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| Harper practices Thursday | Thursday 1/8, 4:51 PM CT |
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Nick Harper once again participated in practice Thursday and is expected to play Sunday versus the Steelers, according to NFL.com.
Our View: Harper has been suffering the effects of a groin injury. It was not reported whether his injury has hampered his range of movement and/or ability to make cuts. |
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| Ball misses practice, won't go on Sunday | Thursday 1/8, 4:47 PM CT |
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Backup defensive end Dave Ball (back) missed practice again on Thursday.
Our View: Ball has yet to practice this week and is not expected to play in Tennessee's playoff game Sunday in Pittsburgh. |
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| Thornton misses practice | Thursday 1/8, 4:45 PM CT |
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Titans starting linebacker David Thornton was rested during practice Thursday with a nagging hip injury, NFL.com reports.
Our View: Thornton is fully expected to be ready to go for Sunday's game at Pittsburgh. |
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| Kaeding held out of practice Thursday | Thursday 1/8, 4:40 PM CT |
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NFL.com reports that Chargers kicker Nate Kaeding missed practice Thursday with what was disclosed as a groin injury.
Our View: As reported earlier this week, the injury is not expected to keep Kaeding off the field for Sunday's divisional playoff game in Pittsburgh. |
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| Pacman video footage released | Thursday 1/8, 4:11 PM CT |
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Continuing on with the Adam Jones story, ESPN.com has released a snippet of video detailing the accounts of June, 18, 2007, the night Jones allegedly ordered the shooting of three Atlanta men at a local strip club.
Our View: The clip is from ESPN's "Outside the Lines," which plans to air the story in its entirety Sunday morning at 9 a.m. ET. |
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| DeOssie returns to practice | Thursday 1/8, 3:51 PM CT |
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Zak DeOssie returned to practice on a limited basis Thursday after sitting out yesterday while nursing a back ailment, according to the NY Daily News.
Our View: He holds no value as a backup linebacker but is the Giants' long-snapper. |
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| Tuck expected to start | Thursday 1/8, 3:44 PM CT |
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Justin Tuck will be limited in practice but is expected to start Sunday's divisional playoff game against the rival Eagles, according to the NY Daily News. He is nursing a leg/lower knee ailment.
Our View: Tuck has guaranteed he will play, but it remains to be seen if the ailment will hinder him throughout the game. Tuck is the Giants' top pass rusher as he led the club with 12 sacks this season. |
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| Samuel fully practices | Thursday 1/8, 3:21 PM CT |
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Asante Samuel fully practiced Thursday after sitting out yesterday while recovering from his hip ailment, according to NFL.com.
Our View: Samuel should be ready to play, and will be depended on to slow down Eli Manning and the Giants' aerial attack in this weekend's divisional playoff game. |
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| Westbrook sits out practice | Thursday 1/8, 3:14 PM CT |
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Brian Westbrook did not practice Thursday for the second straight day while nursing his sore knee, according to NFL.com.
Our View: Westbrook should still be ready for Sunday's game at the Meadowlands, and will be counted on by the Eagles in their bid to advance to the NFC Championship, as the elite back broke loose for 203 total yards and two touchdowns against the Giants back in Week 14 (the Eagles won 20-14).
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| Dawkins fully practices | Thursday 1/8, 3:08 PM CT |
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Brian Dawkins fully practiced Thursday after being limited yesterday while recovering from a back ailment, according to NFL.com.
Our View: This is favorable news as the veteran free safety will be needed while contending with a solid and efficient Giants' offense Sunday at the Meadowlands in the divisional playoffs. |
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| Bradley fully practices | Thursday 1/8, 3:04 PM CT |
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Middle linebacker Stewart Bradley fully practiced Thursday after being limited yesterday, according to NFL.com. He has been nursing rib and groin ailments.
Our View: This is encouraging news regarding the rising star's status for Sunday's divisional playoff game at the Giants. |
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| Boldin could be limited | Thursday 1/8, 1:58 PM CT |
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Cardinals' coach Ken Whisenhunt noted that Anquan Boldin (strained hamstring) could be active on a limited basis for Saturday's divisional playoff game at Carolina, according to the Arizona Republic.
Our View: He remains a game-time call. Steve Breaston would start alongside Larry Fitzgerald if Boldin is unable to go, and should play an important role either way. |
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| Jackson's status yet to be decided | Thursday 1/8, 1:15 PM CT |
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Coach Brad Childress felt that Tarvaris Jackson made progress this season, but added that his status as a starting quarterback for 2009 is yet to be decided, according to the Star Tribune. Childress said, "It’s really kind of a whole offseason study. I’m not going to pass judgement right at this particular point. I think you owe it to everybody here in the organization, just like we always have, to turn over all the rocks and see what you have there. I would also say there’s point with Tarvaris of continuing to evolve as a quarterback. While you’d like that process to happen immediately, it doesn’t always happen immediately. But there’s not anything we’re going to leave unturned in terms of free agency, draft."
