February 2012 4for4 Player News Articles

After 14 seasons, 1,000 receptions and 85 touchdowns, Hines Ward's tenure in Pittsburgh is all but over. It was once a matter of if, now it's when, and team president Art Rooney II provided those details Wednesday.

“We had a conversation today with Hines Ward and informed him that we plan to release him of his contract prior to the start of the 2012 NFL calendar year,” Rooney told the team’s website.

The 2011 season was Ward's worst since his rookie campaign; he lost his starting job to second-year standout Antonio Brown and managed just 46 catches for 381 yards (and a career-worst 8.3 YPC average), and two touchdowns. Part of Ward's decline can be blamed on age (he's 35), but he also suffered a severely sprained ankle in Week 4's loss to the Texans.

Whatever the explanation, the Steelers are ready to move on without him, which means that the 2012 offense will feature quarterback Ben Roethlisberger throwing to Brown, Emmanuel Sanders and Mike Wallace -- assuming the team extends his contract (he won't be franchised, at least to hear general manager Kevin Colbert at last week's combine). The three wideouts, none older than 25, constitute one of the league's most dynamic receiver corps, which should make new offensive coordinator Todd Haley's job a lot easier.

Knowing full well the Bengals could go defense at No. 17 or 21 or both in the first round, on Monday, OC Jay Gruden prioritized the offense's needs with a running back and a guard leading a list that has wide receiver running at third.

"I think the back class is very, very good this year and I wouldn't be surprised if we walk out of here with a pretty darn good back," Gruden said. "I'm very excited about the guard prospects. There are about four or five of them that are very, very good.

"I'd be very surprised if we don't come out of here with a decent player up front."

With Cedric Benson headed to free agency, Gruden continues to sound like he's headed to running back-by-committee and spearheading it with one of the prospects that figures to be available in the first half of the draft.

Since it's a guy that would theoretically split carries, a 205-pounder like Virginia Tech's David Wilson, a 215-pounder like Boise State's Doug Martin, and a 200-pounder like Cincinnati's Isaiah Pead would be big enough to team with 200-pound Bernard Scott, 225-pound Brian Leonard and 211-pound Cedric Peerman.

"It's not a bad way to go. Keep guys fresh. They play longer, they're involved," Gruden said of the committee concept. "If something happens to one, you know you've got a guy that can come in there and be productive. Where you're not relying heavily on one guy and if something happens to him, you’re like, 'Oh God, this guy doesn't have many reps.' I think it's important to have guys touch the ball, I believe, as a committee, but if you do get a big-time guy like Trent (Richardson) then I'm not opposed to giving him the ball 30 times."

There you have it - if the Bengals land someone like Trent Richardson in the draft, look for him to be the team's workhorse. If not, expect a RBBC in Cincinnati in 2012.

Raiders beat writer Jerry McDonald on the future of Michael Bush in Oakland:

"The vibe I’m getting is that the Raiders have zero intention of franchising leading rusher Michael Bush, given their commitment to a normal salary structure and the presence of strong safety Tyvon Branch also as an unrestricted free agent. Coach Dennis Allen has talked up Darren McFadden, which means he’s the feature back, and there’s no way the Raiders commit more than $7 million to a complementary back. And that’s probably what Bush is. He did an admirable job taking over when McFadden’s mid-foot sprain derailed his season, with one of the best games any Raiders’ running back (Marcus, Bo, Napoleon Kaufman, you name it) has ever had again the San Diego Chargers. While it’s conceivable Bush numbers tailed off toward the end of the season because the Raiders became more predictable or the line wasn’t blocking as well, the fact is it happened."

Bush averaged 3.8 ypc in 2011, while Darren McFadden averaged 5.4 ypc before getting injured. The Raiders place so much emphasis in their running game that it would be surprising if they let Bush walk, especially considering McFadden's injury history. Bush is more than capable of being a workhorse back, and if he lands in a good situation, he should be a productive RB2 in 2012.

There’s a rumor making the rounds in Indy that the Seahawks and running back Marshawn Lynch are close to getting a long-term deal done.

A source with knowledge of the situation says that’s not the case.

Though the two sides are talking, the breakthrough still hasn’t come. The Seahawks are expected to use the franchise tag on Lynch if the deal isn’t done before March 5.

Unless something dramatic and unexpected happens, Colts owner Jim Irsay will decline to pay a $28 million option bonus to Peyton Manning on March 8, and the future Hall of Fame quarterback will become an unrestricted free agent.

