The Texans and O'Brien are aiming to have a deal completed within the next week, according to the report.

ESPN's report came into question later Saturday when Penn State recruit Thomas Holley told 247Sports.com that O'Brien told him he was staying at Penn State and that the report wasn't true. 

O’Brien is 15-9 in two seasons at Penn State after taking over a program that was in the midst of turmoil. Prior to taking the Penn State job, O’Brien spent five seasons as an offensive assistant for Bill Belichick with the Patriots.

O’Brien met with the Texans last week.

Houston is 2-13 this season and has lost its last 13 games. The team fired coach Gary Kubiak earlier this month.


REX RETURNING?


A season of speculation about the future of Jets coach Rex Ryan boils down to a few days. A victory over the Dolphins on Sunday would bring Ryan's charges to 8-8 for the season — and might well save his job.

Word began circulating Saturday that the atmosphere around Ryan has turned positive. The New York Daily News went as far to say that Ryan appeared likely to return.

While Ryan retains the confidence of owner Woody Johnson, his challenge has been to win over GM John Idzik. There were reports that Ryan and Idzik met multiple times last week.

The Jets have exceeded expectations this season, but they will miss the playoffs for a third consecutive season.

Other questions will be answered when "Black Monday," the day after the regular season's conclusion, arrives. That's when coach firings begin. SI.com noted that most of Ryan's assistants will have their contracts expire. Don't be surprised to see wholesale changes. The first one is already happening, as linebackers coach Brian Van Gorder is headed to Notre Dame to take over as defensive coordinator. 


FRESH COBB


Randall Cobb will return to the Packers' lineup for their season finale. With Aaron Rodgers back in action, Green Bay is loading up on offense for a winner-take-all showdown with the Bears.

Cobb had been out since Week 6 with a broken leg. The Packers activated him on Saturday after days of hints he would be ready. Sunday's game in Chicago will decide the NFC North title.

"Cobb's a playmaker. He's dangerous with the ball in his hands," Packers coach Mike McCarthy told reporters on Friday. "He's done an excellent job developing into a fine slot receiver. So our offense is based on making a quarterback successful, starting with the run game and then spreading the ball around. He definitely is someone you want to get the ball to. He has big play ability. Very smart."

Two weeks of practice showed Cobb was ready to play. Before he was injured he was the Packers' top receiving target. But the offense shifted gears when he was down and other wideouts stepped up. James Jones, Jordy Nelson and Jarrett Boykin all are having solid seasons.


PETERSON TO SIT


The Vikings have ruled out running back Adrian Peterson for their final game of the season.

The team announced Saturday they downgraded Peterson from doubtful on the original injury report to out against Detroit on Sunday, when the Vikings and Lions will play the last game at the Metrodome.

Peterson sprained his right foot Dec. 8 at Baltimore and sat out the following week against Philadelphia. He played last Sunday at Cincinnati but was mostly ineffective. Peterson acknowledged afterward the injury affected his performance. He has also been bothered this year by a sore groin.

Peterson finished the season with 1,266 yards rushing, the second-lowest total of his seven years in the NFL.


THE RIGHT MOVE


Mario Manningham likely will end his tenure with the 49ers on injured reserve, placed there ahead of the regular-season finale because of ongoing knee problems.

It was a year ago the Niners lost Manningham to torn ligaments. Offseason surgery led to rehab that kept Manningham out until early November. He had a setback on Thursday, which led to the team's decision.

"We'll do what's in the best interest of his career," coach Jim Harbaugh told the San Jose Mercury News. "He's got input in that. It's conversations between doctors and Mario at this point."

Look for Quinton Patton to get extra work in Manningham's place. The Niners stand 11-4 entering Sunday's 4:25 p.m. ET road game against the Cardinals, who are 10-5.

Contributors: Ray Slover, Tom Gatto, The Associated Press

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