amid reports that Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney might not attend the Pro Bowl in order to obtain further treatment for his sprained ankle, a league source tells us that Freeney definitely won't be going to the Pro Bowl, barring dramatic improvement of the injury.

Per the source, Freeney's ankle is worse than reported by the media.

Freeney injured the ankle late in the AFC title game.

Jets GM Tannenbaum just said the team will definitely tender Leon Washington & Braylon Edwards. Also said he expects to have Kerry Rhodes back.

Kurt Warner's press conference is scheduled for 3:00 Eastern Friday.

Saints injury report: Jenkins (ham); Jeremy Shockey (knee); Gay (ham); Lynell Hamilton (shoulder); Roby (knee); Vilma (knee); Sharper (knee), did not practice

Two former Saints players may be on the other side of the ball for the Super Bowl. WWL's Kristian Garic reports one of them was on the Saints roster this season.

"The Indianapolis Colts have worked out former Saints cornerbacks Mike McKenzie and Jason David," Garic said.

He says Indy is trying to get as much information as possible about the Saints, and bringing former New Orleans players to their side could provide some intelligence.

Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez was in Birmingham, Ala., Wednesday to have his right knee - injured Dec. 3 - examined by well-known orthopedist James Andrews, according to a person familiar with the situation.

Surgery is a possibility, a source said, but Sanchez is believed to be at least a week or two away from making a decision. Sanchez may seek yet another opinion. That may entail another doctor visit or perhaps having his MRI exam reviewed by another expert.

Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez visited noted orthopedist Dr. James Andrews on Wednesday to have his right knee examined, The Star-Ledger has confirmed.

Sanchez suffered a sprained posterior cruciate ligament in a 19-13 victory over the Buffalo Bills in a Week 13 game in Toronto when he made an ill-advised head-first slide. The exam is a precaution as Sanchez finished the season strong and showed no ill-effects of the injury.

The Redskins will hire one of their former wide receivers, Keenan Mccardell, as wide receivers coach, according to an ESPN report.

McCardell was in Mobile, Ala., this week for the Senior Bowl, trying to find a coaching job. He also interviewed for Tampa Bay's vacancy.

Johnny Knox was added to the NFC all-star roster as a return specialist Monday after fellow rookie Percy Harvin of the Minnesota Vikings pulled out of the game due to an injury.

There has been a lot of talk of the direction the Cardinals go at quarterback if Kurt Warner walks away (and here’s where I insert the standard disclaimer for every one of these items — Warner has yet to make a decision whether he will retire or not) but it’s being made overly complicated by the rumormill.

If Warner leaves, Matt Leinart is going to have the first crack at starting quarterback.

Brett Favre flew home to Mississippi on Tuesday morning presumably uncertain about whether he will return to the Vikings for a second season. Favre's older brother, Scott, said at some point soon the two will get together to play golf and perhaps talk about Brett's future plans.

"I’m sure once he’s healed up a little bit I’ll try to get him out on the course and start playing," Scott said Tuesday. "Right now he couldn’t swing [a club]. He was beat up physically and mentally [against the Saints]. He was emotionally drained. Physically, he hurt both wrists, both ankles, one leg, head bruised. He was beat all to hell. That’s part of it.

Scott talks to his brother often and said he doesn't think Brett has made a decision on whether he will retire again.

"I feel like there was a special bond with those guys," he said. "He really does like them. I know with him and Sidney and Percy and Adrian. All of them. The line, defensive guys. For some reason he just bonded with them from the start. They took him in. He just fit in. Sometimes that happens and I definitely think he felt comfortable and wanted there from the start."

In a clear sign the Carolina Panthers are in the market for a quarterback this off-season, the team reportedly had a formal sit down meeting with former University of Florida quarterback Tim Tebow this week at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., according to the Orlando Sentinel.

The Panthers enter next season with Jake Delhomme and Hunter Cantwell under contract and Matt Moore likely to retun as a restricted free agent. Josh Mccown and mid-season fill-in A.j. Feeley are both unrestricted free agents and probably won't be re-signed.

The Panthers don't have a first-round pick in this year's NFL draft, but Tebow isn't expected to go until the second or third round.

The New Orleans Saints have not offered any injury updates on tight end Jeremy Shockey, who tweeted Wednesday that he spent the day in Birmingham, Ala.

A trip to Birmingham often means a visit to renowned surgeon Dr. James Andrews, especially for someone like Shockey who is nursing a knee injury. But we've been unable to confirm that Shockey indeed visited Dr. Andrews. The Saints will have their first practice and first media availability on Thursday.

Ravens free safety Ed Reed hasn’t changed his stance about contemplating retirement, but acknowledged that he made his comments at an emotional time following the AFC divisional playoff loss to the Indianapolis Colts. “The comment was made right after the game because that’s the truth of the matter,” Reed said during a Sirius radio interview. “I’ve got things to take care of before I continue to go there, but the comment hasn’t changed. It still is what it is. For most people in the world, 50-50 is just that. If I can walk and talk, I’m out there communicating and making plays.”

The agent for unrestricted free agent wide receiver Kelley Washington said he’s been informed that the Ravens want to re-sign him.

Lions running back Kevin Smith , still recovering from last month's surgery to repair a torn ACL, has yet to undergo a planned offseason shoulder surgery. But Mayhew said Lions trainer Al Bellamy visited three other key offensive players recovering from recent surgeries as they rehab in Dallas. Quarterback Matthew Stafford (knee), tight end Brandon Pettigrew (ACL) and guard Stephen Peterman (ankle) all are progressing well, Mayhew said.

Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker has scheduled surgery to repair a torn ligament in his left knee and will undergo the operation Tuesday at Massachusetts General Hospital, according to an NFL source.

Indianapolis Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney did not participate in practice today as he nurses an ankle injury suffered in the AFC Championship Game.

Freeney was the most noteworthy of the injuries the Colts reported today. Two other Colts, tight end Jacob Tamme (ankle) and cornerback Jerraud Powers (foot) also did not participate.

The Colts listed defensive back Antoine Bethea (back) as a limited participants.

Indianapolis also listed 16 players as full participants: running back Joseph Addai (shoulder), linebacker Gary Brackett (knee), running back Donald Brown (foot), defensive back Melvin Bullitt (knee), offensive tackle Ryan Diem (elbow), defensive back Aaron Francisco (hand), running back Mike Hart (ankle), linebacker Ramon Humber (knee), defensive tackle Antonio Johnson (shoulder), offensive tackle Charlie Johnson (foot), defensive end Robert Mathis (shoulder), guard Jamey Richard (shoulder), defensive back Jamie Silva (hand), offensive tackle Tony Ugoh (knee), kicker Adam Vinatieri (right hip) and wide receiver Reggie Wayne (knee).

The Saints did not practice today.

Sources close to Michael Vick fully anticipate him playing elsewhere in 2010, and say he is intent on being a starter if at all possible. Such opportunities should arise. Clubs to keep a close eye on include Buffalo, St. Louis, Carolina, Oakland and Jacksonville. Those teams are in the market for QB help, and many have struggled to sell tickets and attract attention in recent years, with their smaller-market status.

Vick’s cause will be helped as well by the weak free-agent class of quarterbacks — Daunte Culpepper could be the class of that group, for instance — as well as an upcoming draft without prospects who seem ready to play right away. Whether teams opt to wade in heavily for Vick on the trade market remains to be seen, but if he hit the market as a free agent, league sources expect at least a half-dozen or so teams to have legitimate interest.

Eagles quarterback Donovan Mcnabb said he expects running back Brian Westbrook and quarterback Michael Vick to return to the Eagles next season.

“He looks forward to getting back,” McNabb said of Westbrook following the NFC’s Pro Bowl practice Wednesday. “All the talk people are saying on retirement or whatever it may be, it’s all false.”

When asked if he thinks Vick will be back for a second season, McNabb simply said, “Yes.”

Westbrook’s future came into question after concussions caused him to miss seven games this season. Westbrook, 30, finished with 274 yards on 61 carries and was spelled or replaced by rookie Lesean Mccoy, who had 637 yards on 155 carries.

Vick signed a two-year deal to be McNabb’s backup last season but speculation is that his option won’t be picked up or he will be traded, especially since Vick has expressed a desire to be a starting quarterback next season.

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner will announce Friday at a news conference whether he plans to retire, according to a Cardinals source.

The widespread assumption -- one that hasn't changed for weeks -- is that the 38-year-old Warner will step away from the game.

One possible indication of Warner's intentions is that he already has begun gathering his family so they can attend Friday's news conference at the team's training facility, according to sources.

Saints RB Pierre Thomas says he'll be ready for the Super Bowl.

Eagles fans have been pondering life without Donovan Mcnabb for years, but now there's a pretty good chance he ends up with another team. McNabb's heading into the final year of his contract, and at age 33, the Eagles could still expect to land a first-day draft pick for their starting quarterback.

S Kerry Rhodes’ future with the Jets is in doubt and the team is expected to release CB Lito Sheppard and nickel back Donald Strickland. Through free agency or the draft, upgrading the secondary is a top priority.

At age 29 and with an average of 244 carries in each of his past five seasons, Willie Parker wants to, and thinks he still can, be a starting running back in the NFL. Even though his 5-foot-10, 209-pound frame has absorbed a lot of blows.

"I'm a starter always looked at myself as starter, that's what I want to be," said Parker, who was an undrafted free agent from North Carolina in 2004. "So, till I hang up pads, that's how I'm going to look at myself. Rashard is a great back and he had a great season and, hopefully, he'll carry it on.

"I had six great years here with the Steelers. We won two Super Bowls. I want to thank the organization and thank everybody. You know how the business goes. I love these guys. I love the organization. I'm a Steeler by heart. We'll see what happens in the future."

With the possible exception of rookie CB Jerraud Powers (foot), the four Colts who came out of the Jets game with injuries are expected to play in the Super Bowl. They include Freeney (sprained ankle), S Antoine Bethea (back), WR Reggie Wayne (knee) and RB Donald Brown (toe). Powers, Polian said on his radio show, is "progressing. The rate of progress is what we're going to monitor." Polian added that all could miss practice time this week.

Adrian Peterson has rushed for more yards than any NFL running back the past three seasons. He has also fumbled more times, and that has become a major problem for the Vikings running back.

Peterson fumbled twice and also took responsibility for a botched handoff in Sunday's 31-28 overtime loss to the New Orleans Saints in the NFC Championship Game.

Afterward, Peterson acknowledged that he needs to make changes this offseason to solve the problem.

"I know that he is sick about those fumbles," coach Brad Childress said Tuesday. "They reared their ugly head. I don't have my head in the sand saying there's not an issue. He needs to hold on to it, but I'm sure he and [running backs coach Eric Bieniemy] and our offensive staff will do a good job of kind of troubleshooting that and seeing what we can come up with."

It took three games for Shonn Greene to get his first carry as a Jet, and even longer for him to begin to make an impact. But after rushing for over 100 yards and a touchdown in each of the Jets' playoff wins over the Bengals and Chargers, Greene was forced back to the sidelines for much of the second half of Sunday's 30-17 loss to the Colts in the AFC Championship game because of a rib injury.

"I was very, very angry. . . . I just wish I could have been out there to help," Greene said yesterday as the Jets cleaned out their lockers. "Unfortunately, I just couldn't go."

Greene said he took a shot to the ribs, but X-rays showed that none of his ribs were broken. Nevertheless, that small bit of good news wasn't enough to brighten a depressing day.
"Yeah, it's a pretty down day for everybody," Greene said. "We weren't ready to stop playing."

Cowboys owner-general manager Jerry Jones, studying the Senior Bowl workouts, admitted Marion Barber's string of injuries the last two years could cause a change in how the offense divides carries among the running backs.

injuries have limited Barber's production down the stretch in each of the last two seasons. In 2008, a lame Barber gained only 15 yards on 13 carries in the final four games. In two playoff games this season, Barber became only the second back in this century to have more than 12 carries and fewer than 20 yards rushing. He ran 11 times for 18 yards.

``We have had an injury issue there at the end of each of the last two seasons,'' Jones said. ``That may have something to do with the amount of time we can give the other backs. That could impact that decision.''

As the Senior Bowl heats up in Alabama, Browns President Mike Holmgren says he needs more time before deciding to spend a high draft pick on one of the top draft-eligible quarterbacks there.

Appearing on WKNR Tuesday morning, Holmgren was asked his views on 2007 first-round pick Brady Quinn. His response:

“Right now, I don’t know the situation quite well enough. I’ve been busy doing other things. Everyone knows that position is the most important position on the a team.

“Is the quarterback of the Browns here already? Maybe. If not, then we’ll have to go free agency or draft. We’ll see.”

After six seasons with the Patriots, tight end Benjamin Watson is finally a free agent. But in uncertain economic times, after a six-year, $7.5-million deal, he’s open to everyone.

But will he return to the Patriots?

Just talked to someone with knowledge of his situation down here in Mobile and it doesn’t look promising. In fact, I’m told there’s “not a lot of interest on either side.”

Watson may want to head to a place that’ll give him more than 29 catches for 404 yards with five TDs. And apparently, Watson was more the choice of Scott Pioli than Bill Belichick on draft day, anyway.This could be a split that’s best for both sides.

Larry Johnson is not expected to be back with the Bengals.

Coach Sean Payton said TE Jeremy Shockey (knee) is making progress and the team monitored Shockey's snaps vs. Minnesota. Payton said Shockey is close to 100 percent but wanted to limit Shockey's playing time Sunday after he missed practice all last week.

Saints RB Mike Bell never touched the ball against the Vikings despite being the second leading rusher behind RB Pierre Thomas during the regular season. Payton said not to read anything into Bell's lack of playing time. "He'll have his touches," Payton said.

The National Football League announced today that Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Roddy White has been added to the 2010 NFC Pro Bowl roster, taking the place of Vikings WR Sidney Rice.

Hobbling around on crutches, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie showed up for rehab Tuesday at the Cardinals’ Tempe facility with family.

Rodgers-Cromartie has plenty to do on his own. After a repair of his fractured tibia and torn medial collateral ligament – “I shredded it pretty good,” he said – Rodgers-Cromartie remains hopeful he will be back on the field in time for organized team activities this summer.

He said he expects to be out “three to four months at the max.”

That’s the benefit of an MCL tear and not one of the anterior cruciate ligament, which would have included more extensive surgery and longer rehab.

"He already knows we want him back," said receiver Bernard Berrian, who led the Vikings with nine receptions for 102 yards on Sunday.

Offensive tackle Bryant McKinnie even said the team would be OK with Favre missing training camp again.

"I think everyone just wants him here for the season, come in like he did this year," McKinnie said. "Just having him part of the team, I felt, helped elevate everyone. I feel like everyone stepped up and played at a higher level, and he was part of the reason."

Though the Vikings will return nearly every player from this year's squad in 2010, there is no doubt that expectations will be considerably lower if Favre decides to retire for good.

Percy Harvin said he didn't have a sense of what Favre would do, but the rookie receiver's words Monday seemed to betray his real feelings. After praising the quarterback for playing most of the second half with a severely sprained left ankle, Harvin talked about not getting Favre into one more Super Bowl.

"It kind of touched me a little bit, just knowing that we didn't get that for him, and knowing that he might not come back," he said. "I knew we had a chance to make it then, and we didn't. We should have sent him out a better way."

Dwight Freeney was hurt on a pass rush with about 2 minutes left Sunday. Colts president Bill Polian told radio listeners Monday night Freeney should play against the Saints.

Pro Bowl receiver Reggie Wayne had swelling in one of his knees and may miss some practice this week but should be ready in two weeks. Polian did not say which knee Wayne hurt.

Safety Antoine Bethea (back) and running back Donald Brown (toe) were also hurt Sunday and should play against New Orleans. Polian was less certain about the status of cornerback Jerraud Powers, who sat out Sunday with a left foot injury.

There are reportedly "rumblings at the Senior Bowl" that the Bears can't find an offensive coordinator because candidates are turned off by the prospect of having to coach Jay Cutler.
The perception, presumably, is that Cutler ran ex- Bears OC Ron Turner out of Chicago, which it would be hard to disagree with. It would also be hard to argue that Turner did a good enough job in the first place. There is a more logical perception that OC candidates don't want to work under head coach Lovie Smith, who's entering a "win or else" situation in 2010.

Jets RB Thomas Jones and WR Braylon Edwards were conspicuously absent in the locker room, avoiding reporters. This is what one player had to say about Edwards, who took veiled shots at O.C. Brian Schottenheimer after the game: "Nobody said anything when he dropped passes. For him to throw Schotty under the bus is B.S."

Ravens QB coach Hue Jackson will accept OC position with the Oakland Raiders.

Patriots quarterback Tom Brady said Monday he will have a surgery-free offseason after a 2009 campaign in which he played through right shoulder, right ring finger and rib injuries.

"I'm excited I don't have to have surgery this offseason," Brady said at a charity appearance in which he presented a $30,000 check to Boston Centers For Youth and Families through Smartwater. "I remember a year ago at this time there were all these concerns on whether I was going to play this year. I was never concerned about that. It's nice to be in an offseason when I really feel like I can get started right away."

Rookie Johnny Knox will represent the Bears in the Pro Bowl as the NFC’s return specialist, the NFL announced Monday.

Johnny Knox's 102-yard kickoff return was the second longest in Bears history. Knox, the second alternate, will replace the Vikings’ Percy Harvin, who pulled out of the game due to an injury. Harvin was set to fill in for the Eagles’ Desean Jackson, who also is hurt.

