All our week 19 content

Week 19 Players in the News

by Clayton Gray, Exclusive to Footballguys.com

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The Latest News

Quarterback

*** Friday Update *** QB Ben Roethlisberger (PIT) practiced fully on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

Running Back

*** Friday Update *** RB Brian Westbrook (PHI) partially participated in Friday's practice but is still expected to play this weekend.

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

Wide Receiver

*** Friday Update *** WR Anquan Boldin (ARI) partially participated in Friday's practice and is questionable to play this weekend. "We're just trying to be smart about the entire situation and just see how it feels on Saturday," Boldin said.

*** Friday Update *** WR Derrick Mason (BAL) partially participated in Friday's practice. While he is officially questionable, Mason is expected to play this weekend.

Tight End

*** Friday Update *** TE Ben Patrick (ARI) did not practice on Friday and is questionable to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** TE Leonard Pope (ARI) practiced fully on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** TE Todd Heap (BAL) partially participated in Friday's practice and is questionable to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** TE L.J. Smith (PHI) practiced fully on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** TE Antonio Gates (SD) did not practice on Friday and is questionable to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** TE Bo Scaife (TEN) partially participated in Friday's practice but is still expected to play this weekend.

Kicker

*** Friday Update *** PK Matt Stover (BAL) partially participated in Friday's practice and is questionable to play this weekend.

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

Offensive Line

*** Friday Update *** OL Carolina Panthers (CAR) C Geoff Hangartner partially participated in Friday's practice and is questionable to play this weekend.

T Jeff Otah practiced fully on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** OL Philadelphia Eagles (PHI) G Shawn Andrews will not play this weekend.

T Jon Runyan did not practice on Friday and is questionable to play this weekend.

G Todd Herremans practiced fully on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** OL Tennessee Titans (TEN) C Kevin Mawae will not play this weekend.

Defensive Tackle

*** Friday Update *** DT Justin Bannan (BAL) partially participated in Friday's practice and is questionable to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** DT Maake Kemoeatu (CAR) practiced fully on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** DT Damione Lewis (CAR) practiced fully on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** DT Dan Klecko (PHI) partially participated in Friday's practice but is not expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** DT Dave Ball (TEN) will not play this weekend.

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

Defensive End

*** Friday Update *** DE Justin Tuck (NYG) partially participated in Friday's practice but is still expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** DE Victor Abiamiri (PHI) practiced fully on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** DE Kyle Vanden Bosch (TEN) practiced fully on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

Inside Linebacker

*** Friday Update *** ILB Stewart Bradley (PHI) practiced fully on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** ILB Brandon Siler (SD) practiced fully on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

Outside Linebacker

*** Friday Update *** OLB Travis Laboy (ARI) partially participated in Friday's practice and is questionable to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** OLB Antwan Barnes (BAL) will not play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** OLB Jarret Johnson (BAL) partially participated in Friday's practice and is questionable to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** OLB Zak DeOssie (NYG) partially participated in Friday's practice but is still expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** OLB David Thornton (TEN) practiced fully on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

Cornerback

*** Friday Update *** CB Samari Rolle (BAL) partially participated in Friday's practice and is questionable to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** CB Fabian Washington (BAL) partially participated in Friday's practice and is questionable to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** CB Asante Samuel (PHI) practiced fully on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** CB Nick Harper (TEN) practiced fully on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** CB Tuff Harris (TEN) partially participated in Friday's practice and is questionable to play this weekend.

Safety

*** Friday Update *** S Ed Reed (BAL) partially participated in Friday's practice and is questionable to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** S Brian Dawkins (PHI) practiced fully on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** S Quintin Demps (PHI) practiced fully on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

General Team News

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All the news

Quarterback

QB Chad Pennington (MIA) HC Tony Sparano said on Sunday that Chad Pennington will be his starting quarterback going into the 2009 season. "I told him he's my guy. I can't thank him enough for what he's done for us," Sparano said.

