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Fantasy Index Newsblast

New York Giants RB Ahmad Bradshaw sat out Friday's practice because his right foot was "a little sore," according to coach Tom Coughlin. Bradshaw is dealing with a stress fracture in the foot, but Coughlin said Bradshaw will be listed as probable for Sunday's game. Source: NFL.com.

New England TE Rob Gronkowski was listed as questionable Friday for Sunday's Super Bowl. Gronkowski participated in the Patriots' hour-long walkthrough and appeared not to limp at all. Coach Bill Belichick said he's hopeful that Gronkowski will play, and that his TE is still making progress in his recovery from a high-ankle sprain. Source: New Jersey Star-Ledger.

The agent for Indianapolis QB Peyton Manning said Friday his client isgoing to play football again, but there's not timetable for his return. Manning has been throwing and was cleared by his doctors to play football earlier this week. Manning had neck-fusion surgery, but the nerve that was damaged hasn't fully regenerated, which affects the strength in his triceps muscle. Source: Indianapolis Star.

Kansas City is interested in Brian Daboli to become its next offensive coordinator according to a report Friday. Daboli, most recently the OC for Miami, is expected to be a top candidate, but Kansas City is also said to be looking at Jim Zorn and Al Saunders. Source: NFL.com.

Atlanta TE Tony Gonzalez will probably retire after the 2012 season he said Thursday. Gonzalez, who signed a one-year ontract in January, noted he said he'd only play one more year in each of the last two seasons, but added, "I really do believe this is it." Gonzalez own the NFL record for most games played by a TE. Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

New England practiced taking the lengthy 31-minute break they'll experience at the Super Bowl during halftime, according to a report Thursday. No team has ever done this before, but the Patriots practiced for an hour, then retreated to the locker room for a half-hour. Source: espn.com.

Indianapolis GM Ryan Grigson said Thursday that he's had a conversation with maybe-he'll-stay, maybe-he-won't QB Peyton Manning. A few weeks back, Grigson said he hadn't talked with Manning, but added Thursday that any decision on whether the Colts will keep Manning on the roster is in a "holding pattern." Source: NFL.com.

New Orleans has hired Ken Flajole as its new secondary coach according to a report Thursday. Flajole was most recently the defensive coordinator for St. Louis, and now re-joins former Rams head coach Steve Spagnuolo, who was just hired to be the Saints' DC. Source: New Orleans Times-Picayune.

Buffalo has agreed to make Pete Metzelaars their TE coach according to a report Thursday. Metzelaars, who has been the OL coach in Indianapolis the last two years, starred as a TE for the Bills from 1985 through 1994. Source: Buffalo News.

Indianapolis owner Jim Irsay said Wednesday no decision on whether to keep or release QB Peyton Manning until March. The Colts owners and Manning are scheduled to meet next week to discuss the QB's progress in recovering from his latest neck surgery. Manning is due a $28 million bonus if he's on the roster March 8. Source: Indianapolis Star.

Baltimore owner Stephen Biscotti said Wednesday the Ravens are determined to re-sign RB Ray Rice, who is slated to become a free agent this offseason. Biscotti said the team will use its franchise tag on Rice if necessary, though GM Ozzie Newsome has said he'd rather sign a deal with Rice before it gets to that point. Source: NFL.com.

Indianapolis WR Reggie Wayne, whose contract is expiring, said Wednesday he's open to returning to the Colts whether QB Peyton Manning comes back or not. Wayne said he wouldn't mind being part of a rebuilding project, and noted his college connection with new head coach Chuck Pagano. Source: espn.com.

New York Jets LB Jamaal Westerman has had offseason groin surgery according to a report Wednesday. Wasterman had been nagged by the injury since training camp, but recently learned in fact his groin muscle was torn despite playing in all 16 games. The LB is set to be a restricted free agent. Source: New Jersey Star-Ledger.

Kansas City coach Bill Muir told the team he plans to retire according to a report Wednesday. Muir was to be replaced as offensive coordinator in 2012, but had been asked to return as offensive line coach. Source: Kansas City Star.

Dallas has denied permission for Oakland to interview special teams coordinator Joe DeCamillis for the Raiders' offensive coordinator position according to a report Wednesday. DeCamillis was also a candidate for Jacksonville's head coaching job until the Jaguars decided to go with an offense-minded coach. Source: Dallas Morning News.

Indianapolis QB Peyton Manning said Tuesday his road back from neck surgery is on schedule and he doesn't plan on retiring. Of his rehab, Manning said, "I realy feel good. I continue to make progress every day." Source: Various news sources.

