The NFL Network is one of several media outlets citing sources close to the situation as confirming Freeney’s status. The NFL Network’s report indicated the Colts organization issued a statement in response to the reports, stating that Freeney had a “low, third-degree ankle injury. Similar to a basketball (ankle) injury. We feel he’ll be questionable (for the game).” The injury took place in Indy’s win over the Jets in the AFC Championship Game last week and Freeney has been unable to practice in the week that has passed since.

Freeney racked up 13 1/2 sacks this year in 14 games during the regular season.

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The 2010 version of the NFL’s annual showcase game was played a week prior to the Super Bowl as opposed to its accustomed time slot the week after. As a result, no members of the Colts or Saints, who will meet in Super Bowl XLIV at the same site next Sunday, were able to participate.

Many of those players were on the sideline to watch Houston’s Matt Schaub get the AFC out to a fast start with touchdown passes to Texans teammate Andre Johnson and Denver’s Brandon Marshall.

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LeFevour, of Central Michigan, finished with a modest 97 yards passing on 5- of-10 completions and rushed for 12 yards for the North, who have won four of the last six meetings.

Cincinnati’s Mardy Gilyard posted 103 yards and a TD reception on five catches and Oregon’s LeGarrette Blount added a rushing touchdown for the victors.

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Zorn takes the job previously held by Hue Jackson, who left to become the offensive coordinator for the Oakland Raiders.

“Jim played successfully in the NFL for a long time,” said Baltimore head coach John Harbaugh. “He knows what quarterbacks go through in this league. He has been a quarterbacks coach and a head coach, and he is familiar with our offense. That’s a great resume.” A former quarterbacks coach with Detroit and Seattle, Zorn was fired from his head coaching position earlier in the month by Washington after a 4-12 season in his second campaign. He led the team to an 8-8 record in 2008.

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According to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, McKinnie attended only one practice and one meeting all week and is subject to a fine from the league.

McKinnie, who started all 16 games on the Vikings’ offensive line in 2009, was making his first Pro Bowl appearance in his eighth NFL season.

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Brookshier died late Friday night in suburban Philadelphia, where he made his home for more than half a century, after a bout with cancer.

The Birds selected Brookshier, a New Mexico native and defensive back, out of Colorado in 1953. He went on to play seven seasons with Philadelphia, and was a key part of the club’s 1960 NFL Championship squad.

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Department of Justice, prompted by a letter from Utah senator Orrin Hatch, is considering whether to open an investigation into the legality of the Bowl Championship Series.

Hatch wrote a letter to President Barack Obama back in October, asking the Department of Justice to look into the BCS, as he believed a case can be made that it is in violation of antitrust laws.

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In 16 games this season, Beason set a Panthers record with 169 total tackles. His tackle totals the last three years are the three best single-season figures in franchise history.

Beason is Carolina’s fourth Pro Bowl selection, joining center Ryan Kalil, defensive end Julius Peppers and running back DeAngelo Williams.

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The Minneapolis Star-Tribune confirmed the pact through Brewster, who is unable to sign and finalize the agreement as he is away from the university with national signing day fast approaching.

Brewster originally signed a five-year contract upon taking over the program prior to the 2007 season. The additional two years will take him through the 2013 season.

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After Arizona’s season ended in a loss to New Orleans in the divisional playoffs, many speculated that the 38-year-old Warner would put his playing days behind him.

He did that Friday, flanked by his family, and citing his faith in God for helping him reach levels of success that included a pair of MVP awards and three Super Bowl appearances, with one NFL title, after starting out at the bottom.

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