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-- Browns Plan to Interview Tom Heckert --
Wed Jan 7, 2009 --from FFMastermind.com
AP reports their coaching search on hold and seemingly locked on Eric Mangini, the Cleveland Browns plan to interview Philadelphia Eagles GM Tom Heckert for their general manager opening. The meeting between Browns owner Randy Lerner and Heckert, who has been with the Eagles since 2001, has not yet been scheduled. The Eagles are getting ready for Sunday's playoff game against the New York Giants, but it is not known if Lerner will sit down with Heckert before or after the game. Heckert has been the Eagles' general manager since 2006 after originally joining the team as the director of player personnel. In May, he received a contract extension through 2011. Last year, he interviewed for Atlanta's general manager job, a position that went to Thomas Dimitroff.
-- Bears Fire Ryan George --
Wed Jan 7, 2009 --from FFMastermind.com
The Chicago Sun-Times reports the Bears have fired strength and conditioning assistant Ryan George.
-- Seahawks Unlikely to Re-Sign Maurice Morris --
Tue Jan 6, 2009 --from FFMastermind.com
ESPN's Mike Sando reports Seattle Seahawks RB Maurice Morris is eligible for free agency and is not expected to be re-signed by the team. Morris lost his most important supporter when HC Mike Holmgren left the team. Holmgren was general manager when the Seahawks drafted Morris. Holmgren played Morris extensively down the stretch.
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Tue Jan 6, 2009 --from FFMastermind.com
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-- Buccaneers Sign Nine to Futures Contracts --
Tue Jan 6, 2009 --from FFMastermind.com
The Pewter Report reports the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have signed 2007 fourth-round pick DT Dre Moore to a two-year contract and OL Julius Wilson signed a three-year deal. Others who were signed were DB Kyle Arrington, DB Greg Fassitt, DE Louis Holmes, OL Anthony Alabi, PK Shane Andrus, S Jamall Johnson, and TE Jason Pociask. All nine were signed to "future" contracts, meaning that they are signed for the 2009 season even though that season does not officially start until February 27. Only players who were not on any NFL team's active roster when the 2008 season began are eligible for these types of contracts. Players who were on NFL practice squads at the end of the year are eligible to sign with any team.
-- Vikings Sign Five to Reserve/Futures Contracts --
Tue Jan 6, 2009 --from FFMastermind.com
The Star Tribune reports the Minnesota Vikings have signed CB Marcus Walker, S Roderick Rogers, RB Albert Young, WR Jaymar Johnson, and OG Brian Daniels to reserve/futures contracts. All five finished the season on the Vikings practice squad. The only practice squad players who have not signed deals since the season ended are DE Martail Burnett, OT Chris Clark and CB Derrick Roberson.
-- Keith Rivers Undergoes Ankle Surgery --
Tue Jan 6, 2009 --from FFMastermind.com
The Cincinnati Bengals' official website reports Bengals OLB Keith Rivers (broken jaw) had arthroscopic surgery to clean out an ankle. he is expected to be full go when the club's offseason conditioning is expected to begin in late March. Rivers, who missed all but six games with a broken jaw, says he's back to 233 pounds that are not far off his playing weight. He'll be ready in plenty of time for the March workouts and has some incentive.
-- Carson Palmer Rehab Update --
Tue Jan 6, 2009 --from FFMastermind.com
The Cincinnati Bengals' official website reports Bengals QB Carson Palmer (right elbow) is on course to be cleared March 1 without surgery on his throwing elbow while remaining on a pitch count in California. He is expected to be back with the club in late March. The Bengals said Tuesday that the results of Palmer's Dec. 26 MRI continue to show that the small tear in his ulna collateral ligament has healed enough without surgery. HC Marvin Lewis has insisted for the past two months that Palmer would not need surgery and the latest MRI, combined with his late-season practice sessions, and the exams following those workouts have combined to prove him right. Palmer is now rehabbing at his winter home and while there are no restrictions on what kind of passes he can throw, he apparently has a limit on how many in what will now probably be a career-long pitch count when it comes to practice. But all signs look to be go when the Bengals report back to Paul Brown Stadium to start the offseason workouts in late March that includes throwing to receivers before the on-field activities in mid May.
