Week 20 Players in the News

*** Friday Update *** QB Eli Manning (NYG) New OC Kevin Gilbride has seen enough of Eli Manning in three seasons as his QB coach to come to this decision: In 2007, he's going to let Manning air it out. That's what he promised yesterday when he was officially introduced as the Giants' new offensive coordinator. Gilbride was not happy with the results of the Giants' downfield passing attack under former OC John Hufnagel. And he said there's too much big-play potential on the Giants' offense to let it all go to waste. "I expect the ball to go down the field more than it did this year," said HC Tom Coughlin.

*** Friday Update *** QB Donovan McNabb (PHI) HC Andy Reid said he canceled a news conference by Donovan McNabb because he wants the injured quarterback to concentrate on his rehab. McNabb hasn't spoken at length to reporters since he tore a knee ligament on Nov. 19. He had planned a news conference for Friday. "He's been working like crazy right now and I don't want anything distracting him," Reid said on WIP-AM. "I want him focused in on taking care of his knee, and that's what he's doing. He came out (Thursday) and ran in the pool for the first time and he didn't have a limp when he ran in there. Those are all positive things."

*** Friday Update *** QB Matt Hasselbeck (SEA) underwent surgery to repair torn cartilage in his non-throwing shoulder on Thursday. Apparently, Hasselbeck suffered a torn labrum in his left shoulder three years ago. He is expected to be able to return to the practice field no later than training camp.

Running Back

*** Friday Update *** RB Fred McCrary (ATL) had an arthroscopic procedure to repair minor knee damage. He hopes to be fully healed by training camp.

Wide Receiver

*** Friday Update *** WR Mark Bradley (CHI) was limited in practice on Friday but will be a game-time decision for this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** WR Muhsin Muhammad (CHI) practiced on Friday and has been removed from the injury report. He will play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** WR Ricky Proehl (IND) practiced on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** WR Troy Brown (NE) partially participated in Friday’s practice and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** WR Joe Horn (NO) was limited again in Friday’s practice. He will be a game-time decision for this weekend, but it looks like he will not play.

*** Friday Update *** WR Arnaz Battle (SF) underwent surgery to remove the screws and some scar tissue in his left hand. He is expected to be able to practice with the team by the team's first mini-camp the week following the 2007 NFL Draft.

Tight End

*** Friday Update *** TE Mark Campbell (NO) practiced on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** TE Jeremy Shockey (NYG) In new OC Kevin Gilbride's opinion, the ball should go down-field more often to Jeremy Shockey, who had only two catches of 20 or more yards last season after hauling in 12 in 2005. "We need to be a little more efficient throwing the ball down the field, getting Jeremy Shockey involved down the field," Gilbride said.

*** Friday Update *** TE Delanie Walker (SF) underwent surgery on his right shoulder approximately two weeks ago. He sustained a separated shoulder on September 1 and played a majority of the season with a harness under his shoulder pads.

Kicker

Offensive Line

*** Friday Update *** OL Atlanta Falcons (ATL) T Todd Weiner had an arthroscopic procedure performed on his knee to repair cartilage damage. He hopes to be fully healed by training camp.

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

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

*** Friday Update *** OL New England Patriots (NE) T Ryan O’Callaghan partially participated in Friday’s practice and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** OL San Francisco 49ers (SF) T Jonas Jennings is scheduled to undergo surgery on his right shoulder in the coming days, with an estimated three-month recovery period as a result.

G Justin Smiley recently underwent surgery on his right shoulder to repair a torn labrum, with an estimated three-month recovery period as a result.

Defensive Line

*** Friday Update *** DL Grady Jackson (ATL) is contemplating surgery to alleviate pain in one of his knees, but he is gathering opinions before deciding the proper course of action.

*** Friday Update *** DL Mike Wright (NE) partially participated in Friday’s practice and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** DL Marcus Tubbs (SEA) underwent microfracture knee surgery Friday, Jan. 19. The recovery time for this surgery is lengthy, and it will be tough for him to return by training camp.

Linebacker

*** Friday Update *** LB Cato June (IND) practiced on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** LB Rob Morris (IND) did not practice on Friday but is still expected to play this weekend.

Defensive Back

*** Friday Update *** DB Jason Webster (ATL) had surgery to repair a hernia. Webster was initially diagnosed with a torn groin in early November after getting hurt in practice. He hopes to be fully healed by training camp.

