Ed Reed

According to the National Football Post, Ravens S Ed Reed is “definitely expected to play” to return in 2010. Aaron Wilson, who doubles as a Ravens beat writer, says it will take a “major setback” with Reed’s nerve impingement or ligament tears in his hip and groin to force him into retirement. Reed recently indicated that he’s “feeling good” but isn’t yet ready to announce a decision.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Dallas: Cowboys owner Jerry Jones indicated that money won’t be a factor in Marion Barber returning for the 2010 season, but injury concerns could cause a change in his usage pattern. MBIII’s injuries have been of the nagging variety, but the Dallas Cowboys still haven’t been able to rely on him down the stretch for two straight years. Felix Jones has earned a greater share of the early-down carries, and Tashard Choice is expected to see more time on passing downs. ESPNDallas.com’s Calvin Watkins shot down a “hot rumor” that the Cowboys are shopping Barber, who is due $4M bonus on top of his $3.8M salary in 2010.

Oakland: Oakland Raiders hired former Ravens QBs coach Hue Jackson as offensive coordinator and signed him to a three-year contract. The Raiders didn’t have anyone in the offensive coordinator role last year, so the move may be a sign of progress for pro football’s most dysfunctional franchise. Tom Cable was clearly stretched last year as Oakland’s playcaller, offensive line overseer, and head coach while dealing with off-field problems.

Tampa Bay: Bucs offensive coordinator Greg Olson has set a goal for Josh Freeman to complete 60% of his passes in 2010. Freeman completed just 54.6% as a rookie. “He can work on making a lot of the throws,” Olson said. “Deep balls throws and accuracy. Fundamentals. If you look at all the studies of playoff quarterbacks and winning quarterbacks, that’s where it’s at…60 percent.” Freeman would also benefit from Tampa upgrading his receiver corps. No. 1 wideout Antonio Bryant is a free agent.

Chicago: The Chicago Bears have reportedly received permission to interview Bears QBs coach Kevin Rogers for their vacant offensive coordinator position. Rogers, known as a players coach with good communication skills, is credited with developing Donovan McNabb at Syracuse in addition to his work with a raw Tarvaris Jackson in Minnesota. His interview is expected to take place later this week.

2010 NFL Draft: According to an ESPN report earlier this month, Alabama NT Terrence Cody weighed “right around” 355 pounds on January 5. In other words, Cody appears to have gained 15 pounds (he measured 6’4/370 at the Senior Bowl) in the last 20 days. Cody’s body appeared sloppy, to put it mildly, when he removed his shirt for Monday’s weigh-in. While weight fluctuation is a routine concern for clogging, nose-tackle types, Cody is already resembling a late-career Ted Washington at age 21.

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.

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.

Davis, however, typically arrives in the office late in the day and works a night, so there is no telling when the two will actually meet. We’ll just have to sit and wait to find out Cable’s 2010 job status. Even if Cable is fired, he will have not trouble landing an offensive line position with another team.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

New Orleans: The New Orleans Saints have re-signed RB Deuce McAllister for the rest of the playoffs. The move may have something to do with either Pierre Thomas’ cracked ribs or Mike Bell’s severe decline in production down the stretch. McAllister, 31, was out of the league all year after serving a four-game suspension to open the season for taking a diuretic (StarCaps) banned by the NFL. Its not likely that McAllister will see any playing time.

Washington: The Washington Redskins have named Jim Haslett defensive coordinator. We’ve known about the hire for three days, but the move didn’t become official until Friday. Haslett is expected to incorporate 3-4 alignments into a Skins defense that has been a 4-3 for as long as we can remember. Brian Orakpo and Andre Carter figure to be the outside linebackers. Albert Haynesworth could play five-technique end or nose tackle.

Washington: New defensive coordinator Jim Haslett believes MLB London Fletcher would make a smooth transition if the Redskins switch to a 3-4. Fletcher did get some experience in Buffalo’s 3-4 during the mid-2000s.

Arizona: The Arizona Cardinals are not expecting Anquan Boldin (ankle, knee) or ILB Gerald Hayes (ankle) to play Saturday, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Schefter says the team has not “abandoned hopes” that Boldin can play, but it’s doubtful to happen.