The Colts will move on by selecting former Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck with the first overall pick in April’s draft, completing an extreme home makeover of one of the previous decade’s most consistently victorious professional sports franchises.

As one Colts source said earlier this week, “Luck is The Guy. I don’t care what happens [at the combine]. I don’t care if Griffin flies.”

When asked to comment on Pierre Garcon's rejection of the Colts' five-year contract offer, beat writer Mike Chappell had this to say:

"Unless it was a take-it-or-leave-it offer from the Colts, and I seriously doubt that was the case, it was just the first overture from the team. Generally, there is back and forth in negotiations. Clearly, Garcon and his agent want more than the Colts offered, whatever that was. I would expect further discussions and I’ll be surprised if the Colts and Garcon don’t find common ground. Of course, that depends on the Colts offering reasonable money and Garcon being reasonable. And everyone’s definition of “reasonable’’ in contract talks is relative. What I’ve expected all along is for the Colts to sign Garcon to a long-term deal, try and fail to get a long-term deal with Robert Mathis and use the one-year franchise tag on Mathis. I’m pretty sure Mathis would get a hefty offer from another team if hits the open market. The guy’s a beast. If neither Garcon nor Mathis agree to long-term deals, the Colts will have to decide which to tag. The franchise tag for Mathis is $10.6 million. It’s $9.4 million for Garcon."

Whether Peyton Manning or Andrew Luck is under center to start the 2012 season, the Colts would be wise to lock up Garcon to a long-term deal. Reggie Wayne is on the decline and Austin Collie's durability will always be in question.

While New York Giants' general manager Jerry Reese conceded that there's a "75 percent chance" Super Bowl hero and soon-to-be-free-agent Mario Manningham won't return to the Giants, sources at this weekend's NFL scouting combine said there is virtually no chance he is back with the club.

Instead, they said, Manningham is expected to follow former Giants' assistant Mike Sullivan to Tampa Bay. Sullivan, who was the Giants' quarterbacks coach, recently took a job as Tampa Bay's offensive coordinator.

Manningham was the Giants' third leading receiver last season with 39 catches, but he recently told The Vindicator of Youngstown, Ohio, that he "wants the ball more." With Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz each producing over 1,000 yards in receptions last season, that is unlikely to happen in New York.

But there are other reasons Manningham won't be back, sources said. First, they said, he would know Sullivan's offense, so there is no learning curve. Second, people close to Manningham indicate that he wants to go to a warm-weather club, and last time I checked Tampa Bay qualified on that score. Third, sources said the Giants probably wouldn't make him a contract offer, not only because they believe his price may be too high but because they're more interested in a wide receiver who can line up at more than one or two spots at the position, which, they said, Manningham cannot.

Manningham's season may have turned out quite differently had he not concussed himself in Week 2. Had he caught Eli Manning's deep pass cleanly, he probably would have scored from 53 yards out. He did make the catch, but stumbled and hit the turf so hard that he left the game and missed the following game against the Eagles. Victor Cruz emerged in Weeks 3-5, catching 17 passes for 369 yards and three TDs, and never looked back.

With Jermichael Finley locked up for the next two years, the question now is whether the Green Bay Packers will designate Matt Flynn as their franchise player.

The Packers opened the option to tag and trade Flynn rather than let the backup quarterback leave the team in free agency when they reached agreement on a two-year, $14 million contract with tight end Jermichael Finley on Wednesday.

But if General Manager Ted Thompson tags Flynn, he’ll have to take on the risk that if Flynn doesn’t work out a contract with a new team, the Packers will be stuck paying him the $14.4 million franchise tender. Tagging Flynn also would mean bucking the NFL, which discourages using the tag as only a vehicle for a trade.

Still, the tag is looking like a real possibility. A front-office executive for an NFL team said the league doesn’t discourage tag-and-trade strongly enough to prevent the Packers from doing it with Flynn if they think it’s their best move. Another NFL scout said he thinks some team will trade a decent draft pick and pay Flynn a good enough contract to swing the deal, even though the quarterback has started only two NFL games.

“I definitely think he’s going to get paid; he’s going to get paid like a franchise guy,” the scout said. “He’s had two really good bodies of work (i.e., games) when he’s been called on, against good teams.”