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

*** Friday Update *** DB Bob Sanders (IND) practiced on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** DB Rodney Harrison (NE) partially participated in Friday’s practice but is not expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** DB Omar Stoutmire (NO) practiced on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

General Team News

*** Friday Update *** TM Miami Dolphins (MIA) Chargers OC Cam Cameron signed a four-year contract to replace Nick Saban, who left for Alabama after a 6-10 season. Saban missed the playoffs in both years with Miami, whose roster needs an overhaul to fix an aging defense and a feeble offense. "Good for Cam," Chargers coach Marty Schottenheimer said. "I think he'll be a very fine, winning NFL coach. He has done a terrific job for us, obviously. We're excited that he has been given this opportunity. I know that there's a lot of work for him to do, but he'll measure up to the task." Cameron will be the Dolphins' fourth coach in nine seasons. It has been a frustrating a stretch of instability for a franchise that had the same coach -- Don Shula -- for 26 years. The Dolphins interviewed at least 12 other candidates in their most extensive coaching search since the franchise's first season in 1966. Among those still being considered midweek were Miami defensive coordinator Dom Capers, former Atlanta Falcons coach Jim Mora, Georgia Tech coach Chan Gailey and former Alabama coach Mike Shula, son of ex-Dolphins coach Don Shula. Cameron went 18-37 as a head coach at Indiana, then directed a high-powered attack in San Diego. Led by the NFL's most valuable player, LaDainian Tomlinson, the Chargers ranked fourth in the league in offense this season and finished 14-2, best in the NFL.

*** Friday Update *** TM New York Giants (NYG) The Star-Ledger reported yesterday that new Giants GM Jerry Reese, in an interview with the YES Network, had mentioned Chargers RB Michael Turner as a possible replacement for RB Tiki Barber. That wasn't the case. Reese said the team will look for another option in addition to RB Brandon Jacobs "with free agency or the draft." But when he mentioned Turner, he did so in the context of pointing out many teams have more than one option in the backfield. He did not specify whether the Giants would be interested in Turner.

*** Friday Update *** TM New York Jets (NYJ) HC Eric Mangini has begun a shakeup of his staff, firing two coaches, including veteran DL coach Denny Marcin, according to sources. Both persons spoke on condition of anonymity because the Jets haven't made an official announcement. Marcin was terminated along with assistant running backs/special teams coach Sam Gash. DB coach Corwin Brown left last week to take the defensive coordinator's job at Notre Dame. And Mangini isn't done, one of the people said.

*** Friday Update *** TM Oakland Raiders (OAK) The latest twist in the Raiders' coaching search involved a different Pete Carroll disciple and the next turn could lead up the Bill Belichick tree. Owner Al Davis interviewed USC OC Lane Kiffin on Thursday about becoming the next Raiders play caller, one more sign that USC assistant head coach Steve Sarkisian is the front-runner to become the team's next head coach. Head coach candidates are Sarkisian (two interviews), Jim Fassel, Rob Ryan and James Lofton. Kiffin and Marc Trestman were brought in as potential offensive coordinators.

All the news

Quarterback

*** Thursday Update *** QB Michael Vick (ATL) had a water bottle confiscated by authorities at the Miami International Airport on Wednesday after airport officials discovered that the 20 oz. Aquafina bottle and the bottle's label concealed a seam, which separated the top and the bottom of the bottle. The lower compartment contained a small amount of a dark particulate and officials described a pungent aroma they closely associated with marijuana. The bottle is currently being analyzed at a Miami-Dade Police Department lab, and Vick is not currently facing any charges. GM Rich McKay stated he has met with Vick regarding the issue and expressed his displeasure. He added there is a process that is ongoing and the incident is being investigated. "I don't know how that is going to come out. I will tell you that internally we will deal with the issue," McKay stated. McKay also added team owner Arthur Blank is upset over the situation. He said the league has certain policies that have to be followed and punishment could follow through that.

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

*** Thursday Update *** QB Tom Brady (NE) practiced on Thursday and is expected to start as normal this weekend.

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

*** Wednesday Update *** QB Matt Hasselbeck (SEA) is believed to have played at least a portion of the 2006 season with a torn labrum in his left shoulder. An MRI on his shoulder has been scheduled, although Hasselbeck is believed to assume that surgery will be required. Hasselbeck is believed to be seeking a second opinion. If the injury requires surgery, Hasselbeck could be sidelined through May and possibly June which would cause him to miss the teams scheduled minicamps in those months.

