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Around The NFL: Seahawks Sign Veteran Kicker, Cowher Wants to Coach, Packers Healthy

By: Danny Cox

Finally, there is some talk going on about the playoffs that are happening in the NFL, and not just about coaching vacancies and coach hirings. Well, you didn't think that we could actually go one day with talking about something coach-worthy though, did you? Trust me, this is a good one.

MINNEAPOLIS - OCTOBER 18: Place kicker Ryan Longwell #8 of the Minnesota Vikings kicks the 31 yard game winning field goal from the hold of Chris Kluwe #5 with two minutes remaining in the game against the Baltimore Ravens during NFL action at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on October 18, 2009 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the Ravens 33-31. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) (Credit, Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

Seattle Seahawks sign veteran kicker Ryan Longwell; Steven Hauschka to IR

The turf at FedEx Field not only took Chris Clemons, but it also took Seattle Seahawks kicker Steven Hauschka. Both players ended up on IR, and had their seasons ended. Seattle signed defensive end Patrick Chukwurah to take the roster spot of Clemons, and they ended up signing veteran kicker Ryan Longwell for the other spot.

Longwell was cut by the Minnesota Vikings back in May after the team drafted kicker Blair Walsh in this past April's draft. He didn't fare too bad in his final season with the Vikings as he made 22 of 28 field goals, but the team wanted to go in a younger direction.

Chukwurah last played in the NFL back in 2007 when he was with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He did play in the UFL with the Florida Tuskers for 2009 and 2010 seasons. He led the league in sacks for both years.

Bill Cowher wants to coach in the NFL again

With all of the head coach openings that have come to be in the past two weeks, there are a lot of names of former NFL coaches being thrown around. Those names include Jim Mora and even Bill Cowher. Actually, Cowher is the one that told Newsday on Tuesday that he really would like to coach in the NFL again.

He has mentioned it from time to time as he's worked on the NFL television side of things, but his timing at this point is intriguing. Five teams are still looking for a head coach, and any of them would probably be ecstatic to have Cowher step into their head coaching vacancy.

While Cowher did say that he would like to coach again at some point, the Pittsburgh-Post Gazette says that he has no plans of returning for 2013 and probably won't for four to five years. Several teams have contacted Cowher this offseason, but it is said that he informed them that he's not ready for coaching just yet.

Two wide receivers will play for Green Bay in Divisional Round of playoffs this weekend

The Green Bay Packers won't be without two top receivers as they travel to San Francisco to play the 49ers on Saturday. Both Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb did miss practice on Wednesday, but both are expected to play in Saturday night's game.

Nelson has been bothered by an ongoing ankle injury, but it is hopeful that he'll return to practice on Thursday per Packers coach Mike McCarthy. Cobb was sent home with the flu, but he is just one of many Packers that have been stricken with an illness over the past few days.

Running back James Starks has missed the last five games with a knee injury, but he is expected to return and play in a limited fashion against the 49ers.

For more Local Football Bloggers and the latest NFL news, see CBS Sports Las Vegas.

Danny Cox knows a little something about the NFL, whether it means letting you know what penalty will come from the flag just thrown on the field or quickly spouting off who the Chicago Bears drafted in the first round of the 1987 draft (Jim Harbaugh). He plans on bringing you the best news, previews, recaps, and anything else that may come along with the exciting world of the National Football League. His work can be found on Examiner.com.

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