QB Gus Frerotte (MIN) said following the team's playoff loss on Sunday that he felt he should have started that game. "I just don't know what to think right now," Frerotte said. "It was a very frustrating experience, because I felt like I should've been the one playing. That might sound selfish, but I think I would've given us the best chance to win. I'm going home to St. Louis [on Monday] to be with my family and figure out where things stand, but the way things played out at the end really makes me question things."

QB Drew Brees (NO) won The Associated Press 2008 NFL Offensive Player of the Year award Tuesday. San Diego QB Philip Rivers received six votes, and Carolina RB DeAngelo Williams (2), Atlanta RB Michael Turner (1) and Carolina WR Steve Smith (1) also got votes. "I don't come out from week to week and say I have to throw for 300 [yards]," Brees said. "I don't think about that. It's really about what I can do to help this team win. Certainly in this offense, being the quarterback, you're in the driver's seat. You have the opportunity to control every play and have it in your hands. Every play is about me making good decisions and putting it in a guy's hands who is open or our playmakers working to their strengths. That's my job."

*** Thursday Update *** QB Brett Favre (NYJ) says he's not upset with RB Thomas Jones and other teammates. "As for Thomas [Jones], I have not seen the comments," Favre said. "To be honest, I am not worried about the comments, either. Was Thomas backed into a corner or in a bad mood when he said those things? I don't know, but ripping Thomas is not my nature." Favre also had no problem accepting blame for the Jets late season collapse. "The bottom line is I didn't play well in the final five games," Favre said.

*** Friday Update *** QB Ben Roethlisberger (PIT) practiced fully on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** QB Ben Roethlisberger (PIT) practiced fully on Thursday.

*** Wednesday Update *** QB Ben Roethlisberger (PIT) practiced fully on Wednesday.

QB Ben Roethlisberger (PIT) said Monday he passed his final post-concussion test and will play on Sunday when the Steelers open the playoffs against the San Diego Chargers. Roethlisberger is at practice for the first time since his injury. He said he's taken several tests over the past week, and feels fine.

Running Back

RB Ray Rice (BAL) did not play in the wild-card round against the Dolphins even though he was active after missing three weeks with a shin contusion. HC John Harbaugh said Rice could see some playing time this weekend against the Titans. "We just didn't feel as the game was going on that we wanted to put him in," Harbaugh said. "Not that we couldn't have. He was ready to play, just the way the game went. [But] Ray is getting healthier, and he looked good toward the end of last week and we expect him to do well."

*** Wednesday Update *** RB Reggie Bush (NO) Bush's knee surgery was more serious than the New Orleans Saints initially indicated last month, but General Manager Mickey Loomis said the team still expects the running back to be ready for minicamp in early June. Loomis said Bush had a microfracture procedure performed on his left knee after he was placed on injured reserve in mid-December. Bush's injury initially was reported as a sprained medial collateral ligament, which doesn't usually require surgery, but Coach Sean Payton indicated last week that Bush had an arthroscopic procedure performed by Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, AL.

*** Wednesday Update *** RB Brandon Jacobs (NYG) said Wednesday that he feels as good as he has since way back in Week 3 and that the sprained PCL in his left knee is no longer an issue. "I'm wired. You've got to understand, I haven't played the last two weeks and I feel like my production's been down when I have played. I can go out and run full speed. I can make all the cuts. I feel real good," Jacobs said. "I can't wait for game day."

*** Friday Update *** RB Brian Westbrook (PHI) partially participated in Friday's practice but is still expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** RB Brian Westbrook (PHI) did not practice on Thursday.

*** Wednesday Update *** RB Brian Westbrook (PHI) did not practice on Wednesday. Westbrook says he probably won't practice much this week but does expect to start against the Giants. "The good thing is that I didn't tweak anything against the Vikings," Westbrook said. "I took a pounding on the turf but I didn't re-injure anything so I'm not starting from in a hole this week."