QB Matt Hasselbeck (SEA) revealed on Monday that he played the final eight games of the season with broken fingers on his non-passing hand. Hasselbeck sustained non-displaced fractures of two fingers on his left hand during a win Nov. 27 against Green Bay. That was his first game back following a four-week absence from a sprained knee. "It wasn't fun," Hasselbeck said of the hand injury.

Running Back

*** Wednesday Update *** RB Warrick Dunn (ATL) had arthroscopic shoulder surgery on Wednesday. Dunn is looking at several months of rehabilitation before resuming off-season training activities.

*** Friday Update *** RB Fred McCrary (ATL) had an arthroscopic procedure to repair minor knee damage. He hopes to be fully healed by training camp.

RB Willis McGahee (BUF) reportedly wants out of Buffalo. Reports indicate that his recent request for a contract extension is a thinly veiled attempt to poison the waters with management and force a trade out of Buffalo. Owner Ralph Wilson has termed McGahee a "disappointment."

*** Wednesday Update *** RB Kevin Jones (DET) is set to begin rehabilitating his left foot in about two weeks, and he said Tuesday that there is at least a "possibility" that he will return in time for training camp. But, he declined to pinpoint a return date. "Day by day," Jones said in an interview. "It's not career-ending. I know that. It's just going to take some time. When I'm ready, I'll be out there." Jones suffered a Lisfranc injury Dec. 10 and underwent season-ending surgery three days later. Jones pointed out Tuesday that RB Warrick Dunn had a similar surgery, performed by the same surgeon.

*** Thursday Update *** RB Joseph Addai (IND) isn't listed on the injury report with his shoulder and is expected to play as normal this week.

RB Joseph Addai (IND) A shoulder injury kept Joseph Addai from finishing what he started in Baltimore on Saturday. It isn't expected to keep Addai out of Sunday's AFC Championship Game. HC Tony Dungy said he hadn't yet met with trainers and couldn't elaborate on the nature or severity of the injury that limited Addai to four second-half carries against the Ravens. "He's OK," Dungy said. "He hurt his shoulder and made it through the first half OK." In the second half, the Colts leaned on backup RB Dominic Rhodes. "Joseph wasn't 100 percent and Dom was running well," Dungy said. "I think Joseph could have played."

RB Heath Evans (NE) missed practice time last week. However it is now reported that he had spent considerable time in the hospital last week with an undisclosed illness.

*** Wednesday Update *** RB Tiki Barber (NYG) Though Jerry Reese admits he "thinks the percentage is probably low," the Giants' new GM refused to close the door completely on Tiki Barber's 10-year career and plans to ask him if he will consider playing for at least one more season. "Who knows?" Reese said. "Tiki might say at some point, 'You know what? I want to come back,' after he rests and gets his body healed up. You never know until you talk to him." However, Barber shot those thoughts down a few hours later. “He said the percentage is probably low,” Barber said. “Well, Jerry, I can tell you, I’m not coming out of retirement but I appreciate the offer. I’ve got other plans to do and I’m excited about moving forward. I am extremely grateful for every opportunity that the New York Giants provided me on the football field and also, as I take the next steps in my life off the football field, to be an influence in my community, to make great strides with people. So, Jerry, I appreciate your interest. I will talk to you, I’m sure, personally in the coming days to tell you, ‘Thanks but no thanks.’”

RB Mack Strong (SEA) is leaning towards coming back for another season. "As of right now, I feel like I want to come back," the 35-year-old Strong said, when asked whether he would retire. "I'm definitely getting closer to the point where I have to evaluate, 'Can I take the rigors of another NFL season?'"

Wide Receiver

WR Keyshawn Johnson (CAR) OC Dan Henning's firing leaves veteran Keyshawn Johnson's future with the Panthers in doubt. Johnson said after the final game that if Henning was fired, he would not return next season although he did back off that stance a day later. "I'm continuing to evaluate my position, just like everybody else," Johnson said. "It's professional sports and it's unfortunate. It's the nature of the business. We'll all be gone one day.

*** Friday Update *** WR Mark Bradley (CHI) was limited in practice on Friday but will be a game-time decision for this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** WR Mark Bradley (CHI) did not practice on Thursday and remains questionable for this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** WR Mark Bradley (CHI) did not practice on Wednesday and is questionable for this weekend.