The Packers have until March 5 to decide whether to designate Flynn their franchise player, and Thompson and his top scouts no doubt are talking with teams at the NFL scouting combine this week to gauge interest. Among the most obvious teams looking for a starting quarterback are Miami, Seattle, Washington, Arizona and Cleveland. Other teams that can’t be ruled out are San Francisco, Denver and the New York Jets, who might be looking for competition for their starting quarterbacks, though they also might be less inclined to invest big money for that competition.

This is an interesting situation to watch because if the Packers do franchise Flynn, it may have an impact on where he eventually lands. Quality QB play is such a commodity in the NFL that the chances are high that a team in need will give the Packers a good pick. He doesn't have a wealth of experience, but has played very well when given the opportunity.

People close to Vincent Jackson tell me they’re convinced that he will ultimately be franchised, despite reports that the team won’t apply the tag. It would cost around $14 million for the Chargers to use the tag for a second straight year on the receiver.

That represents big money, for sure. But tight end Antonio Gates has slowed down some and the Chargers have already lost some receivers over the years. Letting a vertical threat like Jackson walk away would leave a big void.

The Chargers have Super Bowl aspirations and a coaching staff and front office under serious pressure to get back to the playoffs, or face major changes. Ownership has made that pretty clear.

Turner seemed to agree that going year-to-year with Jackson isn’t ideal, and said the team obviously wants to retain him.

“Were talking about all the different options we have and Vincent is an important guy for us and we want to have him back,” Turner said.

A long-term deal would make the most sense if it can be worked out, but general manager A.J. Smith has been hesitant to do that in years past. Perhaps this becomes the year, though sources have said there has not been progress to this point.

The Green Bay Packers kept their promising young tight end by re-signing Jermichael Finley to a two-year deal worth just less than $15 million Wednesday.

The deal seems to be a middle-of-the-road agreement between Finley, who turns 25 next month, and the organization. Finley wanted a long-term deal. But he also dealt with injuries in 2009 and a season-ending knee injury in 2010.

Finley (6-foot-5, 247 pounds) finished this season with 55 receptions, 767 yards and eight touchdowns. The eight scores were the third most in the NFL behind the Patriots’ Rob Gronkowski (17) and the Saints’ Jimmy Graham (11). Eleven drops were an issue and some coaches wondered if it was a mental issue considering he is one of the best natural pass-catchers on the roster. Along with Graham, Gronkowski and Davis, Finley is one of the new breed of tight ends that is a nightmare matchup for defenses — too big for a cornerback or safety and too fast for a linebacker.

Finley’s receptions and yardage were career-highs, but were not among the league leaders at the position. That’s what made it complicated to measure his worth. Finley’s presence on the field opens things for Greg Jennings, Jordy Nelson and the other receivers.

This is obviously great news for Aaron Rodgers and the entire Packer offense. Sure, Finley had his issues with drops, but as the article states, he demanded a lot of attention from the defense which opened things up for Greg Jennings and Jordy Nelson. If he can limit his drops, he should eventually make the Pro Bowl. Fantasy-wise, he'll likely hold 6th/7th round value heading into 2012 drafts.

Steelers GM Kevin Colbert pretty much acknowledged on 93.7 The Fan the other day that the team was in no position to franchise Mike Wallace because they had salary cap problems. The Steelers are about $10 million over the cap now. Franchising Wallace at more than $9 million for 2012 would put them close to $20 million over the cap.

Here is another issue that is more important -- Does anyone think Wallace should get more than $9 million in 2012? And, once they do that, the Steelers would have to start there if they wanted to negotiate a longer-term deal. Wallace is good, but not $10 million annually good. So, they will make him the more reasonable restricted free agent one-year tender and see what develops. Other teams can sign Wallace to a contract after free agency begins. The Steelers would then have two options -- do nothing and receive a first-round 2012 draft choice in return from the team that signed him, or they could match the contract he signed with the other team and keep him.

Here's the question the Steelers and other prospective suitors in free agency must determine: Did defenses figure out Mike Wallace finally as the one-trick pony that Mike Tomlin long declared he was? Wallace is at his best running the "go" routes and outside flag patterns, where he has a chance to outrun someone. However, when faced with cover two defenses and safeties hanging deep, he's not as effective. He does not seem to fight for the ball at times and even gives up on some when covered.

During this slump by Wallace in the second half of the season, Antonio Brown emerged like a Jeremy Lin. He clearly was the team's best receiver in the second half of the season. Curiously, Brown's rise should have helped Wallace because Brown's best asset is taking a short to medium range pass and running with it.

