WEEK 15

Louisville sophomore WR Mario Urrutia has said he is leaning toward returning to school next year rather than entering the NFL draft. Urrutia is eligible for the draft as a redshirt sophomore. He has caught 53 passes this season for 929 yards and six touchdowns. Urrutia reportedly has not contacted the NFL special draft advisory committee regarding his potentail status as a 2007 prospect. Urritia also reportedly has not ruled out rethinking his status after the Cardinals' Bowl game in early January. The bigger question in Louisville, of course, is whether junior QB Brian Brohm decides top enter the 2007 draft where he would likely be at least a top 5-10 player......


Just one day after his release in New England, where he had fallen out of the Patriots' regular wide receiver rotation in the past month, WR Doug Gabriel has been claimed by Oakland, the team that traded him to the Patriots last summer. Oakland, which would have the second pick if the 2007 draft was held today, has sent Gabriel to the Patriots for a fifth-round draft pick.....

Jerry Jones said he's seen enough to know that Tony Romo is going to be a good quarterback, despite his recent hiccup against the New Orleans Saints. But Jones does not see the need to rework Romo's contract just yet.....

Quarterback Aaron Brooks is 0-6 as a starter for the Raiders in his first season in Oakland. He is running out of time to get his first victory... A strong finish by Brooks also would go a long way toward deciding whether he returns for a second season with the Raiders or walks away with the distinction of being a failed one-year experiment.....


The Packers have eight players scheduled to become unrestricted free agents and one a restricted free agent, and the only ones who might command a contract of any significance are running back Ahman Green and tight end David Martin. As a result, the Packers head into 2007 armed with bundles of money and the salary cap room to spend it.....

He hopes his next game, whenever that might be, is with the Colts. Stokley is under contract through 2009, but there is no guarantee the team will bring him back in '07.....

Jones Out

Can things get much worse for the Detroit Lions. The Lions are mired at the very bottom of the NFL standings and are on the verge of ending up with the first pick at the 2007 draft. Now comes word that emerging RB Kevin Jones faces a long rehabilitation after he undergoes surgery for a serious foot injury. Not only is Jones out for the rest of the year after being placed on IR, but Detroit fears that he could also miss all or part of the 2007 season. Jones was diagnosed with a Lisfranc-fracture dislocation, although he is going to get a second opinion from a foot specialist before taking any action. The loss of Jones likely won’t affect what the Lions do with their first pick at the upcoming draft, but it could them in the market for another body at RB with a later first-day pick this spring.....


With just three weeks to go in the 2006 regular schedule, Detroit hangs on to the #1 pick in the hypothetical 'if the draft were held today' selection order for the 1st round of the 2007 draft. However, because the Lions combined opponents had a pretty good week this past week, the gap those combined opponents W-L percentages of the Lions and Oakland, the other team with just two wins to date, closed significantly. Indeed, the Raiders combined opponents have now won just two more games than those of the Lions, down from a gap of 6 last week. Meanwhile, Tampa Bay has moved up to the 3rd overall pick, while Arizona slips a spot to 4th after upsetting Seattle on Sunday. And Houston and Washington are currently tied for the 5-6 spots.....


If Southern California head coach Pete Carroll ever needed a reason to spurn any offers to return to the NFL coaching wars he may have gotten in the past few days when all but one Trojan juniors thinking about entering the 2007 draft indicated that they would be back at school next fall. All-American OT Sam Baker, for example, reportedly told the LA Times on Saturday that he would be returning to school for his senior year next fall, while DE Lawrence Jackson reportedly told Trojans’ head coach Pete Carroll of his decision to stay late last week. Both were considered to be potential mid-to-late first round prospects for the upcoming draft if they did opt to turn pro this winter. Fellow juniors OLB Keith Rivers, DT Sedrick Ellis and RB Chauncey Washington had earlier all also indicated they would be returning for their respective senior campaigns. That leaves only star WR Dwayne Jarrett as the Trojans' only draft-eligible junior who might turn pro. Jarrett, who could go as high as a top 10 pick this coming April, has said he won’t make his decision until after the Rose Bowl game. Underclassmen have until January 15th to file paperwork with the NFL in order to become eligible for the upcoming draft. Meanwhile, Michigan, the Trojans’ Rose Bowl opponents also got some good news with top juniors QB Chad Henne and RB Mike Hart indicating that they would be back in maize next fall. The Wolverines, though, are waiting for official word from juniors OT Jake Long and DT Alan Branch on their immediate plans. Branch, who could very well be the first defensive player off the board were he to leave school, while Long is a top 10-15 candidate.....

Jon Gruden said Monday he is confident he will be the Bucs coach 'for the long haul.' To prove his point, Gruden will start rookie quarterback Bruce Gradkowski on Sunday at Chicago, though he acknowledged veteran Tim Rattay might give the Bucs a better chance to beat the Bears.....

Only three games remain this season, and Shell didn't sound too optimistic about Moss making a swift comeback. Therefore, this brings about the possibility that Moss has played his final game as a Raider... Moss still has two years left on a contract that calls for him to earn $9.75 million in base salary next season and $11.25 million in '08. The Raiders' options are to get Moss in the proper frame of mind, trade him or release him without any compensation.....

Troy Vincent is 35, and hamstring injuries have limited him to just four games this season. However, Washington's strong safety plans to return to the Redskins next season.....

The Falcons have rookie tailback Taurean Henderson on the practice squad, but they also could sign a veteran free agent as insurance in case Dunn, Atlanta's leading rusher, or Norwood (550 yards) can't play. Some of the available running backs include Lee Suggs, Duce Staley, Jonathan Wells and Quentin Griffin.....

With Clemens jumping him in the hierarchy and Pennington playing healthy and due a $2-million roster bonus, it's unlikely Ramsey will be with the Jets beyond this season.....








NFL FIRST ROUND DRAFT ORDER 12-13-06
1 Detroit
2 Oakland
3 Tampa Bay
4 Arizona
5 Houston
6(1)Washington
7 Cleveland
8 St. Louis
9 San Francisco
10 Green Bay
11 Minnesota
12 Carolina
13 Miami
14 Pittsburgh
15 Buffalo
16 Tennessee
17 Atlanta
18 New York Jets
19 Philadelphia
20 Kansas City
21 (1)Denver
22 New York Giants
23 New England (from Seattle)
24 Dallas
25 Jacksonville
26 Cincinnati
27 New Orleans
28 New England
29 Baltimore
30 Indianapolis
31 Chicago
32 San Diego

(1) Denver and Washington could flip-flop picks depending on how far they are apart to complete multi-player deal with Atlanta.

HOME SWEET HOME

Houston-native Vince Young made a dramatic return home yesterday afternoon when the Tennessee QB, taken 3rd overall at the 2006 draft, raced 39 yards for a game-winning TD in overtime to give the Titans a 26-20 win over the Texans. Prior to the draft, Young had lobbied hard for the Texans to take him with the #1 pick, however, with David Carr already entrenched as the Texans’ starting QB, Houston opted for DE Mario Williams instead. For the most part, though, there wasn’t much to choose in the head-to-head match-up between Young and Carr on the day. Young completed 19 of 29 passes for 218 yards, but did throw an interception, while Carr, the first player taken at the 2002 draft, hit on 17 of 23 passes, but for only 140 yards. If there was a difference between the two it was Young’s 86 rushing yards including that final run.....

Detroit took another step toward clinching the first pick at the 2006 draft when the Lions lost 30-20 to Minnesota Sunday afternoon to drop to 2-11. Oakland also lost again – this time 27-10 in Cincinnati – to also drop to 2-11, but the Lions have played a somewhat weaker schedule than the Raiders and as such would still have the #1 pick this coming April if the draft were held today, while Oakland stays at #2. Meanwhile Tampa Bay, which lost to Atlanta, moves up to the 3rd pick, while Arizona, which upset Seattle, moves down a spot to #4 and Houston rounds out the top 5. We’ll have the full updated ‘if the draft were held today’ selection order for the 2007 draft after tonight’s Monday night game.....


Clemson TE Thomas Hunter broke his foot in practice Sunday and will not play in the Music City Bowl against Kentucky. Hunter, a marginal prospect for the 2007 draft, had 16 catches for 305 yard this season for a team-best 19.1 yards per reception this past fall.....

WEEK 14

Week Fourteen Team Reports

Saturday December 9, 2006


Sunday

BALTIMORE RAVENS (9-3) AT KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (7-5) 1:00 PM EST

RAVENS

Saturday Update: The Chiefs have just 23 sacks this season so starting QB Steve McNair should have time to find his receivers. However, Kansas City generally plays better at home so we expect Baltimore's offensive numbers to be pretty average.

Friday Update: Backup RB Musa Smith (neck) missed practice again Friday and was downgraded to out. Backup RB Mike Anderson will fill for Smith and will also see time on third downs.

"That's what Mike is here for," head coach Brian Billick said Friday. "We said all along the depth of the running backs would be a key for us. We knew it would show up, and it has."

Backup RB Cory Ross is expected to return punts and kicks this week. We're told the team is wary of using starting WR Mark Clayton as the primary punt returner so he'll back up Ross in that role.

#2 TE Daniel Wilcox (hamstring-questionable) was limited Friday and his status will come down to a game day decision. Rookie TE Quinn Sypniewskihas been filling in for him.

Starting G Keydrick Vincent (thigh) practiced Friday and was upgraded to probable and is expected to start.

"I'm a little bit rusty on some things, but everything is coming back to me," Vincent said Friday. "I'm back."

Backup OLB Dan Cody (knee) was downgraded to out on Friday.

"They're making sure they cover all the bases on him and make sure we have him fully examined," Billick said. "We're optimistic. We have to wait to see what the doctors say. They're making sure it's nothing more potentially serious."

Backup LB Dennis Haley (ankle) returned to practice Friday and was upgraded to probable and is expected to play.

Backup CB Ronnie Prude (illness-probable) returned to practice Friday and is expected to play.

"We're passing it around pretty good now, myself included," Billick joked. "We've got more drugs in me than the entire Haight-Asbury district of San Francisco."

CHIEFS

Saturday Update: We're told starting ORT Kyle Turley (shoulder-questionable) will be replaced by backup OL John Welbourn on Sunday.

The Ravens have the league's number one defense so we don't expect starting QB Trent Green to take too many chances. Look for a conservative game plan that features starting RB Larry Johnson carrying the ball 25 or more times.

Friday Update: Starting TE Tony Gonzalez (shoulder-probable) returned to practice Friday and is expected to start.

