NFL

Miles Austin

Cowboy’s owner Jerry Jones indicated Thursday that he’s eager to sign restricted free agent Miles Austin to a long-term deal. Jerry’s son, executive VP Stephen Jones, wasn’t ready to talk about a long-term extension for Austin after his NFL record 421 yards in his first two starts.

Austin’s dominant performance in the second half of the season erased all doubts. His agent can start with Roy Williams’ ludicrous five-year, $45 million deal and go from there. Austin is clearly the best receiver on the Dallas Cowboys and an emerging superstar in the NFL.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Minnesota: Minnesota Vikings coach Brad Childress confirmed that Percy Harvin missed Thursday’s practice with a migraine headache. There’s no telling how long he’ll be sidelined, though Childress believes he’ll be “OK.”

While Harvin was able to play through the migraines early in the season, he missed one game and parts of another down the stretch due to a migraine. The Vikes passing attack suffered its biggest slump during those two weeks. Harvin could be a game time decision this weekend.

Dallas: Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips’ extension runs through 2011, not 2012 as previously reported. Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Phillips was to receive a 2012 option year as well, but it was scratched at the last minute. Essentially, owner Jerry Jones picked up the 2010 option and added one more year.

“I’m encouraged by the progress that we made this year, but in no way are we satisfied,” Jones explained. “This contract represents that. Two years in the NFL is an eternity, but it has to be urgent.” If the Cowboys don’t make it to the NFC title game next season, Philips is likely to be fired.

San Diego: According to beat writer Kevin Acee, it’s a “foregone conclusion” that LaDainian Tomlinson won’t be back with the San Diego Chargers in 2010. Acee points out that there won’t be a renegotiation on the $5 million LT is due because “they did that last year to avoid one this year.”

Tomlinson’s standoff with GM A.J. Smith was ugly at times last year, so we’re hoping the final parting goes more smoothly. Don’t expect teams around the league to fight over Tomlinson, as he might not even find a starting job next season. Expect the Chargers to draft a RB in the first or second round of this Aprils draft.

Arizona: Matt Leinart’s inaccuracy has “eroded confidence among the receiving corps,” according to Arizona Cardinals beat writer Kent Somers. Not only does Leinart diminish their playmaking ability, his high throws make them targets for big hits. Per Somers, the offense “will no doubt change” if Leinart takes over, with the running game taking center stage.

Chicago: Bears RB Matt Forte reportedly underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee during the past two weeks. A post-season MRI revealed the need for the procedure. Forte showed toughness in playing through a partially torn hamstring and an early-season MCL sprain, though it’s not known if the scope is related to the latter.