NFL

Yahoo’s Jason Cole reports that the Saints do not plan on bringing back Reggie Bush in 2010. Bush is scheduled to make $8 million in 2010, which is an extremely large amount for a change-of-pace back. According to Cole, even if 2010 is an uncapped season the Saints will still part ways with the off-injured back. attling chronic knee problems, Bush has missed the New Orleans Saints last two games. He’s averaged just 9.3 touches in his nine 2009 appearances. However, in an uncapped year Bush is likely to draw interest from several clubs and could land a new contract paying $5-6 million annually.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Detroit: Lions coach Jim Schwartz is expecting Calvin Johnson (hand, knee) and Matthew Stafford (knee) to be available for Sunday’s game at Cincinnati. Both players participated in team practice on Tuesday. “I’m optimistic both of them would be without limitation on Sunday,” said Schwartz. “At this time of the year, (they will be) about as full-speed as you can be. Everybody’s banged up or beat up a little bit.” Johnson and Stafford will have a tough matchup on Sunday as they will face off against the Bengals Pro Bowl caliber corners.

Pittsburg: Pittsburg Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger (concussion) is expected to start against the Raiders Sunday.
Roethlisberger has apparently been cleared by the neurologists and his coach is giving him the go ahead. Getting Roethlisberger back is obviously a huge upgrade for all the Steelers’ skill players even though they’ll be facing Nnamdi Asomugha and a decent Raiders secondary on Sunday.

Atlanta: The Falcons have released K Jason Elam. Elam missed four field goals from 39 yards out or closer this season, including two in the last three weeks. He turns 40 in March and is no longer a reasonable option on kickoffs. Matt Bryant is the Atlanta Falcons new kicker.

Carolina: Jake Delhomme is “unlikely” to play against the Bucs this week, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Schefter says Delhomme will sit because of his finger injury, but there’s a good chance he would have been benched anyway. Coach John Fox already said that Matt Moore would take the first-team reps on Wednesday while the turnover plagued Delhomme rests.

Philadelphia: Eagles signed TE Brent Celek to a six-year, $33 million extension. The deal includes $11 million in guaranteed money. The Philadelphia Eagles do a great job of locking up their young talent to long-term deals as Celek was set to become a free agent in 2011. He’s now in the fold through 2016. It’s a well-deserved extension for Celek, who has proven to be one of the better all-around tight ends in the league. At age 24 and in his first season as a full-time starter, he’s fifth in the league in receptions.