RB Davis to retire a Panther

The Carolina Panthers are going to sign RB Stephen Davis this week, so he can retire with the organization according to thebuzz.com. This is a classy move by the Carolina organization. Davis, who is a three-time Pro Bowler, played 11 seasons for three different teams (Washington, Carolina and St. Louis) compiling 8,052 yards and 65 touchdowns.

Bell expected to test open market

Tatum Bell is expected to test the free agent market when it opens on Feb.29, according to freep.com The Detroit Lions organization has been trying to convince Bell to return to the fold by telling him they are implementing more of a run based offense in 2008. Sounds like their words are hitting deaf ears, as Bell who collected splinters on the bench for the final 11 games last year is going to test the market. He has averaged 4.8 yards per carry during his career, but is known as a player who is at his best with a 15 carry limit. The Tennessee Titans are rumored to be interested in his services as a homerun hitter to compliment LenDale White.

McKinnie punishment undetermined

Minnesota Vikings HC Brad Childress said he hasn't determined whether he will punish LT Bryant McKinnie for his confrontation at a Miami nightclub, according to nj.com. Childress, who was at the scouting combine, is still trying to gather all of the information. "I don't have all the information because I've been in meetings and workouts all weekend, but I have gotten a chance to speak with his family," Childress said. He declined to elaborate on his discussion with McKinnie's family. McKinnie was charged with a felony (aggravated battery) along with lesser charges including disorderly conduct and resisting arrest without violence. So if his lawyer is unable to plea down the charges, McKinnie almost certainly will face the wrath of Commissioner Roger Goodell.

Jets seek third rounder for Vilma

The New York Jets are seeking a third round pick for the rights to LB Jonathan Vilma, according to nj.com. The organization declined to comment on a report in the Boston Globe that they gave the linebacker permission to work a trade with any team except the New England Patriots. The two most likely destinations for Vilma: Jacksonville and New Orleans, both of which have needs at the position, along with the cap dollars to bring him aboard.

Owens will receive roster bonus

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said on Tuesday that he will pay wide receiver Terrell Owens the $3 million roster bonus he is due on June 3. "Yes, we are going to have Terrell back,' Jones tells the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Owens will be entering the final year of a three-year, $25 million deal. This news comes as no surprise. There were rumors at this time last year that the Cowboys might release Owens prior to the 2007 season, but his huge year leaves this next round in little doubt.

Neal ready to go

Chargers fullback Lorenzo Neal practiced fully on Wednesday. He underwent surgery on December 10 to have a plate placed in his fractured right fibula. "I'm ready to play," Neal tells the San Diego Union-Tribune. "I'm excited. We've got a chance to go hunting. There's only four teams left. There's only two games. I don't care if you have to carry me off the field. I want to play football." Even if you despise the Chargers, you have to respect a throwback tough guy like Neal. The dude busted his leg barely more than a month ago.

LT feeling much better

Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson didn't practice on Wednesday, but he is feeling better and will test his hyperextended left knee on Thursday. "I'll be ready to go," he tells the San Diego Union-Tribune. "I'll feel just fine by game time, and so I expect to be close to 100 percent." We anticipate a heavy workload for LT and Michael Turner on Sunday, as the Chargers will likely want to control the clock against the favored Patriots.

Tucker promoted

The Browns promoted defensive backs coach Mel Tucker to defensive coordinator to replace Todd Graham, who was fired January 11. "We're excited to have Mel as our defensive coordinator," head coach Romeo Crennel said in a statement released by the team. "He has a football plan, life plan, coaches the fundamentals and relates well with the players. I believe he'll be successful in this new role." Sources indicate that Grantham had lost the confidence of his players and fellow coaches, many of whom voiced concerns to Crennel following the season. While the Browns still ranked near the bottom of the league statistically, they did show improvement over the second half of the season and sport some talented young players to be developed.

Latsko signed

The Steelers signed fullback Billy Latsko to their future list Monday, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Latsko spent last season with the Panthers and would have to contend with Cary Davis for playing time if regular fullback Dan Kreider successfully returns from his knee injury.

Garrett has second meeting

Cowboys offensive coordinator Jason Garrett met with Ravens officials Tuesday morning, his second interview with the team. He is considered the leading candidate for the post vacated when Brian Billick was fired following the season. Garrett is also slated for a second interview with the Falcons on Tuesday, but the Ravens may not let him leave town until they have his signature on a contract.

