All our week 21 content

Week 21 Players in the News

by Clayton Gray, Exclusive to Footballguys.com

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The Latest News

Quarterback

*** Friday Update *** QB Kurt Warner (ARI) was reportedly particularly sharp in Friday's practice, missing only three passes in almost two and a half hours, according to the pool reporter.

*** Friday Update *** QB Trent Edwards (BUF) said this week that doctors found nothing unusual about the late-season shoulder soreness he felt. "The shoulder is great," said Edwards on a visit to the Super Bowl XLIII headquarters. "I've had a lot of rest and recovery. That's the way my entire body is. It will heal on its own. The swelling has subsided and it's fine. It was the normal wear and tear from the season."

*** Friday Update *** QB Ben Roethlisberger (PIT) Concerns had been raised earlier this week over the condition of Ben Roethlisberger, who took a dangerous hit to his lower back during the AFC title game. There were even reports that he underwent X-rays on his back this week. Tomlin has always denied such claims: "Like a lot of the situations that go on with Ben's medical status, I don't know where that report came from. Ben is fine, he is going to play." Also, Peter King, the pool reporter designated to cover Steelers practice on behalf of all journalists in Tampa, noted Roethlisberger looked "sharp" on Friday.

Running Back

*** Friday Update *** RB J.J. Arrington (ARI) partially participated in Friday's practice and is questionable to play in the Super Bowl.

*** Friday Update *** RB Brandon Jacobs (NYG) wants to return to the New York Giants next season. And he wants Plaxico Burress to come back, too. The big free-agent running back endorsed that 1-2 punch for the Giants' offense Thursday, and insisted that if the Giants welcomed Burress back, the troubled receiver would return a changed man. He said Burress had learned his lesson and wouldn't cause any more trouble, and he said he wants the Giants to give him a second chance. "Oh, no question," Jacobs said. "If I'm here, I need 17 [Burress] back on that roster.

Wide Receiver

*** Friday Update *** WR Plaxico Burress (NYG) has not been suspended by the NFL as of yet. As Commissioner Roger Goodell explained today, there is a good reason for that. "We're looking at repeat offenders and we may not wait for the process to conclude when we have repeat offenders," Goodell said. Technically, Burress is a first-time offender, different from others who received swift action, and the league treads lighter on those players as opposed to repeat offenders. "When you start getting to multiple (arrests), at that point in time, you're reflecting poorly on the NFL itself, your teammates."

*** Friday Update *** WR Hines Ward (PIT) practiced fully on Friday and is expected to play in the Super Bowl. HC Mike Tomlin declared his team completely healthy after practice, so Ward will be on the field.

Tight End

Kicker

Offensive Line

Defensive Tackle

*** Friday Update *** DT Albert Haynesworth (TEN) said he loves Nashville and the Tennessee Titans, but he scoffed at the notion of giving the team a hometown discount on the long-term contract he's seeking. "Not unless they give me a 100 percent guaranteed contract," the veteran defensive tackle said with a smile Thursday. "You want to try and make as much as you can because if you have a career-ending injury you are out...and the team sure as heck is not going to pay you. It's not like baseball or basketball. You want to get as much as possible."

Defensive End

*** Friday Update *** DE Antonio Smith (ARI) practiced fully on Friday and is expected to play in the Super Bowl.

Inside Linebacker

Outside Linebacker

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

Cornerback

Safety

*** Friday Update *** S Rodney Harrison (NE) Harrison, who suffered a season-ending right quadriceps injury on Oct. 20 against the Denver Broncos, hasn't closed the door on returning for either a 16th NFL season or a seventh with the Patriots, but said he hasn't made a decision on whether he wants to play again yet. "Right now, I'm doing a lot better and I can't honestly say if I'm going to play or not right now. I'm up in the air," Harrison said.

General Team News

*** Friday Update *** TM Arizona Cardinals (ARI) P Ben Graham partially participated in Friday's practice and is questionable to play in the Super Bowl.

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All the news

Quarterback

QB Matt Leinart (ARI) maintains that being on the bench this season has been good for him. "I know that I'll look back 10 years from now and say this year was a great learning year for me, a great steppingstone to get to where I need to go," Leinart said.

