Chiefs extend K Succop for 5 years, $14M
December 31, 2011
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP)—Chiefs kicker Ryan Succop can retire that “Mr.Irrelevant” nickname.
The 256th and final pick of the 2009 draft has signed a $14 million,five-year contract extension with Kansas City, a person with knowledge of thedeal said late Friday.
ESPN.com, citing anonymous sources, first reported the extension.
The contract includes a $2 million signing bonus, according to a person whospoke on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press because an officialannouncement had not been made.
Succop joins a pair of other kickers who signed lucrative five-yearextensions. Billy Cundiff signed for $15 million to remain with the BaltimoreRavens in January, while Mason Crosby signed with the Super Bowl champion GreenBay Packers for $14.75 million in July.
The soft-spoken Succop matched Pete Stoyanovich’s franchise record when hehit 22 consecutive field goals earlier this season. The streak put him atop alist of Chiefs kickers that includes Hall of Famer Jan Stenerud, Nick Lowery andMorten Andersen, the NFL’s all-time leading scorer.
“I don’t necessarily think about all the records,” Succop told the AP atthe time. “Hopefully I’ll be able to go out and make the next one, and if we dothat, we’ll kick the one after that.”
The former South Carolina standout made all four of his field goal attemptsin the Chiefs’ 19-14 victory over the then-unbeaten Green Bay Packers earlierthis season, and he was voted AFC special teams player of the week.
He also hit all five tries in a 22-7 win over Minnesota in Week 4, whichmatched Stenerud and Lowery for the single-game franchise record. One of themwas a career-best 54-yarder.
Succop’s 30-yard kick in overtime on Halloween night beat the San DiegoChargers.
His streak of consecutive made field goals ended last week against Oakland,when he had a pair blocked in a loss that eliminated the Chiefs from playoffcontention. But he’s still connected on 24 of 29 tries this season, and isperfect on 90 career extra points.
General manager Scott Pioli has not been shy about signing homegrownplayers.
Pro Bowl linebacker Tamba Hali signed a $60 million, five-year extensionduring training camp, while cornerback Brandon Flowers signed a $50 milliondeal, five-year deal.
Last season, All-Pro running back Jamaal Charles signed for five years at$32.5 million, and Pro Bowl linebacker Derrick Johnson for five years at $34million.
Now, Pioli likely will turn his attention to cornerback Brandon Carr andwide receiver Dwayne Bowe, who can become free agents after the season. Carr hasbeen solid opposite Flowers in a talented defensive backfield, while Bowe hasput together another strong season with 75 catches for 1,066 yards despitehaving to play with three different starting quarterbacks.
The Chiefs may also try to re-sign Kyle Orton, who will start his thirdstraight game Sunday at Denver. The veteran quarterback, who will also be a freeagent, was claimed off waivers when Matt Cassel went down with a season-endinginjury to his throwing hand.
Succop won’t have to worry about winning his job any time soon.
He’s been dependable since the moment he was drafted, hitting 25 of 29 fieldgoals his rookie season, breaking Stenerud’s franchise mark for a first-yearplayer. His conversion rate of 86.21 percent tied the rookie record for kickerswith at least 20 attempts since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger.
Succop was nearly as good last season, hitting 20 of 26 attempts, includingan overtime winner against Buffalo—a kick made even more important when theChiefs managed to slip into the playoffs.
“Being a kicker in the NFL, the coaches talk all about it, one kick here orthere can make a difference. A lot of games are decided by seven points orless,” Succop said a few weeks ago. “Whether I make or miss could be thedeciding factor in the game.”
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Raiders WR Ford expects to play Sunday
December 30, 2011
ALAMEDA, Calif. (AP)—Raiders wide receiver Jacoby Ford made it through athird straight practice without any setbacks and expects to play in Oakland’sregular-season finale against San Diego.
That would be a big boost to the Raiders, who need to beat the Chargers onSunday to keep their playoff hopes alive. Oakland can get in either as the AFCWest champion or as a wild card, though it would need help from other teams forthat to happen.
It’s a game Ford doesn’t plan to miss.
“We know what type of game it is, it’s a big game,” Ford said Friday.“But we’re not looking at it as something to put pressure on ourselves. Thenyou’ll be uptight and you won’t play loose and relaxed. We’re just going to goout there and play the game the way we need to go out there and play.”
Ford hasn’t played since injuring his left foot after making a catch in thefirst quarter of Oakland’s 24-17 win in San Diego on Nov. 10. The 5-foot-9,185-pound receiver was averaging 15.3 yards a catch before getting hurt and hasbeen one of the Raiders’ two deep threats with rookie Denarius Moore.
