Dallas Cowboys 12/19/2007 8:05 AMThe Star-Telegram reports if the Cowboys played today, it's doubtful QB Tony Romo could play with his injured thumb. The Cowboys, however, fully expect him to be fine by Saturday night for their game in Charlotte, N.C., against the Carolina Panthers. Romo participated in the team's light walk-through Tuesday, but didn't take any snaps, although backup QB Brad Johnson did. Romo was wearing a large wrap around his right hand after practice that included an electronic stimulator.Read more
Pittsburgh Steelers 12/19/2007 8:01 AMThe Post-Gazette reports S Tyrone Carter will replace Anthony Smith at free safety. The Steelers had allowed just one pass over 40 yards all season until they allowed three in the past two games -- of 63, 56 and 55 yards -- and Smith was involved in all three that went for touchdowns in losses to New England and Jacksonville. "When you are a free safety, you have to stay deep," Carter said. "Anthony is a great player. He has great instincts, but he's young. He's still learning. "When you're required to be deep, you have to be deep. Sometimes it gets habit-forming, to start biting on plays. I guess [the coaches] were fed up with it. But they're going to need him. It's just me, him and Troy [Polamalu]. It's nothing about his play; it's just thinking about what you're doing."Read more
Chicago Bears 12/19/2007 7:57 AMThe Chicago Sun-Times reports it was either another attempt at subterfuge by coach Lovie Smith when he declined to name his starting quarterback for the game Sunday against the Green Bay Packers -- or a signal that Smith and offensive coordinator Ron Turner are not on the same page in the playbook. Asked multiple times Tuesday whether QB Kyle Orton would get his second start when the Packers visit the Bears at Soldier Field, Smith declined to say, at least opening the door for the return of QB Brian Griese. A source said Tuesday evening that no change had been announced, and switching back to Griese would indicate Smith made an error in handing the job to Orton last week while saying Orton gave the Bears the best chance to beat the Minnesota Vikings.Read more
Atlanta Falcons 12/19/2007 7:55 AMThe Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank has offered former New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys coach Bill Parcells a top football decision-making job with the franchise, a high-ranking team official confirmed Tuesday night. Parcells, an analyst with ESPN, is weighing the offer and could come to a decision by Wednesday, the team official said. The position would trump the authority held by current president and general manager Rich McKay, who could remain with the franchise but be stripped of any decision-making powers with the football team. Instead, McKay would run the business side of the organization - if he decided to stay with the FalconsRead more
