This is the first move to start to get younger along the offensive line. Brown was playing on a one-year contract. He was re-signed because the Bears thought they would be going for another Super Bowl, and they didn't want to disturb a blocking unit that worked well together for the past couple of years. But age has been catching up to the Bears' line this season. The average starter was 31.8 years old. Four starters were in their 30s. They needed to see if Terrence Metcalf could be a starting guard for next season because he's 29 and not getting any younger.

Brown was a great signing for general manager Jerry Angelo. His experience and leadership helped to turn the Bears into a Super Bowl threat, but he isn't expected to be back in Chicago after this season.

Someone say deal? Figuring that the Eagles will keep Donovan McNabb as their starting quarterback the remainder of the season, you have to start wondering where he might go if the organization decides to trade him. Chicago is a natural option, but don't forget about the Minnesota Vikings.

By going with Travaris Jackson, the Vikings don't have the quarterback to make it easier for Adrian Peterson to run the ball and for the talented defense to not feel frustrated. Brad Childress worked with McNabb in Philadelphia. Putting him on the Vikings could make them a playoff contender in 2008. The Eagles need to keep McNabb as a starter to enhance his trade value for next season. Or they need to decide if they want to keep him. Odds favor a trade, though.

Shuffle on offensive line? Pay attention to the injuries keeping Browns guards Eric Steinbach and Seth McKinney out of practice the past couple of days. The Browns have gone eight games without any changes in their starting offensive line. The protection has allowed quarterback Derek Anderson to shine and has opened holes for running back Jamal Lewis.

Ryan Tucker and Lennie Friedman might be asked to play if both guards can't play. McKinney is the shakiest of the two with a shoulder injury. Steinbach twisted his back in Wednesday's practice and sat out Thursday. Don't count him out.

Double injury hit: Herman Edwards officially announced that Larry Johnson will sit out Sunday's game against the Broncos, but Travis Henry might be joining him along the sidelines. Henry has missed two days of practice because of a knee injury. If he doesn't practice Friday, he could miss the game against the Chiefs.

Going to the air? Halfback Shaun Alexander is another running back who might not play this week. He's battling ankle and knee problems and went through his second day without practice. Mike Holmgren is making plans to use a more pass-oriented offense because of the team's struggles on the ground. If Alexander doesn't make it to the field in the next two days, the chances are the team might start Maurice Morris and go with more of a finesse offense.

Injured Indianapolis: A dislocated left thumb should keep Colts rookie receiver Anthony Gonzalez out three to four weeks. It puts a little more urgency for wide receiver Marvin Harrison to play. Harrison is fighting through pain and swelling around a kneecap. He's doing some things at practice, but it might go up until game time to determine if he's going to play. Down two receivers, the Colts could be in trouble against the Chargers.