Moore, who is averaging a team-high 17.2 yards per catch, also recentlyreturned to Oakland’s lineup after missing three games with a foot injury.
The Raiders went 3-3 without Ford, who was hurt after he made a 41-yardreception and was tackled by San Diego cornerback Dante Hughes.
Ford had to wear a protective boot and was cleared to resume running onlyrecently. He’s still listed as questionable on the injury report, though theindication is that he’ll play.
The biggest hurdle was to make it through a full week of practice afterbeing sidelined for so long.
The prognosis? So far, so good.
“I was able to do some things in practice just to see if I’ll be able to dothem in the game,” Ford said. “It was definitely a positive week for me so Ifeel good going into the game. If I practiced this much this week and I’m notout there, I’d be mad.”
Ford also doubles as the Raiders’ primary kick returner on special teams,though coach Hue Jackson is likely to keep him limited to offense on Sunday.
“I don’t want to put him in a situation where he can’t do what he’saccustomed to doing,” Jackson said. “I don’t know that he’s totally there yet,but he’s close. The guys that have been returning for us have done a great job,so I’ll kind of probably stay in that direction until we get him back totallyhealthy.”
Oakland’s defense also may get back one of its key defensive backs.
Safety Michael Huff, who has been out two games with a groin injury, alsopracticed this week without any significant setbacks. Having Huff wouldsignificantly alter how the Raiders defend Chargers tight end Antonio Gates, whohas nine career touchdowns in the series between the division rivals.
Jackson sounded optimistic that both Huff and Ford will play.
“It’s been three good days for the (and) we’ll see where they aretomorrow,” the coach said. “But I feel very strong about those guys having anopportunity to contribute to our football team.”
Notes: RB Taiwan Jones (hamstring) is making progress but is stillquestionable, meaning RB Michael Bush will again be the primary workhorse in thebackfield. Bush needs 89 yards to reach 1,000 for the first time in his career.… DT John Henderson (knee) is out.
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Packers won’t say if Rodgers will play
December 30, 2011
GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP)—The Green Bay Packers will be without three keyplayers on offense in Sunday’s game against Detroit.
Running back James Starks (knee/ankle), receiver/kick returner Randall Cobb(groin) and receiver Greg Jennings (knee), who has missed the last two games,won’t play in the regular-season finale.
Coach Mike McCarthy would not say Friday whether quarterback Aaron Rodgerswill sit the game out.
“The most important thing with Aaron is he’s ready to play,” McCarthysaid. “It’s important for the quarterbacks, we repped all three of them thisweek. So I’d like to see all three of them play in the game, is the initial planas we started the week.”
Rodgers didn’t shed any light on whether he would play.
“I’m going to leave it up to Mike,” he said.
The Packers also listed right tackle Bryan Bulaga (knee) as doubtful.Linebacker Clay Matthews (ankle) and cornerback Charles Woodson (knee) arequestionable.
McCarthy has been coy this week about his approach to Sunday’s game afterthe Packers (14-1) clinched the No. 1 seed and home-field advantage throughoutthe NFC playoffs.
While the playoffs-bound Lions (10-5) can gain the No. 5 seed in the NFCbracket by winning at Green Bay for the first time since 1991, the Packers don’thave anything riding on the final score against their longtime rivals.
“It ain’t the end of the world. We’ve still got them playoffs,” Green Baytight end Jermichael Finley said.
The Packers will have a first-round bye and won’t play again until the Jan.14-15 weekend.
McCarthy shrugged off the suggestion that a loss would hurt his team’smomentum.
“I don’t ever worry about the outcome of the game,” he said. “I’m a firmbeliever in trusting the process. I truly believe we’re going to win thisfootball game. So I’m more concerned with the process leading up to this game,and I’ll be just as much concerned as the process leading up to our nextcompetition.
“Games are won, in my opinion, throughout the week. We fully expect to winthis game.”
The Packers would be counting on a combination of Matt Flynn and GrahamHarrell to lead the league’s No. 1-scoring offense if Rodgers doesn’t play foronly the second time in his four seasons as the starter.
Flynn, a fourth-year player, made his only pro start Dec. 19, 2010, withRodgers out because of a concussion. Flynn played well in the prime-time game onthe road against the heavily favored New England Patriots, who hung on for a31-27 win.
“I want to see Matt Flynn play like he did in New England, but take it astep further – win the game,” McCarthy said.
Harrell is anxious to get his first regular-season action since he signedwith the Packers as a free agent in 2010.