St. Louis: Beat writer Jim Thomas expects the St. Louis Rams’ brass to discuss the possibility of signing or trading for Michael Vick in next week’s organizational meetings. GM Billy Devaney worked with Vick in Atlanta and even visited him in prison. Coach Steve Spagnuolo and OC Pat Shurmur are tight with Eagles coach Andy Reid, who has spoken in glowing terms about the “changes” Vick has made in his life.

New York: Thomas Jones says he is “100 percent” despite being limited in practice earlier this week with a knee injury. “I don’t even know where this stuff came from,” Jones said. “I banged my knee on the turf. We had about seven guys that got nicked up from the turf. It was just a bruise; it wasn’t a big deal.” The knee contusion did seem to limit his effectiveness; Jones only gained 34 yards on 15 carries in the win.

Cable likely knew this was coming when he heavily criticized JaMarcus Russell a couple weeks ago. Some rumored candidates for the job include former NFL assistant Marc Trestman, Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh, Giants offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride, ex-Giants coach Jim Fassel and Packers assistant head coach Winston Moss.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Jacksonville: SI’s Peter King reports that Jacksonville Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio is making calls to potential staff members in anticipation of leaving Jacksonville for USC. Meanwhile, the Florida Times Union reports Del Rio is safe if he wants to stay with the Jags and he is scheduled to meet with owner Wayne Weaver on Tuesday. In light of this latest development, however, it’s possible Del Rio might intentionally tank the “interview” with Weaver to coach his alma mater. Oregon State’s Mike Riley, Washington’s Steve Sarkisian, and Titans coach Jeff Fisher have already turned down the Trojans, who are running out of high-profile options.

Miami: In more coaching news, the Dolphins have fired defensive coordinator Paul Pasqualoni. Scout.com’s Adam Caplan reports that Miami has interest in Romeo Crennel as a possible successor. The Fins were a top-ten team against the run in 2008, Pasqualoni’s first year on the job, but fell to 18th this past season and his unit was never effective against the pass. New York is in need of a defensive coordinator and head coach Tom Coughlin is a Syracuse alumnus.

Oakland: Free agent DL Richard Seymour said Monday that he will not consider returning to the New England Patriots in 2010. “There’s probably about 31 teams I’d consider,” Seymour said. Asked if New England is among them, he replied “That isn’t something I’m looking to do at all.” Seymour, 30, was clearly hurt when the Pats sent him to Oakland last September.

New York: The New York Giants have formally approached Jim Haslett about their defensive coordinator vacancy, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. However, Schefter says the union “sounds like a longshot for now.” Haslett, 54, stayed busy this offseason by coaching in the UFL.

Washington: The Washington Redskins have reportedly offered Broncos RBs coach Bobby Turner a spot on their staff, with the title of “associate head coach.” This would be an upward move for Turner, who’s only been a position coach in the NFL.

Green Bay: The Packers have denied the Bears permission to interview QBs coach Tom Clements for Chicago’s offensive coordinator vacancy.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Oakland: Raiders coach Tom Cable confirmed Wednesday that JaMarcus Russell has been permanently benched in favor of Bruce Gradkowski. Russell’s nine-game 2009 stint as Oakland’s starter ends with a miserable 5.2 YPA, 47.1 completion rate, six fumbles and nine picks compared to two TD passes. Russell is widely considered one of the most talented QBs in the NFL, but the problem is he is one of the most laziness as well. It will be interesting to see what Oakland Raiders does in the offseason to address its QB situation.

Miami: According to Dolphins beat writer Jeff Darlington, Ronnie Brown’s season-ending right foot injury is “believed” to be a Lisfranc fracture. The break will likely require surgery and bring into question Brown’s status for 2010 training camp. By late July, he’ll be seven months removed from the injury. A source tells Darlington that the mid-foot fracture isn’t “anything major as far as career or long term,” but Brown will likely miss all of OTA season.

Atlanta: According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Jerious Norwood (hip) “looks like a long shot” to be ready for Week 11. Norwood only began to running in consecutive days, which backs up reports that he might not play on Sunday. Jason Snelling says he is preparing to be Atlanta’s featured runner with Michael Turner (high ankle sprain) almost certainly out.

Buffalo: Interim coach Perry Fewell confirmed Wednesday that Ryan Fitzpatrick will be the Bills’ starting quarterback in Week 11. Fewell, the Buffalo Bills’ defensive coordinator before his “promotion” to head coach following Dick Jauron’s firing, has directed his unit against Trent Edwards in practice for the last three seasons. It’s a bad sign for Edwards that Fewell believes Fitzpatrick gives Buffalo a better chance to win.

