Holmes's contract is now guaranteed through 2013 after Tuesday's roster deadline passed, ESPN New York reports.

Impacts: The mercurial wideout is slated to receive $15.25 million over the next two seasons. According to head coach Rex Ryan, Mark Sanchez and Holmes spoke by phone recently and are trying to schedule a sit-down, perhaps even a weekend-long meeting, in an attempt to resolve their differences. There's star quality in Holmes, no one disputes this, but can the Jets unlock it?

Ballard suffered a torn ACL in the Super Bowl, Giants.com reports.

Impacts: It's not clear whether the injury occurred during Ballard's infamous sideline tumble after leaving the game with some sort of knee issue. It's difficult, in any case, to see him being available to play at the start of the 2012 season.

Williams informed the Ravens on Tuesday that he is retiring, Jason La Canfora of NFL.com reports.

Impacts: Williams carried the ball 108 times for 444 yards and two touchdowns in 2011, his first and final season with the Ravens. He also added 13 catches for 83 yards. While Williams may be remembered for his strange off-the-field antics, there's no question he put together a strong career. He finished with over 10,000 rushing yards and 66 rushing touchdowns (along with eight receiving touchdowns). During the Ravens' playoff run, Williams carried the ball 12 times for 49, and the team would have reportedly welcomed the 34-year-old back for 2012. However, his second retirement will likely be his last.

Welker caught seven passes for 60 yards in Sunday's Super Bowl loss to the Giants. He also rushed the ball twice for 21 yards.

Impacts: Unfortunately, Welker's outstanding regular season -- a league-high 122 catches for 1,569 yards with nine TDs -- will be overshadowed by a potentially game-changing pass in the fourth quarter that he was unable to corral. Though it wouldn't have been an easy grab, it's a play that Welker usually makes. Welker is slated for free agency this offseason and while some other teams may make a run at him, it's hard to believe that the Patriots won't make retaining their "slot machine" a priority.

Brady completed 27-of-41 passes for 276 yards with two touchdowns and a pick in Sunday's Super Bowl loss to the Giants.

Impacts: An intentional grounding penalty on Brady early in the game resulted in a safety for the Giants, but to his credit he bounced back and was a break or two away from his fourth Super Bowl ring. Brady finished the regular season with 5,235 passing yards, a figure that ranked second in the league in 2011, as well as all-time. His 39 TD passes (versus 12 picks) were fourth in league, all numbers indicative of his continued status as an elite QB, in both real and fantasy terms.

Gronkowski (ankle) is active for Sunday's Super Bowl against the Giants, the Boston Globe reports.

Impacts: It remains to be seen if Gronkowski can make it through the game without a setback, but if he can, he figures to be a focal point in the New England passing game as he was all season, in particular in the red zone.

Gronkowski (high ankle sprain) did not appear to be limping Saturday, the Boston Herald reports.

Impacts: It's fully expected that Gronkowski will be available for Sunday's Super Bowl, but how effective he will end up being will largely hinge on his ability to avoid any setbacks with his balky ankle.

Ward recently underwent surgery to remove bone fragments from his right ankle, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Impacts: The surgery was minor in nature, and Ward expects to resume working out Monday. The most prolific Steelers receiver of all time, Ward began this season as a starter, catching 20 passes in his first five games, but finished with 46, the lowest total since his rookie season in 1998. "I'm not going to get into whatever happened last season," Ward said of his decreased playing time, which some speculate was the decision of departed OC Bruce Arians, and maintains he will be ready for OTAs. Ward is due a roster bonus next month in addition to a $4 million contract. A significant pay cut seems likely if Ward is to return, and the Steelers have to make a decision by March 1 due to a clause in Ward's contract.

Branch (knee) is listed as probable for Sunday's Super Bowl against the Giants, the Boston Globe reports.

Impacts: Branch only has five catches in the playoffs this year, but few players in league history are as accomplished in Super Bowls as he is. He has 21 catches for 276 yards and a touchdown from the 2003 and 2004 games.

Welker (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's Super Bowl against the Giants, the Boston Globe reports.

Impacts: Welker's knee is fine. He'll definitely be in the starting lineup Sunday and should be at or very close to 100 percent health.

