Week 21 Players in the News

*** Friday Update *** QB Michael Vick (ATL) HC Bobby Petrino will let Michael Vick take a more active role in running the offense. That includes allowing Vick to call audibles. Under previous coach Jim Mora, Vick basically had to go with whatever play was called by offensive coordinator Greg Knapp, even if it looked doomed when the quarterback got to the line and studied the defensive alignment. Vick's only options were changing the protection scheme and calling which side of the field to run the play. Things will be different under Petrino, who was lured away from Louisville after Mora was fired. "We're going to put it all on him," the new coach said Friday while making the rounds at the Super Bowl media center. "It's new to him, but he's excited about the challenge. I think that's the way you train a quarterback." Petrino said Vick "really believes in himself to get it done."

*** Friday Update *** QB Jake Plummer (DEN) has expressed interest in being a starter somewhere else next season, and the Broncos have said they would "explore all of their options," including trying to trade him. Broncos general manager Ted Sundquist has said, "If Jake still believes he is a starter, I think coach Shanahan and the organization, myself included, would be flexible and open of a request like that. I don't think we'd fight him. But we would want to explore all our options as well because the worst thing we could do is to cut him outright before June 1, take the hit, without any kind of compensation." However, the Broncos would take a salary cap hit of $8,556,000 in 2007 if they trade Plummer.

*** Friday Update *** QB Brett Favre (GB) will be back for his 17th season. GM Ted Thompson released a statement Friday confirming Favre's decision. "Brett Favre informed me this morning that he plans to return for a 17th NFL season," Thompson stated. "The Packers are excited by his decision and look forward to a successful 2007 campaign." Favre told the Sun-Herald, "I am so excited about coming back." We have a good nucleus of young players. We were 8-8 last year and that's encouraging."

*** Friday Update *** QB Peyton Manning (IND) Dan Marino watched Peyton Manning practice on Thursday. What he saw was another flawless performance. Manning went through a second straight near-perfect practice at the Dolphins' practice facility. "Peyton practices like that every week, like it's the Super Bowl," HC Tony Dungy said. "It rubs off on the offense. This is about our 20th week of practice, and I think the defense has stopped the offense once or twice all year."

Running Back

Wide Receiver

*** Friday Update *** WR Chris Henry (CIN) A league source said that if NFL commissioner Roger Goodell plans to suspend Chris Henry, it will most likely be before the April draft. "We have stepped up discipline and will continue to do that," said Goodell, who suspended Henry for two games back in October after he copped a plea to a weapons charge. Henry has since copped pleas in his two final cases, putting the option back in Goodell’s hands.

*** Friday Update *** WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh (CIN) revealed Thursday that he played the last month of the 2006 season with four cracked bones in his back. Houshmandzadeh figures he had havoc wreaked on his own body back in November against Baltimore. "I got an X-ray and it showed I had four cracked bones in my back. There's nothing you can do," said Houshmandzadeh, who had 35 of his career-high 90 catches after the injury. "You can't have surgery, you can't take a pain pill. Nothing. I was able to play, but it was killing me though. I couldn't really block. I couldn't do much. I couldn't even sleep. No one knew it but the coaches. They know I've got the highest pain tolerance on the team." Houshmandzadeh says his back will heal on its own and that he'll be as good as new when the seasons starts.

*** Friday Update *** WR Chad Johnson (CIN) was questioned by Miami police regarding an investigation into the shooting death of a man. Johnson, a Miami native, spoke with detectives Monday at police headquarters, according to The Miami Herald. "Chad has confirmed to the club that he cooperated with the Miami Police earlier this week as part of an investigation," the team said in a statement released Friday to The Associated Press. "Police have characterized this as a routine procedure and have stressed that Chad is not a suspect or even a person of interest in this case."

Authorities have not said why Johnson was questioned or what connection he may have had in the death of Curtis Tavares Dopson last Friday.

Tight End

Kicker

Offensive Line

*** Friday Update *** OL Pittsburgh Steelers (PIT) C Jeff Hartings informed several of his teammates following the conclusion of the regular season that he would be retiring this off-season. No official announcement has been made, although he is not expected to return to the team in 2007.

