January 2014 4for4 Player News Articles

Packers TE Jermichael Finley (neck surgery) just told me his doctor is 99.9 percent certain Finley will be cleared for contact in the next 3-4 weeks.

Finley hits free agency this fall and while the Packers are expected to let him walk, he could sign a one-year deal to prove his health before testing free agency again in 2015. If he signs elsewhere, Brandon Bostick would be the big beneficiary. (Andrew Quarless is also a free agent.) The tight end is a crucial component in the Green Bay offense.

Receiver Justin Blackmon missed 12 of the Jaguars’ 16 games because of two suspensions for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. When Blackmon is reinstated, owner Shad Khan “absolutely” wants him to remain with the team.

There's no doubt that Blackmon has talent. In his last 17 games (which don't include his slow start in his rookie season), he has averaged 5.2 catches for 74 yards and 0.35 TD, which are low-end fantasy WR2 numbers In four games last season, he averaged 7.3-104-.25, which are low-end WR1 numbers -- and that's with Chad Henne/Blaine Gabbert throwing the ball. If he can get his head on straight and the Jaguars can upgrade their QB, Blackmon will be a star. He'd be a high risk pick if he's reinstated in time to play in 2014.

Owner Shad Khan supported GM Dave Caldwell’s decision to publicly announce the Jaguars would let running back Maurice Jones-Drew hit the free agent market on March 11. But he hopes a new contract agreement can be reached.

Jordan Todman is a restricted free agent and is currently atop the Jaguars' depth chart at running back. His YPC (3.4) wasn’t impressive, but it was the same as MJD’s indicating that the offensive line was more of a problem than either of the running backs. As a starter, he did have a nice game against the Bills in Week 15 (29 touches, 153 yards), showing that he can carry the load if necessary.

Seahawks WR Doug Baldwin (hip, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 21. Baldwin will be fine to face the Broncos.

Broncos RB Knowshon Moreno (ribs, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 21. Moreno is good to go to face a tough Seahawks run defense.

Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch (not injury related, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 21. Lynch had a rough week with regard to the media, but he’s fully expected to play against the Broncos.

Broncos QB Peyton Manning (ankle, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 21. Manning’s ankle will be fine to face the Seahawks.

Seahawks WR Percy Harvin (concussion, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 21. Harvin’s concussion is behind him, so he’s a full go to face the Broncos. Don’t be surprised if he has a big game. The Seahawks have been itching to use him all year.

Broncos TE Joel Dreessen (knee, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 21.

Broncos K Matt Prater (illness, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 21.

New York Jets tight end Kellen Winslow shouldn't face any discipline for his November arrest for alleged possession of medical marijuana, NFL Players Association Executive Director DeMaurice Smith told reporters in a news conference on Thursday.

Winslow was arrested in East Hanover for possession of synthetic marijuana, a substance that is illegal in New Jersey and many other states but is not among drugs banned under NFL drug policy.

"Our drug policy is one that has strict and well-defined drugs that are banned," Smith said. "If they are not on the list, they can't serve as the basis for discipline."

Just talked to QB Michael Vick. As expected, his career will continue elsewhere. Very badly wants chance to start in 2014.

On Thursday, QB Colin Kaepernick revealed what everybody had already figured: The 49ers enact a regular-season plan to limit the number of opportunities defenses have to hit their quarterback.

“There’s a lot of chance for injury -- a lot of chances that you could lose your starting quarterback," Kaepernick said. "So it’s something our offensive coordinator (Greg Roman) talked to me a lot about. A lot of our coaches have to me talked to me, as far as, ‘Make sure you protect yourself and when we give you those opportunities to run, if you can get out of bounds, get out of bounds. If not, get down.’”

“When you get to the postseason, it’s one-and-done, if you’re not winning,” Kaepernick said. “So we’re going to do everything we can to try to win those games.”

Bills QB E.J. Manuel had a procedure on his left knee. He called it a minor "in-and-out" to clean up the injury. He's still rehabbing.

Fresh off signing a six-year, $40.25-million contract extension in the summer of 2013, wide receiver Mike Williams was placed on injured reserve in Week 9 with a torn hamstring. Since his injury, Williams has documented his partying and his new career as a rapper – complete with original recorded songs – for all the public to see on his Instagram account.

Players can party all they want to – as long as it doesn’t get them in trouble with the law or interfere with their job. But the team grew so concerned with Williams’ behavior over the last two months of the season that it was deemed immature and unprofessional as he accumulated several fines totaling more than $200,000 for either being late to mandatory team meetings or missing those meetings and scheduled rehab days for his torn hamstring during the 2013 season.

This is a situation to monitor this summer. Williams has a relatively low cap number (~$1.8 million) and may be let go if his work ethic doesn't get better in 2014.

Ravens backup running back Bernard Pierce underwent successful right shoulder surgery today at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia to repair his rotator cuff, his agent told The Baltimore Sun.

Pierce is expected to require four to five months of rehabilitation and is expected to make a full recovery.

People are writing off Ray Rice after his dreadful 3.1 YPC, but Pierce was actually worse (2.9 YPC) which makes us wonder if the line/scheme deserves a good amount of blame for the team's rushing woes. Regardless, the Ravens have said they may move to more of a RBBC in 2014. Pierce should be ready to play by training camp.

The Rams fired DC Tim Walton and hired Gregg Williams.

This should be an upgrade for the Rams defense. Williams was slated to be the Rams' DC in 2013 but was suspended due to the bounty scandal in New Orleans. After finishing as the #6 fantasy defense in 2013, the Rams may be even better next season.

Redskins beat writer John Keim discussed TE Jordan Reed at length. Here is his projection for 2014:

"He’ll be a force at this position if he stays healthy. Reed had just started to become more of a downfield threat before he was hurt. The bulk of his passes before the Bears game in Week 7 were underneath routes, but he hurt Chicago on a couple downfield throws, burning the Bears secondary on some post-corners. That will increase in 2014. The Redskins averaged 37 fewer yards through the air with Reed absent the final six games. I don’t know what Jay Gruden’s plans are for him, but I do know that new offensive coordinator Sean McVay loves Reed and it’s not hard for anyone to see the talent he has just by flipping on the film."

Reed was on pace for 80-887-5.3 (#7 TE-type numbers) prior to his injury, but didn't even crack the 50% snaps played mark until Week 6. In the five games where he played at least 50% of his team's snaps, he averaged 6.2-76-.40 or #3 TE-type numbers. The main concern with Reed is his injury history, specifically with concussions. According to NBC Washington, Reed suffered two concussions while at Florida. If he can stay healthy, he's a likely top 5 fantasy TE, but that's a pretty big 'if' at this point. (As for McVay, he should love Reed as he was the TE coach for the Redskins prior to becoming OC.)

Back in early October, Eagles QB Michael Vick made a bold prediction regarding rookie tight end Zach Ertz.

“There are three players that I told that they would be great players in this league: I always told Alge Crumpler that he was going to be great, I always told Shady McCoy that he was going to be a great player in this league, and I always told Roddy White. And now I’m saying Zach Ertz. And I think in time, he will be one of the best tight ends in this game.”

Ertz had all of five NFL catches at that point. Still working through a learning curve — steepened by his inability to participate in the offseason program because of graduation rules — the Stanford product played a limited role initially. He was featured more as the year went on and ended with 36 catches for 469 yards with four touchdowns. While we still have a ways to go before determining whether Vick’s intuition is correct, it’s fair to say that there are encouraging signs.

Ertz averaged 2.8-32-.56 over the final nine games of the season (including the Eagles' sole playoff game) and that included two goose eggs in Week 10 and Week 14. That equates to 6.6 fantasy points per game, which is what Martellus Bennett averaged as the #10 TE in fantasy football. Brent Celek is signed through 2016 and he's a far better run blocker than Ertz. James Casey is signed through 2015, and he ate into Ertz's snaps when the Eagles tried to run more. Ertz has top 5 fantasy TE potential, but his run blocking is holding him back.

The Cowboys are going to hire former Lions OC Scott Linehan on their staff to calls plays, per source.

Linehan's offenses in Detroit were pass-happy, so this is a strange hire from the standpoint that the biggest criticism of the Dallas offense in 2013 is that they didn't run DeMarco Murray enough. The hire is good news for Tony Romo owners as it looks like he'll be passing early and often in 2014. Linehan took the Lions from 26th in yards gained in his first season as OC (2009) to three consecutive top 6 seasons from 2011 to 2013.

The Baltimore Ravens officially announced Gary Kubiak as their offensive coordinator on Monday, pulling a reverse late in their search.

After reportedly being down to two finalists this weekend, the Ravens changed direction and went with Kubiak, who began talking with the team only a few days ago. Kubiak becomes the Ravens' third offensive coordinator in the last 13 months and the third in coach John Harbaugh's tenure.

It's a strong hire by the Ravens. Kubiak was the offensive coordinator for 11 seasons in Denver before taking over as the head coach in Houston. In Denver, his offenses had an average ranking of 7.2 in points scored and 6.0 in yards gained. After taking over a Texans team that was 30th in yards gained in 2005, Kubiak's offenses were 3rd, 4th and 3rd in yards gained from 2008 to 2010. Even in the Texans' nightmare season in 2013 (31st in points scored), they were still a respectable 11th in yards gained. The Ravens offense slumped in 2013, but Kubiak's arrival should help considerably. Kubiak has already spoken highly of free agent TE Dennis Pitta, so we should expect him to be back in Baltimore next season. Kubiak has a long track record of featuring the tight end position, specifically Shannon Sharpe in Denver and Owen Daniels in Houston. This bodes well for Pitta.