WR Mark Bradley (CHI) hobbled to his locker Sunday wearing a protective boot on his right ankle. Bradley suffered the injury in the first half of the playoff victory over Seattle on Sunday. He caught a five-yard pass from Rex Grossman, then limped off the field with 7:54 left in the second quarter. Bradley was carted to the locker room and didn't return. Asked if he would be ready for the NFC Championship Game next Sunday against New Orleans, Bradley said, "Probably so." However, on Tuesday, Bradley still had a walking boot protecting his right ankle and is now considered unlikely to play.

*** Friday Update *** WR Muhsin Muhammad (CHI) practiced on Friday and has been removed from the injury report. He will play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** WR Muhsin Muhammad (CHI) missed Thursday’s practice due to illness but is expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** WR Terrell Owens (DAL) will reportedly require a second surgery on his right ring finger to reattach a torn tendon in his finger tip. The surgery will be performed in approximately eight weeks. Owens said he expects to be ready for training camp in late July.

*** Thursday Update *** WR Marvin Harrison (IND) practiced fully and is not listed on the injury report. He is expected to play as normal this week.

WR Marvin Harrison (IND) HC Tony Dungy said he was unable to shed any light on an apparent wrist injury to Marvin Harrison. "Marvin, I think, is going to be fine," he said. "He's been battling a few things, his wrist more than anything. But he didn't say too much on the plane." There was no indication that Harrison's injury is serious.

*** Friday Update *** WR Ricky Proehl (IND) practiced on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** WR Ricky Proehl (IND) practiced on Thursday but remains questionable for this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** WR Ricky Proehl (IND) practiced on Wednesday but is listed as questionable for this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** WR Troy Brown (NE) partially participated in Friday’s practice and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** WR Troy Brown (NE) missed practice again on Thursday and remains questionable with flu symptoms.

*** Wednesday Update *** WR Troy Brown (NE) missed Wednesday’s practice due to the flu and is listed as questionable for this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** WR Joe Horn (NO) was limited again in Friday’s practice. He will be a game-time decision for this weekend, but it looks like he will not play.

*** Thursday Update *** WR Joe Horn (NO) is questionable for Sunday's NFC championship game. On Wednesday, Horn participated in some practice drills. "Let me try to break it down to you, I have a partial tear of my groin muscle, and the doctor told me it's a six-to-eight-week process," Horn said. "I felt good running today, but I have to show that I'm good enough to run for my coach. He has to make a decision to play me in my sixth week into my injury. Am I 100 percent? No, I'm not. And there's not a guy in America who's going to tear part of his groin muscle and be 100 percent in six weeks."

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

WR Joe Horn (NO) is making progress but his status for this week's game is in doubt. ”We’ll see where Joe (Horn) is at that point,” Payton said. “I think he’s made progress, and I thought he made progress last week.”

*** Thursday Update *** WR Amani Toomer (NYG) says he is on his way to a full recovery from knee surgery and is looking forward to being able to run at full speed. "It's coming along pretty well," Toomer said of his rehabilitation from a partially torn ACL in his left knee. "I'm ahead of schedule in my mind. I definitely think I can do more than what I'm doing, but I'm just listening to our trainers. They know what they're doing trying to get me back, not only as quickly as I can, but to get me back to where it's going to be a seamless transition so there won't be much change in my play from last year to this year."

Tight End

*** Friday Update *** TE Mark Campbell (NO) practiced on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** TE Mark Campbell (NO) practiced on Thursday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** TE Mark Campbell (NO) did not practice on Wednesday and is questionable for this weekend.

Kicker

Offensive Line

*** Friday Update *** OL Atlanta Falcons (ATL) T Todd Weiner had an arthroscopic procedure performed on his knee to repair cartilage damage. He hopes to be fully healed by training camp.

OL Baltimore Ravens (BAL) OT Jonathan Ogden said on Saturday, following the team's playoff loss to the Indianapolis Colts, that he is considering retirement. "I'll take a week to try to let my toe get better and I'll see from there," Ogden said. "I'll take some time away and re-evaluate some things. That's how it's going to be. I'll see what I want to do next year a little later on."

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

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

*** Thursday Update *** OL Indianapolis Colts (IND) T Ryan Diem practiced on Thursday and is expected to play 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 on Wednesday but is listed as questionable for this weekend.