Chargers RB Ladainian Tomlinson told a San Diego radio station Monday that he wasn’t happy with his role this season, when he had career lows in carries (223) and rushing yards (730).

“I did the things that I could with this year’s team,” Tomlinson told XX Sports Radio host Darren Smith (via Sports Radio Interviews). “I felt that every year, whatever this team needed me to do, I gave my heart and soul to it. Whether it was giving me the ball 350 times and giving it to me another 50 to 75 times catching the ball, I played my heart and soul out for this team. This year, I wasn’t asked to do that type of stuff. My numbers were as low as they have ever been. I felt like I did what I could with this team.”

Tomlinson said he had conversations with Norv Turner about his role but that he did have a good working relationship with the coach. Tomlinson also said he believed the Chargers too often relied on the passing game instead of running the ball like they did in the past.

“I wasn’t happy,” Tomlinson said. “No one is going to be happy with the least amount of touches in my career. I don’t know any running back that would be happy with that. Absolutely I wasn’t happy with not touching the ball as much as I thought I would.”

Rex Ryan: "I definitely expect Braylon Edwards back. I see us tendering him (at a) first and a third-round pick, as high as we can go with him."

Saints HC Sean Payton gave an injury update. He said kickoff returner Courtney Roby "dinged" his knee and tailback Lynell Hamilton injured his ankle during Sunday's 31-28 overtime victory over the Minnesota Vikings. But he said he didn't think either injury was serious. He said tight end Jeremy Shockey is "making progress" with his knee injury after being limited on Sunday. And he said cornerback Malcolm Jenkins (hamstring) should be in good shape in another two weeks after being inactive on Sunday.

The Saints were allowed to come in late for work on Monday, but they still had to do their usual running and lifting on the day after the game, much to the chagrin of some sleep-deprived players who are still running on adrenaline.

They'll be off Tuesday and Wednesday before returning to practice Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The six Pro Bowl players will travel to Miami on Sunday, then the rest of the team will join them on Monday.

In more exciting Pro Bowl news, Vikings QB Brett Favre (ankle) and CB Antoine Winfield (foot) pulled out of the Pro Bowl because of injuries Monday, one day after their NFC Championship Game loss to the Saints. Their spots will be filled by two Cowboys — QB Tony Romo and CB Mike Jenkins.

A total of 14 players – seven from each conference – have been added to the Pro Bowl rosters, replacing members of the Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints who will be busy preparing for Super Bowl XLIV.

Added to the AFC Pro Bowl roster are:

QB David Garrard, Jacksonville (replacing Peyton Manning)
WR Vincent Jackson, San Diego (replacing Reggie Wayne)
TE Heath Miller, Pittsburgh (replacing Dallas Clark)
C Kevin Mawae, Tennessee (replaces Jeff Saturday)
DE Kyle Vanden Bosch, Tennessee (replacing Dwight Freeney)
DE Shaun Ellis, N.Y. Jets (replacing Robert Mathis)
S Yeremiah Bell, Miami (replacing Antoine Bethea)

Added to the NFC Pro Bowl roster are:

QB Donovan Mcnabb, Philadelphia (replacing Drew Brees)
OT David Diehl, N.Y. Giants (replacing Jon Stinchcomb)
OG Chris Snee, N.Y. Giants (replacing Jahri Evans)
C Ryan Kalil, Carolina (replacing Jonathan Goodwin)
LB London Fletcher, Washington (replacing Jonathan Vilma)
FS Antrel Rolle, Arizona (replacing Darren Sharper)
SS Quintin Mikell, Philadelphia (replacing Roman Harper)

This year marks the first time the Pro Bowl is being played before the Super Bowl. The Pro Bowl is scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 31 at Sun Life Stadium in Miami.

Before Reggie Wayne began mentoring Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie, the young wide receivers who combined for 274 yards in today's AFC Championship Game victory over the New York Jets, he was working with a young receiver named Devin Aromashodu.

Aromashodu's stay with the Colts, which included a role on the practice squad in Super Bowl XLI, was a short one. But Wayne can say now that he saw long ago what the Bears found out about Aromashodu late in this season. Armoashodu had seven catches for 150 yards and a touchdown in the Week 16 victory over Minnesota and scored two touchdowns in the season finale at Detroit. Wayne knew he just needed a shot.

"I think he can make it as a starter and a big-time guy in this league because he works hard," Wayne said. "They just have to give him the opportunity. If they give him the opportunity, he'll be able to show everyone what he can do."

Bengals special teams coach Darrin Simmons says Shayne Graham’s two missed short field goals in the Wild Card loss to the Jets have put his future with the organization under the microscope.

When the Indianapolis Colts make their second appearance in the Super Bowl in the past four seasons, K Matt Stover will be the oldest player ever to participate in the NFL's preeminent game. Stover turns 42 on Wednesday.

Let this be the first of hopefully very few Favre-Watch updates: Brett Favre told ESPN's Ed Werder it was "highly unlikely" he'd play again.

Fighting off tears that welled in his eyes and dealing with a sprained left ankle, Brett Favre stood at a podium inside the Superdome on Sunday night and made no promises about what the future may hold.

The Vikings' painful 31-28 overtime loss to the New Orleans Saints in the NFC title game less than an hour old, Favre said he did not expect to take long to make a decision about whether he will return for a 20th season. Favre signed a two-year contract when he ended his second consecutive attempt at retirement last August in order to join the Vikings.

"I wouldn't say months," Favre said when asked for a timetable. "I know people are rolling their eyes or will roll their eyes. In a situation like this, I really don't want to make a decision right now based on what's happened, because I do know the year could not have gone any better aside from us not going to Miami. I really enjoyed it, to be honest. Just wondering if I can hold up, especially after a day like today. Physically and mentally. That was pretty draining. I am going to go home, [take] a couple of days and just talk it over with the family."

Only time will tell if the 12-men on the field penalty called late in the fourth quarter of Minnesota's overtime loss to the Saints in Sunday's NFC title game will go down in Vikings' lore like Drew Pearson's supposed push off against Nate Wright in 1975. But the infraction called by referee Pete Morelli's crew certainly has that potential.

So what happened? "We just had a fullback in there and we changed up and broke the huddle with 12," coach Brad Childress said. "You can't call back-to-back timeouts either. I thought we slipped up there."

Braylon Edwards wasn't happy. After beating fill-in CB Jacob Lacey for an 80-yard touchdown in the second quarter, Edwards saw only three more passes thrown his way in Sunday's 30-17 AFC title loss to the Colts.

Edwards said, "We didn't have the same attitude" in the second half. "Take that for what it is."

Asked if he felt under-utilized, Edwards said, "I don't know. You have to interview the players and coaches. It just wasn't the same."

Was he upset with the play-calling?

"No disrespect, but you witnessed the game," Edwards said.

America's National Football League has decided against staging a second game in the UK in 2010.

The NFL blamed uncertainty over its collective bargaining agreement with players and global economic factors.

Here are the Saints inactives:

QB Chase Daniel (3rd QB), CB Malcom Jenkins, LB Anthony Waters, G Jamar Nesbit, TE Darnell Dinkins, TE Tory Humphrey, WR Adrian Arrington, and DE Paul Spicer.

Here are the Vikings inactives for tonight’s game against the Saints.

QB Sage Rosenfels (3rd QB), WR Jaymar Johnson, RB Albert Young, CB Karl Paymah, TE Garrett Mills, LB J Leman, C Jon Cooper, and DT Latroy Guion.

The Jets' inactives are quarterback Kevin O'connell, running back Chauncey Washington, linebacker Kenwin Cummings, guard Matt Slauson, defensive end Ropati Pitoitua, running back Danny Woodhead and defensive tackle Howard Green. Erik Ainge is the third quarterback.

Indianapolis Colts cornerback Jerraud Powers is inactive for today's AFC Championship Game against the New York Jets.

Powers was initially listed as questionable with a foot injury, but on Saturday he was downgraded to doubtful. Jacob Lacey will start in his place.

The Colts' other inactives are kicker Adam Vinatieri, wide receiver Sam Giguere, tight end Colin Cloherty, offensive tackle Michael Toudouze, guard Mike Pollak, defensive end Ervin Baldwin and defensive tackle Fili Moala.

Vikings WR Percy Harvin (migraines) was reportedly feeling much better the past two days and will play.

Reggie Bush - he's got a cold/flu-type thing but practiced fine and expects to be good for Sunday.

After weeks of speculation and deliberation, Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis has decided to retain Tom Cable as head coach for the 2010 season, a source close to the situation told ESPN on Saturday.

Cable will fulfill the final year of his contract with the Raiders, the source said.

When contacted, Raiders spokesman John Herrera did not confirm that Cable would remain coach for the 2010 season, saying only that, despite meetings into the night the past two days, no decision has been reached.

Cable had one year remaining on his contract. But after meeting with Cable again this week, Davis made a decision that will be popular among players by keeping his head coach in place, the source said.

Cable had widespread support throughout the players in the Raiders locker room.

Minnesota Vikings receiver Percy Harvin participated in the team's final practice and meetings Saturday and will travel with his teammates to New Orleans for the NFC Championship Game, sources close to the player told ESPN's Ed Werder.

One source said the symptoms Harvin was suffering from with his migraine headaches were less severe but the problem still lingers.

He was listed as questionable on the official injury report but his availability to play remained undetermined.

Harvin, the AP's offensive rookie of the year, missed practice Thursday and was told by coach Brad Childress to remain home Friday. Childress said the missed practice time could not be made up and called the situation "less than ideal."

Saints TE Jeremy Shockey is making good progress with a knee injury that has kept him out of practice all week, and it appears he will be able to play Sunday against the Vikings, according to team sources.

Shockey, who’s a key cog in the Saints’ attack, took part in a walkthrough Saturday and was moving much better, the sources said.

Shockey will work out again Sunday afternoon to test the knee before the NFC Championship Game, but there is a sense among players and coaches that he will be able to play.

Vikings charter heading for New Orleans about 1:30. Hearing from multiple people Percy Harvin is fine and expected to make the flight.

KEYS TO THE NFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME:

QB Brett Favre threw four touchdown passes last weekend, but the Vikings would be wise to try to get RB Adrian Peterson untracked early. Peterson has gone eight consecutive games without rushing for 100 yards as the run-blocking has been spotty. But while the Saints have an active, ballhawking secondary that will try to bait Favre into dangerous throws downfield, New Orleans is vulnerable to the run. A strong ground game would not only let Favre work off more play-action, but also help take the crowd out of the game. ... The Saints had a 34-32 run-pass ratio last weekend, getting back to the type of balance that propelled them to a 13-0 start. Of course, it helps to be grinding out a big lead, but RBs Reggie Bush, Pierre Thomas and Mike Bell need to make some headway against Minnesota’s stout run defense. If not, the Vikings’ front four could dominate for a second consecutive week. LT Jermon Bushrod will get some help against DE Jared Allen on QB Drew Brees’ blind side, and the Vikings’ secondary will be overmatched if Brees has time in the pocket.

KEYS TO THE AFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME:

The Colts faced a familiar offense last week - a run-based attack led by a young quarterback - and essentially shut it down. Sanchez has been efficient but has also been well protected with a strong ground game that is featuring more of rookie RB Shonn Greene with Thomas Jones (knee) not at full strength. Indianapolis’ undersized front seven could struggle with the physicality of the Jets’ offensive line. But when backed into passing situations, Sanchez will have to make quick, smart decisions with DEs Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis attacking off the edge. ... The Jets’ defense has done an excellent job of using a variety of blitzes and excellent downfield coverage to upend Cincinnati and San Diego. The two critical factors will be whether the Colts’ receivers can win their individual matchups off the line and whether Manning is accurate in very tight windows to burn the blitz. Manning is one of the league’s best at making pre-snap adjustments, and will need to be on his game to read where the pressure is coming from.

Cowboys worked out former Patriots second-round pick WR Chad Jackson this week.

Clint Session's mouth was back in session Friday, the Colts' linebacker mocking what he feels is the Jets' cocky attitude as the teams prepare to meet in tomorrow's AFC Championship Game.

"They're supposed to travel with confidence and all. They're supposed to do all that. But, technically, you can't have swag if you lost that many games (seven) in the regular season. You know what I mean?" he asked.

Session also questioned how the Jets can be so confident after their 29-15 win regular-season win over the Colts, who were 14-0 going into the Week 16 contest.

"You can't feel comfortable about beating us when we didn't have our (best players in the game)," he said.

Session, who Thursday said the Colts linebackers were "licking their chops" getting ready for the Jets' running game and that former Pitt teammate Darrelle Revis would be schooled by Reggie Wayne, is obviously tired of Rex Ryan's bravado.

"They get the media attention, they've got so much swag now, because they've got nothing to lose," he went on. "I mean, if they lose, so what? Their record says they were going to lose anyway. Our record says we should win."

Titans defensive tackle Tony Brown recently underwent surgery on his right knee after suffering an injury which forced him to miss the regular-season finale.

Brown had delayed having surgery in hopes of making the Pro Bowl as an alternate.

Several other Titans have gone under the knife.

Safety Michael Griffin (shoulder), cornerback Nick Harper (shoulder), safety Kevin Kaesviharn (shoulder) and long snapper Ken Amato (knee) all had post-season surgeries.

None of the players are expected to miss offseason practices.

Vikings WR Percy Harvin (migraines questionable) missed practice for the second straight day Friday as his migraines have returned. Harvin was not even at the Vikings practice facility. Coach Brad Childress did not sound positive on this situation and sounded as if Harvin might not be able to make the flight, but admited the the migraines are highly unpredicatable. Bernard Berrian (ankle probable) should see more snaps opposite Sidney Rice with Harvin out or limited.

Jets QB Mark Sanchez (knee probable) practiced fully again Friday. Sanchez will start as normal against the Colts this weekend. Expect a heavy dose of the run from the Jets, but Sanchez could be forced into more passing situations if the Colts can build a lead against the Jets defense.

Saints TE Jeremy Shockey (knee questionable) missed practice again Friday. Shockey has missed all week with the knee and looks in danger of not playing this weekend. If Shockey can't go, David Thomas would get the start and have some fantasy value.

Colts WR Reggie Wayne (knee probable) practiced fully again Friday. The knee shouldn't slow Wayne down, but Jets CB Darrelle Revis will. The Jets may move Revis around to cover Austin Collie and Dallas Clark on occasion, but Revis could severely limit Wayne's production.

Saints WR Robert Meachem (ankle probable) took limited reps again Friday. Coach Sean Payton said that Meachem was running well and looked close to 100%. Last week Meachem was held catchless. Meachem relies on the big play to produce, and with Lance Moore getting back in the mix and Meachem slowed by the ankle, Devery Henderson is the safer fantasy play.

Colts RB Joseph Addai (shoulder probable) practiced fully Friday. Addai should be physically healthy for Sunday's contest against the Jets, but faces a defense that allowed under 100 yards per game rushing during the regular season.

Colts K Adam Vinatieri (right hip probable) practiced fully agian Friday. There has been no indication that Vinatieri will assume kicking duties, as the Colts stated previously that Matt Stover would kick through the playoffs.

Colts TE Dallas Clark (illness probable) practiced fully again Friday. Clark missed Wednesday due to illness but should be at full speed this weekend against the Jets.

Jets RB Tony Richardson (rib probable) practiced fully Friday.

Jets WR Danny Woodhead (knee probable) practiced fully Friday.

The Colts still have 18 names on their injury report. All but one of the players, however, has been listed as probable for Sunday's AFC title game.

The only player questionable for the showdown with the Jets is defensive back Jerraud Powers, who missed practice all week with a foot injury.

The probable players are running back Joseph Addai (shoulder), Antoine Bethea (back), defensive back Ervin Baldwin (shin), linebacker Gary Brackett (calf), defensive back Melvin Bullitt (shoulder), tight end Dallas Clark (illness), tackle Ryan Diem (elbow), defensive end Dwight Freeney (foot), linebacker Cody Glenn (back), defensive tackle Antonio Johnson (shoulder), tackle Charlie Johnson (foot), defensive end Robert Mathis (knee), guard Jamey Richard (shoulder), tight end Jacob Tamme (ankle), tackle Tony Ugoh (knee), kicker Adam Vinatieri (right hip), receiver Reggie Wayne (knee).

The 17 probable players fully participated in practice on Friday, with the exception of tackle Tony Ugoh, who was rested.

We'd hate to see how many Colts would have been on the injury report if they hadn't tanked it Weeks 16 and 17.

Vikings WR Percy Harvin (migraines) is listed as questionable for Vikes and was not even at Winter Park today.

Payton on Robert Meachem: "He's close to being 100 percent right now. He ran well out there today. I was encouraged. "

Manhattan is now Revis Island -- at least for a few days.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg unofficially renamed Manhattan after Jets star cornerback Darrelle Revis during a rush-hour pep rally for the team on Thursday in Times Square.

The Jets face the heavily favored Indianapolis Colts on Sunday in the AFC championship game in Indiana for a trip to the Super Bowl.

Thousands of Jets fans roared their approval when Bloomberg unveiled a large municipal-style sign printed "Welcome to Revis Island" with the team's logo in one corner. Revis regular guards the opponents' best receiver one-on-one, and the Jets call being put on Revis Island.

The sign will be posted in Times Square as long as the Jets are in the playoffs.

