The Bears have fired offensive coordinator Ron Turner as expected, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.

Bill Cowher could coach in 2010 if the right situation comes along. Despite reports that he has cooled his interest in a return to coaching in 2010, the former Steelers coach is still weighing his options.

Lovie Smith is almost certain to return as head coach of the Chicago Bears next season, according to league sources, but major changes could be coming for a team that struggled on both sides of the ball and fell short of expectations.

MRI results confirmed that Patriots WR Wes Welker has torn anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments in his left knee, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. He is expected to make a full recovery for the start of next season.

Minnesota coach Brad Childress is going with a unique concept, using the Vikings’ first-round bye for exactly what it was meant for — rest.

Green Bay coach Mike McCarthy said Monday he fully expects CB Charles Woodson to be ready to play when the Packers travel to Arizona in the wild-card round of the playoffs.

If there was any doubt, Vince Young will return as the starter for the Tennessee Titans next season.

The Bengals placed DT Pat Sims on injured reserve Monday, a tough setback for a team trying to get healthy defensively before a rematch with the New York Jets Saturday in the wild-card round of the playoffs.

The New Orleans Saints are using this week as a modified bye week after having clinched the NFC’s top seed, and thus a bye, in Week 16.

Here’s how I ranked the teams to close out the 2009 regular season.

Trying to put a positive spin on a big injury, Patriots QB Tom Brady suggested that a Wes Welker-less offense could pose problems for the Ravens.

For the first time ever, the announcement of the 15 finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2010 will be televised on “Pro Football Hall of Fame: Road to Canton” on Friday, Jan. 8 at 4 p.m. ET.

The Cardinals will be in wait-and-see mode this week with three injured starters — WR Anquan Boldin, DE Calais Campbell and CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.

Here’s a little review of my Twitter discussion with Bengals WR Chad Ochocinco before his Week 17 game in New York.

The NFL announced the schedule for the wild-card and divisional playoff rounds.