Our View: Jackson was inconsistent this season, but did throw nine touchdown passes and only two interceptions over nine games, while maintaining a 95.4 efficiency rating. |
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| Herrera undergoes surgery | Thursday 1/8, 1:09 PM CT |
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Anthony Herrera underwent surgery on his ailing shoulder Wednesday, according to the Star Tribune.
Our View: He should be ready to participate by the onset of training camp. Herrera fared well as a starting right guard in 2008. |
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| Tomlinson update | Thursday 1/8, 12:21 PM CT |
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LaDainian Tomlinson reiterated that he is unlikely to play Sunday at Pittsburgh, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. Tomlinson is dealing with a torn groin tendon and said, "Although, miracles do happen, I can't do anything about it, I can't play, it's like I'm being punished for something. It's tough to deal with."
Our View: At least the Chargers will still be in good shape at running back with Darren Sproles, who broke loose for a 22-yard game-ending touchdown in last weekend's overtime win over the Colts. |
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| New deal for Foxworth? | Thursday 1/8, 12:16 PM CT |
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The Falcons are discussing a new deal for Domonique Foxworth, according to the Denver Post.
Our View: The cornerback stepped up for the Falcons this season while helping lead them to the playoffs. |
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| Vanden Bosch fully practices | Thursday 1/8, 12:12 PM CT |
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Kyle Vanden Bosch fully practiced Thursday, according to the Nashville City Paper. He has been recovering from a groin injury.
Our View: He noted that he feels explosive and is no longer considered a game-time call for Saturday's divisional playoff battle against the Ravens. The veteran defensive end will provide a boost while attempting to pressure rookie quarterback Joe Flacco into making mistakes. |
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| Favre in no hurry | Thursday 1/8, 12:01 PM CT |
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Brett Favre is in no rush to make a decision about playing in 2009. "I have the ability to turn it off just like that," Favre informs ESPN.com. "I don't feel I have anything else to prove." Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum told Favre to take some time away from the game. "He said he's not going to bother me for three or four weeks," Favre adds. "He told me to do whatever and he'd give me a call in a month. Maybe I will tell him my answer that day."
Our View: Hey, take your time, No. 4. Why not wait until June or July? It's not like the Jets have to make any plans between now and training camp. |
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| Williams interviewing for DC job | Thursday 1/8, 11:58 AM CT |
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The Saints are interviewing Gregg Williams for their open defensive coordinator position on Thursday, a source informs the New Orleans Times-Picayune reports. The Packers and at least one other team are also interested in the former Jaguars coordinator. The Saints fired coordinator Gary Gibbs on Wednesday.
Our View: The Jags didn't have a strong 2008 on defense, but Williams is a well-respected defensive mind. He would bring an attacking style that the Saints have been lacking. |
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| Dungy to take a few days | Thursday 1/8, 11:53 AM CT |
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Head coach Tony Dungy says a decision about retirement will come in the near future. "I'm going to spend the next few days with my wife, then once we decide what we're going to do," Dungy tells the team's official web site.
Our View: Associate head coach Jim Caldwell is next in line whenever Dungy steps down, so we're not overly worried about a potential transition. |
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| Mangini introduced | Thursday 1/8, 11:50 AM CT |
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The Browns officially introduced Eric Mangini as their new head coach on Thursday, the AP notes. The report also states that Ravens director of player personnel, George Kokinis, has emerged as the top candidate for the general manager opening.
Our View: Mangini had a rough end with the Jets, but this is a good hiring for the Browns. His background is mainly in defense, and fantasy owners will want to wait and see who is hired as the offensive coordinator before jumping to any conclusions about 2009 and beyond. Sources point to Jets quarterbacks coach Brian Daboll getting that job. |
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| Cooper suspended | Thursday 1/8, 11:26 AM CT |
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Jarrod Cooper has been suspended for at least a year by the NFL for violating the steroid policy, according to the Rock Hill Herald.
Our View: This is believed to be his third offense, which explains the lengthy penalty. The 31-year-old defensive back is merely adequate as a pro and won't be missed while serving his suspension. |
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| Roth to visit specialist | Thursday 1/8, 11:22 AM CT |
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Matt Roth will meet with a specialist this week to examine his ailing groin, according to the Sun-Sentinel.
Our View: He battled a strained groin over the closing stretch of the season, while setting new highs with 53 tackles and five sacks. |
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| New deal for Bryant? | Thursday 1/8, 11:11 AM CT |
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The Buccaneers are reportedly working on a new deal for Antonio Bryant, according to Pro Football Weekly.
Our View: He is entering his prime at 27, and broke out in 2008 with 83 receptions for 1,248 yards and seven touchdowns. Joey Galloway and Ike Hilliard are on the decline, and re-signing Bryant should be a top priority for the club. |
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| Dawkins limited | Thursday 1/8, 11:06 AM CT |
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Brian Dawkins was limited in practice Wednesday while dealing with a back ailment, according to the Philadelphia Daily News.
