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Forte Had Knee Surgery

Bears running back Matt Forte had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee within the last two weeks, according to multiple sources. The clean-up procedure followed a post-season MRI, says the Chicago Tribune.   Forte sprained the medial collateral ligament in his knee during the Bears’ 25-19 victory at Seattle in Week 3, but it is unclear if the surgery stems from that specific injury. Although Forte ran better toward the end of the season, he averaged just 3.6 yards per carry, down from his 3.9-yard average as a rookie. He finished with 929 rushing yards on 258 carries as the Bears ranked 29th in the league. Forte ran for 1,238 yards on 316 carries as a rookie the year before. As a receiver, he had 57 catches for 471 yards in 2009 against 63 for 477 in his first season. Forte also suffered a partially torn hamstring during offseason workouts before the ‘09 season.

Tony Gonzalez to Return Next Year

Tony Gonzalez has confirmed he will return to the Falcons in 2010, says the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.   “I’ll be around for sure next season,” the 13-year veteran tight end said in an interview on the Falcons’ website. There was some doubt, as Gonzalez did tell the paper after the season’s final game that he was undecided whether he’d continue playing. “You don’t ever want to make a decision right after the season is over,” Gonzalez said today. “Now that I’ve had a chance to get away from the game a little bit and talk to my family, I’m definitely going to be around for next year,” said Gonzalez, whose 999 career receptions are the most by a tight end in NFL history and seventh-best among all receivers. “I’m excited about the direction this team is going in. We’ve got a really good football team and I really do believe this could be the best football team I’ve ever played on coming up next year,” he said.

Latest on Rodgers-Cromartie

Cardinals cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie suffered no significant ligament damage in his left knee Saturday against the Saints, but an MRI showed that he does have a chipped bone in his left tibia, according to the Arizona Republic. Rodgers-Cromartie did suffer an injury to his medial collateral ligament but it’s not a tear. Rodgers-Cromartie’s anterior cruciate ligament was not damaged. “We were scared it might be the ACL, then you’re talking six to nine months,” coach Ken Whisenhunt said. “This was very good news.”

Chargers Extend Norv Turner

Chargers signed head coach Norv Turner to an extension through 2013, says the San Diego Union-Tribune.  Turner is 32-16 in three seasons as Chargers head coach, making the playoffs all three seasons.  This season the Chargers finished one-and-done in the playoffs after winning 11 straight games and winning their division and the two seed.

 

Ray Edwards "Fine?"

Early indications are that Vikings LE Ray Edwards knee injury is a sprain, says the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.  He'll have an MRI Monday, but coach Brad Childress already said that Edwards should be fine.

Jeremy Shockey Hurt

Jeremy Shockey appeared to aggravate his right toe injury during Saturday's win over the Cardinals, according to the New Orleans Times-Picayune.  Shockey is almost certain to play against the Vikings, but I don't look for him to have a big impact.

 

Wade Phillips will return as coach of the Cowboys next season, according to ESPN's Ed Werder.  Despite the old-fashioned butt-whooping that came from Minnesota on Sunday.

Brian Westbrook to Retire??

Eagles running back Brian Westbrook may have taken his final snaps in Philadelphia, says the National Football Post.   Word is, Westbrook’s knee injury is bad enough to the point where the Pro Bowl running back may not even be able to pass a physical for another team and that the ailment could force him into retirement. Westbrook missed time due to concussions he suffered in Week 7 at Washington and Week 10 at San Diego.

Is Willis McGahee Done With Baltimore??

According to the Carroll County Times, as running back Willis McGahee packed his suitcase in the locker room following a 20-3 AFC divisional playoff loss to the Indianapolis Colts, he wasn’t certain whether it was his last game playing for the Baltimore Ravens. Signed to a seven-year, $40.12 contract following a trade from the Buffalo Bills three years ago, McGahee is due a $3.6 million salary next season. Even if this does turn out to be an uncapped year if a new collective bargaining agreement isn’t brokered, it’s still a lot of money to pay a backup running back with Pro Bowl selection Ray Rice entrenched as the starter. Whatever happens, McGahee said he’s unconcerned about his future after tying a franchise record by scoring14 touchdowns in a reserve role. “No doubt about it, I still have a lot left in my tank,” McGahee said. “Right now, I’ll let them handle it when the time comes. “Man, I ain’t even worried about it right now to tell you the truth. If I do, I do. If I don’t, I don’t. It is what it is. Who knows what the future holds for me? Sky’s the limit.”

Is LT Done In San Diego??

According to the San Deigo Union-Tribune, when asked if he wanted to return to the Chargers next season, Tomlinson paused for several seconds, his face shifting through a series of expressions as fluidly as he once changed gears, only to finish with an irresolute, “I can’t tell you that right now.” He knows the decision is not really his and that this time the willingness to renegotiate may have no bearing on management’s decision. He knows, too, that he has made contractual concessions and accepted reduced playing time without the anticipated payback of a Super Bowl.