Wallace finished the season as the #9 WR in standard scoring systems, but the author is correct, he did see a dip in production over the second half of the season. If he lands elsewhere, his value will have to be reassessed. If he stays in Pittsburgh, he'll most likely be a 3rd- or 4th-round pick in 2012 fantasy drafts.

Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger began training at the Steelers facility on the South Side last week, days after he returned from an extended Pro Bowl stay in Hawaii.

The Broncos signed FA WR Jason Hill, who was a full-time starter for Jacksonville this season before he was released after head coach Jack Del Rio was fired in late November. Hill now gets the chanced to reunite with Del Rio in Denver. Del Rio was hired last month as the Broncos’ new defensive coordinator.

FA RB Clinton Portis is eager to return to the NFL after not playing during the 2011 season, and playing in five games in 2010. Portis also has been medically cleared by private doctors to return to football, his agent said.

Two sources believe the Patriots will tender QB Brian Hoyer, perhaps at the highest level. They believe that, while Ryan Mallett has shown solid progress and the team loves his talent, he’s not quite ready to be Brady’s backup.

Vikings running back Adrian Peterson is scheduled to start running on Feb. 28.

“I’m definitely making improvement. I’m starting to get my muscle tone and strength back into the legs,” Peterson said. “I’m happy with the progress I’ve made so far. I’m extremely happy.”

The Steelers are not counting on Rashard Mendenhall being able to play in 2012 because of his ACL surgery.

Colbert did not say that Mendenhall would not play in 2012, but "I never feel good about an ACL for a year." Mendenhall had surgery on his knee in January after it was injured in Cleveland Jan. 1.

If Mendenhall is unavailable for some or all of 2012, Isaac Redman will be a nice value pick in summer drafts. Redman filled in well for Mendenhall this season, but the offensive line continues to be a concern. Jonathan Dwyer will also likely see an expanded role.

Detroit Lions running back Mikel Leshoure tore his left Achilles tendon in the second week of training camp last year. One former NFL player who dealt with the same injury twice said he expects Leshoure back at 100% this fall.

Lions RB Jahvid Best’s status remains uncertain because of concussion problems, and even if Best returns, it’s clear he’s not an every-down back.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have rolled over all available resources into the 2012 salary cap in anticipation of being more active in free agency, according to general manager Mark Dominik.

"We'll be more active in free agency than we were last year," Dominik said Tuesday as new head coach Greg Schiano continued to work on filling out his staff. "We purposely rolled every penny we could into this year's cap. Clubs didn't have to do that, but we wanted to. We have plans."

An ESPN report said Tampa Bay is carrying over $23.5 million from 2011, estimating the Bucs will have $60.5 million in cap space heading into the Mar. 13 start of free agency, second only to the Kansas City Chiefs ($62.9 million).

Rams WR Nick Miller has been suspended for the first four games of the 2012 season.

Former CFL RB Jerome Messam is now a member of the Miami Dolphins

Messam enjoyed a banner 2011 campaign with Edmonton, becoming the first Canadian since 2000 to crack the 1,000-yard rushing plateau. The 6-foot-3, 245-pound Toronto native, who grew up in Brampton, ran for 1,057 yards and was named the CFL’s outstanding Canadian as well as a league all-star.

Browns TE Ben Watson said he was doing fine, had no lingering effects from concussions, and was ready to move forward and prepare to tackle his ninth season.

The Eagles are going to franchise DeSean Jackson. They will not let their Pro Bowl receiver - whose contract is set to expire - walk without getting something in return, according to NFL sources.

So that means the Eagles will do one of three things before March 5: They will franchise Jackson and keep him for the 2012 season, they will franchise and then trade him, or they will agree to a contract extension with the 25-year-old, an unlikely proposition at this point.

Free agent Randy Moss says he will be back for the 2012 NFL season.

At 35 years old and after a year off, Moss would have to land in the perfect situation to become an attractive fantasy pick this August.

Mike Holmgren weighed in lightly this week on QB Colt McCoy during the team’s in-house radio show. He said McCoy has “no residual effects” from the James Harrison hit that knocked him out of the last three games.

The Titans have agreed to terms on a contract extension for WR Lavelle Hawkins.

Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski underwent surgery on his left ankle to repair multiple torn ligaments, a team source confirmed. Orthopedic surgeon Dr. George Theodore performed the operation at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Jerry Reese anticipates Giants TEs Travis Beckum and Jake Ballard (torn ACLs) will have to begin next year's camp on PUP.

