NFL News & Rumors: Brees, Fox, Gates, Raiders, Britt, Browns

Here is a collection of some of the latest NFL news and happenings.

• Kenny Wilkerson of WIST radio in New Orleans is reporting that Drew Brees is playing through a fracture and torn meniscus in his knee. Wilkerson cites an “impeccable source,” and claims that this information is “100 thousand-trillion-million percent” accurate. That sounds pretty accurate. Wilkerson mentions that the injury is likely to require surgery during the offseason.
• Carolina Panthers head coach John Fox has been rumored to be on the hot seat for some time now and if the team decides to move on during the offseason, the New Orleans Saints could be an option for Fox. Pat Yasinskas of ESPN suggested this idea because of the fact that Gregg Williams could end up with a head coaching position which would leave a defensive coordinator opening on the Saints. Just an idea as of now but an interesting one.
• The San Diego Chargers are coming off an a tough win over the Tennessee Titans but could be without their star tight end for Sunday’s game against the Houston Texans. The San Diego Union-Tribune is reporting that Antonio Gates has plantar fascia in his right foot. Gates admitted that he doesn’t like he’ll be able to go this weekend but wouldn’t rule out the possibility.
• The Oakland Raiders are considering benching Jason Campbell in favor Bruce Gradkowski despite the fact that Campbell has led them to two straight blowout wins and has got the team within one game of the division lead. It just happens that Sunday’s game is against the Kansas City Chiefs who are currently sitting on top of the division. Gradkowski is coming off of a shoulder injury that has sidelined him for the last few weeks but is reported to be making progress. Head coach Tom Cable will make a decision regarding Gradkowski tomorrow.
• Terry McCormick of TitansInsider.com is reporting that Kenny Britt suffered a hamstring injury during Sunday’s game which could keep him out for the next 6 – 8 weeks. This obviously had something to do with the Titans claiming Randy Moss off of waivers yesterday. Britt remains optimistic about his return, “It’s amazing how one day of treatment can help you out,” Britt said Wednesday, per McCormick.  “We’ve got great trainers, but right now we’re working to get me back out there.  I’m out for Miami, but we’ll see after that.”

• Tony Grossi of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reported that neither Seneca Wallace or Jake Delhomme practiced on Wednesday which is a good sign that the team may end up starting Colt McCoy again this weekend. McCoy will continue to be match up against the top NFL teams with the Patriots on the schedule this weekend. If McCoy is able to put up another strong showing against New England the team will have to consider starting him for the remainder of the season.
• Jeff Duncan of the New Orleans Times-Picayune reports that Reggie Bush is not ready to return to the practice field. Sean Payton has already said that Bush will need to be 100 percent before he is cleared to return so that basically rules him out for Sunday’s game.
• Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll said that he expects that Matt Hasselbeck will play this Sunday despite suffering a concussion against the Oakland Raiders last Sunday, via seattletimes.nwsource.com.