NFL

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that Colts RE Dwight Freeney has a torn ligament in his injured right ankle. The injury “will make it difficult for him to play” in Super Bowl XLIV, according to Schefter. This confirms a Profootballtalk report that Freeney’s injury is more serious than the team has let on. Missing Freeney, even if it’s for just a few less snaps than usual, would be detrimental to Indy’s Super Bowl chances. Freeney, however, is widely known for his high threshold of pain.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Philadelphia: Sources tell ESPN’s Len Pasquarelli that the Bills will indeed consider Michael Vick for their starting quarterback job. This confirms beat writer Allen Wilson’s speculation earlier this week. New coach Chan Gailey likes mobile quarterbacks and the Bills can’t enter 2010 with Trent Edwards as their starter. The Buffalo Bills would likely only have to give up a conditional sixth- or seventh-round pick to land Vick.

Philadelphia: A high-ranking Eagles official told ESPN.com that “the odds are pretty good [that] [Donovan McNabb] isn’t going anywhere.” We tend to agree, but that doesn’t mean the Eagles aren’t listening to offers. If someone blows them away with a solid veteran on defense and a first-round pick, they’d be hard-pressed to reject a trade. The Philadelphia Eagles front office will deny they are shopping McNabb for many reasons, including their quarterback’s fragile ego. Kevin Kolb continues to wait patiently for his era to begin.

Minnesota: Vikings LT Bryant McKinnie has been dismissed from the NFC Pro Bowl squad after going AWOL late in the week. McKinnie has shown up for only one meeting and even missed the team picture.

Carolina: Julius Peppers said he “doesn’t have a preference” about where he plays next season. “I’m just trying to get on a team right now,” Peppers said. “I just want to get a contract.” Peppers’ fate for 2010 is still very much up in the air. The Carolina Panthers could pay an absurd $20.1 million to put the franchise tag on Peppers again, do a long-term deal or let him walk without any compensation. Just about every team in the league would jump at the opportunity to sign Peppers.

New England: Pro Bowl LG Logan Mankins, who is set to become a restricted free agent, isn’t concerned about his contract situation. Mankins wants an extension, but appears to be resigned to his fate. As a RFA, the New England Patriots will hold all the cards on the excellent run blocker and can bring him back on a one-year deal worth around $3M.

2010 NFL Draft: Michigan DE Brandon Graham was named MVP of the Senior Bowl Saturday.
Graham dominated practices all week, and he was the most disruptive player in the game Saturday as well. He finished with two sacks and a forced fumble. Graham is a tad short at 6’1, but he’s drawn comparisons to fellow Michigan product LaMarr Woodley as a pass rusher.