Panthers' Williams doubtful, Stewart questionable to play in finale

DeAngelo Williams is doubtful and fellow running back Jonathan Stewart questionable for the Carolina Panthers' Sunday season finale against the New Orleans Saints.

Williams missed Friday's workout and hasn't played or practiced since he sprained his left ankle during the first quarter of a Dec. 20 game against the Minnesota Vikings. Stewart returned to practice Friday after sitting out the past two days to rest his sore left Achilles' tendon. Both have rushed for more than 1,000 yards this season.

Backup running back Tyrell Sutton missed Friday's shortened practice and also is doubtful with an ankle injury.

Quarterback Matt Moore (rib), wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad (ankle), cornerback Richard Marshall (ankle), and right tackle Geoff Schwartz (groin) are listed as questionable, but all practiced Friday.

The Panthers also announced that they had signed linebacker Mortty Ivy from the practice squad to take injured wide receiver Steve Smith's spot on the 53-man roster.

Smith was placed on injured reserve Friday, five days after he broke his left forearm while catching a touchdown pass during a victory over the New York Giants. Smith is the 12th Panthers player to go on IR this season.

Ivy is an undrafted rookie from West Virginia. He has been on the Panthers' practice squad since being in their final wave of cuts before the start of the season.

Injuries make many big-name players risky in season finales

Quarterbacks

- Matt Ryan (toe) was able to return to practice on a limited basis by Thursday. Ryan is expected to start this week, and with other QBs being risky picks in Week 17, he is an adequate starting option.

- Tom Brady (shoulder, finger, rib) was able to practice on a limited basis by Thursday. It is possible the Patriots may not put a major emphasis on nailing down the third seed over the fourth, so Brady is a risk to not play a full game. Do not consider him one of the prime starting choices for Week 17.

- Matt Moore (rib) was able to fully practice by Thursday. He becomes a much lesser choice in Week 17 without his top WR, Steve Smith.

- Ryan Fitzpatrick (ankle) was able to fully practice by Thursday. Still, he is not recommended for fantasy use, even with Indianapolis expected to rest their regulars for much of the game.

- Drew Stanton (ankle) was able to practice on a limited basis by Thursday. Daunte Culpepper may still start over him, but neither QB is useful in fantasy leagues.

Running backs

- Ricky Williams (shoulder) is listed as questionable. How much he will be used is uncertain, and with a matchup against Pittsburgh, Williams is not an optimum starter. Lex Hilliard may see an increased workload this week and deserves flex consideration.

- Steven Jackson (back) did not practice again this week and is listed as questionable. Jackson will likely be a game-time decision, and it would not be surprising to see him deactivated again. Prepare to use another RB in Week 17.

- DeAngelo Williams (ankle) is doubtful, and so is Tyrell Sutton (shoulder). Jonathan Stewart (Achilles) is questionable, but practiced fully on Friday and should see most of the work against New Orleans. Mike Goodson is healthy if needed by the Panthers.

- Pierre Thomas (rib) has been ruled out for Week 17. Reggie Bush and Mike Bell may see a lot of early action in his place, but Lynell Hamilton (shoulder) is probable and may also figure in the mix. It is best to avoid the Saints ball carriers in Week 17, as it is uncertain how much each active RB will be used.

- Michael Turner (ankle) was not able to practice. Expect Jason Snelling and Jerious Norwood to share carries in his place again, with Snelling being the better TD option and fantasy play of the two.

- Beanie Wells (groin) is questionable. Arizona may choose to rest many regulars in Week 17, so do not consider using Wells. Tim Hightower will be in line to start, but how much he will be used is guesswork also.

- Shonn Greene (shoulder) was able to fully practice this week. Greene may continue to get a decent amount of carries in the season finale, so he can be considered for flex usage.

- Jerome Harrison (hip) was limited in practices beginning on Thursday. He should still be used as a starter against Jacksonville, unless game day reports indicate any downgrades in status.

- Brandon Jacobs (knee) is out. Ahmad Bradshaw (ankle, foot) missed practices and is listed as questionable. Bradshaw is a good flex starter if he is active, but if he cannot play, Gartrell Johnson and Danny Ware may have to share carries against Minnesota.

- Derrick Ward (knee, thigh) was able to return to practice on a limited basis by Thursday. Cadillac Williams is the main ball carrier for Tampa Bay right now, and Ward should not be used in Week 17.

- Julius Jones (rib) is questionable, but is expected to play. He may share carries with Justin Forsett again, and neither Seattle RB looks like an appealing fantasy starter.