Starting ORT Kyle Turley (shoulder) missed practice again Friday and was downgraded to questionable. Backup OL John Welbourn would start if needed.

Starting DT James Reed (groin-probable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start. Backup DT Jimmy Wilkerson (hamstring-questionable) missed practice again Friday and likely won't play.

Starting SLB Derrick Johnson (ankle-probable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start. Backup LB Keyaron Fox (back) missed practice Friday but remains probable to play.

Starting SS Sammy Knight (ankle) practiced again Friday and was upgraded to probable and is expected to start. Backup S Jarrad Page (back) was added to the injury report as probable after being limited on Friday.


ATLANTA FALCONS (6-6) AT TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (3-9) 1:00 PM EST

FALCONS

Saturday Update: The Falcons feature the league's top rated rushing offense but the teams that have beaten Tampa have done it through the air. The Buccaneers are tied for the league high with 23 touchdown passes surrendered. With that said we think starting QB Michael Vick, if he can get adequate pass protection, will look for starting WR Michael Jenkins andstarting TE Alge Crumpler more than usual tomorrow.

Friday Update: Rookie CB Jimmy Williams (high left ankle sprain-probable) practiced each day this week and appears ready to finally return to action after missing the last four games. He practiced each day last week as well, but the team expects him to see some action on the outside.

Former starting CB Jason Webster (torn groin muscle-doubtful) has missed a month but progressed enough to at least do some side-field work this week. He had been listed as out in previous weeks and won't play this week, but is getting closer.

Even with Williams possibly back this week, head coach Jim Mora has said that backup CB/KR/PR Allen Rossum will likely remain in the starting lineup and also likes backup CB Omare Lowe in the nickel role. That leaves Williams getting some playing time spelling Rossum, who also may relinquish some of his kickoff return duties to rookie RB Jerious Norwood.

Norwood has 518 yards rushing in his rookie campaign and has shown big-play ability with TD runs of 78 and 69 yards.

Starting DT Grady Jackson (knee) and starting RDE John Abraham (abdominal surgery) remain listed as probable but both returned to practice Thursday and Friday after resting Wednesday.

Jackson has undergone the same regimen the last three weeks and Abraham, who has played the last two weeks after sitting out a month due to surgery Oct. 24, was simply being rested Wednesday. Both should start.

Starting ORT Todd Weiner (knee-probable) sat out practice Wednesday and Thursday but got in a full day of work on Friday. Mora said Thursday Weiner "will be fine".

BUCCANEERS

Saturday Update: Redskin RB Ladell Betts ran wild on the Falcons last week and we see no reason why starting RB Cadillac Williams won't get 20 or more carries and put up quality numbers tomorrow.

Friday Update: Though all players on their active roster practiced this week, the Buccaneers enter Sunday's game against Atlanta with several players listed as questionable.

#2 TE Alex Smith (high ankle-questionable) practiced Friday and is expected to play. Smith suffered an ankle injury against Washington on Nov. 19 and was unable to play on Thanksgiving. He did, however, play last week.

Starting DT Ellis Wyms (ankle-questionable) and starting MLB Shelton Quarles (knee/ankle-questionable) returned to action last weekend after missing the team's previous three games. Both players came out of the Steelers game in fairly good shape and have been able to participate in practice this week.

Barring a setback, look for both Wyms and Quarles to start Sunday.

Starting LCB Juran Bolden (quadriceps-questionable) continues to battle through injuries. He practiced again Friday and should start Sunday.


MINNESOTA VIKINGS (5-7) AT DETROIT LIONS (2-8) 1:00 PM EST

VIKINGS

Saturday Update: Once the team is officially eliminated from the playoff picture, look for rookie QB Tarvaris Jackson to either start or see playing time in relief of starting QB Brad Johnson.

We're told that starting RB Chester Taylor (ribs-doubtful) is not expected to play. The plan is to go with a rotation of backup RBs Ciatrick Fason, Mewelde Moore, and Artose Pinner.

Fason should be the back on early downs and in short-yardage and Moore should come in as a change of pace and in passing situations. Pinner could back up Fason on early downs.

Friday Update: This could be starting QB Brad Johnson last start for the team if they lose this week. Backup QB Brooks Bollinger (left shoulder) threw some passes on Friday and was upgraded to questionable and could dress as the #3 QB. Rookie QB Tarvaris Jackson will back up Johnson on Sunday.

Starting RB Chester Taylor (bruised ribs) practiced some on Friday but remains doubtful to play. Head coach Brad Childress indicated that Taylor will make the call on his status for Sunday. Taylor said Friday that he wants to play in front of 30 family and friends, since he is from Detroit. But he said he does not want to jeopardize the rest of his season. As of now, we're expecting backup RB Ciatrick Fason to be the main ball carrier on Sunday with backup RBs Mewelde Moore and Artose Pinner seeing carries behind him. Moore should see time in passing situations as well as a change of pace. Fason had 73 yards on 11 carries last Sunday against the Bears.

Starting WR Marcus Robinson (ankle-probable) had his practice time limited this week but is expected to start.

Starting TE Jermaine Wiggins (knee-probable) had his practice time limited this week but is expected to start.

Starting G Artis Hicks (ankle-questionable) had his practice time limited this week so look for backup OL Jason Whittle to start again for him.

Starting C Matt Birk (neck-probable) has been limited in practice this week but is expected to start. He said Wednesday that he was fine.

Starting ORT Marcus Johnson (foot-probable) had his practice time limited this week and should be able to play but backup OT Mike Rosenthal is expected to start.

Starting DT Pat Williams (knee-probable) had his practice time limited this week but is expected to start.

Starting MLB Napoleon Harris (wrist-probable) had his practice time limited this week but is expected to start.

Starting CB Cedric Griffin (neck-probable) had his practice time limited this week but is expected to start.

P Chris Kluwe (wrist-probable) had his practice time limited this week but is expected to start.

LIONS

Saturday Update: The Lions have given up 46 sacks this year and they've only been able to sack opposing quarterbacks 22 times. Minus-24 in sack differential is a recipe for disaster. When a team can't get those numbers fixed, they're doomed to fail. Thankfully for them, the Vikings only have 24 sacks on the season.We expect offensive coordinator Mike Martz to dial up at least 40-45 pass plays on Sunday. No one can really run on Minnesota and starting QB Jon Kitna is averaging close to 38 attempts/game.

Friday Update: Starting CB Fernando Bryant suffered a concussion in the first quarter last week on a helmet-to-helmet hit with teammate WLB Ernie Sims and won't play Sunday. Head coach Rod Marinelli Friday mentioned backup CBs Keith Smith, Jamar Fletcher, and Stanley Wilson as the three players who have competed this week to start in Bryant's place, but didn't divulge the winner.

Backup LB Teddy Lehman (hamstring) and backup WR DeVale Ellis (shoulder) are both listed as questionable. Lehman, who missed the first half of the season on the PUP list with a broken foot, didn't practice this week, while Ellis is practicing, but not at full-speed. He has missed the last two games. Marinelli said Friday he didn't think Lehman would play vs. the Vikings.

If Ellis is out again, expect WR Mike Williams to be active once again with the possibility of backup QB Josh McCown also seeing time again at receiver. McCown caught two passes last week after #3 WR Corey Bradford (illness) left the game.

Offensive coordinator Mike Martz said Thursday that Williams weighs approximately 240 lbs., which is 20 lbs. over the weight the team wants him at.

Starting OLT Jeff Backus (foot) was removed from the injury report on Thursday. He was listed as probable on Wednesday when he rested, but he practiced Thursday and Friday and will keep his streak of starting every game as a pro intact.

"All he does is come out and work every day," said Marinelli Friday. "He comes out and plays solid every week, plays good football and that's why we kept him here, that's why we paid him, you know? He's a big staple in this whole entire franchise. We've just got to keep getting those rocks in here and we'll be in good shape."


TENNESSEE TITANS (5-7) AT HOUSTON TEXANS (4-8) 1:00 PM EST

TITANS

Saturday Update: We love to start players with an axe to grind and starting QB Vince Young is the perfect example of a player scorned. His hometown team passed him over and now, after leading his team to victory against both Manning brothers, Young is primed to show all of Houston what they could have had with the first overall pick this year. If you're desperate for a starter this week, Young isn't a bad option.

Friday Update: DE Antwan Odom (right knee-out) had his knee scoped Nov. 9 and will miss his sixth straight game. This injury, which occurred Oct. 29, isn't related to the one on the same knee that forced him to miss the first three games of the campaign.

Rookie RB LenDale White (hip/flu) is among the five players listed as questionable. He was slowed last week by the hip and didn't practice this week.

If White (53 carries for 224 yards on the year) is unable to play Sunday, which now seems more than likely, former starting RB Chris Brown, who's been inactive the last six games, would get some carries behind starter Travis Henry, who only needs 151 yards in his last four games to eclipse 1,000 yards on the season.

Also listed as questionable are starting RG Benji Olson (back spasms), starting DT Robaire Smith (hamstring), backup DE Josh Savage (hamstring), and backup TE Ben Hartsock (hamstring).

Olson has taken Wednesday off on several occasions as the season has progressed but he didn't practice Thursday or Friday of this week. The team still expects him to start, since he's enough of a veteran where practice isn't necessary to be ready to play on Sunday. Backup OL Eugene Amano took his reps this week and would start of Olson doesn't improve during the weekend.

Smith, who has spent time listed the last two weeks but hasn't missed game-time, didn't practice Wednesday but returned for full days of work Thursday and Friday. Savage has been inactive the last two weeks and worked some in individual drills Wednesday and practiced fully Thursday and Friday.

Hartsock is practicing this week and has played in the last two games after being inactive for several weeks upon his arrival on waivers from Indianapolis.

TEXANS

Saturday Update: The Titans pass rush (15 sacks) has been non-existent this year so there's no reason why starting QB David Carr shouldn't put up decent numbers in what should be an above average game for fantasy numbers tomorrow. Given what they could have had in the draft, the pressure is really on Carr to perform well this week.

Despite practicing all week, starting DT Thomas Johnson's (hamstring-probable) is considered to be a game-time decision. If he can't play, backup DT Lional Dalton would make his second straight start. The team only has four defensive tackles on their active roster so look for starting DEAnthony Weaver (knee-probable) inside for some snaps if Johnson is out.

Friday Update:Starting FB Jameel Cook (knee-probable) was limited all week in practice but is expected to start. If he can't play, backup FB Vonta Leach would start.

Starting DT Thomas Johnson (hamstring-probable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start.

