Sunday, Dec. 26, 2010
CSNChicago.com
Singletary will not return as head coach
Former Bears linebacker Mike Singletary will not return as head coach of the San Francisco 49ers next season, according to reports out of CSNBayArea.com. The 49ers lost to the division rival St. Louis Rams 25-17 Sunday, effectively knocking the preseason NFC West favorite out of the postseason.
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Chicago sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
The 49ers are now 5-10 with one game left to play and there are reports that he may very well be fired even before the final game of the season. If not, it is confirmed the former Monster of the Midway will not be back next year. (CSNBayArea.com)
Cubs out of the running for Webb
Brandon Webb has reportedly agreed to a deal with the Texas Rangers, pending a physical. The Cubs were said to be out of the running for the pitcher's services before Sunday, when those talks were nixed before the Webb-Texas report.
A source claims Webb is closing in on a decision from both of the remaining teams. The veteran has not pitched since Opening Day of 2009, but has drawn interest this offseason as his shoulder is reportedly healthy. (ESPN.com and MLB.com)
Vikings-Eagles pushed to Tuesday night
Thanks to a horrendous storm on the east coast, the Philadelphia Eagles' matchup with the Minnesota Vikings that was originally scheduled for Sunday night has been moved to Tuesday night. The game will be played at 7 p.m. CST and televised still on NBC.
News
"Due to public safety concerns in light of today's snow emergency in Philadelphia, tonight's Vikings-Eagles game has been postponed," NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said. "Because of the uncertainty of the extent of tonight's storm and its aftermath, the game will be played on Tuesday night at 8 p.m. ET This will allow sufficient time to ensure that roads, parking lots and the stadium are fully cleared. The National Weather Service states that a winter storm warning in Philadelphia remains in effect until 1 pm on Monday."(Chicago Tribune)
Hawks regaining health
Marian Hossa and Viktor Stalberg will play in Sunday night's Blackhawks game against the Columbus Blue Jackts. Hossa hasn't played since he was hurt in practice on Nov. 29 with a lower body injury. Stalberg was injured Dec. 15 in a game against Colorado.
Patrick Kane is still sidelined and is going to evaluate how he feels after Monday's practice before making a choice about whether or not he will play Tuesday in St. Louis. (CSNChicago.com)
Vikings could play outdoors in '11
The Vikings must have enjoyed their outdoor game against the Bears last Monday night because there is talk of Minnesota playing outside for all of the 2011 season.
Sources say Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission is assessing the viability of the Vikings playing in TCF Bank Stadium at the University of Minnesota (where they played the Bears last Monday) for the entire season. (ESPN.com)
Bulls leading the way in home attendance
LeBron James left a void on the Cleveland Cavaliers when he took his talents to South Beach, but the fans are still packing the stands in the King's old castle. The Cavs have the second best home average attendance with 20, 562. Only the Bulls draw more fans at home. (NY Times)
Parity in the NFC North?
The Detroit Lions, who have spent the larger part of the decade in the NFC North cellar, have now won three straight games and sit at 5-10 on the season. The Lions were heralded as a much-improved team coming into the '10 season, but until recently, they hadn't shown much proof of that. But, after a win against the 7-8 Miami Dolphins (a team that was previously still alive in the AFC playoff picture), Detroit now has its best winning streak since 2007. (Chicago Tribune)