- Correll Buckhalter (ankle) was a full participant in practices. He may get a decent number of touches and is worth flex consideration in a friendly fantasy matchup with Kansas City.

- Justin Fargas (knee) is doubtful. Michael Bush and Darren McFadden could share carries against Baltimore, but neither is a recommended option in a tough matchup.

- Joseph Addai (shoulder) was a full participant in practices, but might be rested extensively this week, so keep him reserved. Donald Brown could see a lot of work in his place.

Wide receivers

- Brandon Marshall (hamstring) has been ruled out for Week 17. Marshall is not easy to replace, and none of the Denver WRs have been reliable enough this year to recommend them as effective subs if you are playing for a fantasy championship. Simply look to replace Marshall with an acceptable fill-in. There may not be much competition for free agents at this point if you must go that route.

- Derrick Mason (knee) is questionable. Mason might be a game-time decision, and he does not play in an early game Sunday, so consider other viable alternatives if you can. If your choices are limited, keep in mind you may have to go with a WR from another game to minimize your risk.

- Larry Fitzgerald (elbow) was a full participant in practices. The top Cardinals players, though, could see extensive sideline time in Week 17, so you should strongly consider reserving Fitzgerald.

- Hines Ward (hamstrings) is listed as probable. Ward still may not be very productive, so keep him reserved this week if you have a quality alternative. Mike Wallace will continue to play a prominent role in the passing game in an important game against Miami.

- Vincent Jackson (Achilles) is not expected to play in Week 17. He was limited in practices, and the Chargers have already wrapped up their playoff seeding, so he will apparently not be useful this week.

- Hakeem Nicks (hamstring) is probable, and Mario Manningham (shoulder) is questionable. Nicks is the more dependable fantasy player and should be started as a WR3 in Week 17. Consider keeping Manningham reserved.

- Santana Moss (knee) was able to fully practice by Thursday. He is a respectable starting choice against the Chargers, who may rest a lot of regulars.

- Devin Hester (calf) was able to practice fully by Friday. Johnny Knox (ankle) will not play. Hester is a decent choice in a week when it becomes more challenging to find quality starters. Devin Aromashodu is also worth starting consideration as the Bears face Detroit.

- Pierre Garcon (hand) was limited in practices. With the injury, plus the Colts likely to rest many top players, Garcon becomes a fantasy bench player this week.

- Wes Welker (non-injury-related) was a limited participant in practices. Welker could be rested for a good portion of this week's game against the Texans, and he is a risky starting option.

- Mushin Muhammad (ankle) is questionable, but is expected to play. He is not a useful fantasy player as the No. 1 WR for Carolina now that Steve Smith is out. Muhammad will not have enough help in the passing game and is no longer capable of playing a major role in the offense.

- Miles Austin (thumb) was a full participant in practices. He is a must-start player if you are gunning for your fantasy championship this week.

- Jeremy Maclin (foot) was a full participant in practices. He is a good WR3 start as the Eagles square off with the Cowboys in a game of major importance. Maclin will be one of Donovan McNabb's prime targets.

- Jacoby Jones (shoulder) returned to full practices on Thursday. Jones is not a dependable fantasy player, and you can find better choices, even in Week 17.

- Donnie Avery (thigh) is probable, but certainly is not recommended for fantasy use in your playoff finale.

Tight ends

- Visanthe Shiancoe (thigh) is questionable and might be a game-time decision. If he can play, expect him to perform at least adequately against his former team, the Giants.

- Tony Gonzalez (calf) was unable to practice. It looks like fantasy players may have to replace him in Week 17, and available options on the free agent list may be slim. Be sure to target a player who is not on a team that will rest many of its starters.

- David Thomas (calf) is doubtful, and Jeremy Shockey (toe) is questionable. With the Saints having wrapped up the No. 1 seed in the NFC, Shockey may not play much, if at all.

- Marcedes Lewis (cheek, head) is not expected to play. Lewis was a mediocre fantasy TE this season, and there should be a comparable player available in free agency if you were using him as a starter.

Renewed feud: Broncos coach McDaniels sitting star WR Marshall

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- Just when they finally patched things up, Brandon Marshall and Josh McDaniels are back to square one, and another reconciliation appears farfetched.

McDaniels announced Friday that he's benching Marshall, his Pro Bowl wide receiver, for the Denver Broncos' pivotal season finale against the Kansas City Chiefs.

"Our word for the week has been accountability. And we're looking to put the 45 guys on the field on Sunday that want to play together, want to help us try to win and qualify for the playoffs," McDaniels said. "... And anybody that showed any indifference to that, we'll play without them.

Marshall suggested that he couldn't have played anyway after pulling his right hamstring at practice this week.