Peyton Manning has let it be known he isn't going anywhere.

The Broncos have a guaranteed $20 million salary waiting for Manning next season. The grand plan is for Manning to collect that dough while hopefully defending the Super Bowl championship the Broncos can earn Sunday by defeating the Seattle Seahawks at MetLife Stadium in nearby East Rutherford.

"I think when you still enjoy the preparation, the work part of it, I think you sought to be still doing that," he said. "When I stop enjoying it, when I can't produce, when I can't help the team, that's when I'll stop playing. If that's next year, maybe it is. I certainly want to continue to keep playing."

In Senior Editor John Paulsen's Never-Too-Early QB Rankings, Manning (unsurprisingly) comes in at the top spot. The Denver offense looks like a juggernaut as long as Manning is playing at a high level.

Former Pro Bowl running back Chris Johnson of the Tennessee Titans will have a knee scope Tuesday to repair a meniscus he tore in Week 3, according to a league source, and seems a virtual certainty to hit the free-agent market this spring.

A torn meniscus is usually not a big deal, but it's another red flag for Johnson, who set a career low in YPC (3.9), though it might explain why he struggled running the ball. He turns 29 in September, so he may be disappointed with the type of deal he gets in free agency.

Once again, Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez reiterates that he won't be talked out of retirement in pre-Pro Bowl interview with Doug Flutie. He's "at peace."

The loss of Gonzo will impact Matt Ryan's chances of a bounce back season. The Falcons will have to address the TE position this summer, though 6'8" Levine Toiolo has some potential.

On the topic of Lions QB Matthew Stafford and his irregular footwork and release points...

"I think there certainly has to be some work done," general manager Martin Mayhew said last week. "I couldn't really quantify that."

Mayhew said Stafford can still be salvaged. That belief was a guiding principle during the Lions' two-week coaching search, and the subsequent week-long search for a staff.

Detroit eventually tabbed a head coach (Jim Caldwell) that worked for a decade with Peyton Manning, and an offensive coordinator (Joe Lombardi) who spent the past five years as Drew Brees' personal quarterback coach with the New Orleans Saints.

That's no accident.

Stafford will have at least two quarterback coaches on staff, and could have a third if the Lions hire an actual quarterback coach. Their exact plan remains unknown, but the moves are being hailed around the league as a perfect match for the talented yet middling quarterback.

"I have no doubt (Lombardi will fix Stafford)," Saints tailbacks coach Dan Roushar said. "I have complete confidence. Joe is a phenomenal football coach, and it's a great hire for Matthew."

Stafford's play has slipped since his 5,038-yard, 41-TD season in 2011. The Lions are hoping that they can get Stafford back on track, and the first step to recovery is admitting that you have a problem.

Dolphins WR Mike Wallace says he and QB Ryan Tannehill have to get their deep ball chemistry going this offseason.

"We have to,” Wallace said. “Definitely have got to get the deep ball going. That’s the difference between winning and losing a couple games. I should have had 15 or 20 more touchdowns. And that’s being modest. If you press me, you have no shot to cover me. Once I get you to stop your feet, it’s over.”

But if the deep ball isn’t thrown accurately, or caught, it’s moot.

Consider: Of balls in the air at least 20 yards, Tannehill threw 36 such passes to Wallace, and only six were completed --- the worst percentage of 22 deep-threat receivers ranked by PFF. Of those 36, only eight were deemed catchable and Wallace dropped two.

Wallace says he was just being "modest" saying that he should have had "15 or 20 more touchdowns" but he only scored five TDs in 2013 and four of those came in the final six weeks, so there were signs of improvement. The deep ball was a rarity, however, and it sounds like Wallace is eager to develop chemistry with Tannehill.

It seemed like a near certainty that Danny Amendola would eventually need surgery to repair the groin injury he suffered during the season opener.

But it is currently believed that the New England Patriots wide receiver can heal through rest, according to a source. So Amendola's once inevitable trip to the operating table will be circumvented – at least for now.

Amendola was outplayed by free-agent-to-be Julian Edelman, though the groin injury certainly played a role. If Edelman returns, Amendola's upside will be somewhat capped even if he is 100 percent healthy in 2014.

Jim Schwartz has agreed to terms to become the Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator.

Schwartz, 47, will enter his 21st year in the NFL coaching ranks and ninth as a defensive coordinator. He served in the same capacity with the Tennessee Titans from 2001-08 overseeing a defense that finished in the top 10 in both rushing yards allowed per game (5th-103.5) and third down conversion rate (6th-36.1%) during his tenure.

While the Lions never had an elite defense under Schwartz, he did break a streak of three consecutive last place finishes by the franchise in most points allowed during his second season, and the team improved to 15th in points allowed in his fifth season as head coach. Schwartz replaces Mike Pettine, who left to become the head coach of the Browns.

Redskins TE Fred Davis, a pending free agent with a history of failed drug tests, now faces a 6-game suspension according to a league source.

Davis is entering free agency so, if true, this suspension couldn't come at a worse time.

No one in the Pittsburgh Steelers' locker room should be more excited about the addition of offensive line coach Mike Munchak than rookie running back LeVeon Bell.

Bell will be one of the biggest beneficiaries of the improvement that should take place up front with Munchak mentoring a young and promising offensive line. He should also thrive in the zone blocking scheme that Munchak is expected to make a staple of the Steelers'offense.

Bell is a patient yet decisive runner and that blend is perfect for zone blocking, which requires backs to read and react.

Bell was the #8 RB from Week 4 to Week 17 once he returned from a foot injury that sidelined him for the first three weeks. Given his workload, he could be a low-end 1st round pick by the time 2014 fantasy drafts roll around.

Browns HC Mike Pettine on QB Brian Hoyer: I think he's a winner. Intangibles are off the chart.

Hoyer was 3-0 as the starter, though he was injured early in his third start. In his first two starts, he racked up 590 yards and five TDs against the Vikings and the Bengals. The Browns are expected to draft a QB this summer, but it sounds like Hoyer has a fan in Pettine.

Deciding not to wait until after the Super Bowl to hire their man, the Browns on Thursday afternoon reached a deal and named fiery former Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator Mike Pettine their seventh full-time head coach in the new era.

Pettine is a defensive mind, so we'll have to wait to see who he tabs as offensive coordinator before we can assess what types of changes are in store for Josh Gordon, Jordan Cameron and Co.

The official announcement of Mike Mularkey’s hiring as tight ends coach on Wednesday meant the Titans now have three coaches with plenty of experience coaching the position. Head coach Ken Whisenhunt and offensive coordinator Jason Michael are former tight ends coaches.

The three have a combined 14 years of coaching tight ends, with Whisenhunt and Mularkey adding a combined 17 years of NFL playing experience at the position.

Whisenhunt and his staff will be working extensively with tight end Delanie Walker, who produced 60 catches for 571 yards and six touchdowns in his first season with the Titans.

Whisenhunt even compared Walker to All-Pro Antonio Gates, whom Whisenhunt coached as Chargers offensive coordinator this season.

“I had a lot of respect for him there, so needless to say I’m excited that he’s on this team and I’ll have a chance to work with him,” Whisenhunt said. “Working with Antonio Gates got me excited about the position, and I think there’s a lot of elements to what Delanie does that are similar in that capacity.”

The comparison seems like a stretch, but Walker did finish as the #12 TE in 2013 and had a run from Week 10 to Week 15 where he was the #6 TE. Walker won't be posting Gates-in-his-prime numbers in 2014, but it's good to hear that his HC values his play. He'll be a sleeper heading into this summer's fantasy drafts.

For the third consecutive offseason, Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson has plans to go under the knife. ESPN's Josina Anderson reported Wednesday night that Peterson soon will have groin surgery in Philadelphia. Dr. William Meyers, who operated on Peterson's sports hernia last season, will perform the surgery.

It's a good time to ask whether the Vikings should think about giving another running back a few of Peterson's carries during the season, though it's questionable whether Toby Gerhart would want to come back for a supporting role when he could have bigger opportunities coming as a free agent this spring.

Peterson, for that matter, isn't one to ask for less work, but he might be getting to an age where both he and the Vikings are better served by an attempt to reduce his mileage somewhat.

Peterson's ticket to a lesser workload could actually come through new offensive coordinator Norv Turner, who became San Diego's coach at a similar point in LaDainian Tomlinson's career. Tomlinson was 28 when Turner took over the Chargers in 2007, and as Turner leaned more on San Diego's passing game, the Chargers dialed back Tomlinson's workload. He carried 315 times in 2007 -- down 33 carries from his 31-touchdown season of 2006 and the second-fewest of his career to that point.

Recovery should take about 4-6 weeks. At 29, Peterson will still enter 2014 redrafts with a 1st round ADP, but his long-term outlook obviously isn't as bright as it once was.

The Seattle Seahawks saw the return of WR Percy Harvin to the practice field on Wednesday, indicating he has been cleared to participate after suffering a concussion against the New Orleans Saints.

Harvin was unable to get cleared in time to play for Seattle in the NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. However, head coach Pete Carroll said Monday he expected Harvin to make it back to practice soon and Wednesday was the first opportunity to rejoin his teammates on the field. Harvin fully participated in Wednesday's practice.

Harvin is fully expected to play in Super Bowl XLVII. When he's played, the Seahawks have certainly tried to get him involved, so he should make at least one big play against the Broncos.

When he took the job, new HC Ben McAdoo said the Giants would be “an up-tempo, attacking-style offense” — words that are like salsa music to Victor Cruz’s ears.

“I’m for all [going] up-tempo, getting a lot of catches, making a lot of plays,” he said. “That’s what I want to do — that’s kind of right up my alley. I’m excited to hear that, and I’m excited to get in there and learn the offense and get it going.”

