NFL ROUNDUP \ News and notes

Browns: The search for a new general manager and coach is crawling along. President John Collins said Thursday that the team has not yet interviewed anyone for the club's newly opened GM position and his list of potential interviews includes "every legitimate candidate in the league." With the help of a head-hunting firm, Browns owner Randy Lerner and Collins have been gathering data and background information on possible GMs and coaches since Nov. 30 when Butch Davis resigned. Because of the NFL's anti-tampering policies, the Browns are prohibited from interviewing any candidates under contract until their regular seasons end. Ideally, the club would like to have its GM in place as soon as possible. However, there's a chance the process go drag on and the Browns might have to wait until after the Super Bowl Feb. 6 to get who they want. Two of the top names on Cleveland's GM list for interviews are currently out of the NFL: Mike Reinfeldt, who previously worked in Seattle's front office and former New Orleans GM Randy Mueller. Among the names of candidates the Browns will have to wait to speak with are Ozzie Newsome, Baltimore's GM; Phil Savage, the Ravens director of player personnel; and Scott Pioli, New England's vice president of player personnel.
Steelers: Wide receiver Plaxico Burress will sit out Saturday against the New York Giants, missing his fourth consecutive game because of a sore hamstring. Burress, Pittsburgh's most reliable downfield receiver, ran pass patterns in practice earlier this week and was optimistic about playing. But he was downgraded from questionable to out Thursday after talking with trainer John Norwig. The Steelers also might be without running back Duce Staley (hamstring), who missed practice Wednesday and Thursday. He's listed as doubtful, meaning there is only a 25-percent chance he will play.
Chiefs: It has been a long and often painful trek for Larry Johnson, the controversial second-year running back. But here he is, ready to make his first NFL start Sunday against the Denver Broncos. It's a promotion no one can say he hasn't earned. Coming off the bench the past two games, Johnson rushed for more than 100 yards both times. His touchdowns runs of 46 and 41 yards against Tennessee on Monday night marked the first time in Chiefs history a back scored on two runs of 40 yards or more in one game.
Bears: Linebacker Brian Urlacher will likely miss Sunday's game against Houston with a hamstring injury that could sideline him the rest of the season. "It doesn't look like he'll play this week and from there who really knows?" Bears coach Lovie Smith said Thursday after Urlacher sat out practice again. Asked what the MRI taken this week on his left hamstring revealed, Urlacher said: "The MRI said I would be doubtful for this weekend. That's what it said." The four-time Pro Bowler said he had no idea if he would be able to play the remaining three games, but hinted he might not.
Panthers: Punter Todd Sauerbrun was arrested and charged with driving while impaired and released on $1,700 bond. Sauerbrun also was charged with speeding and driving while his license was revoked, Julia Rush, a spokeswoman for the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Department, said Thursday. The All-Pro and Pro Bowl player attended practice, but declined comment. Afterward, coach John Fox said Sauerbrun will play Saturday night at Atlanta.
Associated Press