New England TE Rob Gronkowski, who has yet to practice since suffering a high ankle sprain in the AFC championship game, said Tuesday he's out of his protective boot for good. Gronkowski said the trend is good, but he doesn't know when he'll practice or even whether he'll be cleared to play. Source: Boston Herald.

Cleveland is considering re-signing RB Peyton Hillis who is set to become an unrestricted free agent in March, according to a report Tuesday. Hillis landed in the doghouse with staff and teammates after agitating for a new contract then getting sidelined by injuries and illness. Source: NFL.com.

Houston head coach Gary Kubiak confirmed Tuedsay that the Texans' erstwhile QB coach, Greg Knapp, has been hired to be Oakland's new offensive coordinator. Knapp has worked as an OC before, including a stint with the Raiders, and has worked before with new Raiders head coach Denis Allen. Source: Houston Chronicle.

Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin met with ex-Kansas City coach Todd Haley Tuesday about the Steelers' offensive coordinator opening. Haley would replace Bruce Arians, who took the same job with Indianapolis. Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

New England TE Rob Gronkowski missed another practice Monday as he nurses a high ankle sprain he suffered in the AFC title game. According to some reports, Gronkowski may not practice all week, but is still expected to play in Sunday's Super Bowl. Source: NFL.com.

New York Giants RB Ahmad Bradshaw said Monday he doesn't plan to have surgery during the offseason to repair the cracked bone in his right foot. Bradshaw said he's prepared to play through pain for the rest of his career as he has through the Giants' past eight games. Bradshaw suffered similar injuries in each foot in 2009. Source: NFL.com.

New England WR Wes Welker wants to return to the Patriots for the 2012 season according to a report Monday. Welker's five-year contract expires after the Super Bowl, but the receiver says for the time being he's concentrating on the upcoming game. Source: NFL.com.

St. Louis had interviews with two candidates for its vacant GM position. The Rams met with New York Jets VP for college scouting Joey Clinkscales and Minnesota director of player personnel George Paton. St. Louis paused its search for two weeks after hiring new head coach Jeff Fisher, who will be involved in the process of hiring a new GM. Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Buffalo coach Chan Gailey said Monday that the Bills are planning on using a 4-3 defense for the 2012 season. The Bills started the 2011 season employing a 3-4 scheme, but due to injuries and personnel switched to a 4-3 in Week 8. Source: Buff.

Former Indianapolis head coach Jim Caldwell has been hired as Baltimore's new QB coach, the Ravens announced Monday. Caldwell had served as QB coach to Peyton Manning and the Colts from 2002 to 2008. Source: Baltimore Sun.

New York Giants RB Ahmad Bradshaw was back at practice Friday as has been his pattern since being diagnosed with a stress fracture in his foot, practicing one day a week. Meanwhile, WR Hakeem Nicks sat out Friday with a sprained AC joint in his shoulder, but said he expects to practice next week in advance of the February 5 Super Bowl. Source: NFL.com.

New England TE Rob Gronkowksi missed a second straight day of practice Friday with what some reports say is a high ankle sprain. Gronkowski's father told a reporter his son will be ready to play in the Super Bowl on February 5. Source: Various news sources.

Oakland made it official Friday, announcing Dennis Allen as their new head coach. Denver, Allen's former employer, had already acknowledged that he would be leaving. Allen reportedly has a four-year contract as he replaces one-year coach Hue Jackson. Source: Oakland Tribune.

Cleveland announced Friday that former Minnesota head coach Brad Childress has been hired as the Browns' new offensive coordinator. Reports had the Browns' two finalists as Childress and Mike Sherman, with Sherman now expected to become the offensive coordinator at Miami. Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer.

Pittsburgh NT Casey Hampton said Friday he will have surgery to repair a torn ACL in his left knee. Hampton, 35, has said he wants to play in 2012, but the lengthy rehab and his $4.89 million salary (and $8 million cap hit in a year the Steelers at present are $25 million over) may end his time with Pittsburgh. In favor of his return: Hampton's main backup Chris Hoke retired earlier this week. Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Jacksonville LB Paul Posluszny underwent surgery earlier this month to repair a partially torn labrum according to a report Friday. No timetable has been set yet for return, but its expected that the procedure will keep him sidelined until the start of training camp but allowing him to return for the full 2012 season. Source: Florida Times-Union.

Arizona RB Beanie Wells was at the Cardinals' training facility Friday to start the rehab on his knee. Wells had his knee scoped earlier this week, described as a "simple clean-up." Source: Arizona Republic.

Baltimore announced Friday that LB coach Dean Pees is being promoted to defensive coordinator, while offensive coordinator Cam Cameron is being brought back for the 2012 season. Pees takes the place of Chuck Pagano, who left to become the new head coach at Indianapolis. Source: Baltimore Sun.

