Players in the News

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** QB Brett Favre (GB) practiced Wednesday without the splint on his thumb. This was the first splint-free practice for Favre since he broke his thumb 11 weeks ago. He may or may not wear the splint this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** QB Steve McNair (Ten) practiced on Thursday and should start this weekend.

Running Backs

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** RB Chester Taylor (Bal) practiced on Thursday and should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** RB Stephen Davis (Car) has looked very fresh in practice this week and could be healthier now than he’s been in several weeks.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** RB Clinton Portis (Den) practiced on Wednesday and should start this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** RB Robert Holcombe (Ten) was limited in Thursday’s practice and now looks like a game-time decision.

Wide Receivers

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** WR Frank Sanders (Bal) practiced on Thursday and should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** WR Ed McCaffrey (Den) practiced on Wednesday and Thursday and says he will play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** WR Donald Driver (GB) did not practice on Wednesday but should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** WR Robert Ferguson (GB) did not practice on Wednesday, but he still hopes to play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** WR Javon Walker (GB) did not practice on Wednesday but should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** WR Derrius Thompson (Mia) had a poor 2003 for the Dolphins, but he says he would like to return to the team next season.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** WR Darrell Jackson (Sea) did not practice on Wednesday but should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** WR Eddie Berlin (Ten) did not practice on Thursday and should sit this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** WR Tyrone Calico (Ten) practiced on Thursday and should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** WR Derrick Mason (Ten) practiced on Thursday and should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** WR Jake Schifino (Ten) practiced on Thursday and should play this weekend.

Tight Ends

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** TE Marco Battaglia (Car) did not practice on Thursday and might sit this weekend.

Place Kickers & Special Teamers

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** KR Reuben Droughns (Den) should play this weekend.

Offensive Linemen

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** C Mike Flynn (Bal) practiced on Thursday and should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** G Chris Gray (Sea) has a torn MCL and has been lost for the entire playoffs.

Defensive Linemen

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** DT Brentson Buckner (Car) practiced on Thursday and should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** DT Gilbert Brown (GB) did not practice on Wednesday. This has become the pattern for Brown. He likely will practice on Friday and play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** DT Rocky Bernard (Sea) did not practice on Wednesday and could sit this weekend with his injured toe.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** DE Chike Okeafor (Sea) did not practice on Wednesday but should play this weekend.

Linebackers

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** LB Peter Boulware (Bal) did not practice on Thursday and now will likely have to sit this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** LB Na’il Diggs (GB) did not practice on Wednesday but should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** LB Marcus Wilkins (GB) did not practice on Wednesday and should sit this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** LB Jordan Kramer (Ten) practiced on Thursday and should play this weekend.

Defensive Backs

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** S Sam Brandon (Den) has been named the team’s starting FS this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** CB Mike McKenzie (GB) did not practice on Wednesday but could play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** S Reggie Tongue (Sea) did not practice on Wednesday but should play this weekend.

Coaches

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** HC Dick Vermeil (KC) says he will stay as coach for at least one more season.

ALL OF THE NEWS

Quarterbacks

QB Drew Bledsoe (Buf) says he wants to return to Buffalo in 2004 and team president Tom Donahoe wants him to return. However, Donahoe also says the new head coach will have input into any decision to bring back Bledsoe.

QB Quincy Carter (Dal) threw for 3,302 yards this season. That's good for fifth best in franchise history.

QB Tom Brady (NE) threw 241 passes at home this season and had zero INTs.

QB Marc Bulger (StL) is still the starting QB for the Rams despite being pulled in the 4th quarter in week 17.

QB Steve McNair (Ten) practiced on Wednesday and should start this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** QB Steve McNair (Ten) practiced on Thursday and should start this weekend.

QB Neil O'Donnell (Ten) will retire at the end of the season.

Running Backs

RB Jamal Lewis (Bal) has been named the NFL Offensive Player of the Year.

RB Chester Taylor (Bal) practiced on Wednesday and should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** RB Chester Taylor (Bal) practiced on Thursday and should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** RB Stephen Davis (Car) has looked very fresh in practice this week and could be healthier now than he’s been in several weeks.

