NFL notes: Bills looking at Shanahan

Denver Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan (The Associated Press)

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.

Shanahan was fired with the Broncos owing him about $20 million over the final three years of his contract. The Bills would have to at least match what Shanahan's owed if they intend to make a competitive offer.

That isn't considered a concern after Bills owner Ralph Wilson told the AP last week that he was prepared to offer a lucrative contract to land a high-profile coach.

Wilson is eager to turn around a franchise that's in jeopardy of missing the playoffs for a 10th straight season. It's a stretch in which the team has enjoyed one winning season and is now on its fifth coach.

Bills defensive coordinator Perry Fewell was promoted to interim coach when Dick Jauron

Despite concussion, Big Ben plans to play

Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has a concussion, but is expected to play Sunday at Baltimore as long as he continues to pass the daily tests given to players who have sustained the injury.

Coach Mike Tomlin said he plans to go into the game with Roethlisberger and second-year player Dennis Dixon as his only quarterbacks. A third, inexperienced quarterback will be signed, but Tomlin said he won't be ready to play.

Backup quarterback Charlie Batch broke his left wrist during the 27-24 loss in Kansas City on Sunday and will have surgery today.

Redskins' Snyder 'disappointed' again

Washington Redskins owner Dan Snyder remains disappointed in his team's performance this season. Just don't ask him whether changes are on the way.

For the second time in less than a month, Snyder made in-season comments at a charity event. After handing out turkeys at the team's stadium on Tuesday, he told reporters, "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."

Snyder avoided answering specific questions about the team. The Redskins are 3-7.

Around the league

Buccaneers » Coach Raheem Morris will call defensive plays after demoting defensive coordinator Jim Bates following a 1-9 start.

Falcons » Atlanta brought kickers Steve Hauschka , Sam Swant , Shane Andrus and Brandon Coutu to its practice facility for tryouts, as 39-year-old Jason Elam has made only 10 of 16 field goals this season.

Cowboys » Tight end Jason Witten will be a game-time decision for Thursday's game against Oakland because of a sprained foot.