Dallas Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips has given his players the weekend off.

Washington Redskins running back Clinton Portis will start, but beyond that his role is unclear, reports Rick Maese of the Washington Post.

Philadelphia Eagles second-round safety Nate Allen, the NFC's Rookie of the Month, is drawing praise for his maturity.

New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck has a simple plan for stopping Jay Cutler and the Bears.

Denver Broncos first-round running back Jahvid Best is confident he'll play on Sunday against the Packers.

Despite his third benching in three seasons, Chicago Bears defensive tackle Tommie Harris does not want to be traded.

Minnesota Vikings punter Chris Kluwe is off to a strong start in 2010, writes Chip Scoggins of the Star Tribune.

Injuries to certain players hurt the Green Bay Packers special teams units against the Bears on Monday night.

The St. Louis Rams are among a dwindling number of teams that rely on one workhorse running back, writes Bill Coats of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

The Seattle Seahawks released guard Chester Pitts on Thursday.

San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator Mike Johnson plans to keep opposing defenses on their toes.

Arizona Cardinals second-year running back LaRod Stephens-Howling is a force in the return game, writes Kent Somers of The Arizona Republic.

New Orleans Saints running back Reggie Bush still expects to make a rapid return from his broken fibula.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are taking advantage of first-round defensive tackle Gerald McCoy's versatility.

Atlanta Falcons linebacker Curtis Lofton is at the center of the defense's rebirth, reports D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Carolina Panthers fourth-round linebacker Eric Norwood could have an expanded role against the Saints on Sunday, reports Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer.

The Baltimore Ravens offensive line needs to protect Joe Flacco from the Steelers' pass-rush, writes Ken Murray of the Baltimore Sun.

Pittsburgh Steelers safety Ryan Clark has no love lost for the non-cape wearing Ravens.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Jake Delhomme returned to practice on Thursday.

Delhomme's potential return has the Cincinnati Bengals preparing for two quarterbacks this week, reports Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer.

Speed is the essential ingredient on the Indianapolis Colts, who are unanimous in identifying their fastest player. (Hint: Not Peyton Manning)

The Tennessee Titans would like for running back Javon Ringer to reduce Chris Johnson's workload.

Jacksonville Jaguars sixth-round running back Deji Karim is closer to making his NFL debut.

Houston Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson will be a game-time decision on Sunday, head coach Gary Kubiak said.

Young play-makers on the Kansas City Chiefs offense are taking some pressure off quarterback Matt Cassel.

Denver Broncos defensive end Justin Bannan is used to doing the dirty work.

Wins are the only stat the improved Oakland Raiders defense cares about, writes Vittorio Tafur of the San Francisco Chronicle.

San Diego Chargers guard Tyronne Green will make his first NFL start on Sunday against the Cardinals.

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Brandon Marshall defended his conditioning and effort.

Newly signed New York Jets defensive end Trevor Pryce feels like he's stepped in a time capsule.

New England Patriots second-round linebacker Brandon Spikes seeks to improve his recognition quickness, writes Ian Rapoport of the Boston Herald.

A struggling Buffalo Bills pass rush has led to a decrease in takeaways, writes Leo Roth of the Democrat & Chronicle.

Today's NFL birthdays: Cardinals quarterback Max Hall (25), Browns long-snapper Ryan Pontbriand (31), Broncos offensive tackle Chris Clark (26), Chiefs running back Jackie Battle (27), Vikings center Jon Cooper (24), free agent/former NFL runnings backs Rudi Johnson (31), Amp Lee (39), Domanick Williams (30), and Selvin Young (27).