Report: Packers aide Perry draws interest from Raiders, too

Report: Packers aide Perry draws interest from Raiders, too: "Darren Perry, reportedly a candidate for the Philadelphia Eagles' defensive coordinator job, apparently is in the mix for the same position in Oakland."

McCarthy unconcerned about Packers' Super Bowl photo issue

McCarthy unconcerned about Packers' Super Bowl photo issue: "Mike McCarthy insisted he's finished with all the attention over the Green Bay Packers' Super Bowl team photo, repeatedly calling it "a non-issue" Sunday when reporters asked about it."

Eagles will keep Vick for 2011 by placing franchise tag on him

Eagles will keep Vick for 2011 by placing franchise tag on him: "The Philadelphia Eagles will use their franchise tag on Michael Vick next month, a league source said Sunday, ensuring the quarterback will be back for the 2011 season."

Akers calls his daughter's cancer struggle 'a smack of reality'

Akers calls his daughter's cancer struggle 'a smack of reality': "David Akers had more important things on his mind than a playoff game, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported Sunday. Two days before the Jan. 9 game, doctors told the Eagles kicker that his 6-year-old daughter, Halley, needed to have a malignant cyst in her left ovary removed."

Eagles Pro Bowler Jackson suffered MCL sprain vs. Pack

Eagles Pro Bowler Jackson suffered MCL sprain vs. Pack: "Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson, who pulled out of the Pro Bowl Thursday with an unspecified injury, has a Grade 2 medial collateral ligament sprain and bone bruise, suffered when he injured his knee in the team's playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers, the Philadelphia Inquirer/Daily News reported Thursday."

Steelers' Pouncey plans to play in Super Bowl despite ankle sprain

Steelers' Pouncey plans to play in Super Bowl despite ankle sprain: "Pittsburgh rookie center Maurkice Pouncey plans to play in Super Bowl XLV after suffering a high ankle sprain in the Steelers' 24-19 win over the New York Jets in Sunday's AFC Championship Game, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review on Monday."

Jets' Sanchez to have shoulder checked, hopes to avoid surgery

Jets' Sanchez to have shoulder checked, hopes to avoid surgery: "New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez is uncertain if the right (throwing) shoulder that bothered him late in the season will require surgery."

Wannstedt hired as Bills assistant coach, will lead ILBs

Wannstedt hired as Bills assistant coach, will lead ILBs: "The Buffalo Bills have hired former NFL and University of Pittsburgh coach Dave Wannstedt as assistant head coach and linebackers coach."

Police recover former Bills QB Kelly's HOF ring

Police recover former Bills QB Kelly's HOF ring: "Police say they've recovered former
Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly's Hall of Fame ring and some
other items that were stolen in 2009."

Harbaugh's Niners staff nearly complete

Harbaugh's Niners staff nearly complete: "New San Francisco 49ers coach Jim
Harbaugh further filled out his staff Friday, hiring Ejiro Evero as quality control coach and retaining the services of offensive line coach Mike Solari, running backs coach Tom Rathman, defensive line coach Jim Tomsula and assistant offensive line coach Ray Brown."

Bears' Harris questionable, Packers' Zombo out for showdown

Bears' Harris questionable, Packers' Zombo out for showdown: "Chicago Bears safety Chris Harris, who has been battling a hip injury, is questionable for Sunday's NFC Championship Game against the Green Bay Packers."

Lions' Stafford undergoes successful shoulder surgery

Lions' Stafford undergoes successful shoulder surgery: "Detroit Lions second-year quarterback Matthew Stafford underwent successful surgery on his right (throwing) shoulder Friday morning and is expected to be sidelined for up to four months, the team announced Friday."

Chiefs coach Haley will hire an OC, 'consider' calling plays

Chiefs coach Haley will hire an OC, 'consider' calling plays: "Chiefs coach Todd Haley could wind up calling plays next year."

Brees hopeful of striking deal to stay a Saint beyond 2011

Brees hopeful of striking deal to stay a Saint beyond 2011: "Pro Bowl quarterback Drew Brees, who has one year remaining on his contract with the New Orleans Saints, said Tuesday that he would like to sign an extension to remain with the team beyond the 2011 season, according to The Times-Picayune."

