Giants’ Strahan out for year
Seven-time Pro Bowl defensive end Michael Strahan will miss the rest of the season for the New York Giants after aggravating a sprained right foot last weekend against the New Orleans Saints.
He was placed on injured reserve Tuesday and could need surgery, the team said.
The Giants (7-8) can almost surely clinch a playoff berth by beating the Redskins (5-10) in the regular-season finale at Washington on Saturday.
The 35-year-old Strahan, who shares the Giants’ career sacks record of 132 1/2 with Lawrence Taylor, hurt his foot Nov. 5 against Houston. He was playing for the first time since the injury in Sunday’s 30-7 loss to New Orleans. The 14-year veteran had five tackles and knocked down a pass before reinjuring the foot late in the game.
Cowher may announce plans soon
Bill Cowher apparently won’t make anyone wait to learn if he will return as the Pittsburgh Steelers’ coach next season.
Cowher is expected to announce his future plans within a few days of Sunday’s season-ending game at Cincinnati, one that is without playoff implications for the no-longer-defending Super Bowl champion Steelers (7-8).
That he appears ready to announce his decision quickly could be a sign the Steelers may soon be looking for a new coach for only the second time since 1969. Chuck Noll (1969-91) and Cowher (1992-present) have been their only coaches since then.
If Cowher decides to retire – if only briefly – and not finish out a contract that expires after the 2007 season, the Steelers want to begin searching for a new coach as soon as possible since three or four other NFL teams also could be in the market for a coach.
Two Steelers assistants, offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt and offensive line coach Russ Grimm, are seen as viable candidates – even though the Steelers haven’t promoted a coach from within since Mike Nixon in 1965.
Several players, including Joey Porter, said recently they expect Cowher to return for a 16th season. Only last week, Cowher laughed at suggestions that he is tired of coaching at age 49, saying, “Do I look burned out?”
Around the league
Atlanta wide receiver Ashley Lelie suffered a left shoulder separation against Carolina and will miss the game at Philadelphia on Sunday. Lelie, who has 28 catches for 430 yards and one touchdown, likely will be replaced by former starter Roddy White. … Tom Coughlin relieved offensive coordinator John Hufnagel of his play-calling duties, just four days before the Giants face the Washington Redskins with a playoff berth on the line. … Jacksonville guard Vince Manuwai signed a contract extension.