Our View: The solid veteran free safety will be questionable for Sunday's divisional playoff game at the Giants, and will be needed while trying to slow down reigning Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning and Co. |
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| Bradley limited | Thursday 1/8, 10:57 AM CT |
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Stewart Bradley was limited in practice Wednesday while nursing rib and groin ailments, according to the Philadelphia Daily News.
Our View: He will be questionable for Sunday's divisional playoff game against the Giants at the Meadowlands. The club cannot afford to be without him, as he is the anchor of their defense at middle linebacker. He broke out with 108 tackles in his second campaign in 2008. |
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| Clifton may be on the decline? | Thursday 1/8, 10:17 AM CT |
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Chad Clifton may be on the decline, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.
Our View: He is no longer an elite tackle and has gotten noticeably weaker in pass protection, namely due to sore knees. Clifton will be 33 at the start of the 2009 campaign. |
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| Thornton fully practices | Thursday 1/8, 9:56 AM CT |
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David Thornton fully practiced Wednesday, according to the Carroll County Times. He has been nursing a hip ailment.
Our View: Thornton should be good to go for Saturday's divisional playoff game against Baltimore, and will be needed while contending with the Ravens' strong ground attack led by Willis McGahee and Le'Ron McClain. |
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| Mason may need surgery | Thursday 1/8, 9:52 AM CT |
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Derrick Mason may need to undergo surgery on his dislocated shoulder after the season, according to the Carroll County Times.
Our View: He did not miss a game in the regular season due to the injury, and is expected to play in Saturday's divisional playoff game at Tennessee. |
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| Bailey to undergo surgery | Thursday 1/8, 9:46 AM CT |
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Champ Bailey is scheduled to undergo surgery today to repair torn ligaments in his left elbow, according to the Rocky Mountain News.
Our View: As for his groin injury, it is expected to heal over time and does not require surgery. He will need 3-4 months to recover, and should be good to go in time for training camp. |
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| Peterson nominted for FedEx honor | Thursday 1/8, 8:20 AM CT |
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Adrian Peterson has been nominated for the FedEx Ground Player of the Year award, according to the Star Tribune.
Our View: He is competing with Michael Turner (Falcons) and DeAngelo Williams (Panthers). Peterson led the NFL in rushing with 1,760 rushing yards and Turner finished second while breaking out with 1,699. Williams also had a strong season and will be trying to lead the Panthers to the NFC Championship this weekend in the divisional playoffs against Arizona. |
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| Ward nearing milestone | Thursday 1/8, 7:55 AM CT |
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Hines Ward is nearing a milestone as he only needs 12 receiving yards to pass Lynn Swann (907) and 159 more yards to pass John Stallworth (1,054) to become the Steelers' all-time receiving leader in the playoffs, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Our View: Ward will be facing one of the worst pass defenses in the NFL this weekend when the Steelers host the Chargers at Heinz Field. Both Swann and Stallworth are enshrined in the Hall of Fame. |
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| Gates sits out Wednesday | Thursday 1/8, 7:49 AM CT |
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Antonio Gates did not practice Wednesday while nursing his high-ankle sprain, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Our View: The elite tight end was not hindered by the injury in last weekend's overtime win over Indianapolis, as he led the Chargers' aerial attack with eight receptions for 87 yards. He should be good to go for Sunday's game against the Steelers at Heinz Field if he can practice a bit today or Friday. |
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| Johnson honored by NFL Alumni | Thursday 1/8, 7:32 AM CT |
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Andre Johnson has been named the NFL Alumni Wide Receiver of the Year for 2008, according to the Houston Chronicle.
Our View: Johnson earned the honor by leading the NFL in receiving with 115 receptions for 1,575 yards and eight touchdowns. He is going to start in the Pro Bowl and is expected to be named an All-Pro later in the week for the first time in his career as well. |
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| Cable meets with Al Davis | Thursday 1/8, 7:07 AM CT |
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Interim head coach Tom Cable met with Raiders' owner Al Davis to discuss his future with the franchise, according to the SF Chronicle.
Our View: Cable is still fighting to remain in Oakland, unlike defensive coordinator Rob Ryan, who is believed to be ready to accept a job with the Browns. |
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| Rathman returns to San Francisco | Thursday 1/8, 7:01 AM CT |
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Tom Rathman returns to San Francisco, this time as their running backs coach, according to SF Chronicle. He agreed to a multi-year deal.
Our View: Rathman was a star fullback for the 49ers and helped lead the franchise to two Super Bowl victories. He will be replacing Tony Nathan, who was let go after the club finished 27th in rushing this season. |
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| Roethlisberger medically cleared to play Sunday | Thursday 1/8, 12:05 AM CT |
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The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has been medically cleared to practice the rest of the week and play Sunday against the Chargers.
Our View: This latest report doesn't necessarily rule out any lingering effects from the concussion Roethlisberger suffered on Dec. 28 against Cleveland. |
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