All our week 19 content

Week 19 Players in the News

by Clayton Gray, Exclusive to Footballguys.com

The Latest News

Quarterback

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

*** Friday Update *** QB Matt Hasselbeck (SEA) practiced fully on Thursday and is expected to play this weekend.

Running Back

*** Friday Update *** RB Kyle Eckel (NE) is officially questionable for this weekend's game.

*** Friday Update *** RB Lorenzo Neal (SD) practiced fully on Friday but is questionable to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** RB Shaun Alexander (SEA) practiced fully on Thursday and is expected to play this weekend.

Wide Receiver

*** Friday Update *** WR Terry Glenn (DAL) practiced fully on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** WR Terrell Owens (DAL) partially participated in Friday's practice and is officially questionable to play this weekend. The workout was outdoors, and held in sweats. After getting some early work in during passing lines, Owens retreated to the sideline, took off his shoe, and had the tape job around his left ankle cut off. Owens then began catching fade routes in group work. He worked with the first group most of the time, and kept close to trainers when on the sideline. Also, the limp he showed on Thursday was, for the most part, gone Friday. Owens was specific about his status for the game: "I'm going to play," Owens said. "At a high level. I'm not worried about nothing. Get your popcorn ready."

*** Friday Update *** WR Greg Jennings (GB) is expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** WR Koren Robinson (GB) is expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** WR Plaxico Burress (NYG) partially participated in Friday's practice and is officially questionable to play this weekend. He is expected to play.

*** Friday Update *** WR Deion Branch (SEA) partially participated in Thursday's practice but is still expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** WR D.J. Hackett (SEA) is officially questionable to play this weekend. Hackett might not be at 100% with his ankle, but reports say the team expects him to play.

Tight End

*** Friday Update *** TE Kellen Winslow Jr (CLE) will likely need surgery on his right knee (injured in a 2005 motorcycle accident) and his left shoulder, separated Sept. 23 vs. the Raiders. Winslow is waiting to see if he gets invited to the Feb. 10 Pro Bowl to have the surgeries. He's the first alternate. "He's still hoping he gets a chance to go," Savage said. "If he doesn't go, he might have some additional work done, potentially on the shoulder, too. It's unfortunate every offseason he's been in rehab. Kellen really loves to play. He's such an extremely competitive player that he'll find a way to get to the field."

*** Friday Update *** TE Ben Utecht (IND) practiced fully on Friday but is questionable to play this weekend. However, Utecht is reportedly expected to play.

*** Friday Update *** TE Kyle Brady (NE) is officially questionable for this weekend's game.

*** Friday Update *** TE Stephen Spach (NE) is officially questionable for this weekend's game.

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

*** Friday Update *** TE Antonio Gates (SD) did not practice on Friday and is not expected to play this weekend. However, Gates said Thursday the decision whether he plays will be made Sunday morning. "It's definitely going to be a game-time decision," Gates said. "I'm not going to make any decisions before that. We're just going to wait to see how it feels on Sunday."

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 Dallas Cowboys (DAL) C Andre Gurode practiced fully on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** OL New England Patriots (NE) T Nick Kaczur is officially questionable for this weekend's game.

G Steve Neal is officially questionable for this weekend's game.

*** Friday Update *** OL New York Giants (NYG) T Kareem McKenzie practiced fully on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

C Shaun O'Hara practiced fully on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** OL Seattle Seahawks (SEA) T Walter Jones practiced fully on Thursday and is expected to play this weekend.

Defensive Line

*** Friday Update *** DL Corey Williams (GB) is expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** DL Robert Bernard (SEA) practiced fully on Thursday and is expected to play this weekend.

Linebacker

*** Friday Update *** LB Nick Barnett (GB) is expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** LB Kevin Bentley (SEA) partially participated in Thursday's practice but is still expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** LB Niko Koutouvides (SEA) partially participated in Thursday's practice but is still expected to play this weekend.

Defensive Back

*** Friday Update *** DB William Blackmon (GB) is questionable to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** DB Charles Woodson (GB) is expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** DB Tim Jennings (IND) practiced fully on Friday and will play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** DB T.J. Rushing (IND) practiced fully on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** DB Bob Sanders (IND) practiced fully on Friday and will play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** DB Willie Andrews (NE) is officially questionable for this weekend's game.