*** Friday Update *** QB Kurt Warner (ARI) was reportedly particularly sharp in Friday's practice, missing only three passes in almost two and a half hours, according to the pool reporter.

QB Kurt Warner (ARI) Mark Bartelstein, the agent for Kurt Warner, plans to take advantage of all interested parties regarding the free-agency for Warner after the post season ends. "Look, Kurt has had a great time (with Arizona). He loves the coaching staff and the guys on the team. He has built great connections with his teammates. So certainly I think he would love to get something done," Bartelstein said. "My view with players is always that once you get to free agency, you have earned the right to find out about yourself. You would be silly not to have an open mind."

*** Friday Update *** QB Trent Edwards (BUF) said this week that doctors found nothing unusual about the late-season shoulder soreness he felt. "The shoulder is great," said Edwards on a visit to the Super Bowl XLIII headquarters. "I've had a lot of rest and recovery. That's the way my entire body is. It will heal on its own. The swelling has subsided and it's fine. It was the normal wear and tear from the season."

QB Tony Romo (DAL) has vowed a commitment to leadership and more focus in 2009. "I think leadership sometimes comes with your ability to perform and your personality," Romo said. "And some of it comes with experience. In a lot of ways, I think I've gotten to the point where I've gained experience. I'm definitely going to take a more active approach with that as we move forward from last year to this season," he said.

*** Thursday Update *** QB Chad Pennington (MIA) Pennington, whose contract expires following next season, said he has no plans to re-negotiate an extension. Pennington earned NFL Comeback Player of the Year honors and tied for second in Most Valuable Player voting. "I've been in this league long enough to know to feel good about where I am right now and let that take care of itself," he said.

*** Wednesday Update *** QB Tom Brady (NE) is on pace with his rehabilitation and is even dropping back and throwing passes, a medical source told the Boston Globe. Citing medical and NFL sources, the newspaper reported that no further procedures are scheduled on Brady's left knee. "Based on anybody else doing an ACL rehab, he's going right along," a source said, according to the Globe. "He had a shaky start, but he's caught up."

QB Tom Brady (NE) said rehab on his knee surgery and two infections are going "really well", but also admitted he has his ups and downs. "Anyone who's come back from injuries that require surgery, it's just a process," he said. "There's some good days, some bad days, and you just got to keep plugging through them. That's life." He did not give a timetable for a full recovery. Brady also did not express any concern with several departures from the staff this offseason, namely OC Josh McDaniels and VP of Player Personal Scott Pioli. "As long as we have Robert and Jonathan Kraft and as long as we have coach [Bill] Belichick we'll be just fine," he said.

QB Matt Cassel (NE) says there won't be a quarterback controversy if Tom Brady returns next season from the knee injury that thrust Cassel into the starting job. "This is Tom's team," Cassel said on ESPNEWS. "The Patriots have been Tom's team. He's built that franchise up with his own two hands. He's the guy, and he was the MVP the year before. I realize that. He's been such a mentor for me that I would say, 'No, there is no quarterback competition.'"

*** Thursday Update *** QB Brett Favre (NYJ) and Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum will talk after Super Bowl XLIII, a discussion that could occur as early as next week, a league source said Wednesday. The two sides will discuss whether Favre wants to return for another season in New York and whether the Jets want him back.

*** Friday Update *** QB Ben Roethlisberger (PIT) Concerns had been raised earlier this week over the condition of Ben Roethlisberger, who took a dangerous hit to his lower back during the AFC title game. There were even reports that he underwent X-rays on his back this week. Tomlin has always denied such claims: "Like a lot of the situations that go on with Ben's medical status, I don't know where that report came from. Ben is fine, he is going to play." Also, Peter King, the pool reporter designated to cover Steelers practice on behalf of all journalists in Tampa, noted Roethlisberger looked "sharp" on Friday.

QB Alex Smith (SF) has been throwing a football for the past two weeks and appears to be on schedule to join the team for its first minicamp this spring. The 49ers want Smith to return for the 2009 season, but only if a new contract is agreed upon.