New York Giants TE Jake Ballard missed practice Friday after having what was described as a minor procedure to his knee. Ballard said it wasn't a surgical procedure, and he expect to play in Sunday's NFC championship game. Source: New Jersey Star-Ledger.

Pittsburgh offensive coordinator Bruce Arians is retiring, the Steelers announced Friday. The contract of Arians, who was with the Steelers since 2007, expired at the end of this past season. Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Recently fired St. Louis head coach Steve Spagnuolo has been hired as New Orleans' defensive coordinator according to various reports Friday. Before leading the Rams, Spagnuolo was the DC with the New York Giants. The man he replaces, Gregg Williams, has joined the staff of the Rams' new head coach, Jeff FIsher. Source: Various news sources.

Indianapolis owner Jim Irsay has said the Colts will use the No.1 overall pick on a QB regardless of Peyton Manning's status according to a report Friday. Irsay said Stanford's Andrew Luck and Baylor's Robert Griffin III are "at the top of the draft... where we're at moving forward, you can't pass that [picking one of them] up." Source: Indianapolis Star.

Green Bay signed QB Nick Hall on Friday as a backup to Aaron Rodgers. The Packers expect to lose Matt Flynn to free agency, leaving only backup Graham Harrell. Source: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.

New York GIants Eli Manning was back at practice Thursday after being sent home Wednesday with what was described as a "stomach bug." Meanwhile, RB Ahmad Bradshaw, who has been nursing a chronic foot injury, hasn't practiced all week, but is expected to be back Friday. Source: New Jersey Star-Ledger.

New England QB Tom Brady returned to practice Thursday after sitting out Wednesday. Brady has an injured left (non-throwing) shoulder. Brady is expected to play in this weekend's AFC championship game against Baltimore. Source: Associated Press.

San Francisco TE Delanie Walker was catching passes in practices and says he feels good, increasing his chances of playing in Sunday's NFC championship game according to a report Thursday. Walker broke his jaw in two places December 24 and just started eating solid food again this week. Source: San Francisco Chronicle.

New St. Louis coach Jeff FIsher has interviewed recently fired Oakland head coach Hue Jackson for the Rams' offensve coordinator job, according to a report Thursday. Jackson served in the same job for the Raiders in 2010 before being promoted to head coach. Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Chicago RB Matt Forte has said "people probably know where I was" if the Bears put their franchise tag on him according to a report published Thursday. Forte said he wouldn't rebel if the tag were used to negotiate another deal rather than just keep him for another year. Source: NFL.com.

New York Jets owner Woody Johnson said Thursday that locker room poison (not his words) WR Santonio Holmes will be back next season, saying he thought the relationship betwen Holmes and QB Mark Sanchez could be repaired. Johnson also said he has confidence, but would "look at everything" if QB Peyton Manning was available and healthy. Manning could be released by Indianapolis if the Colts decide not to give the QB a $28 million roster bonus due him this spring. Source: New Jersey Star-Ledger.

Cincinnati WR Jerome Simpson was indicted on Thursday for trafficking in marijuana. Simpson is scheduled to appear in court January 30 after a 2.5-lb. package of weed was delivered to his house September 19, which lead to 6 more lbs. being found in Simpson's house. Source: Cincinnati Enquirer.

Chicago announced Thursday that RB Matt Forte is healthy enough to play in the Pro Bowl January 29. Forte sprained his MCL December 4 at a time he was leading the league in total yards from scrimmage, and averaged 4.9 yards per carry. This is the first time Forte ha been selected. Source: Chicago Tribune.

New York Giants QB Eli Manning left practice early Wednesday with what was described as a "stomach bug." Manning hasn't missed practice all season, but coach Tom Coughlin said he hopes to have the QB back Thursday as the Giants prepare to face San Francisco in the NFC championship game. Source: New Jersey Star-Ledger.

New England TE Aaron Hernandez said Wedhesday he feels "great" and is ready to play after leaving last Sunday's game in the fourth quarter with a head injury. Hernandez had 116 total yards against Denver, with 4 REC for 55 yards and a TD and adding on 5 rushes for 61 yards. Source: NFL.com.

Oakland is planning to interview Philadelphia offensive coordinator Marty Morhineg and Chicago offensive coordinator Mike Tice for its head coach vancancy according to a report Wednesday. Both have previous experience as head coaches. Source: Oakland Tribune.

Indianapolis C Jeff Saturday has said he's considering retirement according to a report published Wednesday. Saturday said the decision will be based on his family rather than the recent purge of the Colts' front office and coaching staff. Source: Indianapolis Star.