T Max Starks, a restricted free agent who owns a house in Mesa, would love to play in Arizona. He said new Cardinals offensive line coach Russ Grimm is the best in the business and has predicted a huge year for T Oliver Ross. "'O' called me, and he was laughing at me, telling me that he now had Grimm and I didn't," Starks said. "He's on top of the world."

Defensive Line

*** Friday Update *** DL Robert Mathis (IND) missed some of Friday’s practice with a back injury, but he is expected to play in the Super Bowl.

*** Friday Update *** DL Montae Reagor (IND) was lost for the season due to injuries suffered in an automobile accident while on his way to the RCA Dome for the Redskins game. With the loss of Reagor, the Colts not only lost a starter at defensive tackle but a seasoned team veteran and leader. The good news is, Reagor was called into HC Tony Dungy’s office earlier this week and informed he could suit up for the Super Bowl. On Tuesday, he attended NFL media day with his teammates. "He won’t be able to play defensive tackle, but maybe he will be able to do some special teams or something toward the end of the game," his mother said.

*** Friday Update *** DL Michael Strahan (NYG) says his rehab is “definitely on schedule” and this his injured foot is “fine”.

Linebacker

*** Friday Update *** LB Rodrigues Wilson (CHI) missed some practice time on Friday after tweaking his hamstring. He is listed as questionable for this Super Bowl, but HC Lovie Smith expects him to be able to play.

*** Friday Update *** LB Keith O'Neil (IND) practiced fully again on Friday and is expected to play in the Super Bowl.

Defensive Back

*** Friday Update *** DB Jason David (IND) missed some of Friday’s practice with an abdomen injury, but he is expected to play in the Super Bowl.

*** Friday Update *** DB Nick Harper (IND) did some work inside Thursday. Harper said earlier in the day, with the foot still in a walking boot, that he intended to run. Dungy said earlier in the week that a best-case scenario for Harper was to practice fully Friday. "I'm very confident of it," Harper said. "I was very confident running on it last week, after a couple days of rest, and I'm confident I can make plays on it." Harper was unable to work fully on Friday either and remains questionable. It looks like he’ll be a game-time decision for the Super Bowl.

*** Friday Update *** DB Bob Sanders (IND) practiced fully again on Friday and is expected to play in the Super Bowl.

General Team News

All the news

Quarterback

QB Matt Leinart (ARI) announced he would be ready to participate in the team's minicamps this spring despite a shoulder injury suffered during Week 16 last season. Leinart later discussed his progress regarding the injury. "It is getting better," Leinart said. "I am still limited in what I can do right now, but it has been about a month and they said four to six weeks, anywhere in there. I felt the big difference the last couple of weeks, getting better, and now it is that last lingering effect that I have had since it happened." Leinart also said he got a chance to speak to new HC Ken Whisenhunt recently regarding the team's offensive scheme and his general approach to the game and was thrilled with what he heard. "I think he is going to bring his style of football but he made it clear to me that we are going to be throwing the football as well," Leinart commented on Whisenhunt's philosophy on offense. "I love the fact that he is going to bring an attitude and that hard-nosed mentality with the coaches that he is bringing in. I think what he wants, and I asked him that, is a hard nosed and physical running game, but at the same time he wants to implement all sorts of things that are going to be fun for me and the skills guys that we have."

QB Michael Vick (ATL) will be back with the Falcons for the 2007 season with the intent of him being the starter, according to a spokeswoman for team owner Arthur Blank. "There are no plans to trade him or cut him," Kim Shreckengost, executive vice president of operations for Arthur M. Blank Group, said. "Michael is our quarterback and the leader or our team. We have new HC Bobby Petrino who is anxious to start working with him."

*** Wednesday Update *** QB Carson Palmer (CIN) is tired of seeing his teammates in trouble with the law. "Enough is enough," Palmer said Wednesday at the Super Bowl media center. "It's something we're definitely not proud of. From here on out, guys just need to make better decisions. Life is about making the right decisions and moving on. The decisions they've made are not the right ones."

QB Jake Plummer (DEN) The Broncos continue to hold out hope that Jake Plummer will remain as their backup, but they also won't stand in his way from pursuing his goal of being a starter elsewhere. Denver is in the process of actively pursuing a trade for Plummer.

