NFL

NFL.com’s Vic Carucci reports that the Bills will meet with former Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan next week about becoming the Bills next head coach. Carucci confirms that Shanahan is Buffalo’s “No. 1″ head coaching target. The meeting will involve owner Ralph Wilson and COO/GM Russ Brandon, who Shanahan would probably give a pink slip to if he’s hired. It’s well known that Shanahan wants full control of football operations, even if taking on such responsibilities didn’t work out towards the end of his Broncos stint. Wilson is reportedly willing to offer The Mastermind any amount of salary to take the job

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Minnesota: No surprise here, but the Minnesota Vikings signed head coach Brad Childress to a contract extension that will lock him up through the 2013 season. The contract Childress originally signed back in 2006 was scheduled to expire after the 2010. The new deal is believed to be between $4 million and $5 million per year. Childress was the object of widespread criticism in Minnesota before leading his team to an 8-1 start this season, but he deserves a lot of credit for his pursuit of and patience with Brett Favre

Cincinnati: According to NFL.com’s Jason LaCanfora, Cedric Benson is unlikely to play against the Raiders this week after missing a second straight practice Thursday. Larry Johnson could be thrown right into the fire against the Raiders this weekend.

New Orleans: New Orleans Saints RB Reggie Bush has not practiced this week because of swelling in his left knee that has given him trouble in the past. “Hopefully we can practice him tomorrow,” said coach Sean Payton. “At the same time, I don’t want to set it back.” Reggie is coming off his best game of the season against the Rams, but this setback could cut down his role this weekend.

Washington: Washington Redskins RB Clinton Portis (concussion) has been ruled out for Sunday’s game at Dallas.
Portis has yet to practice this week and is still experiencing the aftereffects from his concussion two weeks after the fact. Don’t bet on Portis playing another snap in 2009. Backup Ladell Betts is filling in admirably.

Denver: Though Kyle Orton is making progress with his ankle injury, coach Josh McDaniels said he won’t determine his starting quarterback until necessary. “We’d love for him to be out there as soon as he can possibly be out there, and very hopeful he’s going to play,” McDaniels said. This situation is headed toward a game-time decision. Orton missed practice again Thursday while Chris Simms handled most of the first-team reps. Orton will push to play if it’s at all possible, due mainly to the ineffective play of Simms.