Source says Mike Shanahan is a legitimate coaching candidate at Buffalo

BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Buffalo Bills consider two-time Super Bowl-winner Mike Shanahan a legitimate candidate to be their next head coach.

A person familiar with the Bills' search told The Associated Press that the team has contacted the former Denver Broncos' coach. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because the Bills are not discussing the search.

Shanahan has been out of football since the Broncos fired him at the end of last season. A message left at his Denver office was not returned.

He went 146-91 in 14 seasons in Denver, including the playoffs. But the Broncos struggled in his final three seasons, going 24-24, including an 8-8 finish last year in which they missed the playoffs after losing their final three games.

Goodell looks at rules

to limit head impact

Commissioner Roger Goodell sent a wide-ranging memo about concussions to NFL teams Tuesday, saying the co-chairmen of the league's committee on brain injuries have resigned and that he is examining potential rule changes "to reduce head impacts."

A copy of the memo was obtained by The Associated Press before the league issued a news release about its contents.

Goodell wrote that Dr. Ira Casson and Dr. David Viano, who have led the league committee on concussions since 2007, "have graciously offered to resign from those positions and to continue to assist the committee in its important work. We have accepted those resignations and are currently identifying their replacements."

Goodell said he wants to add new members "who will bring to the committee independent sources of expertise and experience in the field of head injuries."

Dallas upset about

officials mistakes

IRVING, Texas — Dallas Cowboys coach Wade Phillips is tired of hearing the league apologize for officiating mistakes.

Dallas was on the wrong end of incidents involving replay in its last two games. In a loss to Green Bay, the Packers were not penalized for throwing a challenge flag when they were out of challenges, and in a win over Washington on Sunday the crew made a series of errors on the same play. It ended up not hurting the Cowboys because the Redskins missed a field goal, but it still left Phillips steamed on Tuesday.

"Well, I mean, it shouldn't [happen]," he said. "That's what they're paid to do. They're paid to go by the rules and make sure they know whether a team can challenge or whether a team can review something or not. That's what the officials are paid to do."

Also, Cowboys tight end Jason Witten might miss Thursday's game against Oakland because of a sprained foot.

"I won't say it's severe, but it's something that worries us about him being able to play this week," Phillips said.

Notes

• For the second time in less than a month, Washington owner Dan Snyder made in-season comments expressing disappointment in his team. "We're all very, very disappointed, and obviously I'm as disappointed as everyone. And we're hoping to get things straightened out in the near future."

• Ben Roethlisberger's fourth concussion since 2006 apparently won't put him on the bench. Pittsburgh quarterback Roethlisberger will play Sunday in Baltimore as long as he continues to pass post-concussion tests, coach Mike Tomlin said. The tests measure a player's memory and reflexes, among other factors, before and after he has been injured.

• Detroit quarterback Matthew Stafford (dislocated shoulder) still awaits clearance to play the Thanksgiving Day game against Green Bay. "It's unlikely that he's going to play, but we'll see," Detroit coach Jim Schwartz said. "It's a deal if it gets better in a couple of days and it's not as painful, he'll be able to get out there."

• Tampa Bay coach Raheem Morris added defensive play-calling, demoting veteran defensive coordinator Jim Bates after a 38-7 loss to NFC South rival New Orleans dropped the Bucs to 1-9.

• San Diego placed right tackle Jeromey Clary on injured reserve and signed free agent Jon Runyan. Clary injured a ligament in his left ankle Sunday.

• Right tackle Winston Justice has signed a four-year contract extension with Philadelphia.

• Brandon Jacobs, New York Giants running back, said his injured right leg feels "really good" and he should play against Denver on Thursday, but backup Ahmad Bradshaw has a sprained left ankle that could sideline him.

• The Minnesota at Arizona game was moved to the night slot on Dec. 6 under the flexible scheduling policy.