Week 19 Players in the News

*** Friday Update *** RB Joseph Addai (IND) practiced Thursday after missing Tuesday and Wednesday. "I think we’re going to be fine that way," HC Tony Dungy said. He is expected to play Saturday against Baltimore.

*** Friday Update *** RB Heath Evans (NE) partially participated in Friday’s practice but is expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** RB Kevan Barlow (NYJ) is hoping to get a second chance to make a first impression with the Jets. He rushed for a career-low 370 yards on 131 carries (2.8-yard average) but had six touchdowns. He was inactive four of the last five games. He revealed, late in the season, that after having knee surgery last May he felt like he was playing on "one leg" all season. It appears the Jets will keep either Barlow or Cedric Houston (374 yards, five TDs), but not both.

*** Friday Update *** RB Brian Westbrook (PHI) has been removed from the team's injury report and will play this weekend.

Wide Receiver

*** Friday Update *** WR Muhsin Muhammad (CHI) did not practice on Friday but is still expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** WR Terrell Owens (DAL) underwent successful surgery on Thursday to repair a torn tendon in his right ring finger. He is expected to make a complete recovery from the procedure.

*** Friday Update *** WR Brandon Childress (NE) partially participated in Friday’s practice but is expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** WR Joe Horn (NO) hasn’t done much work this week and is very questionable for this weekend’s game.

*** Friday Update *** WR D.J. Hackett (SEA) could not practice on Thursday or Friday and is not expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** WR Darrell Jackson (SEA) did not practice Thursday. On Friday, he reportedly suffered a setback with his toe and will be a game-time decision.

Tight End

*** Friday Update *** TE Tony Gonzalez (KC) will remain in Kansas City. GM Carl Peterson announced on Friday that Gonzalez agreed in principle to a five-year contract extension. As per Chiefs policy, no further terms of the agreement were announced. “Simplistically, we’re very pleased to get this done,” Peterson said. “It will, in all essence, allow Tony Gonzalez to finish his career with the Kansas City Chiefs."

*** Friday Update *** TE Ben Watson (NE) partially participated in Friday’s practice but is expected to play this weekend.

Kicker

Offensive Line

*** Friday Update *** OL Baltimore Ravens (BAL) LT Jonathan Ogden practiced again Thursday, but HC Brian Billick thinks the decision to play Ogden, who has a hyper-extended left big toe, could be made at game time. Billick said mobility, not pain, is Ogden's main issue. Ogden is listed as questionable on the team's injury report. Ogden was confident earlier in the week that he would play, but can he be effective containing Colts DE Dwight Freeney? "It's a matter of can he do his job out there," Billick said, "and that's only for J.O. to tell us at game time."

*** Friday Update *** OL Philadelphia Eagles (PHI) T Tra Thomas has been removed from the team's injury report and will play this weekend.

Defensive Line

*** Friday Update *** DL Richard Seymour (NE) practiced on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** DL Luis Castillo (SD) practiced on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** DL Jacques Cesaire (SD) did not practice on Friday and is not expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** DL Derreck Robinson (SD) practiced on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

Linebacker

*** Friday Update *** LB Mike Vrabel (NE) practiced on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** LB Omar Gaither (PHI) has been removed from the team's injury report and will play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** LB Dedrick Roper (PHI) has been removed from the team's injury report and will play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** LB Jeremiah Trotter (PHI) has been removed from the team's injury report and will play this weekend.

Defensive Back

*** Friday Update *** DB Charles Tillman (CHI) practiced on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** DB Rodney Harrison (NE) has been declared out for Sunday's playoff game, but how much longer he will be sidelined remains uncertain. Harrison sprained his right MCL Dec. 31, and one published report indicated yesterday he suffered a slight tear of his ACL, which would keep him out for the entire playoffs. But Harrison's agent, Steve Feldman, disputed the report. Despite his uncertain status, the Patriots haven't placed him on injured reserve yet, hinting that a return may be possible.

*** Friday Update *** DB Ellis Hobbs (NE) practiced on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** DB Michael Lewis (PHI) has been removed from the team's injury report and will play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** DB Bhawoh Jue (SD) practiced on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** DB Marcus Trufant (SEA) did not practice Friday and will not play this weekend. However, if the Seahawks advance in the playoffs, the team likes his chances of playing in the NFC championship game.