Starting DE Anthony Weaver (knee-probable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start.Starting DE Mario Williams (foot-probable) returned to practice Friday and is expected to start.


NEW YORK GIANTS (6-6) AT CAROLINA PANTHERS (6-6) 1:00 PM EST

GIANTS

Saturday Update: Starting QB Eli Manning surprised the Cowboys on their final drive last week when he settled for underneath routes and checkoff instead of pushing the ball down the field. Although the Panthers are banged up at cornerback, their backups aren't bad. For Manning to have success tomorrow, he'll need to continue to feed RBs Tiki Barber and Brandon Jacobs out of the backfield.

Friday Update: Look for rookie WR Sinorice Moss to get more involved in the offense this week. He's been able to practice fully for a few weeks and isn't listed on the injury report.

Starting OLT Luke Petitgout (fibula) remains out likely through the rest of the regular season with backup OT Bob Whitfield continuing to fill in.

Starting DE Michael Strahan (foot-doubtful) didn’t practice again Friday and is not expected to play. Rookie DE Mathias Kiwanuka will continue to start for him.

Starting MLB Antonio Pierce (knee-probable) returned to practice Friday and is expected to start.

Starting CB Corey Webster (toe-questionable) missed practice again Friday and isn't expected to play. Backup CB R.W. McQuarters is expected to start.

K Jay Feely was added to the injury report as probable with a sore foot but he worked today and felt better. He’ll handle all kicking duties on Sunday.

“He kicked everything today,” head coach Tom Coughlin said after Friday's practice. “He kicked all of the field goals, kicked off. He has a pre-practice workout on Fridays and I think he was five out of six from 45 yards. I feel like he did well. He did everything we asked him to do. He’s not having any trouble today, so I think he’s going to be okay.”

PANTHERS

Saturday Update: Backup QB Chris Weinke is expected to make his first start since 2002. We're told he had a very good week of practice and we feel he'll play well tomorrow. A team doesn't keep a quarterback for six years if he can't play so don't get caught up in what this guy did six years ago when he was pressed into duty as a rookie. Weinke has a big arm and he'll be able to get the ball to starting WRs Keyshawn Johnson and Steve Smith. After the way starting QB Jake Delhomme (right thumb-questionable) has played the receivers probably welcome Weinke to the huddle.

Friday Update: Starting QB Jake Delhomme (right thumb-questionable) didn't practice again Friday and isn't expected to play. Delhomme rode a stationary bike during practice this week. Backup QB Chris Weinke is expected to start for him.

Starting RB DeShaun Foster (elbow-probable) practiced again Friday and should start on Sunday. Rookie RB DeAngelo Williams will back him up and see carries as a change of pace. Backup RB Nick Goings (shoulder) missed practice again Friday and was downgraded from questionable to doubtful and isn't expected to play.

Starting FB Brad Hoover (back-probable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start.

Starting TE Kris Mangum (hip) practiced again Friday and was upgraded to probable and is expected to start.

Starting G Mike Wahle (shoulder-probable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start.

Backup OT Rashad Butler was placed on the NFI list (non football injury list) on Friday.

Backup LB Brandon Jamison (thigh-questionable) missed practice again Friday and isn't expected to play.

Starting FS Mike Minter (knee) practiced again Friday and was upgraded to probable and is expected to start.

Starting CB Chris Gamble (hamstring) was added to the injury report as questionable after practicing Friday. Veteran CB Ken Lucas (thigh-questionable) was limited Friday and likely won't play. Rookie CB Richard Marshall starts even when he's healthy.


INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (10-2) AT JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (7-5) 1:00 PM EST

COLTS

Saturday Update: Starting QB Peyton Manning was a miserable 14-31 for 219 yards with a TD pass to starting TE Dallas Clark in their 21-14 win over the Jags earlier this year. Had it not been for a (PR/KR) Terrence Wilkins punt return for a TD, the Jaguars might have upset the Colts in Indy. In that game, #3 WR Brandon Stokley (knee-questionable) was inactive but he's expected to play this time around.

Friday Update: #3 RB De De Dorsey (quadriceps-questionable) practiced again Friday and will be available to play if needed.

#3 WR Brandon Stokley (knee-questionable) practiced again Friday and is expected to play.

"Brandon did fine," head coach Tony Dungy said after Friday's practice.

Starting TE Dallas Clark (knee) remains out. Backup TE Ben Utecht is starting for him.

Starting ORT Ryan Diem (abdomen) missed practice again Friday and remains questionable to play.

"Ryan actually did okay the day that he practiced on Wednesday. We rested him these three days hoping that the rest will really make him feel well. I'd say he's got a good chance to play," Dungy said.

Backup OT Charlie Johnson (chest/shoulder-questionable) returned to practice Friday and is expected to play.

Starting DE Robert Mathis (knee-questionable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start.

Backup LB Keith O'Neil (ankle-questionable) practiced again Friday and is expected to play.

Starting SS Antoine Bethea (shoulder-questionable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start.

Starting FS Bob Sanders (knee-questionable) missed practice again Friday and remains questionable to play. He continues to have stiffness in his knee.

"I think that it will be see how he is on Sunday. Without practicing it's tough, but he has done it one time before," the head coach said.

Backup DB Marlin Jackson would start if needed.

JAGUARS

Saturday Update: Rookie RB Maurice Jones-Drew had 135 total yards with a TD catch in their firs meeting this year and the jags will need to rely on his speed once again if they're to have a chance of beating the Colts.

WR Matt Jones is coming off his career-best game and we feel they'll continue to feed him the ball. Jones is still handling their #3 role of late but seems to be finally over all of his injuries that had been limiting his play. He was used sparingly in the first matchup.

Friday Update: The Jaguars head into the weekend with 16 players listed on their injury report, but all are listed as probable and should be in their usual spots Sunday vs. the Colts. The only players to miss any practice time this week were starting DT Marcus Stroud (right ankle) and starting RG Vince Manuwai (wrist). Stroud practiced fully Wednesday and Friday but rested Thursday, as he did last week as well. Manuwai rested Friday after working fully on Wednesday and Thursday.

Among the other 14 players listed are five starters - CB Brian Williams (hamstring), WLB Clint Ingram (shoulder), MLB Daryl Smith (shoulder), TE George Wrighster (shoulder), and FB Derrick Wimbush (ankle). Williams returned to the starting lineup in Miami after sitting out the previous week and Manuwai rested one day last week but started.

Ingram was named Thursday as the AFC Defensive Rookie of the Month for November. In four starts, he recorded 43 tackles, an interception and four tackles for loss. He entered the starting lineup after starting MLB Mike Peterson was lost for the year and Smith moved into the middle.

Also listed as probable are P Chris Hanson (left hamstring), backup RB Maurice Jones-Drew (hamstring), backup CB Ahmad Carroll (groin), #4 WR Cortez Hankton (hamstring), backup LB Jorge Cordova (hamstring), backup LB Kenneth Pettway (groin), dime back Terry Cousin (groin), backup RB Montell Owens (shoulder), and backup S Nick Sorensen (hamstring).

Owens, Carroll, and Sorensen were inactive last week with Sorensen being the only of the three to be out due to injury. Cousin played for the first time last week since early-October.


PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (6-6) AT WASHINGTON REDSKINS (4-8) 1:00 PM EST

EAGLES

Saturday Update: Now that the Redskins have a couple of games worth of film on starting QB Jeff Garcia we expect them to come up with a scheme to try to limit Garcia's numbers so it will be interesting how they attack the Eagle offense. We expect a higher percentage of blitzes called by Redskin defensive head man Gregg Williams.

Friday Update: Starting RB Brian Westbrook (toe/knee-probable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start Sunday against the Redskins. Westbrook rushed for 113 yards against Washington in last month's matchup. He now has 907 rushing yards (averaging 5.1 yards per carry) and 586 receiving yards (on 66 receptions) for the season.

Westbrook is nursing a toe injury he suffered during the win over the Panthers. X-rays revealed no breaks.

On defense, starting DE Darren Howard (knee-questionable) was back on the practice field Friday after missing the previous two days. Barring a setback, head coach Andy Reid expects Howard to be in the starting lineup.

"Now I say he's the starter but we'll see how he does. He handled this practice. He looked good out there. Hopefully he feels good tomorrow," Reid said following Friday's workout.

Defensive coordinator Jim Johnson said they've cut back on Howard's reps in hopes that he'll generate more pass rush.

"We tried limiting his reps and I think he played much better last Monday night than he has the last couple of weeks. So, we're still going to monitor that," Johnson said of Howard.

Starting WLB Matt McCoy (shoulder/elbow-probable) is worn down due to his injuries but has not missed practice time. Rookie LB Omar Gaither replaced McCoy in the starting lineup Monday night and played well. Gaither is expected to start again on Sunday, while McCoy should be able to contribute on special teams.

"We'll see how he does here today and tomorrow. He was pretty sore. We'll see if we can't get that thing, his shoulder, back a little bit," Reid said of McCoy.

Nickel LB Shawn Barber (knee-probable) practiced again Friday and is expected to be back in the lineup on Sunday after missing the last two games. The defense has missed Barber's coverage skills.

Nickel CB Rod Hood (hamstring-questionable) practiced again Friday and should fill his usual role.

Backup S Michael Lewis (concussion-probable) practiced again Friday and will play. Lewis serves a linebacker-type role in the team's dime package.

Backup LB/special teams ace Jason Short (knee-probable) and backup CB William James (knee-probable) practiced all week and should be available Sunday. Short returned to action last Monday night after missing the Nov. 26 Colts game. James has missed the last two games with his injury.

REDSKINS

Saturday Update: There's nothing fancy about what the Redskins have been doing on offense with QB Jason Campbell at the helm. They feedRB Ladell Betts the ball and let Campbell take a few shots down the field. Campbell's number's will be far below what you would want from a fantasy starter so don't even think about using him, especially against a team that blitz's a lot and can disguise coverages.

Friday Update: Starting RB Ladell Betts inked a contract extension with the team on Friday.

The 5-10, 222-pound Betts is in his fifth season since being selected by the Redskins in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft out of Iowa. Betts is putting together his most productive season to date after replacing injured RB Clinton Portis.

Betts has set numerous career highs this year, including rushing attempts (141) and yards (643), while tying his career-high for rushing touchdowns with two. In addition, Betts continues to be a threat catching the ball out of the backfield as well, with a career-high 40 receptions for 301 yards.

