Elsewhere around the NFL:

Denver: Broncoes WR Brandon Marshall said Thursday that he’s open to playing for the Denver Broncos next season. “Last year I handled things totally wrong,” admitted Marshall. “I just looked at the business side of things and took things too personally.” Marshall is attempting to repair his image, but the Broncos would clearly prefer to trade him this offseason. Perhaps Marshall’s agent has finally made it clear that his best way to get a contract extension is to be a good team player. Marshall will likely still be dealt this offseason to the highest bidder.

Buffalo: Profootballtalk.com’s Mike Florio reports the Bills will hire University of Florida defensive coordinator George Edwards for the same position in Buffalo. The Buffalo Bills have confirmed the report. Edwards left the Dolphins for the Gators job just three weeks ago. Since 1998, he has served as a successful linebackers coach with the Cowboys, Redskins, Browns, and Dolphins.

It was in Dallas that he worked with head coach Chan Gailey. In his first experience as a coordinator, Edwards indicated that he will start out with a “3-4″ scheme with an ability to flex to a “4-3″ at times. It’s still a big change for a defense that has run “4-3″ for nine years. Look for the Bills to aquire a linebacker in the draft or free agency in the offseason.

New Orleans: Beat writer Mike Triplett calls the report of a new contract for Drew Brees “a bit premature.” Triplett does expect Brees to get a new deal “at some point over the next two years,” but he points out that the sides have held no serious discussions on a contract. The Saints are expected to open talks this offseason, but “nothing is imminent.” Brees has two years remaining on his original six-year, $60M deal.

Miami: Free agent Chad Pennington (shoulder surgery) “has decided to make it his priority to stay with the Dolphins,” according to the Miami Herald’s Jeff Darlington. Pennington is willing to back up Chad Henne, and the Miami Dolphins will “entertain the possibility” only after they see him throw — specifically a 15-yard out route. His shoulder was discovered to have only damage to the labrum and the shoulder capsule, leading to expectations of a full recovery. If Miami opts against re-signing him (Pat White and Tyler Thigpen are under contract), the Cardinals are believed to have interest in Pennington as veteran insurance behind Matt Leinart.

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.

Donte' Stallworth and Brady Quinn

The Browns have “no intention” of bringing Donte’ Stallworth back for the 2010 season, according to beat writer Tony Grossi. Stallworth is eligible to be reinstated from his suspension after the Super Bowl. He’s due a $1M bonus in March in addition to a $2.775M salary.

There’s no chance he sees that money. Still, Stallworth will end up receiving $9.6M in total for 17 receptions and 170 yards over two years with the Denver Broncos. The injury-prone 29-year-old will carry a ton of baggage the free agent market and will find it tough trying to land with an NFL team.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Oakland: ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that Tom Cable will stay on as Oakland Raiders head coach in 2010. Cable did get his team to play hard down the stretch for a second straight season.

Owner Al Davis appears to be going with Cable’s ability to motivate over JaMarcus Russell, who Cable benched in-season despite Davis’ belief that the 2007 No. 1 overall pick is a “great player.”

Cable’s play calling duties are likely to be stripped, however, in favor of offensive coordinator target Hue Jackson. In the last year of his contract, Cable enters 2010 as a lame duck and could be fired during the regular season.

Look for rumors to persist that the Raiders are “gauging interest” from other coaches regarding Oakland’s head coaching job. If the Raiders can find a better replacement, Cable could be dumped at any time.

San Diego: Chargers assistant head coach/TEs Rob Chudzinski has dropped out of the running for the Bears’ offensive coordinator vacancy. Chudzinski’s contract is expiring, but San Diego Chargers is expected to pursue re-signing him.

Another blow is dealt to Chicago’s fruitless OC search, with GM Jerry Angelo already having missed out on Jeremy Bates (originally his No. 1 candidate) and Charlie Weis.

Buffalo: Mike Jurecki of XTRA Sports 910 in Phoenix reports Cardinals running backs coach Curtis Modkins will be named offensive coordinator for the Buffalo Bills. The Bills requested permission to interview Modkins earlier in the week, and the sides reached an agreement by Friday night.

Modkins has a history with Gailey, as the two worked together at Georgia Tech and in Kansas City with the Chiefs for a combined seven years. Gailey will maintain play-calling duties in Buffalo.