Tennessee announced Wednesday that it was promoting GM Mike Reinfeldt to COO and naming Titans VP of player personnel Ruston Webster as the new GM. Both had been mentioned recently in connection with open GM job around the league. Source: Nashville Tennesseean.

Miami was meeting with Green Bay offensive coordinator Joe Philbin Wednesday as the Dolphins prepare to vchoose among three finalists for its head coaching job. In addition to Philbin, Miami will interview Denver OC Mike McCoy and Dolphins interim head coach Todd Bowles. The Dolphins are expected to make a quick decision, since its candidates are being sought after for other coaching positions. Source: Miami Herald.

Minnesota is expected to offer its defensive coordinator job to Indianapolis DB cvoach Alan Williams according to a report Wednesday. Williams' boss with the Colts, head coach Jim Caldwell, was fired Tuesday, making it more likely Williams will take the position, having worked with Vikings head coach Leslie Frazier previously. Source: Minneapolis Star-Tribune.

Newly hired Atlanta defensive coordinator MIke Nolan said Wednesday he plans to stick with the Falcons' 4-3 defense despite using a 3-4 scheme most recently. Nolan said he believes in suiting the scheme to the players, not vice versa, and that half his years in the NFL have involved employing a 4-3 defense. Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Indianapolis finally dropped the other shoe Tuesday and fired head coach Caldwell was on thin ice after the Colts fired vice chairman Bill Polian and VP/Chris Polian the day after the season ended. Caldwell was 24-8 as the Colts coach until the 2011 season, when they went 2-14 without QB Peyton Manning. No word yet on whether Caldwell's coaching staff will be back, but if Indianapolis decides to pay Manning's $28 option bonus in March and bring him back for the 2012 season, odds are they will keep offensive coordinator Clyde Christensen rather than force Manning to learn a new system. Source: Indianapolis Star.

Tampa Bay has schedule interviews with Green Bay assistants Joe Philbin and Tom Clements for its head coaching job according to a report Tuesday. Reportedly the Buccaneers want to finish their first-round interviews this week and pick a new head coach next week after second interviews. Source: NFL.com.

Chicago interviewd San Diego director of player personnel Jimmy Raye III on Tuesday for its GM vacancy. Raye would replace Jerry Angelo, who was fired in early January. New England director of player personnel Jason Licht was the first candidate interview, meeting with Bears officials on Monday. Source: Chicago Tribune.

Chicago re-signed special teams coordinator Dave Toub to a two-year deal Tuesday. Toub, who has served with head coach Lovie Smith since 2004, was told recently he was out of the running for the head coaching job in Miami. Source: Chicago Tribune.

Atlanta hired MIke Nolan, a former disciple of Dan Reeves in Denver, as their defensive coordinator Tuesday. Nolan is expected to blend his 3-4 philosophy with head coach Mike Smith's commitment to a 4-3 defense. Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Arizona offensive line coach Russ Grimm is staying with the Cardinals though his contract has expired according to a report Tuesday. Reportedly several teams were interested in hiring him, but Grimm, an assistant head coach, has a close relationship with head coach Ken Whisenhunt. Source: NFL.com.

We figured the bigger degenerates among you might like to know the gametime weather conditions for this weekend's playoff games. Looks like Mother Nature's role will be minimal on Saturday. The Saints and 49ers should see clear skies and afternoon temperatures in the mid-sixties. Later in the day in Foxboro, MA, the Broncos and Patriots will play in subfreezing temperatures (twenties at kickoff time, teens thereafter) but with no apparent chance of snow. Source: Weather.com.

Looks like Sunday's visiting teams (especially the Giants) may catch a break: both Baltimore and Green Bay figure to be cold all day, but neither should see much if any snow during the respective Texans-Ravens and Giants-Packers games. Source: Weather.com.

If injuries play a role in Sunday's Giants-Packers rematch, it will be because players get hurt during the game. Each team will most likely be missing a linebacker (Mark Herzlich is out for the G-Men, Rob Francois doubtful for the Pack), but otherwise both rosters appear fully healthy. Even Green Bay WR Greg Jennings, who missed several late-season games with a knee injury, practiced in full on Friday and is listed as probable. Source: various.

No major injury worries for Baltimore, which will enter Sunday's game vs. Houston at or near full strength. Source: Baltimore Sun.

Lots of names (eighteen in all) on Houston's injury report for Sunday's game at Baltimore, but every one of them is listed as probable. If not for season-ending injuries to QB Matt Schaub and OLB Mario Williams, that is to say, the Texans would be healthy. Source: Houston Chronicle.

