NFL Briefs

A Christmas Eve-Eve update on trending news in the National Football League:

Browns sign Thigpen

BEREA, Ohio - The Browns signed quarterback Tyler Thigpen on Tuesday as Cleveland's quarterback condition grows worse by the day.

Thigpen practiced with the Browns this summer before being released. He was drafted by the Vikings in 2007, started nine games for the Chiefs a season later, and has not seen the field since 2012. 

Undrafted rookie Connor Shaw is also being considered for the start when Cleveland (7-8) hosts Baltimore for their season finale.

Rookie Johnny Manziel is lost for the season and former starter Brian Hoyer is day-to-day with a hurt throwing shoulder, both injuries sustained in the Browns' 17-13 loss to Carolina on Sunday.

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Eagles may sit Fletcher at Giants

PHILADELPHIA - After surrendering three touchdowns to Dez Bryant and two 50-plus yard passes to DeSean Jackson, Eagles cornerback Bradley Fletcher may be saved the task of repeating the formula against Odell Beckham next week.

"We haven't made that decision," Eagles defensive coach Bill Davis told CSN Philly. "What we're going to do is look at it all week and at the end of the week we'll make a decision on what groupings we'll use in the game. We're looking at all of it. We're looking at them and we're looking at us and at the end of the week, we'll make that decision."

A decision that has not been made over the past two weeks, to the consternation of the people of Philadelphia, whose Eagles (9-6) have been eliminated from postseason contention after three straight defeats.

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Rodgers practices despite injury

GREEN BAY, Wis. - Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers was a full participant in the team's practice on Tuesday despite suffering a calf injury earned in the first quarter of Sunday's victory at Tampa.

He did not go at full speed, however, according to Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. Green Bay (11-4) will host the Detroit Lions on Sunday to determine the best of the NFC North.

Detroit (11-4) has not claimed a victory at Lambeau Field since 1991.

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Jones: Bryant not going anyplace

IRVING, Tex. - Jerry Jones has spoken.

Jones told 105.3 FM (Dallas) that should a long-term deal not be agreed to and signed to keep receiver Dez Bryant with the Cowboys, he will employ the franchise tag to keep him in town.

"No, we have the franchise, for sure. Not at all," Jones told the station when asked if Bryant could leave. "You're talking about Dez? No, we have the franchise alternative, which I thought everybody was aware of.

"Every dollar that one player gets is not there for the next player or for another player. And so this thing has to be balanced out," he said when asked about the negotiations.

Bryant leads football with 14 touchdowns on 1,221 yards for Dallas, who clinched the NFC East with their 42-7 win over the Colts on Sunday.

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Trent Murphy out for finale

ASHBURN, Va. - Washington Redskins rookie linebacker Trent Murphy will be out for the team's finale against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday.

Murphy was listed to the injured reserve on Tuesday after breaking the third metacarpal in his right hand in the team's win over Philadelphia on Saturday.

He notched 32 tackles and 2 1/2 sacks this season in eight starts for Washington (4-11).

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Bills release Mike Williams

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. - Wide receiver Mike Williams was released by the Buffalo Bills on Monday.

Williams was placed on the injured reserve with a calf injury suffered in the Bills' victory over the Packers and was let go after passing his physical.

Signed from Tampa Bay this April, Williams had requested a trade in October after reduced playing time. He has 142 yards on 8 receptions in five outings for Buffalo, last appearing three weeks ago, and not catching a pass since Week 5.