-- Surgery for Two Cowboys --
Tue Jan 6, 2009 --from FFMastermind.com
The Dallas Cowboys official website reports Cowboys CB Terence Newman and WR Patrick Crayton both underwent arthroscopic surgery to repair bone spurs in their ankles today. Team physician Dr. Dan Cooper performed the operations. It was the second surgery for Newman since the season began. He suffered a groin injury in training camp, which ultimately became an abdominal tear that negatively affected his play, and required surgery on Oct. 10. Newman missed the next four games and returned after the team's bye week with his best game of the season in the Nov. 16 win over Washington. Newman, 30, signed a six-year contract extension last summer worth $50.2 millions. He missed six games total, but still led the club with four interceptions, including two in the Dec. 14 win against the Giants. He was also credited with 39 tackles and 13 passes defensed, tied for most on the team. Crayton signed a four-year deal worth upwards of $14 million in Dec. 2007. He was demoted to the third receiver spot after the Cowboys acquired Roy Williams from Detroit, but did not miss a game. He had missed six games with ankle trouble in five years with the Cowboys - five straight in 2005 and one in 2007. Newman's surgery was on his left ankle, while Crayton's was on his right ankle. Both are expected to be fully recovered in time for off-season workouts.
-- Tom Nalen Retiring --
Tue Jan 6, 2009 --from FFMastermind.com
ESPN's Bill Williamson reports Denver Broncos C Tom Nalen, who hiked the ball to Broncos' legendary QB John Elway during the Broncos' two-year Super Bowl championship run and the team's last on-field link to the Super Bowls, is expected to retire, according to three NFL sources. The decision is not official but it is the expected plan of the 37-year-old center. It is believed Nalen has yet to file his retirement papers but has begun the process. The decision doesn't come as a surprise. Nalen hasn't played since October 2007. He spent the past 11 games of that season on injured reserve with a bicep issue. He missed all of 2008 with a knee injury. Nalen has lost several pounds in recent months and sources said he is no longer physically able to play.
-- Bears Fire Lloyd Lee --
Tue Jan 6, 2009 --from FFMastermind.com
ESPN reports the Chicago Bears have fired linebackers coach Lloyd Lee.
-- Broncos HC Interview Update --
Tue Jan 6, 2009 --from FFMastermind.com
AP reports Rick Dennison served 14 seasons as Mike Shanahan's disciple, and now he wants to be his replacement. The Denver Broncos offensive coordinator met with team owner Pat Bowlen on Tuesday after expressing interest in the position following Shanahan's firing last week. Later Tuesday, the Broncos also planned to speak with Dallas Cowboys OC Jason Garrett. DC Leslie Frazier, the defensive coordinator of the Minnesota Vikings, will interview Wednesday.
-- Titans Tuesday Injury Update --
Tue Jan 6, 2009 --from FFMastermind.com
AP reports the Tennessee Titans got Pro Bowl DT Albert Haynesworth and DE Kyle Vanden Bosch back on the practice field Tuesday. The availability of Pro Bowl C Kevin Mawae against Baltimore depends on who is talking. During an interview on Sirius NFL Radio before practice Tuesday, Mawae was asked if he would play Saturday in the AFC divisional playoff game. "No, I'm not going to play this week," Mawae said before trying to soften that answer. "It's still questionable. We're day to day, and hopefully things progress to where I'll be able to play next week. But again, we're day to day right now." Mawae, who earned his seventh Pro Bowl spot in his 15th season, hurt his right elbow on Dec. 21 and missed the regular-season finale in Indianapolis. He has not practiced since. Second-year lineman Leroy Harris started at center in the 23-0 loss to the Colts and has practiced at that spot. Told of Mawae's comment after a practice Mawae watched, Titans coach Jeff Fisher said he still is hoping the veteran can play. "He's day to day, and (we're) evaluating him throughout the week," Fisher said. Fisher promised an official injury report Wednesday.
