NFL notebook: Saints, Payton reportedly agree to terms on deal
BY Associated Press
Saturday, December 29, 2012
12/29/12 at 3:05 AM
Suspended New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton has agreed in principle to a multiyear contract extension, according to two people familiar with the deal.
The people told The Associated Press about the deal Friday on condition of anonymity because it hasn't been signed and final details regarding the length of the contract and financial compensation are still being worked out.
Payton was due to begin his seventh season as the Saints' head coach in 2012 before being suspended for the whole season by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in connection with the NFL's bounty investigation.
Payton signed an extension in 2011, but Goodell objected to certain language in that deal, leaving Payton's future uncertain until the deal was reached Friday.
49ers TE Davis practices again after concussion: Vernon Davis is anxious to get back on the field with the San Francisco 49ers and help them build momentum for the playoffs during Sunday's regular-season finale against Arizona.
He still has to be cleared to play first.
Davis practiced in a noncontact black jersey for the second consecutive day Friday and is taking the necessary steps, according to NFL-mandated protocol, to return from a concussion he sustained during last week's loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
The 49ers have a pressing need for their starting tight end to return after the team placed starting receiver Mario Manningham on injured reserve early Friday, leaving San Francisco without its second-leading receiver for the rest of the season.
Bears RB Forte expects to start vs. Lions: Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte expects to start Sunday against the Lions despite an ankle injury suffered last week.
Forte went through a full practice Friday and was listed as probable for the game at Detroit, which the Bears will need to win if they have any shot at making the playoffs.
Linebacker Brian Urlacher is doubtful for the game, although he went through a limited practice Friday in his first workout since before suffering a hamstring injury Dec. 2.
Titans RB Johnson practices with sore ankle: Tennessee running back Chris Johnson is expected to start Sunday against Jacksonville after returning to practice Friday even though he was limited by an injured right ankle.
Johnson and backup Jamie Harper (ankle) are questionable, and the Titans promoted fullback Collin Mooney from the practice squad to the active roster later Friday.
Ravens' Reed, Panthers' Newton fined: Baltimore Ravens safety Ed Reed was fined $55,000 by the NFL for his high hit on the New York Giants' Victor Cruz last weekend.
Reed struck the wide receiver in the head and neck area, and was penalized for the hit in the game.
Carolina quarterback Cam Newton was fined $21,000 for abusive conduct toward a game official, and another $10,000 for kicking Oakland's Tommy Kelly after a play was over.
Associated Images:
Sean Payton
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