According to multiple media reports, Jones said that Garrett is not coaching for his job. No matter how the rest of the season plays out, Garrett is guaranteed to stay, Jones said.

In addition, Jones also expressed confidence in defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin, despite more struggles for Dallas on that side of the ball.

Since Garrett played quarterback for the Cowboys, backing up Hall of Famer Troy Aikman, Jones has had great respect for Garrett's football intelligence, both from his family's background in football and his own Princeton education. Garrett remained a favorite as Dallas' savvy offensive coordinator, and for Jones, he was the easy choice to replace former coach Wade Phillips midway through a 6-10 season in 2010.

If the Cowboys can beat the Giants in New York on Sunday, it would give them a season sweep of their NFC East rivals and make them 4-0 in division play. It would also put them in a tie for first place with the idle 6-5 Philadelphia Eagles.

Jones is one to put future controversy to bed and work to keep his coaches and players focused on the task at hand. Now it's on Garrett, Kiffin and the rest of his staff to reward Jones' continued unwavering faith.


WELKER LIMITED


Broncos receiver Wes Welker sustained a concussion against the Chiefs last week.

If you think that's going to keep him off the field on Sunday for his return to New England, think again. Welker practiced Thursday on a limited basis and remains under concussion protocol, waiting to be cleared for contact.

But it's hard to imagine anything keeping him from facing the Patriots. In addition to the fact that the Broncos need him — tight end Julius Thomas (knee) is also limited — Welker has a long history with the Patriots and coach Bill Belichick. Once he left the organization, Welker didn't express glowing admiration for this old coach, either.

"It was just kind of hard," Welker told Sports Illustrated, "one of those deals where you have to endure him, put up with him. ... But he does it to everybody. It's the way he is."


INCOGNITO HEARING POSTPONED


Richie Incognito and the NFL have agreed to postpone the Dolphins player’s grievance hearing focused on his suspension until independent arbitrator Ted Wells has completed his investigation into the Dolphins.

Incognito is currently suspended due to claims of harassment made by teammate Jonathan Martin. Incognito’s hearing was supposed to be Thursday.

“Richie Incognito is cooperating fully with the NFL investigation and will meet with Ted Wells,” the Dolphins said in a statement.

Now that his grievance hearing has been postponed, Wells can interview Incognito regarding the Martin case, Pro Football Talk reports.

Incogntio loses $235,294 every game he is suspended, according to NFL.com. His suspension could eventually be overturned, but the Dolphins must decide to either reinstate him or release him by Dec. 2. He released this statement:

“I have agreed to postpone my expedited arbitration hearing until after the investigation by Ted Wells is complete. I will cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation with a goal of resuming my career with the Miami Dolphins at the conclusion of the investigation. I love my teammates and hope we can put this distraction behind us soon.”


BUTLER’S CHARTIY INVESTIGATED


The IRS is looking into the charity that's run by former Green Bay Packer LeRoy Butler.

The agency is probing why Butler has been raising money in Wisconsin over the last decade but has made only one annual filing, Gannett Wisconsin Media reported Thursday.

The LeRoy Butler Foundation hasn't filed with the IRS since 2002, even though Butler continued raising money under that name through this year. A scholarship fund founded in 2009 had its tax-exempt status revoked after failing to file returns by 2012. The only return on file from Butler since 2002 is a short-form 2011 filing for the fund.

Butler, 45, was a four-time All-Pro and played for the Packers from 1990 to 2001.

Gannett Wisconsin Media reports Butler didn't respond to an email inquiry seeking comment and a cellphone Butler had been using as of late last week is no longer in service.

The media outlet ran a story on Monday about athletes' charities incorrectly reporting expenses or failing to file returns. The story mentioned that Butler's scholarship fund was among them.

Butler has reacted on social media to the report, but did not comment directly to Gannett Wisconsin Media. On Facebook, Butler posted that his foundation is conducting an independent review of compliance with federal guidelines. And in a tweet, he said the story made him look "money hungry" when he was just trying to help people.

Gannett Wisconsin Media reported that Butler has previously said all money raised by his charity went to help women diagnosed with breast cancer or their families, though that statement contradicts his own admission that he took appearance fees from charity events that were profitable.

Thursday's story said federal investigators have contacted two Butler associates who helped him run a charity golf tournament and collected money for his foundation. An IRS spokesman would not confirm the investigation into Butler, however, saying the agency doesn't comment on specific charities.

A message was posted on The LeRoy Butler Foundation website less than a week ago announcing the charity will shut down after a final fundraising cruise in February.


IRSAY, WIFE DIVORCING


Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay and his wife of 33 years are ending their marriage.

Meg Irsay filed a divorce petition in Hamilton County Superior Court in Noblesville on Thursday citing an "irretrievable breakdown" of the marriage. She is asking the court to divide their marital estate.

A joint statement issued by the couple said Jim Irsay will retain full ownership of the Colts and his other business interests.

The couple married Aug. 2, 1980. They have been separated for a decade.

Jim Irsay has owned the Colts since 1997 following the death of his father, Robert Irsay.

Contributors: Rana L. Cash, Vinnie Iyer, The Associated Press