Saints' injury report: M.Jenkins (hamstring) & Jeremy Shockey (knee) did not practice and are questionable.

Robert Meachem (knee) & Darren Sharper (knee) practiced on limited basis & are probable.

The surgery on Brandon Jacobs' torn meniscus in his left knee apparently went well, according to WFAN's intrepid beat reporter, Paul Dottino. The recovery time on arthroscopic meniscus repair isn't very long, and Jacobs could be back by minicamp.

Percy Harvin (migraines) not practicing again today.

Fair or not, there's a belief in the Cardinals organization that Anquan Boldin's decision not to work out at the team facility has contributed to his injury problems. Ken Whisenhunt, like most coaches, puts great emphasis on off-season workouts with strength coach John Lott. Receiver Larry Fitzgerald is a disciple of Lott's and has managed to avoid the groin and hamstring pulls suffered by others at his position. For contract reasons, Boldin has chosen to work out on his own the past few years. Make no mistake, the contrasting health issues of Fitzgerald and Boldin will be pointed out to other players when making the case to participate in off-season training under Lott.

Boldin turns 30 in October, and I think the Cardinals will be earnest in their efforts to trade him this off-season. It's hard to say, however, what he's worth. Last spring, the best offer the team said it received was a third-round pick and a player. My hunch is the Cardinals would consider that offer more seriously this season.

Maybe Bill Cowher really is waiting for the Giants head coaching job to open up before he returns to the NFL. But if he is, you can be sure that Jerome Bettis doesn’t know it.

That’s what Cowher indicated in an interview with the Daily News yesterday, when he was asked about his former running back’s claim that he’s “holding out” until he can become the head coach of the Giants. Cowher didn’t specifically deny that, but he certainly hinted as much when he said Bettis wouldn’t have any idea if that was true because the two haven’t spoken in ages.

“I haven’t talked to Jerome Bettis in two years,” Cowher said. “I’ll leave it at that.”

Minnesota Vikings backup QB Tarvaris Jackson, 26, who can become a restricted free agent after the season, said he's heard nothing from the team about a new contract but wants to remain in Minnesota.

Jackson said he's ready if he has to replace Brett Favre in New Orleans.

The agent for Browns receiver Josh Cribbs said Thursday that he's had "very positive" dialogue with the Browns in the past week about the team redoing Cribbs' contract and that the player and his agents are optimistic about a good outcome.

"We've talked to [ Browns President] Mike Holmgren and [General Manager] Tom Heckert and we have an understanding that we're going to work together on this," agent J.R. Rickert said. "We have a much clearer indication that something can be worked out and that it's not just lip service."

Coach Tom Cable was not part of the interview process Wednesday when Baltimore Ravens quarterbacks coach Hue Jackson met with managing general partner Al Davis about joining the team in some capacity.

Cable remains in the Raiders plans for the foreseeable future, and Davis intends to keep meeting with him to see how he fits for the 2010 season, senior executive John Herrera said. Davis and Cable still have plenty to discuss before Davis decides how to proceed, Herrera added.

Meanwhile, the agent for Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh denied that his client had contact with the Raiders about their head coaching job.

The Dallas Cowboys have a lot of options this offseason with wide receiver Miles Austin, a restricted free agent.

Owner/general manager Jerry Jones doesn't want to make it too complicated, though. He saw enough in Austin's spectacular 11-game stretch as a starter to try to sign the Pro Bowl receiver to a long-term deal.

"Yes," Jones said Thursday. "That's all I'm going to say, but the answer is yes."

Jets QB Mark Sanchez (knee) practiced fully Thursday and should start as usual against the Colts Sunday.

Jets RB Thomas Jones (not injury related) returned to take full reps Thursday. Jones was out Wednesday, but it was not injury related - just rest. Still, Shonn Greene has looked like the better back lately.

Colts RB Joseph Addai (shoulder) took full reps Thursday. Addai is one of 17 Colts listed on the weekly injury report. He should start and be fine for Sunday.

Colts TE Dallas Clark (illness) returned to full practice Thursday after being limited by illness Wednesday. Clark should be fine come game time.

Vikings WR Bernard Berrian (ankle) was limited at practice again Thursday. Berrian has been nagged by injuries for most of the season, but should start this weekend as usual and may see an increased role if Percy Harvin is out or limited by migraines.

Saints TE Jeremy Shockey (knee) missed practice again Thursday. Shockey could be on his way to another playoff inactive. We will know more on Friday, but Shockey is too banged up to be a reliable fantasy option.

Saints WR Robert Meachem (ankle) returned to limited practice Thursday. Meachem will likely be a game-time decision. Either way, Devery Henderson looks like the better fantasy option this week against the Vikings.

Vikings WR Percy Harvin (illness) missed practice Thursday reportedly due to a reoccurrence of his migraines. The migraines have kept Harvin out of games in the past and his role on the team has diminished as the condition has become more frequent. While Harvin is an explosive player, the illness is clearly hurting his fantasy potential. His last good fantasy outing was week 13.

Colts K Adam Vinatieri (right hip) took reps Thursday. As of now, Matt Stover is expected to retain kicking duties through the playoffs.

Jets RB Tony Richardson (rib) took reps Thursday after missing practice Wednesday.

Jets WR Danny Woodhead (knee) took reps Thursday.

Brad Childress said that Percy Harvin missed practice with another migraine.

New Orleans coach Sean Payton said tight end Jeremy Shockey (knee) and cornerback Malcolm Jenkins (hamstring) did not practice Thursday.

That pair also sat out Wednesday’s practice. Receiver Robert Meachem (ankle) returned to practice on a limited basis. Safety Darren Sharper (knee) also was limited in practice.

Center Jonathan Goodwin (knee) and defensive end Bobby McCray (back) also were on the injury report, but Payton said both fully participated in practice.

Vikings WR Percy Harvin wasn't on the field at the start of today's practice.

Harvin wasn't listed on Wednesday's injury report. It's possible Harvin could be dealing with migraines again, but we don't know right now.

The injury report will be released later today. DT Kevin Williams and DE Ray Edwards also weren't on the field

Q: What do you expect this week facing Reggie Wayne?

A: This is a big challenge for me. Reggie Wayne is a good wide receiver, but it starts with Peyton Manning. He’s a great quarterback. He throws the ball where defenders can’t reach or find it. I think that what makes his guys better is him putting the ball in places that defenders can’t find it.

Q: Is your coverage this weekend going to be the same as last weekend where you play other people?

A: My job is going to be to tackle once again. I’ll be moving around on Reggie Wayne, (Pierre) Garcon and probably a couple other receivers as well.

Q: How successful do you feel you were against Peyton Manning in the last game against Indianapolis?

A: It was a close game. We only saw him for one half. I think he had us on edge a little bit by what he was doing. I think he was very relaxed, but we didn’t show him that much, though. I think Coach (Ryan) and them saved a lot of things. We didn’t blitz them a lot either. We didn’t put a lot of pressure on them. I guess Rex (Ryan) knew where we were going to be at today. Now when you look at this game plan, we have a lot of things that we're going to do to him. We hope to shake him a little bit to where we can make plays on defense.

Jets HC Rex Ryan on Peyton Manning:

Q: How confident are you that your defense can make Peyton Manning uncomfortable?

A: You have to do something. Whether you get him off the spot somehow, whether that's blitzing, whether that's having a guy beat somebody up front, whatever it is. You've got to try to get them off the spot. You can mix your coverages, you can do all those kinds of things. He's seen it all, but you just hope there is a slight hesitation where he's not able to just sit back and fire it at will on you.

Q: Do you think your defense is capable of making Peyton Manning uncomfortable?

A: Yeah, we certainly hope so.

Jets HC Rex Ryan on what was it about RB Shonn Greene’s size that made you think that at the end of the season his size is going to pay off for you?

Our scouts did a great job. (General Manager) Mike Tanenbaum and (Vice President, College Scouting) Joey (Clinkscales) and (Assistant Director, Player Personnel) JoJo (Wooden), all those guys up there, (Senior Personnel Executive) Terry (Bradway), all those guys really had a back that they couldn't wait for me to see. They (said), “You're going to love this guy.” When I watched the tape, absolutely. I saw a guy that was just a big powerful back, a Big Ten back that just ran hard, great vision, great feet, all those kind of things that you look for. The coach that really stood on the table for him was our running backs coach Anthony Lynn. He was the number one back on his board for the style of play of our offense.

Jets Coach Rex Ryan on What does that allow you to do on defense when you have a corner like Darrelle Revis?

"It's unusual. I've never had a corner this good. I've had some great corners, Samari Rolle, Chris McAllister, Aeneas Williams. Some guys I've been around are great corners. But generally you match them on the second receiver and double their good receiver, their top receiver. With Revis, you're able to take out their best receiver, and then roll your coverage to a lesser receiver almost daring your opponent to go ahead and throw it to your best receiver. That's where you want the ball to go most of the time. You want to target him. You can look at the attempts that were thrown towards Revis because of the fact (that) the number one receiver is who he was covering. We want that match‑up. We want you to throw it over there, because we think we have just as good a chance of catching it as you do."

Ray Edwards was not the Vikings only defensive lineman listed on the injury report Wednesday.

Like Edwards, All-Pro defensive tackle Kevin Williams also did not practice after suffering a knee injury in Sunday's 34-3 victory against the Dallas Cowboys.

Their status for Sunday's NFC Championship Game against the New Orleans Saints is unclear, but it's obviously not a good sign for the Vikings that half of their starting line is hurting.

Antonio Gates: He has a year left on his contract. But Gates might be the top priority, because of how much the Chargers love him and his work ethic and because of the career year he had. Now is the time to sign him, though even now it won’t be cheap. Everyone, including Smith, knows the team got the best of Gates in their first contract go-round in 2005. His agent this time: Tom Condon.

Ladainian Tomlinson: It’s a foregone conclusion. The iconic running back is due a $2 million roster bonus and a $5 million salary. There will be no renegotiation, because they did that last year to avoid one this year. The hope here is that it ends amicably, because it’s sad enough he’s leaving without a ring.

Malcom Floyd: Poor Malcom. Last year, he fell two games shy of being unrestricted and, despite having been a Charger since 2003, “settled” for a $1.54 million one-year tender instead of hitting the market and almost assuredly being paid six or seven times that upfront. Now, he’s probably going to be restricted again. The intrigue here regards Floyd’s desire for security and willingness to sign what would certainly be a lesser contract with the Chargers than he could get if he waited a year, and also how necessary the team sees Floyd in light of what it does with Jackson.

Vincent Jackson: Fast developing into one of the AFC’s elite receivers, there are questions about his long-term future as a Charger only because of some drinking and driving issues. Jackson has a DUI matter pending and likely faces a suspension (one or two games) in 2010. Consider ’10 a trial year for Jackson — no pun intended. The Chargers can put a first-and-third tender on him, virtually assuring no one will try to sign him.

Darren Sproles: The Chargers will spend time discussing what to do with one of everyone’s favorite players. They love Sproles and what he provides, but from the team’s perspective it either has to be a long-term contract or Sproles has to be let go. Right? See, Sproles made $6.6 million last season and would be due a 10 percent raise on a one-year tender as a restricted free agent. From Sproles’ perspective, there is little financial motivation to get a long-term deal done. Playing another year for almost $7.3 million and then becoming an unrestricted free agent would be a dream.

The Chargers have five marquee players whose contracts are up and who are due to be unrestricted free agents. But because of the uncertainty of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, all five could be restricted and, thus, under team control for another season.

If there is an uncapped year, which is what is expected, players with less than six seasons of service would be restricted free agents, instead of four seasons of service required in a capped year.

That designation will restrict Malcom Floyd, Vincent Jackson, Marcus McNeill, Shawne Merriman and Darren Sproles, along with seven other Chargers.

Wade Phillips, the head coach with the highest winning percentage in Dallas Cowboys' history, has some job security.

Owner/general manager Jerry Jones announced Thursday that Phillips' contract has been extended through the 2011 season. The team picked up the option for 2010 and added a year.

"I'm encouraged by the progress that we made this year, but in no way are we satisfied," Jones said. "This contract represents that. Two years in the NFL is an eternity, but it has to be urgent."

Ray Rice was unavailable to talk during Monday's open locker room session, but it wasn't his fault. The running back was feeling under the weather, but he did address the media on Tuesday after coach John Harbaugh offered his end-of-the-season assessment.

One of the things Rice discussed was the future of fellow tailback Willis Mcgahee, who backed up Rice and has not shot down speculation that he would like to start somewhere else. Although McGahee's presence cut into Rice's touchdown totals, Rice said he would like McGahee to remain a Raven.

"Willis is a guy that I definitely use as a mentor," Rice said. "He’s been great to me, a great teammate, a great friend. What he’s meant for me is everything. He battled through adversity and is still a great back in this league. I’d definitely love to see him back here. He’s a great back, and what you can see is we’re different backs. You can see that when we’re both rolling, we’re tough to stop. I see us as a tandem, and we can give a lot of defenses problems just because of his style of running and my style of running."

Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has turned down a chance to play in the Pro Bowl because of a right shoulder problem that developed late in the season.

The New York Giants wide receiver Steve Smith will replace Arizona's Larry Fitzgerald in the Pro Bowl, who will miss the game due to injury.

49ers RB Frank Gore has been added to Pro Bowl team. He replaces Steven Jackson (injury).

Titans quarterback Vince Young added to AFC roster for Pro Bowl.

Each Vikings player has been issued custom-fitted earplugs for Sunday's NFC championship game at the noisy Louisiana Superdome. The Vikings are to wear the plugs in practice this week at their bubble facility while crowd noise is blasted from amplifiers on the sidelines.

Raiders managing general partner Al Davis has received numerous calls from coaches, in and out of the NFL, seeking employment the past two-plus weeks. However, he has yet to interview anyone for the head coaching position, a team official said Wednesday.

"The reports that we've interviewed prospective head coaches are totally untrue, totally false," Raiders senior executive John Herrera said.

Bears running back Matt Forte had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee within the last two weeks, according to multiple sources.

The clean-up procedure followed a post-season MRI. Forte sprained the medial collateral ligament in his knee during the Bears' 25-19 victory at Seattle in Week 3, but it is unclear if the surgery stems from that specific injury.

Although Forte ran better toward the end of the season, he averaged just 3.6 yards per carry, down from his 3.9-yard average as a rookie. He finished with 929 rushing yards on 258 carries as the Bears ranked 29th in the league. Forte ran for 1,238 yards on 316 carries as a rookie the year before. As a receiver, he had 57 catches for 471 yards in 2009 against 63 for 477 in his first season.

Forte also suffered a partially torn hamstring during offseason workouts before the '09 season.

With Forte recovering from surgery, the Bears have at least three running backs on the mend. Garrett Wolfe had shoulder surgery almost two weeks ago while Kevin Jones continues his extensive rehab from torn ligaments

In taking over as the Buffalo Bills new head coach, Chan Gailey's first challenge is addressing a lingering problem: Identifying a starting quarterback.

Vowing to conduct a thorough evaluation, Gailey provided a noncommittal response by saying it's too early to make a decision. But he made clear that it's a discussion he's already begun with general manager Buddy Nix.

The Redskins made three coaching hires official today - including a new name that hadn't been previously batted around.

Kyle Shanahan's hiring as the Redskins' new offensive coordinator was hardly a secret - especially considering Mike Shanahan spilled the beans at his own introductory news conference two weeks ago - and we told you last week about Matt LaFleur, who was an offensive assistant under Kyle Shanahan in Houston and will serve as the Redskins' quarterbacks coach.

But a name that came from seemingly nowhere was Jon Embree's. He's the Redskins' new tight ends coach. Embree was apparently out of coaching last season and served as the Kansas City Chiefs' tight ends coach from 2006-08, which followed three seasons as an offensive assistant at UCLA.

Colts HC Jim Caldwell on Jets DB-Darrelle Revis:

“He’s a great player. I’m not certain I’ve seen a corner play as well as he is right now. He’s special. He’s a guy that is a complete ball hawk with all the tools that you require to cover and cover well. What he does for them is that he takes one receiver and tries to eliminate them from the offense. They can take everyone else and concentrate on the other available eligible receivers. It’s highly unusual. It doesn’t happen often, but he’s good enough to do it.”

Colts HC Jim Caldwell on WR-Austin Collie’s film study:

“I think it has helped him a tremendous amount. He has the kind of personality where he is going to work on something until he gets it. He comes in early and stays late. He has sort of a real gym rat mentality. There are not too many mornings that I come in here and walk through the hallway and I’ll see the light flickering in the wide receivers room, and he’s in there watching film before anybody else gets an opportunity to see it, except Peyton. Peyton will watch it the night before. He watches it the next morning. I do think that has helped him, in terms of adjusting to coverages. I do think it has helped him, in terms of his preparation and see different defenses run at different speeds that oftentimes guys don’t get a real good sense of that until it happens to him. He does a lot of great prep work that does aid and assist. He’s also a guy that is willing to ask. He’ll find (Assistant Head Coach/Wide Receivers) Clyde (Christensen) and talk with Clyde and get all the little nuances that he needs to know. He spends time with Peyton, as well. He’s a real student of the game. It’s not a guy that just gives it lip service

Colts WR Reggie Wayne on Jets CB Darrelle Revis:

“It was an adventure on Revis Island, I guess. It was fun. One thing about Revis is he’s going to challenge you. He’s going to make you play your best. That’s all you can ask for. I accept that challenge. I feel like he’s one of the best. He’s going to make me play at my best, so it’s going to be exciting. Now, we’ve got a whole game to play each other. May the best man win.”