RB Brian Westbrook (PHI) is battling a sore knee and will be limited in practice this week, but HC Andy Reid insists that "it's no different than it has been all year" for Westbrook.

RB Michael Bennett (SD) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive lineman Anthony Davis are being sued as the result of an alleged assault that occurred on October 13 in Tampa Bay, Florida. The man filing the lawsuit also alleges that Bennett was carrying a gun.

*** Wednesday Update *** RB Darren Sproles (SD) is expected to be the team's primary back this weekend as LaDainian Tomlinson is still hobbled with a groin injury. Tomlinson will reportedly try to play, but he is not expected to be effective.

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

*** Thursday Update *** RB LaDainian Tomlinson (SD) did not practice on Thursday. Tomlinson remains doubtful for this weekend's game. "Miracles do happen," Tomlinson said. "I think we'll just have to wait and see."

*** Wednesday Update *** RB LaDainian Tomlinson (SD) did not practice on Wednesday. Tomlinson did confirm reports that he has a torn tendon in his groin. "It's definitely torn," Tomlinson said after sitting out Wednesday's practice. "I can't really elaborate on it because I don't want to give too much information away."

RB LaDainian Tomlinson (SD) remains day-to-day with a strained groin and won't know until later in the week if or how much he'll be able to play Sunday. "I'm pretty sure at some point I'll try it to see where I am and we'll see what happens," Tomlinson said. "That's why we're leaving it as day-to-day and we'll see how it reacts." Tomlinson said Monday that the injury "may be the toughest of my career."

Wide Receiver

*** Friday Update *** WR Anquan Boldin (ARI) partially participated in Friday's practice and is questionable to play this weekend. "We're just trying to be smart about the entire situation and just see how it feels on Saturday," Boldin said.

*** Thursday Update *** WR Anquan Boldin (ARI) did not practice on Thursday. Boldin says he won't test his hamstring until just before kickoff this weekend. "We're just trying to be smart about the entire situation and just see how it feels on Saturday," Boldin said.

*** Wednesday Update *** WR Anquan Boldin (ARI) rested his injured hamstring on Wednesday and said he's not sure he'll play in the divisional playoff at Carolina. Boldin is undergoing treatment, but doesn't plan to test the hamstring before game time on Saturday. "Still tight," said Boldin, who watched practice. "I'm not sure at this point. I'm just taking it a day at a time, trying to do what I can to get it better. I'm just trying to lay off it right now," he added. "Just rest it. Do enough to get me going but not to aggravate it."

WR Anquan Boldin (ARI) has a strained left hamstring according to HC Ken Whisenhunt. Boldin will be monitored during the week, and Whisenhunt said they won't know until later in the week the extent of the injury. The hamstring is not torn, Whisenhunt said, adding he was "hopeful" Boldin will play. "When you are dealing with hamstrings, you just never know," Whisenhunt added.

*** Friday Update *** WR Derrick Mason (BAL) partially participated in Friday's practice. While he is officially questionable, Mason is expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** WR Derrick Mason (BAL) partially participated in Thursday's practice. Mason is resigned to the fact that his shoulder will hurt until the season is over. Afterward he'll have to consider having surgery to repair the damage. "This has been an injury that is going to continue to hinder me in some ways, meaning that it's always going to hurt until we're done playing in February," he said. "I'll deal with that then.... "Hopefully, I won't have to have surgery. I think I'm truly blessed that it hasn't gotten any worse than it has."

*** Wednesday Update *** WR Derrick Mason (BAL) did not practice on Wednesday.

*** Wednesday Update *** WR Isaiah Stanback (DAL) had shoulder surgery last week. Stanback suffered a dislocated shoulder during preseason but elected to wait until after the season to have surgery. He was placed on injured reserve in the final week of the regular season. It's also the same shoulder that required surgery last year.

