All our week 18 content

Week 18 Players in the News

by Clayton Gray, Exclusive to Footballguys.com

The Latest News

Quarterback

*** Friday Update *** QB J.P. Losman (BUF) wants out of Buffalo now that he is no longer the team's starting QB. He would prefer to be traded this offseason but would play out the final year of his contract if necessary.

*** Friday Update *** QB Vince Young (TEN) practiced for the third straight day on Friday, taking part in individual drills, 7-on-7 drills and team drills, and handled his biggest workload of the week. HC Jeff Fisher said Young's quad has improved. "He was better, like we anticipated,'' Fisher said. "He participated in most of practice and took his normal reps. We are very optimistic at this point." Fisher said he wasn't ready to name a starter though. "Were going to take (Young) out and see how he is in pregame to make sure he is able to run around and be at full speed," Fisher said, "and then we'll make the decision."

Running Back

*** Friday Update *** RB Kevin Jones (DET) underwent surgery on the ACL of his right knee on Thursday and was already beginning the rehab process today. Jones, who will miss four to six months, is expected to be ready for the start of training camp in mid July.

*** Friday Update *** RB LaBrandon Toefield (JAX) will not play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** RB Ahmad Bradshaw (NYG) practiced fully on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** RB Lorenzo Neal (SD) did not practice on Friday and is not expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** RB Shaun Alexander (SEA) is expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** RB Chris Brown (TEN) practiced fully on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** RB LenDale White (TEN) did not practice on Friday and is questionable to play this weekend.

Wide Receiver

*** Friday Update *** WR Plaxico Burress (NYG) partially participated in Friday's practice but is still expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** WR Sinorice Moss (NYG) practiced fully on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** WR Willie Reid (PIT) practiced fully on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** WR Hines Ward (PIT) practiced fully on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** WR Deion Branch (SEA) is questionable to play this weekend and will be a game time decision. The team wants to see how he's able to warm up and then will make a decision.

*** Friday Update *** WR James Thrash (WAS) did not practice on Friday and is questionable to play this weekend. He likely will miss Saturday's game.

Tight End

*** Friday Update *** TE Michael Matthews (NYG) practiced fully on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

Kicker

*** Friday Update *** PK Nate Kaeding (SD) did not practice on Friday but is still expected to play this weekend.

Offensive Line

*** Friday Update *** OL New York Giants (NYG) C Shaun O'Hara did not practice on Friday and is not expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** OL Pittsburgh Steelers (PIT) T Marvel Smith will not play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** OL Tampa Bay Buccaneers (TB) G Arron Sears partially participated in Friday's practice and is questionable to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** OL Tennessee Titans (TEN) C Kevin Mawae did not practice on Friday and is not expected to play this weekend.

G Benji Olson did not practice on Friday and is not expected to play this weekend.

Defensive Line

*** Friday Update *** DL Grady Jackson (JAX) practiced fully on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** DL Dave Tollefson (NYG) practiced fully on Friday but is questionable to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** DL Albert Haynesworth (TEN) practiced fully on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

Linebacker

*** Friday Update *** LB Kawika Mitchell (NYG) partially participated in Friday's practice and is questionable to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** LB Marques Harris (SD) practiced fully on Friday but is questionable to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** LB Niko Koutouvides (SEA) is expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** LB Cato June (TB) did not practice on Friday and is not expected to play this weekend.

Defensive Back

*** Friday Update *** DB Aaron Glenn (JAX) practiced fully on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** DB Reggie Nelson (JAX) practiced fully on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** DB Kevin Dockery (NYG) partially participated in Friday's practice and is questionable to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** DB Sam Madison (NYG) did not practice on Friday and is not expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** DB Bryant McFadden (PIT) practiced fully on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** DB Troy Polamalu (PIT) practiced fully on Friday but is questionable to play this weekend. "He looked good enough today to be a game-time decision," HC Mike Tomlin said of Polamalu. "I know he feels well, but we'll see."

