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Week 20 Players in the News

by Clayton Gray, Exclusive to Footballguys.com

The Latest News

Quarterback

Running Back

*** Friday Update *** RB LeRon McClain (BAL) partially participated in Friday's practice. He's listed as questionable but he's expected to play and share time with the other Raven RBs.

*** Friday Update *** RB Brian Westbrook (PHI) partially practiced Friday and will start as usual Sunday.

Wide Receiver

*** Friday Update *** WR Anquan Boldin (ARI) is questionable but expects to play. "If nothing else happens, I'll be out there," Boldin said.

Boldin added that he shouldn't be restricted in any form because the hamstring wasn't "grabbing" or limiting his stride.

The final word won't come down until pregame warmups on Sunday. How he feels there will determine if he plays and how much.

*** Friday Update *** WR Mark Clayton (BAL) is listed as questionable but is expected to start Sunday.

*** Friday Update *** WR Derrick Mason (BAL) is listed as questionable but is expected to start Sunday.

Tight End

*** Friday Update *** TE Ben Patrick (ARI) is listed as questionable but the feeling is that he'll try to play this weekend.

Kicker

Offensive Line

Defensive Tackle

Defensive End

*** Friday Update *** DE Terrell Suggs (BAL) was asked if he'd be available to play Sunday: "I really can't honestly answer the question," he said. "It would be really unfair to tell you guys one thing right now and do another on Sunday."

He will be a game time decision. "I have never missed a game here," said Suggs, who has played in 100 straight games (including the postseason), the longest current streak for a Ravens position player. "So, I definitely don't want to start with the AFC championship. Come Sunday, we'll see."

He wore a sling in front of the television cameras, but he didn't wear one after coming off the practice field (he didn't participate in workouts for the second straight day). He couldn't give details of the injury or the magnetic resonance imaging.

It's uncertain whether Suggs is in tremendous pain or whether this is a ploy to throw off the Steelers. His team mates feel that he'll play. "You would have to strap him down for him not to play in this game," Ravens free safety Ed Reed said.

Inside Linebacker

*** Friday Update *** ILB Jonathan Vilma (NO) According to WVUE TV Channel 8 in New Orleans, Miami-Dade police have booked Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma, 26, with reckless driving and resisting arrest.

Police report that Vilma was weaving throughout traffic in his Range Rover; before being pulled over he ran a red light, and nearly hit two pedestrians.

Outside Linebacker

Cornerback

*** Friday Update *** CB Samari Rolle (BAL) is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game and it looks like he won't play. Although if there's ever a time to give it a shot, this is it.

Safety

General Team News

*** Friday Update *** TM Tampa Bay Buccaneers (TB) The Tampa Bay Buccaneers fired head coach Jon Gruden on Friday. General manager Bruce Allen also was dismissed. ESPN is reporting that the firings are expected to yield the quick hiring of Raheem Morris as head coach and Mark Dominik as general manager, according to multiple sources.

All the news

Quarterback

QB Ben Roethlisberger (PIT) is reportedly continuing to recover from a spinal cord concussion sustained during the team's Week 17 game. The injury had previously been reported as a concussion. However, Roethlisberger said that he lost feeling in his arms until he later regained feeling after being taken to Pittsburgh's Presbyterian Hospital.

QB Kerry Collins (TEN) met with the media on Monday and was adamant that a return next season - to any team - would be as a starter. "I've played so much in my career, and I've been a starter for so long," Collins said. "I feel like I'm a starter in this league. But if it comes down it, becoming a backup is something I'm not interested in right now." HC Jeff Fisher was non-committal on Monday, but said Collins had "earned the right" to say he wants to start. "I'll go into details at some point in the near future regarding the decisions that we're going to make, as far as the roster is concerned," Fisher said.

Running Back

*** Friday Update *** RB LeRon McClain (BAL) partially participated in Friday's practice. He's listed as questionable but he's expected to play and share time with the other Raven RBs.