“He plays football. He understands the game. He understands routes. He understands combinations. That comes with just watching film and just understanding the game. It’s nothing out of the ordinary, it’s just he’s a student of the game and understands what’s going on and what’s coming at him. You have to put your best foot forward when you are playing against him, or he’ll get the best of you.”

Vikings DE Jared Allen on Does Drew Brees get the ball out as quick as Tony Romo?

"Absolutely. Romo does it quick. I mean you saw that at the beginning of (last week’s) game, a lot of check downs from Romo, a lot of three step, getting it out quick (passes), but we got that turnover. When you get a lead on them, you can force them to get out, but Brees, yeah he gets the ball out probably the fastest, other than Peyton Manning, that I’ve seen."

Vikings RB Adrian Peterson on his stats:

Q: It’s been a couple of months since you’ve had a 100-yard game. Is that wearing on your confidence at all?

A: Not at all; I am very confident. As a running back unit we have been contributing to this offense in the run game and the pass game and most importantly we’ve been winning, putting ourselves in the position to win an NFC Championship and head to the Super Bowl. So whatever I can do to contribute to the offense, that’s what I’m doing, putting it all in.

Q: Are you surprised that people get caught up with your stats? Isn’t it just about winning the game?

A: Yeah, ultimately that is what it is all about. I have been saying all year, and I said the first two years, I will take 50 yards a game if we are playing for that championship game. That is what matters the most, accomplishing that team goal, holding that trophy up at the end of the season. Everything else with the individual goals you can put that to the side.

Saints HC Sean Payton on Robert Meachem:

“He was feeling better today. He was out there for walk through, and we'll see where he is as the week progresses. But I don't think it's real significant. But then again, it's something that he'll get treatment on and we'll continue to rehab throughout the week.”

Saints HC Sean Payton on RB Lynell Hamilton:

“He is a guy that gives you versatility. He's very good in the kicking game. He'll play in a number of units. When you can get on offensive players, be it running backs or tight ends, receivers that are involved in your special teams and good at it, certainly that's a plus. He runs with good balance and vision, he's a young player that is playing with conversation.”

Colts HC Jim Caldwell on What will be RB-Joseph Addai’s availability today?

“I’m not certain. He will go the great majority of the time. I don’t anticipate any real delays. Today is not a padded day for us, so we expect he’ll get a little bit done.”

Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart had successful surgery on his left Achilles this morning, treating a problem that had been bothering him for at least a year.

Stewart's agent Ben Dogra wouldn't say what the severity of the injury had been and said the surgery was to alleviate "lingering pain" and that Stewart expected to be ready for May's mini-camp. Dogra said Stewart also had minor surgery on a pinky finger Wednesday.

The surgery was performed by Panthers team orthopedist Dr. Robert Anderson.

Stewart led the team in rushing with 1,133 yards last season and was limited in practice each week because of the Achilles problem. He didn't finish the final game against New Orleans, saying he "re-tweaked" the Achilles during the game.

For the Jets, defensive end Shaun Ellis (hand/knee), fullback Tony Richardson (rib), and running back Thomas Jones (not injury related) missed practice. Linebacker David Harris (ankle) and linebacker Bart Scott (ankle) participated on a limited basis.

Quarterback Mark Sanchez and receiver Danny Woodhead both fully participated, despite knee injuries.

Last week, 20 players appeared on the Colts' injury list. This week, they're down to only (only?) 18.

The difference, however, is that none of last week's 20 injured players missed all or part of any practice. This time around, several were limited.

Defensive back Jerraud Powers missed Wednesday's session entirely with a foot injury. Tight end Dallas Clark participated on a limited basis, due to an illness. Also limited was defensive back Antoine Bethea (back).

The other 15 injured players fully participated: running back Joseph Addai (shoulder), defensive back Ervin Baldwin (shin), linebacker Gary Brackett (calf), defensive back Melvin Bullitt (shoulder), tackle Ryan Diem (elbow), defensive end Dwight Freeney (foot), linebacker Cody Glenn (back), defensive tackle Antonio Johnson (shoulder), tackle Charlie Johnson (foot), defensive end Robert Mathis (knee), guard Jamey Richard (shoulder), tight end Jacob Tamme (ankle), tackle Tony Ugoh (knee), kicker Adam Vinatieri (right hip), receiver Reggie Wayne (knee).

Vikes injury report: DE Ray Edwards (knee) and DT Kevin Williams (knee) did not take part in practice today. Limited: WR Bernard Berrian (ankle)

Peyton Manning has his Super Bowl ring and a spot in Canton waiting five years after he quits, which is not going to be for another decade the way he is playing. But Kerry Rhodes says the Jets don't fear Manning and he's not immune to being rattled or confused, which is the Jets' mission in the AFC Championship Game.

There is an awful lot going on in Manning's brainy head during a game, and the Jets want to get inside it.

"You don't fear anybody. And no quarterback is beyond getting rattled," Rhodes told the Daily News Tuesday. "When you step on the field with Peyton Manning you got to bring your ‘A' game or you're in trouble. We are going to try to dictate, have some say-so in what he does. Even with Peyton Manning, you get to him a couple of times, he's going to rush his throw. The pressure can affect the way he throws. You don't have to sack him."

Saints TE Jeremy Shockey (knee) and WR Robert Meachem (ankle) did not practice Wednesday.

The Bucs have officially parted ways with WRs coach Richard Mann, whose contract was set to expire in February. The Bucs are looking for his replacement, in addition to looking for a QBs coach to work with Josh Freeman and allow Greg Olson to concentrate on calling plays and installing the game plan.

Deuce Mcallister(notes) has decided to retire from pro football, ending an injury-plagued eight-year career in which he rewrote the New Orleans Saints’ rushing records.

McAllister hasn’t played since 2008 but briefly rejoined the New Orleans Saints last week to serve as an honorary captain for the club’s playoff victory over Arizona on Saturday.

McAllister confirmed his plans to retire to The Associated Press on Tuesday afternoon and the Saints announced soon after in a one-sentence e-mail that McAllister had been placed on the team’s reserve-retired list.

The Saints employed their usual array of formations and personnel groupings early but went to a lot of spread formations once injuries depleted the Cardinals' secondary. Once they grabbed the big lead, the Saints went to their "22" personnel package and tried to move the chains and run out the clock.

Here's the breakdown of the reps at each skill position: WR -Colston 43; Henderson 42; Meachem 31; Lance Moore 14. TE - D.Thomas 42; Shockey 21; Zach Strief 16. RB - P.Thomas 28; Bush 25; Bell 7; L.Hamilton 6; FB - Eckel 24; D.Thomas 7.

Here's a look at the Saints' personnel packages on their 66 offensive snaps:

1WR/2TE/1RB/1FB - 18 out of 66
3WR/1TE/1RB - 15 out of 66
2WR/1TE/1RB/1FB - 15 out of 66 plays
2WR/2TE/1RB - 8 out of 66
3WR/2RB - 2 out of 66
2TE/1RB/1FB/1S - 4 out of 66
4WR/1RB - 3 out of 66
3TE/1RB/1FB - 1 out of 66

Jets CB Darrelle Revis will try to lock up Reggie Wayne when the Jets get their rematch with the Colts in Indianapolis on Sunday. Beyond that, he’ll be the leader of this defense well into this decade.

The Saints officially promoted WR Adrian Arrington to the active roster off the practice squad. Arrington could play if Robert Meachem cannot go.

Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart is "officially getting surgery today on his foot."

Raiders owner Al Davis has interviewed prospective head coaches for more than two weeks, two league sources told The Chronicle, in the event he decides to fire Tom Cable.

Two people on his interview list have been identified as former Giants coach Jim Fassel, who now coaches UFL champion Las Vegas, and former Raiders offensive coordinator Marc Trestman, the head coach of CFL champion Montreal.

But what about Cable? He has not been fired, as far as anyone can tell. Team officials decline to say whether or not Cable will return for a second season. Cable has not responded to several phone messages.

Former Oakland Raiders wide receiver Jerry Porter has told police that someone stole about $312,000 worth of his jewelry after he placed the items under his car seat while he went for a facial at an Oakland salon.

There is no acrimony between Mike Nolan and Broncos coach Josh McDaniels. The Dolphins sent the Broncos a written request to interview Nolan. McDaniels approached Nolan with the request and, in a nutshell, asked him if he’d rather be in Miami or Denver. Nolan said he would like to interview with the Dolphins. McDaniels then granted Nolan permission and wished him well.

Rex Ryan fired the first shot of Jets-Colts championship week by not even attempting to disguise his expectations going into the AFC title game, insisting he would be "shocked" if the Jets don't win and get to the Super Bowl.

He may have looked a little tired after the Jets got back from San Diego at 4 a.m. following their 17-14 victory over the Chargers, but Ryan's bravado was in midseason form as he stood in a hallway talking with the Daily News yesterday about his confidence level going into Sunday's game.

"I'm confident. There is no question about it," he said. "We're going into the game expecting to win. I'd be shocked if we don't. Absolutely would be."

Texans quarterback Matt Schaub has been added to the AFC Pro Bowl roster after New England's Tom Brady was forced to pull out due to an injury, the NFL released on its Web site late Tuesday night.

Schaub, who will be making his first Pro Bowl appearance, led the NFL in passing with 4,770 yards this season. The other AFC quarterbacks are Peyton Manning of Indianapolis and Phillip Rivers of San Diego.

Schaub joins wide receiver Andre Johnson, defensive end Mario Williams and linebackers Brian Cushing and DeMeco Ryans as Texans representatives on the AFC roster.

Deuce Mcallister will announce his retirement from football later today, he told The Clarion-Ledger this afternoon.

The New Orleans Saints need McAllister’s roster position to sign a wide receiver after an injury to Robert Meachem makes him questionable for Sunday’s NFC Championship Game against the Minnesota Vikings.

“I was pretty well content and ready to retire before all this came up,” McAllister said. “I have to be real with myself. I don’t know that I could come back with my knees the way they are. I don’t know if I would need another surgery.”

The Miami Dolphins have officially hired Mike Nolan to be their defensive coordinator.

HC Harbaugh said he wants Willis Mcgahee to return to the Ravens. But he acknowledged salary could be a problem.

Keeping an open mind when it comes to the team's kicking situation, Ravens coach John Harbaugh said he would consider many options, including an old one.

"Matt’s a possibility coming back," said Harbaugh, referring to former kicker Matt Stover. "That could work out that way."

Stover is currently kicking for the Indianapolis Colts, but the veteran kicker is expected to be released when Adam Vinatieri is healthy next season. Stover had been the Ravens' primary placekicker in their first 13 years of existence. The Ravens went another direction before the 2009 season when the sides couldn't agree on terms of a contract.

Harbaugh, though, also didn't rule out sticking with Billy Cundiff, the team's current kicker, or drafting a kicker.

"Billy Cundiff is a big possibility for us," Harbaugh said. "He’s proved that he can make field goals under pressure situations."

As all eyes in Philly are fixed on whether the Eagles will be trading quarterback Donovan Mcnabb, there's a new piece of evidence indicating that the future might be now for the team's quarterback of the future.

Howard Eskin of WIP radio and NBC Philadelphia recently has reported that, during the 2009 season, young offensive players were going to Kevin Kolb for advice on the sidelines before approaching McNabb.

Of course, this says nothing about the organization's opinions of McNabb and/or Kolb, but it's definitely a factor in the question of whether the powers-that-be believe Kolb is ready to be the kind of leader that a franchise quarterback needs to be.

Ravens WR Demetrius Williams, the little-used fourth-round pick, might have a chance to look elsewhere if the Ravens don't want him. In an uncapped year, he would be a restricted free agent, which means the Ravens can keep him by tendering him a contract offer.

It's unknown whether the Ravens are thinking of bringing back Williams. After being leapfrogged by Washington on the depth chart, he was rarely used on offense, finishing with eight catches for 142 yards.

Asked about his future, he said: "I don't know. I'm just trying to go somewhere where they want me."

Ravens WR Kelley Washington set career highs with 34 catches for 480 yards. He expects to look around to see whether he has a chance to be more than a No. 3 wide receiver.

"I'm going to put myself in the best situation where I'm going to be out there on the field, not just on third down," Washington said. "I feel like I proved that I can play receiver in this league now as well as special teams. Now, I'm going to look out for myself."

The Dallas Cowboys are executing the 2010 option on coach Wade Phillips, binding him to the team for next season, according to a source with knowledge of the situation, and have more meetings with the coach planned for today.

Phillips met with owner Jerry Jones and top brass on Monday and there are more talks scheduled. The club has not moved to extend Phillips’ contract beyond 2010 at this point but Jones is comfortable with him as head coach for 2010. The Cowboys finished strong to win the NFC East and ended a long playoff victory drought as well, but then were drubbed, 34-3, by the Vikings in the divisional round on Sunday.

Green Bay Packers director of football operations John Schneider has been chosen as the new general manager of the Seattle Seahawks, league and team sources said.

Like it or not, Chargers fans, coach Norv Turner will be sticking around for four more years.

The Chargers announced Monday night that the oft-maligned coach is getting a three-year contract extension through 2013.

The extension came just more than 24 hours after the Chargers were shocked 17-14 by the New York Jets in the divisional playoffs, renewing calls by some fans for Turner to be fired.

The Buffalo Bills have hired former Dallas Cowboys and Georgia Tech coach Chan Gailey as their new coach, a team source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.

The team announced it would hold a news conference at its facility in Orchard Park, N.Y. at 2 p.m. ET.

Saints WR Robert Meachem's x-ray was negative. He should be OK.

Chargers have signed Norv Turner to a three-year extension, through 2013.

As expected, Dolphin Stadium will be renamed Sun Life Stadium as part of a deal that the Dolphins struck with a Canadian financial services firm, industry officials said Monday

To retain Michael Vick for 2010, the Philadelphia Eagles must pay the part-time quarterback a seven-figure option bonus by March 5, and even in an uncapped season (as next year is expected to be), that's an awful lot of money for owner Jeff Lurie to ante up for a guy who played so sparingly this season.

Reggie Bush didn't always like the plan, but deep down he knew it was the best blueprint for success.

When Bush, the Saints' multidimensional running back and the star of New Orleans' 45-14 victory over the Arizona Cardinals in an NFC divisional playoff game Saturday at the Superdome, was told his touches would be limited throughout the season to ensure he would be healthy for the postseason, his competitive fire took control of him.

But Saints Coach Sean Payton never swayed.

Throughout the season, Payton picked his spots when to use Bush, who was coming off a microfracture procedure on his left knee in December of 2008.

Payton often rotated Bush in and out of the lineup.

In 14 regular-season games, Bush carried the ball more than 10 times once. His season-high for touches came at Buffalo on Sept. 27 when Bush had 20 -- rushing 13 times for 64 yards, catching three passes for 17 yards and returning four punts for 17 yards in the Saints' 27-7 victory.

"It's a long season, and you have to be careful with a back like him that in the first three weeks of the year he's had too many touches -- and he's breaking down, so he gives us versatility in the passing game and in the running game," Payton said. "Our depth with Pierre Thomas, Lynell Hamilton and Mike Bell there allows us to be smart about how we want to use him.

Pierre Thomas, who missed the final regular-season game with broken ribs, said he came out of Saturday's game healthy.

He did momentarily leave the game in the first half after he tweaked his right ankle, but he said Sunday he only had the ankle re-tapped and isn't bothered by it.

"I feel good right now," Thomas said. "I took a couple shots, but hey, I'm always going to take some shots. I said coming into (Saturday's) game that I was about 85 or 90 percent. Now, I'm getting close to 100 percent."

Vikings cornerback Antoine Winfield, who played exclusively on the inside in the nickel package in the regular-season finale because the Vikings wanted to get him some rest for his injured right foot, played in short-yardage base situations Sunday and also was used inside in the nickel. Frazier said it was all about making sure the Vikings continued to take care of Winfield’s foot. "He’s so, so key to us," Frazier said. "When I saw him moving the way he was in practice on Thursday, I told one of our coaches, I said, ‘You know what? We’re going to play lights out.’ I really felt that way, just seeing how he moved and I just know what he does for our defense. His presence. It’s much like if Jared [Allen] wasn’t out there or Kevin [Williams]."

Brett Favre became the first 40-year-old quarterback to win a playoff game in NFL history. Favre completed 15 of 24 passes for 234 yards and four touchdowns with no interceptions. In nine games at the Metrodome this season, Favre threw 25 touchdown passes and only 2 interceptions.

With his 263 rushing yards through two playoff games, Shonn Greene has the second-best total ever through two games by a rookie.

Vikings DE Ray Edwards, who had three of his team’s six sacks in Sunday’s 34-3 divisional-playoff blowout of the Cowboys, should be good to start in the NFC Championship Game against the Saints.

Edwards sustained a mildly sprained medial collateral ligament in his knee, according to a source with knowledge of the diagnosis. Edwards could miss some practice time, but he will be OK come game time Sunday, the source said.

San Diego Chargers wide receiver Vincent Jackson was pulled over by a San Diego police officer several hours before the team's AFC playoff game against the New York Jets on Sunday, 10News reported.