QB Jeff Garcia (TB) said the rocky relationship between HC Jon Gruden, GM Bruce Allen and the players played a large roll in their firings last week. Garcia had a feud with the two after the two tried to court QB Brett Favre into joining Tampa Bay, all the while not negotiating a contract extension with Garcia. "I know for me, personally, going through that with him was a very difficult time, disappointing time," Garcia said. "(But) there are players who were here before I got here who had their own experiences of how they were treated or how they were misled." Garcia also noted a late season collapse in which the team lost four straight to miss the playoffs was a major factor as well.

QB Kerry Collins (TEN) According to a source, HC Jeff Fisher has privately told Kerry Collins that he will be the team's starting QB if he returns to the Titans. The team also reportedly wants to keep Vince Young as their backup QB.

Running Back

*** Friday Update *** RB J.J. Arrington (ARI) partially participated in Friday's practice and is questionable to play in the Super Bowl.

*** Thursday Update *** RB J.J. Arrington (ARI) partially participated in Thursday's practice.

*** Wednesday Update *** RB J.J. Arrington (ARI) partially participated in Wednesday's practice.

RB Matt Forte (CHI) may see fewer touches in 2009. Bears general manager Jerry Angelo suggested to the Chicago Tribune that the team will look to decrease Forte's workload. "When you look around the league, everybody is implementing a dual running back system," Angelo told the Tribune. "Your number one usually touches the ball around 20 times. The other back gets 10 to 12 to 15 touches. That's a good balance. I'm confident we'll get back to that."

RB Larry Johnson (KC) A Kansas City municipal judge set a March 27 trial date on Wednesday for two simple assault cases pending against Johnson.

*** Friday Update *** RB Brandon Jacobs (NYG) wants to return to the New York Giants next season. And he wants Plaxico Burress to come back, too. The big free-agent running back endorsed that 1-2 punch for the Giants' offense Thursday, and insisted that if the Giants welcomed Burress back, the troubled receiver would return a changed man. He said Burress had learned his lesson and wouldn't cause any more trouble, and he said he wants the Giants to give him a second chance. "Oh, no question," Jacobs said. "If I'm here, I need 17 [Burress] back on that roster.

RB LaDainian Tomlinson (SD) GM A.J. Smith tried to diffuse some of the comments he made regarding LaDainian Tomlinson last week in which Smith seemingly mocked Tomlinson from an earlier comment. "I just answered a question and unfortunately my response was inappropriate," Smith said. "After reading my response to the question, I can see why it was interpreted the way it was. I absolutely meant no disrespect toward LT - none. I have the utmost respect for him on two fronts - as a player and as a person." The Chargers are expected to discuss a reduced offer with Tomlinson in February given that the 30-year old will count $8.79 million against the 2009 salary cap.

RB Earnest Graham (TB) appeared optimistic in his rehabbing from a season-ending ankle injury, mostly with pool workouts. "It feels great. It's getting a lot stronger. I can get out and run right now on the field if I wanted to, but we've got some time."

*** Thursday Update *** RB Clinton Portis (WAS) said he hasn't decided whether or not he'll attend the team's OTAs this spring, but that he and HC Jim Zorn are on the same page despite some late season friction. "I'm going to play it by ear," he said. "I'm going to be taking my time. I know I'm winding down. I'm going to take my time and make the decision best for me to help carry this team." Portis was present for the full schedule of OTAs last spring and turned in a pro-bowl season with 1,487 rushing yards, but clashed with Zorn once on the sideline and criticized after being benched in a loss at Baltimore. "There's no need to harp over it and have conversations over where we went wrong and how it happened. Myself, I'm content getting ready, well-rested and being prepared for another year."

Wide Receiver

WR Anquan Boldin (ARI) GM Rod Graves said that he plans to meet with star WR Anquan Boldin following the Super Bowl and he hopes to improve the relationship between Boldin and the club. Also, Larry Fitzgerald is willing to restructure his contract so that the Cardinals can redo Boldin's and keep him in Arizona long-term. Boldin wants his deal redone and said during the season that he never would re-sign with Arizona again, but if the Cardinals make a sufficient offer, then Boldin will agree to stay. Fitzgerald signed a four-year, $40 million deal last year.