San Francisco's return to the playoffs will come in favorable conditions on Saturday: at home, in good weather and in good health. Only five names appear on the 49ers' injury report, and the biggest of those (at least for fantasy purposes) is that of special teams contributor Ted Ginn, who's questionable with an ankle injury but was able to practice on a limited basis late in the week. Source: San Jose Mercury News.

New Orleans WR Lance Moore will miss another game Saturday with his hamstring injury, but that's probably worse news for Moore personally than for the Saints. He's a good player, but the roster is stacked with good-to-great receiving options; the offense looked just fine without him a week ago. Source: New Orleans Times-Picayune.

If consistency is one key to success in the NFL playoffs, New England looks good for Saturday; the Patriots' first postseason injury report is every bit as ridiculous as their typical regular season injury report. Thirteen players are listed as questionable, and all we can say about most of them is that they either will play against the Broncos or they won't. By far the biggest name on the list in fantasy terms is that of WR Wes Welker (knee), but he seems OK for a couple of reasons. One, he was able to practice (albeit on a limited basis) late in the week. Two, the top "news" stories mentioning Welker at the moment relate to his use of Twitter to collect pictures of fans' playoff mustaches. Questionable in one sense, sure, but we think he'll play. Source: Boston Herald.

Broncos WR Eric Decker (knee) will miss Saturday's game at New England, and it sure looks like S Brian Dawkins (neck) will, too. Dawkins is officially listed as doubtful and might be the bigger absence against the high-flying Patriots; Decker has lost his role as Denver's top receiving option to the explosive Demaryius Thomas. Also for the Broncos, long snapper Lonie Paxton was excused from the team this week to tend to a "personal family matter," and while he has now been replaced by David Binn, the on-the-fly transition might lead to a miscue or two in Foxboro. Source: Denver Post.

St. Louis got the rose Friday when Jeff Fisher chose to coach the Rams over the Miami Dolphins. A contract hasn't been finalized yet, but Fisher's agent told Miami of his client's decision when they pressed for an answer, and the Dolphins then leaked the news to the press. Fisher said Friday he thinks the Rams are the best fit for him, though reportedly Miami had offered more money. Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

New York GIants RB Ahmad Bradshaw practiced Friday for the first time this week in advance of Sunday's playoff against Green Bay. Bradshaw had been sidelined by a sore back in addition to a still-healing stress fracture in his foot. Source: Various news sources.

Green Bay officials announced Friday that LT Chad Clifton (hamstring, back)and RT Bryan Bulaga (knee) are both probable for Sunday's playoff game against the New York Giants. Clifton has been out since October 9, while Bulaga went down December 18. Source: New Jersey Star-Ledger.

Denver has ruled out WR Eric Decker from Saturday's playoff game due to a knee injury. S Brian Dawkins (neck) has officially been listed as doubtful, but likely will sit. Meanwahile, Broncos long snapper has been ruled out due to (excused) personal reason. His normal backup, G Chris Kuper, is on IR with a fractured leg, meaning the job will probably fall to Russ Hochstein, who has served as a G, C, FB and TE in his career. Source: Various news sources.

New England has listed S Patrick Chung as questionable for Saturday's playoff game against Denver. Chung has had several foot problems, but this time has been limited due to a knee issue. WR Wes Welker has also been listed as questionable due to knee problems. Source: NFL.com.

New Orleans LB Jonathan Vilma was a limited participant in practice Friday after missing the day before with a knee injury. Friday's practice was a walk-through in advance of Saturday's playoff game. Vilma, who's been limited by various injuries during the season, played in last week's playoff game but missed the season finale. Source: NFL.com.

Tampa Bay has scheduled interviews with two coordinators for its head coaching position according to reports Friday. The Buccaneers have been granted permission to talk with Cincinnati defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer and Carolina offensive coordinator Houston DC Wade Phillips, who was already interviewed, has taken his name out of consideration. Source: Tampa Tribune.

Alabama RB Trent Richardson, CB Dre Kirkpatrick and LB Dont'a Hightower will all be declaring eligible for the NFL draft according to reports Thursday. Richardson, who won the Doak Walker award as college football's best RB, and Kirkpatrick are considered top-10 selections, while Hightower is projected to be a potential first-round pick. Source: NFL.com.

LSU CB Morris Claiborne announced Thursday he is leaving school early for the NFL draft. Claiborne won the Jim Thorpe award as college football's top DB, and had six INTs last season, including one for a TD. Source: Associated Press.

Oakland has scheduled a job interview with Todd Bowles for its head coaching vacancy according to a report Thursday. Bowles, who took over as interim coach for Miami at the end of the season, has already interviewed to take the Dolphins' job permanently. Source: Oakland Tribune.