G Ryan Lilja practiced on Wednesday but is listed as questionable for this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** OL New England Patriots (NE) T Ryan O’Callaghan partially participated in Friday’s practice and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** OL New England Patriots (NE) T Ryan O’Callaghan missed practice again on Thursday and remains questionable with flu symptoms.

*** Wednesday Update *** OL New England Patriots (NE) T Ryan O’Callaghan missed Wednesday’s practice due to the flu and is listed as questionable for this weekend.

OL Seattle Seahawks (SEA) C Robbie Tobeck retired on Monday after 13 years in the NFL. He had a great career considering he was a former undrafted free agent from Washington State who was signed as a longshot guard in 1993. "I feel fortunate and really blessed to be able to play this game and live a childhood dream out for 14 years." Tobeck said.

*** Friday Update *** OL San Francisco 49ers (SF) T Jonas Jennings is scheduled to undergo surgery on his right shoulder in the coming days, with an estimated three-month recovery period as a result.

G Justin Smiley recently underwent surgery on his right shoulder to repair a torn labrum, with an estimated three-month recovery period as a result.

Defensive Line

*** Friday Update *** DL Grady Jackson (ATL) is contemplating surgery to alleviate pain in one of his knees, but he is gathering opinions before deciding the proper course of action.

*** Thursday Update *** DL Adewale Ogunleye (CHI) practiced on Thursday and has been removed from the injury report. He will play this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** DL Adewale Ogunleye (CHI) rested on Wednesday but is still expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** DL Mike Wright (NE) partially participated in Friday’s practice and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** DL Mike Wright (NE) missed practice again on Thursday and remains questionable with flu symptoms.

*** Wednesday Update *** DL Mike Wright (NE) missed Wednesday’s practice due to the flu and is listed as questionable for this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** DL Russell Davis (SEA) has recently undergone arthroscopic surgery on his left knee.

Linebacker

*** Friday Update *** LB Cato June (IND) practiced on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** LB Cato June (IND) is questionable for Sunday's AFC Championship Game after sustaining a concussion last week against Baltimore. The Colts' starting weak-side backer practiced Wednesday and Thursday and will play against New England, providing he passes his neuro-psychological test later in the week.

*** Wednesday Update *** LB Cato June (IND) practiced on Wednesday but is listed as questionable for this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** LB Rob Morris (IND) did not practice on Friday but is still expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** LB Daryl Smith (JAX) signed a multi-year contract extension with the team on Thursday. Terms were not disclosed, but Smith reportedly received a five-year deal worth $25 million.

Defensive Back

*** Wednesday Update *** DB Anthony Henry (DAL) The agent for Henry said that he believes his client still has several good seasons left at the cornerback position but that Henry would not object to a potential move to free safety. A move there might give the Cowboys better coverage at the position, allowing S Roy Williams to play closer to the line of scrimmage. Cowboys’ owner/general manager Jerry Jones has said moving Henry from corner to safety is a possibility.

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

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

*** Wednesday Update *** DB Nick Harper (IND) practiced on Wednesday but is listed as questionable for this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** DB Bob Sanders (IND) practiced on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

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

*** Wednesday Update *** DB Bob Sanders (IND) practiced on Wednesday but is listed as questionable for this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** DB Rodney Harrison (NE) partially participated in Friday’s practice but is not expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** DB Rodney Harrison (NE) participated in the opening of practice Thursday after missing the start Wednesday with an injured right knee. He still was listed as doubtful for the AFC championship game Sunday. Harrison flexed his strained right knee during the stretching portion that was open to the media and, after putting on his helmet, picked up a football before reporters and photographers left. On Wednesday, he walked without a limp in the locker room before his teammates left for the workout.

*** Wednesday Update *** DB Rodney Harrison (NE) did not practice on Wednesday and is listed as doubtful for this weekend's championship game with a knee injury. However, the NFL Network is reporting that he will not play.

*** Friday Update *** DB Omar Stoutmire (NO) practiced on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** DB Omar Stoutmire (NO) practiced on Thursday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** DB Omar Stoutmire (NO) practiced on Wednesday but is listed as questionable for this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** DB Jimmy Williams (SEA) has recently undergone reconstructive surgery on the anterior cruciate ligament of his left knee.