*** Friday Update *** DB PacMan Jones (TEN) received a six-month reprieve from Judge David Loughry Thursday, Jan. 11, pending Jones' completion of anger-management counseling. Jones was charged with public drunkenness and disorderly conduct Aug. 25, 2006. Jones was ordered to appear before Judge Loughry July 5, at which time charges could be dropped and his record erased.

General Team News

*** Friday Update *** TM Seattle Seahawks (SEA) The Seahawks have signed CB Gerard Ross from their practice squad to the 53-man roster.

All the news

Quarterback

*** Wednesday Update *** QB Rex Grossman (CHI) The Bears' playoff game Sunday against the Seahawks will be Rex Grossman's to win or lose. That's the word from HC Lovie Smith, who was asked about reports that the team will have Grossman on a short leash with an eye toward pulling him if it looks like another turnover fest is imminent. Grossman has a tendency to throw interceptions in bunches. Brian Griese got half the snaps in practice during the bye week but is down to 20% now that they have begun game planning for Seattle. Griese said he would be prepared if he got the chance, but he doesn't believe Grossman is on a short leash.

*** Friday Update *** QB Tom Brady (NE) practiced on Friday and will play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** QB Tom Brady (NE) fired back at Chargers HC Marty Schottenheimer last season, when Schottenheimer made seemingly innocent remarks about the high number of injuries New England had endured. Asked yesterday if he was still upset about the remarks, Brady said, "That's water under the bridge." But Brady added they have a different form of motivation from the Chargers. Brady said he has been picking the brain of WR Reche Caldwell about the Chargers', and that "they don't think too highly of us from what Reche says." Brady said: "From when they played us last year, he knows exactly what Schottenheimer said about us leading up to the game." Brady practiced on Thursday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** QB Tom Brady (NE) practiced on Wednesday and is expected to play this weekend.

QB Chad Pennington (NYJ) HC Eric Mangini would not name Chad Pennington as his 2007 starting QB during an interview on Monday, leading to speculation that Kellen Clemens will be giving a solid chance to earn the starting role during the offseason.

*** Thursday Update *** QB Philip Rivers (SD) said his foot's fine. "I've been getting a ton of treatment the past week." Wednesday marked Rivers' first full practice since spraining his right foot in the regular-season finale. He reported no problems. "I feel good," he said. "I said 30 minutes after the game it wouldn't be an issue and it won't be. I'm good to go."

Running Back

*** Friday Update *** RB Jason McKie (CHI) practiced on Friday and will play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** RB Jason McKie (CHI) practiced on Thursday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** RB Jason McKie (CHI) practiced fully on Wednesday but remains questionable for this weekend. However, barring a setback, he is expected to play.

*** Thursday Update *** RB Joseph Addai (IND) practiced on Thursday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** RB Joseph Addai (IND) missed some time on Wednesday but is still expected to play this weekend.

RB Joseph Addai (IND) missed portions of practice on Tuesday due a chest injury, and is listed as questionable. HC Tony Dungy did not mention the injury in Tuesday’s press conference.

*** Friday Update *** RB Heath Evans (NE) partially participated in Friday’s practice but is expected to play this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** RB Heath Evans (NE) partially participated in Wednesday’s practice and is questionable for this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** RB Ryan Moats (PHI) practiced on Thursday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** RB Ryan Moats (PHI) practiced on Wednesday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** RB Thomas Tapeh (PHI) did not practice again on Thursday and is listed as questionable for this weekend. However, HC Andy Reid said that he thinks Tapeh will play against the Saints "We think Thomas is going to be ready to go, so I'm not too worried about it," Reid said. "He just had some swelling in there." Correll Buckhalter would be the fullback should Tapeh be unavailable.

*** Wednesday Update *** RB Thomas Tapeh (PHI) injured his knee in Wednesday’s practice and is now questionable for this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** RB Brian Westbrook (PHI) has been removed from the team's injury report and will play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** RB Brian Westbrook (PHI) practiced on Thursday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** RB Brian Westbrook (PHI) practiced on Wednesday and is expected to play this weekend.

RB Shaun Alexander (SEA) It was reported that Alexander aggravated his foot in last week's game but Clare Farnsworth of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports that he was just kicked in the shin. He is expected to start against Chicago.

