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Greg Ellis spent the last few years bracing for his release from the Dallas Cowboys. So when it happened in June, it didn't sting too badly. (AP Sports Writer, 3:51 a.m.)

Giants know exactly what Broncos are going through

The New York Giants just escaped their own month of misery. So they understand the seething frustration and loss of poise in Denver, where sideline shoves, the head coach's cockiness and players-only meetings are all the buzz. (AP Sports Writer, 3:41 a.m.)

Lions have lost their touch on Thanksgiving

The Green Bay Packers are hoping to bolster their postseason chances with a win at Detroit on Thanksgiving. (AP Sports Writer, 7:41 a.m.)

For Patriots, venue holds Super memories

No one in the Patriots organization will ever forget their last trip to the Louisiana Superdome. (Globe Staff, 12 a.m.)

Bills discuss job with Shanahan

Two-time Super Bowl-winning coach Mike Shanahan met with the Buffalo Bills to discuss their head coaching vacancy, according to a published report. (Associated Press, 12 a.m.)

Today's NFL games

Green Bay at Detroit Time: 12:30 p.m., Ch. 25. Line: Packers by 11. Records: Packers 6-4 (5-4-1 vs. spread), Lions 2-8 (2-7-1 vs. spread). Comments: Lions are mired in a five-game Thanksgiving Day skid and are 33-34-2 on the holiday since 1934 . . . Packers lead series, 87-64-7 . . . Green Bay QB Aaron Rodgers is 3-0 vs. ... (Boston Globe, 12 a.m.)

Patriot Guyton’s contributions are unmistakable

While some might believe Bill Belichick is not prone to admitting errors, the Patriots coach was forthcoming yesterday when it came to a question about linebacker Gary Guyton and why no team - including his own - drafted the former Georgia Tech standout last year. (Globe Staff, 12 a.m.)

Jets' Ryan demotes S Rhodes in favor of Smith

For the first time in his NFL career, Kerry Rhodes is no longer a starting safety. (AP Sports Writer, 11/25/09)

Runyan joins Chargers, politics must wait

Politics will have to wait for Jon Runyan. For the time being, he's still an NFL offensive lineman. (AP Sports Writer, 11/25/09)

Code Rex: Jets coach using system to help Sanchez

Mark Sanchez had big plans for an early Thanksgiving buffet, inviting everyone in the New York Jets organization to come to his place. (AP Sports Writer, 11/25/09)

Jets WR Clowney 'shocked' by Twitter hacker

David Clowney might have tweeted for the last time. The New York Jets wide receiver said Wednesday that he was stunned after someone hacked into his Twitter account earlier this week and sent out a series of vulgar messages. (AP Sports Writer, 11/25/09)

Giants know exactly what Broncos are going through

Lions have lost their touch on Thanksgiving

The Green Bay Packers are hoping to bolster their postseason chances with a win at Detroit on Thanksgiving. (AP Sports Writer, 11/25/09)

Tom Janik, former AFL-NFL player, dies at 69

Tom Janik, a former AFL-NFL player who in 1968 intercepted a pass by Joe Namath and returned it 100 yards for a touchdown, has died. He was 69. (AP, 11/25/09)

Giants RB Bradshaw (ankle) out against Denver

New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw won't play at Denver on Thursday because of a sprained left ankle. (AP, 11/25/09)

Report: Buffalo Bills meet with Shanahan

Two-time Super Bowl winner Mike Shanahan met with the Buffalo Bills to discuss their head coaching vacancy, according to a published report. (AP, 11/25/09)

Patriots at Superdome first time since Super Bowl

The New England Patriots are heading back to New Orleans for the first time since they won the Super Bowl there. (AP Sports Writer, 11/25/09)

Bodden named NFL defensive player of the week

New England Patriots cornerback Leigh Bodden has been chosen AFC Defensive Player of the Week. (AP, 11/25/09)