Bradshaw (foot) did not practice Friday but is probable for Sunday's Super Bowl against the Patriots, NFL Network's Albert Breer reports.

Impacts: Even with the missed Friday practice, there's no reason to suspect that Bradshaw will be especially limited Sunday.

Nicks (shoulder) is probable for Sunday's Super Bowl against the Patriots, NFL Network's Albert Breer reports.

Impacts: Nicks should be his normal self for a matchup that is extremely appealing on paper.

Gronkowski (high ankle sprain) is listed as questionable for Sunday's Super Bowl against the Giants after a limited practice Friday, Newsday's Tom Rock reports.

Impacts: Gronkowski is fully expected to be in the lineup Sunday, though it's similarly likely that he'll fall a fair distance short of 100 percent health.

Manning, contrary to earlier reports, has not been cleared for football activity, according to Colts owner Jim Irsay.

Impacts: Irsay tweeted Thursday that "Peyton has not passed our physical nor has he been cleared to play for the Indianapolis Colts." Irsay said the team would put out a statement Friday. This comes after an ESPN report earlier Thursday that Manning had been cleared medically. The issue is a tricky one for the Colts, whose $28 million option on Manning is due in March.

Bradshaw (foot) was a limited practice participant Thursday, Newark Star-Ledger writer Mike Garafolo reports.

Impacts: Even if Bradshaw heads into the Super Bowl without a full practice, there's no reason to think he won't be close to full strength for Sunday. The Giants have managed his injury this way since the start of December, and it has proven to be an effective method.

Nicks (shoulder) was a full practice participant Thursday, Newark Star-Ledger writer Mike Garafolo reports.

Impacts: With this development, it appears likely that Nicks will be at or close to full strength for the Super Bowl on Sunday.

Manning (neck) has been cleared for football activities, ESPN's Chris Mortensen reports.

Impacts: This news obviously does nothing to clear up questions about Manning will play in 2012, but at least his health is trending in the right direction at the moment.

Gronkowski (high ankle sprain) practiced Thursday, Boston Herald writer Ian Rapoport reports.

Impacts: Gronkowski was expected to play in the Super Bowl all along, but this development makes the idea especially believable. He'll be active as long as he avoids setbacks.

Bradshaw (foot) will not practice Wednesday, ESPN.com reports.

Impacts: Coach Tom Coughlin said this is just a normal routine day off for Bradshaw, who is fully expected to play in the Super Bowl.

Gronkowski (ankle) said Tuesday that he has taken his walking boot off for good, Ian R. Rapoport of the Boston Herald reports.

Impacts: This is a good sign, and now there's little doubt that Gronkowski will play in the Super Bowl. The question is how well he'll be able to move around come Sunday. It would be nice if he could make the practice field by the end of the week, but that's beginning to look unrealistic.

Gronkowski (ankle) did not practice Monday, Boston Herald writer Ian Rapoport reports.

Impacts: Gronkowski's high ankle sprain could badly limit his practice availability this week, but he's still expected to play Sunday. He will more than likely be limited, however.

Gronkowski (high ankle sprain) was still in a walking boot when getting off the team's plane Sunday, the Boston Globe reports.

Impacts: Obviously there isn't much that we can discern from someone disembarking from a plane that we won't be able to tell later in practice this week, but in the interest of getting as much information to you as possible, here you go.

Colts owner Jim Irsay denied a report from NFL Network's Jason La Canfora that the Colts decided to move on from Manning (neck) weeks ago. "No he hasn't been released nor was a decision reached weeks ago," Irsay said via his Twitter account.

Impacts: After a war of words in the media about Indy's recent decisions to change most of the coaching staff and GM, Irsay and Manning issued a joint statement Friday that they had a long talk and are committed to working together on the team's plan for 2012. Manning is due a $28 million option bonus in March and it's hard to see the Colts making that payment given Manning's uncertain health and with the ability to take Andrew Luck with the No.1 overall draft pick in April. La Canfora reports the Colts will make a move before the start of the 2012 NFL Scouting Combine, so we may get some news on Indy's decision soon.

Jackson's assessment of his free agency value is "night-and-day different" from Philadelphia's assessment, the Philadelphia Daily News reports.