-- Vincent Jackson Arrested for DUI --
Tue Jan 6, 2009 --from FFMastermind.com
AP reports San Diego Chargers WR Vincent Jackson was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of drunken driving. Jackson failed sobriety tests shortly after 2 a.m. on state Route 52 in San Diego, said California Highway Patrol Officer Ray Scheidnes. He said he didn't know Jackson's blood alcohol level. Jackson was on probation for a previous DUI arrest, Highway Patrol Officer Brad Baehr said. The player was taken to the San Diego County jail and released. GM A.J. Smith said he was aware of Jackson's "off-the-field issue." "Obviously we're disappointed," Smith said. "We take these issues very seriously. Moving forward, we will monitor the situation and have no further comment."
-- No Charges Made in Harrison Gun Case, But... --
Tue Jan 6, 2009 --from FFMastermind.com
AP reports a gun owned by Indianapolis Colts WR Marvin Harrison was used in an April shooting, but investigators still can't determine who pulled the trigger, the city's chief prosecutor said Tuesday. Five of the six bullet casings found at the North Philadelphia shooting scene came from Harrison's weapon, but investigators have conflicting witness accounts of who fired it, Philadelphia District Attorney Lynne Abraham said. No charges have been filed in the April 28 shooting and the investigation remains open.
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Tue Jan 6, 2009 --from FFMastermind.com
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-- Drew Brees AP Offensive Player of the Year --
Tue Jan 6, 2009 --from FFMastermind.com
AP reports New Orleans Saints QB Drew Brees won The Associated Press 2008 NFL Offensive Player of the Year award after nearly setting a passing record for yards. Brees threw for 5,069 yards, 15 fewer than QB Dan Marino's 1984 mark and only the second time someone has eclipsed 5,000 yards passing in a season. "I don't come out from week to week and say I have to throw for 300 (yards)," Brees said. "I don't think about that. It's really about what I can do to help this team win. Certainly in this offense, being the quarterback, you're in the driver's seat. You have the opportunity to control every play and have it in your hands. Every play is about me making good decisions and putting it in a guy's hands who is open or our playmakers working to their strengths. That's my job." San Diego Chargers QB Philip Rivers received six votes, and Carolina Panthers RB DeAngelo Williams (2), Atlanta Falcons RB Michael Turner (1) and Panthers WR Steve Smith (1) also got votes.
-- Giants Injury Update --
Tue Jan 6, 2009 --from FFMastermind.com
The New York Post reports given a week to rest and rehabilitate, it's expected that the Giants will be at full-strength for Sunday's NFC divisional playoff game against the Eagles. Coughlin, though, offered no assurances that two important players, RB Brandon Jacobs (knee) and DT Fred Robbins (shoulder), will be on the field tomorrow for the first practice of the week. "They seem to be doing OK," the Giants coach said yesterday. "Hopefully we can work even if it is in a limited basis. But we will see." There is little doubt both will be available to play in the game. There are physical issues with other players and Coughlin said: "We still have a couple of guys that will be potentially limited or maybe out, depending on what the medical people tell me." That was a far cry from the call-to-arms issued by LB Antonio Pierce. "Come Wednesday I am pretty sure everybody on our team will be able to practice," he said.
-- Eagles Injury Update --
Tue Jan 6, 2009 --from FFMastermind.com
The Philadelphia Daily News reports Eagles HC Andy Reid said the bruised shoulder that knocked FB Dan Klecko out of the Minnesota game is "not quite as bad as what we anticipated . . . we'll just see how he does here over the next couple of days." Reid mentioned that right OT Jon Runyan, whose participation is a given every week, was very sore with the knee injury he has been playing with. Obviously, it's one thing for Runyan to be able to take the field, it's another for him to be effective against an excellent defense. The Eagle who could probably most benefit from a little rest is RB Brian Westbrook. Reid said Westbrook's knee and ankle problems didn't worsen in the wake of the wild-card-round win at Minnesota. "He's doing fine today," Reid said. "The knee is a little sore, but no different than it's been all year." Reserve OL Mike McGlynn, who plays mainly on special teams, tore a hamstring against the Vikings. Reid sure wouldn't mind plugging prodigal guard Shawn Andrews into McGlynn's spot; Andrews was in California yesterday, meeting with Dr. Robert Watkins, the surgeon who operated on his back. Andrews has been rehabbing and might not be far from practicing. DL Victor Abiamiri was to see his doctor about the Lisfranc injury that has kept him out of the last two games, Reid said. Reid seemed to hope Abiamiri might make it back against the Giants.
