Seahawks coach Pete Carroll suggested Thursday that Charlie Whitehurst will be given the opportunity to push Matt Hasselbeck for the starting quarterback job this season. “Charlie is coming in here to battle,” said Carroll. “He’s going to show where he fits into the whole thing.” Though Carroll pointed out that Hasselbeck is leading the offense, he qualified it by adding that Whitehurst “is going to take his shot at it every turn.” Whitehurst’s rate of development in the new offense will determine how quickly he can give Hasselbeck a run for his money. We still expect Whitehurst to open the season on the bench if Hasselbeck remains with the team.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Philadelphia: Philadelphia Eagles released WR Kevin Curtis. Together with Darren Howard’s release, the moves will save the team almost $10 million in salary and bonuses this year alone. With Jason Avant locked in as the slot receiver, Curtis no longer had a role on offense while bringing no value to special teams. After spending all of last season nursing a knee injury, Curtis is facing questions about how much he has left in the tank this offseason. His best bets for a landing spot are a return to St. Louis or Mike Martz’s offense in Chicago.

San Francisco: According to NFL Fanhouse’s Nancy Gay, the San Francisco 49ers and GM Scot McCloughan are cutting ties over what is being termed a “personal matter.” “I’m fine and moving forward,” McCloughan said Thursday. The breakup is said to be by mutual agreement due to “longstanding personal issues.” The Niners will make an announcement later today, and director of player personnel Trent Baalke is expected to fill many of the GM duties.

Denver: Brady Quinn reiterated Thursday the Lisfranc sprain in his left foot is fully healed. Quinn said he could do a seven-step drop, plant and throw with no pain. Quinn won fans among Denver media Thursday, asking for each reporter’s name to get to know them before answering questions at his introductory press conference.

Free Agency: In addition to the 49ers and Lions, the Jags and Saints are also expected to send representatives to free agent Pacman Jones’ workout Friday. First he’ll meet with the Lions, headed by his former defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. Pacman showed up out of shape and flunked an interview session with the Bengals a month ago, but it sounds like he has yet another chance to get back in the league if he takes this tryout seriously.

Kansas City: Restricted free agent ILB Derrick Johnson is expected to sign his tender “in the coming days,” according to Scout.com. Johnson had hopes of testing the open market, but he wasn’t going to draw serious interest at the price of a first-round pick. A nickel backer with the Kansas City Chiefs last season, he’ll remain available in trade.

2010 NFL Draft: Florida State CB Patrick Robinson improved his forty times at the Seminoles pro day workout Thursday, posting a 4.38. Robinson was at 4.42 and 4.49 at the combine earlier this month. He’ll battle athletic Rutgers CB Devin McCourty to go off the board as the third corner after Florida’s Joe Haden and Boise State Kyle Wilson late in the first round.

L Network’s Jason LaCanfora reports the Baltimore Ravens are committed to keeping Willis McGahee despite his $3.6 million salary in 2010. The Ravens want to keep McGahee around as insurance for and a complement to Ray Rice. The 28-year-old flourished in the backup role, averaging 5.0 YPC with a career-high 14 combined TDs. McGahee will likely remain the top choice at the goal-line,

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Houston: Texans coach Gary Kubiak indicated that Steve Slaton (neck surgery) will be involved in OTAs as a non-contact participant. Kubiak expects Slaton to be cleared for contact by training camp “as long as he recovers correctly.” The Houston Texans don’t seem to be concerned about the long-term affects of the surgery, but Slaton won’t be a great bet to play 16 games in 2010. Though he remains in the mix for carries, Kubiak is placing a “high priority” on adding a physical back with the ability to close games.

Houston: Coach Gary Kubiak believes Jacoby Jones should end up as No. 1 or No. 2 receiver in the NFL.
Kubiak joked that that he’s had more meetings with Jones than he’s had with his own children, but he insists that Jones is a “good kid,” lacking only in consistency. Kubiak has been high on Jones since the end of the season, and the return ace has a shot to ascend to the No. 2 job with Kevin Walter an unrestricted free agent.

Cincinnati: Bengals.com’s Geoff Hobson disputes a report that the Bengals are planning to use Matt Jones as a tight end. The Dayton Daily News characterized “in-house NFL guru” Carlos “Big C” Holmes’ opinion as fact, when it was merely guesswork. The Cincinnati Bengals realize Jones doesn’t have the bulk or the blocking ability to pull off the switch. If reports about his workout are true, Jones has a lot of work to do this offseason just to make the final roster.

Cincinnati: The Bengals are believed to be interested in re-signing DT Tank Johnson. The team has already made an opening offer. Johnson stayed out of trouble all season while helping the Bengals’ run defense, so it makes sense that they’d want to bring him back to start next to Domata Peko.

Cleveland: Though he’s not yet ready to make a decision on his quarterback situation, Cleveland Browns president Mike Holmgren suggested that Brady Quinn deserves a full season of starts before he can be fairly evaluated. Holmgren believes a quarterback needs 32 games to be accurately defined. “I think Brady’s played about nine games in three years (actually 12),” said Holmgren. “So if I’m sticking to my beliefs, which I really do believe in, that’s the formula.” Holmgren added, however, that he needs to study his options more before deciding on a direction for the team’s quarterback.