In an extraordinary half-hour at Dove Valley, McDaniels insinuated on the podium that Marshall was exaggerating the extent of his injury and was unaccountable to the team. Marshall responded from his locker by noting McDaniels never played in the NFL and hinting that he might be getting called out by his coach because the Broncos' season is unraveling.

Since a sizzling 6-0 start, Denver has gone 2-7.

The team will try to make the playoffs Sunday without its 100-catch receiver or tight end Tony Scheffler, demoted to the scout team, and maybe minus wide receiver Eddie Royal, who has a head injury.

Marshall was voted to his second consecutive Pro Bowl on Tuesday after becoming just the fifth wide receiver with three consecutive 100-catch seasons. He spoke Wednesday about how fulfilling it was to bounce back after a tumultuous offseason that included a rocky start to his relationship with McDaniels, who rejected the receiver's trade requests and demands for a new contract. McDaniels also suspended Marshall for nine days during training camp for insubordination at practice.

Minutes after speaking to the media Wednesday, Marshall clutched his right hamstring after pulling up lame on a route and hopping to the sideline. Marshall said an MRI showed no structural damage, "but when you try to explode and take off, if you don't have it, you don't have it."

Marshall missed Thursday's practice, and when asked if his star receiver would work out Friday, McDaniels said the player would be deactivated for the game and noted it was "a coaching decision," not an injury issue.

"There's a number of players that are going to play on Sunday with things that are much more difficult to deal with than what he has," said McDaniels, who repeated the phrase three times during his news conference. "It's never going to be acceptable while I'm here and while this staff is here and while we're trying to build our staff with this philosophy. I don't know if it was acceptable before, but it isn't going to be now and it never will be. And this isn't about sending a message, it's about fielding a team that wants to go out there and win and give us the best opportunity to do that."

Co-captain Daniel Graham said that while Marshall has been a good teammate this season, McDaniels was doing what was in the Broncos' best interests.

Marshall said he respected his coach's decision but couldn't play effectively with his tweaked hamstring. He also couldn't believe McDaniels was questioning his toughness.

"I don't think coach ever played in the NFL, so for my hamstring to be feeling the way it felt, it's tough for me to go out there and expect to play at a high level," Marshall said. "I've battled through a whole lot of injuries before. I played the whole year last year with a tear in my hip. So, I don't think my toughness is in question here."

Marshall also took offense to the suggestion that he wasn't buying into McDaniels' program.

"I'm a guy who's been giving it up a lot for this team," said Marshall, who has 101 receptions for 1,120 yards and 10 touchdowns this season. "I approached this year in a professional manner, and I'm going to continue to do that. If he decides to take some personal shots because of the way the season's unfolding, it's not my fault. I've made big plays when I'm supposed to."

What about accountability?

"Well, accountability and injury is different, you know?" Marshall said. "I pulled, well, I wouldn't say I pulled my hamstring, it's definitely not that bad, but it's tough."

Marshall said he hopes he's available next week if the Broncos make the playoffs, which would make for an awkward situation given all the accusations flying around Friday.

Are the Broncos laying the groundwork for a separation? Will the sides ever be able to patch up their differences?

Marshall is in the final year of a contract that pays him $2.2 million this season. His earning power might be limited this offseason if there's no new collective bargaining agreement, leaving him as a restricted free agent. That means the Broncos could offer just a modest raise of about $1 million -- providing they want to keep him.

McDaniels said he didn't know if contractual issues were at the root of his latest dustup with Marshall, but the coach suggested that the receiver was putting selfish interests ahead of the team's.

Asked if Marshall will even be in the stadium Sunday, McDaniels said: "I don't know."

Was this the last straw?

"Anything I do moving forward is going to be in a professional manner," Marshall said. "I'm not going to get into any he said/she said like we've done in the past. I think that's childish, and like I said, I don't think there's any question about my toughness, the way I play the game. It could be first-and-10, and if I gain 15 yards, I'm still fighting for 16 yards."

Packers want to keep momentum; backup QB Flynn wants to play

GREEN BAY, Wis. -- After receiving his first taste of extended playing time as an NFL quarterback in the Packers' last game, Matt Flynn wants more.

"You can't put a price on it," Flynn said. "Any experience you get, to go in there and run the offense, read defenses, everything like that, it's very valuable."

Another rare opportunity for playing time could come Flynn's way Sunday, when the Packers end the regular season on the road against the Arizona Cardinals. The matchup between the playoff-bound teams could be insignificant, and a rematch in Arizona could happen in the wild-card round.