St. Louis, waiting to see whether top choice Jeff Fisher will join the Rams or go with Miami, has scheduled an interview with Denver defensive coordinator Dennis Allen according to a report Thursday. Source: espn.com.

Pittsburgh defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau will be back for another season according to a report Thursday. LeBeau, 74, helped install the Steelers' current defense when he started in 1992, and came back to the team to be DC in 2004. Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Detroit GM Martin Mayhew said Thursday he's working on contract extensions for head coach Jim Schwartz and WR Calvin Johnson, both of whose contracts expire at the end of 2012. Mayhew announced that the contracts of the three main coordinators -- OC Scott Linehan, DC Gunther Cunningham and special teams coordinator Danny Crossman -- have already been extended. Source: Detroit News.

Kansas City head coach said Thursday he plans to keep his defensive play-calling duties as he starts next season. Crennel, who was named interim head coach with three games left, said, "The last three games I remained the defensive coordinator and... it worked out pretty well." Crennel added the team will likely look to hire an offensive coordinator from outside the organization. Source: Kansas City Star.

Dallas QB Jon Kitna has told the Cowboys he intends to retire according to a report Thursday. The 39-year-old veteran was placed on IR last month with a lingering back injury. Source: Dallas Morning News.

Washington announced Thursday they have hired ex-Tampa Bay head coach Raheem Morris to serve as as DB coach. Morris, who also worked as the Buccaneers defensive coordinator, said he will be allowed to interview for coordinator jobs following the coming season. Source: Tampa Tribune.

Baylor QB and Heisman winner Robert Griffin III has told his coach he has decided to declare for the 2012 NFL draft according to a report Tuesday. Griffin is reportedly searching for an agent and may decide on one by Tuesday night. Griffin has more college eligibility but earned a degree in political science in three years at Baylor. Source: espn.com.

Oakland fired head coach Hue Jackson after one year on the job following a 8-8 record. Jackson, who was fired by GM Reggie McKenzie (just hired last week), said McKenzie plans to "gut" the staff and that no job is safe. Jackson's job was put in jeopardy by the Raiders 1-4 finish following a 7-4 start and a questionable trade for QB Carson Palmer. Source: Various news sources.

Denver put FB Spencer Larsen on IR Tuesday after Laresen sprained his knee two weeks. Laresen's roster spot was filled by WR D/Andre Goodwin, who was promoted from the practice squad with an injury threatening to keep WR Eric Decker out of Sunday's playoff game against New England. Source: Denver Post.

Cincinnati offensive coordinator Jay Gruden will pass on head coaching jobs this offseason and stay with the Bengals to work with rookie QB Andy Dalton. Gruden's name had come up in several coach searches, most recently for the St. Louis job. Source: Various news sources.

St. Louis is planning to interview New York Jets VP of college scouting Joey Clinkscales for its open GM job according to a report Tuesday. Source: New Jersey Star-Ledger.

Minnesota plans to interview Jacksonville defensive coordinator, most likely for the same position, the team reported Tuesday. Tuesday marks the day that teams no longer have to ask other teams' permission to interview their personnel for new jobs. Source: Florida Times-Union.

The New York Giants reported Monday that CB Aaron Ross and RB D.J. Ware each sustained concussion during Sunday's playoff game against Atlanta. Coach Tom Coughlin is hopeful both will play next Sunday against Green Bay. Source: New Jersey Star-Ledger.

San Francisco coach Jim Harbaugh said Monday that TE Delanie Walker may yet play in the postseason despite having his jaw broken in two places December 24. Walker has had the bands that wired his jaw shut removed and has graduated from a liquid diet to eating soft foods. Source: San Francisco Chronicle.

Detroit RB Jahvid Best, whose season ended October 16 due to a concussion, said Monay he has recovered from his symptoms and expects to play next season. Best, who was still the Lions' leading rusher despite missing 11 games, ha been woring out to stay in football shape. Source: Detroit News.

Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin on Monday named four players with serious injuries who are probably headed for surgery. Tomlin mentioned NT Casey Hampton (ACL), OT Max Starks (ACL), DL Brett Keisel (groin) and C Maurkice Pouncey (high ankle sprain). Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Kansas City on Monday gave interim head coach Romeo Crennel the job on a permanent basis. Crennel handed Green Bay its only defeat of the season and went 2-1 as interim coach. Source: Kansas City Star.

Houston WR Derrick Mason said Monday he's bringing an end to his 15-year NFL career. Mason, who was traded to the Texans from the New York Jets at midseason after reports that he'd complained about about the playcalling, said of the Jets, "They were a mess. It wasa cluster you-know-what." Source: NFL.com.