WR Marvin Harrison (IND) Philadelphia District Attorney Lynne Abraham announced Tuesday that her office will not be able to proceed with criminal charges against Marvin Harrison in connection with an April 29, 2008 shooting incident in North Philadelphia. Police detectives believed they had enough evidence to bring weapons charges against Harrison, a source told ESPN.com. But witnesses have been less than cooperative with the authorities, sources said, and that has led to uncertainty surrounding the evidence in the case.

WR Greg Camarillo (MIA) said on Monday that he is targeting training camp as his timeframe from returning from his torn ACL, meaning that he will likely miss all of the team's mini-camps and OTAs in 2009. "My goal is to be part of this team from the jump," Camarillo said.

*** Wednesday Update *** WR Kevin Curtis (PHI) practiced fully on Wednesday.

*** Wednesday Update *** WR Greg Lewis (PHI) practiced fully on Wednesday.

*** Wednesday Update *** WR Hines Ward (PIT) was excused from Wednesday's practice.

WR Vincent Jackson (SD) was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, according to San Diego's 10News. According to the San Diego County Sheriff's Department, Jackson was arrested by the California Highway Patrol early Tuesday morning. CHP Officer Ray Scheidnes said Jackson failed sobriety tests shortly after 2:00 AM. The Sheriff's Department said Jackson was booked at 4:00 AM. He posted bail and was released at 5:50 AM Jackson was on probation for a previous DUI arrest, CHP Officer Brad Baehr said. Chargers general manager A.J. Smith said he was aware of Jackson's "off-the-field issue." "Obviously we're disappointed," Smith said. "We take these issues very seriously. Moving forward, we will monitor the situation and have no further comment." For his part, Jackson issued the following statement: "Yesterday I was stopped by an officer. I don't think any charges will be filed as a result of the stop. In the event they are, I look forward to clearing my name and proving my innocence."

Tight End

*** Friday Update *** TE Ben Patrick (ARI) did not practice on Friday and is questionable to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** TE Ben Patrick (ARI) did not practice on Thursday.

*** Wednesday Update *** TE Ben Patrick (ARI) did not practice on Wednesday.

*** Friday Update *** TE Leonard Pope (ARI) practiced fully on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** TE Leonard Pope (ARI) practiced fully on Thursday.

*** Wednesday Update *** TE Leonard Pope (ARI) practiced fully on Wednesday.

*** Friday Update *** TE Todd Heap (BAL) partially participated in Friday's practice and is questionable to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** TE Todd Heap (BAL) did not practice on Thursday.

*** Wednesday Update *** TE Todd Heap (BAL) did not practice on Wednesday.

*** Friday Update *** TE L.J. Smith (PHI) practiced fully on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** TE L.J. Smith (PHI) practiced fully on Thursday.

*** Wednesday Update *** TE L.J. Smith (PHI) practiced fully on Wednesday.

*** Friday Update *** TE Antonio Gates (SD) did not practice on Friday and is questionable to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** TE Antonio Gates (SD) did not practice on Thursday.

*** Wednesday Update *** TE Antonio Gates (SD) did not practice on Wednesday.

*** Friday Update *** TE Bo Scaife (TEN) partially participated in Friday's practice but is still expected to play this weekend.

Kicker

*** Friday Update *** PK Matt Stover (BAL) partially participated in Friday's practice and is questionable to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** PK Matt Stover (BAL) partially participated in Thursday's practice.

*** Wednesday Update *** PK Matt Stover (BAL) partially participated in Wednesday's practice.

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

*** Thursday Update *** PK Nate Kaeding (SD) did not practice on Thursday.

*** Wednesday Update *** PK Nate Kaeding (SD) practiced fully on Wednesday.

PK Nate Kaeding (SD) said he's OK after slipping on the opening kick off during Week 18's Wild Card round against the Colts. Kaeding originally injured his groin after a slip earlier that week, but says he'll be fine for Week 19 at Pittsburgh. "I'm a kicker. There's no reason I should be hurt," he said.

Offensive Line

*** Friday Update *** OL Carolina Panthers (CAR) C Geoff Hangartner partially participated in Friday's practice and is questionable to play this weekend.