WR Terrell Owens (DAL) has agreed to be the subject of a reality TV show for VH1 this summer. Owens and close friends Monique Jackson and Kita Williams, will be followed by VH1 cameras.

*** Wednesday Update *** WR Marvin Harrison (IND) A Philadelphia man shot with a gun owned by Marvin Harrison underwent trial today, accused of lying to police. Dwight Dixon is scheduled to appear in a Philadelphia municipal court on a charge of making false sworn statements. Dixon initially told police that he was shot during a robbery last April but later accused Harrison of shooting him. Dixon's attorney, Robert Gamburg, said Dixon did not immediately identify Harrison because he was afraid of him.

WR Taye Biddle (NYG) was shot in the hand and leg on Thursday outside of a home in Alabama. He later underwent surgery on his hand, along with receiving other treatment at an area hospital and was later released. "He had surgery on his hand today," Biddle's friend, Bruce Jones, said. "He told me his leg is OK, and he ought to be fine."

*** Friday Update *** WR Plaxico Burress (NYG) has not been suspended by the NFL as of yet. As Commissioner Roger Goodell explained today, there is a good reason for that. "We're looking at repeat offenders and we may not wait for the process to conclude when we have repeat offenders," Goodell said. Technically, Burress is a first-time offender, different from others who received swift action, and the league treads lighter on those players as opposed to repeat offenders. "When you start getting to multiple (arrests), at that point in time, you're reflecting poorly on the NFL itself, your teammates."

*** Wednesday Update *** WR Amani Toomer (NYG) has likely removed any chance he'll be back with the team. In a session with reporters that lasted almost 20 minutes, Toomer criticized the team for a number of things, including their failure to use him down the stretch as they exercised their "agenda" to use younger WRs such as Domenik Hixon, Steve Smith and TE Kevin Boss. "The last couple of games I wasn't a big part of the offense and we lost a big percentage of the games (four of the last five)," Toomer said. "I feel like you can't tell me (that) didn't play a big role in it. I think it did."

*** Wednesday Update *** WR Santonio Holmes (PIT) admitted Wednesday that he used to sell drugs as a teenager. "My friends were always doing it and I felt comfortable doing it at the time," Holmes said. "As the years grew older, I just felt like that wasn't what I wanted to do. I wanted to play football." Holmes added that he hopes to be able to help at-risk teens that are in similar situations.

*** Friday Update *** WR Hines Ward (PIT) practiced fully on Friday and is expected to play in the Super Bowl. HC Mike Tomlin declared his team completely healthy after practice, so Ward will be on the field.

*** Thursday Update *** WR Hines Ward (PIT) practiced fully on Thursday. According to the AP, Ward did not run at full speed as he recovers from a sprained right medial collateral ligament, but worked with the starting offense throughout a rainy practice at the University of South Florida. Ward looked "awesome," according to coach Mike Tomlin, and is expected to play Sunday night.

"He is where I thought he would be today," Tomlin said.

*** Wednesday Update *** WR Hines Ward (PIT) did not practice on Wednesday. Ward did some running and cutting on the side field and is expected to practice with the team on Thursday. HC Mike Tomlin does not appear to be concerned about Ward. "Hines is playing," Tomlin said. "I'm not worried about him."

WR Hines Ward (PIT) Ward, who is continuing to recover from a sprained right knee and is not able to cut or turn as of yet, reiterated again on Monday that he will be playing in the Super Bowl this weekend. "I'm playing," Ward said. "I would have played if the game had been last week. I don't have a brace on, I'm walking around fine. I'm not going to be 100 percent, I'm not going to trick anybody. But I think I'm going to be able to go out there and perform like I'm used to."

Tight End

*** Thursday Update *** TE Martellus Bennett (DAL) has been fined $22,000 for his role in a YouTube video that contained profanity and used derogatory language towards blacks and gays, The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported, citing two sources. The team fined Bennett under a contract clause for conduct detrimental to the team and the $22,000 equates to one game check, a source said.