San Diego Police Department spokesman Gary Hassen confirmed the officer pulled over Jackson's vehicle as he was heading to the team's Murphy Canyon-area facility early
Sunday morning because it was playing loud music. The officer reported Jackson's vehicle tags were expired and learned Jackson was driving on a suspended license, which is a misdemeanor.

According to Hassen, Jackson was taken out of his vehicle and handcuffed for a short period of time. With the choice to take Jackson to jail or cite him, the officer cited the wide receiver and impounded his vehicle, Hassen said.

Sources told 10News Jackson was given a ride to Qualcomm Stadium by quarterback Philip Rivers.

Mike Nolan and Josh McDaniels have decided to "mutually part ways" in Denver. Nolan has resigned as Broncos DC and is reportedly going to interview for the same post with the Dolphins.

Saints tight end Jeremy Shockey appeared to have aggravated the injury to his right toe. He was limping on the play before he caught his 17-yard touchdown in the first quarter.

Robert Meachem appears to have suffered an ankle injury in the first half. He briefly left the game to get his left ankle taped.

At first, Derrick Mason said he's done. Then, he said 60-40 he'll retire. At this point, it's unresolved.

Ladainian Tomlinson "I will play in 2010."

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has decided that head coach Wade Phillips will return next season despite the team's 34-3 loss Sunday to the Minnesota Vikings, a high-ranking team source said Monday.

There has been no decision on whether to negotiate an extension of Phillips' current contract, the source said. The Cowboys control Phillips' fate because they have an option for the 2010 season under terms of Phillips' original contract that will pay him close to the $3 million he earned this season when he served as the league's only head coach-defensive coordinator.

The Cowboys have made no official announcement on Phillips' future.

With their defense swarming like killer bees Saturday night, the Colts limited Rice to 67 yards on 13 rushes while beating the Ravens 20-3 in an AFC divisional playoff game at Lucas Oil Stadium. But the Colts gained only 42 yards on 25 rushes.
That's the second-lowest postseason total in Colts history. Only a 41-yard day at Pittsburgh in a 1996 wild-card game was worse.

"I looked real hard at the film (Sunday) morning, trying to identify where we kind of failed in that area, and (the mistakes) are correctable," Colts coach Jim Caldwell said.

"That's the thing about it; without question it's correctable. So we'll work at getting that done."

Former Rutgers football star and current NFL player Kenny Britt was arrested in Glen Ridge this past Friday evening.

Authorities confirmed Monday afternoon that Britt was apprehended on Bloomfield Avenue for a traffic violation just after 11 p.m. Jan. 15. The incident began when officers on patrol observed Britt’s vehicle stopped in the middle of Bloomfield Avenue, said Glen Ridge Lt. Robert Wohlgemuth.

Police discovered that Britt, 21, had three outstanding traffic warrants, two from Elizabeth and one from Jacobstown. The three warrants totaled $865.

Britt posted bail for the warrants and was released later that night, according to the Glen Ridge Police. No additional charges were filed, Wohlgemuth said.

The MRI of Arizona Cardinals cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie showed that he chipped his tibia of his left leg and also injured his medial collateral ligament. He will undergo further tests this week to determine if surgery is needed. The best part is that DRC’s anterior cruciate ligament was apparently OK, and that’s the ligament that causes the biggest problem if torn. All things considered, it’s good news for both DRC and the Cards. UPDATE: Officially, the MCL is just injured. The extent of that injury has yet to be determined.

Jets DE Shaun Ellis, speaking on a conference call with reporters, said he will have surgery next week to insert screws in his broken left hand. He would've done it this week, except it will take more than a week for the skin to heal properly. If the Jets make the Super Bowl, Ellis should be able to play because of the two-week break.

Ellis said there's no doubt he will play Sunday against the Colts in the AFC Championship Game.

He hurt his hand on the first play of Sunday's win over the Chargers, saying his hand "just gave out" while engaging with an offensive lineman. He went to the locker room to get it casted, giving him the "club" look. He was limited through the rest of the game.

After sticking around from the birth of the franchise and through three head coaches, longtime Carolina Panthers receivers coach Richard Williamson is leaving football.

The 68-year-old Williamson announced his retirement Monday. He joined the Panthers in their inaugural season in 1995 and worked under coaches Dom Capers, George Seifert and John Fox.

Usually it’s the team that loses the first meeting that is looking for redemption in the rematch.

In the Jets' case, however, they will be the ones looking to “redeem” themselves Sunday for their 29-15 regular-season win over the Indianapolis Colts.

“No question about it,” tackle Damien Woody said today about “unfinished business” in the wake of Sunday's 17-14 win over San Diego that lifted the Jets into the AFC Championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium.

“Everyone said Peyton [Manning] didn’t play the whole game. But it was a competitive game, and now there are no excuses. Nothing can be said because everybody will have their top guns out there playing. This is our opportunity to show who the better team is and we’re going to embrace that opportunity and go out and try to get it done.”

The frustrations of Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Roy Williams surfaced following the team's 34-3 loss playoff to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday.

Williams finished the game without a catch and was targeted only once.

When asked if the Cowboys called any plays for him, he told ESPNDallas.com, "No. Hell no."

"I didn't get a ball today, and I didn't get a look at today. It just happens," Williams said. "It's frustrating. It pisses me off, especially when we lose and especially when I feel like I have a mismatch. I got a 5-10 corner, but hey, you know, I will continue to work hard in the offseason and it will come back around."

Eight days after the Eagles exited the 2009 playoffs, word has emerged that one of their mainstays on offense over the past decade could be calling it quits.

Howard Eskin reported Sunday night on NBC Philadelphia's Sports Final and WIP radio that running back Brian Westbrook may have to retire.

But while concussions triggered talk during the season that Westbrook might not return, Eskin says that Westbrook's left knee is the problem, due to multiple surgeries and overall wear and tear. He'll be visiting doctors in the near future for additional opinions about whether he can still play.

Eskin says there's "almost no chance" Westbrook will play for the Eagles again (he's due to earn a $7.25 million salary in 2010), and that he might have trouble passing a physical for another team.

The pause may have been more telling than Ladainian Tomlinson's answer. In the aftermath of Sunday's 17-14 loss to the New York Jets in the AFC divisional playoffs on Sunday, the Chargers' all-time leading rusher stepped up to the podium and addressed his future in San Diego.
Do you want to come back?

"I can't tell you that right now," the 30-year-old Tomlinson said after a 4-second pause.

"Obviously, I have the passion in me," he said. "But when this happens, it takes a lot out of you, mentally and physically. It has a toll on you to lose like this."

Vikings defensive end Ray Edwards injured his right knee in the third quarter against Dallas. But coach Brad Childress doesn't seem concerned when asked about the severity of the injury. KFAN-AM 1130 described the injury during the game as a bruise.

Edwards returned to the game briefly but then left again with the Vikings en route to a 34-3 win.

"I think he will be OK," Childress said. "No reason for him to come back in at that point."

Edwards also expressed optimism that he would be able to play next week at New Orleans.

Over a four-month season, Nate Kaeding established himself as the most accurate field-goal kicker in the NFL. Yet, that body of work will be overshadowed by one highly disappointing afternoon in which he missed left, right and short.

"I've missed field goals before in games and been able to come back and execute the next one," Kaeding said. "So that's part of the deal. You're not going to make them all. You're charged with the responsibility of putting the ball through the uprights regardless of whether you made the last one or you missed it. I missed them all today."

Sean Payton did not mention Saints injuries. Jeremy Shockey said he was OK. Robert Meachem had a protective boot on his left ankle as a precaution.

Pierre Thomas said his sprained right ankle is fine. He just tweaked it. Should be OK.

Neil Rackers, bothered by a lingering groin injury, had two chances to make a 50-yard field goal at the end of the first half and missed both of them. Saints coach Sean Payton called a timeout just before Rackers’ first kick sailed wide right. His second attempt landed just short.

Rackers, who also missed a chip shot that would have beaten Green Bay in the final seconds last Sunday, was 16-for-17 during the regular season.

Whisenhunt blamed the blown field goals and a second-half kickoff that was short and out of bounds on the groin problem.

“He obviously struggled to come back from that (injury),” Whisenhunt said. “We thought he was healthy. All indications from practice were he was ready to go.”

Brett Favre said that he’s aware of the two potential outcomes of the game, saying, “If you win, you go on. If you lose, you’re done -- and for me -- that could very well be my last game.’’

Bears’ defensive end Gaines Adams, 26, died this morning of an enlarged heart, a Greenwood County deputy coroner said. He’d been taken to the emergency room at Self Regional Hospital in Greenwood, S.C., and died at 7:20 a.m. Chicago time.

Baltimore Ravens safety Ed Reed is considering retirement after an injury-filled season.

The 31-year-old Reed missed four December games because of a variety of injuries, including problems with his neck, hip and groin.

"I've been thinking about it, and it kind of hit me on the sidelines," he said Saturday after a 20-3 playoff loss to the Colts. "It's going to be a long offseason. It hurts. I am just thinking about it.

"I'm 50-50. I am going to re-evaluate things and see how it goes in the next couple of days."

Anquan Boldin will not request a trade this offseason.

"No," Boldin said following Arizona's 45-14 loss to New Orleans said. "I'm going to let it play out."

"I can't do anything one way or the other," he said. "If I go to them and request a trade, it don't matter. I'm under contract for another year. So no matter what I say or do, that won't change anything. I'm under contract for another year. So whatever happens, it depends on what the Cardinals want to do. I'm not worried about it at all."

Boldin also has no concern about the perception he's become injury-prone. He'll be 30 years old in October and missed these playoffs due to knee and ankle issues.

"I'm fine," he insisted. "I don't have anything that requires surgery or anthing. I'm fine."

With that as his season's final enduring image, Kurt Warner will have to decide whether to come back or call it a career.

"I don’t really have a target date," Warner said about making his decision. "But I want to get away. I’ve thought about it a lot, and have over the last couple of years. I have some ideas in my head. But you want to get away from the season a bit.

Cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie said he thinks he tore ligaments in his left knee in Saturday’s game, already making the offseason interesting. Coach Ken Whisenhunt said he didn’t know the extent of DRC’s injury until an MRI is conducted tomorrow, and obviously DRC was really worried about his last injury a couple weeks ago and it turned out OK. But if DRC does have a big-time injury, it’s going to be a long offseason for him and a lot of work to rehab.

The Cards came out of the rest of the game OK. Antrel Rolle has the concussion, but he has plenty of time to get better. The same goes for Kurt Warner’s bruised chest — assuming he plays again next season.

The hip injury that Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco suffered against the Raiders in Baltimore's regular-season finale was so bad that he could not sit during any of the flight back from Oakland, according to a league source.

The hip caused Flacco so many problems the next week that, in the days leading up to the wild-card game against the Patriots, there were some Ravens players who wondered if their quarterback would be able to play at New England, as Flacco's leg had filled with fluid and had three inches of swelling.

Flacco was better this week before Saturday night's divisional playoff game at Indianapolis, but he still was not fully recovered.

Inactive for the Saints: running back Deuce Mcallister, safety Chris Reis, linebacker Anthony Waters, guard Jamar Nesbit, tight end Darnell Dinkins, tight end Tory Humphrey and defensive end Paul Spicer. Chase Daniel is the third quarterback.

WR Anquan Boldin & LB Gerald Hayes are both inactive for Cardinals. Steve Breaston & Monty Beisel start in their places.

Deuce Mcallister will lead the New Orleans Saints into the playoffs, at least during introductions.

The Saints re-signed their popular all-time rusher on Friday with the intention of making him an honorary captain, but McAllister won't play in Saturday's divisional-round playoff game against the Arizona Cardinals, Saints coach Sean Payton said.

Payton said the Saints first discussed the idea of making McAllister an unofficial guest captain a couple weeks ago. When reserve defensive tackle Rodney Leisle hurt his knee and was unable to practice this week, Payton and general manager Mickey Loomis decided to make McAllister an official part of the team.

"We felt like it was appropriate for the divisional game," Payton said. "He's so well thought of. He's so well respected by the players."

It was easy to spot Early Doucet last Sunday.

He was the helmetless Arizona wide receiver flexing his biceps in the end zone after a second-quarter touchdown reception in the Cardinals' 51-45 overtime victory against the Green Bay Packers in an NFC wild-card playoff game.

Doucet, a second-year pro, made the most of his opportunity against the Packers when he moved up a spot in the wide receiver rotation because starter Anquan Boldin was inactive after suffering left ankle and knee injuries the week before.

On Doucet's first touchdown catch, he lined up next to receiver Larry Fitzgerald and got open over the middle. On the second, Doucet broke a tackle near the 10-yard line and scored as his helmet was knocked off at the goal line with 2:16 remaining in the first half.

"I don't mind the contact going over the middle, " Doucet said. "Football is a contact sport, so whether you catch the ball or not, you are still going to get hit nine times out of 10."

Tom Cable will apparently remain coach of the Oakland Raiders at least until next week.

Thomas Jones quickly batted down questions about his physical health Friday. In fact, the Jets running back said he was baffled earlier this week when coach Rex Ryan was asked if Jones’ bruised right knee would require offseason surgery.

“I don’t even know where this stuff came from,” Jones said Friday. “I banged my knee on the turf. We had about seven guys that got nicked up from the turf. I banged my knee on the turf at the Meadowlands, it was so cold. So it was just a bruise; it wasn’t a big deal.”

Jones’ production did dip in the wild-card win against the Bengals — he picked up 34 yards on 15 carries — one week after he banged his knee in the Jets’ regular-season finale against the Bengals.

But he said the knee brace he wore that week was “just for comfort” and added that he currently feels “100 percent.”

Patriots receiver Randy Moss, who was named an alternate to the Pro Bowl, will not play in the game because of an injury. His spot was filled Friday by Bengals receiver Chad Ochocinco.

Moss’s injury is not known. He was not listed on the Patriots’ injury report prior to their playoff loss against the Ravens, and played in every game this season.

The Bears have hired former Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Tice as the team's offensive line coach.

Dallas Cowboys starting running back Marion Barber participated fully in practice Friday, and he's listed as probable for the NFC divisional playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday.

Barber practiced, although in limited fashion, for the first time this week Thursday because of a swollen knee. The Cowboys hope he will start Sunday.

"He says he's good to go," Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones said. "He wasn't sore and he moved around out there pretty good [Thursday]."

Barber injured his knee in the regular-season finale against the Philadelphia Eagles and re-injured it in last week's wild-card victory, also against the Eagles. He lasted just three carries before he was taken out of last Saturday's game.

An MRI exam on Monday revealed no structural damage.

Running backs coach Skip Peete said he could tell Barber wasn't 100 percent during the playoff game against the Eagles. Peete said if Barber doesn't run with well against the Vikings, he would pull him out.

Felix Jones took the bulk of the workload in last week's playoff game, carrying 16 times for 148 yards and one touchdown.

Jets QB Mark Sanchez (knee probable) took reps Friday. Sanchez will start this weekend but remains a last resort fantasy option.

Cardinals WR Anquan Boldin (ankle questionable) returned to limited practice Friday. Boldin hadn't practiced in two weeks, but with the Cardinals playing on Saturday Friday wasn't much of a practice - likely not much more than a walkthrough. Boldin will be a game-time decision, as he was last week, but also like last week sources are reporting that the Cardinals are expecting to be without Boldin. Even if he does suit up, Boldin will be limited. Don't expect anything from Boldin. Steve Breaston and Early Doucet will again be asked to step up in what could likely be another shoutout against the Saints.

The Chargers listed only a punter on their final injury report. This means WRs Vincent Jackson and Legedu Naanee are fully healthy. Vincent Jackson is not as good a play as usual this week squaring off with Jets corner Darrelle Revis.

Cowboys RB Marion Barber (knee probable) returned to take full reps Friday. With Barber tagged as probable, it sounds like he will get the start this week against the Vikings. However, Barber started last week against the Eagles and was pulled by RB coach Skip Peete after only three carries because of a lack of explosiveness. Peete says he will be monitoring Barber closely again this week. Against a tough, well rested Vikings run defense and with Felix Jones looking good last week, starting Barber this week comes with a lot of risk and downside.

Jets RB Thomas Jones (knee probable) took reps Friday. Jones should start this weekend, but rookie Shonn Greene is coming on in a big way and last week received more carries and was much more productive than Jones. Don't be surprised to see Greene steal the show again if Jones is ineffective or if Greene has the hot hand.

Vikings TE Visanthe Shiancoe (quadricep probable) took full reps Friday. Shiancoe is expected to start against the Cowboys this weekend and should be in relatively good shape coming off the BYE.

Colts WR Pierre Garcon (hand probable) took reps Friday. Garcon should be well rested after three weeks off. The question will be how long it takes him to get back on the same page with QB Peyton Manning.

Ravens WR Derrick Mason (hand probable) took full reps Friday. Mason will start this weekend against the Colts. Mason doesn't care about putting up stats so long as the Ravens win, but owners weren't happy with last week's 1 catch for 8 yards. Expect more than 4 completions from Joe Flacco this week and expect better numbers for Mason.

Saints RB Pierre Thomas (ribs probable) took reps Friday. If the ribs are bothering Thomas, he isn't letting on. Thomas will share carries with Mike Bell and catches out of the backfield with Reggie Bush, but is the best Saints back. Don't expect recently signed Duece McCallister get any work.

Colts WR Reggie Wayne (knee probable) took reps Friday and should in prime shape for a big game against the Ravens.

