NFL Notebook

Colts cornerback Powers downgraded to doubtful

Associated Press / January 24, 2010

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Colts cornerback Jerraud Powers yesterday was downgraded to doubtful for today’s AFC Championship game against the Jets.

Powers started 13 times this season, including last week’s divisional-round game against Baltimore. But the rookie did not practice all week after appearing to injure his left foot against the Ravens.

If Powers does not play, rookie Jacob Lacey is expected to take his place. Lacey, fifth on the Colts with 78 tackles and second with three interceptions, made nine starts this season, including the final three regular-season games when Powers was out with a hamstring injury.

The only other Indy player expected to sit out is kicker Adam Vinatieri.

Harvin said to practice

Sources close to Vikings receiver Percy Harvin (migraines) told ESPN.com that he participated in the team’s final practice and meetings yesterday and was to travel with his teammates to New Orleans for the NFC Championship game. He was listed as questionable on the injury report but his availability for the game remained up in the air.

Rams fire trainer

The Rams fired head athletic trainer Jim Anderson, who was with the Rams for 26 seasons, making the move with the franchise from the West Coast in 1995. Coach Steve Spagnuolo said he would begin a search for a replacement. He said the move is not related to a rash of injuries during the team’s 1-15 season; the Rams had 13 players on injured reserve . . . Former Buffalo assistant Eric Studesville was hired as Denver’s running backs coach, replacing longtime assistant Bobby Turner, who rejoined Mike Shanahan in Washington. The hiring was among the Broncos’ many coaching changes: Bob Ligashesky was named tight ends coach, replacing Clancy Barone, who moves to offensive line; Bob Wylie was made Barone’s assistant, and Ben McDaniels - coach Josh McDaniels’s brother - was promoted to quarterbacks coach.