Pittsburg Steelers

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Cleveland: The Browns have placed ILB D’Qwell Jackson (shoulder) on injured reserve, ending his season. Jackson was third in the league in tackles even though he was playing through a hamstring injury the past several weeks. Jackson, who will be an unrestricted free-agent in the offseason, will be replaced by rookie Kaluka Maiava and second-round pick David Veikune.

Philedelphia: The Philedelphia Eagles have acquired LB Will Witherspoon from the Rams in exchange for WR Brandon Gibson and a 2010 fifth-round pick. The Eagles completed the trade even though Witherspoon was carried off the field Sunday with an apparent knee injury. We are assuming that Witherspoon’s injury must not be serious and the Eagles team doctors had a chance to evaluated the newly acquired LB.

Pittsburg: Steelers coach Mike Tomlin confirmed Tuesday that Rashard Mendenhall has officially passed Willie Parker on the depth chart at tailback. “It’s great to have Willie back,” Tomlin said, “but Rashard has the hot hand.” This change was bund to come, as Mendenhall fits the “smash-mouth” mentality of Tomlin. Parker will assume the role of a change of pack back.

Dallas: Dallas Cowboys Jerry Jones informed reports on Tuesday that RB Tashard Choice will receive an increase in carries. Jones says Barber (quad) is in better shape than he was two weeks ago, but “Tashard is certainly earned and going to get a big part of the load.” Felix Jones (knee) is expected to return this week, but Choice is the only back able to play at full speed and is a good play at RB2 in 12 team fantasy leagues.

Green Bay: Packers WR James Jones is now the Green Bay Packers‘ full-time No. 3 receiver due to Jordy Nelsons knee injury. Jones had 55 yards and a touchdown in Week 6 and coach Mike McCarthy said he has “all the confidence in the world” in Jones.

Green Bay: Radio station 1250 AM WSSP in Milwaukee is reporting the Packers have signed RB Ahman Green. However, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, no decision has been finalized yet. If the team signs Green, he will probably take over Brandon Jackson’s role as the third-down back.

Oakland: Raiders RB/FB Gary Russell is expected to take over as the Raiders’ starting fullback. Russell was always too big and not fast enough to be an effective tailback in the NFL. Coach Tom Cable praised his “explosiveness” as both a blocker and a receiver after Sunday’s performance against the Eagles.

Washington: The Redskins have signed OT Levi Jones, formerly of the Bengals. Jones was recently not offered a contract after working out for the Lions and Packers.

Elsewhere from around the NFL:

Cleveland: According to Profootballtalk.com, the Browns have no interest in dealing WR/KR Josh Cribbs. The Dolphins, Chiefs, Raiders, and Colts are reportedly interested, however the Cleveland Browns would prefer to hang onto him because of his “grossly below-market” contract that runs through 2012. Cribbs has threatened to hold out in the past, but so far he has not taken any action.

Denver: Broncos RB Correll Buckhalter (ankle) participated in a full practice Thursday. Buckhalter announced that he is 90 percent and will play Monday night against the Chargers. However, Knowshon Moreno will continue to receive the bulk of the carries.

Washington: Redskins RB Clinton Portis (calf) was limited again on Thursday. Portis often misses practice late in the week and still plays. We expect nothing different this week and Portis has a favorable matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday.

Cincinnati: Carson Palmer (thumb) practiced fully again on Thursday. Palmer will start on Sunday and has a favorable matchup against the Texans.

Houston: Texans SLB Brian Cushing was held out of practice Thursday with a sore foot.
Cushing’s MRI and X-ray were negative and he’s expected to return to practice Friday. We expect Cushing to play Sunday.

New York: Giants CB Corey Webster is beginning to draw attention from opposing offenses as a “shutdown corner.” Just two years ago the New York media proclaimed Webster a bust. Now it appears as if Webster is earning the $43.5M extension he signed late last season.

New York: New York Giants DL Chris Canty underwent a procedure this week to stop bleeding in his injured calf. Canty’s calf has not been able to hear correctly due to swelling. The pass-rushing specialist is likely still two weeks from seeing the field.

Pittsburg: Steelers RB Willie Parker (turf toe) practiced in full again on Thursday. With Rashard Mendenhall (flu) sitting out, Parker handled most of the first-team work. We will not know which RB will take the majority of the snaps until game time.