RB DeShaun Foster (Car) did not practice on Tuesday due to the flu, but he did go on Wednesday and is expected to play this weekend.

RB Clinton Portis (Den) is close to full strength after sitting the last two weeks. He says he should be 100% for this weekend's game.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** RB Clinton Portis (Den) practices on Wednesday and should start this weekend.

RB Dominic Rhodes (Ind) practiced on Wednesday and should play this weekend.

RB Brian Westbrook (Phi) tore his left triceps but has not been ruled out of post-season action. However, Westbrook will need surgery and is reportedly leaning towards going ahead and having the procedure done. He can't use it to push off so it's likely that (if he does play) he will not be put in blocking situations.

RB Jerome Bettis (Pit) wants to return to the team next season and says he would be willing to take a smaller role in the offense.

RB Amos Zereoue (Pit) says his future in Pittsburgh is "most definitely" in question and believes that he and Jerome Bettis can no longer be on the same team together. Zereoue believes he could be a 1,500-yard RB but has not been given an opportunity to prove it.

RB Robert Holcombe (Ten) is listed as questionable, but he's could be a bit closer to doubtful for this weekend with his injured hamstring. Chris Brown will likely get some looks as the 3rd down back with Holcombe hobbled.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** RB Robert Holcombe (Ten) was limited in Thursday’s practice and now looks like a game-time decision.

Wide Receivers

WR Anquan Boldin (Ari) has been named the Offensive Rookie of the Year.

WR Nathan Poole (Ari) will be a guest of honor for Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt. Poole will also be given a key to the city.

WR Frank Sanders (Bal) practiced on Wednesday and should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** WR Frank Sanders (Bal) practiced on Thursday and should play this weekend.

WR Cedric James (Dal) has been signed by the team.

WR Ed McCaffrey (Den) suffered a concussion last Sunday (his 2nd in three weeks). The team is a bit worried about his health for this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** WR Ed McCaffrey (Den) practiced on Wednesday and Thursday and says he will play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** WR Donald Driver (GB) did not practice on Wednesday but should play this weekend.

WR Robert Ferguson (GB) is expected to play this weekend after resting his Achilles last Sunday.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** WR Robert Ferguson (GB) did not practice on Wednesday, but he still hopes to play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** WR Javon Walker (GB) did not practice on Wednesday but should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** WR Derrius Thompson (Mia) had a poor 2003 for the Dolphins, but he says he would like to return to the team next season.

WR Joe Horn (NO) was steamed after the Saints fired WR coach Hubbard Alexander. Horn said, "If you're going to fire the receivers coach, then every coach should be fired. (OC) Mike McCarthy should be fired. (HC) Jim Haslett should be fired. The whole coaching staff should go. If they fired my coach, then they might as well fire Joe Horn or trade me."

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** WR Darrell Jackson (Sea) did not practice on Wednesday but should play this weekend.

WR Isaac Bruce (StL) played a bit last Sunday and did not suffer a set-back. He is expected to play as usual during the playoffs.

WR Eddie Berlin (Ten) did not practice on Tuesday or Wednesday and should sit this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** WR Eddie Berlin (Ten) did not practice on Thursday and should sit this weekend.

WR Tyrone Calico (Ten) practiced on Wednesday and should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** WR Tyrone Calico (Ten) practiced on Thursday and should play this weekend.

WR Darrell Hill (Ten) practiced on Wednesday and should play this weekend.

WR Derrick Mason (Ten) practiced on Tuesday and Wednesday and should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** WR Derrick Mason (Ten) practiced on Thursday and should play this weekend.

WR Jake Schifino (Ten) practiced on Tuesday and Wednesday and should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** WR Jake Schifino (Ten) practiced on Thursday and should play this weekend.

Tight Ends

TE Marco Battaglia (Car) practiced on Wednesday and could play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** TE Marco Battaglia (Car) did not practice on Thursday and might sit this weekend.

TE Dallas Clark (Ind) is still out with his injured ankle.