T Jeff Otah practiced fully on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** OL Carolina Panthers (CAR) C Geoff Hangartner partially participated in Thursday's practice.

T Jeff Otah practiced fully on Thursday.

*** Wednesday Update *** OL Carolina Panthers (CAR) C Geoff Hangartner did not practice on Wednesday.

T Jeff Otah practiced fully on Wednesday.

OL Miami Dolphins (MIA) G Justin Smiley said his recovery from right leg and ankle injuries is currently ahead of schedule, and that he is currently expecting to return to the practice field in time for spring mini-camps. "I feel amazing," said Smiley. "Everything is healing up very nicely, and they say I'm well ahead of where most people should be."

*** Friday Update *** OL Philadelphia Eagles (PHI) G Shawn Andrews will not play this weekend.

T Jon Runyan did not practice on Friday and is questionable to play this weekend.

G Todd Herremans practiced fully on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** OL Philadelphia Eagles (PHI) T Jon Runyan did not practice on Thursday.

G Shawn Andrews partially participated in Thursday's practice.

G Todd Herremans practiced fully on Thursday.

*** Wednesday Update *** OL Philadelphia Eagles (PHI) T Jon Runyan did not practice on Wednesday.

G Shawn Andrews partially participated in Wednesday's practice. HC Andy Reid said Andrews will not be active Sunday.

G Todd Herremans practiced fully on Wednesday.

C Jamaal Jackson practiced fully on Wednesday.

*** Friday Update *** OL Tennessee Titans (TEN) C Kevin Mawae will not play this weekend.

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

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

OL Tennessee Titans (TEN) During an interview on Sirius NFL Radio before practice Tuesday, C Kevin Mawae was asked if he would play Saturday in the AFC divisional playoff game. "No, I'm not going to play this week," Mawae said before trying to soften that answer. "It's still questionable. We're day to day, and hopefully things progress to where I'll be able to play next week. But again, we're day to day right now."

Defensive Tackle

*** Friday Update *** DT Justin Bannan (BAL) partially participated in Friday's practice and is questionable to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** DT Justin Bannan (BAL) partially participated in Thursday's practice.

*** Wednesday Update *** DT Justin Bannan (BAL) partially participated in Wednesday's practice.

*** Friday Update *** DT Maake Kemoeatu (CAR) practiced fully on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** DT Maake Kemoeatu (CAR) practiced fully on Thursday.

*** Wednesday Update *** DT Maake Kemoeatu (CAR) practiced fully on Wednesday.

*** Friday Update *** DT Damione Lewis (CAR) practiced fully on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** DT Damione Lewis (CAR) practiced fully on Thursday.

*** Wednesday Update *** DT Damione Lewis (CAR) practiced fully on Wednesday.

*** Friday Update *** DT Dan Klecko (PHI) partially participated in Friday's practice but is not expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** DT Dan Klecko (PHI) did not practice on Thursday.

*** Wednesday Update *** DT Dan Klecko (PHI) did not practice on Wednesday.

*** Wednesday Update *** DT Jamal Williams (SD) was excused from Wednesday's practice.

*** Friday Update *** DT Dave Ball (TEN) will not play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** DT Dave Ball (TEN) did not practice on Thursday.

*** Wednesday Update *** DT Dave Ball (TEN) did not practice on Wednesday.

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

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

*** Wednesday Update *** DT Albert Haynesworth (TEN) practiced fully on Wednesday.

DT Albert Haynesworth (TEN) practiced for about half of Tuesday's session. "I'll be hopefully full practice tomorrow," said Haynesworth after Tuesday's work. "I'm just happy I get to practice and knock some of the rust off in practice. By doing that, I feel I can almost be back to where I was before I got hurt."

DT Kevin Vickerson (TEN) The Titans activated Kevin Vickerson onto their 53-man roster on Monday and released DT Amon Gordon. Vickerson was suspended for the final four games of the regular season because of a violation of the NFL's banned substance policy.