With unrestricted free agent Hakeem Nicks uncertain to return, the Giants will look to Jernel Jernigan, who impressed at the end of this past season, to replace Nicks’ production, should he leave.

If Nicks leaves, Jernigan and Randle would likely see an uptick in snaps and targets. For his part, Jernigan was the #2 WR over the final three weeks of the season. It's a small sample, but it underlines his upside when he gets a good amount of playing time. As for the offense, Eli Manning has the experience to push the tempo and make adjustments at the line of scrimmage. The Giants offense should be better in 2014.

Regardless of what happens with TEs Jermichael Finley and Andrew Quarless (both free agents), the Packers are excited to take a greater look at Brandon Bostick. A former wide receiver at Newberry (S.C.) College, Bostick's game has a striking resemblance to Finley's.

In fact, the speedy Bostick averaged an impressive 17.1 yards on his seven catches this season before suffering a broken foot in Week 15. Bostick was in a boot when the season ended, but said that would be off by February. He expects to be running before March.

"I definitely think I showed I can play with the guys," Bostick said. "I can make plays on offense. I think I showed the coaches I can be a playmaker and can make plays on offense and special teams."

The Week 1 groin injury limited Patriots WR Danny Amendola all season. He didn't meet expectations in Year 1 in New England, but it's important to remember how much pain he played through. Year 2 -- provided he's healthier -- should be better.

Julian Edelman is a free agent and his status will greatly impact Amendola's upside in 2014.

It’s an anniversary that Reggie Wayne doesn’t want to be celebrating but he knows brighter days are ahead. A week from Saturday will mark three months since Wayne had surgery for his torn ACL.

Wayne is looking forward to Jan. 25, as it will be the next phase in his rehab process. “I’m going to do straight ahead running (then),” Wayne said on his weekly radio show on WNDE.

“I’m looking forward to doing that. I’ve been walking quite often lately. I get to run on a treadmill and that’s basically it.” Through the early phases of Wayne’s rehab, the 13-year veteran says that he’s “ahead of schedule”.

It's hard to get excited about a 35 year-old WR coming off of an ACL tear, but Wayne is a pro and could return to a solid possession role in the Indianapolis offense. He's entering the final year of his contract, which means it will likely be his last year with the Colts.

In his first year in the NFL, Vikings WR Cordarrelle Patterson looked like a star in the making. Granted, much of his best work came as a kick returner, but Patterson had moments when he showed he could be a dangerous threat as a receiver, too -- most notably his 79-yard screen pass against the Ravens on Dec. 8. Patterson could be the Vikings' next iteration of Percy Harvin, and will likely be the team's starting split end for years to come. Greg Jennings had an underwhelming first year in Minnesota, but that was due largely to the uncertainty the Vikings had at quarterback; once Matt Cassel took over as the starter at the end of the season, Jennings took off, catching a career-high 11 passes in the Vikings' Dec. 15 win over the Eagles.

All arrows are pointing up for Patterson, who was the #10 WR from Week 10 to Week 17. He scored seven touchdowns in that span (three rush, four receiving) while racking up 29 catches for 323 yards to go along with 10 carries for 156 rushing yards. With Josh Gordon coming off of a breakout season under new Vikings OC Norv Turner, Patterson should be a fantasy starter sooner rather than later.

49ers RB Frank Gore will undergo "minor finger surgery," source said.

This isn't anything to worry about, though the 49ers are expecting Marcus Lattimore to compete for snaps at RB and any extra reps he can get in OTAs would be to his benefit.

49ers HC Jim Harbaugh today said he expects running back Marcus Lattimore, who spent his rookie season recovering and rehabilitating from a devastating knee injury suffered in college, to be healthy for the start of the offseason and to compete for a job at running back.

Both Lattimore, a fourth-round pick in 2013, and defensive end Tank Carradine, a second-round pick, suffered ACL tears during their 2012 college seasons and essentially had red-shirt seasons for the 49ers as rookies. Lattimore also suffered tears to his PCL and MCL as well as a dislocated kneecap. Harbaugh expected that both players would compete for roles in the upcoming season.

"I have great hope for that," he said. "There's a path there. Nobody owes anyone a career in professional football. Your career is literally your business. But I have great faith that those men have what it takes."

Lattimore is highly regarded by draft pundits, so if he's healthy, expect a good portion of the fantasy community to put Frank Gore out to pasture. 2014 is the final year of Gore's contract, so the team is likely to continue to lean on him until Lattimore or someone else proves that they're the better player.

The Lions will hire Saints quarterbacks coach Joe Lombardi as offensive coordinator, league sources told ESPN Senior NFL Insider Chris Mortensen.

Lombardi, grandson of Hall of Fame coach Vince Lombardi, emerged as the favorite among numerous candidates for the job since Jim Caldwell was hired last week as coach, sources told ESPN.

Lombardi spent the past seven seasons as an offensive assistant with the Saints, who promoted him to quarterbacks coach in 2009.

With Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson and Reggie Bush, the Lions have the key pieces to make an offense run. Lombardi comes from a great system in New Orleans and will have the chance to thrive in Detroit.

Browns QB Brian Hoyer’s return from October ACL surgery is planned for April. He may enter the offseason as the starter. The odd men out will be Brandon Weeden and Jason Campbell. Weeden has a $920,000 guarantee for 2014, which makes a trade unlikely and a release probable. Campbell’s 45 percent play time triggered a $1 million escalator to his 2014 base salary. That brings his 2014 salary to $3.25 million – surely too high for a backup who complained about cold weather and admitted he pressed over the final four losses.

This underlines just how undependable the Browns QB situation was in 2013. It's amazing that Josh Gordon was able to do what he did given all the changes at the position. He and the entire Browns offense would benefit from some stability under center. Unfortunately, the organization let OC Norv Turner go after only one season. The Browns are a near shoo-in to pick a QB early in this year's draft.

Bills QB E.J. Manuel will get some additional coaching next season.

HC Doug Marrone said today he would like to add a quarterbacks coach to his staff of offensive assistants.

The QB coach would be a new addition to the staff. Offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett doubled as the QB coach during the 2013 season. But Marrone said that was a lot to put on Hackett's plate, especially when injuries hit the QB position.

"We’re looking at quarterback coaches," Marrone said. "One of the things that happened when we had those injuries was trying to get three quarterbacks ready. And having just Nathaniel was a very difficult situation, one that we didn’t foresee, but it was the situation we were in. We have a young stable of quarterbacks right now. We want to make sure we add people."

"Not that Nathaniel can’t handle it," Marrone said. "But we want to make sure his role as a leader and coordinator is to make sure everything’s going right. When you put three quarterbacks that are playing only one game of experience between the three, that’s not a situation you would wish on even your enemies in this profession."

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said been in frequent contact with Tony Romo and he's doing well. He said he expects him to do something in off-season.

New Redskins HC Jay Gruden will be judged by wins and losses, to be sure, but also by whether he can coach and teach Robert Griffin III into becoming the franchise quarterback he was drafted to be.

“I worked with Andy Dalton for three years in Cincinnati, and built a foundation of concepts and protections that I think worked well with him,” Gruden said. “With Robert, we’ll obviously use his skill set differently. When it comes to the quarterback position, my job is to make him comfortable and productive. I’m not going to try to turn RG3 into Andy Dalton or Drew Brees. He isn’t them. They’re not him. I would be foolish to try to turn RG3 into a pocket passer. It would be foolish. The way he is as a runner, we have to take advantage of that. He strikes fear into defensive coordinators when he runs outside. I’m going to let him be himself.”

Griffin's fantasy value will be a hotly debated topic heading into 2014 drafts. On a per game basis he was the #3 QB in his rookie season, but finished #17 in the same category in 2013. If he's healthy, he should be a fantasy QB1.

QB Matthew Stafford reached his zenith in 2011, with a 41-touchdown, 5,038-yard season, but he’s been only a 59-percent passer in the two seasons since—with some great days, but also some inconsistent ones.

Said new HC Jim Caldwell: “I’ve watched every throw Matthew made last season, because when I came here and met with him, I wanted to have some familiarity with him. We didn’t go through film together, but we talked about I saw, and I listened to him, and it was very beneficial. We have used a set of drills in coaching over the years that I think has added some consistency to all the quarterbacks we’ve coached. The great majority of poor throws—people look at the arm, and that’s important obviously, but I think footwork is the key. I can pull up any gamefilm and show you how our footwork drills help you. In a nutshell, the feet and eyes work together. If I’m throwing in a particular direction, my footwork is pointing in the same direction—directly at the target. We’ll work on it with Matthew, and he will do them flawlessly.”

Stafford's various release points have been a point of comedy in football circles, but it sounds like Caldwell is intent on cleaning up his QB's footwork at the very least. It's safe to say that Stafford has regressed from his 5,038-yard, 40-TD season in 2011.

The early word on Broncos running back Knowshon Moreno (ribs) and cornerback Tony Carter (arm/concussion) is that both should be back and ready to play. X-rays revealed no fractures for Moreno. There's always more to the story with rib injuries than just bone. Still, indications are he'll be suited up for the biggest game he's ever played in his home state — or anywhere, for that matter.

Seahawks wide receiver Percy Harvin never really had a shot to play in the NFC Championship Game after leaving twice in the divisional-round victory over the New Orleans Saints. The Seahawks were going to be careful with Harvin, even if his symptoms were mild. They expect him to play in the Super Bowl, sources have told FOX Sports. And while Seattle has gotten to this point without him, it certainly doesn't hurt to have that added dimension on offense.