Still, Packers coach Mike McCarthy reiterated Friday that his approach is to play it like any other regular-season game, win and not compromise the team's second-half surge. They have won six of their last seven games after starting the season 4-4.

"It's important for us to go through the week the way we have," McCarthy said. "We've had a quality week of preparation, and we need to go out there and play with the same energy and intensity and keep the momentum going that we've created here the last seven weeks."

McCarthy believes the probability that the Packers will play their first-round game next Saturday is high, and it very likely will be against the NFC West champion Cardinals. Having potentially a six-day turnaround prompted McCarthy to give his players a break Friday. Rather than have a customary practice, the players went without helmets and did a jog-through review of the game plan for about an hour at the Packers' indoor practice facility.

"I was looking for a day to kind of give the team their legs back (with) rest and recovery built in," McCarthy said.

By kickoff Sunday, McCarthy and his Cardinals counterpart, Ken Whisenhunt, could have reason to rest their players.

A win by the NFC North champion Minnesota Vikings over the New York Giants in an early game would lock the opening-round rematch between Green Bay and Arizona. A loss by the Vikings would give the Cardinals a shot at the No. 2 seed and a first-round bye if they beat the Packers, who have little to play for; they can't be higher than the No. 5 seed.

If McCarthy decides to take it easy with the Packers safely in the playoffs, Flynn could receive another call in relief of Pro Bowl quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Flynn, a second-year pro from LSU, enjoyed a full fourth quarter of work in Green Bay's 48-10 rout of Seattle last Sunday.

"Just being able to get experience, experience makes you better," Flynn said. "It definitely does, especially a live situation like that."

Flynn's three previous appearances at quarterback this season came in mop-up duty in lopsided games. Although the Packers were ahead 38-3 when Flynn checked in against the Seahawks, he had a chance to experience success running the offense.

Flynn led Green Bay on two scoring drives and made a couple of clutch plays, converting a third-and-12 with a 17-yard pass to Jordy Nelson, leading to a Mason Crosby field goal. On the Packers' next possession, a deep pass from Flynn to Nelson drew a pass-interference penalty, setting up a 6-yard touchdown run by Ahman Green.

"He's our No. 2 quarterback, and we expect the No. 2 to be able to continue with the game plan and the volume of the game plan and the ability to go challenge the opponent's defense," McCarthy said.

Flynn completed 4 of 6 passes for 36 yards in the game, his first significant action since he threw four touchdown passes to lead LSU to the BCS national championship on Jan. 7, 2008.

"It's plays I run in practice all the time, but to run them in a game and do it in a non-preseason game, a real game, cold weather, it was fun," Flynn said of last Sunday's experience. "I'm going to try to build off it."

Vick practices, expected to be Eagles' backup QB vs. Cowboys

Michael Vick practiced again Friday and is expected to be the Philadelphia Eagles' backup quarterback for this weekend's showdown with the Dallas Cowboys.

The winner of Sunday's game at Cowboys Stadium will clinch the NFC East title and possibly a first-round playoff bye. The loser will be a wild-card team.

Vick didn't play in last Sunday's victory over the Denver Broncos because of a quadriceps contusion. He normally backs up Donovan McNabb and takes a few snaps each game in Philadelphia's variation of the Wildcat offense.

"He's feeling good," Eagles coach Andy Reid said of Vick on Friday. "We've got a couple things in for him, so we look forward to getting him back in there and playing."

Vick was injured on a running play during a Dec. 20 game against the San Francisco 49ers. He missed practice last week before returning Thursday.

Vick has run for 95 yards and two touchdowns and thrown for 86 yards and one score.

Steelers DE Keisel misses third practice, could sit out vs. Dolphins

PITTSBURGH -- Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Brett Keisel missed a third consecutive day of practice because of a neck injury and might not play Sunday at Miami.

Keisel is listed as questionable, but Steelers players rarely play after not practicing all week.

Steelers safety Troy Polamalu (left knee) practiced on a limited basis for the third day in a row Friday and isn't expected to play. On Wednesday, Polamalu said it wasn't realistic for him to expect to play for the first time since Nov. 15 without a full week of practice.

Left guard Chris Kemoeatu (wrist) also was limited in practice Friday and is listed as questionable, as is Polamalu.

Wide receiver Hines Ward practiced after sitting out Thursday with two sore hamstrings.

Coaching rumors abound as regular season closes

The coaching buzz is in full swing. The speculation is that there won't be as many changes as there were last season -- 11 including the interim spots in San Francisco and Oakland becoming permanent -- and that the number of teams looking for coaches could be closer to between five and seven. Economics -- having to pay fired coaches as well as a new staff -- could have something to do with some of the decisions. Still, change is a certainty, as is one unexpected move.