*** Thursday Update *** RB LeRon McClain (BAL) partially participated in Thursday's practice.

*** Wednesday Update *** RB LeRon McClain (BAL) did not practice on Wednesday.

*** Thursday Update *** RB Lorenzo Neal (BAL) partially participated in Thursday's practice.

RB Brandon Jacobs (NYG) and Derrick Ward became only the fourth pair of backs to rush for 1,000 yards in the same season. Now, they could both become free agents unless the team signs one or both of them, the latter of which is unlikely. "I'm not ready to face that," Jacobs said, "But the reality of the business and the nature of the business is probably going to keep us apart." Ward feels he has a good chance at becoming a starter on any team. "I think I proved to everybody that I am a legit starter and I could get the job done. Who knows, though? The Giants could offer me big money."

*** Thursday Update *** RB Correll Buckhalter (PHI) practiced fully on Thursday.

*** Wednesday Update *** RB Correll Buckhalter (PHI) partially participated in Wednesday's practice.

*** Friday Update *** RB Brian Westbrook (PHI) partially practiced Friday and will start as usual Sunday.

*** Thursday Update *** RB Brian Westbrook (PHI) did not practice on Thursday. Westbrook reiterated on ESPN's NFL Live Thursday that reports of his knee being re-injured were "blown out of proportion." He is expected to play this weekend.

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

*** Wednesday Update *** RB Willie Parker (PIT) was excused from Wednesday's practice.

RB Darren Sproles (SD) GM A.J. Smith said that while Sproles may have endeared himself as a capable running back while replacing injured RB LaDainian Tomlinson, the team has no intention of promoting him if they're able to keep him on the team this offseason. "Darren Sproles was drafted by the San Diego Chargers to help us in three areas - kick returns, spot play as a running back and catching passes out of the backfield," Smith said. "We will be pursuing Darren for exactly the same reasons."

*** Wednesday Update *** RB LaDainian Tomlinson (SD) admits to being hurt by not only the lack of communication, but also the mere suggestion he should not be a part of the Chargers' future plans. "I've tried to be the best professional, best player, best person in the community that this organization has ever seen, that's what I've always tried to do and will continue to do because that's who I am," Tomlinson said. "But to be treated like this, to me it just reaffirms my faith in God, to be honest with you." Tomlinson continued, "I think it's ridiculous to be talking about trade and me not being here, that's just my personal opinion. I know every team has a right to make trades and all this stuff, but I just think it's ridiculous to be talking about this, to have this stuff in the media when this could be handled behind closed doors and in a professional way."

RB Chris Johnson (TEN) wore a walking boot on his injured right foot on Monday after sustaining a high ankle sprain during the team's weekend playoff loss. He was scheduled to undergo an MRI exam on Monday to determine the exact nature of the injury.

Wide Receiver

*** Friday Update *** WR Anquan Boldin (ARI) is questionable but expects to play. "If nothing else happens, I'll be out there," Boldin said.

Boldin added that he shouldn't be restricted in any form because the hamstring wasn't "grabbing" or limiting his stride.

The final word won't come down until pregame warmups on Sunday. How he feels there will determine if he plays and how much.

*** Thursday Update *** WR Anquan Boldin (ARI) partially participated in Thursday's practice.

*** Wednesday Update *** WR Anquan Boldin (ARI) partially participated in Wednesday's practice. Boldin said he saw a chiropractor in Dallas earlier in the week and that has helped the injury. Boldin added that right now, "I don't see any hindrances" to playing against Philadelphia this weekend.

WR Anquan Boldin (ARI) HC Ken Whisenhunt said he is not sure whether or not WR Anquan Boldin will be able to play in the NFC Championship game against the Eagles this Sunday. "Anquan, we'll see," said Whisenhunt. "Obviously we're a week further along in the process of that hamstring getting better, so hopefully he'll be able to do something this week, but we'll see as the week progresses."

*** Friday Update *** WR Mark Clayton (BAL) is listed as questionable but is expected to start Sunday.

*** Thursday Update *** WR Mark Clayton (BAL) did not practice on Thursday.

*** Wednesday Update *** WR Mark Clayton (BAL) did not practice on Wednesday.

*** Friday Update *** WR Derrick Mason (BAL) is listed as questionable but is expected to start Sunday.

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

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

WR James Hardy (BUF) had surgery Monday to repair damage in his left knee stemming from an injury against the New York Jets, Dec. 14. Bills doctors performed the surgery to repair a torn ACL, which has a recovery time of six to nine months.

