NFL-National Football League roundup

Jan 9 (The Sports Xchange) - Jay Gruden signed a five-year deal to become the eighth head coach of the Washington Redskins since Daniel Snyder bought the franchise in 1999. "We've got to forget about the past and look toward the future every day," Gruden said Thursday at his introductory press conference. Gruden replaces Mike Shanahan, who was fired four years into a five-year deal at the end of the 2013 season, which ended with a franchise-worst eight consecutive losses. - - Hue Jackson was named to replace Jay Gruden as offensive coordinator of the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday. Jackson, the Bengals' running backs coach and special assistant to head coach Marvin Lewis, has rich experience as a play-caller at Southern Cal and Cal and was offensive coordinator of the Redskins (2003), Atlanta Falcons (2007) and Oakland Raiders (2010). - - Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Percy Harvin proclaimed himself ready to play in Saturday's NFC divisional playoff game against the New Orleans Saints. "I'm feeling great," Harvin said Thursday after practice. "I didn't have any setbacks. These practices have been very good. I'm really confident about this game." - - Kansas City Chiefs personnel director Chris Ballard is not joining good friend Lovie Smith as general manager of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Ballard, according to Sirius XM, was blocked from accepting the job by the Chiefs because the position did not include increased responsibility. - - Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery has been added as a selection to the 2014 Pro Bowl, the NFL announced Thursday. Jeffery is replacing Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson, who is unable to participate due to injury. - - For those keeping tabs on America's least liked team, according to a survey by Public Policy Polling, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo should be recovered from back surgery and ready to go when the team begins began OTAs in May, according to team owner Jerry Jones. Romo missed the final game of the 2013 season because of back surgery to repair a herniated disk. - - New York Giants running back David Wilson will need to have an operation on a herniated disk in his neck during the offseason, general manager Jerry Reese confirmed Thursday. The 22-year-old Wilson missed the final 11 games of the Giants' season due to the neck injury. He finished with 146 rushing yards on 44 attempts and a touchdown. - - Former Houston Texans quarterbacks coach Karl Dorrell will interview for the New York Giants' offensive coordinator position, ESPN.com reported Thursday. The Giants have been interviewing this week for the job that became open when Kevin Gilbride retired after the season. - - New York Jets tight end Kellen Winslow faces charges of synthetic marijuana possession, according to East Hanover (N.J.) police. Winslow's Nov. 19 arrest for possession of Fubinaca came eight days after his four-game suspension for violating the NFL's policy on performance enhancing substances ended. (Editing by Frank Pingue)