General Team News

*** Thursday Update *** TM Arizona Cardinals (ARI) The Cardinals have fired DL coach Larry Brooks and OC Mike Kruczek.

TM Arizona Cardinals (ARI) Former Pittsburgh OC Ken Whisenhunt is the Cardinals' eighth head coach since the franchise moved to Arizona in 1988. After his first interview, Whisenhunt said he would use the Steelers as a model wherever he wound up. "I think what we've done in Pittsburgh, just speaking from an offensive standpoint, is we tried to put players in the best situation to be successful instead of trying to make them fit our scheme."

*** Wednesday Update *** TM Atlanta Falcons (ATL) The Falcons announced on Tuesday that they have named Paul Petrino WR coach, Brian VanGorder LB coach, Mike Summers OL coach, Keith Rowan TE coach, Andy Sugarman offensive quality control coach, Kevin Wolthausen DL coach, Joe Whitt Jr. assistant DB coach, Jon Gannon defensive quality control coach, Tom McMahon assistant special teams coach, and Evan Marcus strength and conditioning coach.

*** Wednesday Update *** TM Baltimore Ravens (BAL) The Ravens announced that HC Brian Billick received a contract extension on Wednesday.

TM Baltimore Ravens (BAL) The Ravens have promoted Rick Neuheisel to offensive coordinator on Monday, although HC Brian Billick said he'll continue to call the plays next season. Neuheisel will help devise the game plan, provide input on personnel decisions and continue his work with QBs Steve McNair and Kyle Boller. "Rick's abilities are well-documented. He's a very established coach," Billick said. "He's got a great rapport with the players, he's very creative, and he's developed a great relationship with Steve and Kyle."

TM Carolina Panthers (CAR) The Panthers fired OC Dan Henning as well as two other assistants Monday, after finishing a disappointing 8-8 on the season. OL coach Mike Maser and DB coach Rod Perry were also let go, the first major moves by the Panthers since the season ended. The Panthers were hurt in part by numerous injuries on the offensive line, but Henning's play calling also was attacked this season as being too conservative as Carolina struggled to run and get the ball to WR Steve Smith.

*** Thursday Update *** TM Dallas Cowboys (DAL) HC Bill Parcells appears to be 50/50 to return next season. After waiting for five days, Cowboys assistant coach David Lee's conversation with Parcells on Wednesday morning took on a different tone. "I don't know," Parcells told Lee. "Coach, I need to go," Lee said. Shortly thereafter, Lee accepted a three-year contract to become the offensive coordinator at the University of Arkansas. What Lee wanted to know was whether Parcells would return for a fifth season. "I just think Coach is struggling with what to do. That's the truth," Lee said. Lee felt he needed the security that Arkansas provides because no one seems to know if Parcells is staying or going. Owner Jerry Jones has told Parcells to take all the time he wants. At least, until the Feb. 1 deadline that's in his contract.

*** Wednesday Update *** TM Dallas Cowboys (DAL) David Lee is returning to the Arkansas Razorbacks as their OC and QB coach. Lee has been the Cowboys QB coach since 2003. "While he has been with the Cowboys, he has helped all of our quarterbacks develop and grow," Dallas Cowboys HC Bill Parcells said. "I think he is an excellent teacher of fundamentals at the quarterback position and he has a solid grasp of how to develop an effective offensive philosophy with the talent that is available to him."

TM Green Bay Packers (GB) The Packers promoted Joe Philbin to replace Jeff Jagodzinski as the team's offensive coordinator Monday. Philbin is in his fifth season with the Packers. He previously served as Green Bay's assistant OL coach and TE/assistant OL coach. Jagodzinski was hired as head coach at Boston College last month. Winston Moss was also promoted to assistant head coach/defense, James Campen to offensive line coach and Jerry Fontenot to assistant OL coach.

*** Wednesday Update *** TM Houston Texans (HOU) The Texans named Mike Sherman as their offensive coordinator on Wednesday. Sherman, the first assistant head coach in the history of the Texans, just finished his first year with the team. Sherman replaces Troy Calhoun who has taken the head coaching position at Air Force.

TM Indianapolis Colts (IND) The Colts are taking a few days off this week. "I don't care who you are, your body's going to break down," said CB Nick Harper. "The more recoup time you get, the better off you'll be." That's why HC Tony Dungy gave his players Sunday, Monday and Tuesday off. They will begin preparations Wednesday for their AFC Championship Game showdown with New England on Sunday at the RCA Dome. "Three days of preparation is what you need," Dungy said. "Sometimes you can overdo the preparation and I just think at this time of year, being fresh is better."