-- Tedy Bruschi to Return for 2009 --
Tue Jan 6, 2009 --from FFMastermind.com
The Boston Globe reports Patriots LB Tedy Bruschi signed a two-year contract last February, and as long as the Patriots want him back, the inside linebacker intends to honor that contract and return for a 14th season, according to a source with knowledge of Bruschi's thinking. The 35-year-old Bruschi missed the final three games of the 2008 season with an injury to the medial collateral ligament in his left knee. The source said Bruschi will not need surgery on the knee and that if the Patriots had made the playoffs and played a first-round game last week, Bruschi possibly could have suited up. "If they played another week, he might have played," said the source. "If they played longer-term in the postseason, he would have been fine. It was never a surgical issue, just a feeling better and feeling OK issue. He has got no surgeries scheduled. He is feeling good."
-- Maroney to Stick in New England --
Tue Jan 6, 2009 --from FFMastermind.com
The Boston Herald reports the RB Laurence Maroney “debate” isn't really much of one in New England. While the oft-injured back will have a lot to prove in 2009, he's not going anywhere. Maroney signed a very palatable five-year, $8.735 million deal when he was drafted in 2006. He's not making the type of money that would give the Patriots thoughts about cutting him.
-- Tank Johnson & Cowboys Set to Part Ways --
Tue Jan 6, 2009 --from FFMastermind.com
The Dallas Morning News reports Cowboys NT Tank Johnson was talking about becoming a free agent in the late stages of the season and even yelled he was a free agent as he walked into the locker room after the final Eagles loss. Johnson had a fast start in training camp but fizzled out. He failed to beat double-teams on a consistent basis, NT Jay Ratliff did that, and is better suited for a 4-3 scheme.
-- Colts Have Several Issues --
Tue Jan 6, 2009 --from FFMastermind.com
The Tribune-Star reports the Indianapolis Colts will save $7 million under the 2009 salary cap if they release WR Marvin Harrison after the season. His salary cap charge is $13.9 million and he is due $9 million in base salary next year. He has three years remaining on a seven-year, $67-million deal that he signed in 2004. Among the Colts key free agents are C Jeff Saturday, CB Kelvin Hayden, RB Dominic Rhodes, CB Keiwan Ratliff, DT Darrell Reid, DE Josh Thomas and P Hunter Smith. And then there's some tweaking of the team itself. The Colts' running game struggled to get anything going this season. Indianapolis' run defense was inconsistent. Third down was a problem on both sides of the ball, especially in short-yardage situations on offense. Defensively, getting opposing teams off the field on third down was often problematic. But first things first. HC Tony Dungy is expected to take about a week or so before he decides his immediate future. As in past offseasons, he will spend time with his family before announcing his plans. “I have not [made a decision]. I didn't expect to having this press conference [Sunday]. I didn't expect to be thinking about it. But we'll start that process, probably right after we get done with this press conference, and figure out what we're going to do. As soon as we know, we'll let you know,” he said.
-- Raiders HC Search Update --
Tue Jan 6, 2009 --from FFMastermind.com
The San Francisco Chronicle reports Raiders owner Al Davis is pretty quick to fire a head coach. Just ask the past four Raiders head coaches, none of whom reached a third season. Because every yin needs a yang, Davis takes his careful time finding a replacement head coach. Just ask the past four coaches, all of whom waited at least three weeks to get hired. Keep that in mind as the name dropping gets heated this week in the Raiders' latest head-coaching search. Davis might not want the interview process to drag into February, but he isn't about to get in a rush for the sake of rushing. "There's no real timetable, but the feeling is he doesn't want to let it linger," Raiders executive John Herrera said. Falcons wide receivers coach Terry Robiskie is the latest potential candidate making his way around league circles. Davis drafted Robiskie as a running back in 1977 and gave him his first coaching job in 1982. Robiskie climbed from assistant running backs coach to offensive coordinator before leaving after 12 seasons. His departure from the organization in 1994 did not necessarily go over well with Davis, which makes any return to the fold an interesting notion at best. A team official said the Raiders have not been in contact with Robiskie. Davis had a 90-minute conversation with Giants OC Kevin Gilbride on Saturday, though Raiders officials said it was not an interview. Other persons of interest are Stanford HC Jim Harbaugh and Raiders advance scout Paul Hackett, according to multiple team sources. Stuck in the limbo of all this is interim HC Tom Cable and most his coaching staff. Wide-receivers coach James Lofton is the only one under contract next season. All the others, including the three coordinators, are out of a contract after Jan. 13.