Ravens TE Todd Heap (back probable) took reps Friday and is expected to start as usual this week. Heap had no receptions last week, but Joe Flacco only threw 10 times and completed 4 passes.

Saints WR Lance Moore (ankle probable) was limited at practice Friday. It looks like Moore will suit up this weekend, but don't expect much production. In Moore's previous return to action he caught just one ball.

Cardinals K Neil Rackers (right groin probable) took reps Friday. Rackers shanked a game-winner last week against the Packers but escaped goat status after the defense won the game in overtime. Expect Rackers to bounce back this weekend.

Vikings RB Naufahu Tahi (back questionable) was limited at practice Friday.

Colts K Adam Vinatieri (right hip probable) took reps Friday. Vinatieri is not expected to be active this weekend. Matt Stover will handle kicking duties.

Colts TE Gijon Robinson (knee probable) took reps Friday.

Cowboys RB Marion Barber (knee) took part in all of practice today and is listed as probable for Sunday's game.

Only probables for Ravens: Gaither, Todd Heap, Ed Reed, Derrick Mason, Gooden and Williams. All had full participation Friday.

Don't expect Deuce McCallister to play. He'll lead team on field and serve as honorary captain 2mrow. Regardless, a classy move by the Saints.

Not only are Cards expected to be without WR Anquan Boldin (knee), but it doesn't look like LB Gerald Hayes (ankle) will play either.

Chad Simpson or Sam Giguere? Caldwell isn't tipping his hand on the Colts kick returner.

Colts wide receiver Pierre Garcon continued to juggle preparations for the Baltimore Ravens with concern about aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins in Haiti, which was devastated by a massive earthquake Tuesday.

Communications disruptions remain a problem, but he has been reassured about some of his relatives.

"Some of my family is all right, their houses not in great condition, but all right," Garcon said after practice Thursday. "I still haven't heard from everybody. It's just crazy there. It's crazy."

Garcon's parents and three sisters were born in Haiti but live in the U.S.

A league source tells us that veteran running back Deuce Mcallister will be rejoining the Saints in time for Saturday's home playoff game against the Cardinals.

The Saints could easily clear a roster spot by cutting quarterback Chase Daniel, who was signed two weeks ago for the regular-season finale, given that quarterback Drew Brees was given the day off.

McAllister was released by the Saints in the offseason, and he has since signed with no one. He has a four-game suspension hanging over his head, given his membership in the StarCaps six.

But with the league suspending all suspensions pending resolution of the litigation filed by Vikings defensive tackles Pat and Kevin Williams, McAllister is free to sign with any team.

Running back Pierre Thomas has been practicing this week with a rib injury, and it's possible the McAllister would actually be needed. The more likely explanation is that the Saints are hoping to blow the roof off the Superdome on Saturday after slumping down the stretch.

Many share the frustration over an inconsistent Steelers running game this season; Steelers president Art Rooney II has done something about it.

He talked to coach Mike Tomlin about changing the Steelers' philosophy about the run, and they agreed it will be a point of emphasis heading into the 2010 season.

"I think Mike and I certainly agreed coming off the season that we need to run the ball more consistently to get to where we want to get to," Rooney told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette yesterday. "So that's part of the thinking in the offseason: We need to figure out how to get better running the football."

While fans and media wait impatiently for the Bears to reconstruct their coaching staff, general manager Jerry Angelo and head coach Lovie Smith are more concerned with being thorough, as they consider candidates for offensive and defensive coordinator.

One of the key factors in deciding on an offensive coordinator will be how he relates to franchise quarterback Jay Cutler. It’s so important that Cutler has become part of the evaluation process at the Bears’ request. The four-year veteran flew in to meet with candidate Ken Zampese, the Bengals’ quarterbacks coach, earlier in the week and is expected to weigh in on other candidates.

“We’ve involved Jay, and we’d like to have him meet with (all) the candidates,” Angelo said. “He understands the whole process, and he knows we want him involved. This is not the first time we’ve involved a player. This isn’t new to us.”

Brett Favre wants to clear up something: He didn't guarantee a victory over the Dallas Cowboys.

The Vikings quarterback is aware how his words can be interpreted as bulletin board material, even if he had no intention of making a bold statement. His optimism and line of positive thinking can be taken out of context.

On Wednesday, Favre said it would be a shock if he wasn't holding his weekly news conference with the media next Wednesday. Television reports locally and on NFL Network left room for interpretation but suggested Favre was all but guaranteeing victory. Profootballtalk.com got in the mix, too, with a headline that stated Favre made "an indirect guarantee."

"Well, first of all, I'm not guaranteeing anything, and the last thing I ever want to do is be bulletin board material," Favre said. "Of course, I gave the Cowboys a ton of respect, as they deserve. They are playing outstanding. That's not B.S. They are playing, and I'm speaking NFC, as well if not the best, maybe in the league. San Diego, obviously, would argue that. But I was not guaranteeing."

Cardinals are not expecting wide receiver Anquan Boldin to play, though the team has not fully abandoned hopes that he can. But doubtful.

As long as Donovan Mcnabb and Kevin Kolb are in Philly, Michael Vick won't get a chance to start for the Eagles. But what about St. Louis?

What seemed totally far-fetched last summer, as Vick was about to get out of prison, no longer seems like such a longshot in St. Louis. Because Vick remains under contract with Philadelphia, Rams general manager Billy Devaney can't speak publicly on the topic.

But Devaney has consistently said the team will explore all options to improve the club. He has made it a point in interviews to note that the "four pillars" approach is being softened this offseason. In other words, the Rams are more likely to take a chance on a so-called "character-risk" player than last year at this time.

Devaney worked for the Atlanta Falcons before coming to St. Louis, so he's very familiar with Vick. In fact, Devaney visited Vick in prison while Vick was serving 18 months for running a dogfighting operation.

Reid has been one of the major career influences for Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo. So when Reid talks about how he was impressed with Vick, and the "changes" he made in his life, that will resonate with Spagnuolo.

So it will come as no surprise if Vick's name comes up next week when Devaney, Spagnuolo and executive vice president of football operations Kevin Demoff meet with Rams owner Chip Rosenbloom at the organization's annual postseason summit.

After two seasons with the Redskins, offensive coordinator Sherman Smith will be looking for work again.

New Coach Mike Shanahan informed Smith on Wednesday he would not be retained, ending Smith's brief tenure with the team. A longtime running backs coach with the Tennessee Titans, Smith came to Washington to work alongside former head coach Jim Zorn, his good friend and onetime NFL teammate, who was fired Jan. 4.

New Browns President Mike Holmgren said to media this week that it won't be business as usual with the organization, and he reiterated that theme in a major staff meeting Thursday.

At least six people were fired as Holmgren fulfilled his promise to make changes.

The entire pro personnel department of four men was wiped out by General Manager Tom Heckert. Also, assistant trainers Danny Long and James Williams were let go.

More changes are expected -- some in high places -- as Holmgren streamlines the organization.

Tom Cable arrived at Raiders headquarters Thursday as the team's head coach. He exited the building just after 7 p.m. with a backpack slung over his right shoulder, jumped in his truck and drove past reporters without commenting on whether he remains coach.

Cable was supposed to meet with managing general partner Al Davis to discuss the direction of the Raiders for next season and beyond, including whether Cable will be around in any capacity.

Buffalo Bills interim coach Perry Fewell decided to join the New York Giants as defensive coordinator Thursday night after also weighing an offer from the Chicago Bears.

Anquan Boldin is continuing to get treatment in hopes of playing against the Saints, but he is likely to be a game-time decision, head coach Ken Whisenhunt said.

But can a player who hasn't practiced in two weeks be an active part of the offensive packages the Cardinals plan to roll out at the Louisiana Superdome?

"With as much three- and four-wide receiver sets as we do, he can certainly contribute, yes, and be part of packages," Whisenhunt said. "I wouldn't think he would go 60 snaps in a game, but more of like what he did in New York."

Playing in a condensed role with an ankle injury Oct. 25 at the Giants, Boldin caught three passes for 75 yards, including a 44-yard catch and run that led to a field goal in Arizona's 24-17 win.

As expected Marion Barber was limited in Thursday's practice with a bruised knee, but coach Wade Phillips was encouraged by the running back's progress.

"We'll see what he does [Friday] but it's looking better and better for him to be able to play," Phillips said.

If Barber is dressed, Phillips expects Barber to be a starter.

Running backs coach Skip Peete said he will watch Barber closely during warmups and early in the game should he play. Peete noticed Barber was not as explosive vs. Philadelphia last week and took him out of the game. He said Barber could have played but with a big lead and the success of the other running backs it was wise to rest Barber.

Barber has told the coaches he wants to play in his return to his home state, but every player wants to play even when they can't play.

Bill Cowher wants to be the next head coach of the Giants.

At least, he does according to Jerome Bettis, Cowher’s former running back with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Bettis said the reason Cowher hasn’t returned to coach is because he’s “holding out” for the Giants job to open up. In fact, he told Chris “Mad Dog” Russo today on Sirius XM’s Mad Dog Radio that Cowher would have gotten the Giants’ job in 2008 if Tom Coughlin hadn’t taken the Giants on that magical, Super Bowl XLII run.

“That’s the team that he really coveted,” Bettis said. “This is where he always wanted to be. The Mara family, he’s been very close to them. … He’s known them very well and was on the inside track — before the Giants won the Super Bowl — for that job. And I think he’s holding out for that opportunity if it presents itself.”

Bettis added that he believes that Cowher “is going to be with the Giants” eventually - - possibly as soon as next year.

“He would have definitely gotten the job (after the 2007 season, if the Giants hadn’t gone on a run),” Bettis said. “And if Coughlin doesn’t get that team back in the right direction next year I think they’ll pull the plug.”

It’s all speculation of course, but it’s interesting speculation considering how Giants co-owner John Mara has seemingly put Coughlin on notice after the Giants’ miserable 8-8 season. During his angry post-season press conference, Mara said “I’m not pleased with anybody right now” and served notice by adding “I am anxious to hear from both (Coughlin) and Jerry (Reese) what we’re going to do to fix this. “

Mara added that neither his coach nor his GM are currently in danger of being fired, but he offered no guarantees for their future, which could be in doubt if the Giants suffer through another down year.

Meanwhile, the 52-year-old Cowher hasn’t coached since the end of the 2006 season, when he stepped down after 15 seasons running the Pittsburgh Steelers. He has been mentioned the last few years in connection with nearly every coaching vacancy. Most NFL observers have assumed he’s waiting for John Fox to get fired from Carolina so Cowher could take the Panthers job, which would be close to his Raleigh, N.C. home.

But Bettis obviously sees things different. Asked if he thought Cowher was going to sit out until the Giants job open, he said “That’s what he’s doing. That’s where he’s got his eyes.”

Jets QB Mark Sanchez (knee) took reps Thursday. Sanchez will be under center for the Jets this weekend.

Ravens QB Joe Flacco is not on the injury report this week despite lots of talk about nagging injuries slowing him down. Flacco was 4/10 last week for 34 yards and a pick.

Cardinals WR Anquan Boldin (ankle) missed practice again on Thursday. With the Saturday game, today was the Cardinals last real practice of the week for the Cards. Boldin is expected to be a game-time decision. The Cardinals offense did just fine last week against the Packers without Boldin, with Steve Breaston and Early Doucet stepping up with huge games.

Colts WR Reggie Wayne (knee) took reps Thursday. Wayne should be well rested and good to go.

Ravens WR Derrick Mason (hand) took reps Thursday. Mason will be fine to start this weekend. Mason's value is highly dependent on Joe Flacco completing more than 4 passes. The Ravens should be faced with more passing situations against the Colts.

Cowboys RB Marion Barber (knee) returned to limited practice Thursday. Barber practiced with the second team and his status is uncertain for this weekend. Barber left last week's game after only 3 touches and gave way to Felix Jones who put up an impressive 148 yards and a touchdown.

Jets RB Thomas Jones (knee) returned to full practice Thursday. Jones will likely get the start this weekend against the Chargers, but Shonn Greene has been seeing increased caries for several weeks now and finally surpassed Jones last week (Greene: 21 carries, Jones: 15). Not only did Greene get more carries, but he was much more productive with his touches gaining 135 yards to 34 for Jones. The effects of a long season are wearing down Thomas Jones, and rookie Shonn Greene has fresh legs.

Vikings TE Visanthe Shiancoe (quadricep) was limited at practice Thursday. Shiancoe has been playing through minor injuries for several weeks now. He should be as healthy as he has been in awhile after the BYE week.

Saints RB Pierre Thomas (ribs) took reps Thursday. Thomas says he feels fine and is anxious to play this weekend. Mike Bell and Reggie Bush will certainly be in the mix.

Colts WR Pierre Garcon (hand) took reps Thursday. Garcon should be near 100% after getting the last three weeks off.

Colts K Adam Vinatieri (right hip) took reps Thursday. Matt Stover is expected to be the active kicker through the playoffs.

Colts TE Gijon Robinson (knee) took reps Thursday.

Cardinals K Neil Rackers (right groin) took reps Thursday. Despite missing a big kick at the end of regulation last week, Rackers will continue to handle kicking duties for the Cardinals.

Ravens TE Todd Heap (back) took reps Thursday. Heap will start again this weekend.

Vikings RB Naufahu Tahi (back) did not practice Thursday.

Saints WR Lance Moore (ankle) was limited at practice Thursday. Don't expect a big impact from Moore even if he suits up.

Jets RB Tony Richardson (not injury related) returned to take full reps Thursday.

Vikings fullback Naufahu Tahi was added to the injury report today. He did not participate in practice because of a back injury.

Six players were limited in practice: Cornerback Antoine Winfield (foot), defensive tackle Pat Williams (elbow), tight end Visanthe Shiancoe (quadricep), punter Chris Kluwe (back), defensive tackle Jimmy Kennedy (thumb) and guard Steve Hutchinson (shoulder).

Running back Marion Barber returned to practice Thursday for the Dallas Cowboys after having been sidelined with a swollen knee.

"God is good," Barber said prior to the team's practice at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington.

Barber participated in some individual drills during the open media period, and it did not appear he wore a brace. At the end of the open period, when the first team gathered to run a play, Felix Jones was the running back. Barber worked with the second team.

However, that isn't a indication that Jones will start Sunday's divisional playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings. This is Barber's first day of practice this week, and the team could be limiting how much he practices.

The Cardinals wrapped up their week of practice today rather uneventfully. Wide receiver Anquan Boldin (ankle) and linebacker Gerald Hayes (ankle) both sat out practice again, and while they are game-time decisions, a week off without work does not bode well for their prospects. Otherwise, a quiet, normal “Friday” on a Thursday. The team will fly out to New Orleans tomorrow.

The New England Patriots have today fired Dean Pees as defensive coordinator, ending his four-year run as the team's defensive play-caller.

Tom Cable will meet with owner Al Davis to discuss his status as Oakland Raiders coach.

Raiders senior executive John Herrera said the meeting will be held Thursday afternoon, and the two could meet again Friday.

Cable has been spending the 10 days since the season ended evaluating the team with his assistant coaches.

Cable's job status is in question after he went 5-11 in his first full season as coach and failed to develop Jamarcus Russell into a legitimate NFL quarterback.

Cable points to the team's improvement after Russell's midseason benching as proof that he deserves another year to get the Raiders back to the playoffs. Oakland has lost at least 11 games for seven consecutive seasons.

The Panthers are announcing today that special teams coach Danny Crossman won't be retained for next season. The special teams units struggled for much of the season, but the units were hampered by injuries and inexperience.

The Philadelphia Eagles have fired Ted Daisher and hired former Buffalo Bills assistant Bobby April to be their special teams coordinator.

April, who opted out of the final year of his contract with the Bills, agreed to a three-year deal. The Pittsburgh Steelers, along with several other teams, had expressed interest in him.

Brett Favre said Wednesday he'd be shocked if the Vikings lose. Cowboys safety Gerald Sensabaugh countered on Thursday.

``We'd have to beat ourselves to lose,'' Sensabaugh said. ``The way we're playing right now, I don't think we can be beat.''

Favre told reporters that he expects to be doing his usual news conference next week, and envisions questions about preparing for the Saints or Cardinals. ``If that doesn't happen, to me that will be a shock.''

Sensabaugh said with a smile: ``He might can do a news conference, but he might be on the losing end. They have their confidence, we have our confidence. It will be a good game. I can't way to play them.''

Chargers receiver Vincent Jackson, who did not play in the regular-season finale or practice last week due to a balky Achilles’, ran unfettered yesterday.

“Definitely an improvement,” Jackson said. “I’m feeling good this week. I’m going to continue to work to being as close to 100 percent as possible on Sunday.”

The New York Jets blitzed on 297 passing plays during the regular season, second-most in the league.

And they don’t do it just to do it. They were extremely successful when doing so. Opposing quarterbacks had a league-low 53.8 passer rating against the Jets’ blitz.

“It’s as good a blitz package and scheme as we’ve faced this year,” Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers said. “We got a heavy dose of it when we faced Baltimore. Philadelphia presented some challenges, and this group does a lot of different things that we have to be ready for.”

“Philip sees things awfully quick and he does get the ball out,” head coach Norv Turner said. “When you’re confident and good you look forward to the blitz, because it creates not only one-on-ones but … it creates seams where you can make big plays.”

Rivers’ pocket presence and ability to avoid pressure certainly help him. But the Chargers also use the screen deftly and about midseason altered their protection schemes (with more people in varied places) and also began to incorporate more quick passes.