He is coming off a career-high 155-yard effort last week against Atlanta. It marked the first time in his career that he has rushed for more than 100 yards in back to back games and the third time this season he has gone over the century mark.

For his career, Betts has rushed 462 times for 1,914 yards and seven touchdowns. In addition he has 92 receptions for 808 yards in his five seasons with the team.

On the injury front, the good news is nobody missed Friday's practice. In addition, all the players listed on the report are probable.

"Everybody practiced (on Friday), but the question is to what extent everyone is healthy. I think there will be conversations with the medical group and with the players," head coach Joe Gibbs said. "Some of the players practicing out there may not have been 100 percent. So that'll be a decision we make as we go forward here."

Starting ORT Jon Jansen (calf-probable) was back on the practice field after missing the previous two days. He is expected to start Sunday against the Eagles. He is expected to match up against Eagle starting DE Trent Cole, a speed rusher who has eight sacks this season.

"We talked earlier this week and I really thought it was going to be hard for him to go. The farther he went, the better he felt. It got down to Friday and he took practice," Gibbs said.

Starting C Casey Rabach (shin-probable) practiced Friday and is expected to start.

Backup TE Todd Yoder (thigh-probable) practiced Friday after missing the previous two days and should be able to play.

On defense, starting SS Troy Vincent (hamstring-probable) practiced again Friday and should be back in the lineup after being sidelined the last two games.

Starting LCB Shawn Springs is not listed on the report. Springs missed last Sunday's game with a hamstring injury. He is expected to return to action on Sunday.

"He has progressed pretty well and this week has been good," assistant head coach-defense Gregg Williams said of Springs.

Nickel CB Kenny Wright (knee-probable) practiced for a second straight day and will likely fill his usual role. Wright started for Springs last Sunday.

Backup LB/special teams ace Khary Campbell (hamstring-probable) practiced all week and will be back in his usual role after missing last Sunday's game against the Falcons.

Starting RDE Phillip Daniels (ankle-probable) practiced Friday and is expected to start.

OAKLAND RAIDERS (2-10) AT CINCINNATI BENGALS (7-5) 1:00 PM EST

RAIDERS

Saturday Update: His name hasn't been mentioned much but rookie RG Kevin Boothe has shown steady improvement as the season has progressed. The sixth-round pick has started since their third game of the season. Boothe and fellow rookie G Paul McQuistan gave the team hope for the future for the interior of their offensive line.

Friday Update: Starting RB LaMont Jordan (knee) remains out likely for the rest of the season with backup RB Justin Fargas continuing to start for him.

Backup WR Jerry Porter (hip-doubtful) missed practice again Friday and won't play.

TE Randal Williams (back-probable) practiced again Thursday and is expected to play. He shares time with TEs Courtney Anderson and John Madsen. Williams fumbled the ball away on consecutive possessions in the 4th quarter last week.

Starting OLT Robert Gallery (elbow) remains out with backup OT Chad Slaughter starting for him again.

Starting G Barry Sims (abdomen-questionable) practiced again and will be active, but rookie OL Paul McQuistan will start for him. Backup OL Corey Hulsey (knee-doubtful), who had been starting for Sims, was limited in practice this week and likely won't play.

K Sebastian Janikowski (back-probable) practiced again and is expected to start. Janikowski missed three field goal attempts last week.

Backup DE Lance Johnstone (toe-doubtful) missed practice all week and isn't expected to play.

BENGALS

Saturday Update: Veteran CB Deltha O'Neal was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence early this morning. No word yet on whether or not he'll play but knowing head coach Marvin Lewis, it's unlikely that O'Neal gets in uniform tomorrow. O'Neal most likely wasn't getting his starting job back anyway from first-round pick CB Johnathan Joseph who has played quite well.

This is a contract year for starting DE Justin Smith and with two backups starting on the left side of the Raider offensive line we expect him to finish with multiple sacks.

Friday Update: #4 WR Kelley Washington (hamstring) missed practice again Friday and was downgraded to doubtful and won't be able to play.

Starting WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh (probable-back) returned to practice Friday and is expected to start. #4 WR Kelley Washington(hamstring) missed practice again Friday and was downgraded to doubtful and won't be able to play.

Starting OLT Levi Jones (out-knee) will miss his eighth straight game. Rookie OL Andrew Whitworth will again start in his place.

Starting C Rich Braham (doubtful-knee) missed practice again Friday and isn't expected to play. #2 C Eric Ghiaciuc (questionable-knee) returned to practice Friday but backup OL Ben Wilkerson is expected to start for Braham.

Starting DT John Thornton (probable-knee) returned to practice Friday and is expected to start. Backup DT Shaun Smith (probable-illness) and starting DT Sam Adams (probable-knee) practiced again on Friday and are expected to be available in their normal roles.

Starting CB Tory James (illness-probable) returned to practice Friday and is expected to start.

Backup S John Busing (probable-knee) practiced again Friday and is expected to play.


NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (9-3) AT MIAMI DOLPHINS (5-7) 1:00 PM EST

PATRIOTS

Saturday Update: Rookie RB Laurence Maroney (back) was downgraded to out on Saturday. Look FB Patrick Pass and backup RB Kevin Faulk to back up starting RB Corey Dillon on Sunday. Faulk and Pass will take up Maroney's role in passing situations as well.

Rookie WR Chad Jackson (groin) was downgraded as well on Saturday.

Starting ORT Ryan O'Callaghan (neck) was also downgraded to out on Saturday. Look for backup OT Nick Kaczur to start again for him.

Backup LB Don Davis (knee) was placed on IR and backup OL Gene Mruckowki was released.

The club signed CB Antwain Spann and WR Kelvin Kight from their practice squad on Saturday.

Friday Update: Starting QB Tom Brady (right shoulder-probable) practiced again Friday and will start.

Rookie RB Laurence Maroney (back) practiced some again Friday but they’re still not sure if he’s going to be able to play. If he’s unable to play, then veteran FB Patrick Pass and backup RB Kevin Faulk would see carries behind starting RB Corey Dillon.

Rookie WR Chad Jackson (groin-questionable) practiced some Friday but remains questionable to play. Jackson missed last week's game. He’s making progress but his status will likely be a game day decision.

Starting TE Daniel Graham (ankle-questionable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start.

Starting ORT Ryan O'Callaghan (neck) practiced some again Friday but remains questionable to play. Backup OT Nick Kaczur started for him last week.

Starting DE Richard Seymour (elbow-probable) practiced fully again Friday and will start.

Starting SS Rodney Harrison (shoulder) remains out with backup S James Sanders starting for him.

Starting CB Ellis Hobbs (wrist-questionable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start.

DOLPHINS

Saturday Update: Believe it or not, starting QB Tom Brady is just 2-3 in games played in Miami. He threw for just 140 yards but had two TD passes earlier this season against Miami. Miami played poorly on defense last week as they couldn't get to Jaguar QB David Garrard. If they can't get to Brady, he'll have a solid game as Miami doesn't have one good cover player in their secondary and you saw what Jaguar WR Matt Jones did against them last week. If they can get pressure on him like they did the first time they played, Brady could have well below average numbers.

Friday Update: QB Daunte Culpepper (knee) remains out and isn't expected to play again this season with backup QB Joey Harrington starting.

Starting RB Ronnie Brown (broken left hand) remains out with backup RB Sammy Morris (ankle-probable) filling in. Morris practiced again Friday and is expected to start.

#3 WR/PR/KR Wes Welker (shoulder-probable) practiced again Friday and is expected to play.

Starting G Jeno James (knee) remains out with backup OL Kendyl Jacoxstarting again for him.

Starting DT Keith Traylor (knee-probable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start.

Starting DE Jason Taylor (forearm-probable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start.

Starting CB Will Allen(groin-probable)practiced again Friday and is expected to start.


GREEN BAY PACKERS (4-8) AT SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (5-7) 4:05 PM EST

PACKERS

Saturday Update: Backup DE Mike Montgomery (knee) hurt his knee in practice this week and is out.

Look for backup DTs Cullen Jenkins, Johnny Jolly, and Corey Williams to all see extended work in hopes of stopping RB Frank Gore. The Packer run defense was solid for the first half of the season but has really struggled of late (close to 400 yards in the last two games)

Friday Update: Starting RB Ahman Green (knee-probable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start. #3 RB Noah Herron (ankle-probable) practiced again Friday and is expected to play.

#2 TE David Martin (ribs-questionable) practiced again Friday.

"David looked much better today than he did yesterday," head coach Mike McCarthy said after practice on Friday. "We'll make a decision close to game time.""

Starting ORT Mark Tauscher (doubtful-groin) didn't practice Friday so look for rookie OL Tony Moll to start again for him.

Starting MLB Nick Barnett (broken hand-probable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start.

Backup OLB Ben Taylor (questionable-hamstring) practiced again Friday and is expected to play.

Starting CB Charles Woodson (shoulder-probable) returned to practice Friday and is expected to start. Nickel CB Patrick Dendy (concussion-probable) practiced again Friday. He could be replaced by rookie CBJarrett Bush in the nickel role this week.

49ERS

Saturday Update: It wasn't long ago when the 49ers and Packers would be battling for the right to go to the Super Bowl. Now both teams have fallen on hard times and in the case of the 49ers, they're an offense that is undermanned. Although the Packers have given up a ridiculous 23 TD passes this year, we don't feelstarting QB Alex Smith has the horses to take advantage of Green Bay's shortcomings on defense. They really have to address the receiver position next year. #1 WR Antonio Bryant should be their #2 and fellow starting WR Arnaz Battle is better suited for the #3 role.

Friday Update: Starting OLT Jonas Jennings (ankle-probable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start Sunday against Green Bay.

Meantime, backup TE Eric Johnson (knee), backup OT Adam Snyder (knee) and starting ILB Derek Smith (hamstring) are all out for the game.

Backup TEs Delanie Walker and Billy Bajema will fill in for Johnson.

With Snyder out, backup OL Patrick Estes is the top backup at tackle.

On defense, Smith suffered a hamstring injury in the loss to the Saints. Given Smith's injury, the team signed seven-year NFL veteran ILB Jay Foreman and waived backup S Tony Parrish.

Foreman has played in 81 games and has started 62 as an inside linebacker. Most of his starting assignments came with the Texans in 2002-04. He was with the Giants in training camp but has not played in the regular season.

Former starting ILB Jeff Ulbrich is expected to start for Smith on Sunday. The team has used both the 3-4 and 4-3 defensive alignments in recent weeks. Due to the injuries at linebacker, we could see more of the 4-3 on Sunday.