“I’d love to get in, but we’re going out to win,” Harrell said.
And Harrell wouldn’t be surprised if Flynn, not Rodgers, makes the startSunday.
“It’ll be interesting,” Harrell said. “I don’t think you can go wrongeither way. Aaron, he’s been healthy almost his whole career. He’s a smartplayer, and he obviously helps us win. So letting him get some action would begood for us, but if they decide to rest him, it obviously makes a ton of senseas well.”
Notes: DE Ryan Pickett and LT Chad Clifton are expected to play. Bothveterans are probable for the game. Pickett missed the last two games because ofa concussion. Clifton hasn’t played since suffering a hamstring injury Oct. 9and then a back injury during his rehab work. Finley also is probable. Hepracticed the last two days on a limited basis after a sore knee kept him outWednesday. . McCarthy said the team would practice Wednesday and Thursday andpossibly Friday next week before an opponent is known for the divisional roundof the playoffs. “We’re going to keep our players mentally and physically onthe same time clock,” McCarthy said.
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Brady practices, probable vs. Bills
December 30, 2011
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP)—Tom Brady is listed as “probable” on the NewEngland Patriots injury report for Sunday’s regular-season finale against theBuffalo Bills.
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An injury to his left, non-throwing shoulder limited Brady’s participationin practice Friday for a second straight day after he sat out practice onWednesday. He stretched with his teammates during the brief period open toreporters Friday.
The “probable” designation means that there is a “virtual certainty” aplayer will be available for normal duty, according to the injury report.
Sixteen other Patriots who had limited participation Friday were listed as“questionable” for the game, meaning there is a 50-50 chance they won’t play.
Asked what Brady was able to do Thursday, coach Bill Belichick said Friday:“Play quarterback, the usual thing.” When asked if Wednesday was a planned dayoff for Brady, Belichick said he thought he had covered that topic.
The Patriots have said Wednesday’s absence was not injury-related.
Comcast SportsNet has reported that Brady had X-rays to check for aseparated left shoulder and was told he was “all set.”
Offensive linemen Logan Mankins and Sebastian Vollmer were listed as “out”for Sunday’s game.
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Vikes RB Peterson undergoes knee surgery
December 30, 2011
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP)—Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Petersonhas had surgery to repair torn ligaments in his left knee.
Coach Leslie Frazier said the team was informed that Friday’s operation byDr. James Andrews was “successful” and that Peterson was “restingcomfortably.” In a statement distributed by the team, Frazier wished Peterson a“speedy recovery.”
Peterson tore the anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments in theknee during last Sunday’s game at Washington. He finished his fifth year in theNFL with 970 yards and 12 touchdowns rushing.
The Vikings have said they expect him to be ready in time for the start ofthe 2012 season.
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Texans WR Johnson to return vs. Titans
December 30, 2011
HOUSTON (AP)—Houston star receiver Andre Johnson will play againstTennessee on Sunday after missing the last three games because of a strainedleft hamstring.
Coach Gary Kubiak said Johnson will be on a play count, but wasn’t sure howmany. Johnson has played only six games this season after missing six straightwith a right hamstring injury that required surgery.
“It was all depending on how the week went and everything went fine thispast week, so I’ll be able to go out and play a little bit on Sunday,” Johnsonsaid.
Andre Johnson participates in the Texans' first NFL training camp practice on July 30.(Bob Levey/Getty Images)
Kubiak says he wants Johnson to play so he’ll be ready to contribute forHouston next weekend in its first playoff game. Johnson also believes gettingsome work in this week is important.
“I just want to get back in the flow of playing a game,” he said. “It’sbeen a while since I’ve played. I just want to get back to the game feeling. Ithink it will show fans that I will be ready to play for the playoffs. So itwill give them something to be excited about.”
Johnson is disappointed that he hasn’t been able to play much this season,but after enduring years of losing seasons in Houston, the team’s success thisyear has kept his attitude positive.
“It’s been a long season with a lot of frustrating times, but there’s stilllight at the end of the tunnel,” Johnson said.
The AFC South champions have lost two straight heading into Sunday’s gameafter reeling off seven consecutive wins. While the outcome can’t change theirplayoff position, they hope to build momentum for the postseason.
“We want to go out and win this game and get back to playing football theway we had when we were on our winning streak,” Johnson said. “We need to comeout and eliminate those mistakes that we’ve been having for the past couple ofweeks.”
Johnson has finished with more than 1,200 yards receiving the each of thepast three seasons, including a career-high 1,575 in 2008. He has 31 receptionsfor 471 yards and two touchdowns this season while missing the most games in hiscareer.