*** Wednesday Update *** QB Brett Favre (GB) reached out to HC Mike McCarthy recently, but did not provide an answer as to if he will be back. "It was a very good talk," McCarthy said. "It always is. I've never felt any of our talks were not fruitful. I know from the outside people were frustrated with the waiting, but the man has played a long time and it's a process he has to go through. And he's going through it again." What McCarthy did deduce from his conversation with Favre is that his decision will come down to personal and family matters.

*** Wednesday Update *** QB Peyton Manning (IND) practiced fully on Wednesday. He isn’t on the team’s injury report and will start as normal in the Super Bowl.

QB Peyton Manning (IND) WR Reggie Wayne said last Thursday that he noticed nothing wrong with Peyton Manning's throws in practice. Manning isn't discussing the severity of the injury. HC Tony Dungy said last week the thumb was discolored and sore. Owner Jim Irsay said that Monday X-rays showed his thumb is not broken. Manning is expected to make his first Super Bowl start Feb. 4 against Chicago. "Peyton's thumb is doing fine," Colts HC Tony Dungy said Monday. "It hasn't been a factor in practice this past week." Manning practiced fully all three days last week. He took two turns in the two-minute drill during yesterday morning's practice, and led the offense to a pair of touchdowns. "He's doing fine and throwing the ball as well as ever," Dungy said. "We don't anticipate it being a problem."

*** Wednesday Update *** QB Donovan McNabb (PHI) is happy to be an Eagle, isn't jealous over the success Jeff Garcia had and wasn't muzzled by HC Andy Reid. "The so-called rumors that have started, they're false," McNabb said. "I'm a Philadelphia Eagle and will continue to be a Philadelphia Eagle and hopefully will retire as an Eagle. I was actually very happy for Jeff (Garcia). I know the fans of Philadelphia wanted A.J. Feeley and cheered for him, but I told Jeff he was brought in here to lead this team."

*** Wednesday Update *** QB Matt Hasselbeck (SEA) continues to wear a brace on his left arm two weeks after undergoing surgery to repair a torn labrum. Dr. James Andrews anchored the labrum with 10 sutures, Hasselbeck said. He expects to resume throwing in May or June, but he’ll know more after a March 1 appointment. Hasselbeck missed four games last season with a sprained knee. Two injured fingers on his left hand also gave him problems. One of them remains sore, but the other injuries no longer concern him.

Running Back

*** Wednesday Update *** RB Jamal Lewis (BAL) confirmed Tuesday that he had surgery a week ago to remove bone spurs from his right ankle. And he blamed those bone spurs for slowing him during the 2006 season, especially in the first six games until he took injections to ease the pain. "This surgery was nothing, really, just to remove bone spurs and clean it out," Lewis said. There has been speculation that the Ravens won't pay Lewis the $5 million roster bonus, instead asking him to take a pay cut with a reduced role, or not re-sign him at all. Lewis didn't seem bothered by any of it.

RB Jamal Lewis (BAL) said team officials have not talked to him or his agent about picking up the option on his contract or asking him to sign a new deal. Lewis said he expects his agent will meet with the Ravens soon. "Let's put it this way, if the Ravens are serious about making another Super Bowl run, then they'll sign me," said Lewis. "I would like to stay here, finish what we started last season and go out on top. If not, then I assume they have found someone who can do what I can do. Either way, I'm not too concerned. I can help some team."

*** Wednesday Update *** RB Cedric Benson (CHI) and Thomas Jones haven't had a lot of personal interaction. Benson admitted that he still isn't always sure whom to trust. He was asked if he finally feels part of the team. "If I'm not, I definitely will be Sunday," Benson said. "But, I absolutely feel like part of the team." When did he feel accepted by the team? "Once I started running people over," Benson said. When Benson started running people over, the Bears offense changed. Jones is still the starter, but Benson carried 24 times to Jones' 19 in the victory over the Saints and has had more carries than Jones in four of the last six games.

*** Thursday Update *** RB Frank Gore (SF) tried calling OC Norv Turner but got his voice mail. Gore, who set a team rushing record, wants Turner to stay with the 49ers, and called to tell him so. He doesn't want to lose his offensive coordinator after just one promising season. "It would hurt," Gore said Wednesday from Super Bowl headquarters. "We need him to stay. With the young team that we have, we could keep getting better and better. Last year from the first week to the last week we kept improving every game. You could see it." When Norv first came in, he told me that I remind him of Emmitt Smith," Gore said.