*** Friday Update *** DB Allen Rossum (PIT) practiced fully on Friday but is questionable to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** DB Deshea Townsend (PIT) practiced fully on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

General Team News

*** Friday Update *** TM Oakland Raiders (OAK) Rob Ryan apparently will keep his job as the Raiders' defensive coordinator despite recent reports that he would be fired.

All the news

Quarterback

*** Wednesday Update *** QB JaMarcus Russell (OAK) HC Lane Kiffin announced during an interview on Monday that JaMarcus Russell will enter the offseason as the team's starting quarterback for the 2008 season.

*** Thursday Update *** QB Vince Young (TEN) partially participated in Thursday's practice. He split snaps with Kerry Collins. Young was "a little better than he was yesterday," according to HC Jeff Fisher.

*** Wednesday Update *** QB Vince Young (TEN) partially participated in Wednesday's practice. "He played seven-on-seven and he threw individual routes, and he split the team period," according to HC Jeff Fisher. "So he's getting better. He's day-to-day, but we'll see how he is tomorrow. I don't think this set him back very much."

Young says he expects to play.

"I really feel like I'm a fast healer," Young said. "It's all about myself getting my butt up early in the morning and getting to rehab and things like that. And any time there's a break from us doing position meetings, going to the training room."

He was asked about whether his injury would limit his mobility and said, "I guess not. I've been playing on it since I've been hurting. Whatever it takes to win a ballgame, that's what I'm going to do."

*** Thursday Update *** QB Jason Campbell (WAS) will not play this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** QB Jason Campbell (WAS) did not participate in Wednesday's walk-through. Todd Collins will start for the team in their wild-card game.

*** Wednesday Update *** QB Todd Collins (WAS) will start again this week as Jason Campbell is still recovering.

Running Back

*** Friday Update *** RB LaBrandon Toefield (JAX) will not play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** RB LaBrandon Toefield (JAX) did not practice on Thursday.

*** Wednesday Update *** RB LaBrandon Toefield (JAX) did not practice on Wednesday.

*** Wednesday Update *** RB Adrian Peterson (MIN) was named the Offensive Rookie Of the Year.

*** Friday Update *** RB Ahmad Bradshaw (NYG) practiced fully on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** RB Ahmad Bradshaw (NYG) practiced fully on Thursday and looks like he'll play.

*** Wednesday Update *** RB Ahmad Bradshaw (NYG) practiced fully on Wednesday.

*** Friday Update *** RB Lorenzo Neal (SD) did not practice on Friday and is not expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** RB Shaun Alexander (SEA) is expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** RB Chris Brown (TEN) practiced fully on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** RB Chris Brown (TEN) practiced fully on Thursday.

*** Wednesday Update *** RB Chris Brown (TEN) did not practice on Wednesday.

*** Friday Update *** RB LenDale White (TEN) did not practice on Friday and is questionable to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** RB LenDale White (TEN) did not practice on Thursday. HC Jeff Fisher says he isn't worried about White missing practice and expects him to play this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** RB LenDale White (TEN) was excused from Wednesday's practice due to personal reasons, but HC Jeff Fisher expects White to be back on the practice field Thursday.

Wide Receiver

*** Thursday Update *** WR Terrell Owens (DAL) is improving from his high ankle sprain and could be on target to play in the NFC Divisional Playoff game. Owens was without a walking boot yesterday for the first time since the injury, Dec. 22. HC Wade Phillips would not commit to Owens' playing status just yet. "I don't have any doubt about [his toughness], but we'll have to be careful. We'd like to have him for more than one game, too, so you've got to be careful there."

*** Wednesday Update *** WR Marvin Harrison (IND) Marvin Harrison ended up not returning from his injury in Week 17, but it was not for a lack of trying. HC Tony Dungy had second thoughts right before the game. "Marvin and the doctors and GM Bill Polian and I, we just decided that it just wasn't the time [to come back and play]," Dungy said. "He had two good days of practice [last week] and I think we'll get two more good days this coming week. He should [have the knee back to normal], so hopefully it will be. It would have been ideal to get a game in. But, again, this is not a first- or second-year guy that we're dealing with. This is a Hall of Famer who's caught almost 1,000 balls from Peyton Manning. So I think they'll be fine."