Tampa Bay: NFL.com’s Steve Wyche reports that Antonio Bryant (knee) is expected to return to the starting lineup in Week 11 against New Orleans. Wyche doesn’t give any details, but the swelling in Bryant’s surgically repaired knee must have dissipated during his three week-layoff. Bryant has averaged just three catches for 39 yards in his six 2009 appearances and now has a rookie quarterback throwing to him.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Miami:  ESPN’s Chris Mortensen reported on Monday Night Countdown that Joey Porter will not play on Thursday night against the Panthers. Mortensen also said that Porter will not play “anytime soon.” Mort made the point that Porter won’t play because Charlie Anderson and Cameron Wake played very well while filling in. Mortensen is well respected but this seems hard to believe at the moment. Porter should be part of the rotation.

Seattle:  Seattle Seahawks coach Jim Mora admitted that Julius Jones (rib, lung) is unlikely to play in Week 11.

“At this point, I’d say it’s unlikely that he’d be cleared to play Sunday,” Mora said. Justin Forsett will start at Minnesota and possibly in Week 12 at St. Louis. Mora also confirmed that Julius has a bruised lung and a potentially cracked rib. Forsett should rank high on waiver add lists this week.

Denver:  Denver Broncos coach Josh McDaniels says he won’t know until later in the week if quarterback Kyle Orton’s sprained left ankle will prevent him from playing against the San Diego Chargers.

Buffalo:  Bills coach Dick Jauron indicated Monday that he is considering making another change at quarterback. Trent Edwards was benched in Week 10 for staring down receivers and having a pass picked off, then returned for a touchdown. “He did some good things and then he did some things we’d like to have back,” said Jauron. “There’s a possibility of changes.”

Oakland:  Raiders WR Chaz Schilens started over Louis Murphy at flanker for the Raiders in Week 10.

Coach Tom Cable says the Raiders will ideally have a four-wideout rotation when all of their receivers are healthy and playing well, but Murphy’s stock is obviously falling despite leading the dismal Raiders in receiving through nine games. At the best Schilens, is a gamble for a roster spot.

Atlanta:  The Atlanta Journal-Constitution writes that Jerious Norwood and Jason Snelling “would split carries” against the Giants in Week 11 if Michael Turner (high ankle sprain) is unable to play. However, the paper also acknowledges that Norwood (hip strain) only began running last week. It’s safe to assume that Snelling and Norwood would share the backfield equally if Norwood was healthy, but he hasn’t played or practiced in a month. Snelling is a much better bet for fantasy production — and goal-line carries — even if Norwood returns to the field this week.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Seattle: ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that Julius Jones experienced bleeding in his lung after being hospitalized Sunday. Jones will stay in the hospital overnight for observations while the Seattle Seahawks travel home. Expect Jones to miss at least two games. Fantasy owners figure to get at least two starts (@ MIN, @ STL) out of Justin Forsett.

Philadelphia: According to NFL.com’s Steve Wyche, there is “speculation” that Brian Westbrook’s second concussion in his last two games could keep him out for a “prolonged period” and perhaps jeopardize his season and/or career. Coach Andy Reid admitted that Westbrook took a “heck of a hit” Sunday and that “football is secondary” in this situation. “We’ve got to look at this kid and for his future,” he added. Wyche suggests that the Eagles could express interest in free agents Edgerrin James and Larry Johnson.

Cincinnati: The Cincinnati Bengals say that Cedric Benson (hip flexor) will be ready for Week 11. Benson also says the injury won’t keep him out, though he probably won’t practice much next week. He finished Sunday’s win over Pittsburgh with just seven rushes for 22 yards, but it was a good sign that he was able to briefly return to the game. Benson has an incredibly favorable Week 11 matchup against Oakland.

Miami: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown left the stadium on crutches after injuring his right ankle in Sunday’s two-point win over Tampa Bay. “I don’t think it’s too bad,” Brown said, optimistically. “We took X-rays. We’ll wait to see what happens.” Brown also called his injury a “rolled” ankle, but the fact that he couldn’t reenter doesn’t bode well. Miami Dolphins has a short week, playing on Thursday night, so missing next weeks game is a distinct possibility.

