NFL.com's Vic Carucci reports that the Bills will meet with former Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan next week.
Carucci confirms that Shanahan is Buffalo's "No. 1" head coaching target. The meeting will involve owner Ralph Wilson and COO/GM Russ Brandon, who Shanahan would probably give a pink slip to if he's hired. It's well known that Shanahan wants full control of football operations, even if taking on such responsibilities didn't work out towards the end of his Broncos stint. Wilson is reportedly willing to offer The Mastermind any amount of salary to take the job.
Bills signed QB Brian Brohm off the Packers' practice squad.
Brohm is unlikely to make a difference in Buffalo, but he's a worthwhile late-season pickup with the Bills going nowhere. The 2008 second-round pick lacked confidence throughout his 1 1/2-year stay in Green Bay. He has NFL-caliber tools, but probably needs a miracle-working position coach to fix his mindset. Brohm will finish out 2009 as Buffalo's No. 4 quarterback.
The Associated Press reports that Kyle Orton, who sat out practice on Wednesday, has torn ligaments in his ankle.
The good news is Orton's injury is to his left ankle; his right was the problematic joint in 2008. Orton, in a contract year, "adamantly" wants to start against San Diego, and the Broncos' coaching staff is surely with him after seeing Chris Simms complete 3-of-13 passes for 13 yards in the second half of last week's loss to the Redskins. Look for Orton to play Sunday, but he won't be close to 100 percent. Reserve him in all leagues.
According to two neurological specialists, Brian Westbrook should make a "full recovery" from his pair of concussions.
Doctors say his symptoms "improved significantly" in the last three days, and that Westbrook produced all favorable test results. "We are very encouraged by Brian's progress, we believe that he has an excellent prognosis," the docs added. Westbrook will get another checkup in 2-3 weeks after being put on a "comprehensive rehab plan," although the Eagles were advised to take a "conservative" approach with their 30-year-old tailback. It appears Westbrook's career isn't over, but he's still no sure bet to return in 2009.
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. Noted Dr. Robert Anderson will decide whether Brown needs an operation.
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. Few quarterbacks in our generation have been less dedicated, and Russell's regression may force Oakland to draft or acquire another high-profile signal caller in spring of 2010. He can be dropped in dynasty leagues.
According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Jerious Norwood (hip) "looks like a long shot" to be ready for Week 11.
Norwood just began running on back-to-back days, so his role will surely be extremely minor against the Giants if he's active. Jason Snelling says he is preparing to be Atlanta's featured runner with Michael Turner (high ankle sprain) almost certainly out. The Falcons may have just two backs active on game day: Snelling and 34-year-old special teamer Aaron Stecker.
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