*** Friday Update *** DB Rodney Harrison (NE) is officially questionable for this weekend's game, but the team expects him to play.

*** Friday Update *** DB Ellis Hobbs (NE) is officially questionable for this weekend's game.

*** Friday Update *** DB Antwain Spann (NE) is officially questionable for this weekend's game.

*** Friday Update *** DB Kevin Dockery (NYG) will not 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 Troy Polamalu (PIT) might have to have surgery on his right knee, according to HC Mike Tomlin. "We are not sure yet. We will see with time. I think rest may get it done." Polamalu missed three midseason games because of a sprained knee but returned to finish the year. If he has surgery, he likely will have to bow out of the Pro Bowl.

*** Friday Update *** DB Antonio Cromartie (SD) did not practice on Friday but is still expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** DB Michael Green (SEA) partially participated in Thursday's practice but is still expected to play this weekend.

General Team News

*** Friday Update *** TM Cleveland Browns (CLE) The Browns have fired DC Todd Grantham.

*** Friday Update *** TM Jacksonville Jaguars (JAX) The Jaguars re-signed WR Charles Sharon to the active roster on Friday and waived WR Chad Owens.

All the news

Quarterback

*** Wednesday Update *** QB Derek Anderson (CLE) GM Phil Savage says Derek Anderson earned the right to be the team's starter next season. He said Anderson gives the Browns "a chance to go into the batter's box and swing for the fences next year. Our expectation is that he'll hit some home runs for us." Brady Quinn is expected to be the backup.

*** Thursday Update *** QB Brett Favre (GB) is giving every indication of returning for an 18th season in 2008, when he will be 39. "I want to continue the streak and winning. When I talk about the streak, it's not the (consecutive) starts; it's the hot streak we are on," Favre said. "I am trying to enjoy it because this could be my last game in Green Bay. For the first time in three years, I haven't thought this could be my last game. I would like to continue longer."

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

*** Thursday Update *** QB Tom Brady (NE) practiced fully on Thursday.

*** Wednesday Update *** QB Tom Brady (NE) practiced fully on Wednesday.

*** Friday Update *** QB Matt Hasselbeck (SEA) practiced fully on Thursday and is expected to play this weekend.

Running Back

*** Friday Update *** RB Kyle Eckel (NE) is officially questionable for this weekend's game.

*** Thursday Update *** RB Kyle Eckel (NE) partially participated in Thursday's practice.

*** Wednesday Update *** RB Kyle Eckel (NE) partially participated in Wednesday's practice.

*** Friday Update *** RB Lorenzo Neal (SD) practiced fully on Friday but is questionable to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** RB Lorenzo Neal (SD) practiced again Thursday and it's looking like he may be able to play.

*** Wednesday Update *** RB Lorenzo Neal (SD) practiced Wednesday for the first time since Dec. 10 surgery on his broken leg.

*** Friday Update *** RB Shaun Alexander (SEA) practiced fully on Thursday and is expected to play this weekend.

Wide Receiver

*** Friday Update *** WR Terry Glenn (DAL) practiced fully on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** WR Terry Glenn (DAL) practiced fully on Thursday.

*** Wednesday Update *** WR Terry Glenn (DAL) practiced fully on Wednesday.

*** Thursday Update *** WR Terrell Owens (DAL) partially participated in Thursday's practice. Owens didn't go against any defenders during the short period of practice open to the media. But he took part in some team drills after that. While he was taking full strides running routes and making some cuts without any apparent problems, Owens had a slight limp at times when he jogged or walked. "I thought that he moved well, and ran at the level that we were practicing, and those weren't half-speed," owner Jerry Jones said. "He's in very good spirits, very competitive spirits, very focused on our success here Sunday."

*** Wednesday Update *** WR Terrell Owens (DAL) did not practice on Wednesday. While he is officially a game-time decision, "unnamed sources" say they fully expect Owens to play this weekend (but that he will not be operating at 100%).