Oakland: Raiders RB Darren McFadden rushed just four times for 11 yards in the Raiders’ loss to the Chiefs. McFadden was used sparingly in his first game coming off knee surgery. Perhaps Oakland’s coaches weren’t impressed with his pregame warmups, as Michael Bush started the game with Justin Fargas coming in for relief. It will take a couple of weeks for McFadden to get back in the groove.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

San Diego: According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, LaDainian Tomlinson is “likely” playing his last season for the Chargers. Tomlinson can no longer create on his own, lacks burst to the outside, and isn’t a passing-game asset. The San Diego Chargers almost certainly won’t exercise his $2M roster bonus next March, irrespective of his colt following that he has in San Diego. Look for the Chargers to draft a RB in the 2010 draft that pears well with Darren Sproles.

Houston: Texans GM Rick Smith confirmed Tuesday that the team will not pursue free agent Larry Johnson.” We took all the factors into consideration — football, off-the-field issues, and we determined that it wasn’t a good fit for us at this time,” Smith said. “We’ve got confidence in our backs.” Johnson will find a home this season, the only question is where.

Carolina: According to beat writer Darin Gantt, Muhsin Muhammad isn’t likely to play “for a few (more) weeks…setting up his December farewell tour,” Gantt continues. Moose is in a contract year and can’t get open consistently at age 36. He’ll probably consider retirement in the offseason. Look for the Panthers to draft a WR in the first round of the 2010 draft.

Cleveland: Browns QB Brady Quinn is expected to start for the Cleveland Browns on Sunday according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Even with Derek Anderson struggling, it was a bit of a shock that Quinn regained his job. Even so, don’t expect the Browns offense to show much improvement with Quinn under center.

New York: Jets WR Braylon Edwards said Monday that he wants to remain with the Jets next season and beyond. Edwards will be a restricted free agent after the season without a new CBA, meaning the Jets can bring him back on a one-year deal for $5 million if they want. Edwards is reportedly seeking a long-term deal worth $9 million per season. “After the season, we’ll sit down and talk,” said GM Mike Tannenbaum. “We hope he’s with us for years to come.”

Dallas Cowboys

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Kansas City: NFL spokesman Greg Aiello revealed Monday that the league is investigating Larry Johnson’s recent belligerent comments posted on Twitter. L.J.’s use of the word “fag” in the direction of fans and reporters could fall under the Personal Conduct Policy. Specifically, the policy is aimed at “(c)onduct that undermines or puts at risk the integrity and reputation of the NFL, NFL clubs, or NFL players.” Johnson has a history of violating numerous NFL rules, which makes it evident that some form of discipline is forthcoming.

Tennessee: Titans coach Jeff Fisher refused to commit to Kerry Collins as the Titans’ starting QB at his Monday press conference. “There’s things that you need to do differently,” Fisher admitted. “Let’s just say I am not going to be as specific and open-ended from a competitive standpoint.” Tennessee Titans owner Bud Adams appears to be leaning on Fisher to play Vince Young.

Houston: Houston Texans coach Gary Kubiak informed reporters at his Monday press conference that Andre Johnson has a lung contusion. “Hopefully, he’ll be ready to go against Buffalo,” Kubiak added, indicating some concern about A.J.’s status. Kubiak also said Johnson is “day to day,” though he says that about all injured players.

New York: The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports that Braylon Edwards has been charged with misdemeanor assault stemming from an incident that took place outside a Cleveland nightclub before his trade to the Jets.
Edwards allegedly punched a club promoter and friend of Lebron James in the face. James has since accused Edwards of being “jealous” of him and his friends.

Oakland: Raiders coach Tom Cable is unsure of Chaz Schilens’ (foot) status for Week 8 against the Chargers. Cable described Schilens as “still pretty sore…we’ll see.” It sounds as if Schilens suffered a minor setback during the recovery process and the Raiders are being tight lipped about the injury.

Indianapolis: Indianapolis Colts coach Jim Caldwell reiterated Monday that Anthony Gonzalez (knee) has a chance to resume practicing this week. “He ran some routes on Saturday,” Caldwell said. “He felt really good. He feels like he’s close to going. Whether that’s this week or next week remains to be seen.” Look for Gonzales to make a big push to play this Sunday.