FAVRE’S INJURY NOT TOO SERIOUS
NEW YORK — Jets quarterback Brett Favre has a torn biceps tendon in his right arm that will not need major surgery, ESPN reported Tuesday.
ESPN reported Favre, 39, would need arthroscopic surgery to repair the injury but could also play without having an operation.
After the Jets’ season-ending 24-17 loss to Miami on Sunday, Favre said he’s been feeling discomfort in his strong right arm “for quite a while.” He also complained of pain in the back of the shoulder, the biceps and sometimes in his neck.
Favre, who also reportedly has some calcification in the area of the injury, is expected to take several weeks to decide whether he will return to the Jets, ESPN said.
Meanwhile, the Jets are searching for a new head coach after Monday’s firing of Eric Mangini.
The Jets had planned to sit down with Bill Cowher but the former Steelers coach declined to interview.
“After reaching out to coach Cowher’s representatives,” a Jets spokesman said, “we were informed that he is not a candidate for the position.”
New York is expected to interview two in-house candidates: offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer and offensive line coach Bill Callahan. Mike Shanahan could also be a candidate.
“Nothing is off the board at this point,” a team source told Newsday.
Ryan AP’s top offensive rookie
NEW YORK — Quarterback Matt Ryan, who led the Falcons from laughingstock franchise to Super Bowl contender, was named The Associated Press 2008 NFL offensive rookie of the year.
Ryan was a landslide winner in balloting by a nationwide panel of 50 sports writers and broadcasters who cover the league. He collected 44 votes, far in front of Titans running back Chris Johnson with three. Broncos tackle Ryan Clady had two and Bears running back Matt Forte got one.
Browns talking with Mangini
CLEVELAND — The Browns scheduled a Tuesday night interview with Eric Mangini and are trying to schedule meetings with Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, Titans defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz and Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels to fill the coaching vacancy created by Monday’s firing of Romeo Crennel.
Another name that has surfaced in Cleveland’s coaching search is Iowa’s Kirk Ferentz.
Footnotes.
Bills coach Dick Jauron will return next season despite a third straight 7-9 finish.
• Mike Martz was fired after one season as the 49ers’ offensive coordinator.
• Colts linebacker Gary Brackett will miss Saturday’s playoff game at San Diego because of a cracked bone in his right leg.
• Cornerback Sam Madison was placed on injured reserve by the Giants two days after breaking his right ankle in the regular-season finale against the Vikings.
• Dissatisfied with the slow development of a defense that features three first-round picks on the line and four first-rounders overall, Texans coach Gary Kubiak fired coordinator Richard Smith, secondary coach Jon Hoke and defensive-line coach Jethro Franklin. Denver Post wire services