Nolan believes Smith will return to action before season's end so he is not planning to put Smith on IR.

"I expect him to come back and finish the season,'' Nolan said of Smith. "There's still a lot to accomplish this season. If we get him back for three games or even two, it's worth keeping him alive.''

If they use a 4-3, look for rookie DE Melvin Oliver to start up front.

At linebacker, Ulbrich would start inside and LBs Manny Lawson and Brandon Moore outside.

Backup DT Anthony Adams (knee) missed a third day of practice Friday and was downgraded to doubtful.

Starting LCB Shawntae Spencer (ankle-questionable) practiced again Friday but still isn't 100 percent so his status will be decided closer to game time. He didn't participate fully in any practice this week. Backup CB Donald Strickland could start again if needed.


SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (8-4) AT ARIZONA CARDINALS (3-9) 4:05 PM EST

SEAHAWKS

Saturday Update: #3 WR Bobby Engram (illness-questionable) hopes to play in one of their final two regular season games to get ready for the playoffs but won't play on Sunday.

“Probably not, probably not, no. If there is a chance he might be able to play next week," head coach Mike Holmgren said.

Friday Update: Starting FB Mack Strong (ankle-questionable) returned to practice Friday and is expected to start.

Backup WR Bobby Engram (illness-questionable) practiced again Friday and isn't expected to play. Backup WR D.J. Hackett will handle the #3 role again.

#2 TE Itula Mili (concussion-doubtful) missed practice all week and isn't expected to play with #3 TE Will Heller filling in.

Starting C Robbie Tobeck (hip-doubtful) missed practice again Friday and is probably a few weeks away from playing. Backup C Chris Spencer starts for him again.

Starting DT Rocky Bernard (foot-probable) was rested again Friday but is still expected to start. Backup DT Russell Davis filled in all week during practice.

Backup WLB D.D. Lewis (toe-doubtful) missed practice all week and won't play.

CARDINALS

Saturday Update: Starting QB Matt Leinart confirmed on Friday that the coaching staff has given him the freedom to change plays at the line, which shows a lot of confidence in the rookie.

"Coach Kruz (offensive coordinator Mike Kruczek) gives me free reign to go out, trust what you see, if you see this, get to that," Leinart said. "It is like a chess game against the defense, except it is simple."

Leinart has done very well against defenses that employ the Tampa-2 style of dropping two safeties. The Seahawks run a similar of defense so we look for Leinart to have a good day tomorrow.

Friday Update: Backup RB Marcel Shipp (ribs-probable) practiced Friday and is expected to play.

Starting DT Kendrick Clancy (ankle-doubtful) missed practice Friday and isn't expected to play. It's the same ankle that kept Clancy out of our games this season. Backup DTs Chris Cooper and Gabe Watson will fill in again. The club re-signed backup DL Kenny King this week to add depth.

Backup LB Brandon Johnson (illness-probable) returned to practice Friday. He has been inactive 11 games during his rookie season. The 2006 fifth-round pick needs to hit the weight room and become a much better student of the game.

Backup S Hanik Milligan (knee-probable) returned to practice Friday and is expected to play. He has mainly played on special teams and has been hit and miss this year when it comes to covering kicks.


DENVER BRONCOS (7-5) AT SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (10-2) 4:15 PM EST

BRONCOS

Saturday Update: Starting MLB Al Wilson (neck-questionable) still isn't 100 percent over last week's injury so his status is a true game-time decision. If he's out, that would severely hamper their chances of slowing down RB LaDainian Tomlinson.

Friday Update: Starting TE Stephen Alexander (ankle) practiced again Friday and is expected to start. He was upgraded to probable after Thursday's practice. Backup TE Chad Mustard (shoulder-probable) practiced again Friday and is expected to be available for the game.

K Jason Elam (left hamstring-questionable) didn't practice again Friday as a precaution. The team believes he'll be able to play and hasn't signed anyone to replace him. If he can’t play, P/kickoff specialist Paul Ernsterwill kick field goals and extra points against San Diego.

Starting ORT Adam Meadows (hamstring-questionable) missed practice again Friday. Look for backup OT George Foster to start again for him. Foster as the starter Nov. 12 at Oakland.

Starting OLT Erik Pears (ankle-probable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start.

Starting MLB Al Wilson (thumb/strained neck-questionable) practiced again Friday but his status will be decided closer to game time. Since the team has very limited contact he wants to make sure he'll be ready to play. Backup MLB Nate Webster would start if needed.

Starting CB Darrent Williams (shoulder-probable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start.

CHARGERS

Saturday Update: Although he only practiced once this week which was in their light Friday practice, starting DE Luis Castillo (ankle-questionable) plans to play Sunday for the first time since November 5.

"Maybe I'm not ready to jam it in the ground completely and cut like I used to before I got hurt,'' said Castillo. "But I can play. There is a little bit there that really has to heal up to have the quickness I had before. But I'm at the level now that I'm smiling, I feel good and know I will be out there Sunday for the first time in five weeks.''

Look for him to share snaps with backup DE Jacques Cesaire (finger/ankle-probable) who has played well in his absence.

Friday Update: #2 RB Michael Turrner (hamstring-questionable) practiced again Friday and should be able to play.

Starting WR Keenan McCardell (calf-questionable) missed practice again Friday and likely won't play. #3 WR Vincent Jackson is expected to start for him. Starting WR Eric Parker (knee) was added to the injury report Friday as probable after being limited. #4 WR Malcom Floyd (ankle) is out. Special teams ace/backup WR Kassim Osgood (elbow-probable/practiced all week) will see more plays on offense if McCardell is out as expected.

Starting TE Antonio Gates (hamstring) was added to the injury report as probable. His hamstring was sore after Thursday's practice but he practiced Friday and is expected to start.

Starting G Kris Dielman (ankle-questionable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start.

Starting OLB Shaun Phillips (calf/elbow-probable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start.

Starting ILB Randall Godfrey (calf) missed practice again Friday and remains questionable to play. Backup ILB Stephen Cooper would start if needed.

Starting DE Luis Castillo (ankle-questionable) returned to practice Friday and his status is considered a game day decision. Backup DE Jacques Cesaire (finger/ankle-probable) practiced again Friday and is expected to play and would start again if needed. Backup DE Derreck Robinson (foot-questionable) practiced again Friday and is expected to play.

Starting FS Marlon McCree (calf/knee-probable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start. Backup FS Bhawoh Jue (knee-probable) practiced again Friday and is expected to play. Backup S Clinton Hart (ankle-questionable) practiced again Friday and is expected to play.


BUFFALO BILLS (5-7) AT NEW YORK JETS (7-5) 4:15 PM EST

BILLS

Saturday Update: Provided he gets through pre-game warmups well, look for starting RB Willis McGahee (ribs/ankle-questionable) to be in the lineup on Sunday. We'll have his status confirmed about an hour before game time. Be sure to have backup RB Anthony Thomas as insurance just in case. The Jet run defense has improved but it's still not very good so Thomas could do well if he starts.

Friday Update: Starting RB Willis McGahee (questionable-ribs/ankle) and Terrence McGee (questionable-ankle) both practiced some Friday but their status will be decided on Sunday.

"Terrence and Willis practiced some," said head coach Dick Jauron after Friday's practice. "They took maybe a little less than their normal share of snaps in practice."

If McGee can't return kicks, backup WR Andre Davis would fill in. If he can't play cornerback, backup CB Kiwaukee Thomas would start.

If McGahee can't play, backup RB Anthony Thomas would start.

Starting WLB Angelo Crowell (leg) IR is expected to be replaced by backup LB Keith Ellison. Backup LB John DeGiorgio (questionable-ankle) didn't practice Friday and isn't expected to play.

Starting SS Donte Whitner (hamstring-questionable) missed practiced again Friday. If he can't play, backup S Matt Bowen would likely start.

JETS

Saturday Update: RB Cedric Houston (knee-probable) is expected to carry the load once again tomorrow and we expect him and rookie RB Leon Washington to find success as they runs through the league's 28th rated run defense. The coaches have only dressed two backs in recent games but veteran RBKevan Barlow (calf-probable) could be active for the game and also get some carries.

Friday Update: Starting QB Chad Pennington (calf-probable) practiced again Friday and will start.

Backup RB Kevan Barlow (calf-probable) practiced again Friday and is expected to be available for Sunday's game. The coaches are expected to keep RBs Cedric Houston (knee-probable) and Leon Washington as the main ball carriers. Houston practiced again Friday and is expected to play.

Starting FB B.J. Askew (foot-questionable) was limited again Friday but should be able to play.

Backup WR Justin McCareins (foot-probable) practiced again Friday and is expected to play.

Starting DE Shaun Ellis (ankle-probable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start.

Starting OLB Bryan Thomas (shoulder-questionable) was limited again Friday but should be able to start.

Backup LB Matt Chatham (foot-questionable) was limited again Friday. If Chatham can't play, backup LB Ryan Riddle, who is a better pass rusher than Chatham, will take his place. Chatham's loss would be felt more on special teams than on defense, where makes very few plays.

Starting CB Andre Dyson (thigh-probable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start. Veteran CB David Barrett (hip-questionable) was limited again Friday but should be able to play. Journeyman CB Hank Poteat has been starting of late. Barrett plays on a part-time basis, coming in every few series.

Backup S Eric Smith (foot-questionable) was limited again Friday but should be able to play.


NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (8-4) AT DALLAS COWBOYS (8-4) 8:20 PM EST

SAINTS

Saturday Update: As we first reported in our post-game injury report last Sunday evening, rookie RB Reggie Bush's shoulder was sore and he had tests taken. Those tests came up negative and he was fine during practice this week.

We're told starting WR Joe Horn (groin-questionable) won't be able to play on Sunday with backup WR Terrance Copper starting again for him.

Starting WR Marques Colston's (moderate high ankle sprain-questionable) status is considered a game-time decision. Colston was actually very close to playing two weeks ago but wasn't as close last week. Colston, as is the case with most rookies, is learning how to deal with his first injury as a professional player. Backup WR Devery Henderson would start again if Colston can't play.

Starting DE Will Smith (knee-questionable) is expected to start unless he can't get through pre-game warmups well. Backup DL Willie Whitehead would start if needed.

Friday Update: Starting DT Hollis Thomas was suspended Tuesday for the final four games of the regular season for violating the NFL's steroids policy. Thomas had appealed the positive test, which occurred months ago, claiming that asthma medication he takes likely was the culprit. Backup DT Rodney Leisle, who was slowed earlier in the season with a knee injury, will start for Thomas and former Falcon DT Antwan Lake will also see increased reps. Third-year OLB/DE Trevor Johnson, who was signed and waived last week, was re-signed Wednesday to taker Thomas' spot on the active roster.

