NFL

When questioned about the performance of head coach Wade Phillips, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones gave Phillips his seal of approval. “Under no circumstances would I make a change.” Look for Phillips, who is in the final year of his three-year contract, to not be offered a deal at the end of the season.
Rumors have already been circulating about the next Cowboys head coach. Recently, ex-Broncos coach Mike Shanahan and even ex-Raiders and Bucs coach Jon Gruden have been rumored to be on Jones’ radar for 2010.

Elsewhere from around the NFL:

Cleveland: According to Profootballtalk.com, the Browns have no interest in dealing WR/KR Josh Cribbs. The Dolphins, Chiefs, Raiders, and Colts are reportedly interested, however the Cleveland Browns would prefer to hang onto him because of his “grossly below-market” contract that runs through 2012. Cribbs has threatened to hold out in the past, but so far he has not taken any action.

Denver: Broncos RB Correll Buckhalter (ankle) participated in a full practice Thursday. Buckhalter announced that he is 90 percent and will play Monday night against the Chargers. However, Knowshon Moreno will continue to receive the bulk of the carries.

Washington: Redskins RB Clinton Portis (calf) was limited again on Thursday. Portis often misses practice late in the week and still plays. We expect nothing different this week and Portis has a favorable matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday.

Cincinnati: Carson Palmer (thumb) practiced fully again on Thursday. Palmer will start on Sunday and has a favorable matchup against the Texans.

Houston: Texans SLB Brian Cushing was held out of practice Thursday with a sore foot.
Cushing’s MRI and X-ray were negative and he’s expected to return to practice Friday. We expect Cushing to play Sunday.

New York: Giants CB Corey Webster is beginning to draw attention from opposing offenses as a “shutdown corner.” Just two years ago the New York media proclaimed Webster a bust. Now it appears as if Webster is earning the $43.5M extension he signed late last season.

New York: New York Giants DL Chris Canty underwent a procedure this week to stop bleeding in his injured calf. Canty’s calf has not been able to hear correctly due to swelling. The pass-rushing specialist is likely still two weeks from seeing the field.

Pittsburg: Steelers RB Willie Parker (turf toe) practiced in full again on Thursday. With Rashard Mendenhall (flu) sitting out, Parker handled most of the first-team work. We will not know which RB will take the majority of the snaps until game time.