It's two weeks until Super Bowl XLVII, so there should be plenty of time for Moreno's ribs to heal and for Harvin to navigate the NFL's concussion protocol.

Broncos Inactives
Marquice Cole DB
Joel Dreessen TE
Zac Dysert QB
Sione Fua OG
Ronnie Hillman RB
Chris Kuper G
Vinston Painter OT

Patriots Inactives
Chris Barker G
Steve Beauharnais ILB
Jake Bequette DE
Justin Green DB
Isaac Sopoaga NT
Kenbrell Thompkins WR
D.J. Williams TE

Aaron Dobson is active and will play for the Patriots.

Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson is scheduled to visit Philadelphia-based specialist Dr. William Meyers next week to evaluate his troublesome groin and decide if surgery is needed, a person with knowledge of the situation told USA TODAY Sports on Saturday.

This probably isn't a huge concern heading into the 2014 season, but it's a reminder that Peterson is turning 29 this March and is no spring chicken. He should excel in new OC Norv Turner's offense, but may only have 1-2 years of peak performance remaining.

Norv Turner has agreed to become the Minnesota Vikings' next offensive coordinator, a league source confirmed to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.

The move had been widely anticipated.

The well-traveled Turner served as offensive coordinator with Cleveland for one season, following six seasons as the San Diego Chargers' head coach.

This looks like a very good hire for the Vikings. Turner has had all sorts of success as an OC. The future looks bright for Kyle Rudolph and Cordarrelle Patterson, provided the team can get their QB situation figured out. Turner loves to feature the tight end position (i.e. Jordan Cameron) and last season Josh Gordon thrived under Turner's guidance.

The Redskins obviously haven’t had enough time to put together their playbook -- they'll start going heavy on it after the coaching staff is finalized (the goal, HC Jay Gruden said, is to have that happen by early next week). But as they continue to discuss how the scheme will look, and the terminology that will be involved, it won’t just be a duplicate of what Gruden did as the offensive coordinator in Cincinnati.

“I don’t think it will change a lot,” new Redskins offensive coordinator Sean McVay said. “The foundation and base principles will remain the same. Jay does a great job of adjusting to his players. He doesn’t make the player adjust to his scheme.”

That means bootlegs, or keepers, and the outside-zone run game that benefited running back Alfred Morris. He rushed for 2,888 yards in his first two seasons under Shanahan – the Redskins ranked third in yards per carry this season and second in 2012. He’ll continue to be a big part of the offense.

“He’ll be the same guy,” McVay said. “The run game will be very similar.”

This bodes well for Alfred Morris, who needs a big workload in the running game to be a strong fantasy play since he doesn't do a lot in the passing game.

New Titans coach Ken Whisenhunt has named Jason Michael offensive coordinator. Michael was previously the Chargers' tight ends coach, where Whisenhunt served as offensive coordinator during the 2013 season.

“Jason really impresses me with his knowledge of the run and pass game and he was a big part of putting together our plans last year in San Diego,” Whisenhunt said, according to the team's website. “He is very familiar with the offensive system that we want to implement here, which includes bits and pieces from a number of offensive systems. He is intelligent and a good communicator. He was responsible for presenting a couple of game-plan packages to our offense each week and he was impressive.”

The Chargers offense may take a hit with the loss of both Whisenhunt and Michael.

Ray Horton is leaving Cleveland for Tennessee.

Horton has accepted the Titans’ defensive coordinator job, Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com reports. As we noted earlier this week, Horton was believed to be new Titans coach Ken Whisenhunt’s top choice. Horton was also Whisenhunt’s defensive coordinator in Arizona in 2011 and 2012.

The 53-year-old Horton has long been a well-regarded defensive coordinator, as well as a head-coaching candidate.

This is a good hire for the Titans, who were up and down defensively this season. They will be a streaming candidate next season given the right matchup.

49ers RB Frank Gore (knee, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 20. Gore is fully expected to play in a bad matchup against the Seahawks.

Broncos QB Peyton Manning (ankle, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 20. Manning won't miss this game due to his lingering ankle injury.

Patriots QB Tom Brady (right shoulder, illness) was removed from the injury report Friday. No worries here.

Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch (not injury related, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 20. Lynch will no doubt be ready to face the 49ers.

49ers RB Will Tukuafu (knee, questionable) took limited practice reps all week and is questionable for Week 20.

Patriots RB Shane Vereen (groin, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 20. Vereen should be fine to face the Broncos and could see a heavy workload if the Patriots fall behind.

Patriots WR Danny Amendola (groin, probable) took full practice reps on Friday after being limited earlier in the week and is probable for Week 20. The probable tag means that Amendola is virtually certain to play on Sunday.

Broncos WR Demaryius Thomas (calf, probable) was limited Friday after taking full reps earlier in the week and is probable for Week 20. Thomas is fully expected to play against the Patriots.

Seahawks WR Percy Harvin (concussion, out) missed practice all week and is out for Week 20. Harvin won't play against the 49ers, though at this point the Seahawks are used to being without him.

Patriots WR Aaron Dobson (foot, questionable) took limited practice reps all week and is questionable for Week 20. Dobson looks likely to play through the questionable tag this week.

49ers WR Michael Crabtree (wrist, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 20. Crabtree will be fine to face a tough Seahawks secondary.

Patriots WR Kenbrell Thompkins (hip, concussion, questionable) took limited practice reps all week and is questionable for Week 20. Thompkins seems a bit less likely than Aaron Dobson to suit up for Sunday's game.

Broncos TE Joel Dreessen (knee, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 20.

Unlike former head coach Greg Schiano, who preferred to give the bulk of the carries to a single back such as Doug Martin, new OC Jeff Tedford plans to use a two- and maybe even three-back scheme that constantly forces defenses to adjust to his personnel.

“When I was at (the University of California) we were always very fortunate to have two very good backs, whether it was J.J. Arrington and Marshawn Lynch or Lynch and Justin Forsett, or Lynch and Jahvid Best or Jahvid Best and Shane Vereen,’’ Tedford said Wednesday.

“We really had a good one-two punch in the backfield there and I think that’s what you need. For one guy to carry the load the whole time, especially as physical as this level is, is a lot. So (we’re looking) to have two and probably three backs that can provide different things for you.’’

We don't have to read between the lines to see that Martin may not get the workhorse-type touches that he received in his first season. Still, he'll very likely be the lead back and hold 2nd/3rd round value heading into 2014 fantasy drafts.

Colts GM Ryan Grigson: Trent Richardson. Showed some progress. It's all about comfort level and confidence. We have patience. He's not going anywhere.

Soon-to-be 27 year-old Donald Brown is the better player, but he's a free agent and the Colts may not have the resources to bring him back. If Brown is out of the way, T-Rich will have his supporters based mainly on his (probable) high workload.

Raiders GM Reggie McKenzie said he'd like to re-sign Rashad Jennings.

Jennings turns 29 this March, so he's unlikely to garner a long-term deal, but a two-year contract sounds like a good idea for both sides as Jennings thrived in the Raider offense after Darren McFadden went down. McFadden is not expected to return. If Jennings is re-signed and no other major competition is brought in, he'll be a sleeper in the middle rounds (4th-6th).

Malcom Floyd, after four months, still wears a neck brace to bed every night. He still deals with pain from an open-field hit that ended his season. He still waits to know if he can return to the game.

After four months, he hasn't lost hope.

The Chargers wide receiver wants to play football again. He's been told the spinal disk issue that he's dealt with since September is one from which players have come back. But he's also been told by Dr. Robert Watkins that it potentially can be career ending. Floyd has an appointment in about a month, he said, that is expected to give a better sense for him which it will be.

Last Monday marked eight weeks since Sam Bradford underwent left knee surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament. And the Rams’ quarterback couldn’t be feeling better.

The knee is pain free, the rehab process is going well and accelerating. Prior to the surgery, Bradford wouldn’t offer a prediction on when he’d be able to return. But on Thursday he said there was no reason why he shouldn’t be ready to go by the start of training camp in late July.

Bradford will be somewhere in the QB2 mix by the time 2014 draft season begins.

Former Miami Dolphins wide receiver Davone Bess was arrested for assaulting an officer/firefighter Friday morning.

Bess, 28, was taken into custody by police at Fort Lauderdale International Airport around 6:19 a.m. Friday.

According to the arrest report, Bess was walking down the concourse acting, “irrationally, dancing, singing with his pants repeatedly falling down.”

The arrest report said Bess was asked by law enforcement if he was alright and gave no response. BSO said Bess then took a cup of coffee not belonging to him and squeezed the cup until the liquid poured over the officers uniform.

The story only gets worse from there. Click through to read the full account. Bess may not play again given these antics. He's a solid possession receiver but his recent off-the-field troubles won't endear him to decision-makers around the league.

Teryl Austin’s agreement to be Lions DC is done, per source.

Austin was previously the secondary coach for the Ravens, so he has worked with new HC Jim Caldwell before.

Detroit Lions general manager Martin Mayhew said Wednesday that wide receiver Calvin Johnson underwent surgeries last week on his knee and finger.

Mayhew called the knee procedure "a minor scope," while adding some unpleasant detail about Johnson's hand issue.

"He played the entire season with a finger really that was pointing perpendicular from his body the whole season," Mayhew said, according to the Lions' official website. "He's trying to catch the ball like that. He would never complain about that, but certainly that was a factor, I think, in the way he played."

Johnson's health was definitely a factor this season, but he still racked up 1,492 yards and 12 TDs even though he faded down the stretch. He'll likely enter the 2014 season as our top-ranked receiver.