Reed practices as Ravens prepare for wild-card tilt vs. Chiefs

Reed practices as Ravens prepare for wild-card tilt vs. Chiefs: "Baltimore Ravens Pro Bowl free safety Ed Reed, battling a rib injury, returned to practice Thursday, according to the Carrol County Times."

Sparano told he'll return for fourth season with Dolphins

Sparano told he'll return for fourth season with Dolphins: "The Dolphins decided to keep coach Tony Sparano, surprisingly pulling out of the Jim Harbaugh hunt Thursday night."

Clemson's Bowers bypassing senior year for NFL

Clemson's Bowers bypassing senior year for NFL: "CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) -- Clemson defensive end Da'Quan Bowers is giving up his final season to enter the NFL draft."

Welker, Light replace Johnson, Long in Pro Bowl; Suh also out

Welker, Light replace Johnson, Long in Pro Bowl; Suh also out: "New England Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker and offensive tackle Matt Light have been selected to the Pro Bowl, it was announced Wednesday."

Texans hire ex-Cowboys coach Phillips to run defense

Texans hire ex-Cowboys coach Phillips to run defense: "As expected, Wade Phillips was hired as the Houston Texans' defensive coordinator Wednesday, the team announced."

Jets confirm they're appealing $100K fine for sideline flap

Jets confirm they're appealing $100K fine for sideline flap: "The New York Jets are appealing the $100,000 fine issued by the NFL last week for violating league rules when assistant coach Sal Alosi ordered players to form a sideline wall, then tripped Miami's Nolan Carroll during a punt return last month."

Saints' leading rusher Thomas out for postseason

Saints' leading rusher Thomas out for postseason: "METAIRIE, La. (AP) Saints running back Pierre Thomas will miss the playoffs because of his injured left ankle."

Saints lose RB Thomas for season, sign Bell away from Eagles

Saints lose RB Thomas for season, sign Bell away from Eagles: "One day after placing leading rusher Chris Ivory on season-ending injured reserve,
the New Orleans Saints did the same with second-leading rusher Pierre Thomas,
coach Sean Payton said Wednesday."

Seahawks coach Carroll won't reveal which QB will start

Seahawks coach Carroll won't reveal which QB will start: "Pete Carroll remained quiet about who the Seattle Seahawks' starting quarterback will be against the New Orleans Saints in the Saturday's NFC wild-card playoff game."

Stanford coach Harbaugh to meet with 49ers on Wednesday

Stanford coach Harbaugh to meet with 49ers on Wednesday: "Stanford head coach Jim Harbaugh will meet with the San Francisco 49ers Wednesday, a league source told NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora."

Cowboys not ready to announce who will be head coach

Cowboys not ready to announce who will be head coach: "The Dallas Cowboys don't intend to make a head-coaching announcement Wednesday, according to a source with knowledge of the situation."

Panthers hope to interview 49ers' Manusky for head coaching job

Panthers hope to interview 49ers' Manusky for head coaching job: "The Carolina Panthers have asked asked permission to speak to San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Greg Manusky for their coaching vacancy."

Bengals re-sign Lewis to coach ninth season

Bengals re-sign Lewis to coach ninth season: "Following two days of negotiations, the Bengals announced that they have re-signed coach Marvin Lewis."

Seahawks QBs split reps; TE Baker and G Chester Pitts go on IR

Seahawks QBs split reps; TE Baker and G Chester Pitts go on IR: "Seahawks quarterbacks Matt Hasselbeck and Charlie Whitehurst split reps Tuesday in Seattle's first practice in preparation for its NFC playoff game against New Orleans."

Browns' coaching search will be focused on offense

Browns' coaching search will be focused on offense: "Looking to replace defensive-minded Eric Mangini, the team plans to
interview Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey and St. Louis Rams offensive
coordinator Pat Shurmur."

Roethlisberger has nothing to say about engagement rumors

Roethlisberger has nothing to say about engagement rumors: "Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger won't address discuss rumors he became engaged over the holidays to a Pittsburgh-area woman."

49ers reportedly want to interview Fewell, Jackson

49ers reportedly want to interview Fewell, Jackson: "The San Francisco 49ers have requested permission to interview New York Giants defensive coordinator Perry Fewell and Oakland Raiders offensive coordinator Hue Jackson, according to various reports Tuesday."