Wide Receiver

*** Friday Update *** WR Muhsin Muhammad (CHI) did not practice on Friday but is still expected to play this weekend.

WR Muhsin Muhammad (CHI) wasn't thrilled with his footing while running routes on the re-sodded part of Soldier Field on Dec. 31, so he might not be too excited to know the rest of the field has been re-sodded. The area between the hash marks was re-sodded before the New Year's Eve game against Green Bay, and the rest of the field was re-sodded last week. "Basically, it's a brand-new field." Team captain and C/LS Patrick Mannelly didn't notice any problem with the new sod. "I think it was the same," he said. "You have to make sure you're wearing the right cleats."

*** Friday Update *** WR Terrell Owens (DAL) underwent successful surgery on Thursday to repair a torn tendon in his right ring finger. He is expected to make a complete recovery from the procedure.

*** Wednesday Update *** WR Terrell Owens (DAL) has fired Kim Etheredge, his publicist since 2005, according to several media reports this week. We saw this coming for 25 million reasons.

In other news, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones sounds adamant that he want Owens back for 2007 according to www.dallascowboys.com. "Yes, Yes . . . Yes," Jones kept reiterating when interviewed on his weekly radio show with the Dallas Cowboys Radio Network flagship station The Ticket (KTCK-AM, 1310). "I don't know how I can answer you any clearer. Do you know that I know what the consequences are if he comes back? Do you know I know what his salary is? So I know what you have to pay."

*** Thursday Update *** WR Ricky Proehl (IND) has been downgraded and will not play this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** WR Ricky Proehl (IND) did not practice on Wednesday and remains questionable for this weekend. He will be a game-time decision at best.

*** Friday Update *** WR Brandon Childress (NE) partially participated in Friday’s practice but is expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** WR Brandon Childress (NE) partially participated in Thursday’s practice and remains questionable for this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** WR Brandon Childress (NE) partially participated in Wednesday’s practice and is questionable for this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** WR Joe Horn (NO) hasn’t done much work this week and is very questionable for this weekend’s game.

*** Thursday Update *** WR Joe Horn (NO) did individual work again on Thursday but once again did not take part in team drills. He remains listed as questionable for this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** WR Joe Horn (NO) did not practice on Wednesday and remains questionable for this weekend.

WR Joe Horn (NO) sat out significant portions of the New Orleans Saints' practice Tuesday, still bothered by the groin injury that caused him to miss the last four games of the regular season. HC Sean Payton said Horn, who had a pair of big touchdown catches in the victory over Philadelphia earlier this season, is questionable for the rematch Saturday night in the second round of the NFC playoffs. "I was disappointed he wasn't able to practice," Payton said. "I think he's doing everything he can to get ready." The Saints worked out Monday and Horn participated then. Payton said Horn has done "some things that are encouraging," since returning to practice last Friday. "Today there was some soreness that came back," Payton said. "There's still enough soreness that keeps him from going full speed."

Horn sounds like he definitely wants to play. ``You win or you go home, and I don't want to have to sit on the sideline and witness that,'' Horn said. ``I want to play in that football game and give everything I have. I want to be able to play, to help this organization and this city win a football game.''

*** Friday Update *** WR D.J. Hackett (SEA) could not practice on Thursday or Friday and is not expected to play this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** WR D.J. Hackett (SEA) is not expected to play this weekend.

WR D.J. Hackett (SEA) aggravated his right ankle Saturday while catching two passes for eight yards. Hackett was also dealing with a previous hip flexor injury. He status for this weekend’s game is unknown. Coach Mike Holmgren called his status for this week's game "problematic".

*** Friday Update *** WR Darrell Jackson (SEA) did not practice Thursday. On Friday, he reportedly suffered a setback with his toe and will be a game-time decision.

*** Wednesday Update *** WR Darrell Jackson (SEA) is listed as questionable for this weekend, but he is still expected to play. He'll likely be in the same situation as last week, where he'll start and see how well he can handle the pain.