Wide Receiver

WR Ashley Lelie (ATL) voided his contract last Friday and is now scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent. He had playing time incentives that allowed him to void the final year remaining on his deal.

*** Wednesday Update *** WR Mark Bradley (CHI) practiced fully on Wednesday. He is listed as questionable for the Super Bowl but barring a setback is expected to play.

WR Mark Bradley (CHI) remained sidelined during practice last Friday with a high sprain of his right ankle. However he was able to practice on Monday. Barring a setback, it looks like he’ll be able to play in the Super Bowl.

WR Chris Henry (CIN) A Kenton District Court judge last week lectured Bengals Chris Henry about his irresponsible behavior and threw him in jail for two days. Henry pleaded guilty to violating a Covington city ordinance for allowing minors to drink in his hotel room last spring. He was sentenced to serve two days, and District Judge Greg Grothaus ordered him to begin serving it immediately. Grothaus told Henry he was "a cancer" with no respect for himself, his teammates or the community. "Mr. Henry, it's time to grow up," said Grothaus. Henry drew a two-game suspension this season for violating the league's conduct and substance-abuse policies and could get a harsher punishment for his latest convictions. "We are reviewing this and will take appropriate disciplinary action in due course," league spokesman Steve Alic said.

Authorities have not said why Johnson was questioned or what connection he may have had in the death of Curtis Tavares Dopson last Friday.

WR Terrell Owens (DAL) Before HC Bill Parcells retired, Owens said he received assurances from owner/GM Jerry Jones that Owens would be back next season. Sources said Parcells did not want Owens to return for 2007 and when rumors circulated that an Owens exit was possible, Owens went to Jones days before the NFC wild-card game against Seattle. Owens said Jones assured him he would play with the Cowboys in 2007. Jones repeated his desire to keep Owens to the media after the Cowboys' loss to Seattle and on his weekly radio show. Owens is due a $3 million roster bonus in June, and Jones said he expects to pay it.

WR Rod Smith (DEN) is likely to be the No. 3 receiver behind Javon Walker and Brandon Marshall next season, and the team will likely work with Smith to restructure his contract.

WR Mike Furrey (DET) signed an extension with the Lions. He is looking forward to another year with OC Mike Martz and envisions a reunion with an old friend. Furrey knows his role with the team will change this season, and he'll spend more time in the slot, but he's fine with that, especially if another former Rams receiver decides to sign on in Detroit. "Kevin Curtis is a very good friend of mine and I've talked to him quite a bit," Furrey said. "This offense needs three impact receivers. I expect to contribute on the outside. I'd love to go inside and do everything I did last year."

WR Donald Driver (GB) was interviewed by Chicago radio station WSCR-AM (670) Monday morning in Miami. "I hope he comes back," Driver said, referring to QB Brett Favre. "I think he still loves it." Driver said he wanted Favre to return to avoid any learning curve, that would be required with another quarterback.

WR Koren Robinson (GB) entered an Alford plea last Monday on a felony charge of fleeing police in connection with a high-speed chase back in August. In exchange for the Alford plea, authorities dismissed seven lesser charges related to drunken driving, reckless driving and driving without a license. An Alford plea allows someone to acknowledge that evidence in a case could result in a jury reaching a guilty verdict, but it doesn't require a person to admit guilt. The charge carries a maximum penalty of three years in prison and a $5,000 fine. Robinson is already scheduled to begin a 90-day jail sentence on Feb. 28.

*** Thursday Update *** WR Ricky Proehl (IND) is at the Super Bowl for the fourth time, with a third different team. He has tried to retire before, and he may retire again after Sunday. He retired from the Panthers after last season, for the second time. He started this season as a TV commentator, but was called for active duty by the Colts on Nov. 29. Proehl, 38, pulled a hamstring the week of Christmas, so he may or may not play Sunday. "Play this game, win and ride off into the sunset. What a way to end," Proehl said. "Seventeen years is a long time. I'm ready to enjoy my family and go on to the next stage of my life."