Starting WRs Marques Colston (sprained left ankle) and Joe Horn (groin) both head into the weekend questionable. Neither practiced this week.

Colston, who has been inactive the last two games, is wary of pushing the ankle too hard and suffering a setback. He some limited route running this week and his status, as it has been the past two weeks, will come down to a Sunday decision.

Horn, who tried playing last week but came out early in the game, missed the first two games of November with a strained groin but started in the last three contests. Horn is really more to the doubtful side at this point.

#3 WR Devery Henderson would replace Colston if he's unable to play once again, while #4 WR Terrance Copper would start if Horn also is inactive and #5 WR Jamal Jones would move up a notch in the rotation if needed. The team has two receivers on the practice squad, Lance Moore and Dante Ridgeway, and one of them could be signed by Saturday's 4:00 pm est roster deadline.

Besides Colston and Horn, starting DE Will Smith (left knee bruise) is also listed as questionable. He was inactive last week, but returned for full days of practice each day this week and should start. Veteran DL Willie Whitehead started in Smith's place vs. San Francisco.

Rookie RB Reggie Bush (shoulder strain), starting OLB Scott Fujita (ankle), and starting ORT Jon Stinchcomb (stomach illness) were all removed from the injury report Thursday.

All were listed as probable on Wednesday. Bush and Stinchcomb rested Wednesday and returned for full days of work on Thursday and Friday, while Fujita practiced fully each day this week.

Bush was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week Wednesday for his four-touchdown effort last week vs. San Francisco. Bush also won the special teams version of the award earlier in the year for his game-winning punt return vs. the Buccaneers.

Backup RB Aaron Stecker (hamstring-doubtful) didn't practice this week. He missed the game two weeks ago with a sprained ankle but returned to action last week when he pulled his hamstring.

COWBOYS

Saturday Update: If starting FS Keith Davis struggles this week, look for new S Tony Parrish to see playing time in back of him next week. The team wants to get a good look at Parrish before the season ends as they look get improved play at free safety. That's been a problem position for their secondary almost all season.

Friday Update:New backup S Tony Parrish is practicing at free safety in back of starting FS Keith Davis. Parrish has mostly played at strong safety in his career. The team waived rookie WR Skyler Green to make room for him. Parrish isn't expected to dress for this week's game.


Monday

CHICAGO BEARS (10-2) AT ST. LOUIS RAMS (5-7) 8:35 PM EST

BEARS

Saturday Update: We're told that starting QB Rex Grossman only took in 60 percent of the first-team snaps in practice this week with #2 QB Brian Griese taking in 40 percent. That's the first time all season that Griese has taken anywhere close to that amount of snaps which tells us that they're making sure he's getting more work in just in case that he needs to play.

Starting SS Todd Johnson (ankle-questionable) didn't practice Saturday and likely won't play with backup S Chris Harris starting for him. Harris was a starter last year but was beaten out for the FS job by rookieDanieal Manning. Harris is seen as a liability in coverage and played poorly in their playoff game against the Panthers.

Starting CB Nate Vasher (hamstring-questionable) missed practice again Saturday and likely won't play. Backup CB Ricky Manning will likely start for him.

Friday Update: The Bears on Monday night will definitely be without one defensive starter - DT Tommie Harris (left knee/hamstring-out) - and two others - CB Nathan Vasher (right hamstring-questionable) and SS Todd Johnson (right ankle-questionable) didn't practice Thursday or Friday, leaving their availability very much up in the air.

Johnson was inactive last week after being injured the previous Sunday in New England. Former starting S Chris Harris moved into the lineup last week for Johnson.

If Vasher is also out Monday night, dime back Dante Wesley could get the start since the team would rather keep Ricky Manning Jr., who's tied for the team-lead with four interceptions, at the nickel.

Wesley missed the last three games in November with a deep thigh bruise, but played last week.

Rookie KR/PR/CB Devin Hester could also see some time at the nickel, as he did for a few plays after Vasher left last week. Speaking of Hester, he now shares the all-time NFL rookie record with four touchdown returns this season and will likely supplant WR/KR Rashied Davis as the team's primary kickoff return specialist. He also was named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week Wednesday for the second time this year.

Harris will miss the first game of his career this Monday night and will apparently be sidelined for a significant period of time, but due to the hamstring pull, not the knee injury that onlookers were concerned about on Sunday, which is believed to be a sprained MCL. Those typically take between two to four weeks to heal but Harris's hamstring injury is a lot more serious than first thought.

Harris, who is slated to visit a specialist in Dallas to examine his hamstring in the next few days, collected five sacks in the first four games of the year but hasn't recorded a sack in the last eight contests. Backup DTs Ian Scottand Alfonso Boone will fill in.

Also along the defensive line, starting DT Tank Johnson (knee) was added as probable on Friday when he sat out practice. He practiced fully Thursday and is still expected to start Monday night.

Special teams LB Leon Joe (left hamstring-questionable) is the only other player listed on the injury report. He, too, sat out practice Thursday and Friday and was inactive last week. He injured the hamstring on the game's opening kickoff in New England Nov. 26 and missed two games earlier in the season with a strain in his right hamstring.

RAMS

Saturday Update: Starting ORT Alex Barron (knee-probable) was given the Saturday practice off but will start.

Starting MLB Will Witherspoon (illness-probable) returned to practice Saturday and will start.

#3 WR Kevin Curtis (calf-probable) returned to practice Saturday and is expected to play.

Friday Update: Backup RB Stephen Davis (hamstring), starting WR Torry Holt (bruised knee), starting QB Marc Bulger (ribs), and starting FB Paul Smith (neck) all practiced again Friday and are listed as probable and are expected to play in their normal roles.

# 3 WR Kevin Curtis (calf) didn’t practice for the second straight day Friday but remains probable to play.

Starting G Adam Timmerman (ribs-probable) returned to practice Friday and is expected to start.

Starting DE Victor Adeyanju (forearm-questionable) returned to practice Friday but it’s still likely that backup DE Brandon Green will start again in his place.

Starting MLB Will Witherspoon (illness) didn't practice Friday and was added to the injury report as probable but is expected to start. Backup LB Isaiah Kacyvenski (concussion) didn’t practice again Friday and remains doubtful to play.

Starting CB Tye Hill (thigh-questionable) returned to practice Friday and is expected to start.

Starting FS Oshiomogho Atogwe (concussion-questionable) returned to practice Friday and is expected to start. Backup S Jerome Carter (ankle) didn’t practice again Friday and remains questionable to play.


If there is going to much shuffling at the top of the 2007 draft selection order later today it will have to come via an upset or two. That’s because all of the team’s currently sitting on top picks are playing teams with their eyes on a playoff spot. If teams currently with high picks have an advantage this weekend it’s that a number of them will at least be playing at home. Detroit, which would have the #1 pick if the 2007 draft were held today, for example, will be home to division rival Minnesota which will be looking to keep its flickering playoff hopes alive. Meanwhile, Arizona, with the 3rd pick this year, Tampa Bay at #4 and Washington, with the 6th pick are also at home later today. The Cardinals host Seattle, Tampa Bay hosts Atlanta and Washington welcomes Philadelphia. On the other hand, Oakland, which would have the second pick were the draft held today, will be in Cincinnati to play the Bengals, while Green Bay, with the 5th pick, will be at San Francisco. The key draft-related focus this weekend, though, will likely be at Houston where the Texans host QB Vince Young and the Tennessee Titans. Houston-native Young, selected third overall at the 2006 draft, had lobbied hard for the Texans to take him with the #1 pick. However, with David Carr already entrenched as the Texans’ starting QB, Hosuton opted for DE Mario Williams instead. And, at least in the past couple of weeks, that decision has come back to haunt the Texans as Young has led the Titans to upset wins over the Giants and Indianapolis – and the Manning brothers – the past couple of weeks, while Carr has struggled.


Dennis Erickson has accepted the head coaching job at Arizona State, Idaho athletic director Rob Spear said Saturday night. The 59-year-old Erickson spent one season at Idaho in his second stint at the school, going 4-8. He led Miami to two national titles, also has been a head coach at Wyoming, Washington State and Oregon State and coached Seattle and San Francisco in the NFL. Erickson has a 149-64-1 record in 18 seasons as a college coach. At Oregon State, he took over a program that had an NCAA Division I-record 28 straight losing seasons. His first team in Corvallis went 7-5 and an Oahu Bowl appearance. His second Beavers' team routed Notre Dame in the Fiesta Bowl to cap an 11-1 season.....


Florida State fullback Joe Surratt had surgery on his right shoulder Friday and will miss the Dec. 27 Emerald Bowl against UCLA. Surratt leads the team in rushing touchdowns with six. Freshman Seddrick Holloway is working with the first team at fullback, and will likely start against the Bruins (7-5, 4-5 Pac-10).

NFL NEWS AND NOTES

According to the Boston Herald, Patriots RB Laurence Maroney (back) was downgraded from questionable to out for Week 14 at Miami after not making the trip to Florida on Saturday.....

NFL DRAFT 2007

Its probably not a huge surprise, but reports out of their respective schools are that California junior RB Marshawn Lynch and Pittsburgh junior CB Darrelle Revis are both headed to the 2007 draft. Both are considered top 15 prospects for this year’s draft.....


Oklahoma RB Adrian Peterson, a potential top 5 pick at the 2007 draft, returned to practice Friday and has been cleared to play in next month’s Fiesta Bowl. The 220-pound Peterson has been out since breaking his collarbone in mid-October. The Sooners will face upstart Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl on January 1st.....


The Bears were getting Brian Griese ready in the event Rex Grossman falters Monday night in St. Louis, and one player revealed Friday the backup is receiving half of the reps in practice.....


Detroits Wide receiver Mike Furrey is an obvious choice for a new contract. He has outperformed his one-year contract, with a base salary of $500,000.....

Nobody has better job security than Fisher. He has the complete backing of owner Bud Adams. And if for some oddball reason the Titans ever decide they don't want him, trust me — a dozen other NFL teams will have limos lined up and waiting at the back gate.....


Shaun Rogers isn't a leader. The Lions can't keep Rogers beyond this season because he is a negative influence. He let his teammates down by testing positive for a banned substance, bringing him a four-game suspension. During his absence, Rogers further padded on the pounds while recuperating from minor knee surgery, making it impossible for him to return to practice.....

