Atlanta Falcons cornerback Brian Williams, who has an injured left knee, is listed as doubtful for Saturday’s NFC divisional game against the Green Bay Packers.
Williams, Atlanta’s primary nickel back and a ninth-year veteran, was injured in the regular-season finale, a win over Carolina. If Williams can’t play, Christopher Owens will take his place.
Owens ended last season as a left-side starter for Atlanta but lost the job to Brent Grimes in training camp. He was the primary nickel back until Williams replaced him before a home victory over Tampa Bay on Nov. 7.
Williams had surgery on his right knee in October 2009 and sat out the rest of the season. Owens took his starting spot.
The Falcons (13-3) are the NFC’s top-seeded team. Green Bay (11-6) advanced with a wild-card win last week at Philadelphia.
Seattle’s Tatupu not cleared to play
Seattle Seahawks linebacker Lofa Tatupu went through a practice without helmets or pads, but has not been cleared to play Sunday against the Chicago Bears in an NFC divisional playoff.
Tatupu practiced Friday as the Seahawks held a light walkthrough before flying to Chicago. Coach Pete Carroll said Tatupu took part because the practice did not involve pads or helmets.
Tatupu suffered a concussion in the fourth quarter of last Saturday’s 41-36 upset of New Orleans on a hard collision with the Saints’ Julius Jones. Tatupu must pass the league’s mandatory concussion testing to play against the Bears.
Etc.
New San Francisco 49ers Coach Jim Harbaugh hired three coaches from his former staff at Stanford to join him in the NFL. The 49ers named Greg Roman offensive coordinator, Vic Fangio defensive coordinator and Tim Drevno offensive line coach. … The San Diego Chargers hired Greg Manusky as defensive coordinator. He replaces Ron Rivera, who was hired to coach the Carolina Panthers. Manusky held the same position with the 49ers from 2007 to 2010. … New York Jets backup cornerback Drew Coleman (knee) and wide receiver Brad Smith (groin) are listed as questionable for the Jets’ playoff game at New England on Sunday. … Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson was named to the Pro Bowl, replacing injured Maurice Jones-Drew of the Jacksonville Jaguars.