*** Wednesday Update *** WR Ricky Proehl (IND) practiced fully on Wednesday and is not on the team’s injury report. He will play in the Super Bowl.

WR Ricky Proehl (IND) is hoping to play Sunday and then maybe call it a career. "I'd like to be Jerome Bettis. Play this game, win and ride off into the sunset," Proehl said, referring to how the Pittsburgh Steelers' star retired after his team won last season's Super Bowl. "Seventeen years is a long time. I'm ready to enjoy my family and go on to the next stage in my life."

WR Travis Taylor (MIN) had his court hearing on January 23 continued until February 21. Taylor is facing charges of fourth-degree assault, obstructing the legal process, and disorderly conduct, all misdemeanors, stemming from an incident which occurred on January 1.

WR Joe Horn (NO) HC Sean Payton said last week it was too early to talk about the status of veteran Joe Horn, who has struggled with injuries and would be due $4 million next season. Horn said he would not accept a pay cut to stay in New Orleans. "Can I still play at a Pro Bowl level? Yes. The film don’t lie. And my receiver coach knows what I can do, and I know coach Payton knows what I can do," Horn said. "But I won’t be surprised if my agent got a phone call or I got a phone call and they told me I was going in a different direction. Then I’d clear out my locker, I’d say farewell to the fans here that I love dearly and they love me, and I’d put on another helmet."

WR Randy Moss (OAK) According to reports, when new HC Lane Kiffin recently made contact with Randy Moss for the first time, Moss reportedly told Kiffin he wasn't interested in talking with him while using pointed, profane terms.

*** Thursday Update *** WR Donte Stallworth (PHI) said Wednesday that he hopes his next stop is "back to Philadelphia." "I hope they want me back," Stallworth said at the Miami Beach Convention Center, after he completed an interview with the VH1 network. Stallworth is an unrestricted free agent represented by Drew Rosenhaus. Stallworth added the Eagles don't necessarily have to match the highest offer. "It's not going to be all about the money. I definitely plan on being back."

WR Vincent Jackson (SD) GM A.J. Smith says a decision is upcoming on whether WR Keenan McCardell, who caught just nine passes in the second half and turned 37 this month, is an option for the team in 2007. It seems very unlikely, considering the $3.266 million cap hit the Chargers would take for what would be a No. 4 wide-out. Smith confirmed, and others in the organization agree, that Vincent Jackson is the new No. 1 receiver. "This was a breakout year where it was time to show his stuff, and he did," Smith said. "It's up to him now to become a pro."

Tight End

TE Kellen Winslow Jr (CLE) underwent arthroscopic surgery today at the Cleveland Clinic to remove scar tissue and repair cartilage damage to his right knee. Winslow injured the knee in a motorcycle accident in May 2005. A statement from the Browns said Winslow is expected to make a full recovery.

Kicker

Offensive Line

*** Wednesday Update *** OL Cincinnati Bengals (CIN) The Bengals announced on Tuesday that they have signed offensive lineman Scott Kooistra to a three-year contract extension that will keep him with the team through the 2009 season.

Defensive Line

DL John McCargo (BUF) is close to being fully healthy from a foot injury that ended his rookie season. The defensive line depth took a big hit without McCargo, who was coming on at the time of his injury. He is primarily a three-technique tackle, but the team believes he has the potential to play nose. McCargo should be ready to participate in offseason workouts.

DL Tank Johnson (CHI) says he's thankful and being more careful. Johnson was granted permission by a Cook County judge to travel with his team to Super Bowl XLI in Miami despite facing multiple firearms charges. He told reporters at Super Bowl media day the situation "opened my eyes" and taught him some valuable lessons. "It showed me that you've got to be more careful with who you surround yourself with and some of the time you spend off the field," Johnson said. "I've just got to keep my circle tight with the people who care about me and keep good people around me…and just kind of conduct myself in a professional manner," Johnson said, "because you don't always get this opportunity to do this things like…(to play in the) Super Bowl and play for a great team like this."

DL Tyoka Jackson (DET) is being sued by a Northwest Airlines flight attendant for allegedly knocking him across a plane aisle approximately two years ago.