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Mon Jan 5, 2009 --from FFMastermind.com
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-- Broncos Interview Raheem Morris --
Mon Jan 5, 2009 --from FFMastermind.com
AP reports Raheem Morris' interviewing skills could make his promotion to defensive coordinator in Tampa Bay a moot point. The Buccaneers' 32-year-old secondary coach and defensive whiz moved up his interview 48 hours and met with the Denver Broncos about their coaching vacancy Monday. He's the third candidate to speak with Broncos owner Pat Bowlen, who stunned the NFL last week by firing HC Mike Shanahan after 14 seasons.
-- Mangini Lining Up Coaches for Browns Job --
Mon Jan 5, 2009 --from FFMastermind.com
ESPN's John Clayton reports former Jets HC Eric Mangini apparently feels good about his chances for being the next coach of the Browns. He is calling assistant coaching candidates trying to line them up for spots with Cleveland. There is no question Mangini is the leading candidate for the job.
-- Edwards Getting Multiple Opinions on Shoulder Injury --
Mon Jan 5, 2009 --from FFMastermind.com
ESPN's John Clayton reports Buffalo Bills QB Trent Edwards is getting second and third opinions on a shoulder injury to see whether he needs postseason surgery. Although the shoulder problem isn't considered serious, Edwards is just trying to make sure the shoulder isn't developing a problem that will affect him in 2009. He should know by next week whether he will need an operation.
-- No IR for L.T., But... --
Mon Jan 5, 2009 --from FFMastermind.com
ESPN's John Clayton reports all indications are San Diego Chargers RB LaDainian Tomlinson (groin) won't dress for Sunday's game against the Steelers, but he would like the team to wait until late in the week to see whether his injury gets better before making a decision. Tomlinson has a groin injury, and the tendon is pulling away from the bone. He probably will need postseason surgery. He might not even be ready for an AFC Championship Game if the Chargers advance. The Chargers don't need the roster space, so there are no plans to put him on the injured reserve list.
-- Dolphins Injury Update --
Mon Jan 5, 2009 --from FFMastermind.com
The Palm Beach Post reports Dolphins OG Justin Smiley (broken right leg, torn ankle ligaments), who sustained career-threatening injuries to his right leg and ankle Nov. 30 at St. Louis, expects to be ready for spring mini-camps. "I feel amazing," said Smiley, who suffered a broken leg and torn ankle ligaments. "Everything is healing up very nicely, and they say I'm well ahead of where most people should be." WR Greg Camarillo (torn left ACL), who tore his left anterior cruciate ligament Nov. 23 against New England, recently traded his crutches for a knee brace. "Everything has progressed as well as you could ask," said Camarillo, who had 55 receptions and wasn't overtaken for the team lead by WR Ted Ginn Jr. until the final game of the regular season. "I feel good; no more pain, I can sleep well, I walk fine. I have nothing but time on my hands to get better." With ACL rehab typically taking 6-8 months, Camarillo said his plan is to be back on the field for the start of training camp in late July. "My goal is to be part of this team from the jump," he said. Rookie OG Donald Thomas (foot), who was put on injured reserve after suffering a foot injury in the season opener, is already close to healthy and is expected to participate in the off-season workout program. "I'll definitely be ready by March," he said. "I'm chomping at the bit. I'll be ready for the first (off-season training sessions) and all that stuff, full go."
-- Tony Dungy Mulling Future --
Mon Jan 5, 2009 --from FFMastermind.com
AP reports Tony Dungy still enjoys the challenge of coaching. He just has to decide whether commuting from Indianapolis to see his wife and children in Florida is worth it. Dungy will spend this week contemplating his future as coach of the Colts, continuing his annual ritual of heading home to Tampa, Fla., to determine whether he can adequately balance football life with family life. A decision isn't expected to be announced publicly until next week. "There are family issues and other things you'd like to do," Dungy said Sunday. "But the bottom line is we have a fun team to coach. We have some great players, we have a team I know can win, and I still enjoy it. So we'll try to balance those two and see what happens."