We know there will be changes in Washington and Buffalo. From what I've been told, add Cleveland to the mix, although new football chief Mike Holmgren might not get rid of Eric Mangini right away.

Where things get interesting:

Jacksonville: Coach Jack Del Rio got an extension before last season. While the Jaguars were still mathematically alive going into Week 17, things are very unsettled there and Del Rio's future is hardly a certainty, sources have said. A loss to Cleveland in the finale could be the final straw.

Carolina: Coach John Fox would like an extension but the Panthers haven't broached it going into his final year. This could turn into a stare down that ends up with Fox as a lame-duck coach in 2010, although that wouldn't seem healthy. A buyout is possible and could be in the works, if Carolina can persuade someone like Bill Cowher to come on board. If Fox hits the open market, he won't be unemployed for long.

Houston: This is as dicey at Jacksonville. Owner Bob McNair has said more than once that this team will make the playoffs. It hasn't. The Texans are stacked with talent on both sides of the ball but they can't win in their division. If you don't win in your division, you don't get to the playoffs. If Houston somehow gets to the postseason, Gary Kubiak should be safe. If not, he could be gone or be forced to hire a new defensive coordinator. No top notch coordinator will come on board, though, if Kubiak is a short-timer -- unless that DC is a coach in waiting (Gregg Williams, Mike Zimmer). Cowher's name is very hot as a possible replacement.

Chicago: By all accounts, Lovie Smith is safe but some assistants are going to get blown out (offensive coordinator Ron Turner is a near certain casualty). It also won't be shocking, according to sources, if Smith is let go. A loss this weekend would drop the Bears to 6-10. They don't have a first- or second- round draft pick. If Smith stays, look for Chicago to try and lure Tennessee offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger, who coached Jay Cutler in Denver, sources said. If Smith is fired, Vikings defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier could be at the top of the replacement list.

Oakland: Tom Cable went through more drama than quarterbacks this season. Nobody knows what the Raiders will do but players seem to like Cable and the direction things are pointed in. Still, this is the Raiders.

Tampa Bay: There is increasing talk that Raheem Morris will be one and done, although the Bucs have played better defense since he's taken over and have played hard down the stretch. This is a franchise where economics could come into play. They will spend to replace Morris, but only on Cowher (maybe Fox if he becomes available). Otherwise, Morris could be retained through 2010.

Dallas: Despite the Cowboys making the playoffs, there is very little confidence among NFL personnel men that Wade Phillips is safe. A victory over the Eagles on Sunday would give Dallas the NFC East title but a playoff victory would be more important for Phillips' security. The bigger issue could be who owner Jerry Jones would get to replace Phillips. Mike Shanahan seems bound for Washington. Cowher is available. There remains talk of a Jon Gruden-to-Dallas possibility, but I continue to be told he will do TV for at least one more season.

Seattle: Two words are routinely uttered by NFL folks and agents regarding what's going on there: A mess. With no one in charge, coach Jim Mora could twist for awhile. Depending on who is hired as general manager, Mora could be safe. The injury-riddled team, 5-10 entering the finale, is getting old; a total overhaul could be in order.
Candidate pool

Other than Cowher and Shanahan, who is all but certain to be coaching the Redskins by Tuesday morning, here are a few guys who could be replacing the coaches who have been let go.

Frazier: Minnesota's defensive coordinator is said to be high on several teams' lists. His Tony Dungy-like way of dealing with people is attractive. He's also been ascending for a few years in coaching circles.

Zimmer: He has made every defense he's coached (Dallas, Atlanta, Cincinnati) better and has incredible respect around the league. His experience could work against him, however, since so many teams are going after young coaches. Still, sources said teams want to talk to him. His contract with the Bengals expires at the end of the season.

Jason Garrett: The Cowboys' offensive coordinator has lost some of his sparkle. However, he was impressive on the interview circuit the past few years and is still regarded as a top candidate.

Winston Moss: The Packers' assistant head coach has a presidential-like presence and commands your attention, according to one general manager. Impressions of Moss sound a lot like those of Mike Singletary, except Moss has more coaching experience.

Mike Martz, Brian Billick: Both Super Bowl-winning coaches could be back in play, depending on the number of jobs that come open. The Bills would like an offensive-minded leader and these two proven coaches fit the bill.
Potential surprise?

Do not be floored if Patriots coach Bill Belichick decides to step down. This is nothing more than speculation, so it doesn't need to be made into any more than that. Plus, this rumor has surfaced among league gossips at this time the past few seasons. If this is the surprise coaching move this season, no matter the warning, I would be floored.