Defensive End

*** Wednesday Update *** DE Richard Seymour (NE) will undergo minor finger surgery Friday in Boston to fix a lingering issue that he played through all season, according to a source. The exact nature of the injury was not disclosed, but it is not expected to impact his offseason workouts.

*** Friday Update *** DE Justin Tuck (NYG) partially participated in Friday's practice but is still expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** DE Justin Tuck (NYG) partially participated in Thursday's practice.

*** Wednesday Update *** DE Justin Tuck (NYG) did not practice on Wednesday.

*** Friday Update *** DE Victor Abiamiri (PHI) practiced fully on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** DE Victor Abiamiri (PHI) practiced fully on Thursday.

*** Wednesday Update *** DE Victor Abiamiri (PHI) partially participated in Wednesday's practice.

*** Wednesday Update *** DE Jevon Kearse (TEN) Kearse's DUI case was continued Tuesday and rescheduled for February 5th. Kearse was arrested June 22nd by the Vanderbilt Police Department. He was charged with DUI and violation of the state's implied consent law for refusing to take the breath test. Attorney Roger May said he's discussing a resolution to the case with the district attorney's office.

*** Friday Update *** DE Kyle Vanden Bosch (TEN) practiced fully on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** DE Kyle Vanden Bosch (TEN) practiced fully on Thursday. Vanden Bosch has declared himself ready for weekend's game against the Ravens. "I've tested it, and it's good. It had progressed with a little more work every day and with a full practice today, it felt great," Vanden Bosch said. "There's no pain. I feel explosive."

*** Wednesday Update *** DE Kyle Vanden Bosch (TEN) practiced fully on Wednesday.

Inside Linebacker

ILB Tedy Bruschi (NE) missed the final three games of the season with an MCL injury to his knee, but the 13-year veteran will not need offseason surgery. In fact, he could have played had New England made the playoffs. According to a source, Bruschi would also like to play a 14th season and honor his final year of a two-year deal he signed last February. Bruschi, 35, will have a $1.9 million base salary next season and carry a cap charge of $2.6 million.

*** Friday Update *** ILB Stewart Bradley (PHI) practiced fully on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** ILB Stewart Bradley (PHI) practiced fully on Thursday.

*** Wednesday Update *** ILB Stewart Bradley (PHI) partially participated in Wednesday's practice.

*** Friday Update *** ILB Brandon Siler (SD) practiced fully on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** ILB Brandon Siler (SD) practiced fully on Thursday.

*** Wednesday Update *** ILB Brandon Siler (SD) partially participated in Wednesday's practice.

Outside Linebacker

*** Friday Update *** OLB Travis Laboy (ARI) partially participated in Friday's practice and is questionable to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** OLB Travis Laboy (ARI) partially participated in Thursday's practice.

*** Wednesday Update *** OLB Travis Laboy (ARI) partially participated in Wednesday's practice.

*** Friday Update *** OLB Antwan Barnes (BAL) will not play this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** OLB Antwan Barnes (BAL) will not play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** OLB Jarret Johnson (BAL) partially participated in Friday's practice and is questionable to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** OLB Jarret Johnson (BAL) partially participated in Thursday's practice.

*** Wednesday Update *** OLB Jarret Johnson (BAL) partially participated in Wednesday's practice.

*** Friday Update *** OLB Zak DeOssie (NYG) partially participated in Friday's practice but is still expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** OLB Zak DeOssie (NYG) partially participated in Thursday's practice.

*** Wednesday Update *** OLB Zak DeOssie (NYG) did not practice on Wednesday.

*** Thursday Update *** OLB Omar Gaither (PHI) practiced fully on Thursday.

*** Wednesday Update *** OLB Omar Gaither (PHI) practiced fully on Wednesday.

OLB James Harrison (PIT) has been named The Associated Press 2008 Defensive Player of the Year. Harrison had a career-high 16 sacks, setting a team record, and led the NFL with a career-high seven forced fumbles. He beat Cowboys LB DeMarcus Ware in balloting 22-13 in first-place votes. "That's something that everybody in the league would love to have, to be voted the top player in the league for that year," Harrison said. "In my mind, I think I do - and it's going to sound boring - what the defense allows me to do and what my teammates allow me to do."