Amid an ESPN report that veteran former NFL head coach and noted offensive mind Norv Turner is close to becoming the Vikings’ offensive coordinator, another report has surfaced that Mike Zimmer has landed his defensive coordinator as well.

According to Fox Sports’ Alex Marvez, Dolphins linebackers coach George Edwards will leave Miami to join Zimmer as defensive coordinator.

Turner would be a good hire for the entire Vikings offense, especially Kyle Rudolph, since Turner likes to feature his tight end prominently in the offense. Cordarrelle Patterson would be a prime breakout candidate given the way Josh Gordon played this season under Turner. The Vikings will need to address the QB position though Turner made the best of a bad situation in Cleveland.

Seahawks WR Percy Harvin (concussion) won't practice on Wednesday.

Harvin is currently looking doubtful for Sunday's game against the 49ers, though if he returns to practice on Thursday or Friday, he'll be on track to play.

Bill Belichick won’t reveal why Patriots QB Tom Brady wasn’t at practice today. Source says he’s just sick.

Brady is in no danger of missing Sunday's game against the Broncos.

Patriots injury report confirms Kenbrell Thompkins suffered concussion vs. Colts...limited w/ concussion/hip.

Since he's already "limited," Thompkins should get cleared for Sunday's game.

The Dolphins have hired Philadelphia Eagles quarterbacks coach Bill Lazor to run their offense, a person with knowledge of the team's search has told NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport. ESPN's Chris Mortensen first reported the hire. The team officially announced the hiring Wednesday.

Lazor is widely credited for the emergence of Nick Foles, who led the league in passer rating and set an NFL record for touchdown-to-interception ratio (27:2).

Although Lazor worked under Chip Kelly's innovative offense, his resume isn't limited to one system. He was offensive coordinator of the Virginia Cavaliers for three seasons after stints with NFL coaching legends Dan Reeves, Joe Gibbs and Mike Holmgren.

Lazor's work with Nick Foles is credited as the reason why the Dolphins hired him as offensive coordinator. He'll tutor Ryan Tannehill and will call the plays for the Dolphins.

Vikings are hiring Mike Zimmer as their HC, per league source.

Zimmer spent the last six seasons as the defensive coordinator for the Bengals, who have posted three straight top 10 seasons in points allowed and yards allowed. He should be able to improve the Vikings defensively. Minnesota was last in the league in points allowed and 31st in yards allowed in 2013.

There’s a belief that Chiefs WR Dwayne Bowe, who is listed at 6 feet 2 and 221 pounds, could take a major step toward doing just that by having a strong offseason of conditioning, something that Bowe himself acknowledged during the radio interview.

“One thing I want to work on — my endurance,” Bowe said. “I was really, really tired that last game.”

Bowe said he plans on changing the way he eats, though he didn’t provide details. He said he played this year between 212 and 214 pounds but hopes to report to camp a little lighter to better fit the offense.

“I probably want to play at 208 and try to be as quick and swift as possible, because that’s the kind of receivers that Andy had when he was in Philly,” Bowe said. “I’d like to be more explosive and faster than I was this season. I just want to work on my work ethic a little more and become quicker and faster so I can be like DeSean Jackson and those speedy, quick guys.”

Bowe finished the season as the #44 fantasy WR, but was the #26 wideout from Week 11 to Week 16. (The Chiefs rested their starters in Week 17.) Bowe also posted 8-150-1 against the Colts in the Wildcard round of the playoffs, so there is some reason for optimism heading into 2014. Bowe also revealed that he has a small crack in his foot (which he calls a third-degree sprain) that won't require surgery.

Since undergoing single-fusion surgery of his C-3 and C-4 vertebrae in November, TE Jermichael Finley has been splitting his rehab between Green Bay and Minneapolis. It’s the same injury that ended safety Nick Collins’ career, but Finley’s camp remains hopeful he’ll play again.

At some point, the Packers and team doctor Patrick McKenzie will evaluate Finley and decide whether or not to invest long term. In a recent interview with ESPN, Finley suggested he’s not looking to take a discount because of the injury.

The Giants have hired former Green Bay quarterbacks coach Ben McAdoo as their next offensive coordinator, a person with knowledge of the situation confirmed.

McAdoo, 36, has seen his star rise over the past few seasons as a tight ends coach and quarterbacks coach for the Green Bay Packers. He signed a two-year deal with the Giants.

McAdoo comes highly recommended by Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers, and it sounds like multiple teams heeded that advice. McAdoo had an interview with the Dolphins today and was on his way to Baltimore next

McAdoo is a Mike McCarthy disciple so expect to see a similar philosophy as he takes over the Giants' offense.

New Titans HC Ken Whisenhunt plans to call the plays for the offense.

He also said at his introductory presser that he'd like a 50/50 run/pass split. Whisenhunt called the plays in San Diego this year, and the Chargers threw 52.8% of the time. Expect a similar split in Tennessee, provided the Titans are able to run the ball effectively.

Fred Jackson is a 32-year old running back, but he’s one of the more productive ones in NFL history at that age. It’s part of the reason why he’s convinced he can play another three or four seasons.

Appearing on Bills flagship station WGR Sportsradio 550, Jackson was asked how much longer he feels he can maintain his level of play in the league. Jackson believes he can and had some good reasons why.

“I want to get three or four more years in,” he said. “I confidently believe I can do that. Especially with the workload being split between [C.J. Spiller] and I. That definitely gives me the opportunity to be out here three or four more years and competing with these guys and getting this thing turned around. That’s the number one goal, getting this thing turned around and giving this city something to be excited about and that’s what I want to do before I’m out of here.”

We keep expecting Jackson to hit the wall and the guy just keeps grinding out productive seasons. With C.J. Spiller dealing with an ankle injury for much of the year, F-Jax finished as the #11 RB in fantasy. As long as he's around, Spiller's upside is somewhat limited.

Detroit Lions are hiring Jim Caldwell as their head coach, per a league source.

Caldwell coached for the Colts while Peyton Manning was there and guided the Ravens offense to a Super Bowl win during the 2012 season. Last season's offensive struggles are a concern, but the Lions obviously feel like his resume is strong enough to justify the hire.

The biggest beneficiary in the Ken Whisenhunt hire should be Jake Locker, the Titans’ talented but injury-prone quarterback. Whisenhunt has worked successfully with young quarterbacks (Ben Roethlisberger in Pittsburgh), old quarterbacks (Kurt Warner in Arizona) and in-between quarterbacks (Philip Rivers in San Diego).

But it also ups the pressure on Locker. Entering his fourth pro season, he is at a crossroads. At some point this year, Whisenhunt will decide if Locker is indeed a franchise quarterback or if the Titans need to go a different direction.

Personally, I think it is a terrific pairing. Locker has worked in two different offensive systems — the first one run by Chris Palmer, the more recent by Dowell Loggains — over the past three seasons. Whisenhunt will provide new direction.

A high ankle sprain carries a four-to-six week recovery timetable.

Ryan Mathews didn't miss one game.

The Chargers running back was clearly hobbled in the team's two playoff contests, not playing in the second half Sunday of a 24-17 loss to the Broncos. While Mathews declined to confirm, sources said his limitation was the result of a high ankle sprain.

If this is indeed the case, Mathews showed some toughness playing through the injury. Given how many owners he has burned through the years, his ADP will be interesting to watch heading into the 2014 season. He was the #10 RB from Week 6 on, so he'll merit consideration in the 3rd round.

The Tennessee Titans have hired San Diego Chargers offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt as their new head coach.

Whisenhunt replaces Mike Munchak, who parted with the team after three seasons and a 22-26 record.

Whisenhunt led a revitalized Chargers offense led by QB Philip Rivers, RB Ryan Mathews and WR Keenan Allen. His first order of business will decide who is the future at QB. Jake Locker has been inconsistent, but the Titans hold the #11 pick. Ryan Fitzpatrick could hold down the fort for a year if necessary.

Peyton Manning's future beyond this season will be determined by the results of an offseason exam on his surgically repaired neck, sources familiar with the star quarterback's mindset told ESPN Senior NFL Insider Chris Mortensen.

If the exam reveals that his neck is stable, Manning plans to return to the Broncos in 2014, regardless of how Denver fares this postseason, according to sources.

But if there is an increased risk of injury, Manning will be forced to decide whether to retire, sources said.

WR Julio Jones is rehabbing and doing well, per Falcons owner Arthur Blank.

Jones's foot fracture is worrisome since it happened at the same spot of his previous fracture that happened during the draft process.

Colts RB Vick Ballard's rehab has gone well. Believes he'll be ready to take the field for OTAs.

The Colts will have to decide if they want to let their most productive RB (Donald Brown) go in favor of Trent Richardson and Vick Ballard. Brown is a free agent and played well in a somewhat limited role this season.

Colts TE Dwayne Allen says his hip surgery was more intensive than originally planned. Made four month rehab into a six month rehab.

If Allen is good to go to start the season, he and Coby Fleener will each once again cap the other's upside.

Broncos Inactives
Tony Carter CB
Joel Dreessen TE
Zac Dysert QB
Sione Fua OG
Ronnie Hillman RB
Chris Kuper G
Derek Wolfe DE

Chargers Inactives
Jeromey Clary G
Marcus Cromartie DB
Lavelle Hawkins WR
Sean Lissemore NT
Brad Sorensen QB
Brandon Taylor S
Kenny Wiggins T

Ryan Mathews is active for the Chargers and will start, but is not 100%, dealing with a left ankle injury.

Patriots WR Kenbrell Thompkins left Saturday's game with a head injury.

Austin Collie is the next man up with Aaron Dobson sidelined due to injury.