Adams advised to retain Fisher, move on from QB Young

Adams advised to retain Fisher, move on from QB Young: "Tennessee Titans owner Bud Adams is being advised by senior management to part ways with quarterback Vince Young, according to a league source, but the decision remains his entirely."

Broncos reportedly would deal QB Orton for 2nd-round pick

Broncos reportedly would deal QB Orton for 2nd-round pick: "The Denver Broncos will ask for a second-round draft choice from any team that wants to acquire quarterback Kyle Orton, The Denver Post reported Tuesday."

Dolphins exploring Jim Harbaugh as coaching option

Dolphins exploring Jim Harbaugh as coaching option: "League sources expect the Miami Dolphins to make a push to hire Stanford University coach and former NFL quarterback Jim Harbaugh as the Dolphins' next head coach."

Williams' frustration about Dolphins' season, Sparano boils over

Williams' frustration about Dolphins' season, Sparano boils over: "Miami Dolphins running back Ricky Williams' frustration about the 2010 season boiled over Monday night during his weekly radio show on WQAM-560."

Jones denies it, but Garrett sounds like coach in Dallas to stay

Jones denies it, but Garrett sounds like coach in Dallas to stay: "Jason Garrett stood before the Dallas Cowboys on Monday and gave them their marching orders for the offseason. He encouraged them to watch the playoffs and to be frustrated over not being a part of it. He talked about things they can do to become a playoff team next year."

Williams smiling after signing three-year extension with 'Hawks

Williams smiling after signing three-year extension with 'Hawks: "One-time bust Mike Williams has found a home in Seattle. And instead of testing free agency, Williams decided sticking around with the Seahawks was the better move."

Jaguars Pro Bowl RB Jones-Drew to have knee surgery

Jaguars Pro Bowl RB Jones-Drew to have knee surgery: "Jacksonville Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew will have arthroscopic surgery this week to repair partially torn meniscus in his right knee."

Ravens safety Reed, LT Oher expected to play through injuries

Ravens safety Reed, LT Oher expected to play through injuries: "The Baltimore Ravens expect injured free safety Ed Reed and offensive tackle Michael Oher to play in Sunday's wild-card playoff game against the Kansas City Chiefs."

Dolphins' Ross meets with coach Sparano, calls talk 'productive'

Dolphins' Ross meets with coach Sparano, calls talk 'productive': "Dolphins owner Stephen Ross meet with Tony Sparano on Monday at the team's facility, the Miami Herald reported, amid speculation that the coach could be fired after missing the playoffs for a second consecutive season."

Bengals' Lewis mum on future; resolution could come Tuesday

Bengals' Lewis mum on future; resolution could come Tuesday: "Coach Marvin Lewis gave Cincinnati Bengals players and assistants no hints Monday about whether or not he's inclined to return."

Texans stick with Kubiak; Phillips interested in coordinator job

Texans stick with Kubiak; Phillips interested in coordinator job: "The Houston Texans said Monday that coach Gary Kubiak will return next season, despite another lackluster campaign that ended without a playoff berth."

Bucs hope to lock up coach Morris, GM Dominik for long haul

Bucs hope to lock up coach Morris, GM Dominik for long haul: "Raheem Morris' Tampa Bay Buccaneers narrowly missed the playoffs, but the NFL's youngest coach could benefit from the 10-6 season with a contract extension, The St. Petersburg Times reported Monday."

Giants owner Tisch says coach Coughlin will receive new deal

Giants owner Tisch says coach Coughlin will receive new deal: "Tom Coughlin not only is coming back as the New York Giants' coach, he's receiving a new contract, too."

Niners close to promoting Baalke to GM role

Niners close to promoting Baalke to GM role: "The San Francisco 49ers do not plan to announce a new general manager Monday, according to a source with knowledge of the situation, but all indications continue to point strongly to 49ers vice president of player personnel Trent Baalke being promoted to the role, as reported a week ago."