Bironas looking to get paid

Rob Bironas picked a good season to head into restricted free agency, having led the league with 35 field goals and earned a trip to the Pro Bowl. "On a normal kicker I think you probably just give him a one-year tender and then see what happens," Bironas' agent told the Tennessean. "But when you are talking about a guy who has made as many game-winning kicks as Rob has and is going to the Pro Bowl, I guess that would be a pretty dangerous position for the team, because anything can happen. When a team's season is over and you look position-by-position and say who do we want to bring back and who do we want to lock up for long term, maybe a lot of times they are not looking at the kicker, but in the situation with the Tennessee Titans, Rob has to be one of their top priorities." The Titans certainly have options, including the right to match offers other teams make and the ability to negotiate a long-term deal. One thing is certain: Bironas is looking at a raise from last season's $435,000 salary.

Roby signed

Wide receiver Courtney Roby, a former third-round pick of the Tennessee Titans, was among five free agents signed by the Colts. Roby, who played his high school and college ball in the Hoosier State, has 23 career catches. With Indy Gwyneth Paltrow-thin at wide receiver, he may actually compete for a roster spot next season.

Tomlinson expects to play

Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson has a hyperextended left knee and may be limited throughout the practice week, but he expects to face the Patriots on Sunday. "I think I'll definitely be able to play," he tells the San Diego Union-Tribune. The Chargers will need to lean heavily on LT and Michael Turner if they hope to upset the Patriots. Expect Tomlinson to play and get plenty of carries.

Strahan dealing with sore groin

Giants defensive end Michael Strahan missed some time late in Sunday's win over the Cowboys due to a tight groin. "It was one of those situations I could go out there and risk pulling it, if we had won, which we did, wouldn't have helped next week, or I could let Dave Tollefson go in and play a little bit," he tells the New York Post. Strahan is expected to play against the Packers this weekend. Strahan will undoubtedly play this Sunday, but he shouldn't expect Brett Favre to simply lay down in front of him.

Branch likely will need surgery

Seahawks receiver Deion Branch will likely need to undergo surgery to repair the knee injury he suffered last weekend, according to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. He will get a second opinion later in the week. The biggest fear is that Branch tore his ACL, which would knock him out for about six months. That would make him a question mark for training camp.

Williams, Castillo nicked up

Chargers defensive tackle Jamal Williams (ankle) and defensive end Luis Castillo (ribs) could be limited throughout the upcoming practice week, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports. Add these two starters to the long list of injured Chargers. We expect both linemen to face the Patriots this Sunday.

Branch not at practice

Seahawks receiver Deion Branch was unable to practice Wednesday, according to the Seattle Times. He missed last week's game with a calf injury. Things are not looking good for Branch and those in playoff fantasy leagues should be moving him down their cheat sheets.

Carriker out six months

Rams defensive tackle Adam Carriker will undergo surgery to repair a torn labrum muscle in his shoulder. "It's a significant injury; you're looking at sixth months," coach Scott Linehan told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Carriker was the team's first-round selection last April and had a solid season, especially since he was switched from defensive end to the interior of the line. He'll miss plenty of offseason activities but should be ready for training camp.

Dorsey ruled out

DeDe Dorsey will sit out the Bengals' regular season finale against the Dolphins because of a high ankle sprain suffered on the first play of Cincy's win over the Browns in Week 16. Kenny Watson is expected to get the bulk of the playing time, with Rudi Johnson also potentially returning. Yeah, because Rudi has been so gritty and gutty all year.

Sorgi set for action

Though Peyton Manning will make his 160th consecutive regular season start in Indy's season finale, Jim Sorgi will handle the bulk of the workload. "I know Jim Sorgi's going to play at least a half," head coach Tony Dungy told the Indianapolis Star. "I don't know how early he'll get in the game, if he'll get in the first half. You play for your team and you really can't worry about anybody else. We've got to get ourselves ready to go and just play the best we can and get ourselves ready for the playoffs." History suggests that Manning will be around for one series, which is what he's played the last two times the Colts have found themselves in a similar Week 17 situation. Sorgi has thrown for 375 yards and four touchdowns in those two games.