*** Wednesday Update *** WR Javon Walker (DEN) tried to soften his stance on his future in Denver. Last week Walker indicated that the Broncos were not a good fit for him and that he might be better off somewhere else. Now he's singing a different tune. "It was frustration coming out," said Walker "I apologize. I'm sorry. Let's move on." Walker explained further. "I'm really unsure what's going to happen to me in Denver because the ball's in their court, and even they've said, I have a big salary-cap number coming up. I have bonuses coming up. So it really boils down to what they want to do with me. "If I'm a Bronco, hey, that's fine; if not, hey, that's OK too."

*** Friday Update *** WR Greg Jennings (GB) is expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** WR Greg Jennings (GB) partially participated in Thursday's practice but is still expected to start as normal.

*** Wednesday Update *** WR Greg Jennings (GB) partially participated in Wednesday's practice but is expected to start as normal.

*** Wednesday Update *** WR James Jones (GB) partially participated in Wednesday's practice.

*** Friday Update *** WR Koren Robinson (GB) is expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** WR Koren Robinson (GB) partially participated in Thursday's practice.

*** Wednesday Update *** WR Koren Robinson (GB) partially participated in Wednesday's practice.

*** Thursday Update *** WR Marvin Harrison (IND) is not even being mentioned on the team's practice report. He has been practicing all week without any setbacks and appears to be ready to return after missing 11 of the last 12 games with a knee injury. However, HC Tony Dungy won't guarantee a Harrison return based on recent history of declaring him ready, only to pull him from the lineup at the last minute. "I wouldn't say, 'Definitely,' but all indications are he's going to be ready to go," HC Tony Dungy said of Harrison. "He has done fine. He has run all of his routes. He's actually taken more reps than we had scheduled for him so that's a good sign."

*** Thursday Update *** WR Reggie Williams (JAX) did not practice on Thursday. The team expects him to play his normal role Saturday but watch to see if there is any development here Friday.

*** Thursday Update *** WR Wes Welker (NE) partially participated in Thursday's practice.

*** Wednesday Update *** WR Wes Welker (NE) partially participated in Wednesday's practice but is expected to play as normal Saturday night.

*** Friday Update *** WR Plaxico Burress (NYG) partially participated in Friday's practice and is officially questionable to play this weekend. He is expected to play.

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

*** Wednesday Update *** WR Plaxico Burress (NYG) did not practice on Wednesday. Burress said in an interview on Monday that he has been playing during the 2007 season with a torn ligament in his ankle. "Everybody thinks it's just a sprain. It's not," Burress said. "I tore my ligament off the bone. That's why I haven't been practicing. Anybody else would be on IR at home."

*** Friday Update *** WR Deion Branch (SEA) partially participated in Thursday's practice but is still expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** WR Deion Branch (SEA) practiced again on Thursday. He said after not playing last week, he will play this week. "I asked the guys before (last week's) game to come out and give me another opportunity to play a game," Branch said on Wednesday. "They did that, so now I have to play. No ifs, ands or buts -- I have to."

*** Wednesday Update *** WR Deion Branch (SEA) partially participated in Wednesday's practice. However, he expects to play this weekend. To quote Branch: "There is no doubt about it. I am playing."

*** Friday Update *** WR D.J. Hackett (SEA) is officially questionable to play this weekend. Hackett might not be at 100% with his ankle, but reports say the team expects him to play.

*** Thursday Update *** WR D.J. Hackett (SEA) did not practice on Thursday. He stretched with the team but then went inside for treatment on his injured ankle. HC Mike Holmgren said the ankle was sore after Wednesday's practice, and the team wanted to rest it as a precaution.

*** Wednesday Update *** WR D.J. Hackett (SEA) partially participated in Wednesday's practice.

Tight End

*** Friday Update *** TE Ben Utecht (IND) practiced fully on Friday but is questionable to play this weekend. However, Utecht is reportedly expected to play.

*** Friday Update *** TE Kyle Brady (NE) is officially questionable for this weekend's game.

*** Thursday Update *** TE Kyle Brady (NE) partially participated in Thursday's practice.

*** Wednesday Update *** TE Kyle Brady (NE) partially participated in Wednesday's practice.

*** Friday Update *** TE Stephen Spach (NE) is officially questionable for this weekend's game.

*** Thursday Update *** TE Stephen Spach (NE) partially participated in Thursday's practice.

*** Wednesday Update *** TE Stephen Spach (NE) did not practice on Wednesday.

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

*** Thursday Update *** TE Kevin Boss (NYG) did not practice on Thursday due to illness.

*** Thursday Update *** TE Antonio Gates (SD) has not been ruled out for this weekend by HC Norv Turner. "I'm optimistic about the way he is coming along because he's optimistic," Turner said "He's making progress. He's going through all his treatments and all those things, and we'll see where he's at later in the week." However, by most accounts, the team is preparing to play without their star TE.