WR Darrell Jackson (SEA) Earlier in the week, there were reports that Jackson would not play this week. However, those appear to be incorrect, and he is expected to play this weekend. Said coach Mike Holmgren Monday, "I want to clear something up. Darrell Jackson probably will play,"

Tight End

*** Thursday Update *** TE Quinn Sypniewski (BAL) practiced on Thursday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** TE Quinn Sypniewski (BAL) did not practice on Wednesday and remains questionable for this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** TE Ben Watson (NE) partially participated in Friday’s practice but is expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** TE Ben Watson (NE) partially participated in Thursday’s practice and remains questionable for this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** TE Ben Watson (NE) partially participated in Wednesday’s practice and is questionable for this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** TE Jeremy Shockey (NYG) Another controversy for the Giants popped up yesterday when Eagles’ CB Sheldon Brown spoke about an on-field chat he had with Jeremy Shockey in the second quarter of Sunday's playoff game. "He told me he wants to play here," Brown told the Philadelphia Inquirer. Shockey immediately squashed any possible rumblings that he doesn't want to be a Giant anymore.

TE Ryan Krause (SD) was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence during the weekend, the seventh run-in with the law by a team member this season. Krause was arrested early Saturday and later released on bail. Coach Marty Schottenheimer said he spoke with Krause on Monday. "I explained to him that is not acceptable," Schottenheimer said.

Kicker

Offensive Line

*** Thursday Update *** OL Baltimore Ravens (BAL) T Jonathan Ogden practiced some on Thursday and is expected to play this weekend although he's a good bit less than 100% with his toe. It'll be a huge matchup as the Ravens try to control Indy's Dwight Freeney.

G Keydrick Vincent practiced some on Thursday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** OL Baltimore Ravens (BAL) T Jonathan Ogden did not practice on Wednesday and remains questionable for this weekend. However, barring a setback, he is expected to play.

G Keydrick Vincent did not practice on Wednesday and remains questionable for this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** OL Chicago Bears (CHI) T John St. Clair practiced on Thursday and has been removed from the team’s injury report. He will play.

*** Wednesday Update *** OL Chicago Bears (CHI) T John St. Clair did not practice on Wednesday due to illness but is expected to play this weekend.

OL Dallas Cowboys (DAL) RG Marco Rivera will undergo back surgery on Tuesday morning. The injury necessitating surgery occurred during the team's recent playoff game. Rivera played most of that game with sharp pain in his legs, remaining standing at all times to avoid tightness. Upon the team's return to Dallas following the game, Rivera could not walk under his own power.

*** Thursday Update *** OL Indianapolis Colts (IND) T Ryan Diem practiced on Thursday and is expected to play this weekend.

T Daniel Federkeil missed some practice time on Thursday and remains questionable for this weekend.

G Ryan Lilja practiced on Thursday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** OL Indianapolis Colts (IND) T Ryan Diem practiced fully on Thursday but remains questionable for this weekend. However, barring a setback, he is expected to play.

T Daniel Federkeil practiced fully on Thursday but remains questionable for this weekend. However, barring a setback, he is expected to be available to play.

G Ryan Lilja practiced fully on Thursday but remains questionable for this weekend. However, barring a setback, he is expected to play.

OL New York Giants (NYG) OG Chris Snee will have surgery to clean up loose chips in his left ankle.

*** Friday Update *** OL Philadelphia Eagles (PHI) T Tra Thomas has been removed from the team's injury report and will play this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** OL Philadelphia Eagles (PHI) T Tra Thomas practiced on Wednesday and is expected to play this weekend.

Defensive Line

*** Thursday Update *** DL Alex Brown (CHI) practiced on Thursday and has been removed from the team’s injury report. He will play.

*** Wednesday Update *** DL Alex Brown (CHI) did not practice on Wednesday due to illness but is expected to play this weekend.

DL Tank Johnson (CHI) pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor gun charges at a brief hearing in a Lake County courtroom this morning. Johnson was arrested Dec. 14 after a raid on his Gurnee home, where police found six guns and some 500 rounds of ammunition. Less than two days later, Johnson was present at a nightclub when a gunman killed his bodyguard and housemate. Judge Theodore Potkonjak scheduled a status hearing for Feb. 16. He said that as far as he was concerned, Johnson would be allowed to travel out of state, presumably to the Super Bowl if the Bears make it that far.

*** Thursday Update *** DL Robert Geathers (CIN) signed a six-year extension Thursday that will pay him $14 million next season in various bonuses and salary, making him one of the team's top-paid players. He can earn $32.5 million in salary and bonuses over the six-year deal.

*** Thursday Update *** DL Robert Mathis (IND) practiced on Thursday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** DL Robert Mathis (IND) practiced fully on Thursday but remains questionable for this weekend. However, barring a setback, he is expected to play.