Minnesota: Percy Harvin (migraines) participated in Saturday’s practice and team meetings after staying home Thursday and Friday. Harvin is traveling with the team to New Orleans.

His migraines had reportedly lessened by Saturday, but “the problem still lingers.” Barring a setback, Harvin appears likely to suit up Sunday evening, though his exact role remains up in the air.

Chan Gailey

The Chan Gailey era in Buffalo officially begun on Tuesday as the team introduced the career play-caller as their next head coach. Gailey, who was fired from his only other head coaching position by Jerry Jones, will get his second, and most likely last chance to prove himself as a successful head coach in the NFL.

Gailey will have his work cut out for him in Buffalo Bills. The Buffalo Bills team he’s taking over hasn’t made the playoffs in a decade and its fans have been clamoring for a big name coach, such as Bill Cowher, during what most fans are interpreting a unsuccessful search. “I can’t say anything to change anybody’s mind. All I can do is go try to help us win football games,” Gailey said. “We win football games, everybody’s minds will be changed, right?”

Gailey was hired by first-time general manager Buddy Nix, ending a two-month search to replace Dick Jauron, who was fired in November. He takes over a Bills team coming off its fifth straight losing season following a 6-10 finish and in the midst of a 10-year playoff drought that is tied with Detroit as the longest active streak in the NFL. “I’ve been around enough winning programs … that when I walk on the field I expect to win.

I don’t just hope to win,” Gailey said. “But the bottom line is we’ve got to do it on the field” For Nix, it was Gailey’s extensive experience that impressed him and met most of the criteria the General Manager set out when he took over the search two weeks ago. Nix was eager to find someone with previous head-coaching experience and who had an offensive background, especially considering the Bills quarterback situation.

“Without any doubt in my mind, we got the best qualified guy, a guy that was on the list early,” Nix said.”We got the right guy for us. I’ve got full confidence in him to answer your question.”

Gailey has spent 15 of his 35 years of coaching in the NFL. In his two years coaching the Dallas Cowboys, he went 18-14 and led the team to consecutive playoff appearances – both losses. He was dismissed after the 1999 season, and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has acknowledged his mistake in firing Gailey.

Gailey has been out of football since he was removed as the Chiefs’ offensive coordinator in August, two weeks before the season opener. He was entering his second season with Kansas City Chiefs after a six-year stretch as Georgia Tech’s coach, during which he went 44-33 before being fired in 2007.

Vikings defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier was considered the top candidate after interviewing two weeks ago. Frazier’s stock appeared to climb even further after his defense shut down the Cowboys in Minnesota’s 34-3 win in the playoffs Sunday.

Oakland Raider

A league source tells Profootballtalk.com that the Raiders still haven’t held any head coaching interviews. “Reports that we’ve interviewed prospective head coaches are totally untrue, totally false,” club spokesman John Herrera said Tuesday.

The SF Chronicle reported early Wednesday that the team interviewed Jim Fassel and CFL coach Marc Trestman. The Oakland Raiders are known to be in the process of setting up a visit for Ravens QBs coach Hue Jackson, whose hire could keep Tom Cable safe.

Jackson would work under Cable as offensive coordinator and playcaller. However, nobody truly knows what is going on behind closed doors as the Raiders are one of the most gossiped about NFL teams.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Atlanta: Atlanta  Falcons hall-of-fame TE Tony Gonzalez confirmed Wednesday that he will return for a 14th season.

“Now that I’ve had a chance to get away from the game a little bit…I’m definitely going to be around for next year,” he said. The 34-year-old needs just one reception to get to 1,000 for his career.

Buffalo: Mike Lombardi of the National Football Post suggests that Buffalo Bills is now a possible landing spot for Michael Vick. Lombardi points out that new Bills coach Chan Gailey has worked extensively with athletic QBs: Kordell Stewart, Georgia Tech four-year starter Reggie Ball, and even Tyler Thigpen.

It’s debatable/uncertain whether Vick is even a league-average passer anymore, but he can’t be much worse of an option than Trent Edwards, Gibran Hamdan, Brian Brohm, or Ryan Fitzpatrick.

Arizona: Sounding like a player dead-set on retiring, Kurt Warner told ESPN’s Rick Reilly that playing football has lost its fun. “You have a game that isn’t that great and people are like, ‘What’s wrong with Warner?’

