NFL

CBS Sports’ Clark Judge and ESPN’s Adam Schefter both report that the Vikings are on the verge of signing coach Brad Childress to an extension. Judge reported on October 20 that the deal would be consummated “within 2-3 weeks” of that date. A deal appears imminent now that Schefter has joined in. Childress is currently the lowest paid head coach in the NFC North, but is expected to make twice as much as his current $2M salary via the new deal. He is 32-25 with one playoff berth in 3 1/2 years as Vikings head coach

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Oakland: Raiders coach Tom Cable confirmed Wednesday that JaMarcus Russell has been permanently benched in favor of Bruce Gradkowski. Russell’s nine-game 2009 stint as Oakland’s starter ends with a miserable 5.2 YPA, 47.1 completion rate, six fumbles and nine picks compared to two TD passes. Russell is widely considered one of the most talented QBs in the NFL, but the problem is he is one of the most laziness as well. It will be interesting to see what Oakland Raiders does in the offseason to address its QB situation.

Miami: According to Dolphins beat writer Jeff Darlington, Ronnie Brown’s season-ending right foot injury is “believed” to be a Lisfranc fracture. The break will likely require surgery and bring into question Brown’s status for 2010 training camp. By late July, he’ll be seven months removed from the injury. A source tells Darlington that the mid-foot fracture isn’t “anything major as far as career or long term,” but Brown will likely miss all of OTA season.

Atlanta: According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Jerious Norwood (hip) “looks like a long shot” to be ready for Week 11. Norwood only began to running in consecutive days, which backs up reports that he might not play on Sunday. Jason Snelling says he is preparing to be Atlanta’s featured runner with Michael Turner (high ankle sprain) almost certainly out.

Buffalo: Interim coach Perry Fewell confirmed Wednesday that Ryan Fitzpatrick will be the Bills’ starting quarterback in Week 11. Fewell, the Buffalo Bills’ defensive coordinator before his “promotion” to head coach following Dick Jauron’s firing, has directed his unit against Trent Edwards in practice for the last three seasons. It’s a bad sign for Edwards that Fewell believes Fitzpatrick gives Buffalo a better chance to win.

Tampa Bay: NFL.com’s Steve Wyche reports that Antonio Bryant (knee) is expected to return to the starting lineup in Week 11 against New Orleans. Wyche doesn’t give any details, but the swelling in Bryant’s surgically repaired knee must have dissipated during his three week-layoff. Bryant has averaged just three catches for 39 yards in his six 2009 appearances and now has a rookie quarterback throwing to him.