*** Friday Update *** DL Richard Seymour (NE) practiced on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** DL Richard Seymour (NE) practiced on Thursday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** DL Richard Seymour (NE) practiced on Wednesday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** DL Luis Castillo (SD) practiced on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** DL Luis Castillo (SD) is expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** DL Jacques Cesaire (SD) did not practice on Friday and is not expected to play this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** DL Jacques Cesaire (SD) is not expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** DL Derreck Robinson (SD) practiced on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** DL Derreck Robinson (SD) is questionable for this weekend.

Linebacker

*** Thursday Update *** LB Adalius Thomas (BAL) practiced on Thursday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** LB David Pollack (CIN) could play for the Bengals in 2007. The word came from Pollack's agent, R.J. Gonser, this week. Gonser told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that doctors have told his client that Pollack could be on the field as soon as next season. Pollack had surgery last week to stabilize his C-6 vertebra, and the procedure wasn't as bad as doctors first thought it might be. Gonser said that if all goes well and if Pollack is assured he has no greater risk of injury than any other football player, he'll play again. "That's Pollack's goal," Gonser said.

*** Thursday Update *** LB Willie McGinest (CLE) is facing his third paternity suit in two years, according to reports.

*** Thursday Update *** LB Gary Brackett (IND) practiced on Thursday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** LB Gary Brackett (IND) practiced fully on Thursday but remains questionable for this weekend. However, barring a setback, he is expected to play.

*** Friday Update *** LB Mike Vrabel (NE) practiced on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** LB Mike Vrabel (NE) partially participated in Thursday’s practice but is expected to play this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** LB Mike Vrabel (NE) partially participated in Wednesday’s practice but is expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** LB Omar Gaither (PHI) has been removed from the team's injury report and will play this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** LB Omar Gaither (PHI) practiced on Wednesday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** LB Dedrick Roper (PHI) has been removed from the team's injury report and will play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** LB Dedrick Roper (PHI) practiced on Thursday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** LB Dedrick Roper (PHI) practiced on Wednesday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** LB Jeremiah Trotter (PHI) has been removed from the team's injury report and will play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** LB Jeremiah Trotter (PHI) practiced on Thursday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** LB Jeremiah Trotter (PHI) practiced on Wednesday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** LB Shawne Merriman (SD) is predicting a win for the Chargers this weekend when his team plays host to the New England Patriots. When asked if he had any predictions about this weekends game while addressing the New England media on a conference call, Merriman responded, "To come out with a ‘W.’ That’s it. One point we win, a field goal, a safety, anything we get. One point we win. But obviously we want to come in and play 60 minutes of football and that’s it."

Defensive Back

*** Thursday Update *** DB Gerome Sapp (BAL) practiced on Thursday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** DB Charles Tillman (CHI) practiced on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** DB Charles Tillman (CHI) practiced on Thursday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** DB Charles Tillman (CHI) practiced fully on Thursday but remains questionable for this weekend. However, barring a setback, he is expected to play.

*** Thursday Update *** DB Nick Harper (IND) practiced on Thursday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** DB Nick Harper (IND) practiced fully on Thursday but remains questionable for this weekend. However, barring a setback, he is expected to play.

*** Thursday Update *** DB Bob Sanders (IND) was held out of practice Thursday but that was expected. Coach Tony Dungy sounds optimistic about Sanders. "Bob Sanders did not go (practice Thursday). That was kind of plan to rest him up. He did the walkthrough things (Thursday morning). But he looked good the rest of the week. He feels better than he's felt at any time after a game that he's played the previous week. So I think we're going to be fine health-wise. And I think we'll be ready to go."

*** Wednesday Update *** DB Bob Sanders (IND) practiced fully on Wednesday but remains questionable for this weekend. However, barring a setback, he is expected to play.

DB Bob Sanders (IND) practiced Tuesday and is expected to play in Indianapolis' playoff game at Baltimore on Saturday. "I feel good," Sanders said Tuesday. "I came in (Monday) and it felt real good. That's the best I've felt since I got back out there."

*** Wednesday Update *** DB Rodney Harrison (NE) will miss his second consecutive game with a knee injury. Harrison, who played his first nine seasons for the San Diego Chargers, is the only New England players listed as out on the team's injury report.

DB Rodney Harrison (NE) HC Bill Belichick was asked Monday about the possibility of Rodney Harrison taking the field, two weeks after spraining his medial collateral ligament. "We’ll see," he said. "We’re just day-to-day."