*** Friday Update *** WR Plaxico Burress (NYG) partially participated in Friday's practice but is still expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** WR Plaxico Burress (NYG) partially participated in Thursday's practice.

*** Wednesday Update *** WR Plaxico Burress (NYG) partially participated in Wednesday's practice. The New York Post is reporting that he is clearly improving. Following practice, when Burress was asked about not participating, he quickly corrected the questioner. "I practiced today," Burress said. "Just like I did last week. What am I going to say? I come in, I wake up in the morning and see how I feel and I base my decision based on how I feel, if I feel I can go I go out and go."

*** Friday Update *** WR Sinorice Moss (NYG) practiced fully on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** WR Sinorice Moss (NYG) practiced fully on Thursday.

*** Wednesday Update *** WR Sinorice Moss (NYG) practiced fully on Wednesday.

*** Friday Update *** WR Willie Reid (PIT) practiced fully on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** WR Willie Reid (PIT) partially participated in Thursday's practice.

*** Wednesday Update *** WR Willie Reid (PIT) did not practice on Wednesday.

*** Friday Update *** WR Hines Ward (PIT) practiced fully on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** WR Hines Ward (PIT) practiced fully on Thursday.

*** Wednesday Update *** WR Hines Ward (PIT) did not practice on Wednesday but he is expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** WR Deion Branch (SEA) is questionable to play this weekend and will be a game time decision. The team wants to see how he's able to warm up and then will make a decision.

*** Thursday Update *** WR Deion Branch (SEA) did not practice on Thursday. HC Mike Holmgren says Branch is a game-time decision and will have to show the coach he's ready before the game in order to play this weekend.

He did some light running on the side Thursday with trainer Sam Ramsden as he tested his calf.

"He's getting better, and I'm not playing games with that," Holmgren said. "I have to see him do a little something before I can activate him for the game."

*** Wednesday Update *** WR Deion Branch (SEA) did not practice on Wednesday. He hopes to practice on Thursday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** WR Joey Galloway (TB) partially participated in Wednesday's practice.

*** Thursday Update *** WR Roydell Williams (TEN) has been placed on the injured reserve list with a broken ankle. "There's no damage to the ligaments, no damage to the tendons," coach Jeff Fisher said. "It was peculiar in that he cracked it, a significant crack at the base of the tibia.

"It's going to require a plate and screws to be repaired."

*** Friday Update *** WR James Thrash (WAS) did not practice on Friday and is questionable to play this weekend. He likely will miss Saturday's game.

*** Thursday Update *** WR James Thrash (WAS) did not practice on Thursday and is looking very iffy for the game.

Tight End

*** Friday Update *** TE Michael Matthews (NYG) practiced fully on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** TE Bo Scaife (TEN) was placed on the injured reserve list with a lacerated liver and has been lost for the remainder of the season.

Kicker

*** Friday Update *** PK Nate Kaeding (SD) did not practice on Friday but is still expected to play this weekend.

Offensive Line

*** Thursday Update *** OL Green Bay Packers (GB) The Packers announced on Thursday that they have signed T Orrin Thompson from their practice squad to the 53-man active roster. To clear a roster space, the team also placed G Junius Coston on season-ending injured reserve.

*** Friday Update *** OL New York Giants (NYG) C Shaun O'Hara did not practice on Friday and is not expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** OL New York Giants (NYG) C Shaun O'Hara did not practice on Thursday.

*** Wednesday Update *** OL New York Giants (NYG) C Shaun O'Hara did not practice on Wednesday.

*** Friday Update *** OL Pittsburgh Steelers (PIT) T Marvel Smith will not play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** OL Pittsburgh Steelers (PIT) T Marvel Smith did not practice on Thursday.