Panthers Inactives
Travis Bond OG
Dan Connor ILB
Wes Horton DE
Tavarres King WR
Marvin McNutt WR
Josh Norman CB
Jonathan Stewart RB

Steve Smith is active, but not 100% for today's matchup. Expect a heavy dose of DeAngelo Williams and Mike Tolbert with Jonathan Stewart out.

49ers Inactives
Jon Baldwin WR
Derek Carrier TE
Quinton Dial DE
Joe Looney G
Nick Moody OLB
Carlos Rogers CB
Ryan Seymour OG

Patriots Inactives
Chris Barker G
Steve Beauharnais ILB
Jake Bequette DE
Aaron Dobson WR
Justin Green DB
Isaac Sopoaga NT
D.J. Williams TE

Colts Inactives
Daniel Adongo LB
Deion Branch WR
Darrius Heyward-Bey WR
Khaled Holmes C
Josh Lenz WR
Sheldon Price CB
Joe Reitz G

Seahawks Inatives
WR Bryan Walters
RB Christine Michael
LB KJ Wright
OL Caylin Hauptmann
OL James Carpenter
DE Benson Mayowa
DT Jordan Hill

We're not expecting Harvin to be his usual self, though it sounds like the hip has progressed and he's ready to contribute.

Saints Inactives
RB Pierre Thomas
QB Ryan Griffin
DB Terrence Frederick
S Jordan Pugh
LB Rufus Johnson
DT Tyrunn Walker
WR Nick Toon

Look for Mark Ingram and Khiry Robinson to see extra carries against a tough Seattle defense.

49ers RB Frank Gore (knee, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 19. Gore will play in a tough matchup against the Panthers (#3 in RB aFPA).

Broncos QB Peyton Manning (ankle, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 19. Manning will face the Chargers, who are #10 in QB aFPA, though if they are without Ryan Mathews, they may have a tougher time playing “keep away” from the Broncos.

Patriots QB Tom Brady (right shoulder, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 19. Brady will play in a very nice matchup with the Colts.

Chargers RB Ryan Mathews (ankle, questionable) missed practice all week and is questionable for Week 19. Mathews is looking iffy for Sunday, though he’s a veteran and capable of playing without practicing. The Chargers desperately need a strong running game to grind the clock like they did in their previous win in Denver. If he can’t play or is limited, look for Danny Woodhead and especially Ronnie Brown to see a jump in snaps and touches.

Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart (knee, questionable) was limited Friday after taking full reps earlier in the week and is questionable for Week 19. Stewart is expected to play, which will limit the upside of DeAngelo Williams in a bad matchup against the 49ers (#5 in RB aFPA).

Saints RB Pierre Thomas (chest, questionable) took limited practice reps again Friday and is questionable for Week 19. Thomas is iffy for Saturday, but looks like he has a chance to play. With a questionable tag, he’s a game-time decision. If he can’t play, look for Mark Ingram to see extra carries against a tough Seattle defense.

Patriots RB Shane Vereen (groin, probable) took limited practice reps all week and is probable for Week 19. Vereen is good to go for a nice matchup with the Colts (#21 in RB aFPA).

Patriots WR Aaron Dobson (foot, out) missed practice all week and is out for Week 19. Kenbrell Thompkins will likely get the start against the Colts, though he’ll be the fourth option in the passing game after Julian Edelman, Danny Amendola and Shane Vereen.

49ers WR Michael Crabtree (wrist, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 19. Crabtree will play in a tough matchup with the Panthers.

Patriots WR Danny Amendola (groin, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 19. Amendola will be fine to face the Colts, who are #27 in WR aFPA.

Panthers WR Steve L Smith (knee, questionable) took limited practice reps all week and is questionable for Week 19. Smith had some sort of a setback on Thursday and won’t be close to 100 percent if he plays this week.

Chargers WR Eddie Royal (toe, questionable) missed practice all week and is questionable for Week 19. Royal is expected to play through the questionable tag once again.

Colts WR Darrius Heyward-Bey (hamstring, out) missed practice all week and is out for Week 19.

Seahawks WR Percy Harvin (hip, probable) was limited Friday after taking full reps earlier in the week and is probable for Week 19. We're not expecting Harvin to be his usual self, though it sounds like the hip has progressed and he's ready to contribute.

Panthers TE Ben Hartsock (knee, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 19.

Broncos TE Joel Dreessen (knee, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 19.

Broncos WR Wes Welker (concussion, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 19. Welker is back in the saddle as the Broncos’ slot man. He may see a heavy workload if there are high winds on Sunday.

Patriots WR Kenbrell Thompkins (hip, questionable) took limited practice reps all week and is questionable for Week 19. Thompkins will get the start with Aaron Dobson out against the Colts.

Seahawks TE Luke Willson (ankle, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 19.

With or without James Jones, the Packers do envision Randall Cobb playing more outside.

“I do," wide receivers coach Edgar Bennett said this week. "I think just going back and talking about a tough-minded individual, mentally as well as physically, I think he can go outside. That’s something that we certainly talked about and worked on some during training camp. But obviously, he’s a difference-maker in slot. Wherever you put him, he can be a difference. He can continue to be an impact player.”

Cobb did talk about this heading into training camp. He wanted to be more than a slot receiver, even if that's where he excels most.

Cobb's role will somewhat depend on whether or not the Packers re-sign James Jones, who has implied that he's not looking to break the bank with his next deal.

Patriots WR Aaron Dobson hasn't practiced since leaving the Dec. 29 season finale against the Bills with a foot injury.

Here are the details on David Wilson's surgery: He'll have a fusion of the vertebrae to repair the herniated disc in his neck on Jan. 16.

Wilson is expected to return to football, though the Giants aren't counting on him to be their starter in 2014.

Seahawks WR Percy Harvin said he "absolutely" expects to play on Saturday.

We're not expecting Harvin to be his usual self, though it sounds like the hip has progressed and he's ready to contribute.

Panthers WR Steve L Smith said he went from 71 percent yesterday to 57 percent today. Without a grading curve he said he had a setback.

It sounds like Smith intends to play, but he won't be at full strength. Brandon LaFell and Ted Ginn are likely to see extra work/targets with Smith hobbled.

Ravens running back Ray Rice recently paid a visit to general manager Ozzie Newsome, and it wasn't a routine meeting.

The three-time Pro Bowl runner had just completed the worst season of his NFL career, gaining just 660 rushing yards and averaging 3.1 yards per carry -- the lowest numbers Rice has generated since becoming a full-time starter four years ago.

Rice has repeatedly vowed to rededicate himself to regaining his old form, saying he's willing to get back in optimal condition. Rice played at a heavier weight this season and also dealt with hip flexor and quadriceps injuries that robbed him of his explosiveness and tackle-breaking ability.

Newsome says he came away from his conversation with Rice convinced that the running back will have a resurgent season in 2014.

"I think Ray is committed to being as good a football player as he has been," Newsome said Wednesday during a state-of-the-team press conference at team headquarters. "We had great dialogue yesterday on what we think we can do to help Ray to get there. But that combination of us having an understanding and a willingness to provide some help to him, and him having a willingness to work his butt off, we will again have a Pro Bowl running back in Ray Rice next year."

At just 26 years old, it was surprising to see Rice's production fall off the way it did, but as the article states he was dealing with injuries and coming off of a Super Bowl run the previous season (and that likely wore him down). Newsome's comments are encouraging, but John Harbaugh recently said that the team could take more of a committee approach at running back, which would limit Rice's upside.

Eagles WR DeSean Jackson is slated to earn $10.25 million in 2014, but only $250,000 is guaranteed and he won’t see that money until the season starts when he’s paid on a weekly basis. When he signed his new contract in March 2012, $10 million of $15 million guaranteed came up front in a signing bonus.

(Jackson’s 2015 ($9.75 million) and 2016 ($8.25 million) base salaries are not guaranteed.)

Last season, he made $6.75 million in base salary, $4 million of which was guaranteed. But the salary cap number was $9 million and jumps to $12.5 million in 2014.

There has been speculation that the Eagles may be open to restructuring Jackson’s deal to lower the 2014 salary cap number in exchange for more guaranteed money. While that is possible, it is also unlikely to happen, the source said.

Jackson's 2014 salary is the 4th-highest among WRs, but if he suffers a career-ending injury next season, he will only see a small portion of the $30+ million he is owed over the remainder of his contract. It remains to be seen if this will impact Jackson's play. He has been known to grow "alligator arms" when he's worried about getting injured.

Bengals OC Jay Gruden has agreed to become the next head coach of the Washington Redskins, per league source.

Hue Jackson is expected to be promoted to OC of the Bengals.

It hasn't ended well for Gruden's predecessors in D.C., but he's going to jump on the opportunity for a head coaching job after three seasons as the Bengals' offensive coordinator. Despite an ugly flameout against the Chargers on Sunday, the Bengals offense has improved under Gruden's guidance. However, some fantasy owners were frustrated by his (lack of) usage of rookie RB Giovanni Bernard and second-year WR Marvin Jones. As for Jackson, he has run productive offenses before, including the Raiders in 2010 and 2011. Oakland was top 10 in yards gained in those two seasons under Jackson's guidance.

If the Titans don’t plan on giving him a bigger role under their next head coach, RB Chris Johnson said he’d rather be elsewhere.

“I feel like if they are not going to use me the way I am supposed to be used and let me be the horse, then I would rather them let me move on. Their money would be wasted on me,” Johnson said. “I feel like if they are not going to use me right, let somebody get me that’s going to use me the right way.”

“I have to be fed. A lot of games I started getting hot and they took me out. I know a lot of people say I didn’t have any home runs this year. Well, those runs don’t come easy. They come once you keep getting the ball.”