TM Miami Dolphins (MIA) The Dolphins' list of coaching candidates shrunk by one Monday when Jets OC Brian Schottenheimer pulled his name out of consideration. Georgia Tech coach Chan Gailey and former Atlanta Falcons coach Jim Mora are currently the only remaining finalists to replace the departed Nick Saban. A source close to the search said Gailey, who interviewed for a second time Sunday, has emerged as the front-runner. Gailey favors a run-first offense. However, former Alabama HC Mike Shula reportedly interviewed for the job Saturday, a person familiar with the team's search said Tuesday. The person requested anonymity because the Dolphins have declined to identify candidates. Shula was a Dolphins ballboy when his dad coached the team.

TM New England Patriots (NE) The Patriots have received the No. 24 overall selection in the 2007 NFL Draft from the Seattle Seahawks. The draft pick completes the trade from earlier this season where the Seahawks received WR Deion Branch.

TM New Orleans Saints (NO) HC Sean Payton did not seem overly concerned by the idea of playing the NFC Championship Game Sunday, Jan. 21, in frigid cold weather versus the Chicago Bears. "You know going in that there's going to be different environments. You become adjusted and get used to the footing and the noise you have to deal with. You go over all the ways to stay warm," Payton said. "The conditions are obviously important to get adjusted to in terms of how you play, so that you're not slipping or falling. Outside of that, I think you become acclimated quickly." The Saints have not played in weather below 39 degrees this season. The forecast in Chicago calls for temperatures in the mid-20s this weekend.

TM New York Giants (NYG) The Giants hired Jerry Reese as their new GM on Monday, making him only the second black GM in NFL history. Reese has served as the team's director of player personnel the last four years and was considered the favorite among the Giants' in-house candidates to replace Ernie Accorsi, who held the post for nine seasons before retiring. The only other black general manager in the NFL is Baltimore's Ozzie Newsome, who was a Hall of Fame tight end as a player.

*** Wednesday Update *** TM Oakland Raiders (OAK) Former Arizona Cardinals HC Dennis Green declined an opportunity to interview with the Oakland Raiders for their vacant head coaching position through his agent on Tuesday. It had been reported earlier in the day that Green was scheduled to interview with the Raiders on Tuesday. The NFL Network's Adam Schefter reported the Raiders are waiting for New England OC Josh McDaniels to become available for an interview after the Patriots' season is over.

TM Oakland Raiders (OAK) Former Cardinals HC Dennis Green was scheduled to arrive Tuesday in Alameda to interview for the Raiders' head-coaching job, a source said. In Minnesota, Green worked with Raiders WR Randy Moss, who repeated his desire to be traded in a weekend interview at a college all-star game.

TM Pittsburgh Steelers (PIT) The team named the three finalists for the job that Bill Cowher held the previous 15 seasons, and the inclusion of Bears DC Ron Rivera on that list suggests that the Steelers are considering waiting at least another week before hiring their man. The Steelers will conduct second interviews with Vikings DC Mike Tomlin today and offensive line/assistant head coach Russ Grimm on Wednesday. They are not allowed to officially talk to Rivera again until the Bears' season is over, and that won't be until Sunday at the earliest.

*** Wednesday Update *** TM San Diego Chargers (SD) Chargers’ ownership has informed GM A.J. Smith and HC Marty Schottenheimer that Schottenheimer will keep his job for another season. Team sources indicate that Schottenheimer turned down a one-year, $4.5 million contract extension, though his assistant coaching staff did receive one in an effort to provide them with stability.

TM San Diego Chargers (SD) The AP reports that HC Marty Schottenheimer expects to be retained as the head coach of the Chargers despite rampant speculation about his job being in jeopardy.

TM Seattle Seahawks (SEA) HC Mike Holmgren is considering changes to his coaching staff following the Seahawks’ playoff loss Sunday. Holmgren and team president Tim Ruskell planned to discuss the possibilities during their end-of-season meeting today. Holmgren declined to discuss specific areas of the coaching staff that concerned him. "I wouldn’t think major changes," he said, "but don’t pin me down on that yet. I am still processing some of that stuff." Holmgren also focused his concern Monday on inconsistent play from QB Matt Hasselbeck. He plans to meet with Hasselbeck soon.

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