*** Wednesday Update *** OL Pittsburgh Steelers (PIT) Backup tackle Trai Essex will start for the injured Max Starks who was subbing for Marvel Smith.

"That little work I got against Baltimore really helped out a lot, so I think I'm OK," Essex said. "Terrell Suggs, I mean, he's one of the best in the league. This week I've got Paul Spicer, another good defensive end, so I've got my (work) cut out for me. I should be OK though."

Essex sounds ready to go.

"I'm excited," he said. "Can't you tell by the face? I'm smiling. I'm ready to go."

*** Friday Update *** OL Tampa Bay Buccaneers (TB) G Arron Sears partially participated in Friday's practice and is questionable to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** OL Tampa Bay Buccaneers (TB) G Arron Sears partially participated in Thursday's practice.

*** Wednesday Update *** OL Tampa Bay Buccaneers (TB) G Arron Sears did not practice on Wednesday.

*** Friday Update *** OL Tennessee Titans (TEN) C Kevin Mawae did not practice on Friday and is not expected to play this weekend.

G Benji Olson did not practice on Friday and is not expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** OL Tennessee Titans (TEN) C Kevin Mawae did not practice on Thursday.

G Benji Olson did not practice on Thursday.

*** Wednesday Update *** OL Tennessee Titans (TEN) C Kevin Mawae did not practice on Wednesday.

G Benji Olson did not practice on Wednesday.

Defensive Line

*** Friday Update *** DL Grady Jackson (JAX) practiced fully on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** DL Grady Jackson (JAX) practiced fully on Thursday.

*** Wednesday Update *** DL Grady Jackson (JAX) partially participated in Wednesday's practice.

*** Friday Update *** DL Dave Tollefson (NYG) practiced fully on Friday but is questionable to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** DL Dave Tollefson (NYG) partially participated in Thursday's practice.

*** Wednesday Update *** DL Dave Tollefson (NYG) did not practice on Wednesday.

*** Thursday Update *** DL Warren Sapp (OAK) will retire after a 13-year career.

*** Friday Update *** DL Albert Haynesworth (TEN) practiced fully on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** DL Albert Haynesworth (TEN) practiced fully on Thursday.

*** Wednesday Update *** DL Albert Haynesworth (TEN) did not practice on Wednesday.

*** Wednesday Update *** DL Antwan Odom (TEN) did not practice on Wednesday.

Linebacker

*** Wednesday Update *** LB Mike Peterson (JAX) will not play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** LB Kawika Mitchell (NYG) partially participated in Friday's practice and is questionable to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** LB Kawika Mitchell (NYG) did not practice on Thursday.

*** Wednesday Update *** LB Kawika Mitchell (NYG) did not practice on Wednesday.

*** Friday Update *** LB Marques Harris (SD) practiced fully on Friday but is questionable to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** LB Niko Koutouvides (SEA) is expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** LB Niko Koutouvides (SEA) practiced on Thursday.

*** Wednesday Update *** LB Niko Koutouvides (SEA) did not practice on Wednesday.

*** Friday Update *** LB Cato June (TB) did not practice on Friday and is not expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** LB Cato June (TB) did not practice on Thursday.

Defensive Back

*** Friday Update *** DB Aaron Glenn (JAX) practiced fully on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** DB Aaron Glenn (JAX) practiced fully on Thursday.

*** Wednesday Update *** DB Aaron Glenn (JAX) practiced fully on Wednesday.

*** Friday Update *** DB Reggie Nelson (JAX) practiced fully on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** DB Reggie Nelson (JAX) practiced fully on Thursday.

*** Wednesday Update *** DB Reggie Nelson (JAX) partially participated in Wednesday's practice.

*** Friday Update *** DB Kevin Dockery (NYG) partially participated in Friday's practice and is questionable to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** DB Kevin Dockery (NYG) did not practice on Thursday.