-- Boldin Injury Update --
Mon Jan 5, 2009 --from FFMastermind.com
The Arizona Republic reports Cardinals WR Anquan Boldin has a strained left hamstring, HC Ken Whisenhunt said, and the Cardinals won't know until later in the week the extent of the injury. The good news is the hamstring isn't torn. The bad news is, well, it's a hamstring, and that injury is unpredictable. Whisenhunt acknowledged that the injury likely was a result of Boldin being out two weeks with a shoulder injury. That made it hard for Boldin to run full speed at all times in practices, so when he opened up on the 71-yard TD last week, the hamstring suffered.
-- Vikings Injury Update --
Mon Jan 5, 2009 --from FFMastermind.com
The Star Tribune reports Vikings S Darren Sharper said he suffered a high ankle sprain and probably would have missed at least one more game if the Vikings had won on Sunday. Sharper is a free agent and reiterated that he wants to return to Minnesota next season. OT Artis Hicks confirmed that he had a torn triceps and will have surgery later this week. It will take several months to rehab but he expects to be ready for minicamps. Hicks first suffered the injury in the season opener and then made it worse against Jacksonville. He said he has not been able to lift weights since the first week and basically played with one arm against Detroit. DT Pat Williams said he was 80 percent yesterday but Childress decided not to play him. Williams said he has a few more weeks of rehab but he plans on playing in the Pro Bowl. Special teams ace LB Heath Farwell said his rehab from knee surgery is ahead of schedule and said he should be back full speed by March. Farwell is a free agent but he said the team has told him they want him to return. Given the way the Vikings special teams played this season, it seems like a no-brainer that they will re-sign Farwell. DE Ray Edwards said he does not need surgery on his injured left knee. He described it as a sprain.
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Mon Jan 5, 2009 --from FFMastermind.com
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-- Eagles Injury Update --
Mon Jan 5, 2009 --from FFMastermind.com
The Philadelphia Eagles official website reports Eagles HC Andy Reid updated the status of OG Shawn Andrews, saying that Andrews is flying out to see his specialist in Marina Del Rey, Ca., Monday for a check-up on his surgically-repaired back. Reid would not offer any specifics, but did say there was a chance Andrews could return to practice as soon as this week. "We'll see what the doctor says," Reid said. "If he O.K.'s it, then we would allow him to get back out and start practicing. He's been doing a lot of cardio work, so that part of being in shape won't be a problem. The actual football shape, we'd have to let him kind of start off slow and get back in the swing of it." Reid insists that “it's no different than it has been all year,” but noted RB Brian Westbrook is battling a sore knee and will be limited in practice this week. That's just one of many injuries the Eagles are battling, at the same time the Giants are starting to get healthy thanks to their bye week. The Eagles also have issues with OT Jon Runyan (knee sprain), CB Asante Samuel (hip) and several others.
-- Big Ben Will Play --
Mon Jan 5, 2009 --from FFMastermind.com
The Post Gazette reports Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger said today he passed his final post-concussion test and will play on Sunday when the Steelers open the playoffs against the San Diego Chargers at Heinz Field. Roethlisberger left the Steelers final regular-season game on Dec. 28 with a concussion just before halftime. Roethlisberger is taking the field this afternoon to practice for the first time since his injury. He said he's taken several tests over the past week, that he feels fine and will take no further precautions.
-- Ravens Injury Update --
Mon Jan 5, 2009 --from FFMastermind.com
The Carroll County Times reports Ravens CB Samari Rolle left the game Sunday in the first half with cramps, but returned after receiving an IV. The Ravens reported no new injuries, but S Ed Reed seemed to be favoring his leg during the game.
-- Titans Injury Update --
Mon Jan 5, 2009 --from FFMastermind.com
The Nashville City Paper reports Titans HC Jeff Fisher said during an interview with the CBS studio analysts at halftime of the Baltimore-Miami game that C Kevin Mawae would be day to day this week and might not play against the Ravens. Mawae suffered an elbow injury in the fourth quarter of the Titans win over Pittsburgh on Dec. 21. He added that he expects DE Kyle Vanden Bosch (groin) and DT Albert Haynesworth (knee) to practice this week and play on Saturday.