NFL NEWS AND NOTES

Fast Willie Parker carried 32 times for a single-game franchise record 223 yards and a touchdown in Week 14 against the Browns. He is also closing in on the single-season record of 15 rushing touchdowns.


Dolphins coach Nick Saban has turned down an offer from the University of Alabama that would have paid him $5 million per year and would have included a $7 million bonus.....


The Falcons and representatives for defensive end Patrick Kerney have begun contract extension talks, Kerney confirmed Thursday. No deal will be consummated until January — at the earliest — because of the team's tapped-out salary cap.....

It has become a hot topic lately to talk about whether Garrard, who's having a tremendous season in place of the injured Byron Leftwich, has shown enough to be the Jaguars' quarterback for good. If he has, then the Jaguars do whatever they can to get rid of Leftwich this summer and give Garrard the keys to the franchise.....

I could be wrong, but I don't think there is any doubt that Brad Johnson will continue to be the starting quarterback when the Vikings, still in contention for a playoff spot, play at Detroit on Sunday.....


The Broncos soon will be dealing with six unrestricted free agents at season's end: offensive guard Cooper Carlisle, defensive tackle Michael Myers, special team mainstays Keith Burns and Patrick Chukwurah, reserve defensive lineman Kenny Peterson and backup receiver/returner Quincy Morgan.....


When Hall had a bad day in Cleveland on Sunday, misjudging a kick and getting slapped with a costly taunting penalty, fans were clamoring for coach Herm Edwards to make a change. Actually, they’ve been doing that for months. But the venom has grown, and Hall’s dander was really up earlier this week when some local TV people took turns bashing him.....

Titans offensive coordinator Norm Chow said the thought of being a college head coach is intriguing, but it doesn't consume him. Chow, in his second season with the Titans, interviewed with officials at North Carolina State and Arizona State this week about their head coaching vacancies.....

Tom Brady Filed lawsuit Against Yahoo

Along with a sweeping management reorganization and shrinking stock price, Yahoo! also has to contend with a lawsuit filed against it by the gridiron's golden boy, New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, who claims that the online giant improperly used his image to promote its fantasy football game. In a federal complaint (a copy of which you'll find below), Brady, 29, charges Yahoo! used his photo without authorization in a September 2006 Sports Illustrated ad and in banner ads on Yahoo! Sports pages. In the lawsuit, which was filed in U.S. District Court by a Brady management company, the three-time Super Bowl champion notes that fantasy football is a $4 billion industry and that the Yahoo! fantasy site is the Internet's largest, with 4.4 million users last year. Brady alleges that Yahoo!'s use of his image connotes a false endorsement and, as such, is seeking unspecified punitive and compensatory damages against the company. The complaint notes that while the football All-Pro is a "worldwide celebrity" who has become "famous for his prowess as an NFL quarterback, his fame is not limited to the world of sports. In 2005, Tom Brady hosted "Saturday Night Live."


Running back Ladell Betts is close to agreeing to a contract extension with the Redskins, according to numerous NFL sources, and the Redskins are working hard to prevent the veteran from hitting the free agent market.....

None of the 20 Dolphins who are unsigned after this season have gotten contract extensions and none are likely to. It's not that coach Nick Saban doesn't like his future unsigned players. The problem is, Miami's salary cap is stretched to near capacity, with the team within $730,000 of the $102 million limit.....

Shipp, in the final year of a four-year contract extension that paid him $1.43 million a season, will be a free agent in March. The Cardinals will not re-sign him before he hits the open market, and he will have a chance to find a team that will be more willing to give him work at running back....


Gbaja-Biamila's future with the team is another matter. He has three years left on the seven- year, $37 million deal ($13.25 million in guaranteed money) he received in spring 2003 and is scheduled to make base salaries of $5 million in 2007, $6.15 million in '08 and $7.3 million in '09.....

Despite his season-long struggles, Dolphins kicker Olindo Mare said Wednesday that he isn't worried about his future with the Dolphins.....

Management wants to bring Coughlin back next year, but that will change if the Giants quit on him in these last four games. His contract runs through 2007, which means a decision would come soon.....


This week’s Thursday night game on the NFL Network, for those who can get it, has as much to do with the ultimate selection order for the 2007 draft than with this year’s playoffs as AFC North rivals Cleveland and Pittsburgh battle in the Steel city. If the draft were held today 4-8 Cleveland would have the 8th pick overall, while the defending Super Bowl champion Steelers, at 5-7, would have the 13th pick. And both teams head into tonight’s action with some injury problems. Cleveland, for example,, is expected to start second year pro Derek Anderson at QB in place of Charlie Frye who likely will miss the game with a bruised right wrist. Meanwhile, the Steelers will be without both of star WR Hines Ward and SS Troy Polamalu, each of whom will miss their second straight game with knee injuries. Ward and Polamalu are expected to be replaced by rookies Santonio Holmes and Anthony Smith, respectively, Pittsburgh first and 3rd round picks this year.....


Detroit may have inched that much closer to the #1 pick at the 2007 draft when the Lions placed star DT Shaun Rogers on injured reserve. Rogers had minor surgery to repair a nagging knee problem in October while serving a four-game suspension for using a banned dietary supplement, but the knee has continued to swell and he has missed two games since his suspension ended. Rogers becomes the third prime starting defensive linemen on IR as both DE James Hall and DT Shaun Cody are also out for the year with shoulder and toe injuries respectively. Meanwhile, veteran Green Bay QB Brett Favre says he probably will need arthroscopic surgery on his left ankle after the season to clean out bone spurs. The 37-year-old Favre had similar surgery on his ankle in 1996 to remove large bone chips and a spur. Favre still won’t speculate whether he will return for another year, but the ankle injury is not expected to affect any decision he makes. And Washington, which currently has the 6th pick, will have to go the rest of the way this season without RB Clinton Portis who underwent shoulder surgery earlier this week and will undergo a six-month rehabilitation stint. Portis has missed the past three games for the Redskins.....

WEEK 14

Thursday Night Injury Report

CLEVELAND BROWNS (4-8) AT PITTSBURGH STEELERS (5-7) 8:05 PM EST

BROWNS

Starting QB Charlie Frye (right wrist-questionable) didn't practice Tuesday which was their only true practice of the week.

“I think I was correct yesterday when I said the X-Rays were negative. The MRI showed no breaks and he has a bone bruise. We are going to rest him and treat him. We’ll see how that turns out. Right now, we have him immobilized in a splint so he doesn’t irritate it as much. He won’t be practicing today and he’ll be getting all the treatment he can get. The doctor is going to look at him tomorrow and we’ll evaluate him then. If he cannot play, (#2 QB) Derek Anderson will be the starter. If he can play, I’ll take a look to see what he can do and make the determination then. I won’t be able to know that until I can see if he can take a snap. I won’t know that today because he won’t be taking any snaps and he’s not throwing the ball," head coach Romeo Crennel said Tuesday.

The practiced Tuesday with the belief that Anderson will be starting. The only way Frye would get a chance to play is if he can participate and throw during Wednesday's walk-through.

“I’m going to get reevaluated tomorrow and I’ll see what I can do. It’s sore and I am trying to do everything I can to play. This is a game I had circled after what had happened a couple weeks ago when the (Steelers) came here. They basically stole the victory from us and I was excited to come out and play in this game. We’ll see what happens," Frye said Tuesday.

Starting TE Kellen Winslow (knee-questionable) was limited Tuesday but is expected to start.

Starting DE Orpheus Roye (knee-doubtful) didn't practice and isn't expected to play. Backup DE Simon Fraser is expected to start for him again.

Starting FS Brian Russell (elbow-questionable) practiced Tuesday and is expected to start.

Starting CB Leigh Bodden (ankle-questionable) practiced Tuesday and is expected to start.

STEELERS

Backup RB Duce Staley was released on Monday. The team will dress two backs for the game which has been the case of late.

Starting WRs Hines Ward (knee) and Cedrick Wilson (ankle) are out. Backup WR/PR Willie Reid (foot) was placed on IR. The team re-signed WR Lee Mays who should dress for the game.

Backup WR Nate Washington starts for Ward again and rookie WR Santonio Holmes starts for Wilson. Backup WR/special teams ace will likely handle the #3 role. Mays and backup WR Walter Young will also provide depth.

Starting FS Ryan Clark (groin) is out. Backup S Tyrone Carter is expected to start for him.

Starting SS Troy Polamalu (knee) is out again. Backup S Mike Logan is expected to start for him.
************************************************************************************

Earlier this week, Detroit head coach Rod Marinelli was quoted as saying that veteran Jon Kitna will be the Lions’ QB for the rest of this year and most likely next year. That led to some speculation that the Lions, who would have the #1 pick at the 2007 draft were it held today, might pass on Notre Dame QB Brady Quinn who is expected to be the first player selected this coming April. Except Marinelli’s words really don’t mean much of anything. In fact, the Lions might be very happy to take Quinn with the #1 pick this year and then let him sit and learn through his rookie season next fall. That would make Kitna, who is in his 11th season this fall, the perfect choice to carry on at the helm of the Lions through the rest of the season and into next year.....


Former University of Miami and NFL quarterback Bernie Kosar said he is interested in becoming the school's next football coach, the Miami Herald reported Wednesday.
Kosar told the newspaper that he has had preliminary talks with university officials about replacing Larry Coker who was fired last month.....


With four games left in the season, Betts has 643 yards rushing, which means he could enter free agency off a 1,000-yard season. Which also means it’s hard to imagine he’d want to return to Washington as a backup.....

The Tennessee Titans are thinking about trying to hire Giants director of player personnel Jerry Reese as their GM if Floyd Reese is fired or resigns after the season, according to a report on NFL.com. It's not likely to happen, however, because Jerry Reese believed to be the front-runner to replace Ernie Accorsi as the Giants GM.....

TODAYS NEWS AND NOTES

Despite a game effort in New England, Detroit lost to the Patriots and with Arizona winning in St. Louis the Lions, who dropped to 2-10, would have the first pick were the 2007 draft held today. Oakland, which lost to Houston to also drop to 2-10, moves up to the second pick, while Arizona drops to #3 with Tampa Bay and Green Bay rounding out the top 5 with the 4th and 5th picks respectively.


