New England Patriots wide receiver Brandon Tate is prepared to play a larger role in the offense, writes Monique Walker of the Boston Globe.

Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck is already the subject of conversations in western New York.

Improving their red zone efficiency is a primary objective of the New York Jets offense, reports Jenny Vrentas of The Star-Ledger.

Miami Dolphins center Joe Berger's path to the NFL began as a scrawny walk-on at Michigan Tech, writes Mike Berardino of the Sun-Sentinel.

The Baltimore Ravens defense is drawing fewer roughing the passer penalties this season.

Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback William Gay is the team's most improved player this season, writes Ron Cook in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Cleveland Browns outside linebacker Marcus Benard's breakout game in the NFL was against the Steelers last December.

Cincinnati Bengals running back Cedric Benson discussed the team's running game on Thursday.

Indianapolis Colts running back Joseph Addai expects to be back in action on Sunday night against the Redskins.

Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson made an appearance on the injury list, taking advantage of their extra day of rest.

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback David Garrard's wife offered some advice to the coaching staff during a recent birthday party.

The Houston Texans may need an attitude adjustment, writes John McClain of the Houston Chronicle.

Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman Glenn Dorsey has embraced his role in the 3-4 defense, reports Kent Babb of the Kansas City Star.

For the sixth time in six weeks, the Denver Broncos could have a different offensive line combination on Sunday.

San Diego Chargers cornerbacks Quentin Jammer and Antoine Cason are shutting down opposing wide receivers.

Oakland Raiders running back Darren McFadden hasn't felt comfortable to fully test his hamstring injury this week.

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree is looking forward to facing the Raiders this Sunday.

Arizona Cardinals guard Deuce Lutui's stock is rising as his weight has dropped, writes Dan Bickley of The Arizona Republic.

The Seattle Seahawks may have never had a running back with Marshawn Lynch's skill-set, writes Eric Williams of the Tacoma News Tribune.

After some hiccups to the start of his career, St. Louis Rams fourth-round wide receiver Mardy Gilyard has been playing catch-up.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is likely to play on Sunday.

Injuries have left the Minnesota Vikings' secondary with just four healthy cornerbacks, writes Chip Scoggins of the Star Tribune.

Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz is concerned with the Giants' pass-rush.

Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Iwuh is ready to step up if Lance Briggs can't play on Sunday.

Dallas Cowboys first-round wide receiver Dez Bryant may miss Sunday's game against the Vikings.

New York Giants guard Chris Snee is excited to face Lions rookie Ndamukong Suh on Sunday.

Newly acquired Philadelphia Eagles running back Jerome Harrison is happy to have a fresh start after falling out of favor in Cleveland.

Washington Redskins wide receiver Anthony Armstrong has earned a bigger role in the offense, writes Jason Reid of the Washington Post.

Carolina Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis is eligible to return next week, but won't rush back from a second torn ACL in less than a year.

Atlanta Falcons defensive end John Abraham has regained his Pro Bowl form, writes Jeff Haws of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense expects opponents to frequently blitz.

New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton faces the challenge of winning without a fully healthy quarterback and game-changing running back.

Today's NFL birthdays: Browns safety Abram Elam (29), Texans linebacker Conner Barwin (24), Chiefs guard Ryan Lilja (29), Giants practice squad offensive lineman Dennis Landolt (23), Jets second-round guard Vladimir Ducasse (23), Seahawks defensive lineman Kentwan Balmer (24), free agent cornerbacks Blue Adams (31) and Travarous Bain (27), running back Chris Barclay (27), offensive linemen Mike Elgin (27), Jorge Guerra (23), and Pete McMahon (29), and tight end Joe Newton (27). Retired defensive lineman Joe Klecko (57), linebacker George Koonce (42), and center/guard Steve McKinney (35).