NFL Playoffs News and Notes

Special teams could be the key in tonight's Atlanta Falcons-Green Bay Packers game.

Chicago Bears head coach Lovie Smith's future with the team is on the back-burner, writes Mark Potash of the Chicago Sun-Times.

Seattle Seahawks middle linebacker Lofa Tatupu appears likely to play on Sunday.

Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Dom Capers has impressed with his ability to adapt and innovate.

If he plays, New England Patriots fourth-round tight end Aaron Hernandez could be a factor on Sunday against the Jets.

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward never has a problem motivating himself, writes Ron Cook of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

With a roster of aging players in the final years of their contracts, there's a sense of urgency on the Baltimore Ravens.

New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan calls tomorrow's game the second-biggest in franchise history.

NFL News and Notes

San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh filled some key positions on his coaching staff on Friday.

Defensive coordinator options are dwindling for the Arizona Cardinals.

The St. Louis Rams will interview Josh McDaniels for their offensive coordinator vacancy.

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jaymar Johnson will workout with Larry Fitzgerald this off-season.

The Detroit Lions could go in any direction with the 13th overall pick, writes Tom Kowalski of MLive.com.

Rob Ryan is finalizing a contract that would make him the next defensive coordinator of the Dallas Cowboys.

The Philadelphia Eagles have granted permission for the Cleveland Browns to interview Dick Jauron for their defensive coordinator position.

Washington Redskins general manager Bruce Allen is trying to inflate Albert Haynesworth's trade value, writes ESPN.com's Mark Mosley.

Jay Gruden could be joining Ron Rivera's Carolina Panthers' coaching staff, Darin Gantt of the Charlotte Observer reports.

DUI charges against Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Williams have been dropped.

Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis is close to naming a head coach, reports Steve Corkran of the Oakland Tribune.

The San Diego Chargers hired Greg Manusky to coordinate their defense.

Newly hired Denver Broncos head coach John Fox is in the process of finalizing his first coaching staff.

The Kansas City Chiefs are committed to Todd Haley, writes Adam Teicher of The Kansas City Star.

Indianapolis Colts second-round linebacker Pat Angerer reflected on his rookie season with the Quad-City Times.

Cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha should be a free agent target of the Houston Texans, writes Jerome Solomon of the Houston Chronicle.

Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson was added to the Pro Bowl roster.

Johnson replaces Jacksonville Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew, who backed out after having knee surgery earlier this month.

CFL linebacker Mark Restelli has signed with the Miami Dolphins.

The Buffalo Bills need more play-makers at linebacker, writes Allen Wilson of The Buffalo News.

Cleveland Browns head coach Pat Shurmur is eager to get to work.

Today's NFL birthdays: Panthers rookie fullback Rashawn Jackson (24), Texans cornerback Glover Quin (25), Saints quarterback Drew Brees (32), Raiders guard Daniel Loper (29), Seahawks defensive tackle Brandon Mebane (26), Buccaneers fullback Earnest Graham (31), Redskins tight end Fred Davis (25), free agent linebacker Weston Johnson (24), safeties Josh Gattis (27) and DeAngelo Willingham (24).

Hall of Fame defensive lineman Randy White turns 58.

Retired safeties Corey Chavous (35), Kenny Easley (52), and Mike Minter (37), and wide receiver Jacquez Green (35).