NFL-National Football League roundup

Dec 18 (The Sports Xchange) - Jay Cutler's future with the Chicago Bears is not determined beyond this week, coach Marc Trestman claimed Thursday while announcing Jimmy Clausen would make his first start since 2010. Trestman stressed Thursday that his decision to bench the team's highly paid quarterback in favor of Clausen for Sunday's game with the Detroit Lions was merely an attempt to find a way to win the next football game. - - Quarterback Philip Rivers will start Saturday for the San Diego Chargers despite a back injury that might be more severe than the team has indicated. ESPN cited a source Thursday in reporting that Rivers is "battling a back injury that is bigger than people realize." He did not practice Wednesday and is on the injury report with back and chest injuries, but he was back at practice on Thursday and appeared to throw passes without a problem. - - Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning went through team stretching exercises but left Thursday's practice to receive treatment on his strained thigh. According to the Denver Post, Manning did not suffer further injury to the thigh and is expected to practice Friday. - - Tight end Dominique Jones was signed to the Denver Broncos' active roster and offensive tackle DeMarcus Love to the practice squad. - - There is nothing wrong with Dallas Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray's left hand, if you judge by his grip Thursday on the team's man of the year trophy. Coach Jason Garrett said Thursday morning that Murray could play Sunday, six days after surgery to stabilize a broken left hand. - - Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton took more reps in practice with the first-team offense on Thursday and could be on track to start Sunday against the Cleveland Browns after sitting out last week with injuries suffered in an auto accident. Carolina coach Ron Rivera has yet to name a starter for Sunday's game because he wants to wait and see how Newton responds but that he probably will get the nod. - - The Seattle Seahawks signed linebacker K.J. Wright to a four-year contract extension. A fourth-round pick in 2011, Wright has started 54 of 58 career games and has recorded 333 tackles, 6.5 sacks, an interception, 14 passes defensed, four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. - - New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman was back at practice Thursday but his status for Sunday's game is uncertain. Edelman, who was been on the injury report for several weeks with a thigh injury, is following NFL concussion protocol. He was limited Wednesday and Thursday in practice. - - Houston Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson plans to return Sunday for their game against the Baltimore Ravens after sitting out last week because of a concussion. Johnson was injured on a hit to the head by Jacksonville linebacker Telvin Smith during a Dec. 7 against the Jaguars. - - With reports circulating that Michigan has extended Jim Harbaugh a six-year, $48 million offer to become their head coach, he refused to answer questions about the job opening on Thursday. Meeting with reporters, the 49ers coach offered a standard response regarding the Michigan vacancy. "As you know, I only talk about the job that I have," said Harbaugh, a former Michigan quarterback. "We've been together a long time. Always been my policy."