*** Wednesday Update *** TE Antonio Gates (SD) did not practice on Wednesday. He is officially day-to-day, but a dislocated left big toe will almost certainly keep him from playing this weekend. The team announced Gates has a sprained toe, but the toe is also dislocated. Technically, one must have a sprain to have a dislocation, but a dislocation is worse than a sprain. "I don't know how long it's going to be," GM A.J. Smith said Monday. "Any time that a star player is away from you, obviously it hurts you."

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 Buffalo Bills (BUF) LT Jason Peters isn't sure whether or not his Week 16 groin injury will require surgery, but it's bad enough to keep him out of February's Pro Bowl. He did say, however, that he should be plenty healthy for the 2008 campaign.

*** Friday Update *** OL Dallas Cowboys (DAL) C Andre Gurode practiced fully on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** OL Dallas Cowboys (DAL) C Andre Gurode practiced fully on Thursday.

*** Wednesday Update *** OL Dallas Cowboys (DAL) C Andre Gurode practiced fully on Wednesday.

*** Wednesday Update *** OL Green Bay Packers (GB) G Jason Spitz practiced fully on Wednesday.

*** Friday Update *** OL New England Patriots (NE) T Nick Kaczur is officially questionable for this weekend's game.

G Steve Neal is officially questionable for this weekend's game.

*** Thursday Update *** OL New England Patriots (NE) T Nick Kaczur partially participated in Thursday's practice.

G Steve Neal partially participated in Thursday's practice.

*** Wednesday Update *** OL New England Patriots (NE) T Nick Kaczur partially participated in Wednesday's practice.

G Steve Neal partially participated in Wednesday's practice.

*** Friday Update *** OL New York Giants (NYG) T Kareem McKenzie practiced fully on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

C Shaun O'Hara practiced fully on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** OL New York Giants (NYG) T Kareem McKenzie partially participated in Thursday's practice.

C Shaun O'Hara partially participated in Thursday's practice.

*** Wednesday Update *** OL New York Giants (NYG) T Kareem McKenzie did not practice on Wednesday.

C Shaun O'Hara partially participated in Wednesday's practice.

*** Friday Update *** OL Seattle Seahawks (SEA) T Walter Jones practiced fully on Thursday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** OL Seattle Seahawks (SEA) T Walter Jones did not practice on Wednesday.

Defensive Line

*** Friday Update *** DL Corey Williams (GB) is expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** DL Corey Williams (GB) partially participated in Thursday's practice.

*** Thursday Update *** DL John Henderson (JAX) practiced fully on Thursday and looks like he'll be able to start.

*** Wednesday Update *** DL John Henderson (JAX) did not practice on Wednesday. The team will see if he's able to work Thursday.

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

*** Wednesday Update *** DL Grady Jackson (JAX) did not practice on Wednesday.

*** Wednesday Update *** DL Jamal Williams (SD) did not practice on Wednesday. It has become the norm for him to rest on Wednesdays and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** DL Robert Bernard (SEA) practiced fully on Thursday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** DL Robert Bernard (SEA) did not practice on Wednesday.

*** Thursday Update *** DL Patrick Kerney (SEA) practiced on Thursday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** DL Patrick Kerney (SEA) did not practice on Wednesday.

Linebacker

*** Thursday Update *** LB Demarcus Ware (DAL) did not practice on Thursday.

*** Friday Update *** LB Nick Barnett (GB) is expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** LB Nick Barnett (GB) partially participated in Thursday's practice.

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

*** Friday Update *** LB Kevin Bentley (SEA) partially participated in Thursday's practice but is still expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** LB Niko Koutouvides (SEA) partially participated in Thursday's practice but is still expected to play this weekend.