In hopes of preserving his effectiveness and prolonging his career, the Titans are unlikely to give Chris Johnson as many carries as he got during his super second season.

Coach Jeff Fisher said as much the day after Johnson became the sixth player in league history to rush for 2,000 yards.

"I'd like to see, not balance," Fisher said, "but I'd like to see another back involved in the rotation."

The only change on the Saints' injury report Thursday was the addition of backup tackle Rodney Leisle, who missed practice with a knee injury.

Tailback Pierre Thomas (ribs) and defensive end Bobby McCray (back) practiced fully. Receiver Lance Moore (ankle) and cornerback Malcolm Jenkins (hamstring) were limited.

Colt McCoy said in a teleconference Thursday morning that he plans to fully participate in next month’s NFL scouting combine, and is confident that he will continue to succeed in the NFL.
He also said that the Rose Bowl injury will not be a factor.

Ravens WR Derrick Mason, who turns 36 on Sunday, said he still hasn't decided whether this season is his final one.

"I'll re-evaluate after the season and see where I am at physically and mentally and go from there," he said. "I am not interested in anything right now professionally but winning football games."

When the New Orleans Saints and the Arizona Cardinals meets in an NFC divisional round game Saturday in the Superdome, Saints running back Pierre Thomas said he expects to be in the lineup.

Thomas, who suffered broken ribs Dec. 27 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, missed the season-finale at the Carolina Panthers. But after a few days of discomfort, he said he is finally running and breathing pain free.

"I feel good," Thomas said. "I'm not worried about that at all. I can't wait to Saturday. I am anxious and glad to be back. I'm not having any problems. I'm out there moving, running, lifting weights, sneezing, coughing, whatever it is I'm doing it all like I've been doing it. I feel fine."

Saints Coach Sean Payton agreed, saying Thomas, who fully participated in Wednesday's practice, is making progress.
"He's doing well," Payton said. "Certainly the time has helped him and he's practicing well."

Mike Holmgren has already seen enough to know he likes running back Jerome Harrison, who totaled 570 yards (5.0 average) and five touchdowns in the final four games, trailing only Kansas City's Jamaal Charles' 658 yards in that span.

Harrison finished with a team-high 862 yards (4.4 average) and notched the third-best rushing day in NFL history with 286 yards at Kansas City.

''I love him as a player,'' Holmgren said of Harrison, in his fourth season. ''I thought what he did at the end of the season was remarkable. The teams Cleveland played knew that's kind of how it was going to go and they still got it done; 286 yards: is that what he had in that one game? That's a lot of yards.

''When it gets cold and you can have a good running game and can control the clock, it's nice to have a guy you can give the ball to like that.''

In a surprising development given how quarterback Joe Flacco has been hobbling at practice due to a hip contusion, the Baltimore Ravens didn’t list him on their official injury report that they filed Wednesday.

Removing him from the injury report after having him on their last week can be interpreted as a strong indication that they are absolutely certain he’ll play and be virtually 100 percent for Saturday night’s AFC divisional playoff game against the Indianapolis Colts.

It’s also entirely possible that they wished to diffuse concern and attention about Flacco.

Flacco emphasized that his hip isn’t affecting him anymore, expressing confidence that he’ll be able to deliver the football normally against the Colts.

“I feel great this week,” he said. “I’m moving around really good. There’s nothing really to it.”

If Barber is limited Sunday, Felix Jones could get more work. Jones had 16 carries for 148 yards – both career highs – and a touchdown against the Eagles. His touches have increased down the stretch.

He has had at least 10 carries in the last five games. Barber has not had more than 17 in a game in the last six weeks. And when Barber left the Philadelphia game, Tashard Choice carried 14 times.

Jones' kickoff return duties will probably decrease if his carries increase, Phillips said. Since Jones returned three kickoffs for 90 yards against New Orleans, he's had only two returns, both against Philadelphia last week.

"We count the number of plays he's in there," Phillips said. "I think there's an area where he can play too much. We've been monitoring that."

Giving Brian Westbrook no carries and one touch in the biggest game of the season - along with his hefty salary - is pretty overwhelming evidence that the Eagles are going in another direction. The sad truth is the Eagles were 7-1 this year when Westbrook didn't play and 4-5 when he did.

The Eagles tried to get too much out of Leonard Weaver, and he faded late. Lesean Mccoy needs to bulk up a bit, but he's a 21-year-old kid with a ton of promise, and he has to become the centerpiece of the running game. Eldra Buckley runs hard and is a good special teamer. With McCoy, Weaver and Buckley the Eagles will be in good shape.

Don't take Andy Reid at face value when he says Donovan Mcnabb will return. There's a reason McNabb is not signed beyond 2010. He wants his deal extended. The Eagles have shown no inclination to do so. That difference of opinion could be what ultimately convinces the Eagles to entertain trade offers.

Chris Johnson didn't get any votes for MVP. He didn't miss any for The Associated Press 2009 NFL All-Pro team.

The 2,000-yard rusher from the Tennessee Titans was the only unanimous choice for the squad, announced Thursday. He's joined in the backfield by Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, who won an unprecedented fourth Most Valuable Player Award last week, when only quarterbacks received votes.

As the Vikings prepare to host the Dallas Cowboys in Sunday's divisional playoff game at the Metrodome, lawyers for defensive tackles Kevin and Pat Williams and the NFL will be back in a Minneapolis courtroom this morning to resume battle in the StarCaps drug-testing case.

The NFL suspended the Williamses four games in December 2008 after they tested positive for a banned substance found in the tainted weight-loss supplement they were using — StarCaps.

The Vikings stars accuse the league of violating Minnesota laws regulating how and when employers can test workers for alcohol and drugs.

A trial is scheduled March 10 before Hennepin County Judge Gary Larson, whose injunction blocks the league from suspending the Williamses while their case is pending.

Tuesday's hearing is for both sides to argue why their case should prevail without a trial.

One thing became clear after listening to the Browns' new decision-makers this week: They want to do something about the team's quarterback situation.

Both President Mike Holmgren and General Manager Tom Heckert expressed, um, amazement that the Browns could win four games at the end of the year while averaging 91 yards passing.

So it's very possible that the Browns will enter the 2010 season with their eighth starting quarterback in 12 years and seventh in the last eight years

Tom Cable is still waiting to meet with owner Al Davis to discuss his status as Oakland Raiders coach.

Cable said at his season-ending news conference Jan. 4 that he would meet with Davis sometime this week. As of Wednesday, that meeting had not occurred. Team senior executive John Herrera says there is no set time when the meeting will be held.

Cable's job status is in question after he went 5-11 in his first full season as coach and failed to develop Jamarcus Russell into a legitimate NFL quarterback.

Cable points to the team's improvement after Russell's midseason benching as proof that he deserves another year to get the Raiders back to the playoffs. Oakland has lost at least 11 games for seven straight seasons.

New York Jets running back Thomas Jones did not practice, but is expected to play at San Diego in the AFC divisional round playoff game.

Coach Rex Ryan said Jones was held out of practice Wednesday, as he has for the past few weeks, to give the NFL's third-leading rusher a break. Fullback Tony Richardson was also given the day off.

Ryan said Jones was listed on the injury report with a knee injury, but added he could've practiced fully. Ryan said Jones has a bruised knee and there are "no problems at all with him."

Jones rushed for a career-high 1,402 yards and a franchise-record 14 touchdowns in the regular season.

Cornerback Donald Strickland (quadriceps) was a full participant after missing the last two games.

Marion Barber did not practice, which was expected, but he did take part in the morning walkthrough.

Barber has a swollen bursa sac in his left knee. He was slowed earlier this season with a quadriceps pull, too. Coach Wade Phillips said Barber did not further injure the knee in Saturday's win against Philadelphia.

"If there's any way he can play in the game I think he will," Phillips said. "And I think he's better, so we'll see tomorrow as far as practice is concerned."

Barber grew up in Wayzata, Minn., and attended Minnesota where he finished with 3,276 yards.

"I just sense with Marion he wants to play," Phillips said. "He's been mad at me the last two years because I didn't let him play in the preseason games up there. I know he wants to play there just from that."

Barber was the only player to miss Wednesday's practice. Sasfety Pat Watkins, who missed the final three games with a knee injury, was working with the special teams units again without restrictions. Same with right tackle Marc Colombo, who played for the first time in seven weeks Saturday against Philadelphia because of ankle injuries.

The Steelers have lost another assistant from their coaching staff and could be in danger of losing one more.

Lou Spanos, a defensive assistant for the past 15 seasons, has agreed to become the linebackers coach for the Washington Redskins under new Coach Mike Shanahan. The Redskins have hired former Steelers defensive coordinator Jim Haslett to install the 3-4 defense in Washington.

Also, Steelers linebacker coach Keith Butler is a candidate to become defensive coordinator with the Miami Dolphins. He has been granted permission by the Steelers to speak with Dolphins Coach Tony Sporano.

After 20 years in the NFL, Junior Seau is retiring. Or, as he’d say, graduating — this time for good.

Seau appears on Showtime’s Inside the NFL tonight at 9 p.m. Eastern, and during the episode (right, in the photo courtesy of Showtime), he tells host Cris Collinsworth that he is finished. Collinsworth had asked if he’s going to hear any more of Bill Belichick’s speeches.

“Cris, I’m surfing,” Seau says, in excerpts provided by the show. “I’m going to go surf. Yeah Warren (Sapp), I’m not going to give you another speech. It’s all over with the speeches. Whatever happens, I can say, honestly say, that that probably was my last game.”

For clarity, Seau was asked again, Are you going to retire after the playoff game?

“Yeah,” Seau said. “That, that’s going to be my last game.”

Cowboys RB Marion Barber (knee) did not practice Wednesday.

Jets RB Thomas Jones (knee) did not practice Wednesday.

Ravens Practice: DNP Jared Gaither (ankle) Limited: Cary Williams (thigh) Full: Gooden (knee), Todd Heap (back) Derrick Mason hand Reed (groin/foot)

Jets WR Braylon Edwards and CB Lito Sheppard were back on the practice field Wednesday after missing Tuesday's practice. Edwards had a court appearance in Cleveland Tuesday, and Sheppard's wife had given birth to their son.

Also, in the portion of practice open to the media, LBs Bart Scott (ankle) and David Harris (ankle), DE Shaun Ellis (knee), RB Thomas Jones (knee), QB Mark Sanchez (knee), DT Howard Green (knee) and CB Donald Strickland (quad) were all working.

Vikings HC Brad Childress says Winfield will play both left corner and some inside on Sunday. He would not elaborate.

Miami Dolphins General Manager Jeff Ireland: Ted Ginn is a player I like very much.

The Texans' receiving corps might alter some, depending on whether or not Kevin Walter leaves in free agency.

Chargers: Everyone on the practice field. Vincent Jackson looks good.

Jets RB Leon Washington expects to be on the field when the Jets play their first game next season.

The optimistic running back said Tuesday that doctors have told him his broken right leg is two months ahead of a normal recovery, and he expects to be off crutches next week.

“Everything’s looking on the up and up, and I’m just looking forward to when I can start jogging,” Washington said. “I’ve got a long way until the season starts. I’m on pace to be there for the opening game of the season, so I just try not to push myself too much.”

Receiver Anquan Boldin (ankle, knee) and inside linebacker Gerald Hayes (ankle) missed practice on Wednesday, but coach Ken Whisenhunt is hopeful both starters will be able to take part in Thursday's workout.

With the divisional playoff game against the Saints on Saturday, tomorrow's practice is the last major one of the week. If Boldin and Hayes are to play major roles in that game, I'm guessing coaches would like to see them in practice on Thursday.

Monty Beisel is the backup to Hayes, and Steve Breaston is Boldin's replacement.

The Saints appear to be as healthy as they have been in some time as they prepare for Saturday's NFC divisional round playoff game against the Arizona Cardinals at the Superdome.

The Saints had their full allotment of players at practice Wednesday, and just four players were listed on the team's injury report, Coach Sean Payton said.

Receiver Lance Moore (ankle) and cornerback Malcolm Jenkins (hamstring) both worked on a limited basis. Defensive end Bobby McCray (back) and Pierre Thomas (ribs) fully participated in drills.

Broncos running backs coach Bobby Turner, who has been with the team since 1995, has accepted an offer with the Washington Redskins.

Turner will be an associate head coach on Mike Shanahan’s staff in Washington. Turner came to Denver when Shanahan was hired as Broncos head coach in ‘95.

Even though the Jets granted the Bills permission, New York offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer declined the chance to interview for the Buffalo head-coaching job this week or after the season, according to sources.

Holmgren said the Browns have not yet made a decision on what to do about receiver Donte Stallworth, who will be eligible for re-instatement from his suspension after the Super Bowl, which is Feb. 7.

"Not yet; soon we will," said Holmgren. "We will let you know what's going on, but not today."

Stallworth, who was suspended after his conviction for DUI manslaughter, is due the second installment of his $4.5 million roster bonus on Friday. He indicated on his Twitter account that he worked out this week with Florida quarterback Tim Tebow.

The agents for Josh Cribbs still haven't heard back from the Browns, but they're encouraged by what they've heard from Holmgren, who said the $1.4 million is not the team's final offer.

As for Cribbs' media blitz about his contract squabble, Holmgren said, "I'd rather that not happen. But we've been at this a long time and is anyone surprised? That's just the way it is. I've said it before, we as an organization will not negotiate in the press. But I love Josh Cribbs. So I'm hopeful things work out at the end of the day."

Titans RB Chris Johnson has been named the AP Offensive Player of the Year.

Johnson finished the season with 2006 rushing yards (5.6 avg) and 50 receptions for 503 yards.

"You look at Bryant Johnson's production over the course of his career, he's been a 40- to 45-catch guy," Lions general manager Martin Mayhew said. "He caught 35 balls this year. A lot of times things happened that dictated that he wasn't a major part of what was going on in the game."

Linehan and Mayhew declined to call Johnson a disappointment, praising his work ethic and professionalism, but acknowledged needing more.

"We've got to figure out a way for Bryant and anybody else in that No. 2 spot or third spot to be somebody that has got one-on-one coverage that produces in that spot," Linehan said.

Falcons HC Mike Smith on K Matt Bryant:

“Matt Bryant is under contract for next season. When we signed Matt at the end of the season, we also signed him for next season. We also have Steve Hauschka under contract as well.”

Falcons HC Mike Smith on Tony Gonzalez returning:

“I don’t think there’s any doubt that Tony Gonzalez will be back. Tony is under contract. Tony is excited about getting back here. Again, there are some things that are said at the end of the games and in the locker room after difficult situations.”

Hamburg police say that Buffalo Bills running back Marshawn Lynch took $20 from a Buffalo detective sergeant's wife but that she does not want to pursue criminal charges.

Cardinals QB Kurt Warner's agent Mark Bartelstein also addressed reports from last weekend that Warner is considering retirement at the end of the playoffs.

"At this stage of his career, every year Kurt has kind of sat down with me and taken a deep breath and he just wants to make sure that he gives thought to it," he said. "But it is no different than it was last year at this time."

Though it's highly unlikely, if not unpossible, that the NFL would suspend Jets receiver Braylon Edwards during the 2009 postseason, his decision to plead no contest to charges that he assaulted Steve Urkel in the final days of Edwards' tenure with the Browns will hurt him in the pocketbook.

He's due to become a restricted free agent, and the willingness of other teams to chase him via an offer sheet will be diminished by the fact that a suspension likely is coming.

Four years ago, then- Bears cornerback Ricky Manning pleaded no contest to charges of beating a guy up at a Westwood Denny's, and the league suspended Manning for a game, despite his claim that he actually was innocent.

So whoever has Braylon Edwards on the payroll for 2010 will acquire his rights knowing that, for at least one game in the coming season, there will be no footballs clanging off his facemask.

It's official: Romeo Crennel and Charlie Weis are back together in Kansas City, with the Chiefs hiring Crennel as DC.

The Cincinnati Bengals re-signed defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer on Tuesday after two years of improvement under his guidance.

Zimmer received a three-year contract to stay with the Bengals, a source with knowledge of the situation told NFL.com's Steve Wyche. Zimmer had been expected to draw interest from the Washington Redskins, according to NFL Network's Jason La Canfora.

Vikings WR Percy Harvin, the NFL's offensive rookie of the year, can line up at various spots but a primary spot is in the slot in multiple-receiver sets. This should be to the Vikings' advantage because it will put Harvin against second-year cornerback Orlando Scandrick, the Cowboys' nickel back.

Drew Brees dismissed the Saints' offensive slump during the past few games as an aberration.

The past four years back him up.

"I know what we're capable of and I know that if you just look at our track record, the last three out of four years we've had the No. 1 offense in the league," Brees said. "That's a body of work. That's not just a stretch of games here and a stretch of games there."

Coming into their playoff opener at home this Saturday against the Arizona Cardinals, the Saints are coming off what would be a lousy stretch of games by the standards of their offense. In their last three regular season games - also their only three losses of the season - the Saints averaged 307.3 yards and 14.6 points.

Those numbers could have been skewed downward because Saints coach Sean Payton rested numerous regulars, including Brees, in their 23-10 loss at Carolina in Week 17. Still, New Orleans was unable to score more than 17 points in either of its first two losses to Dallas and Tampa Bay.