According to agent Gary Wichard, Ravens OLB/DE Terrell Suggs’ Week 10 knee injury may cost him the rest of 2009. Wichard practically spitting fire on what he is calling a “cheap shot” by Brady Quinn. “Brady launched himself into a defenseless player,” he said. “You’re a quarterback, dude. You can’t tackle, so don’t take a shot at his knee. This guy, Brady, is on the cover of Muscle & Fitness, so take him on like you’re supposed to take him on. It was an illegal play.” The loss of Suggs is a huge blow to the Baltimore Ravens defense.

Buffalo: NFL Network’s Jason LaCanfora reports the Buffalo Bills have fired head coach Dick Jauron. The move comes on the heels of a report that Ryan Fitzpatrick would replace Trent Edwards as the starting quarterback. Jauron’s decision to allow the instillation of the no-hudle offense was a disaster. Apparently, the Bills were confused and thought that Tom Brady was traded to Buffalo Bills. According to NFL.com’s Vic Carucci, defensive coordinator Perry Fewell will take over as the interim head coach.

Cincinnati: The Bengals have signed RB Larry Johnson to a one year contract. He’ll be a fourth stringer for now and there isn’t much upside for him. He probably will not be active in week 11 and might not see an important carry all season long. No reason to pick him up off of fantasy waivers.

Miami: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown might be sent to a specialist for further examination on his right foot according to beat writer Omar Kelly. It would appear that he will not play against Carolina this week and maybe beyond. Ricky Williams will be the primary ball-carrier now for Miami Dolphins.

Miami: Dolphins beat writer Armando Salguero calls the odds of impending free agent Chad Pennington (shoulder surgeries) re-signing with Miami “very slim.” Salguero says the Fins have already found their starter (Chad Henne) and backups of the future (Pat White, Tyler Thigpen). Pennington is considered unlikely to settle for a clear-cut backup role. The Browns, Redskins, Panthers, Rams, Bills, Titans, 49ers, and perhaps Denver and Oakland will be looking for QB help this offseason, so there is no shortage of potential destinations.

Washington: Redskins RB Clinton Portis referred to his concussion Tuesday as a “major situation” and said there’s no need for him to “rush back” as long as Ladell Betts is playing well. Even though the comment was in poor taste, a concussion is nothing to laugh at and Portis should make sure he is completely healthy before returning to action.

Kansas City: The NFL suspended Kansas City Chiefs WR Dwayne Bowe four games for violating the league’s policy on performance enhancing substances. The suspension begins immediately and will keep Bowe out until Week 15. Bowe reported to spring workouts 30 pounds overweight and ESPN’s Adam Schefter “gathers” that Bowe took a diuretic to shed the extra pounds, which makes sense considering he pent much of the early season in Coach Todd Haley’s doghouse.

As the October 20th trading deadline nears, rumors are running ramped that Cleveland Browns QB Brady Quinn is on the trading block. Adding to the speculations is the fact that Quinn has put his home in Avon Lake, Ohio up for sale.

In response to the trade rumors, Browns coach Eric Mangini indicated on Wednesday that the Browns are not looking to trade their now-backup quarterback. The Browns appear to be poised for a fire sale, as their star wide reciver was deal to the New York Jets last week. Possible candidates, based on our review of the depth charts for the other 31 teams, are the Bills, Texans, Jaguars, Raiders, Redskins, Panthers, Rams, 49ers, and Seahawks.

Elsewhere from around the NFL:

Detroit: Lions WR Calvin Johnson (knee, thigh) did not practice Wednesday and was spotted “hobbling” during the portion of the workout media has access to. Barring a sudden turnaround, Johnson’s chances of playing Sunday against Green Bay looks bleak.

New Orleans: Saints RB Pierre Thomas was limited in Saints practice Wednesday with an ankle injury. This is a new injury and coming off a bye and won’t help the chance of Thomas being relied upon to become the featured back in New Orleans. Meanwhile, Mike Bell (knee) participated in a full practice on Wednesday.

Steelers RB Willie Parker (toe) and SS Troy Polamalu (knee) both returned to full practices for the Steelers Wednesday. Reports out of Pittsburg are that Rashard Mendenhall will remain the featured back, with Parker being a change-of-pace player. Polamalu should provide a spark to the entire team that has been lacking since he went down with an injury.

Washington: Washington Redskins RB Clinton Portis was limited in Redskins practice Wednesday with a calf injury. Portis has also been on the injury report with bone spurs in both of his ankles. Portis does have a favorable matchup against Kansas City this Sunday.

Indianapolis: Colts coach Jim Caldwell refused to provide a timetable for Anthony Gonzalez to return from his PCL sprain. “I’m not real sure,” Caldwell said Wednesday. “I know he feels good about his progress.” Even if Gonzalez does not play after the team’s week 6 bye, he is still worth holding onto and could provide a late year boost for fantasy owners.