That wears on you,” Warner said. “You don’t have the joy and the fun and satisfaction of having one of those great games because everybody expects you to. You never get to exhale.” Warner, who turns 39 in June, has been named NFL MVP twice, played in three Super Bowls, and made a strong case for Hall-of-Fame enshrinement. It appears that Warner is currently leaning toward retirement.

Philadelphia: Eagles beat writer Les Bowen isn’t buying the report that Brian Westbrook’s troublesome left knee will force him to retire. Bowen says it sounds like B-West retiring is what the Birds’ front office hopes will happen. That way, it won’t be as ugly when they are forced to release one of their most popular players once again.

Carolina: Jonathan Stewart “tweeted” that he’s undergoing surgery on his foot Wednesday. Exact details aren’t available, but the procedure is likely related to his troublesome Achilles’ tendon, an injury that resulted from Stewart trying to overcompensate for his college turf toe.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Seattle: Seattle Seahawks RB Julius Jones (ribs) returned to a full practice Thursday and is expected to play Sunday at Green Bay. Jones will likely start on Sunday against the Packers and get more carries than Justin Forsett.

Carolina: RB DeAngelo Williams missed Thursday’s practice with an ankle injury that has been bothering him over the last few weeks. Look for Jonathan Stewart to see the majority of the carries against the Giants on Sunday.

Carolina: Panthers placed QB Jake Delhomme (finger) on injured reserve, ending his season. Delhomme is scheduled to earn $13 million in guaranteed money next season, which means he will return but might be a backup. Matt Moore has made some strides in his three starts this season and the Carolina Panthers appear to be ready to go in a different direction.

Oakland: Oakland  Raiders RB Justin Fargas did not practice on Thursday because of a knee injury. It looks like Michael Bush will get the start on Sunday against the Browns.

Pittsburg: Hines Ward (hamstring) returned to a full practice Thursday. Ward reportedly had a setback with his hamstring last week, but he ended up catching seven balls for 126 yards. It doesn’t appear that he’s in any danger of missing this week’s game against the Ravens.

Buffalo: Bills RE Aaron Schobel indicated Wednesday that he may consider retiring after this season. Schobel, 32, is still a very productive player and has seven sacks on the season. “I don’t know my future really, what I’m going to do,” he said. He is second on the Buffalo Bills’ all-time sacks list, behind only Bruce Smith.

Washington: Redskins coach Jim Zorn confirmed Wednesday that Jason Campbell will start in Week 16 against Dallas. Campbell suffered a stinger and was rocked repeatedly by the Giants on Monday night, as New York defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan took a page from predecessor Steve Spagnuolo’s pressure-filled book. Campbell also came out of the game with a black eye. He figures to face similar protection breakdowns against a Dallas defense that humbled Drew Brees in Week 15.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

New Orleans: Saints coach Sean Payton said that he will not rest key players now that the quest for a perfect season is over. The New Orleans Saints haven’t clinched the No. 1 seed in the NFC yet, but could with a win Sunday. “We’re not resting them. We’re playing right now,” Payton said. “There are only two weeks left in the regular season, and we’re full-speed ahead with this game that we’re playing.” The Saints would be wise to continue to play key players and not the players get rusty.

Kansas City: The Chiefs have waived WR Mark Bradley. With Dwayne Bowe coming back, the Kansas City Chiefs will go with Bobby Wade and Lance Long as the third and fourth receivers. Bradley was clearly not in the Chiefs future plans.

Buffalo: According to the Buffalo News, Brian Brohm is the likely starting quarterback for the Bills this week.
Ryan Fitzpatrick had crutches in his locker Monday after injuring his ankle against the Pats. With nothing left to play for this season, the Buffalo Bills will be going with the former Green Bay second round pick as their starting quarterback.

Pittsburg: Steelers WR Hines Ward had a setback with his hamstring injury and is now considered day to day. He’s still expected to play against the Ravens on Sunday.

Cleveland: Browns QB Derek Anderson will start the final two games for the Browns as Brady Quinn was placed on injured reserve with a foot injury. He is not a fantasy option against the Raiders or Jaguars.

Philadelphia: Eagles WR Jeremy Maclin is expected back at Philadelphia Eagles practice this week. He missed week 15 with a foot injury. He does not have a good match up against the Broncos this weekend.

