Connor Cook's performance when he was at Michigan State suggests that despite his low completion percentage against the blitz (51.8 percent), he made good decisions. He threw few interceptions and did extensive damage with his completed passes. From 2013 to 2015, 76.5 percent of Cook's completions against the blitz resulted in a touchdown or a first down, the fourth-best percentage among Power 5 quarterbacks.
Cowboys DE Randy Gregory has been suspended without pay for at least one year for violating substance abuse policy.
No changes to the Raiders injury report on Thursday as Pro Bowl left tackle Donald Penn missed his second consecutive practice with a knee issue. Following are the injury reports for the wild card Raiders (12-4) and AFC South champion Texans (9-7) for Thursday in advance of Saturday's playoff game in Houston.
Chris Berman on his new role with ESPN.
Steve Smith Sr. made his retirement official in the most Steve Smith Sr. way ever.
Cowboys left tackle Tyron Smith (back, knee) worked on resistance cords for the second straight day but defensive tackle Terrell McClain (ankle) returned to practice for the first time since Week 16 vs. Detroit. Linebacker Justin Durant (elbow) and guard La'el Collins (toe) are working off to side with strength and conditioning coaches.
Packers coach Mike McCarthy called Thursday's outdoor practice the "coldest ever." Said McCarthy: "That was the consensus of the team. Didn't realize it was that cold until we got out there. Wind took it to a different level, minus-20, minus-25 with the wind. As far as creating a tough atmosphere, I thought we hit the target. All three quarterbacks threw the ball well."
Randall Cobb's chances of playing against the Giants appear to be improving. "I thought Randall practiced good yesterday indoors and outdoors," McCarthy said. "He's making progress." Cobb, who missed the last two games because of an ankle injury, caught nine passes for 108 yards against the Giants in Week 5. "Randall played well in the first game against the Giants," McCarthy said. "Obviously it would be great to have him ready, but he's got some more work to do."
Falcons' Matt Ryan edges out Tom Brady for 2016 AP All-Pro QB.
"I go to the playoffs every year on Madden, so I have some playoff experience if guys want to talk to me..."
Aaron Rodgers did not make the AP All-Pro team after finishing third in the voting behind Altanta's Matt Ryan (29 votes) and New England's Tom Brady (15 votes). Rodgers received five votes and Oakland's Derek Carr got one.
Travis Swanson downgraded to OUT for Lions. Graham Glasgow to start again at center with Laken Tomlinson at LG.