NFL's Texans say Twitter user is not their player

The Houston Texans say someone has been posing as rookie linebacker Brian Cushing on Twitter and tweeting under his name. (AP, 11/25/09)

NFL's Jon Runyan to run for Congress in NJ

Shortly after signing with the San Diego Chargers, Jon Runyan announced he'll retire at the end of the season and run for Congress in New Jersey. (Associated Press Writer, 11/25/09)

APNewsBreak: Chairs of NFL concussion panel resign

Commissioner Roger Goodell sent a wide-ranging memo about concussions to NFL teams, saying the co-chairmen of the league's committee on brain injuries have resigned and that he is examining potential rule changes "to reduce head impacts." (AP Sports Writer, 11/25/09)

Giants' defense wants to finish games better

Mathias Kiwanuka and the New York Giants' defense walked off the field last Sunday knowing they should have been better. (AP Sports Writer, 11/25/09)

Packers counting on backups for playoff push

Aaron Kampman has been there for Green Bay Packers rookie Brad Jones all year, sharing the subtle tricks and techniques he has learned on the field and in the film room through seven-plus NFL seasons. (AP Sports Writer, 11/25/09)

So far, Saints’ approach has been unbeatable

An early look at the New Orleans Saints from an NFC scout: “It’s a matchup-based system, and they’ve created a group of weapons with the triggerman to run it. They’ve got playmakers everywhere, but the area where they haven’t gotten enough credit is with the way the offensive line is playing. To throw as well as they do, and run ... (Globe Stafff, 11/25/09)

Goodell’s head-injury committee undergoing changes

Commissioner Roger Goodell sent a wide-ranging memo about concussions to NFL teams yesterday, saying the co-chairmen of the league’s committee on brain injuries have resigned and that he is examining potential rule changes “to reduce head impacts.’’ (Associated Press, 11/25/09)

Patriots know, to get into some games, ID is required

The Patriots yielded two sacks to the Jets Sunday. Considering how well they have protected Tom Brady this season - five times their opponent has had no more than one sack - it’s easy to say that’s not good enough. (Globe Staff, 11/25/09)

Off and running with the praise

Bill Belichick said there should be no great mystery as to why the Saints are undefeated through 10 games. (Globe Staff, 11/25/09)

Colts re-sign DE Josh Thomas, waive RB Mike Hart

The Indianapolis Colts have re-signed defensive end Josh Thomas and waived running back Mike Hart. (AP, 11/24/09)

Dolphins release LB Matt Roth, sign 2 others

Linebacker Matt Roth has been released by the Miami Dolphins, a move that comes a week after coach Tony Sparano lauded his work off the bench. (AP, 11/24/09)

Giants RB Jacobs fine, Bradshaw has sprained ankle

The New York Giants' backfield is banged up. Brandon Jacobs said his injured right leg feels "really good" and he should play against Denver on Thursday, but backup Ahmad Bradshaw has a sprained left ankle that could sideline him. (AP Sports Writer, 11/24/09)

Giants RB Jacobs fine after injuring leg

New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs says his right leg feels "really good" and he should play against Denver on Thursday. (AP Sports Writer, 11/24/09)

Roethlisberger expected to play despite concussion

Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has a concussion, but is expected to play at Baltimore as long as he continues to pass the daily tests given to players who have sustained the injury. (AP, 11/24/09)

Bills bolster O-line by signing Kendall Simmons

The Buffalo Bills began reinforcing their injury-depleted offensive line by signing veteran guard Kendall Simmons. (AP, 11/24/09)

NFL makes Vikings-Cardinals night game on Dec. 6

The NFL has moved the Minnesota at Arizona game to the night slot on Dec. 6 under its flexible scheduling policy. (AP, 11/24/09)

APNewsBreak: Chairs of NFL concussion panel resign

Commissioner Roger Goodell sent a wide-ranging memo about concussions to NFL teams Tuesday, saying the co-chairmen of the league's committee on brain injuries have resigned and that he is examining potential rule changes "to reduce head impacts." (AP Sports Writer, 11/24/09)