Playoffs' seeding format under scrutiny again

Playoffs' seeding format under scrutiny again: "Now that the 7-9 Seattle Seahawks have made dubious history and become the NFL's first division champion with a losing record, the debate about how the league seeds its 12-team playoff field is sure to intensify in the coming days, weeks and months."

Report: Taurasi's B sample also tests positive

Report: Taurasi's B sample also tests positive: "ANKARA, Turkey (AP) -- A Turkish television report says WNBA star Diana Taurasi's backup doping sample has also tested positive for a banned substance."

Peter King: NFL playoff field, draft order set; coaching carousel begins

Peter King: NFL playoff field, draft order set; coaching carousel begins: "Twelve teams are headed to the playoffs. For the 20 also-rans, it's time to look to the future. Peter King analyzes Week 17's big headlines and gives his first wild-card weekend thoughts."

Stewart Mandel: Jim Harbaugh's future hanging over Orange Bowl, all of football

Stewart Mandel: Jim Harbaugh's future hanging over Orange Bowl, all of football: "What will Jim Harbaugh do? That's the question that hangs over the Orange Bowl, as well as some college and NFL teams, writes Stewart Mandel in the Bowls edition of Overtime."

Browns fire Mangini after 2nd straight 5-11 year

Browns fire Mangini after 2nd straight 5-11 year: "BEREA, Ohio (AP) The Cleveland Browns have fired coach Eric Mangini following a second straight 5-11 season that ended with a humiliating home loss to the rival Pittsburgh Steelers."

Haynesworth rejoins 'Skins, but future with team uncertain

Haynesworth rejoins 'Skins, but future with team uncertain: "Albert Haynesworth has rejoined the Washington Redskins -- at least for a day."

NFL Commissioner Goodell e-mails fans about labor situation

NFL Commissioner Goodell e-mails fans about labor situation: "NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is telling fans that "if both sides give a little," the league and players "can and will reach an agreement" on a new labor deal."

Source: Coach Cowher and Dolphins not an easy fit

Source: Coach Cowher and Dolphins not an easy fit: "It is unlikely that former Pittsburgh Steelers coach Bill Cowher will end up coaching the Miami Dolphins, according to a source close to Cowher. Of the potential coaching openings at this juncture, the Dolphins represented the only opportunity that made sense for Cowher, according to the source"

Mangini's turbulent tenure with Browns comes to an end

Mangini's turbulent tenure with Browns comes to an end: "The Cleveland Browns fired coach Eric Mangini on Monday following back-to-back 5-11 seasons."

Reid: Eagles' Bradley could return for playoffs, Jean-Gilles 'OK'

Reid: Eagles' Bradley could return for playoffs, Jean-Gilles 'OK': "Philadelphia Eagles coach Andy Reid told reporters Sunday that middle linebacker Stewart Bradley, battling en elbow injury, could be ready to play against the Green Bay Packers in Sunday's wild-card game, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer on Monday."

Giants win but miss playoffs

Giants win but miss playoffs: "LANDOVER, Md. (AP) Chants of ``Green Bay won!'' started to spread in the stadium in the game's final minute, taunting a New
York Giants team in no mood to celebrate a victory of its own."

Buccaneers double last season's win total but miss playoffs with Packers win

Buccaneers double last season's win total but miss playoffs with Packers win: "Josh Freeman and the Tampa
Bay Buccaneers can at least take pride in more than doubling last season's win
total and beating the defending champs on their own turf."

Colts win AFC South; Vinatieri's winning FG sets up matchup against Jets

Colts win AFC South; Vinatieri's winning FG sets up matchup against Jets: "Peyton Manning threw two touchdown passes, the defense limited Chris Johnson
to 39 yards rushing and the always-clutch Adam Vinatieri booted a 43-yard field
goal as time expired Sunday to give the Colts a 23-20 victory over the
Tennessee Titans."

Bears go in for the kill, but Packers stand strong to gain playoff berth

Bears go in for the kill, but Packers stand strong to gain playoff berth: "Aaron Rodgers' 1-yard touchdown pass to tight end Donald Lee gave the Packers the lead in the fourth quarter, and their defense held on to clinch a wild card berth with a 10-3 victory over the division rival Chicago Bears on Sunday."