*** Wednesday Update *** WR Marvin Harrison (IND) The Colts could soon part ways with Marvin Harrison. He will count $13.4 million against the 2009 salary cap, and Indianapolis can free up approximately $6 million under the cap by terminating his contract. Team President Bill Polian said the team's main objective in the upcoming draft is finding a quality receiver. "Marvin's not going to play forever," Polian said. "We've got to be thinking about what's the future at that critical position."

*** Thursday Update *** WR Plaxico Burress (NYG) A jury ruled in favor of Plaxico Burress Wednesday in a civil suit against him, which alleged he owed over $18,000 in damages and interest towards a 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche, which Burress agreed to drive for promotional purposes. Burress contended that though he was partially responsible, he should only be compelled to owe $1,705.38, which covers repair of the vehicle and towing charges. The jury agreed and awarded him the moral victory. Burress also faces criminal weapons charges and was sued in Broward County, Fla., in December for crashing his $140,000 Mercedes-Benz into the back of a woman's vehicle last May.

In an interview on WFAN radio in New York, Giants HC Tom Coughlin said he's "not ready" to welcome back troubled WR Plaxico Burress, who was suspended from the NFL in November after accidentally shooting himself at a nightclub. The wide receiver faces two felony gun charges. "We need to sit down and think about it and talk about that and see what the circumstance might be," Coughlin said. "And I told everyone, I told the world, that Plaxico is a member of our team and I am concerned about him, for his well-being and that of his family. But the issues that I have to think about are that there are 52 other guys in that locker room as well."

WR Plaxico Burress (NYG) GM Jerry Reese admitted Sunday that the Giants were a different team without wide receiver Plaxico Burress. He also said that Burress "absolutely" could return to the Giants next season. What he didn't say was what has to happen for Burress to return. The troubled receiver is still under contract with the Giants and Reese told the Daily News a few weeks ago that he plans to meet with Burress in the near future. Reese has never ruled out bringing Burress back.

Several players for the Giants spoke up on their preference to have troubled WR Plaxico Burress back with the team next season. Burress was suspended the remainder of the season after shooting himself with an unregistered gun in the state of New York. QB Eli Manning, RB Brandon Jacobs and DE Justin Tuck all spoke on behalf of Burress. "... I know this team, I know how we rally around people, especially our teammates. I would love to have him back. I think I speak for the majority of this football team when I say that," Tuck said.

WR David Tyree (NYG) says he was feeling well enough to play about six weeks ago. He was placed on the injured reserve November 5th after spending the season on the PUP list.

*** Thursday Update *** WR Jason Avant (PHI) practiced fully on Thursday.

*** Wednesday Update *** WR Jason Avant (PHI) partially participated in Wednesday's practice.

WR Jason Avant (PHI) sustained a hyper-extended knee during the team's last playoff game against the New York Giants. He was reportedly moving around okay on Monday.

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

Tight End

*** Friday Update *** TE Ben Patrick (ARI) is listed as questionable but the feeling is that he'll try to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** TE Ben Patrick (ARI) partially participated in Thursday's practice.

*** Wednesday Update *** TE Ben Patrick (ARI) partially participated in Wednesday's practice.

TE Stephen Spach (ARI) is out for the playoffs with a torn knee ligament. Spach tore his right ACL in the divisional round game against the Panthers.

TE Jerame Tuman (ARI) has been signed by the team to replace Stephen Spach, who was placed on injured reserve because of a knee injury.

*** Thursday Update *** TE Todd Heap (BAL) partially participated in Thursday's practice.

Kicker

Offensive Line

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

G Shawn Andrews partially participated in Thursday's practice.

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

G Shawn Andrews partially participated in Wednesday's practice.

*** Thursday Update *** OL Pittsburgh Steelers (PIT) C Justin Hartwig partially participated in Thursday's practice.

*** Wednesday Update *** OL Pittsburgh Steelers (PIT) C Justin Hartwig did not practice on Wednesday.

OL Tennessee Titans (TEN) C Kevin Mawae will be undergoing surgery on a partially torn triceps tendon in his right arm. He will not participate in the 2009 Pro Bowl as a result of the injury.

