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National Football League roundup

[January 06, 2017] Jan 5 (The Sports Xchange) - The Miami Dolphins officially ruled out Ryan Tannehill on Thursday for their wild-card game Sunday against the host Pittsburgh Steelers.

Ten-year pro Matt Moore will receive the start for the fourth week in a row for the Dolphins (10-6), who are making their first postseason appearance since 2008.

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Dallas Cowboys defensive end Randy Gregory has been suspended without pay for at least one year for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy for the third time.

The NFL announced the suspension on Thursday. The punishment begins immediately and prevents Gregory from playing for Dallas in the playoffs.

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The New Orleans Saints made sweeping changes on their coaching staff, as five assistant coaches were fired, multiple media outlets reported.

Longtime linebackers coach Joe Vitt was among those fired. Vitt, who also was the Saints' assistant head coach, was on Sean Payton's staff since 2006. He was the team's interim head coach in 2012 during Payton's season-long suspension.

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New York Jets owner Woody Johnson said he isn't interested in declaring a playoffs-or-bust mandate for coach Todd Bowles in 2017.

The Jets' fortunes have gone the other way in Bowles' second season at the helm. After leading New York to a 10-6 mark in 2015, the Jets plummeted to a 5-11 record this season to extend their playoff drought to six straight years.

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Buffalo Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor underwent surgery to repair a core muscle issue.

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Taylor, whose recovery time is estimated to be six weeks, could be on another timetable of sorts.

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Veteran linebacker A.J. Hawk has announced his intention to retire after an 11-year NFL career.

Hawk spent time briefly with the Atlanta Falcons this season before being cut in October. The 32-year-old recorded 24 tackles and one sack while starting 11 games in 2015 with the Cincinnati Bengals.

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The Washington Redskins addressed the team's defensive shortcomings by firing defensive coordinator Joe Barry and defensive line coach Robb Akey, defensive backs coach Perry Fewell and conditioning coach Mike Clark.

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Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell were named NFL Offensive Player of the month of December/January for their respective conferences.

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The Arizona Cardinals signed former New England second-round pick Aaron Dobson as well as Canadian Football League kicker/punter Richie Leone to a futures contract for the 2017 season. (Editing by Frank Pingue)

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