*** Wednesday Update *** TE Martellus Bennett (DAL) will likely be the first Dallas Cowboys player to feel the wrath of the team's new get-tough plan. The Cowboys are looking into ways to discipline and/or fine Martellus Bennett for a profanity-laced YouTube video he put out earlier this week on his own channel Marty B TV, according to two sources.

TE Martellus Bennett (DAL) is drawing criticism after releasing a song on YouTube that uses derogatory terms to describe African-Americans and gays. "I shouldn't cuss that much," Bennett said. "I've been listening to [rapper] Too Short too much." The Cowboys are obviously concerned: "It is something that the organization is looking into and it is something that will be addressed," Cowboys spokesman Rich Dalrymple said.

Kicker

Offensive Line

Defensive Tackle

*** Friday Update *** DT Albert Haynesworth (TEN) said he loves Nashville and the Tennessee Titans, but he scoffed at the notion of giving the team a hometown discount on the long-term contract he's seeking. "Not unless they give me a 100 percent guaranteed contract," the veteran defensive tackle said with a smile Thursday. "You want to try and make as much as you can because if you have a career-ending injury you are out...and the team sure as heck is not going to pay you. It's not like baseball or basketball. You want to get as much as possible."

Defensive End

*** Friday Update *** DE Antonio Smith (ARI) practiced fully on Friday and is expected to play in the Super Bowl.

*** Thursday Update *** DE Antonio Smith (ARI) partially participated in Thursday's practice.

*** Wednesday Update *** DE Antonio Smith (ARI) partially participated in Wednesday's practice.

DE Terrell Suggs (BAL) said his damaged right shoulder won't need surgery despite playing at "35 to 40 percent" against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Championship game. "All I got to do is work and get it back healthy so I can train this offseason," Suggs said.

DE Israel Idonije (CHI) hired agent Drew Rosenhaus recently in the hopes of getting a long-term contract signed this offseason. Idonije had 28 tackles, 3.5 sacks and 6 passes defended while playing both end and tackle. "Everything is very preliminary," Rosenhaus said. "I can't speak for the Bears on it, but we would love to extend Izzy's career with the team."

DE Adewale Ogunleye (CHI) hopes to remain in Chicago, but understands he had a disappointing season. "When you have two seasons where you don't make the playoffs, you have to keep your mouth shut and just hope you'll be here."

DE Kenechi Udeze (MIN) was diagnosed one year ago with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Six months ago, he underwent bone marrow surgery with his brother being a 100 percent match. Today he will undergo a six month biopsy to determine how his white cells are maturing. Udeze says he feels great and if all things go well, he wants to be back on the field with his teammates this spring. "My goal is when the team gets back together, I'll be in my jersey and on the sideline with them," he said. "If I didn't feel [positive about] it, I wouldn't be saying it. If something drastic happens, then that is that, but I can bounce back from this."

DE Will Smith (NO) underwent sports hernia surgery last Wednesday.

Inside Linebacker

Outside Linebacker

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

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

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

OLB D.J. Williams (DEN) will need four to six weeks to recover from recent rotator cuff surgery. Williams is currently sporting a sling and may return to a new position - his fourth in four years, when the Broncos switch to a 3-4 base defense.

OLB Leroy Hill (SEA) was arrested for marijuana possession after authorities found him asleep at the wheel at an intersection outside of Atlanta. He now faces misdemeanor charges.

Cornerback

Safety

*** Friday Update *** S Rodney Harrison (NE) Harrison, who suffered a season-ending right quadriceps injury on Oct. 20 against the Denver Broncos, hasn't closed the door on returning for either a 16th NFL season or a seventh with the Patriots, but said he hasn't made a decision on whether he wants to play again yet. "Right now, I'm doing a lot better and I can't honestly say if I'm going to play or not right now. I'm up in the air," Harrison said.

General Team News

*** Friday Update *** TM Arizona Cardinals (ARI) P Ben Graham partially participated in Friday's practice and is questionable to play in the Super Bowl.