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Injured RB Bush to miss finale vs. Jets
December 30, 2011
MIAMI (AP)—Reggie Bush’s impressive season-long display of durability hasended with a knee injury.
The Miami Dolphins running back will miss their finale Sunday against theNew York Jets. He was ruled out by coach Todd Bowles after missing practice forthe third consecutive day Friday.
Bush, a 1,000-yard rusher this year for the first time in his six-yearcareer, hurt his right knee late in last week’s loss at New England.
Bush’s absence Sunday likely means more work for rookie Daniel Thomas,although he has been nursing a knee injury too. The game is meaningless for theDolphins (5-10), but the Jets (8-7) still have a shot at the playoffs.
After five years with New Orleans, Bush joined the Dolphins this seasonintent on showing he could handle the role of an every-down running back, and hedid just that. He leads Miami with 1,086 yards rushing, many coming on dashesbetween the tackles.
His 216 carries were easily a career high, and he also made 43 catches for296 yards. His seven touchdowns led the team.
“I already knew all the tools were there,” the former Heisman Trophywinner said Thursday. “It was just about the opportunity. I had thatopportunity coming here and tried to make the most of it.”
Bush’s average of 5.0 yards per rush is the highest for a 1,000-yard runnerthis year. He came on strong after an unimpressive first month of the season,and led the NFL with 519 yards rushing in December.
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Dolphins RB Bush out with knee injury
December 30, 2011
MIAMI (AP)—Reggie Bush’s impressive season-long display of durability hasended with a knee injury.
The Miami Dolphins running back will miss their finale Sunday against theNew York Jets. He was ruled out by coach Todd Bowles after missing practice forthe third consecutive day Friday.
Bush, a 1,000-yard rusher this year for the first time in his six-yearcareer, hurt his right knee late in last week’s loss at New England.
Bush’s absence Sunday likely means more work for rookie Daniel Thomas,although he has been nursing a knee injury too. The game is meaningless for theDolphins (5-10), but the Jets (8-7) still have a shot at the playoffs.
After five years with New Orleans, Bush joined the Dolphins this seasonintent on showing he could handle the role of an every-down running back, and hedid just that. He leads Miami with 1,086 yards rushing, many coming on dashesbetween the tackles.
His 216 carries were easily a career high, and he also made 43 catches for296 yards. His seven touchdowns led the team.
“I already knew all the tools were there,” the former Heisman Trophywinner said Thursday. “It was just about the opportunity. I had thatopportunity coming here and tried to make the most of it.”
Bush’s average of 5.0 yards per rush is the highest for a 1,000-yard runnerthis year. He came on strong after an unimpressive first month of the season,and led the NFL with 519 yards rushing in December.
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Ryan: Schottenheimer may go elsewhere
December 30, 2011
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP)—Rex Ryan expects Brian Schottenheimer to be backwith the New York Jets next season unless the embattled offensive coordinatorgets a head coaching job elsewhere.
Ryan says Friday that he puts Schottenheimer’s return at “probably 50-50”because he believes there will be opportunities for the assistant to get a topjob in the offseason. Schottenheimer has turned down a few interviewopportunities in previous years to remain with the Jets.
But with increasing criticism of the offense and Schottenheimer’s playcalling, he could potentially look elsewhere. Many fans and media members haveinsisted that the Jets need to make a change with the Jets ranking 27th inoverall offense. Schottenheimer said Thursday that he would like to remain withthe Jets, but understands the nature of the business.
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Big Ben probable, Polamalu practices
December 30, 2011
PITTSBURGH (AP)—Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and safety TroyPolamalu each attended a full practice Friday and are listed as probable for theregular-season finale in Cleveland on Sunday.
Roethlisberger practiced all week after missing last Saturday’s 27-0 winover the St. Louis Rams because of a high ankle sprain. The injury occurredthree weeks ago in a home win against the Browns, but he played the followingMonday in San Francisco and threw three interceptions in a 20-3 loss.
Polamalu (knee) did not practice until Friday but is expected to startSunday. Center Maurkice Pouncey missed the past two games with a high anklesprain but said he’s going to play.
Linebacker James Harrison (neck) and wide receivers Mike Wallace (ankle) andEmmanuel Sanders (foot) are listed as probable.
LaMarr Woodley (hamstring) is doubtful after not practicing Friday, andJason Worilds likely will make his seventh start at outside linebacker.
The playoff-bound Steelers need a win and a Baltimore loss at Cincinnati towin the AFC North and earn a first-round bye.
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