TE Marcus Pollard (Ind) practiced on Wednesday and should play this weekend.

TE Eric Johnson (SF) missed all year while letting his broken collarbone heal. It did not heal properly so he will finally have surgery on the injury.

TE Frank Wycheck (Ten) practiced on Wednesday and should play this weekend.

Place Kickers & Special Teamers

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** KR Reuben Droughns (Den) should play this weekend.

Offensive Linemen

C Mike Flynn (Bal) practiced on Wednesday and should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** C Mike Flynn (Bal) practiced on Thursday and should play this weekend.

G Ruben Brown (Buf) said last week that he would not play for Buffalo in 2004, but he now says he plans on returning to the Bills next season.

G Chris Gray (Sea) is out with his injured knee.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** G Chris Gray (Sea) has a torn MCL and has been lost for the entire playoffs.

Defensive Linemen

DT Brentson Buckner (Car) practiced on Tuesday and Wednesday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** DT Brentson Buckner (Car) practiced on Thursday and should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** DT Gilbert Brown (GB) did not practice on Wednesday. This has become the pattern for Brown. He likely will practice on Friday and play this weekend.

DE Hugh Douglas (Jac) may or may not return to the team next season.

DE Kenny Holmes (NYG) has voided the final year of his contract and will be a free agent this off-season.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** DT Rocky Bernard (Sea) did not practice on Wednesday and could sit this weekend with his injured toe.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** DE Chike Okeafor (Sea) did not practice on Wednesday but should play this weekend.

DT Albert Haynesworth (Ten) was not active last Sunday after a heated exchange with HC Jeff Fisher following Friday's practice. The air has since been cleared, and Haynesworth is expected to play this weekend.

DE Jevon Kearse (Ten) practiced on Wednesday and should play this weekend.

Linebackers

LB Peter Boulware (Bal) was limited in Wednesday's practice, but he hopes to play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** LB Peter Boulware (Bal) did not practice on Thursday and now will likely have to sit this weekend.

RB Ray Lewis (Bal) has been named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

LB Terrell Suggs (Bal) has been named the Defensive Rookie of the Year.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** LB Na’il Diggs (GB) did not practice on Wednesday but should play this weekend.

LB Marcus Wilkins (GB) should sit this weekend with his injured calf.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** LB Marcus Wilkins (GB) did not practice on Wednesday and should sit this weekend.

LB Jim Nelson (Ind) practiced on Wednesday and should play this weekend.

LB Marcus Washington (Ind) did not practice on Wednesday and could sit this weekend.

LB Rocky Calmus (Ten) did not practice on Tuesday and should sit again this weekend with his injured leg.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** LB Jordan Kramer (Ten) practiced on Thursday and should play this weekend.

Defensive Backs

CB Andrew Davison (Dal) has been placed on the injured reserve list with his injured knee.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** S Sam Brandon (Den) has been named the team’s starting FS this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** CB Mike McKenzie (GB) did not practice on Wednesday but could play this weekend.

CB Cory Bird (Ind) practiced on Wednesday and should play this weekend.

CB Cliff Crosby (Ind) practiced on Wednesday and should play this weekend.

S Mike Doss (Ind) did not practice on Wednesday and looks like a game-time decision for this weekend.

CB Walt Harris (Ind) did not practice on Wednesday in order to rest his sore knee, but he should play this weekend.

CB Donald Strickland (Ind) practiced on Wednesday and should play this weekend.

CB Charles Woodson (Oak) says he will return to the Raiders now that HC Bill Callahan has been fired.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** S Reggie Tongue (Sea) did not practice on Wednesday but should play this weekend.

Coaches

HC Dave McGinnis (Ari) has been fired.

HC Gregg Williams (Buf) has been fired.

HC Dick Jauron (Chi) has been fired.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** HC Dick Vermeil (KC) says he will stay as coach for at least one more season.

HC Dave Wannstedt (Mia) has signed a two-year extension as head coach, but he will no longer be in charge of player personnel.

HC Bill Callahan (Oak) has been fired.

HC Steve Spurrier (Was) has resigned.