The Saints played their last three games without tight end Jeremy Shockey (toe) and played two of those games without receiver Lance Moore, who has missed eight of the Saints' last nine games with injuries to each ankle at different times. The Saints did not have an official injury report on Tuesday, but both dressed for practice and sounded optimistic about their chances of returning.

"I feel all right," Shockey said. "I know we're practicing hard to reach our full potential. I think everyone is confident on both sides of the ball in the locker room."

Shockey was close to playing late in the regular season but was rested out of caution, said Payton, who added that getting the star tight end back could be a big boost.

"He's a presence inside, not only in the passing game," Payton said. "He helps us in the running game and gives us flexibility with our personnel groupings, so he's certainly one of the guys we look at as a key starter. There are a number of things that he allows you to do when he's playing rather than when he's not."

The Saints also hoped leading rusher Pierre Thomas, who cracked three ribs in the first half of the Saints' loss to the Buccaneers on Dec. 27, would be back as well.

Jim Haslett and the Redskins struck a deal Tuesday night that makes Haslett the team's new defensive coordinator.

The Saints didn't release any injury information Tuesday since they aren't required to produce a report until Wednesday. They don't have many injury question marks, though.
Tailback Pierre Thomas (ribs), receiver Lance Moore (ankle) and cornerback Malcolm Jenkins (hamstring) were all present for Tuesday's practice, but Thomas and Jenkins weren't available for comment in the locker room. Moore said he practiced and felt good, though he can't say for sure if he's "100 percent."

New York Jets punter Steve Weatherford has passed a stress test and should be fine for Sunday's playoff game at San Diego.

Weatherford missed last weekend's victory at Cincinnati because of a rapid heartbeat. He says he will require a surgical procedure after the season. He also had surgery when he was 16 for the problem.

The 27-year-old Weatherford says the condition is related to "the electrical setup of the heart" and has nothing to do with physical exertion.

He underwent tests Monday and practiced Tuesday.

After spending 24 years in Denver as a player and assistant coach, Broncos offensive line coach Rick Dennison is leaving to become the Texans’ new offensive coordinator.

Dennison, 51, will be reunited with coach Gary Kubiak. They played together for eight years (1983-90) and coached together for 11 (1995-05).

“I’m really excited about this opportunity Gary’s giving me,” Dennison said Tuesday night. “It’s something that doesn’t come along very often. I know Gary very well, and this is another chance to work with him.”

Cleveland Browns coach Eric Mangini slipped into a chair behind the dais adorned with an orange helmet and noted the drastic changes.

"It's pretty great to be up here with three other people answering questions," Mangini said. "I can get used to this."

Later, a relaxed Mangini made it clear that he wasn't kidding.

"It wasn't a joke," the coach said in a back room following the news conference to introduce Heckert and Wiedmeier. "It's nice to have other voices in the organization and to be able to share different perspectives. Everybody has different roles, and for them to be able to get clarity, I think that's a good thing.

"This is a real fantastic situation for me personally and for us organizationally."

Last year, Mangini had little help. He now has a team.

After a profitable meeting with owner Wayne Weaver this morning in Jacksonville, Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio will stay in his current job for at least the 2010 season.

Del Rio, 58-57 in seven seasons at the helm, was thought to be on shaky ground with Weaver for a few reasons. He's only won one playoff game in his tenure and the Jags had a miserable end-of-the-year stretch by finishing with a four-game losing streak. Complicating matters, it was no secret the job at USC held some allure for Del Rio, a Trojans' alum, in the wake of Pete Carroll leaving for the Seahawks over the weekend.

But Weaver opted for something few owners in the league choose these days -- stability.

The status of Seahawks QB Matt Hasselbeck is going to be one of the biggest questions Pete Carroll has to address. Hasselbeck is 34 and has one year remaining on his contract. Where does he stand going forward? Well, judging by Carroll's early indication, he won't be going anywhere before next season begins.

"I know we have a quarterback that has played really good football in his career," Carroll said. "Matty, he's feeling pretty good. He's bouncing back from a sore shoulder during the season. He's ready to go. That is one of the key elements of putting together a team that has a chance to win right away. You've got to have a quarterback. I know that we have a first-class guy in Matt and I can't wait to get working with him."

"The NFL is a quarterback-driven process," Carroll said, "and so the fact that we have Matt Hasselbeck here is a big factor. He's played the game, he has been a champion, he knows how to get the thing done. We've got to get his support group and his play to the level that gives us a chance to win."

Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco looked stiff and gimpy during the brief portion of practice open to the media today, but he was participating fully in warm-ups and practicing hand offs. Flacco, who is dealing with a hip contusion, was joking and laughing with teammates, but a slight hitch in his stride was clearly noticeable.

Tight end Todd Heap, who was suffering from back spasms after the Ravens 33-14 playoff victory over the Patriots, was dressed for practice and appeared to be fully participating. He jogged several routes and caught several balls during warm-ups with the rest of the Baltimore tight ends.

The Ravens practiced in sweats and jerseys today, without shoulder pads or helmets.

Patriots WR Wes Welker said he has yet to schedule any surgery. Because both his medial collateral ligament and his anterior crucitate ligament are torn, the MCL needs to heal before the doctors can operate on the ACL.

The Cardinals got through an admittedly sluggish first day back on the practice field, no surprise since it’s been such a short time since they last played. Because it’s Tuesday, the Cards aren’t required to discuss injuries or file and injury report, leaving some things in the dark until tomorrow’s initial official injury update. But Anquan Boldin did say he felt “a lot better,” reported that he was able to move around more (although he didn’t practice) and he is “definitely” optimistic he will have a chance to play Saturday against the Saints.

Browns president Mike Holmgren said Brady Quinn's foot specialist, Dr. Robert Anderson, has recommended against surgery on the Lisfranc injury in his left foot.
"That's what I understand,'' said Holmgren.

Holmgren said Quinn will come to Cleveland next week to be examined by the Browns' medical staff, but that he still believes surgery will not be necessary. Anderson is located in Charlotte, N.C.

A day after the Ravens' jubilant 33-14 win, the persistent inquiries about QB Joe Flacco's hip-quadriceps injury finally struck a nerve with the Ravens' head coach.

"He is very much healthy enough to play and to play well," John Harbaugh said before taking an ornery attitude. "The more you guys [the media] want to make of the injury situation, that's great. Make it really dire. He's really in bad shape."

Flacco's health status has been a series of mixed messages.

He favors his right leg walking onto the field, but he takes nearly every snap in practice. He doesn't always step into his throws these days, but he will scramble downfield to convert a critical first down.

From Harbaugh to Flacco to offensive coordinator Cam Cameron, the Ravens say the injury isn't limiting his play. But here's the bottom line: Flacco has produced the fewest passing yards of his career in the past two games.

Saying he just walked into "almost dreamlike" control and opportunity, Pete Carroll smiled and rambled through his first day as coach and executive vice president of the Seattle Seahawks.

"I am so fired up to be here today. Right from the beginning, they undersold. This is a tremendous place to come to work," Carroll said Tuesday. "It's really almost dreamlike for me."

The Wild Card victory over the Aaron Rodgers and the Packers puts the Cardinals into next Saturday’s divisional-round matchup against the top-seeded New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome, where they’ll have to deal with another prolific passer, Drew Brees(notes), and coach Sean Payton’s high-flying offense. Yet after what Rodgers did to the Cardinals defense on Sunday, some of Arizona’s players think they’ve already confronted the most formidable foe imaginable.

“Let me tell you something – that dude is scary,” Arizona free safety Antrel Rolle(notes) said of Rodgers. “We have a great defense, and we were up on him and ready to pounce, and he found ways to tear us apart.

“I don’t ever want to face him again in my life. I am dead serious. I’ll face Drew Brees any day of the week before I face him again.”

Injured New York Jets running back Leon Washington says his broken right leg is healing ahead of schedule and he expects to be on the field for next season's opening game.

Washington sustained a compound fracture of the tibia and fibula on a running play at Oakland on Oct. 25. He had surgery in which a rod was inserted into the tibia, and was given a timetable of six to 12 months to heal.

A Pro Bowl selection as a kick returner last season, Washington said Tuesday that doctors have told him he is two months ahead of a normal recovery. He expects to be off crutches next week.

Washington is in the final year of his rookie contract after being a fourth-round pick out of Florida State in 2006.

Jets WR Braylon Edwards pleaded no contest today in Cleveland Municipal Court to aggravated disorderly conduct and was placed on probation.

Edwards punched Edward Givens in the face about 2:30 a.m. Oct. 5 outside the View Ultralounge & Nightclub on Prospect Avenue in Cleveland. The one-time Pro Bowl receiver was traded to the New York Jets just days after the incident.
Cleveland Municipal Judge Michelle Earley gave Edwards a suspended 180-day jail sentence and fined him $1,000.

Edwards must also stay active in his Advanced 100 Scholarship program as service to the community. His probation will be inactive, meaning he will not have to report to a probation officer.

It was unclear today if the NFL would punish Edwards for the incident under its beefed-up code of conduct. The Jets play San Diego Sunday.

Jets WR Braylon Edwards has a total of six drops this season, including the 41-yard pass in the end zone during last weekend's wild-card win. The drop total is the most of any starting receiver among the four AFC playoff teams, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. Ryan seems concerned, saying Edwards is "thinking too much."

Rex's remedy? He told Edwards to try a one-handed catch on the next ball thrown to him.

"He looked at me like I was crazy," Ryan said.

You knew Jets HC Rex Ryan wouldn't be shy about sharing his thoughts on the NFL Defensive Player of the Year going to Packers CB Charles Woodson -- and he wasn't.

"I wasn't going to comment on it, but I was really going to comment on it," he said. "You know what I would like? I would like to congratulate the people who voted for Darrelle Revis, that these guys obviously really know the game. You've got to look at the numbers, not just a number about this or a number about that, this stat or that stat.

"A number I think is interesting would be eight, and, no, that's not the amount of touchdown passes that Green Bay gave up against Arizona. That is the number of touchdown passes we gave up all season as the Jets, and the biggest reason for that is Darrelle Revis."

Ryan said Revis had the best season by a cornerback that he's ever seen. He also added, "Revis is going for different hardware right now." So take that, Woodson.

I was on the panel of 50 voters, and I'm not going to reveal my choice ... well, let's just say it wouldn't be popular among Cheesehead Nation. I put a lot of thought into it, talking to people and studying the numbers, and I felt that Revis' impact on the Jets' defense went beyond pure stats. Without him, they wouldn't have made the playoffs and they probably would've been a sub-.500 team.

Woodson captured 28 votes, Revis 14.

Chargers WR Legedu Naanee participated in the walkthrough, his second practice in the last two weeks. The wide receiver, who practiced Friday for the first time since before the team's Christmas Day game at Tennessee, said his injured foot felt good when tested.

"The thing we tried to do was give it a little rest and we had time on our side," Naanee said. "It felt real good on Friday. … It doesn't feel like it's getting worse. It feels like it's the same. It's just about resting it and not letting it get worse and staying on top of it."

Green Bay cornerback Charles Woodson has won The Associated Press 2009 NFL Defensive Player of the Year award.

The versatile Woodson tied for the league lead with nine interceptions, returning three for touchdowns, and was a key to the Packers' turnaround on defense. His role in Green Bay's ranking second in overall defense, first in interceptions (30), takeaways (40) and turnover margin (plus-24) earned Woodson 28 votes from a nationwide panel of 50 sports writers and broadcasters who cover the NFL.

He doubled the number of votes for New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis in becoming the first Green Bay winner since Reggie White in 1998 and just the second Packer in the 36-year history of the award.

As Whisenhunt has stated repeatedly, the Cardinals are a better football team with Anquan Boldin on the field. No question. But they’re also pretty dang good without him, as we saw Sunday and on several other occasions the last couple of years.

That’s why it’s highly unlikely Boldin gets the contract extension he’s been craving. The Cardinals have more-than-capable understudies ready to step in, and it’s hard to tie up that much money in a receiving corp (Larry Fitzgerald already signed a $40 million four-year deal, and his contract will be up in 2011, when he is just 28 and will command even more money).

Boldin could even be traded during the offseason if the Cards don’t want to deal with the drama that could unfold as he enters the final year of his contract in 2010.

Todd Haley recently spent some time going over the Chiefs he considers “core players” or those he sees being part of the foundation in 2010 and beyond.

Some of the names — Jamaal Charles, Brandon Flowers, Tamba Hali — aren’t surprising. Others are.

Quarterback Brodie Croyle, who as Matt Cassel’s backup threw 40 passes in 2009, is on the list. So are wide receiver Quinten Lawrence (one catch), defensive lineman Glenn Dorsey (eighth on the Chiefs with 45 tackles), linebacker Derrick Johnson (another backup) and offensive tackle Branden Albert (fifth in the NFL in sacks allowed with nine).

Clearly, there’s more that goes into being on Haley’s list than production. Much of it involves a player’s willingness to accept a role, however limited, and ability to buy into the coach’s team-first way of doing things.

Like the players from all but eight NFL teams, they spent their weekend watching the playoffs. Unlike players from all but three other teams, they also were resting up for the start of their own postseason run, letting time heal wounds.

“I did get some rest,” said wide receiver Vincent Jackson. “I should be closer to 100 percent by Sunday, but obviously, it’s tough for anybody to be 100 percent this time of year.”

Jackson was one of a few players withheld from last week’s practices with the idea of using the extra time to let his injury calm down, but he was on the field for yesterday’s walk-through as the Chargers began preparing for Sunday’s game against the New York Jets. So were linebackers Brandon Siler and Shawne Merriman, the latter of whom also had been inactive for the regular-season finale against the Washington Redskins because of plantar fasciitis, which has bothered him since early November.

Asked when he last felt as healthy as he did yesterday, Merriman said: “When did the football season start? Probably since about four, five weeks ago. … This is probably the best I’ve felt in a while.”

Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio called reports that he is leaving to coach for the University of Southern California "figments of other people's imagination."

"All of those things are manufactured," Del Rio said early Tuesday. "The only thing I can tell you is I've been busy working on the Jaguars for 2010. We're busy at work, trying to build this thing strong."

The LA Daily News reported that the University of Southern California sent Del Rio a contract to sign late Monday night.
The 46-year-old coach played linebacker at USC from 1981-84. He was also a catcher on the baseball team in 1983 and 1984.

Is there a free agent splash coming for the Patriots? The free agent market will be depleted because of the unavailability of fourth- and fifth-year pros, taking potential “splash’’ players such as Shawne Merriman, Barrett Ruud, Oshiomogho Atogwe, DeMeco Ryans, Vincent Jackson, Brandon Marshall, Darren Sproles, and Elvis Dumervil off the open market.

There’s one big fish to keep an eye on - Julius Peppers. Remember, the Patriots sniffed around Moss for quite some time before trading for him, so last year’s rumblings about Peppers could’ve been a precursor to a real run at him. Peppers is almost certain to become a free agent, since the Panthers would have to tender him an offer of more than $20 million to franchise him for a second straight year.

Tom Brady’s deal expires after the 2010 season, and this is the closest he’s come to the end of a contract since becoming a Patriot in 2000. He signed a four-year extension in 2002 with two years left on his rookie deal, then inked a six-year deal in 2005 with two seasons left on that accord.

In August, Eli Manning and Philip Rivers signed six-year contracts worth $16.25 million and $15.5 million per season, respectively. Jay Cutler got a two-year, $30 million extension in October. Peyton Manning is headed for a contract year as well, and Colts owner Jim Irsay said an extension is “a given.’’

Brady’s never been one to siphon every last dime. But with the possibility the Colts once again could reset the market for quarterbacks in an uncapped environment, this one could be complicated.

Unbeknownst to him, kicking the ball in the air might have cost quarterback Aaron Rodgers a chance to have his fateful fumble reversed in the Green Bay Packers’ 51-45 overtime loss Sunday to Arizona.

As Cardinals cornerback Michael Adams slammed into Rodgers, the ball came out of the quarterback’s hand at about the same time his arm was coming down. As the ball dropped down near his legs, Rodgers kicked at it with his right foot, causing it to pop up in the air and into the arms of linebacker Karlos Dansby, who returned it 17 yards for the winning touchdown.

According to a league spokesman, even though the ball didn’t hit the ground, it is a fumble and not an interception. And because it didn’t hit the ground, it is not subject to the infamous “tuck rule”, which states that a ball lost while the arm is in the process of coming down is an incomplete pass.

Had it hit the ground, the referee could have called an incompletion. Even if he didn’t call, it’s likely the replay official, which handles all challenges in the final 2 minutes of each half and overtime, could have reviewed it.

Randall Liu, NFC information manager, said in an e-mail that “had the ball hit the ground, it would’ve been subject to (instant) replay. And that would be a judgment call by referee Scott Green.”

Based on television replays, there was at least a reasonable chance that Green would have ruled Rodgers’ arm was moving forward at the time he was hit by Adams. As NFL director of officiating Mike Pereira said in a 2005 interview in the Washington Post, there’s not a lot of gray area.

USC sent a contract to Jacksonville Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio on Monday night, as the former Trojans All-American emerged as the likely successor to Pete Carroll, who officially became the Seattle Seahawks coach.

Del Rio didn't accept the job yet, because his contract with the Jaguars could prove a stumbling block, but the university presented a formal offer Monday. The former USC linebacker will also meet with Jaguars owner Wayne Weaver today. If Del Rio gets fired, the Jaguars must pay him more than $15 million.

If he resigned, however, and took the USC job, Del Rio would not collect the money.