NFL

According to Profootballtalk.com, the Giants have “no desire” to release or trade DE Osi Umenyiora after this season. The franchise reportedly believes Umenyiora’s comments following Sunday’s loss, which indicated he doesn’t expect to be back in New York next year, are simply Umenyiora latest attempt to get a new contract and/or he has been frustrated by the teams play. After missing all of 2008 due to knee surgery, Umenyiora’s rush numbers are way down and he’s been exposed by the run. Even if he returns to the New York Giants or signs with another team, Umenyiora has been exposed as a situational pass rusher.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Baltimore: According to his agent Ralph Cindrich’s Twitter account, backup QB Troy Smith has notified the  Baltimore Ravens that he wants to be traded. Smith “wants playing time” Cindrich writes and plans to “seek (a) trade” after the Ravens’ playoff run. One has to wonder why Smith decided to speak up a one week before his team attempts to secure a playoff birth against the Raiders on Sunday.

Tampa Bay: In an interview with Pewter Report, CB Ronde Barber threatened to retire if the Bucs do not retain head coach Raheem Morris. “Absolutely it will,” Barber said when discussing the impact Morris’ status has on his future. Morris has led his team to a 3-12 record and there is talk that Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be targeting target Bill Cowher as his replacement in the offseason.

New Orleans: X-rays came back negative on Pierre Thomas’ ribs Monday, though he remains questionable for Week 17 at Carolina. Thomas suffered the injury just before the half on Sunday and didn’t come back for the third or fourth quarters.

Carolina: The Charlotte Observer reports that Carolina Panthers coach John Fox and GM Marty Hurney will be “offered the opportunity” to stay with the organization in 2010 by owner Jerry Richardson. Fox, whose contract is up after 2010, will not be offered an extension. A potential NFL lockout in 2011 may have influenced Richardson’s decision, as the team could opt to reduce its expenses.

St. Louis: Rams RB Steven Jackson confirmed that he has a herniated disk but says that no surgery is needed and he plans on playing in Week 17. Jackson experienced new symptoms leading up to Sunday’s game against the Cardinals, and was inactive for the first time all season.

Miami: Despite missing most of the second half with a shoulder injury, Ricky Williams said after Sunday’s game, “I’m sure I’ll be fine.” Ricky suffered the injury early in the third quarter, missing out on a 2-yard touchdown vultured by Lex Hilliard. He sat out the remainder of the game with the exception of a 3-yard catch with three minutes left in the fourth quarter.