Tampa Bay has scheduled an interview with Houston defensive coordinator Wade Phillips according to a report Monday. Phillips is set to meet with the Buccaneers Friday, but Texans head coach Gary Kubiak says he doesn't think it will hurt his team's preparations for Sunday's playoff game against Baltimore. Source: Houston Chronicle.

Detroit coach Jim Schwartz said Monday that LT Jeff Backus has had surgery to repair the right biceps he injured Saturday. Backus is expected to be recovered by the time training camps start, but will be an unrestricted free agent after March 13. Source: Detroit News.

Jacksonville has interviews scheduled with Denver offensive coordinator Mike McCoy and Atlanta offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey for their head coaching job according to reports Monday. Reportedly McCoy was set to interview Monday while Mularkey is scheduled to interview Tuesday. Source: Various news sources.

Tampa Bay is set to interview 68-year-old Marty Schottenheimer, who last coached in 2007, for its head coaching job according to reports Monday. Schottenheimer's son Brian, most recently the offensive coordinator for the New York Jets, has been named as a candidate for several head coach vacancies as well. Source: Various news sources.

Buffalo GM Buddy Nix said Monday he's optimistic the Bills will be able to re-sign WR Stevie Johnson. Johnson was hit with a penalty in the season finale for lifting his jersey to show a message writen on his undershirt while celebrating a TD, but Nix said, "Obviously we're not happy about that... but I think he's a team guy. Yeah, we want him back." Source: Buffalo News.

Atlanta defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder resigned Monday to become defensive coordinator at Auburn University. The move has led to speculation that fired Jacksonville head coach Jack Del Rio might become the Falcons' new DC. Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

The only key Giant whose inclusion on Friday's injury report is of much concern is TE Jake Ballard -- and that's mostly because he hasn't played since Week 15 with a knee injury. Ballard was limited in practice all week but is widely expected to be available; on Friday he went so far as to characterize himself as "certain" to play. Source: New Jersey Star-Ledger.

We won't bore you with the details, but a lot of seemingly healthy Falcons showed up on this week's injury report as probable. We're not worried about any of the team's key skill guys. The one player most likely to sit out at the Giants on Sunday is LB Stephen Nicholas (toe), who's already missed four of Atlanta's last five games. Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

The Broncos are banged up heading into Sunday's mile-high battle with Pittsburgh. G Chris Kuper broke his left leg in Week 17, so he obviously won't play, and FB Spencer Larson (knee) also hurt himself against Kansas City; he's listed as doubtful. On the defensive side, S Brian Dawkins (neck) was ruled out Friday. Source: Denver Post.

Pittsburgh's running game, seldom impressive in 2011, has taken some major hits already in 2012. First the Steelers lost starting RB Rashard Mendenhall to IR, and now comes word that Mewelde Moore will miss Sunday's game at Denver with a knee injury of his own. Isaac Redman figures to be featured heavily, but he'll have an additional absence working against him; G Maurkice Pouncey (ankle) is listed as questionable but has reportedly been ruled out. Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

New Orleans will be without WR Lance Moore on Saturday night, but the Saints are otherwise healthy for their Wild Card showdown with the Lions. Moore has a hamstring injury, and while he has been a significant contributor for the team (including in the red zone), the depth of the receiving corps remains impressive. Look for big games from WR Marques Colston and TE Jimmy Graham in particular. Source: New Orleans Times-Picayune.

Detroit WR Calvin Johnson (Achilles) and RB Kevin Smith (ankle/knee) were both limited-at-best participants in practice all week (Megatron sat out entirely on Wednesday), but both appear set for Saturday night at New Orleans. Good thing, too; the Lions figure to need a bunch of points to hang with the Saints. Source: Detroit Free Press.

Two ways of looking at Houston's injury report heading into the franchise's first-ever playoff game: One, the Texans really wish Matt Schaub would be quarterbacking them on Saturday vs. Cincinnati. Two, with Schaub on IR, at least everyone else is ready to go. Rookie QB T.J. Yates, who suffered a separated left (non-throwing) shoulder in Week 17 that initially seemed to be a bigger deal, is probable and will play, as will star RB Arian Foster (knee) and star WR Andre Johnson (hamstring). Source: Houston Chronicle.

Cincinnati enters Saturday's game at Houston without any major injuries among its key players. QB Andy Dalton (illness) and RB Cedric Benson (foot) both appear on the injury report, but both are listed as probable and will play. One absence of note: sensational rookie WR A.J. Green, iffy in recent weeks with a sprained shoulder, is now fully recovered if the report is to be believed. Source: Bengals.com.