Impacts: The Daily News also states that the Eagles are unlikely to use the franchise tag on Jackson. It appears as if Jackson will need to drastically lower his demands to stick around in Philadelphia.

Wells (knee) described his knee surgery as a routine clean-up procedure, the Arizona Republic reports.

Impacts: Wells also called the surgery "just a scope" and said it went as expected. Beanie was at the Cards facility Friday to begin his knee rehab and it is still thought that he'll be ready to go for offseason activities.

Welker (knee) was a limited practice participant all week, ESPN reports.

Impacts: The Patriots are listing Welker as questionable heading into next week, but it's difficult to imagine a more useless injury designation. Barring a setback prior to the Feb. 5 Super Bowl, Welker will play.

Gronkowski's father said Rob has a high ankle sprain, the Boston Herald reports.

Impacts: Gronkowski will still play in the Super Bowl barring a setback, but this information confirms that he will be playing hurt.

Nicks (shoulder) did not practice Friday, Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News reports.

Impacts: Nicks played a big role in getting the Giants to the Super Bowl, and he will almost certainly play in the big game. Expect the former Tar Heel to return to practice at some point next week.

Nicks (shoulder) did not practice Thursday, Newark Star-Ledger writer Mike Garafolo reports.

Impacts: Nicks will be ready for the Super Bowl, which isn't until Feb. 5. It wouldn't be shocking if the Giants held their injury prone star receiver out of practice until some time next week.

Gronkowski (ankle) did not practice Thursday, ESPN Boston's Mike Reiss reports.

Impacts: The Super Bowl isn't until Feb. 5, so Gronkowski has plenty of time to get ready. No one should be surprised if the Patriots keep him out of practice until the middle of next week.

Ridley (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's AFC Championship Game, the Patriots' official site reports.

Impacts: The decision comes after the rookie fumbled for the second straight game in the Divisional Round against the Broncos. This is the first time all season Ridley has been inactive.

Ballard missed practice Friday due to undergoing a knee procedure, though the team wouldn't classify it as a surgery or specify what the procedure was, Mike Garafolo of the Newark Star-Ledger reports.

Impacts: It seems like Ballard might be a game-time decision for Sunday. Luckily for the Giants, Travis Beckum has looked a bit more competent lately, so they shouldn't be hurt too much if Ballard can't give it a go.

Manning (illness) is probable for Sunday's game against San Francisco, Newark Star-Ledger writer Mike Garafolo reports.

Impacts: Manning was never in any danger of missing a game this important, but this makes it more official.

Bradshaw (foot) returned to practice Friday, The Star-Ledger reports.

Impacts: Bradshaw did not practice the previous two days, but his Friday return indicates the Giants again took the cautious route with him this week. Expect Bradshaw to be ready to go for Sunday's NFC Championship Game.

Ballard did not take part in Friday's practice, The Star-Ledger reports.

Impacts: The reason for Ballard's absence was not immediately available, but it likely has to due with the knee injury that has bothered him since late in the season. He figures to suit up for Sunday's NFC title game, but be aware that he may be playing at less than 100 percent.

Brady (left shoulder) practiced fully Thursday, ESPN.com reports.

Impacts: Brady's availability for Sunday's game against the Ravens is in no doubt at this point. We'll have to see if the Patriots list him as probable or questionable on Friday, however.

Holmes will definitely be back with the Jets for the 2012 season, owner Woody Johnson told the New York Daily News.

Impacts: A public quote from an owner certainly isn't binding, but it's a show of support for Holmes in any event. The Jets probably want to find a way to keep and motivate Holmes besides, given that his 2012 contract is guaranteed; in short, they don't have many alternatives.

Manning (illness) will return to practice Thursday, Ralph Vacchiano of the Daily News reports.

Impacts: Manning left practice early on Wednesday due to an illness, but he'll be back on the field Thursday, as the Giants continue their preparation for Sunday's NFC Championship game against the 49ers.

Manning was unable to finish practice Wednesday due to an "illness," Ralph Vacchiano of the Daily News reports.

Impacts: Manning has plenty of time to recover before Sunday's NFC Championship Game against the 49ers, but the Giants are obviously hoping that this is not something that lingers for their quarterback.