Chicago: Bears WR Devin Hester is reportedly closer to returning from a calf injury and could play this week. He has missed the previous two games. Hester would not be considered a strong play against the Vikings on Monday night.

Washington: Redskins TE Fred Davis caught five passes for 65 yards and a touchdown on Monday night. He continues to put up big numbers with Chris Cooley out with injury.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Indianapolis: Cots QB Peyton Manning was limited in Indianapolis Colts practice Wednesday with a “glute” injury. Considering he hasn’t missed a game in his career, we think it’s ok to plug Manning in your lineup for the Texans on Sunday.

San Diego: Chargers WR Vincent Jackson was held out of Chargers practice Wednesday because of a ribs injury. He should be ok to go against the Chiefs in week 12, but pay attention to the injury report throughout the week.

Buffalo: Bills RB Marshawn Lynch (shoulder) was a full participant in practice Wednesday. The Buffalo Bills said this week that Lynch was considered “day to day,” and he didn’t appear to be in any pain on the sidelines of last week’s loss after the injury. Even though Lynch might play this weekend, Fred Jackson will see his share of the carries.

Arizona: In a conference call with Tennessee media Wednesday, Kurt Warner (head) told reporters that he expects to play Sunday at the Titans. Throughout his career, Warner has always been upfront with reports so it looks as if he will play Sunday. Through ten games, Warner is averaging two passing TDs and 272 yards per week and he has a favorable matchup in week 12.

St. Louis: Rams RB Steven Jackson missed Rams practice Wednesday with back spasms. The St. Louis Rams usually list players that miss full practices as questionable on the final injury report, but Jackson seems confident that he’ll face Seattle, saying he’s “expecting to play Sunday.” “Hopefully it’ll release a little bit and allow me to practice,” the workhorse added. “It’s just one of those things where you’ve got to wait it out.” Check back later this week for an update.

Atlanta: Falcons RB Michael Turner (ankle) returned to Falcons practice on a “limited” basis Wednesday.
The development is promising for his chances of playing in Week 13, but coach Mike Smith’s admission that Turner has “no timetable” for return means he probably isn’t ready to face the Bucs. Jerious Norwood (hip) practiced fully Wednesday, though Jason Snelling is very likely to be Atlanta’s lead runner in the favorable matchup. Norwood hasn’t played in six weeks

Elsewhere around the NFL:

New York: The Giants announced late Friday that MLB Antonio Pierce will be out indefinitely after a bulging disc was discovered in Pierce’s neck. Pierce was “shocked” by the news. He practiced on Friday, but experienced discomfort afterwards and was hospitalized for tests. An MRI revealed the injury, which may threaten Pierce’s season. His loss is a blow to a New York Giants run defense that has underachieved all year. Chase Blackburn will likely take over in the middle, with Michael Boley now healthy at weak-side linebacker. Look for the Giants to select a MLB in the first round of the 2010 NFL draft.

Houston: Texans RB Steve Slaton will start for the Texans against the Titans on Monday night. What ever happened to Slaton having to earn the job back? Apparently, Head Coach Gary Kubiak had a change of heart? Expect backup RBs Chris Brown and Ryan Moats to take some carries away from Slaton, perhaps short yardage and redzone.

New Orleans: Saints RB Reggie Bush (knee) and Sedrick Ellis (MCL sprain) have been downgraded to “out” and will not travel with the team to Tampa. The New Orleans Saints want to avoid a setback with Bush’s oft-surgically repaired knee and have him read for the playoffs.

Oakland: Head Coach Tom Cable revealed Friday that Michael Bush will be the Raiders’ starting tailback in Week 11 against Cincinnati. Bush started Week 10 and had 119 yards on 14 carries against the Chiefs, but now faces the Bengals’ No. 2 rush defense. This is a situation to avoid in fantasy leagues. Justin Fargas got the goal-line carries last Sunday and Darren McFadden’s role figures to grow on a weekly basis as he continues to recover from in-season knee surgery.

Buffalo: The Bills will not make any hires until after the season, according to WIVB in Buffalo. The TV station stands by their earlier report that Jon Gruden was the top choice to replace Dick Jauron, but now admits there was no face-to-face meeting. The Buffalo Bills will hold informal talks during the rest of the 2009 campaign, but interim coach Perry Fewell will finish the season as the teams head coach.

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.