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It is encouraging that 'Gronk' was able to practice as a limited participant on Thursday and Friday without a setback regarding his high-ankle sprain, and the stud expects to take the gridiron on Sunday.

McFadden is an elite athlete, but his running skills are really not best-suited for a zone-blocking system, and also has a terrible track record with durability so far in his young career. If the Raiders opt to re-sign bruising free agent Michael Bush, then it is very much a possibility they can place McFadden on the trading block - especially since they are short on premium picks for the 2012 Draft.

Jackson fell out of favor in 2011 while displeased that he was not given a lucrative long-term contract, but the source pointed out that he is far too talented of a receiver to just let walk as a free agent. Tagging him will also give the Eagles more time to evaluate whether or not he merits that long-term investment.

With Reggie Wayne 33 and failing to reach 1,000 yards in 2011, the youthful Garcon should be a top priority to retain now and for the future, and set new highs in receptions (70) and yards (947) over 16 starts this season.

So Flynn looks to be headed for free agency, and will surely be a hot target of quarterback-needy teams, with Miami believed to be among the top suitors for his services. Stud tight end Jermichael Finley is a higher priority for the Packers to retain, and is likely to get the franchise tag.

The 34-year-old vet caught just 45 passes over 16 appearances with the AFC East club in 2011, and reportedly lacks faith in young quarterback Mark Sanchez. He still managed to collect eight touchdown receptions though, and should remain a valuable red zone weapon for another club next season if he is in fact finished in New York.

Haley has proven he is not cut out for being a head coach during his short stint with the Chiefs (2009-11), but had success as an offensive coordinator with the Cardinals (2007-08). He would be a quality replacement for Bruce Arians, and his father (Dick Haley) played for the Steelers in the early 1960s.

So the stud tight end looks to be progressing while heading into Super Bowl XLVI against New York, but remains day-to-day and may still be limited on game day.

Manning is progressing at a slow rate, and there is belief he will be released by the Colts before March 8, when his lofty $28M roster bonus is due. Andrew Luck remains likely to be the Colts' No. 1 Draft pick, with Manning looking for work with a new team for 2012.

So Arians is sticking around in the NFL after stating that he is ready to retire. Going by his track record as the offensive coordinator of the Steelers from 2007-11, the Colts should remain a pass-oriented team. And that would bode well for the fantasy stock of their quarterback.

It would be a clean-up procedure as the stud tight end has ligament damage in what is said to be a high-ankle sprain. He fully expects to play in the Super Bowl - but it remains to be seen if he will be effective, and there will of course be the risk of aggravation during the battle.