Defensive Tackle

*** Thursday Update *** DT Justin Bannan (BAL) did not practice on Thursday.

*** Wednesday Update *** DT Justin Bannan (BAL) did not practice on Wednesday.

*** Thursday Update *** DT Dan Klecko (PHI) practiced fully on Thursday.

*** Wednesday Update *** DT Dan Klecko (PHI) practiced fully on Wednesday.

DT Dave Ball (TEN) will undergo back surgery. According to Ball, this will be the second time in his career that he has undergone a surgical procedure on his back.

Defensive End

*** Thursday Update *** DE Terrell Suggs (BAL) did not practice on Thursday. The team is preparing a slew of possible replacements to face the Steelers in the AFC Championship game this Sunday. Rookie Jameel McClain, converted TE Edgar Jones and DE Marques Douglas could each get extended snaps in place of Suggs, who did not return after spraining his right shoulder in last week's playoff win at Tennessee. Suggs has yet to practice and has been seen using just one arm to take off a shirt on Wednesday.

*** Wednesday Update *** DE Terrell Suggs (BAL) did not practice on Wednesday. Suggs sounded much more pessimistic about whether he'll be able to play in the AFC Championship game Sunday against the Steelers, detailing during a radio interview how his right shoulder popped out last week against the Titans. He said he might be able to play against Pittsburgh if he wears a special harness to hold the joint inside the socket.

DE Terrell Suggs (BAL) HC John Harbaugh says that Terrell Suggs is continuing to recover from a sprained right shoulder, and may not be available for the AFC Championship Game. "I'm not going to sit here and say it's positive, or we're happy about it," Harbaugh said. "We'll just see how it goes. It's going to be close. He's going to work real hard to try to get back. That's all we know."

DE Jared Allen (MIN) played most of the season with shoulder and knee injuries, all while collecting 14.5 sacks. It is unclear whether or not he will have surgery to fix one of both problems, but he is still expected to play in the Pro-Bowl this February.

DE Justin Tuck (NYG) has reportedly been playing the past several weeks despite having bone spurs in one of his feet. Tuck also said he declined to have surgery, though he did not reveal whether the bone spurs or some other injury might have caused the team to discuss possible surgical procedures. "If I can play with it, I don't need to get anything done," Tuck said.

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

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

*** Wednesday Update *** DE Aaron Smith (PIT) was excused from Wednesday's practice.

Inside Linebacker

*** Thursday Update *** ILB Ray Lewis (BAL) partially participated in Thursday's practice.

Police report that Vilma was weaving throughout traffic in his Range Rover; before being pulled over he ran a red light, and nearly hit two pedestrians.

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

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

Outside Linebacker

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

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

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

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

*** Wednesday Update *** OLB Jarret Johnson (BAL) did not practice on Wednesday.

OLB Landon Johnson (CAR) spent Saturday night in the hospital. According to Panthers HC John Fox, there are no breaks, no torn tendons. "I think he just had a couple of muscle pulls that were pretty painful. I don't remember the exact names but hip and groin. But I think it is something that he should recover from, but he was pretty much in pain last night when he left here," Fox said.

OLB Anthony Spencer (DAL) was arrested by the Indianapolis police for public intoxication and disorderly conduct. Spencer was arrested after being thrown out of a cafe around 3:00 AM Sunday. Police say Spencer, who is from Fort Wayne, tried to give the bar money to stay open later, along with his agent, Matthew Millhouse. Police say Spencer then threw punches at bouncers, pounded on exit doors and shouted at bar staff. They say he and Millhouse also argued with police officers who told them to leave.

Cornerback

*** Friday Update *** CB Samari Rolle (BAL) is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game and it looks like he won't play. Although if there's ever a time to give it a shot, this is it.

*** Thursday Update *** CB Samari Rolle (BAL) did not practice on Thursday.

*** Wednesday Update *** CB Samari Rolle (BAL) did not practice on Wednesday.

CB Samari Rolle (BAL) could miss the AFC Championship game at Pittsburgh after leaving last week's game with a groin injury. He did not return and appears questionable based on HC John Harbaugh's comments. "We're concerned about a lot of guys, and Samari is one of them," Harbaugh said. "Samari has a chance to get back there, and we'll see what happens as the week goes on."

