Eagles interview Staley
The Philadelphia Eagles have interviewed running backs coach Duce Staley for their vacant coaching position created when Chip Kelly was fired Tuesday. Staley interviewed for the job Friday. He played seven seasons for the Eagles from 1997-2003 and ran for 1,000 yards three times. Staley, 40, was an assistant on Andy Reid’s staff for two seasons and served under Kelly the past three. He was a fan favorite in Philadelphia and finished his career playing parts of three seasons with the Steelers. Kelly was let go with one game left after going 6-9 after two 10-6 seasons and one division title.
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Marques Colston has been ruled out of today’s season finale in Atlanta, ending his 10th season. Colston, the team’s all-time leading receiver, has a chest injury that also sidelined him for New Orleans’ victory over Jacksonville last Sunday. Colston finished with 45 catches for a career-low 520 yards and 4 touchdowns, including a 53-yard score, in 13 games this season. Those numbers represent a substantial decline from most of his career, which includes six seasons eclipsing 1,000 yards, two others surpassing 900 and a previous low of 760 yards when he missed five games. His current contract runs through next season. The Saints have also ruled out linebacker Dannell Ellerbe and rookie offensive lineman Andrus Peat. Ellerbe has a hip injury, while Peat has concussion symptoms.
Defensive tackle B.J. Raji has been upgraded to probable for Green Bay’s game against the Minnesota Vikings tonight. The move gives the Packers hope that they’ll have one of their top runstuffers available to contain NFL leading rusher Adrian Peterson. Raji missed last week’s loss against Arizona with a concussion. The Packers also upgraded linebacker Mike Neal to probable after Saturday’s practice. Neal has been bothered by a sore hip. But Green Bay could be without cornerback
Sam Shields for a third consecutive game because of a concussion. Shields was downgraded to doubtful. Two other key players remain questionable for the Packers: left tackle David Bakhtiari has an ankle injury, while defensive tackle Mike Daniels has a groin injury.