*** Thursday Update *** DL Anthony Weaver (HOU) underwent surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff on January 3rd. He also underwent a second procedure to repair some minor damage in his knee. "The knee will be fine," says Weaver. "Just wear and tear over time, some bone spurs they had to clean up. The knee is to get strength back in it and the shoulder, right now, is to get my motion back. I’m hearing 4-6 months is when I can get back to strength training. June or July, about then."

*** Wednesday Update *** DL Dwight Freeney (IND) President Bill Polian insisted that Dwight Freeney, who is scheduled for unrestricted free agency in March, won't be the next name on the list of star defectors. "We're going to keep Dwight Freeney, period," he said. "That's a given."

*** Friday Update *** DL Robert Mathis (IND) missed some of Friday’s practice with a back injury, but he is expected to play in the Super Bowl.

DL Reggie Hayward (JAX) says he's about 80% recovered from the torn left Achilles he suffered in the season opener, but he's been unable to run because of problems discovered in his right Achilles. The Jaguars' best pass rusher, complained of pain in his right Achilles before doctors discovered a buildup of scar tissue. Concerns now about his right Achilles have slowed rehab on his surgically repaired left Achilles.

DL Richard Seymour (NE) will reportedly be undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his knee to repair some old and recent damage.

*** Friday Update *** DL Michael Strahan (NYG) says his rehab is “definitely on schedule” and this his injured foot is “fine”.

Linebacker

LB Karlos Dansby (ARI) was pulled over while driving last Friday for speeding and having no license plate. However, Dansby will also face a misdemeanor weapons charge after the police officer on the scene discovered a gun in the vehicle that was not holstered or in the glove compartment.

*** Friday Update *** LB Keith O'Neil (IND) practiced fully again on Friday and is expected to play in the Super Bowl.

*** Thursday Update *** LB Keith O'Neil (IND) practiced fully on Thursday and (barring a setback) is expected to play in the Super Bowl.

*** Wednesday Update *** LB Keith O'Neil (IND) practiced fully on Wednesday. He is listed as questionable for the Super Bowl but barring a setback is expected to play.

*** Wednesday Update *** LB Steve Foley (SD) has sued the city of Coronado and the off-duty police officer who shot him three times outside his home, his attorney said Wednesday. The civil suit accuses Officer Aaron Mansker of negligence and excessive force, and seeks unspecified damages from the officer and the city. Foley was shot early Sept. 3 near his home in suburban Poway by Mansker, a 23-year-old rookie Coronado police officer who was off-duty at the time and suspected the linebacker of drunken driving. Mansker told investigators that he shot Foley after the player reached for his waistband. Investigators said Foley was unarmed. Foley missed the season and wasn't paid his $775,000 salary.

Defensive Back

*** Friday Update *** DB Jason David (IND) missed some of Friday’s practice with an abdomen injury, but he is expected to play in the Super Bowl.

*** Thursday Update *** DB Nick Harper (IND) did not practice on Thursday and is still "iffy" for the Super Bowl according to HC Tony Dungy. They hope to get him on the practice field Friday.

*** Wednesday Update *** DB Nick Harper (IND) missed the team’s first Super Bowl practice in South Florida on Wednesday while rehabbing his sprained ankle. "Nick's pretty iffy right now," HC Tony Dungy said. "We'll see how he progresses as the week goes along. As of now, the best-case scenario is he'll practice Friday, but we'll have to see how he feels." Harper still maintains that he’ll be able to play.

DB Nick Harper (IND) suffered a sprained left ankle during the first quarter of the AFC Championship Game and did not practice last week. He was rehabilitating the injury. It is not known if the sprain is of the high ankle variety. However, HC Tony Dungy said Monday that Harper believes he'll be ready to play in Sunday's Super Bowl.

*** Friday Update *** DB Bob Sanders (IND) practiced fully again on Friday and is expected to play in the Super Bowl.

*** Thursday Update *** DB Bob Sanders (IND) practiced fully on Thursday and (barring a setback) is expected to play in the Super Bowl.

*** Wednesday Update *** DB Bob Sanders (IND) is listed as questionable for this weekend, but he practiced fully on Wednesday. Barring a setback, he is expected to play in the Super Bowl.