Pittsburgh on Friday ruled out C Maurkice Puncey from playing in this weekend's playoff game against Denver. Pouncey has a high ankle sprain, and missed last year's Super Bowl due to the same injury to the same ankle. Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

New York Giants DE Justin Tuck sat out practice Friday due to a sore shoulder. Coach Tom Coughlin listed Tuck as probable for Sunday's wild card game against Atlanta. Source: New Jersey Star-Ledger.

Denver S Brian Dawkins has been ruled out of this weekend's playoff game against Pittsburgh according to a report Friday. Dawkins was missing from the last four games of the regular season due to a neck injury. Source: Denver Post.

Jeff Fisher will decide next week wherther to take the head coaching job with Miami or St. Louis according to a report Friday. Miami is continuing its candidate search, interviewing Green Bay offensive coordinator Joe Philbin. Source: Miami Herald.

Oakland announced Friday that Reggie McKenzie has been hired as their new GM. McKenzie had been director of football operations for Green Bay. Source: Oakland Tribune.

Chicago announced Friday that offensive line coach Mike Tice has been promoted to offensive coordinator to replace the departed Mike Martz. Tice will call plays and continue to work with the line. A new QB coach is expected to work the passing game. Source: Chicago Tribune.

Tampa Bay CB Ronde Barber was scheduled to have surgery to repair his broken arm his brother Tike Barber said Friday. Barber is a 15-year veteran and with the surgery could decide to retire. Source: NFL.com.

New England offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien has agreed to take over the head coaching job at Penn State according to a report Friday. O'Brien replaces Joe Paterno, who was forced out following a sex scandal involving a former assistant coach. Source: Boston Herald.

Baltimore announced Friday that director of player personnel Eric DeCosta is staying with the Ravens. DeCosta was reportedly the target for the GM job with Chicago, Indianapolis and St. Louis. Source: Baltimore Sun.

St. Louis interviewed Arizona defensive coordinator Ray Horton Friday for its head coaching vancancy. Horton is the Rams' second interview, satisfying the league's Rooney Rule that requires teams to consider minorties for head coach vacancies, but the team's No.1 candidate is reportedly Jeff Fisher, who will reportedly decide next week between the St. Louis and Miami jobs. Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Pittsburgh QB Ben Roethlisberger was back at practice Thursday after a setback with his high ankle sprain sidelined him earlier in the week. Roethlisberger was said to be still not moving as well as he was before he aggravated the injury in last Sunday's game. Meanwhile C Maurkice Pouncey sat out because his own high ankle sprain took a turn for the worse. Pouncey missed two of the last three games of the season and got sore after practicing earlier in the week. Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Baltimore RB Ray Rice was absent from practice Thursday without explanation; Rice practiced Wednesday and didn't report an injury. Meanwhile, G Ben Grubbs came back to practice after sitting out Wednesday due to ongoing issues with strained ligaments in the big toe on his right foot. Source: Baltimore Sun.

Detroit WR Calvin Johnson was back at practice Thursday in advance of Saturday's wild card game against New Orleans. Johnson was sitting out earlier in the week to rest a sore Achilles tendon. Source: NFL.com.

Cincinnati QB Andy Daltom was back at practice Thursday after missing the previous day due to an interstinal ailment. Dalton checked into the hospital to speed his recovery and was eating again. Source: Cincinnati Enquirer.

On his way from a job interview with Miami, Jeff Fisher stopped in St. Louis Thursday to interview for the Rams' head coaching position. The Rams are also looking to hire a new GM. Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Chicago has asked permission to interview Baltimore director of player personnel Eric DeCosta according to a report Thursday. The report has DeCosta as the Bears' No.1 choice, with Indianapolis and St. Louis also coveting the exec. Baltimore is reportedly anxious to keep him as heir apparent to current GM Ozzie Newsome. Source: Chicago Tribune.

Jacksonville has a strong interest in Cincinnati offensive coordinator Jay Gruden for its head coaching job according to a report Thursday. Gruden is reportedly intersted, but is occupied with the Bengals' playoff game this weekend. The Jaguars have also requested permission to talk to Jets PC Brian Schottenheimer, Patriots OC Bill O'Brien, Panthers OC Rob Chudzinski and Falcons OC Mike Mularkey. Source: NFL.com.

New York Jets DE Mike DeVito and G Matt Slauson have each had shoulder surgery this week, the team revealed Thursday. Source: New Jersey Star-Ledger.

San Diego fired defensive coordinator Greg Manusky Thursday according to a report. Manusky had just one year in the job, and is reportedly to be replaced by LB coach John Pagano. Source: San Diego Union-Tribune.