Bears WR Johnny Knox will have to wear a back brace until mid-March, and his timeline for recovery could extend beyond six months, according to multiple sources.

49ers HC Jim Harbaugh has made it clear he wants QB Alex Smith re-signed, and he said that the 49ers' decision-makers are in agreement that Smith is needed back.

"We're all in lockstep as an organization that Alex Smith is our guy. It's well-documented. You saw the way he played this year," Harbaugh told host Jim Kozimor. "(He is a) tremendous leader on our football team.

The Bucs have hired Giants quarterbacks coach Mike Sullivan as offensive coordinator. Josh Freeman called it "good news" and said he felt fortunate.

Sullivan is said to be a great communicator, and he will work to improve Freeman's ball protection. A former Army Ranger, Sullivan has a blue belt in jiujitsu and uses a triangle design of the Gracies, the famous mixed martial arts family, to highlight three goals for his quarterbacks: decision-making, accuracy and leadership.

It remains to be seen what kind of play-caller Sullivan will be, but he has had a window seat to the Giants offense under coordinator Kevin Gilbride. Another bonus is that Sullivan also knows how to get the best out of receivers, which will be big in stimulating the Bucs' Mike Williams and Arrelious Benn.

The Rams' general manager search reached a quick and somewhat unexpected conclusion, with Atlanta director of player personnel Les Snead accepting the job as Billy Devaney's replacement.

Jason La Canfora told “NFL Total Access” Friday that WR Hines Ward won’t be back with the Steelers next season, according to his sources.

Ward has since come out and said that he would gladly accept a pay cut to remain with the Steelers. Nothing has been made official and the Steelers reportedly have not yet been in contact with Ward.

Donald Driver is willing to take a pay cut to stay with the Packers.

WR Josh Morgan has begun sprinting again, and he promises to be at full speed in the spring. Harbaugh has said the 49ers want to re-sign Morgan, who is a good fit for their power-based West Coast Offense. Morgan, however, likely will test the market in free agency before agreeing to a new deal in San Francisco.

It looks like Santonio Holmes will indeed be with the Jets in 2012. Holmes, whose season ended with a benching in Miami, is guaranteed $7.5 million of his $11 million 2013 salary if he still is on the Jets’ roster this morning.

That means the Jets owe the wide receiver $15.25 million of guaranteed money, an amount that means he won’t be going anywhere. The Jets have said publicly since the season ended they would keep Holmes, but parting still seemed like something the team had to consider after the way Holmes’ 2011 season went.

Ricky Williams has informed Ravens officials he's retiring.

Ricky Williams remains true to character, going out on his own terms with a year left on his deal. Second year back Anthony Allen may be asked to step up behind Ray Rice if the Ravens don't draft or sign an RB.

49ers WR Josh Morgan's rehab is ahead of schedule, and he should be able to participate in the entire offseason program.

DeMarco Murray says he's ahead of schedule in rehabbing his injured right anlke. The Cowboys star rookie running back had his season ended on Dec. 11 after fracturing his ankle in a 37-34 loss to the visiting New York Giants.

Steelers TE Weslye Saunders is suspended for the first four games of next season.

David Johnson will back up Heath Miller.

Todd Haley takes the job as Steelers offensive coordinator.

The Chiefs made it official the day after the Super Bowl, naming Brian Daboll as its new offensive coordinator. Daboll, 36, was Miami’s coordinator in 2011, but the Phins did not retain him after Joe Philbin replaced Tony Sparano as head coach.

The Raiders confirmed the hiring of former 49ers and Stanford assistant coach Jason Tarver to be their defensive coordinator Monday as coach Dennis Allen continues to put his staff together.

Under the direction of Tarver and co-coordinator Derek Mason, Stanford's defense ranked either first or second in the Pac-12 in six categories, finishing first in rushing (84.4) and third-down conversion percentage (31.1 percent).
Stanford was second in total defense (337.6), sacks per game (3.0), scoring defense (21.9) and fewest first downs per game (17.5).

Denver Broncos running back Knowshon Moreno faces drunk driving charges after getting pulled over by Denver Police on Feb. 1, FOX31 Denver has learned.

Rob Gronkowski insisted that his sprained left ankle was fine last night despite mountains of evidence to the contrary. He patiently repeated that he was “100 percent’’ and “good to go’’ several times when asked whether the injury limited him. Gronkowski said he would continue to get treatment on his ankle but denied he needed surgery.