1 Detroit
2 Oakland
3 Arizona
4 Tampa Bay
5 Green Bay
6 Washington
7 Houston
8 Cleveland
9 Minnesota
10 St. Louis
11 San Francisco
12 Miami
13 Pittsburgh
14 Buffalo
15 Tennessee
16 Atlanta
17 Carolina
18 Philadelphia
19 New York Giants
20 New York Jets
21 Kansas City
22 Jacksonville
23 (1)Denver
24 Cincinnati
25 New England (from Seattle)
26 Dallas
27 New Orleans
28 Baltimore
29 New England
30 San Diego
31 Chicago
32 Indianapolis

(1) Denver and Washington could flip-flop picks depending on how far they are apart to complete multi-player deal with Atlanta.

ROOKIE OF THE WEEK

There are no ugly wins in the NFL! Just ask Houston which knocked off Oakland 23-14 on Sunday despite the fact that the Texans managed only 10 first downs and 124 yards of total offense all day. Indeed, the Texans had minus 5 yards passing as David Carr’s 32 passing yards were negated by 37 lost sack yards. As bad as the Texans offense was, though, the Houston defense was outstanding. The unit was led by rookie MLB DeMeco Ryans who brought new meaning to the term “made plays all over the field”. Ryans, the first player taken in the second round of the 2006 draft, had 15 tackles against the Raiders including a sack. Plus he intercepted a pass, broke up two other passes, forced a fumble and recovered two others fumbles in what may have been the most dominating defensive performance by any player in the NFL this season. In fact, Ryans is currently second in the entire NFL in tackles, just two behind Miami veteran Zach Thomas. As well, Ryans has quietly pulled ahead of the pack in the race for defensive rookie of the year honors and, with New Orleans star rookie WR Marques Colston currently on the shelf with an ankle injury, is making a strong case for consideration as the top newcomer in the league period. All that was plenty to make Ryans this week’s‘Rookie of the Week’.....

Further to yesterday's report that Florida DT Marcus Thomas will reportedly not be playing in any of this year’s all-star games, several sources indicated that it is still possible that Thomas, who rates as one of the top 4-5 DTs in the 2007 draft class, could still be invited to one of the top all-star games as the school is considering given his particiaption in a game such as the Senior Bowl its blessing. Thomas was kicked off the team after failing several drug tests earlire this year....


Mississippi junior LB Rory Johnson will pass up his senior season and enter the NFL draft according to team officials. Johnson, who played just one year for the Rebels after transferring from a junior college, finished the season second on the team to star LB Patrick Willis, a first round prospect for the 2007 draft, with 94 tackles despite seeing limited action at the start of the year. Johnson is listed at 6-1, 235 and as a former state 100M runner up has good speed.....

Joe Gibbs said yesterday he plans to return next year for a fourth season as coach of the Washington Redskins and does not foresee any major changes on his staff.....


Owner Wayne Huizenga's disappointment that the Dolphins will miss the playoffs for the fifth consecutive season should not be misunderstood to mean he's unhappy with coach Nick Saban.....

Saban's denial

For the second time in a week, coach Nick Saban vehemently denied any interest in the coaching job at the University of Alabama. The Huntsville [Ala.] Times reported Sunday that Saban is expected to interview this week for the job.....


Browns QB Charlie Frye may have broken his right wrist during Sunday's win over the Kansas City Chiefs. Frye got hurt on Cleveland's first offensive series when he braced himself while being knocked down. He stayed in and threw a 23-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Braylon Edwards before being taken to the locker room for X-rays. Frye returned with 5:53 left before halftime, and drove the Browns to a tying score with 19 seconds left. However, when Cleveland came out for the second half, Frye was wearing a large brace on his wrist and an orange jacket but no shoulder pads. "I tried to fight it off for a while," said Frye, who also hurt his left ankle on the same play. "At halftime, the trainer pulled the plug on it. I should know tomorrow just how serious it is.....

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports Monday that Rams QB Marc Bulger was not happy with his team's effort vs. Arizona in Week 13. "Obviously, we have guys in here who think it's OK just to show up and play, and not prepare all week and just think it's going to get done. It doesn't work that way," Bulger said. "There's more than one guy in this locker room that could care less if we're losing or thinks it's OK to make mistakes. I've made a hundred mistakes; I'm not perfect on the football field. But I care; we lose, it hurts. But there are definitely guys that don't care. That's what bugs me." Bulger wouldn't name names, but cleared teammates Steven Jackson, Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce.....

KHOU-TV in Houston is reporting that Bengals rookie WR Reggie McNeal was arrested on Sunday and charged with resisting arrest after pushing an off-duty police officer who denied him access to a downtown Houston club. McNeal is a Texas native who went to Texas A&M.....

The Patriots will not discuss a contract extension with cornerback Assante Samuel until the end of the season, which means he's likely to become an unrestricted free agent. Don't be surprised to see the Jets leap into the bidding in a big way.....


With the wind at his back, a brilliant full moon over the Meadowlands and Parcells' reputation for making magical personnel moves on the line, Gramatica kicked a 46-yard field with 1 second left to give the Dallas Cowboys a 23-20 victory over the New York Giants on Sunday and a comfortable two-game lead in the NFC East with four games left....

The Bears probably would have wound up losing Sunday before the frozen masses at Soldier Field, and then all hell would have broken loose. As it was, they ended up spending the postgame defending themselves after beating up the Vikings 23-13 to capture the NFC North title for the second straight year.....


For a while early yesterday afternoon, it appeared that the old ‘on any given Sunday’ adage would play out in spades. Indeed, both Arizona and Detroit, which entered this week’s play virtually tied for the #1 pick overall at the 2007 draft, held leads on the road deep into their respective games. In the end, the Cardinals were able to prevail over the Rams in St. Louis, however, Detroit despite a game effort in New England lost to the Patriots down the stretch. As a result, the Lions, who dropped to 2-10, would have the first pick were the 2007 draft held today. Oakland, which lost to Houston to also drop to 2-10, moves up to the second pick, while Arizona drops to #3 with Tampa Bay and Green Bay rounding out the top 5 with the 4th and 5th picks respectively. As usual, we’ll have the full, updated selection order for the first round of the upcoming draft after Monday night’s game.....

CFB NEWS AND NOTES


2006-07 Bowl Schedule

http://www.sportsline.com/print/collegefootball/story/9443142


The Cactus Bowl, the annual all-star game for Division II players has been postponed for this year. Organizers, though, hope to resurrect the game in 2008. The Cactus Bowl has been played in Kingsville, Texas over the years… Meanwhile, Florida DT Marcus Thomas will reportedly not be playing his wares for NFL scouts at any of this year’s all-star games. Thomas, who would rate as one of the top 4-5 DTs in the 2007 draft class but was kicked off the team after failing several drug tests. Officials from several bowl games have indicated that a player normally should be in good standing with his college team in order to be allowed to participate in one of this year’s games.....

Brian Kelly accepted the coaching job at Cincinnati on Sunday, three days after he led Central Michigan to the Mid-American Conference championship.....


Ohio State's Jim Tressel did not vote in this week's USA Today coaches' poll to avoid the perception of a conflict of interest, a move the newspaper said could jeopardize his future in the selection process.

BIG SUNDAY

The NFL hits the three-quarter pole of the 2006 season and with just a month to go there is still plenty of sorting out at the top of the 2007 draft board. Some of that sorting out will come later today when Oakland, which would have the 3rd pick overall if the draft were held today, hosts Houston, which would pick 4th. Meanwhile, Detroit and Arizona, which are in a virtual tie for the #1 pick overall will both be on the road today. Cleveland, with the 5th pick overall, on the other hand, will be home to Kansas City. There is one other game involving teams currently sitting on top 10 picks when #6 Tampa Bay travels to Pittsburgh to play the Steelers who would have the 9th pick overall if the draft were held today.....


Injured Louisville RB Michael Bush went through senior day ceremonies with his teammates yesterday prior to the Cardinals’ season-finale against UConn, but reportedly still has not decided whether seek a medical redshirt and try to return to school for another season next fall or enter this year’s NFL draft. Bush had been projected as a potential first-round pick for the 2007 draft but missed all but a few plays this fall when he suffered a broken leg in Louisville’s season opener. The big issue for Bush could be whether he will be healthy enough to participate in this February’s NFL Scouting Combine, however, Bush is still walking with a limp and reportedly won’t be fully recovered until late February or early March. Meanwhile, TV commentators for yesterday’s Louisville win over Cincinnati reported that Cardinals’ junior QB Brian Brohm was saying in pre-game interviews that he was “leaning’ toward returning for his season next fall.....

A brain tumor removed from Washington junior QB Johnny DuRocher this week was benign and he's expected to make a complete recovery. The 6-4, 215-pound DuRocher found out he had a brain tumor after he suffered a concussion early in November Durocher, who only had limited playing time with the Huskies this fall, likely will give up on football, but may try his hand at baseball.....

South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier has almost a half-million more reasons to stay with the Gamecocks. The university's board of trustees on Saturday approved a reworked contract that increases Spurrier's yearly salary to $1.75 million, up from his current package of about $1.25 million. The first coach to lead South Carolina to a bowl in his first two seasons also had his contract extended through the 2012 season.....


Florida Running Back Armando Allen Commits to Notre Dame

The recruiting game is a long and arduous process, but every once in a while there, there's one day of buildup and pure excitement. Earlier this week, we were informed that Armando Allen, a speedy running back from Florida, was going to announce his college decision this Friday. Suffice to say, the message boards and recruiting websites set on fire with rumors and speculation. It appeared that Urban Meyer had the inside track on the kid for his homestate Gators, but Notre Dame had been a strong second all season long. Well, the moment of truth came on Friday morning, and Allen made it official he will be coming to the Golden Dome.....

Gibbs Has Not Made Decision On Kicker

Washington Redskins Coach Joe Gibbs ended practice yesterday without resolving the team's kicking situation, days after signing Shaun Suisham to compete with incumbent place kicker Nick Novak.....

There are player-player issues, notably Warren Sapp pointedly advising Moss to shut up and play. There is player-owner conflict, too, unless you believe Davis is not orchestrating Porter's mysterious disuse. There is player-organization dissension, too, with Porter itching to escape and Moss taking time each week to go on radio and express his desire to get out.....


Nate Clements sure picked a good time to have a great season. With the Buffalo Bills promising not to place the franchise tag on him for a second time, the veteran cornerback is going to be one of the hottest players on the free agent market in the offseason.....


The disguise is where it gets interesting in Jacksonville, as one aspect of sharing time hasn't benefited Taylor. He has been trying to get the Jaguars to restructure his incentive-laden contract, which pays him a base salary of $2,550,000 this season, but the team doesn't seem to have an interest in giving in to Taylor.....