Hasselbeck returns to Seahawks, but Whitehurst in line to start

Hasselbeck returns to Seahawks, but Whitehurst in line to start: "Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck was limited in practice Friday in his first work of the week, leaving open the possibility that he could play Sunday night against the St. Louis Rams."

Thomas lands on Saints' injury report after tweaking ankle

Thomas lands on Saints' injury report after tweaking ankle: "Pierre Thomas can't seem to shake the ankle problems that have wreaked havoc on his 2010 season."

O'Hara, Nicks, Tollefson all out for Giants' finale vs. Redskins

O'Hara, Nicks, Tollefson all out for Giants' finale vs. Redskins: "New York Giants Pro Bowl center Shaun O'Hara, wide receiver Hakeem Nicks and backup defensive lineman Dave Tollefson will not play in Sunday's game against the Redskins
in Washington."

Kolb takes all the reps in practice, in line to start for Eagles

Kolb takes all the reps in practice, in line to start for Eagles: "Philadelphia Eagles coach Andy Reid wouldn't confirm Kevin Kolb as the starter in Sunday's regular-season finale against the Cowboys, but the quarterback handled all the reps in practice Friday as Michael Vick continued to rest his injured leg."

Polamalu practices for first time in three weeks; status uncertain

Polamalu practices for first time in three weeks; status uncertain: "Steelers safety Troy Polamalu practiced Friday for the first time in three weeks, but it remains unclear if the All-Pro will return for Sunday's regular-season finale against the Cleveland Browns."

Concussed Favre joins Vikes practice but doesn't participate

Concussed Favre joins Vikes practice but doesn't participate: "Brett Favre joined the Minnesota Vikings on the field for practice Friday, though he still didn't participate in drills."

Panthers coach Fox full of fond memories, ready for next chapter

Panthers coach Fox full of fond memories, ready for next chapter: "In a light atmosphere full of smiles and laughs, the Panthers held their final full practice under John Fox on Friday, with the coach insisting he's been preparing for the end
of his run in Carolina for about two years."

Jaguars RB Jones-Drew out vs. Texans; LB Bowen promoted

Jaguars RB Jones-Drew out vs. Texans; LB Bowen promoted: "Jacksonville running back Maurice Jones-Drew missed Friday's practice and has been ruled out for the Jaguars' finale against the Houston Texans, the team announced."

Bills QB Fitzpatrick questionable vs. Jets with knee injury

Bills QB Fitzpatrick questionable vs. Jets with knee injury: "Buffalo Bills starting quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick is questionable for Sunday's season finale against the New York Jets because of a right knee injury."

Lions WR Johnson, CB Houston miss Friday's practice

Lions WR Johnson, CB Houston miss Friday's practice: "Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson didn't practice Friday because of an ankle injury, but he will try to play against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, according to The Detroit News."

Cowboys sign kicker Brown, leaving Buehler's role in question

Cowboys sign kicker Brown, leaving Buehler's role in question: "David Buehler might not kick extra points and field goals for the Dallas Cowboys any more."

Mangini on coaching fate: 'The future will come quick enough'

Mangini on coaching fate: 'The future will come quick enough': "Amid a peppering of questions about his fate with the Cleveland Browns, coach Eric Mangini told reporters Friday that bulldozing running back Peyton Hillis again missed practice again with a rib injury and would be closely monitored entering Sunday's season finale."

Rams rookie TE Hoomanawanui practices on injured ankle

Rams rookie TE Hoomanawanui practices on injured ankle: "St. Louis Rams rookie tight end Michael Hoomanawanui, who's battling a high right ankle sprain, returned to practice Thursday and is one step closer to playing in Sunday's NFC West title-deciding showdown against the Seattle Seahawks."

Texans coach Kubiak feels WR Johnson unlikely to play vs. Jags

Texans coach Kubiak feels WR Johnson unlikely to play vs. Jags: "Houston Texans Pro Bowl wide receiver Andre Johnson, who didn't practice Wednesday or Thursday due to a high right ankle sprain, is unlikely to start against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, according to the Houston Chronicle on Thursday night."

Seahawks' Whitehurst readies for NFC West title fight vs. Rams

Seahawks' Whitehurst readies for NFC West title fight vs. Rams: "Seattle's Charlie Whitehurst says he's not worrying he might take all the snaps in practice this week and then have regular quarterback Matt Hasselbeck swoop in and start Sunday night against the St. Louis Rams."

Garrard has surgery on injured finger, Edwards gets audition

Garrard has surgery on injured finger, Edwards gets audition: "Jaguars quarterback David Garrard has
undergone surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right middle
finger. Trent Edwards will start in the season finale against the Texans."

Tripped up: NFL docks Jets $100,000 for sideline incident

Tripped up: NFL docks Jets $100,000 for sideline incident: "The New York Jets are paying for their
sideline shenanigans."

League reduces fines on Robinson, Harrison, Meriweather

League reduces fines on Robinson, Harrison, Meriweather: "The NFL has reduced fines on Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dunta Robinson, New England Patriots safety Brandon Meriweather and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison issued in October for flagrant hits during Week 6 games."