DB Rodney Harrison (NE) plans on returning with a vengeance for the 2007 season according to his agent, Steven Feldman. "He’s definitely coming back next year. He’s never thought at all about retiring," Feldman said yesterday. Feldman said Harrison would have played had the Pats advanced to Super Bowl XLI.

DB Gibril Wilson (NYG) was robbed at gunpoint in Manhattan last Monday, while he was in his car outside of a party he had been attending. Jewelry, keys and a wallet were stolen. Wilson was not injured during the robbery.

*** Wednesday Update *** DB Cletis Gordon (SD) has recently been cleared of drunk driving charges stemming from an arrest in November, after it was determined that his blood alcohol level was below the legal limit of .08.

*** Wednesday Update *** DB Terrance Kiel (SD) was cited on December 18 for urinating outside of a nightclub. Kiel is scheduled to make a court appearance as a result of the incident on February 20.

*** Thursday Update *** DB PacMan Jones (TEN) An assault charge against Jones was dropped Thursday because a judge ruled there were too many inconsistencies in the testimony of a woman who claimed Jones spit on her at a Nashville night club. Jones was accused of spitting in a woman's face after an argument at Club Mystic on Oct. 26. Judge John Aaron Holt said Krystal Webb gave inconsistent testimony about when she noticed there was spit in her hair and wiped it off, and about when she knew Jones' identity. The judge told Webb that she could still pursue the case in a civil lawsuit. Webb and her lawyer declined to speak to reporters after the ruling. "She'll have a real hard time winning the civil suit if she didn't win this case right here," said Jones, who hadn't spoken to reporters since October. "For the most part, she asked me for $50,000. I wasn't going to give $50,000."

General Team News

TM Arizona Cardinals (ARI) The Cardinals announced last Tuesday that they hired Russ Grimm as their new assistant head coach and offensive line coach. He formerly served in the same capacity with the Steelers.

TM Carolina Panthers (CAR) The Panthers announced last Tuesday that they hired former Cleveland Browns assistant Jeff Davidson as their new offensive coordinator.

*** Wednesday Update *** TM Chicago Bears (CHI) G Ruben Brown will become an unrestricted free agent at the conclusion of this season, but is very interested in re-signing with the club. The 34-year-old Brown believes he still has some years left in his career. "I really badly want to play football here," Brown said. "Physically, I'm in as good shape as a 34-year-old playing 12 seasons could be in, and I think I've got more. We've all become friends in this three-year process. People have come from different systems and it just worked. The fighting and people getting hit and stuff like that, it happens. But we're still a team."

TM Cleveland Browns (CLE) Troy Smith is putting the heat on the Cleveland Browns. Ohio State's Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback is lobbying his hometown team to select him in April's NFL draft, and he isn't missing any chance to remind the Browns that he'll be available to them soon. Smith was named the area's outstanding collegiate athlete at Monday night's Greater Cleveland Sports Awards, and during a taped acceptance speech he thanked the city's fans for their support. "Hopefully, I'll get a chance to represent you guys at the next level with the Cleveland Browns," he said. Smith hasn't hidden his desire to play for the Browns, who after finishing 4-12 last season will pick either third or fourth in April's draft. During a recent halftime ceremony at an Ohio State basketball game, Smith wore a Browns jacket. Following a tribute for him at Glenville High School in December, Smith said playing for the Browns would fulfill a lifelong goal. "I have dreamed about it and talked about it countless times with my mother," he said. "All she talks about is saving the Browns. If that were to happen, that would be a dream come true because I could stay in the community and give back."

*** Wednesday Update *** TM Dallas Cowboys (DAL) The Cowboys won't name a new head coach until after the Super Bowl. In his first public comments since Parcells retired Jan. 22, owner and GM Jerry Jones said Wednesday he wouldn't have a decision on a new coach until next week. "We've got a good football team, and I've got to get this right," Jones said. "We've got to make a good decision when we select the next coach. We're going to have the opportunity and a plan in place that will allow us to do that." It is reported that the team wants to interview Chicago DC Ron Rivera (which can’t be done until after the Super Bowl).

TM Dallas Cowboys (DAL) The Cowboys announced last Thursday that they hired Miami Dolphins quarterbacks coach Jason Garrett as their new offensive coordinator. "Jason is someone who is held in high regard s a bright offensive mind throughout the NFL," team owner Jerry Jones said. "We are grateful to the Dolphins for granting the Cowboys permission to explore this opportunity. Jason will now proceed further in our head coaching search as an in-house candidate."