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

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

TM Baltimore Ravens (BAL) New DC Greg Mattison says he won't be making many adjustments to the departed Rex Ryan's 3-4 defense. The former LB coach will look to maintain the defense's dominating identity. "I believe very strongly in that you have to be aggressive," Mattison said "You have to be an attacking defense. Obviously, that's been the M.O. of the defense here for years. In looking at what we do defensively, we don't plan on changing a great deal. It's not broken by any means."

TM Dallas Cowboys (DAL) Former NFL head coach Dan Reeves is reportedly discussing a potential consulting position with the Dallas Cowboys. Reeves interviewed with the 49ers last Friday concerning their OC position.

*** Thursday Update *** TM Denver Broncos (DEN) HC Josh McDaniels is throwing out Mike Shanahan's west coast offense and installing an offense similar to what the Patriots run, dubbed the "Amoeba Offense", known for its ability to adapt to its own personnel, or adjust to a defense. "Our system is very unique," McDaniels said. "There are not a lot of branches off a tree that uses this system - It's not the same each week. It won't be the same. It doesn't fall into a specific category like the West Coast."

*** Thursday Update *** TM Detroit Lions (DET) New OC for the Lions Scott Linehan said that despite his history with QB Daunte Culpepper, he has not, and will not, make a decision on the starting quarterback until after a full evaluation has been made on all four candidates: Culpepper, Jon Kitna, Drew Stanton and Drew Henson. "In fairness to all the quarterbacks, we haven't really looked and done enough to say what we would or wouldn't do," said Linehan. "We've got to let it work itself out. I wouldn't make any assumptions." Linehan was the Vikings offensive coordinator from 2002-04 and Culpepper had a career season in 2004 with 4,717 yards and 39 TDs.

*** Wednesday Update *** TM Detroit Lions (DET) The Lions have released WR Mike Furrey. While participating in a charity event today in Tampa, Furrey said Lions GM Martin Mayhew informed him of his release during a brief phone conversation Tuesday morning. Other Lions are also believed to have been released, but which ones aren't known at this time.

TM Detroit Lions (DET) New DC Gunther Cunningham said Wednesday that he isn't a big fan of zone schemes and that he'd rather go quarterback hunting. Cunningham spent the last three seasons in Kansas City, where Cunningham was forced into playing a Tampa-2 scheme. "I've gone through three years of playing zone defenses because I was loyal to (head coach) Herman Edwards and that's what he wanted," Cunningham said. "People here in town knew I was different than that. My idea is to put a lot of pressure on the quarterback, it always has been and always will be."

Also, the Detroit Free Press is reporting that the Detroit Lions were the only NFL team to lose money in 2007. The team lost $3.1 million during that season, according to Forbes Magazine.

TM Kansas City Chiefs (KC) The Chiefs have fired HC Herm Edwards. According to NFL.com's Adam Schefter, Edwards will likely opt for an announcer job over any coaching assignment. Bill Cowher and Mike Shanahan are reportedly not in the running for the now vacant job.

TM New England Patriots (NE) Bill O'Brien was promoted to QB coach Wednesday. O'Brien, who served as the WR coach last season, could also have some input into the play calling with a chance of taking over that role in the months or seasons to come. HC Bill Belichick likely will command control over play calling for the foreseeable future.

Also, the Patriots hired former Tennessee Titans GM Floyd Reese as a senior advisor. Reese will offer his expertise with contracts, as well as other areas of football operations.

TM New York Jets (NYJ) HC Rex Ryan and owner Woody Johnson met with OC Brian Schottenheimer Thursday. They apparently agreed that keeping Schottenheimer was the best option, as sources later said on Friday that Schottenheimer will retain his position.

TM Oakland Raiders (OAK) Interim head coach Tom Cable is still being considered as a prime candidate to assume the permanent head coaching role with the team.

*** Wednesday Update *** TM Pittsburgh Steelers (PIT) DC Dick LeBeau told his players in a recent team meeting he intends to return for the 2009 season. LeBeau, the architect of the league's No. 1 defense, said he told the players only because the rumors were persistent on the Internet and he didn't want them to think he would make such a decision without first informing them. LeBeau said. "The way they're playing, they're going to have to run me out of here."