Johnson is likely to be traded (or cut) this summer.

Ravens backup running back Bernard Pierce is expected to undergo surgery on his right shoulder to repair damage to his rotator cuff, according to a league source.

Surgery hasn't been scheduled yet. If Pierce has the procedure, it would take place this month to allow him sufficient time to heal for next season.

The initial recommendation for Pierce was that he needed to have surgery, which would require four to five months of rehabilitation this offseason. If Pierce opts not to have surgery, he would still require months of rehab to strengthen the shoulder.

Pierce should have plenty of time to heal before training camp starts provided he has the surgery soon.

Bengals WR Marvin Jones played on an average of 43 percent of his teams snaps in his first 13 games of the season. Over his final four games, including a Wild Card playoff loss to the Chargers, he played on an average of 68 percent of snaps.

As his snaps increased, so did his targets. He averaged 4.4 targets through 13 games compared to 8.8 targets in the final four games of the season, including 12 targets against the Chargers in the playoffs. After a season of frustrating usage, it appears that the Cincinnati coaching staff has finally recognized that Jones deserves to play starter's snaps. Entering his third season, he's going to be an intriguing middle round pick in 2014 fantasy drafts.

Meanwhile, Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis began his 12th season with a face-to-face endorsement of embattled quarterback Andy Dalton before reiterating it publicly at his Monday news conference.

“He’s won big games for us and he’ll continue to win big games. We ask a lot out of him, there’s no doubt about it. He just finished his third season of doing it. I believe in his abilities, I believe in his makeup, I believe in his maturity and I believe in his ability to let the last play go and move on to the next play. That’s probably one of his best attributes along with his abilities,” Lewis said. "He had another very good season. He’s progressed well. We need to continue to do things to make his job just easier and easier to do, and make sure to continue to be repetitive with what we do for him, and continue to let the players around him continue to get better, and they continue to get better and that’s all we have to work at."

Apparently Dalton was looking for that assurance. After taking part in three turnovers in his third straight poor postseason performance, Dalton is under terrific heat from fans and pundits despite his three-year starting record in the regular season of 30-18 as one of four quarterbacks in NFL history to lead his team to the postseason in his first three years as a pro.

It sounds as if the Bengals will not make a change at QB this offseason.

Chiefs RB Knile Davis (knee sprain & fibula fracture) is making continual progress as his rehab continues.

Davis emerged as the clear handcuff for Jamaal Charles and should serve in that capacity again next season.

The Miami Dolphins and General Manager Jeff Ireland have mutually agreed to part ways.

He follows OC Mike Sherman out the door. The Dolphins have spent a lot of money in free agency in recent years and don't have much to show for it, which is the main reason why Ireland was let go.

Cowboys WR Miles Austin figures to be a June 1 casualty, which will open up $5.5 million in space, but would carry more than $5 million in dead money in 2015. Most of that money will be used to sign the draft picks.

Terrance Williams finished the season as the #40 WR and will be an intriguing late-round pick in 2014 fantasy drafts provided Austin is out of the way.

Colts WR Darrius Heyward-Bey will be out a week or so with a hamstring injury.

DaRick Rogers and Griff Whalen will continue to see a majority of the snaps opposite T.Y. Hilton.

Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski will have surgery to repair his torn ACL and MCL this Thursday by Dr. James Andrews, per source.

Hmm, we assumed that the surgery had already occurred. No reason has been given for the delay, but obviously his recovery hasn't started yet. There was a report that said he was expected to be ready for the start of the season, but that's looking very iffy at this point.

Packers WR James Jones wants to come back and he should be re-signed. He was never the same after suffering a knee injury against Baltimore, but he toughed it out and raised his level of play greatly when Flynn was playing. At some point next year, Randall Cobb is going to warrant an extension, so paying a lot for Jones isn't in the cards.

But he's good in the locker room and a pro on the field.

"I'm not one of those guys who goes home and says I'm worth 30, 40 million," Jones said. "We'll see what happens when the market comes and guys start making offers. If they start making offers, we don't even know. We're sitting here talking about free agency and I could be going to Canada. You never know."

Most professional athletes overestimate their worth so it's refreshing to hear Jones low-balling his own value. He turns 30 this March, so he's no spring chicken, but his game has improved considerably over the past two seasons. If the Packers can bring him back on an affordable deal, he would provide depth behind Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb.

Unexpected twist to Patriots-Colts matchup, as Colts sign longtime Patriots WR Deion Branch today.

Coach Joe Philbin announced through the team on Monday that OC Mike Sherman has been relieved of his duties.

Sherman, 59, had been with the Dolphins for two seasons after being fired at Texas A&M, where he coached Miami quarterback Ryan Tannehill.

The Dolphins ranked 27th in offense both years and scored just seven points total in their final two games, both losses to the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets that kept them out of the playoffs.

The Miami Herald says that HC Joe Philbin is "definitely safe."

DeSean Jackson, coming off the best season of his career, made it clear Monday that he wants the Eagles to re-negotiate the five-year contract he signed 22 months ago.

Jackson signed a five-year, $48.25341 million contract extension in March of 2012 that included a $10 million signing bonus. He earned $6.75 million this past year and is scheduled to earn base salaries of $10.25 million in 2014 and $9.75 million in both 2015 and 2016, along with $250,000 workout bonuses each year.

Jackson is due $30.5 million over the next three years in base salary and workout bonuses but not including incentive bonuses.

The deal was negotiated by Drew Rosenhaus, who no longer represents Jackson. Jackson’s agent is now Joel Segal.

“I definitely feel it’s something deserving,” Jackson said at his locker in the NovaCare Complex on locker cleanout day. “We’ll see how that plays out, and hopefully we can work things out smoothly and not have to worry about anything out of the ordinary.

“But I definitely feel like it’s deserving. I’m proven in this league, and after this past year, went out there, no distractions, and just really put it all in for my team and went out there and had a lot of success, so we’ll see how it goes.”

The contract raised a few eyebrows when it was signed mainly because it paid Jackson as if he were a focused pro (which even he would admit he wasn't at the time). Now that he's become one, he is looking for more than the $30.5 million he's set to make over the next three seasons in base salary. He will be the 4th-highest paid WR without a raise. This will be a situation to monitor.

Chargers RB Ryan Mathews did what he could Sunday.

An ankle injury that's slowed him the past two weeks could be played on for so long. He was out most of the second half.

“My mindset is I'm playing (against Denver),” said Mathews, who praised the work of the team's running backs. “We keep fighting. Coach (Mike) McCoy says it all the time. It's the next man up. We're all ready.”

It's interesting that Mathews just didn't say "I'm playing," since that's what most overly optimistic players would say at this point in the season. We'll watch his practice activity, but he may not be able to go against the Broncos.

Chargers RB Ryan Mathews missed much of the second half of Sunday's win after re-aggravating his ankle injury.

Mathews did not play during much of the third and fourth quarter while the Chargers were in clear drain-the-clock mode. Danny Woodhead and Ronnie Brown handled rushing duties with Mathews sidelined. He finished with 15 touches for 64 yards.

Packers Inactives
Chris Harper WR
Clay Matthews OLB
Nate Palmer OLB
Jumal Rolle DB
Lane Taylor G
Scott Tolzien QB
JC Tretter T

49ers Inactives
Jon Baldwin WR
Derek Carrier TE
Quinton Dial DE
Joe Looney G
Nick Moody OLB
Carlos Rogers CB
Ryan Seymour OG

Bengals Inactives
Kevin Brock TE
Rex Burkhead RB
Tanner Hawkinson G
Terence Newman CB
Ogemdi Nwagbuo DT
Dane Sanzenbacher WR
Ryan Whalen WR

Chargers Inactives
Marcus Cromartie DB
Lavelle Hawkins WR
Sean Lissemore NT
Stephen Schilling G
Brad Sorensen QB
Brandon Taylor S
Kenny Wiggins T

Kansas City Chiefs running back Knile Davis left the Saturday wild card game against the Indianapolis Colts with an apparent knee injury and did not return.

Davis carried the ball early in the fourth quarter when he was tackled and remained on the field following the play. He left with the assistance of trainers and was examined by the team's medical staff on the sideline. Davis is the latest in a long line of injuries sustained by Kansas City on Saturday.

Starting running back Jamaal Charles left in the first quarter with a concussion, and was ruled out for the remainder of the game. He was followed by starting wide receiver Donnie Avery, who caught a touchdown in the first half before sustaining a possible concussion of his own in the third quarter. The Chiefs are also without cornerback Brandon Flowers, who sustained a concussion during the third quarter.

Charles's concussion shouldn't impact his 2014 campaign, though it's something to monitor in dynasty leagues. We should find out shortly if Davis's knee injury is a sprain or something more severe. He turned into a nice handcuff for Charles this season.

Eagles Inactives
Matt Barkley QB
Damaris Johnson WR
Keelan Johnson DB
Dennis Kelly T
Curtis Marsh DB
Matthew Tucker RB
Julian Vandervelde G

Saints Inactives
Isa Abdul-Quddus FS
Keyunta Dawson DE
Terrence Frederick DB
Ryan Griffin QB
Pierre Thomas RB
Nick Toon WR
Tyrunn Walker DE

Darren Sproles will likely get most of Thomas's snaps in the passing game, while Mark Ingram and Khiry Robinson should pick up most of his carries.

Colts Inactives
Daniel Adongo LB
Khaled Holmes C
Fili Moala DE
Sheldon Price CB
Joe Reitz G
Weslye Saunders TE
Cassius Vaughn CB

Chiefs Inactives
Tyler Bray QB
Eric Fisher OT
Richard Gordon TE
Eric Kush C
Dezman Moses LB
Jerrell Powe NT
Rokevious Watkins OT

According to ESPN's Chris Mortensen, Titans HC Mike Munchak has been fired.