Kitna misses another day of practice for Cowboys

Kitna misses another day of practice for Cowboys: "Dallas Cowboys quarterback Jon Kitna missed a second consecutive day of practice, making it less likely he will play in the season finale."

Jets to start Sanchez vs. Bills; Woody, Ihedigbo likely out

Jets to start Sanchez vs. Bills; Woody, Ihedigbo likely out: "New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez, hampered by a shoulder injury, will start against the Buffalo Bills this Sunday, although how long he will play is undetermined, coach Rex Ryan told reporters on Thursday."

Gates' season ends on Chargers' injured reserve

Gates' season ends on Chargers' injured reserve: "The San Diego Chargers have placed Pro Bowl tight end Antonio Gates on injured reserve on Thursday."

Vick will miss Eagles' regular-season finale to rest injured leg

Vick will miss Eagles' regular-season finale to rest injured leg: "Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick won't play in Sunday's regular-season finale against the Dallas Cowboys, taking time off to let his bruised leg heal before the playoffs."

Lions WR Johnson a game-time decision; Hill, Best ready

Lions WR Johnson a game-time decision; Hill, Best ready: "For a change the Detroit Lions know whom their starting quarterback will be as they prepare for an opponent, MLive.com reported. What's now in question is will they have their best offensive threat, receiver Calvin Johnson for Sunday's finale against the Minnesota Vikings?"

Whether Cable, Jackson stay with Raiders is anyone's guess

Whether Cable, Jackson stay with Raiders is anyone's guess: "A season ago, Davis took his time deciding coach Tom Cable's fate, ultimately retaining him. Several signs point to him having to make up his mind sooner this year."

Vikings owners have yet to address Frazier's coaching future

Vikings owners have yet to address Frazier's coaching future: "Leslie Frazier has led the Minnesota Vikings to a 3-2 record in some of the league's most challenging circumstances -- think Brett Favre, Randy Moss, Brad Childress and rescheduled games due to acts of nature."

Cutler: Healthy Bears 'full go' with NFC's No. 1 seed still possible

Cutler: Healthy Bears 'full go' with NFC's No. 1 seed still possible: "If the Chicago Bears indeed plan to rest this week, they're not saying. In fact, quarterback Jay Cutler insists the opposite is true. Not only will key players play at Green Bay on Sunday, he said, but the Bears (11-4) are going all in even though they already have a first-round bye."

Favre to start in Vikes' season finale if he can, but Webb ready

Favre to start in Vikes' season finale if he can, but Webb ready: "Brett Favre must receive medical clearance to play in Minnesota's final game. But rookie quarterback Joe Webb sure passed the test in his first career start for the Vikings. Vikings interim coach Leslie Frazier said Favre will start Sunday against Detroit if he can participate."

Stakes high for Steelers in regular-season finale vs. Browns

Stakes high for Steelers in regular-season finale vs. Browns: "A game the Pittsburgh Steelers hoped would mean nothing now means everything, and they know it."

Giants realistic about playoff chances, back coach Coughlin

Giants realistic about playoff chances, back coach Coughlin: "In the past five quarters, the New York Giants have gone from a division winner looking at a first-round playoff bye to a team needing help from the Chicago Bears to get
into the postseason."

Decimated Giants lose Nicks, O'Hara to injuries for Sunday

Decimated Giants lose Nicks, O'Hara to injuries for Sunday: "New York Giants leading receiver Hakeem
Nicks is likely to miss the regular-season finale against
the Washington Redskins because of a broken big toe on his left foot."

Favre-Sterger case will be resolved in next two days with fine

Favre-Sterger case will be resolved in next two days with fine: "Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Favre will be fined as much as $50,000 -- but not suspended -- for his actions involving former New York Jets employee Jenn Sterger, according to a league source."

Quad injury leaves Vick's status questionable for Sunday

Quad injury leaves Vick's status questionable for Sunday: "Michael Vick said he sustained a bruised quadriceps muscle on the Philadelphia Eagles' first play from scrimmage during Tuesday night's 24-14 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, the Philadelphia Daily News reported Tuesday."

Status for Steelers safety Polamalu likely to be decided Friday

Status for Steelers safety Polamalu likely to be decided Friday: "The Pittsburgh Steelers probably won't know until Friday whether safety Troy Polamalu can play in the final regular-season game at Cleveland on Sunday."

Alienating fans a concern for union, owners as talks continue

Alienating fans a concern for union, owners as talks continue: "Union executive committee
member Brian Dawkins says he believes NFL owners and players have a sense of
urgency to avoid a lockout because they don't want to alienate fans."

Stranded Giants return home two days after loss to Packers

Stranded Giants return home two days after loss to Packers: "The New York Giants have returned to New
Jersey after being stranded in Wisconsin after Sunday's loss to the
Green Bay Packers."

Steelers weigh adding seating capacity for Heinz Field

Steelers weigh adding seating capacity for Heinz Field: "The Pittsburgh Steelers are studying the feasibility of adding at least 2,500 seats to Heinz Field, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported Tuesday."