Cleveland: Browns RB Jamal Lewis (hamstring) was limited in Browns practice Wednesday. Lewis is coming off a workman-like 117 year performance. He will continue to receive the majority of the team carries, but he has an unfavorable matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers this weekend.

Buffalo: The Bills have reportedly decided to scrap the no-huddle offense. The Bills made numerous changes to there team in order to install this offense, including signing Terrell Owens, drafting mobile linemen and cutting Langston Walker in favor of athletic LT Demetrius Bell. These moves will likely cost Dick Jauron his job.

Tampa Bay: Bucs WR Antonio Bryant, admitted that he has to have his knee drained routinely. “Normally I just drain my knee before the game, but I’m going to drain my knee this week and go out and practice,” he said. Fantasy owners should not expect Bryant to turn things around any time soon.

Week 9 didn’t disappoint, there were great games and great performances. This week wasn’t without surprise Cincinnati got there first win of the year and Tennessee remained perfect to this point. Some teams had some injuries that will effect the remainder of there season and its officially time to make a run at the playoffs. We are starting to see big divisional races form and the second half of the season should be as fun as the first.

AFC East – How the times have changed, a couple weeks ago it looked as if the Bills were in complete control of this division and now it is wide open. The Patriots and Bills lost in week 9 and the Jets and Dolphins won, making the division the closest in all of football. The Jets, Bills and Patriots are all tied at 5 – 3, while the Dolphins are 4 – 4.  This sets up a huge match up in week 10, Bills vs Patriots, that will feel like a must win for both teams. Both teams are coming off losses and will look to bounce back on Sunday. Miami has a home game vs Seattle and the Jets are home as well against the Rams, you have to expect both teams to win. Right now it looks like 10 -6 might get you into the playoffs in the AFC, therefore only two of these teams can make it. I think this division will stay close all year long and you should look for big match ups in the last week of the season.

The Brady Quinn era will get under way in week 10. The Browns announced that Anderson has been benched in favor of the 1st round pick and popular Quinn.

Ben Roethlisberger - It was only a matter of time, Ben Roethlisberger missed the second half on Mondays game with a shoulder injury. “Big Ben” gets sacked more then any quarterback in the league and has had a sore shoulder since early in the season. Steelers fans should be concerned without Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh becomes an ordinary team that might struggle for wins. They do have a suitable back up in Byron Leftwich, that is capable of playing a solid QB for this team. Fantasy players should keep an eye on the news to find out more about Ben and his status in week 10.

Daunte Culpepper signs a 2 year deal with the Detroit Lions. I had a feeling Culpepper wouldn’t stay retired for long and hopefully he can still play at a high level. No doubt he is an upgrade for the still winless Lions, and should add some stability to there offense. Culpepper is only 31 years old and if he returns to near the form he had prior to his injuries he can lead the Lions to a victory or two.

Donte Whitner , the Bill safety, suffered a separated shoulder in week 9′s game against the Jets. Whitner has become a reliable safety for the Bills and is one of there leaders on defense and in the locker room. His status is unclear for next weeks match up against the Patriots, but its likely he will be out. This is a big blow to the Bills, who are already struggling in the middle of this season.

Second Half Favorites - We are approx. half way through this season and it is time to take a look at who the favorites might be to compete for a Super Bowl at season end. We are only half way through the year and a lot of things are going to change, but there are some clear cut favorites emerging. In the NFC the New York Giants look like the heavy favorites to return to the Super Bowl this season. The Giants boast the 2nd raked offense to go along with there 4th ranked defense, and they have proved they can beat teams in a variety of ways. Its unclear who the true competition for Giants will be in the NFC, but the Carolina Panthers are looking good at 6 – 2 and I think the Philadelphia Eagles are going to step it up in the second half. The AFC has become a bit more foggy in the past couple weeks, but the perfect Tennessee Titans look like they will continue to role. The Titans are starting to remind me of the Super Bowl winning Ravens who won there title with all defense. The question will be whether or not the Titans are ready to perform on the big stage, and I personally look for the Pittsburgh Steelers to give them a run in the second half. Pittsburgh looks like the Steelers of old, but a lot will depend on the health of Ben Roethlisberger. The Patriots and Colts are still hanging around and with big second halves can get into the discussion, because they have been there before. My mid season prediction is a New York Giants vs Pittsburgh Steelers Super Bowl.

The Detroit Lions looked like they might get there first win of the season in week 9, but 14 unanswered second half points led the Bears to victory. The final score was 27 – 23 and had to be disappointing to the fans and management of the Lions.  The Lions have a tough schedule remaining and there best chance to win might be next week against the Jaguars. After that they might have to hope in week 17 that the Packers rest some players getting ready for the playoffs, and they can steal a win from a better team.

We are about half way through the year and things are starting to get  interesting. Here’s some storylines to watch for in the coming weeks, can the Bills rebound, can the Colts fight for a playoff spot, can the Lions win and can the Titans remain perfect. Enjoy the upcoming weeks of NFL football and the run for the Super Bowl.