*** Wednesday Update *** CB Deshea Townsend (PIT) was excused from Wednesday's practice.

CB Antonio Cromartie (SD) admitted playing the entire season with a fractured hip. "(This season) taught me how to work through injury, play with injury. I was hurt the whole year. I learned from that. Going into next year, I'm going to put it all together and have a great year."

CB Quentin Jammer (SD) revealed Monday that he left the AFC Divisional playoff game with partial tear of his hamstring instead of cramps.

Safety

S Jim Leonhard (BAL) said on Monday that he only sustained a "mild" concussion during the team's last playoff game and that he expects to be available to play in the upcoming AFC Championship Game.

*** Thursday Update *** S Ed Reed (BAL) partially participated in Thursday's practice.

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

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

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

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

*** Thursday Update *** S Troy Polamalu (PIT) practiced fully on Thursday.

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

S Troy Polamalu (PIT) will have to pace himself this week with a calf strain according to HC Mike Tomlin, but Polamalu is expected to play in the AFC Championship match against the Ravens. "We're at the point in the season where it's about getting ready to play and being at the very best that you can be on game day," Tomlin said. "If that means sacrificing a little physical preparation for him, we're willing to do that."

General Team News

*** Thursday Update *** TM Arizona Cardinals (ARI) P Ben Graham partially participated in Thursday's practice.

TM Denver Broncos (DEN) The Broncos have agreed to terms with New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels to become the franchise's next head coach. Also, former San Francisco 49ers head coach Mike Nolan has officially been hired as the defensive coordinator of the Broncos.

*** Thursday Update *** TM Detroit Lions (DET) The Lions have hired Tennessee defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz as their new head coach.

*** Thursday Update *** TM Indianapolis Colts (IND) New HC Jim Caldwell has already made two changes to his staff. On Tuesday he added Frank Reich to coach the quarterbacks, the position Caldwell held since 2002. He also chose not to retain the services of special teams coach Russ Purnell, whose units typically struggled in one form or another over the last three seasons.

TM Indianapolis Colts (IND) HC Tony Dungy has retired. Owner Jim Irsay will turn to Jim Caldwell, 53, who has been on Dungy's staff in Indy since 2002. He was QB coach and assistant head coach before being promoted to associate head coach 12 months ago.

TM Kansas City Chiefs (KC) Scott Pioli, formerly the New England Patriots vice president of player personnel, has agreed to become head of football operations for the Kansas City Chiefs. The decision to hire Pioli reportedly means Herman Edwards will not be back as Chiefs head coach next season as Pioli is expected to hire his own coach. Among the top candidates to succeed Edwards is New York Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. Patriots director of player personnel Nick Caserio will replace Pioli as vice president of player personnel, league sources said.

TM New Orleans Saints (NO) The Saints announced on Monday that they have promoted Pete Carmichael Jr. from quarterbacks coach to offensive coordinator, and have also promoted Aaron Kromer from running backs coach to offensive line coach and Joe Lombardi from offensive assistant to quarterbacks coach. In addition, the team also hired Bret Ingalls as their new running backs coach.

TM Oakland Raiders (OAK) The Raiders have fired WR coach James Lofton, who had been rumored to be a candidate for the team's head coaching position. The team promoted quality control Sanjay Lal to the WR coach job.

TM Seattle Seahawks (SEA) The Seahawks announced on Monday that they have hired Casey Bradley as their new defensive coordinator and Dan Quinn as their new defensive line coach and assistant head coach. Also, team president Tim Ruskell said on Monday that assistant special teams coach John Jamison and tight ends coach Jim Lind are retiring.

TM San Francisco 49ers (SF) The 49ers announced on Monday that they have hired Vantz Singletary as their inside linebackers coach and Al Harris as a pass-rush specialist coach.

TM Tennessee Titans (TEN) P Craig Hentrich is currently considering retirement. "I have thought about it the last few years with the injuries I've had and the surgeries I've had to get," Hentrich said. "But it seems when it comes to that time again I am feeling pretty good, so who knows what is going to happen. I am not sure, I am just trying to decompress after this season. I am just going to take some time to think with my wife and family and go from there."