Two Giants’ tight ends suffered serious knee injuries in the team’s 21-17 Super Bowl XLVI victory over the New England Patriots. Jake Ballard tore his meniscus cartilage while Travis Beckum tore his right anterior cruciate ligament. Neither returned to the game, leaving Bear Pascoe as the last man standing.

Giants Inactives
WR Ramses Barden
RB Da'Rel Scott
LB Mark Herzlich
C Jim Cordle
DE Justin Trattou
DT Jimmy Kennedy
OT James Brewer

Patriots Inactives
QB Ryan Mallett
RB Kevin Faulk
RB Shane Vereen
LB Gary Guyton
OL Donald Thomas
OL Nick McDonald
DT Ron Brace

As expected, TE Rob Gronkowski and RB Stevan Ridley are active for the Patriots.

Bill Belichick tells says Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski will definitely play. How much? Belichick says that will depend on what he's able to do

In an interview Friday with NBC Sports, Bills WR David Nelson confirmed long-rumored suspicions that QB Ryan Fitzpatrick suffered cracked ribs in the Redskins game in Toronto on a hit by former Bills linebacker London Fletcher in the first half.

"A lot of people don't know, but Fitz, during the Washington game, actually cracked a couple of ribs," Nelson said. "So after that, he was playing hurt."

Fitzpatrick can insist his performance wasn't affected by the injury, but the numbers suggest otherwise. He completed 67 percent of his passes for 13 touchdowns and 7 interceptions before the injury. He had 11 TD passes and 16 picks after Fletcher drilled him. Sources say he cracked four ribs and injured his sternum.

The New England Patriots announced today that rookie DE Alex Silvestrohas been signed to the 53-man roster from the practice squad. In addition, the Patriots released WR Tiquan Underwood.

Giants RB Ahmad Bradshaw showed "barely a hint of soreness" in today's walkthrough.

Peyton Manning's agent said Friday his client will play again, but he couldn't give a timetable of when he will be at full strength throwing the football.

Giants RB Ahmad Bradshaw (foot, probable) missed practice Friday after taking limited reps Thursday and is probable for Week 21. The Giants were just letting Bradshaw rest after practicing earlier in the week. The probable tag means he's virtually certain to play.

Patriots WR Deion Branch (knee, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 21. This is as clear as Branch's playing status has been for some time. He's good to go for the Super Bowl.

Giants WR Hakeem Nicks (shoulder, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 21. Nicks says his shoulder isn't sore, so he's ready to face a shaky Patriots pass defense on Sunday.

Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski (ankle, questionable) took limited practice reps again Friday and is questionable for Week 21. His agent, Drew Rosenhaus, said that Gronk wouldn't be playing this week if it weren't the Super Bowl, but he's likely just setting up his client to be the hero or give him a built-in excuse if he doesn't perform well. He practiced both Thursday and Friday and is expected to play on Sunday.

Patriots WR Wes Welker (knee, questionable) took limited practice reps all week and is questionable for Week 21. The questionable tag is laughable at this point. Barring a sudden turn of events, Welker will play in the Super Bowl.

The Giants are the healthiest they’ve been all season at the most opportune time. Six players are listed on the injury report for Sunday’s Super Bowl and all are down as probable.

Besides RB Ahmad Bradshaw, who had practiced in consecutive days for the first time since returning from injury on Wednesday and Thursday, all players practiced today. S Tyler Sash (foot) and DE Osi Umenyiora (ankle/knee) were limited.

According to the pool report, Tom Coughlin said Bradshaw was held out of practice because his injured right foot “was a little sore.”

“But he’s OK,” Coughlin said. “He’ll be ready. He got in two good days of work prior to this. He’s prepared.”
Hakeem Nicks (shoulder), Corey Webster (hamstring) and Jacquian Williams (foot) all practiced fully for the second day in the row after being limited on Wednesday.

Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski participated in Friday's hour-long walk-through to cap the Patriots' week of indoor practices leading up to Super Bowl XLVI.

Gronkowski took the field for the second straight day after practicing on a limited basis Thursday for the first time since spraining his left ankle Jan. 22 in the AFC Championship Game. He is listed as questionable on New England's injury report for Sunday's matchup against the New York Giants. Gronkowski moved without a limp when the Patriots executed their offensive plays.