*** Wednesday Update *** DB Kevin Dockery (NYG) partially participated in Wednesday's practice.

*** Friday Update *** DB Sam Madison (NYG) did not practice on Friday and is not expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** DB Sam Madison (NYG) did not practice on Thursday.

*** Wednesday Update *** DB Sam Madison (NYG) did not practice on Wednesday.

*** Friday Update *** DB Bryant McFadden (PIT) practiced fully on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** DB Bryant McFadden (PIT) practiced fully on Thursday.

*** Wednesday Update *** DB Bryant McFadden (PIT) did not practice on Wednesday.

*** Thursday Update *** DB Troy Polamalu (PIT) did not practice on Thursday.

*** Wednesday Update *** DB Troy Polamalu (PIT) did not practice on Wednesday.

*** Friday Update *** DB Allen Rossum (PIT) practiced fully on Friday but is questionable to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** DB Allen Rossum (PIT) did not practice on Thursday.

*** Wednesday Update *** DB Allen Rossum (PIT) did not practice on Wednesday.

*** Friday Update *** DB Deshea Townsend (PIT) practiced fully on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** DB Deshea Townsend (PIT) practiced fully on Thursday.

*** Wednesday Update *** DB Deshea Townsend (PIT) did not practice on Wednesday.

General Team News

*** Wednesday Update *** TM Baltimore Ravens (BAL) The Ravens have fired their entire coaching staff (including HC Brian Billick). "I believed that it was time for a change, I believed that we have the nucleus of a team that can get back to the Super Bowl, and we felt that in the next five years we had a better chance with a new coach than leaving Brian in that position," owner Steve Bisciotti said.

*** Wednesday Update *** TM Cincinnati Bengals (CIN) The Bengals announced on Wednesday that they have fired defensive coordinator Chuck Bresnahan and linebackers coach Ricky Hunley.

*** Wednesday Update *** TM Detroit Lions (DET) The Lions made several moves to their coaching staff on Wednesday. They fired OC Mike Martz as well as his son Tim Martz, an offensive assistant.

"You can keep changing coaches, but every time you change them that's a new system,'' said quarterback Jon Kitna. "The reality is, the games that we lost, the majority, the times that things didn't go right, it was self-inflicted stuff.

"It wasn't a coaching thing where you were outcoached or they weren't putting you in a position to be successful. There were plays to be made, and we didn't make them for whatever reason that is.''

OL coach Jim Colleto was promoted to OC and will also remain the OL coach. WR coach Kippy Brown will serve as an assistant HC and passing game coordinator to help Colleto run the offense. Assistant Shawn Jefferson was upgraded to WR coach.

*** Wednesday Update *** TM Kansas City Chiefs (KC) The Chiefs fired OC Mike Solari, OL coach John Matsko, WR coach Charlie Joiner, and RB coach James Saxon on Tuesday.

*** Thursday Update *** TM Miami Dolphins (MIA) The Dolphins have fired HC Cam Cameron.

*** Thursday Update *** TM New England Patriots (NE) HC Bill Belichick has been named the AP 2007 NFL Coach of the Year.

*** Friday Update *** TM Oakland Raiders (OAK) Rob Ryan apparently will keep his job as the Raiders' defensive coordinator despite recent reports that he would be fired.

*** Wednesday Update *** TM Oakland Raiders (OAK) The Raiders have fired defensive coordinator Rob Ryan. Also, it is reported that the New York Jets will soon name Ryan as their new defensive coordinator.

*** Wednesday Update *** TM Pittsburgh Steelers (PIT) The Steelers announced on Wednesday that they have placed offensive tackle Max Starks and linebacker Clint Kriewaldt on season-ending injured reserve.

*** Wednesday Update *** TM San Diego Chargers (SD) GM A.J. Smith with a five-year contract extension Tuesday that will him with the team through the 2014 season.

*** Wednesday Update *** TM San Francisco 49ers (SF) The 49ers announced on Wednesday that they have fired offensive coordinator Jim Hostler.