The team has interviewed a string of candidates for the HC job. Dan Reeves has called Dallas, wants the head coaching job and has the best credentials of any candidate available. But Owner/GM Jerry Jones has no plans to talk with Reeves about the Cowboys' vacancy. There remains a chance Jones could be swayed by another candidate, such as Mike Singletary, who is interviewing today. But all signs suggest Jones will settle on Norv Turner.

TM Detroit Lions (DET) OC Mike Martz recently told WR Mike Furrey that he plans to remain with the team in 2007. "We've talked the last couple of days, he wanted to know if (the contract) was done," Furrey said. "He said he's coming back to Detroit. What he's told me, he's coming back to Detroit."

TM Indianapolis Colts (IND) HC Tony Dungy said during an interview last Wednesday that he will discuss his coaching plans for the future following the Super Bowl with team owner Jim Irsay and his wife. "That's something I've not thought a whole lot about," he said. "I'll sit down with (owner) Jim (Irsay) and my wife at the end of the year. The first thing you have to do is make sure you're still wanted back. I never take that for granted any more." Several individuals have been reporting that Dungy may be considering retirement, depending upon the outcome of the current season.

TM Miami Dolphins (MIA) Owner H. Wayne Huizenga said today he will not stand in the way of a potential comeback by suspended RB Ricky Williams. Huizenga said the decision about whether Williams will be welcomed back on the team will fall to new coach Cam Cameron and General Manager Randy Mueller. "I don't know how Cam feels or Randy feels," Huizenga said while attending Super Bowl XLI "media day" at Dolphin Stadium. "Those guys will have to work that out." On the day Cameron was hired earlier this month, agent Leigh Steinberg said Williams wants to return to the Dolphins after being allowed to apply for reinstatement in April. Steinberg said Williams canceled a planned yoga retreat to India so he could ultimately participate in the team's offseason workout program.

TM Oakland Raiders (OAK) HC Lane Kiffin was spotted last Wednesday huddled with former Falcons OC Greg Knapp at practices for the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala. Kiffin, after being introduced as the Raiders 16th head coach Tuesday, left immediately after the press conference and said one of his first orders of business would be lining up candidates to join his staff. "We're going to have an offensive coordinator to assist me in daily plans and activities, but I'll call the plays for us to make sure that my name's on this franchise and my name's on this team and my name's on this offense," Kiffin said. On Monday, the Raiders did hire Knapp as their new OC. The team also retained Rob Ryan as their DC.

Also, USC HC Pete Carroll hinted at who he expects the Raiders to select with the first pick of the 2007 NFL Draft. He said that HC Lane Kiffin prefers a vertical passing offense that suits LSU QB JaMarcus Russell better than it would Notre Dame QB Brady Quinn. "The kid from LSU is exactly what they're looking for," Carroll said, "more so than the kid from Notre Dame."

TM Pittsburgh Steelers (PIT) New HC Mike Tomlin went to work quickly on his staff, hiring both coordinators. He confirmed that DC Dick LeBeau will remain to coordinate the defense, and he promoted wide receivers coach Bruce Arians to offensive coordinator.

TM San Diego Chargers (SD) GM A.J. Smith recently revealed the both the New York Giants and New York Jets have expressed an interest in potentially acquiring Michael Turner via trade. When later asked to comment on the situation, as well as how the team plans to handle his restricted free agent status this offseason, Smith said "My dilemma is do I want to keep him for a year and have a great backup and then have him walk away in free agency?”

TM Tennessee Titans (TEN) Almost immediately after HC Bill Parcells retired from the Cowboys, HC Jeff Fisher’s name was one of the names tossed out as a potential replacement. That is as far as the Cowboys pursuit of Fisher will go. "We have not been contacted by the Dallas organization concerning Jeff Fisher, and in the event we are contacted, there are no circumstances under which Mr. Adams and the Titans will grant permission to the Cowboys to speak to Coach Fisher. Coach Fisher is going to be here coaching the Titans," Titans chief operating officer Steve Underwood said last Monday.

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