*** Friday Update *** DB Ellis Hobbs (NE) practiced on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** DB Ellis Hobbs (NE) practiced on Thursday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** DB Ellis Hobbs (NE) practiced on Wednesday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** DB Omar Stoutmire (NO) did not practice on Thursday and remains listed as questionable for this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** DB Omar Stoutmire (NO) practiced fully on Thursday but remains questionable for this weekend. However, barring a setback, he is expected to play.

*** Friday Update *** DB Michael Lewis (PHI) has been removed from the team's injury report and will play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** DB Michael Lewis (PHI) practiced on Thursday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** DB Michael Lewis (PHI) practiced on Wednesday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** DB Lito Sheppard (PHI) did not practice on Wednesday and will not play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** DB Bhawoh Jue (SD) practiced on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** DB Bhawoh Jue (SD) is expected to play this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** DB Marcus Trufant (SEA) is not expected to play this weekend.

DB Marcus Trufant (SEA) won't play this week as he continues to be hobbled by a high ankle sprain. HC Mike Holmgren said Trufant would have a chance to play if the Seahawks move on. S John Howell, signed last week, re-injured his hamstring Saturday. Howell was lost for the 2005 season with a hamstring injury and is now finished playing this year. The team could add a player to the roster by the end of the week, Holmgren said.

General Team News

TM Atlanta Falcons (ATL) The Falcons have named former Louisville HC Bobby Petrino as their new HC. Petrino has already found his defensive and offensive coordinators. A day after being introduced as Atlanta's head coach, Petrino reached agreements Tuesday with Dallas DC Mike Zimmer and Cincinnati WR coach Hue Jackson to be his coordinators with the Falcons. The hirings were confirmed by an official in the league Tuesday night, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they hadn't yet been announced.

*** Thursday Update *** TM Carolina Panthers (CAR) The Panthers are reportedly already $1.6 million over the NFL’s $109 million salary cap for the 2007 season.

TM Cleveland Browns (CLE) The Browns have decided that HC Romeo Crennel will remain the team's coach for the 2007 season. The word came through Bill Bonsiewicz, the team's vice president for communication, who responded to a question about the team's commitment to Crennel for 2007 by saying: "Romeo is our coach." The Browns instead have decided to make changes around Crennel. Four assistants already have been let go, and the search for a new offensive coordinator began Saturday. Talk around the league is the Browns would have a tough time hiring an experienced coordinator because Crennel's situation seems so fluid.

*** Wednesday Update *** TM Dallas Cowboys (DAL) HC Bill Parcells was so angry about reports that he had expressed interest in the Giants GM job that he called team co-owner John Mara yesterday to put out the fire. "There is absolutely nothing to it," Parcells said from Dallas. "Absolutely nothing. There has been no contact, either directly or through an intermediary. Whoever said it is a liar." Parcells is busy trying to decide whether to return for a fifth season as the Cowboys coach. He has until Feb. 1 to inform Cowboys owner Jerry Jones if he will be back.

*** Wednesday Update *** TM Denver Broncos (DEN) The Broncos continued cleaning house on Wednesday when they fired DL coach Andre Patterson.

TM Denver Broncos (DEN) The Broncos fired DC Larry Coyer on Tuesday the end result of a once-promising season that sputtered to a close with five losses in seven games. The Broncos defense started this season by becoming the first team in 64 years to not allow a touchdown over the first 11 quarters but fell apart down the stretch run, finishing 14th in the league in yards allowed as the Broncos stumbled from a 7-2 start to finish 9-7.

*** Wednesday Update *** TM Detroit Lions (DET) HC Rod Marinelli is recovering at home after undergoing hip replacement surgery on Friday. "The surgery went well," Lions spokesman Bill Keenist said. "He's doing fine."

*** Thursday Update *** TM Miami Dolphins (MIA) The Dolphins reportedly will play a regular season home game in London during the 2007 season.

*** Wednesday Update *** TM Miami Dolphins (MIA) USC HC Pete Carroll admitted on Tuesday to being intrigued by the potential opportunity to serve as the new head coach of the Miami Dolphins after recently interviewing with team owner Wayne Huizenga. However, he said that he is currently planning to remain at USC. "I love the Trojans. I love being here -- we're in the middle of something that's really special. I don't want to take any steps away from it," Carroll said. The Dolphins will interview Detroit Lions OC Mike Martz (among others) later in the week as a potential candidate to fill their current head coaching vacancy.