University of Pittsburgh interested in Bengals coach Lewis

University of Pittsburgh interested in Bengals coach Lewis: "Cincinnati Bengals coach Marvin Lewis is on the short list of candidates to take over the University of Pittsburgh's football program, a league source said Sunday."

End of the line? Favre inactive for Vikings' season finale

End of the line? Favre inactive for Vikings' season finale: "Brett Favre's career apparently ends with him on the sideline. The 41-year-old quarterback is sitting out Minnesota's season finale at Detroit."

Broncos bringing back Elway to run football operations

Broncos bringing back Elway to run football operations: "Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway reached an agreement with the Broncos to run their football operations, a league source confirmed Sunday. Elway won two Super Bowl championships with the Broncos, the only team from which he played."

Report: Garrett likely to shed interim tag from title in Dallas

Report: Garrett likely to shed interim tag from title in Dallas: "Jason Garrett likely will be made the Dallas Cowboys' full-time coach, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported Sunday, citing a high-ranking team source."

Favre clears initial post-concussion tests, still unlikely to play

Favre clears initial post-concussion tests, still unlikely to play: "Don't count out Brett Favre just yet, although his coach admits it would "tough" to see the 41-year-old quarterback playing Sunday."

Florida hires Weis away from Chiefs to run offense

Florida hires Weis away from Chiefs to run offense: "A person familiar with the decision said Saturday night that the University of Florida has hired Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Charlie Weis to perform the same role."

Bills decide to keep Merriman; 'he’ll make plays for us,' GM says

Bills decide to keep Merriman; 'he’ll make plays for us,' GM says: "The Buffalo Bills re-signed linebacker Shawne Merriman, ensuring the three-time Pro Bowl linebacker will be a part of the team's defense next season, general manager Buddy Nix confirmed Saturday."

Report: Jones-Drew set for scope on knee hurt during preseason

Report: Jones-Drew set for scope on knee hurt during preseason: "Jacksonville Jaguars Pro Bowl running back Maurice Jones-Drew will undergo arthroscopic knee surgery to repair a right meniscus injury suffered during the preseason, The Florida Times-Union reported Saturday, citing a team source."

Report: Patriots DE Brace likely to go on IR with elbow injury

Report: Patriots DE Brace likely to go on IR with elbow injury: "The New England Patriots likely will place defensive end Ron Brace on season-ending injured reserve, the Boston Herald reported Saturday, citing a source."

Vikings WR Berrian questionable for finale with injury

Vikings WR Berrian questionable for finale with injury: "The Minnesota Vikings added wide receiver Bernard Berrian to the injury report Saturday, listing him as questionable for the game at Detroit with a quadriceps problem."

Bush on tenure running Texans' defense: 'It just didn't work out'

Bush on tenure running Texans' defense: 'It just didn't work out': "Frank Bush isn't under any illusions entering Sunday's season finale. He knows he'll most likely lose his job as the Houston Texans' defensive coordinator after the game."

Report: Falcons coach Smith will be rewarded with new deal

Report: Falcons coach Smith will be rewarded with new deal: "The Atlanta Falcons are seeking the NFC's best record and their first Super Bowl title, but they already know their top offseason priority: keeping coach Mike Smith."

Report: Vikings in serious contract discussions with Frazier

Report: Vikings in serious contract discussions with Frazier: "The Minnesota Vikings are in serious discussions with Frazier to make him their full-time coach, the Star Tribune reported Friday night, citing league sources."

Fox Era In Carolina Officially To End Sunday

Fox Era In Carolina Officially To End Sunday: "As John Fox left the practice field Friday, he insisted he's known about his impending departure for about two years. A few hours later, the Carolina Panthers formally announced the end of his nine-year run in which he led the franchise to its only Super Bowl."

Giants OT Andrews isn't ready to quit, even with back problems

Giants OT Andrews isn't ready to quit, even with back problems: "One of the first things that Shawn Andrews will do before Sunday's game against the Washington Redskins is take pain medication."

Vikes QB Webb among players fined by NFL for Week 16 actions

Vikes QB Webb among players fined by NFL for Week 16 actions: "The NFL fined Minnesota Vikings rookie quarterback Joe Webb $5,000 for a "major" facemask penalty he committed during a run in Tuesday night's victory over the Philadelphia Eagles."