-- Vikings Won't Fire Brad Childress --
Mon Jan 5, 2009 --from FFMastermind.com
The Star Tribune reports the Vikings' 2008 season ended Sunday when they lost in the first round of the playoffs 26-14 to the Eagles, a better football team. Some fans might be unhappy with the way the season ended, but Mark Wilf, co-owner and president of the Vikings, made it clear after the game that there will be no changes regarding HC Brad Childress. "We have a great team, we have a lot to be proud of this year and there's something to build on for next year," Wilf said. "But it's obviously very disappointing, and we'll move on." Asked whether Childress and his staff will be back, Wilf, the younger brother of owner and chairman Zygi Wilf, replied, "Absolutely."
-- Chargers Injury Update - L.T. Not Expected to Play --
Mon Jan 5, 2009 --from FFMastermind.com
The San Diego Union-Tribune reports while they're using phrases like day to day” and “we'll see,” no one in the Chargers organization truly expects RB LaDainian Tomlinson (groin) to play Sunday at Pittsburgh. But the Chargers will not place Tomlinson on injured reserve, in the hope that he still could play in the postseason. “He might be able to play in another week if we were able to go on,” HC Norv Turner said. “Or maybe he could play in another week after that.” The likelihood, according to sources, is that Tomlinson's severely strained groin will keep him out the rest of the postseason and will require surgery. But Turner reported Sunday that the injury “is not any worse” after Tomlinson played on it Saturday. RB Michael Bennett, who was active for the first time Saturday after being acquired on waivers on Nov. 12, carried four times for 24 yards against the Indianapolis Colts and likely will get more work in Pittsburgh. LB Antwan Applewhite (lower back), C Nick Hardwick (shoulder) and TE Antonio Gates (ankle) likely will be limited this week but are expected to play. LB Brandon Siler (foot) is expected to return this week. PK Nate Kaeding (groin) also is expected to be fine.
-- Pennington to Start for Dolphins in 2009 --
Mon Jan 5, 2009 --from FFMastermind.com
SI.com reports Miami Dolphins HC Tony Sparano said QB Chad Pennington, who had a nightmarish four-interception game in the Dolphins 27-9 loss to Baltimore Sunday, is his starter for 2009. Pennington is Miami's quarterback of the near future, and there won't be a quarterback competition with QB Chad Henne in training camp next summer.
-- Broncos to Interview Jason Garrett Tuesday --
Mon Jan 5, 2009 --from FFMastermind.com
The Denver Rocky Mountain News reports Dallas Cowboys OC Jason Garrett will interview Tuesday in Denver. At $3 million a year, Garrett is believed to be the highest-paid assistant coach in the league and had been in the plans to be the next head coach in Dallas at some point. But several personnel executives in the league said Sunday that their belief is Cowboys owner Jerry Jones will pursue former Broncos HC Mike Shanahan to be the team's head coach either for 2009 or 2010.
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Mon Jan 5, 2009 --from FFMastermind.com
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-- Packers Fire Six Coaches --
Mon Jan 5, 2009 --from FFMastermind.com
AP reports the Green Bay Packers have cleaned house, releasing DC Bob Sanders (noted earlier) and five other assistant coaches. Also let go Monday were: defensive ends coach Carl Hairston, defensive tackles coach Robert Nunn, secondary coach Kurt Schottenheimer, nickel package/cornerbacks coach Lionel Washington and strength and conditioning coordinator Rock Gullickson. Linebackers coach Winston Moss is the only major defensive coach to keep his job.
-- James Harrison Wins AP Defensive Player of the Year --
Mon Jan 5, 2009 --from FFMastermind.com
Pittsburgh Steelers LB James Harrison, the best player on the NFL's best defense, has won The Associated Press 2008 Defensive Player of the Year award. The linebacker who had a career-high 16 sacks, setting a team record, and led the NFL with a career-high seven forced fumbles, beat Dallas Cowboys DE DeMarcus Ware in balloting by a nationwide panel of 50 sports writers and broadcasters announced Monday. Pittsburgh's latest version of the Steel Curtain was the league's stingiest in total defense, pass defense and points allowed. Harrison earned 22 votes to 13 for Ware.
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