The Patriots listed 10 other players as questionable, including safety Patrick Chung (knee), left guard Logan Mankins (knee), linebacker Brandon Spikes (knee) and wide receiver Wes Welker (knee). All 11 players were listed as taking part in a limited portion of Friday's session, in which players never moved faster than a trot while executing plays.

Rob Gronkowski is fully expected to suit up Sunday, although he will likely be at less than 100%. Wes Welker, Deion Branch and Stevan Ridley are all expected to be available.

Bears WR Johnny Knox tweeted a photo of a back brace that he said he must wear until mid-March, which only comes off when he showers and is uncomfortable "only when i sleep."

Asked if he thought he would be able to play in the 2012 season, Knox tweeted, "Im focusing on getting 100% first!"

New England tight end Rob Gronkowski's return highlighted Thursday's Super Bowl XLVI practice at Indianapolis Colts headquarters.

Appearing in the second half of the nearly two-hour session, Gronkowski participated on a limited basis for the first time since suffering a sprained left ankle January 22 during New England's 23-20 AFC Championship game victory over Baltimore.

"He did some things. He didn't do everything," Patriots head coach Bill Belichick said. "We'll see how he is tomorrow. I think that will be the big key - how he responds to this today."

Seahawks WR Mike Williams said he is off crutches and rehabbing at the team's headquarters. He indicated that he might not be ready to take part in OTAs and minicamps, which begin in mid-April.

"My focus this year is to come in really healthy and go from there. So whenever I'm ready to go I'm just going to do whatever I can."

Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez said Thursday that next season probably will be his last — though it’s not the first offseason he has said that, nor does should it come as a surprise.

The Colts have hired Greg Manusky to be their Defensive Coordinator.

Manusky comes over from the Chargers where he served as DC in 2011. It looks like the Colts will be moving to a 3-4 defensive scheme in 2012.

Giants RB Ahmad Bradshaw: "I feel great. I had no setbacks (at practice) yesterday." He said he's planning to practice again today.

Packers RB Ryan Grant will test free agency, and he is unlikely to return unless there's little interest on the open market.

James Starks will be given an opportunity, but may be over-drafted in 2012. He still has little touchdown upside with Aaron Rodgers and John Kuhn taking most of the opportunities.

Chiefs OC Bill Muir is retiring.

Brandon Jacobs has hinted many times in the last few months that his days with the Giants are probably numbered. Now, the big running back is not so sure.

Jacobs reversed field on Wednesday and indicated he could see himself returning to New York for an eighth season with the Giants. He’s under contract through 2012, but he’d almost certainly have to agree to a new contract before he’s due a $500,000 roster bonus in March to avoid getting cut.

"This game I'm gonna be dressed and out on the field," Patriots RB Stevan Ridley said, "so hopefully I'll get some carries."

Ridley would likely help spell running backs BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Danny Woodhead in the Super Bowl. He gives the Pats' running back corps a good combination of power and explosiveness and, if he can hold onto the ball with the opportunities he gets, he could help force the Giants' pass rush to respect New England's run game.

Giants TE Jake Ballard said he is still slightly bothered by the knee injury.

“It is still a little tweaked," Ballard said. "It feels a lot better than it has in a long time. I am running well and I am running a lot better than I have in the last three or four games.”

"We'd like to (work out a long-term deal with RB Matt Forte)," Bears president and CEO Ted Phillips said. "But as Phil pointed out we obviously will at least consider placing the franchise tag on him. We don't have any intention of letting Matt hit the open market. We'll sit down with him privately, Phil will, and discuss what the plans are prior to the Feb. 20 franchise tag date."

Giants WR Hakeem Nicks said the AC joint in his shoulder is feeling “a lot better this week.”

“I’m just trying to go out there and play and have a good week of practice,” Nicks said. “There should be no setbacks. It’s not sore or anything. The rest helped out a lot with just my shoulder and just my body in general.”

Bucs DT Gerald McCoy said his rehab is going well from his arm injury. "When everything starts back up on April 23, I'll be the first one in the building ready to roll."

Titans WR Kenny Britt has pleaded guilty to a downgraded charge stemming from an arrest in New Jersey. Britt entered the plea in Hoboken Municipal Court to a charge of disturbing the peace and paid a $1,500 fine. The remaining charges were dismissed Tuesday.

Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski said the team will look into the possibility of a specialized cleat for his left foot. Sometimes teams are able to make a shoe that protects the ankle in the event of swelling during the game.