NFL: A Cowher-power rumor has Coughlin in jeopardy

The New York Giants' collapse against the Eagles reignited talk that Tom Coughlin's job could be on the line.

But team owner John Mara was quick to dismiss speculation that Coughlin's job was in jeopardy and that former Pittsburgh Steelers coach Bill Cowher was waiting in the wings. "That's ridiculous" was how he put it to the New York Daily News.

Bill Cowher hasn't coached in four years, but he's prepared to return to the sideline if the head coaching job opens with the Giants, Houston Texans, or Miami Dolphins, a source close to Cowher told ESPN.

Cowher, who led the Steelers to a Super Bowl title in 2005, has a career coaching record of 149-90-1.

Back in the saddle. Tim Tebow has earned another start.

Interim Denver Broncos coach Eric Studesville said Monday he has decided to start Tebow again when Denver (3-10) hosts the Texans (5-9) on Sunday.

Studesville said Kyle Orton is still bothered by bruised ribs and that Tebow did a good job managing the game plan in his first NFL start Sunday at Oakland despite Denver's 39-23 loss to the Raiders.

Asked if team owner Pat Bowlen might have suggested the move to ensure there isn't a sea of empty seats at Invesco Field on Sunday, Studesville said it was his decision alone.

Start the bubble machine. The Redskins are tired of driving to the gym. They're finally getting a bubble.

Coach Mike Shanahan says the Redskins will build a covered practice facility and install a heated outdoor field.

Washington is one of 10 NFL teams without an indoor practice facility. Only Cincinnati is farther north.

Last week, the Redskins held one practice on a hard artificial turf because the grass fields were frozen, then they had to drive to a nearby gym for practice the next day because it was snowing.

A final Favre pass. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell says he's still "following up" on some of the information in the Brett Favre investigation to make sure it's thorough and reaches "the right conclusion."

He did not elaborate on the nature of the follow-up: "I'm not going to put a timetable on it, other than I did say I hope it'll be by the end of the regular season."

It was not known if Goodell, who attended the Vikings-Bears game last night, spoke with Favre.

Favre allegedly sent inappropriate messages and lewd photos to former Jets game emcee Jenn Sterger two years ago when they were both with the team.

Playoff picture. Even before taking the field at Seattle, the Falcons clinched a playoff berth when the Eagles beat the Giants. Then they beat the Seahawks, 34-18. . . . Pittsburgh got in thanks to a complicated series of strength-of-schedule tiebreakers despite losing to the New York Jets, 22-17. . . . Arizona's loss at Carolina eliminated the Cardinals (4-10), who actually were alive in the weak NFC West.

Sidelined. Indianapolis Colts receiver Austin Collie was injured late in the first half Sunday when the forearm of Jaguars linebacker Daryl Smith hit Collie in the head. Collie lay motionless for several minutes before sitting up and eventually walked off the field with a concussion. He did not return. It's the third time since Nov. 7 that Collie has left a game early because of a concussion or concussion-like symptoms. ... Rams fullback Brit Miller was carted off with a right knee injury in the third quarter against St. Louis and is likely out for the season. ... The Redskins lost linebacker Brian Orakpo (hamstring, groin), safety Reed Doughty (head) and defensive lineman Phillip Daniels (abdomen). ... The Cowboys lost two players to concussions: safety Gerald Sensabaugh and linebacker Sean Lee.