TM New Orleans Saints (NO) The Saints brought back kickoff specialist Billy Cundiff on Tuesday for the playoffs. The team officially reactivated Hollis Thomas, a move that had been expected since he finished serving a four-game suspension on Jan. 1. Thomas, the Saints' starting defensive tackle for the first 12 games of the regular season, has been practicing with the team since his suspension ended. To make room for Cundiff and Thomas on the 53-player active roster, the Saints placed longtime special teams veteran Fred McAfee on injured reserve, ending McAfee's season. They also waived defensive end Trevor Johnson, whose only action was in the regular-season finale against Carolina.

*** Thursday Update *** TM New York Giants (NYG) Tim Lewis was fired as the team’s defensive coordinator on Thursday, a move that will give HC Tom Coughlin two new top assistants in a likely make-or-break season. Neither Lewis, who interviewed for the vacant head coaching job in Miami on Wednesday, nor Coughlin was immediately available for comment. Kevin Gilbride, who took over the play-calling after offensive coordinator John Hufnagel was relieved on Christmas Day, is the favorite to run the offense next season. There have been reports that Miami DC Dom Capers, who worked with Coughlin in Jacksonville, will run the defense if he is not promoted to the top job with the Dolphins.

*** Wednesday Update *** TM New York Giants (NYG) HC Tom Coughlin will return to coach the. While the team's owners didn't give him an ultimatum, their message was clear. "I think he knows we need to do better, that our expectations are much higher," co-owner John Mara said in a conference call Wednesday. "I think we have enough talent on this roster to do better." Mara and co-owner Jonathan Tisch gave the 60-year-old coach a one-year contract extension through 2008, an agreement reached just days after the Giants were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs for the second straight season.

TM New York Giants (NYG) GM Ernie Accorsi is stepping down as general manager of the Giants on January 15. Patriots’ vice president of player personnel Scott Pioli will not be his successor. He confirmed on Monday he had been contacted by the Giants to discuss a front office position with the team. "I am very honored to be granted the opportunity to discuss a potential position with the New York Giants," Pioli said in a statement. "After careful consideration, and for personal reasons, I am continuing in my current role with the New England Patriots."

Also, the Giants have reportedly rebuffed a proposal from Cowboys HC Bill Parcells about returning to the organization as general manager, according to a high-ranking NFL executive. Parcells had informed the Giants through an intermediary that he would be interested in returning to the Giants to replace the retiring GM Ernie Accorsi, according to two NFL executives and a player. The sources requested anonymity because of the private nature of the search. The Giants appear to be looking for a younger candidate who would stay in the job for the long term.

*** Wednesday Update *** TM Oakland Raiders (OAK) There has been speculation that Oakland DC Rob Ryan might be in play and would love to rejoin HC Eric Mangini, who coached with him on the Patriots' defense from 2000-03. But a Raiders' source said Ryan isn't going anywhere. He has two years left on his contract and owner Al Davis is a big fan. Ryan will likely interview for the head-coaching vacancy now that Art Shell gone.

*** Thursday Update *** TM Philadelphia Eagles (PHI) T Tra Thomas practiced on Thursday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** TM Seattle Seahawks (SEA) The Seahawks have signed CB Gerard Ross from their practice squad to the 53-man roster.

*** Wednesday Update *** TM Tampa Bay Buccaneers (TB) The Buccaneers announced on Monday that they have fired secondary coach Greg Burns. He was immediately replaced by Raheem Morris, who served as the team's assistant defensive backs coach from 2002 through 2005. The Buccaneers continued to make changes to their coaching staff Tuesday, firing defensive line coach Jethro Franklin, the team said. Franklin became the second coach to be let go in as many days. Franklin replaced Rod Marinelli, but his coaching style didn't mesh with the players, nor did it produce the desired results. Under Franklin, the Bucs finished tied for 31st in the league in sacks and struggled to produce a formidable pass rush. The Bucs' inability to stop their opponent's passing attack was labeled by GM Bruce Allen and HC Jon Gruden as a major reason for the team's downfall in 2006.

*** Thursday Update *** TM Washington Redskins (WAS) The Redskins are reportedly already $2.7 million over the NFL’s $109 million salary cap for the 2007 season.

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