*** Friday Update *** OLB David Thornton (TEN) practiced fully on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** OLB David Thornton (TEN) did not practice on Thursday.

*** Wednesday Update *** OLB David Thornton (TEN) practiced fully on Wednesday.

Cornerback

*** Friday Update *** CB Samari Rolle (BAL) partially participated in Friday's practice and is questionable to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** CB Samari Rolle (BAL) partially participated in Thursday's practice.

*** Wednesday Update *** CB Samari Rolle (BAL) partially participated in Wednesday's practice.

*** Friday Update *** CB Fabian Washington (BAL) partially participated in Friday's practice and is questionable to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** CB Fabian Washington (BAL) partially participated in Thursday's practice.

*** Thursday Update *** CB Champ Bailey (DEN) is scheduled to have surgery today to repair torn ligaments. Bailey was injured in Week 17 trying to make a tackle against the Chargers. He also suffered cartilage damage and will have it cleaned up during the procedure. He is expected to miss three to four months in recovery.

*** Thursday Update *** CB Marlin Jackson (IND) said his recovery from two knee surgeries is going well, and that he expects to be running again in approximately six weeks. "Rehab is going really well. It's ahead of schedule, which is where I'm trying to stay," said Jackson.

*** Friday Update *** CB Asante Samuel (PHI) practiced fully on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** CB Asante Samuel (PHI) practiced fully on Thursday.

*** Wednesday Update *** CB Asante Samuel (PHI) did not practice on Wednesday.

*** Friday Update *** CB Nick Harper (TEN) practiced fully on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** CB Nick Harper (TEN) practiced fully on Thursday.

*** Wednesday Update *** CB Nick Harper (TEN) practiced fully on Wednesday.

*** Friday Update *** CB Tuff Harris (TEN) partially participated in Friday's practice and is questionable to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** CB Tuff Harris (TEN) practiced fully on Thursday.

Safety

*** Friday Update *** S Ed Reed (BAL) partially participated in Friday's practice and is questionable to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** S Ed Reed (BAL) did not practice on Thursday.

*** Wednesday Update *** S Ed Reed (BAL) did not practice on Wednesday.

*** Friday Update *** S Brian Dawkins (PHI) practiced fully on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** S Brian Dawkins (PHI) practiced fully on Thursday.

*** Wednesday Update *** S Brian Dawkins (PHI) partially participated in Wednesday's practice.

*** Friday Update *** S Quintin Demps (PHI) practiced fully on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** S Quintin Demps (PHI) practiced fully on Thursday.

*** Wednesday Update *** S Quintin Demps (PHI) practiced fully on Wednesday.

S Ryan Clark (PIT) missed Week 17 with a separated shoulder, but returned to practice Monday and expects to play in the Divisional round against the Chargers. "Can't miss this one," he said. Clark will make his first postseason appearance with the Steelers. He missed last year's playoff loss to the Jaguars because of an illness that ended his season in October.

General Team News

*** Wednesday Update *** TM Cleveland Browns (CLE) The Browns will hire ex-Jet HC Eric Mangini as their new HC.

*** Wednesday Update *** TM Dallas Cowboys (DAL) The Cowboys have released CB Adam Jones.

TM Green Bay Packers (GB) The Packers announced on Monday that they have fired defensive ends coach Carl Hairston, defensive tackles coach Robert Nunn, secondary coach Kurt Schottenheimer, nickel package/cornerbacks coach Lionel Washington, and strength and conditioning coordinator Rock Gullickson.

TM Minnesota Vikings (MIN) DTs Pat Williams and Kevin Williams have filed a $10 million lawsuit against the NFL, claiming that the league violated two Minnesota laws and caused them $10 million in damages.