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

*** Thursday Update *** LB Derrick Brooks (TB) said he has no plans to calling it quits after 13 seasons and if anything is more excited for the upcoming season than in recent years. Brooks, who hasn't missed a game his entire career (205 games), will focus his attention on helping the younger players as he feels the Bucs can improve off of their division title. "There's probably even more excitement now because of that window of opportunity," he said. "We can continue to keep this going. That's what fuels my fire."

*** Wednesday Update *** LB Cato June (TB) said on Monday that he is recovering from a fractured foot, an injury that he sustained during the team's Week 17 game. "It's broken," said June. "It's something where I'm going to go and they'll see what the problem is and go in and fix it. It should be a short rehab. It's unfortunately one of those things. It couldn't have been worse timing, but it's one of those things you can't control."

Defensive Back

*** Friday Update *** DB William Blackmon (GB) is questionable to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** DB William Blackmon (GB) partially participated in Thursday's practice.

*** Wednesday Update *** DB William Blackmon (GB) partially participated in Wednesday's practice.

*** Friday Update *** DB Charles Woodson (GB) is expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** DB Charles Woodson (GB) partially participated in Thursday's practice.

*** Wednesday Update *** DB Charles Woodson (GB) did not practice on Wednesday.

*** Friday Update *** DB Tim Jennings (IND) practiced fully on Friday and will play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** DB Tim Jennings (IND) was rested by the team and did not practice on Thursday.

*** Friday Update *** DB T.J. Rushing (IND) practiced fully on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** DB T.J. Rushing (IND) did not practice on Wednesday.

*** Friday Update *** DB Bob Sanders (IND) practiced fully on Friday and will play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** DB Bob Sanders (IND) was rested by the team and did not practice on Thursday.

*** Friday Update *** DB Willie Andrews (NE) is officially questionable for this weekend's game.

*** Thursday Update *** DB Willie Andrews (NE) partially participated in Thursday's practice.

*** Wednesday Update *** DB Willie Andrews (NE) partially participated in Wednesday's practice.

*** Friday Update *** DB Rodney Harrison (NE) is officially questionable for this weekend's game, but the team expects him to play.

*** Thursday Update *** DB Rodney Harrison (NE) partially participated in Thursday's practice.

*** Wednesday Update *** DB Rodney Harrison (NE) partially participated in Wednesday's practice.

*** Friday Update *** DB Ellis Hobbs (NE) is officially questionable for this weekend's game.

*** Thursday Update *** DB Ellis Hobbs (NE) partially participated in Thursday's practice.

*** Friday Update *** DB Antwain Spann (NE) is officially questionable for this weekend's game.

*** Thursday Update *** DB Antwain Spann (NE) partially participated in Thursday's practice.

*** Wednesday Update *** DB Antwain Spann (NE) did not practice on Wednesday.

*** Friday Update *** DB Kevin Dockery (NYG) will not play this weekend.

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

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

*** 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 Antonio Cromartie (SD) did not practice on Friday but is still expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** DB Michael Green (SEA) partially participated in Thursday's practice but is still expected to play this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** DB Michael Green (SEA) partially participated in Wednesday's practice.

General Team News

*** Friday Update *** TM Cleveland Browns (CLE) The Browns have fired DC Todd Grantham.

*** Wednesday Update *** TM Houston Texans (HOU) The Texans have hired Alex Gibbs as an assistant head coach while promoting Kyle Shanahan to the offensive coordinator position. These moves were necessary when Mike Sherman, who held both roles, moved on to coach Texas A&M. "Alex is an outstanding coach, and we're fortunate to get him," HC Gary Kubiak said. "I'm not sure how long we'll have him, but whether it's one year, two years or longer, we've got to soak up his knowledge of the game. I've worked side-by-side with Shanahan, and his knowledge of attacking coverages is beyond his years. I think he's going to make an excellent play-caller, too."

*** Friday Update *** TM Jacksonville Jaguars (JAX) The Jaguars re-signed WR Charles Sharon to the active roster on Friday and waived WR Chad Owens.

*** Wednesday Update *** TM San Francisco 49ers (SF) The 49ers have hired Mike Martz to be their offensive coordinator.

*** Wednesday Update *** TM Washington Redskins (WAS) HC and team president Joe Gibbs retired Monday. He will stay on as a consultant for owner Dan Snyder.