The franchise is in a fluid state. Chris Johnson may not be back, but the Titans do have a couple of good young receivers in Kendall Wright and Justin Hunter and a solid TE in Delanie Walker.

Seahawks HC Pete Carroll said WR Percy Harvin participated fully today except 2-min drill and looked good. Day to day next week.

Harvin is on track to play in next week's Divisional playoff game.

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve L Smith has done most of his rehab work indoors, but head coach Ron Rivera hopes to have Smith and the other two injured starters on the field next week and playing in the Jan. 12 divisional-round playoff game.

Smith sprained the posterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in Week 16 against the Saints and missed the regular-season finale at Atlanta. Running back Jonathan Stewart has missed three games with a sprained MCL, and defensive tackle Colin Cole sat out the Atlanta game with a strained calf.

Smith has had a disappointing fantasy season, but he's a key cog in Carolina's pass offense.

Filed to ESPN: Leslie Frazier just text me "going to Tampa." Frazier then told me he will be the next defensive coordinator for the Bucs.

Frazier and HC Lovie Smith plan to keep and utilize CB Darrelle Revis despite speculation that he was on his way out of Tampa.

Chargers RB Ryan Mathews (ankle, probable) returned to take limited reps Friday after missing practice earlier in the week and is probable for Week 18. The plan for Mathews is the same as last week. He’s fully expected to play against the Bengals.

Packers RB Eddie Lacy (ankle, probable) took limited practice reps all week and is probable for Week 18. Lacy has a tough matchup against the 49ers, but should see a big workload if he’s close to 100 percent. He was named a Second-Team All-Pro on Friday.

Saints RB Pierre Thomas (chest, out) missed practice all week and is out for Week 18. Darren Sproles will likely get most of Thomas's snaps in the passing game, while Mark Ingram and Khiry Robinson should pick up most of his carries.

49ers RB Frank Gore (knee, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 18. Gore is fully expected to play in a nice matchup with the Packers (#29 in RB aFPA).

Bengals WR A.J. Green (knee, probable) took full practice reps on Friday after being limited earlier in the week and is probable for Week 18. Green is good to go for a mediocre matchup with the Chargers.

49ers WR Michael Crabtree (quadricep, probable) was limited Friday after taking full reps earlier in the week and is probable for Week 18. Crabtree is fully expected to play against the Packers this week. The frigid temperatures may limit both offenses this week.

Chiefs WR Dwayne Bowe (concussion, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 18. Bowe is over his concussion and has a nice matchup with the Colts.

Eagles WR Jason Avant (shoulder, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 18.

49ers WR Jonathan Baldwin (illness, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 18.

Colts WR Darrius Heyward-Bey (hamstring, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 18.

Chargers WR Eddie Royal (toe, questionable) missed practice all week and is questionable for Week 18.

Bengals TE Tyler Eifert (neck, questionable) took full practice reps on Friday after being limited earlier in the week and is questionable for Week 18. Eifert’s return to a full practice indicates he’s ready to play against the Chargers, though we may not know until game-time.

Bengals TE Jermaine Gresham (hamstring, questionable) took full practice reps on Friday after being limited earlier in the week and is questionable for Week 18. The full practice indicates that Gresham will play through his questionable tag.

The Saints have ruled RB Pierre Thomas (chest) out for Saturday's game against the Eagles.

Darren Sproles will likely get most of Thomas's snaps in the passing game, while Mark Ingram and Khiry Robinson should pick up most of his carries.

Giants HC Tom Coughlin on WR Jerrel Jernigan: "I saw a different young man late in the season -- a very, very competitive guy."

Jernigan racked up 19 catches for 237 yards and two TDs in the final three games. With Hakeem Nicks likely gone, there should be considerable role for Jernigan alongside Victor Cruz and Rueben Randle.

Jeremy Maclin said Thursday that he was ahead of schedule in his recovery from a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee and that he anticipated being ready for the start of spring practices on April 21.

Maclin has some paperwork he must deal with, though, before he can be penciled in as a participant at the start of the Eagles' offseason workouts. The wide receiver is slated to become a free agent on March 11 when the new league starts.

The Eagles, of course, have until then to work out an extension with Maclin if they hope to bring him back for 2014 and possibly beyond. Receiver Riley Cooper is also slated to become a free agent.

The Eagles will have decisions to make with Maclin and Cooper as both players head into free agency.

RB Brandon Jacobs has retired from the NFL.

After 9 years in this whirlwind business they call the NFL, I am proud to announce that I am hanging up my cleats. I've had an amazing run and I appreciate all of the support from the fans through the good and the bad. The New York Giants are a great organization and I am proud to have been a part of it for so long. I love my coaches and my teammates and will miss them as well as the game itself but I am healing well from my surgery and I look forward to running around with my kids for years to come!

Jacobs' swan song was a 22-carry, 106-yard, two-TD performance against the Bears in Week 6.

Giants OC Kevin Gilbride has announced that he's retiring at the age of 62.

He's apparently been talking about retirement for a while, but this announcement was likely accelerated by the Giants' offensive woes this season.

There was a time as Wes Welker was recovering from his second concussion that he felt he was ready to play.

The Broncos' medical team held the star slot receiver out a while longer, anyway, and in retrospect he's glad for it.

"It took a little bit of time," Welker said Thursday in his first interview since his second concussion in a three-week period on Dec. 8. "Even when I felt I was 100 percent, looking back you weren't 100 percent. It's always a tricky injury and just trying to manage it and everything else, but the doctors and trainers did a great job of just doing the things necessary to get me back out on the field."

He was cleared for full football activities this week, and Welker will play in the Broncos' second-round AFC playoff game on Jan. 12 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High against Indianapolis, Kansas City or San Diego.

Whatever sleeper value Andre Caldwell held late in the season is gone now. It looks like the Broncos' offense will be at full strength heading into the postseason.

The Patriots re-signed WR Austin Collie.

The Patriots must have Collie on speed dial at this point as it's the third time they've signed him this season. The signing is an indicator that Aaron Dobson (foot) and/or Josh Boyce (ankle) may miss the Divisional Round playoff game in Foxboro next week.

Bill O’Brien and the Houston Texans have agreed to a deal to make O’Brien the team’s new coach, according to multiple reports. The move will be announced officially on Thursday, the Houston Chronicle’s John McClain reported.

The Texans will now have to address the QB situation, and they are expected to use the No. 1 overall pick on Louisville QB Teddy Bridgewater. Arian Foster's back is another concern, as Ben Tate hits free agency this year and isn't expected to return.

Bills RB C.J. Spiller was touted as the focal point of Buffalo’s offense heading into the first year under head coach Doug Marrone. But a high-ankle sprain suffered in Week 4 by the dynamic back played a large role in compromising those plans. As a result Spiller fell well short of his personal goals as well as his primary team goal, which was to reach the postseason for the first time in his four-year career. Walking out the door this week at the conclusion of the 2013 campaign Spiller is very clear on his role in Buffalo’s offense and optimistic about 2014.

“I don’t have any concerns or any doubts what my role will be,” said Spiller. “I think we just had an obstacle in the road when I got injured in Week 4. It kind of hindered some of the things that we were able to do with me. When you keep coming in and out of games, it’s hard to really get a guy going like that.”

Spiller said he didn’t really feel like himself until late in the season with his trademark burst and ‘cut on a dime’ elusiveness due to the ankle injury that he tried to play through as the season unfolded. Nevertheless he still led the team in rushing with 927 yards and had a 4.6 yards per carry average.

Spiller averaged 3.5 YPC through the first four games, but finished with a 4.6 YPC even though he played through the ankle injury the rest of the way. He will be a high risk/high reward pick in the early rounds pending the status of Fred Jackson, who doesn't hit free agency until 2015. Jackson's presence puts a cap on Spiller's upside.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers wasted little time replacing Greg Schiano, agreeing to terms with Lovie Smith on Wednesday to become their next head coach on a four-year deal with an option for a fifth year.

Smith is expected to hire former University of California-Berkeley head coach Jeff Tedford as his offensive coordinator and recently-fired former Minnesota Vikings head coach Leslie Frazier as his defensive coordinator.

The Buccaneers' offense is in flux. Doug Martin (shoulder) is coming off of a season-ending injury and QB Mike Glennon lost both HC Greg Schiano and GM Mark Dominik, so he's likely to face some competition this offseason as the new regime possibly brings in their own quarterback.

Giants RB Andre Brown, who had almost 600 all purpose yards in eight games, is an impending free agent who has been measured about his future plans. After being involved in more than a dozen league transactions already, cut and signed by five different teams, Brown knows not to get his hopes up.

As he left the facility on Monday, though, he told The Star-Ledger he would be willing to get a deal done with the Giants as soon as possible. According to a person familiar with the situation, the team has already expressed interest in retaining the running back for next season.

David Wilson's long-term health is a question mark, so the Giants would be wise to lock up Brown to an affordable deal.

According to beat writer Brad Biggs, the Bears have signed QB Jay Cutler to a seven-year contract.

No numbers have been released yet, but they are bound to be big given how quickly this deal went down. Cutler averaged 16.9 fantasy points per game in the 10 games where he attempted at least 10 passes. That average tied Ben Roethlisberger for 16th among QBs. Under Marc Trestman, the Bears threw early and often, and the offense has a bright future given the weapons (Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffery, Matt Forte and Martellus Bennett) at Cutler's disposal.