September 2009 4for4 Player News Articles

Chargers RB Ladainian Tomlinson (ankle) returned to limited practice Wednesday. His status for this weekend is uncertain, but he will likely get another week off with the Chargers bye coming next week. The Chargers face a tough Steelers run defense, so even if Tomlinson does manage to go, he will not be a good fantasy play.

Bears RB Matt Forte (knee) was limited in practice Wednesday, but should be ready to face Detroit this weekend. Forte is denying that he is injured in any way.

Redskins RB Clinton Portis missed practice Wednesday with bone spurs in both ankles and a calf strain suffered in the Redskins loss to the Lions last week. Clinton Portis will likely get the start again this week, but his body is starting to show wear and tear from all the mileage. If Portis couldn't get it done against the Lions, it's hard to have much
faith he'll get it done this week.

Lions RB Kevin Smith (shoulder) did not practice Wednesday. Coach Schwartz says he will be a game-time decision, but it doesn't look promising. Maurice Morris is likely to get the start with Aaron Brown getting some extra work if Kevin Smith can't go. Neither is an appealing fantasy option.

Bengals RB Cedric Benson (ankle) missed practice Wednesday.
He missed some practice last week as well, and is likely just getting some rest as he is the Bengals workhorse.

Browns RB Jamal Lewis missed practice Wednesday. Lewis missed week 3 action and Jerome Harrison started in his place, with rookie James Davis getting some touches.
Expect more of the same this week if Lewis can't go, but the production should be a bit better against a bit weaker defense - the Bengals.

Cowboys RB Marion Barber (quad) was limited in practice Wednesday. The Cowboys are positive about his chances of playing this week. Barber wanted to play Monday Night, but
was held out as a precaution.

Cowboys Felix Jones (knee) missed practice Wednesday. He most likely will miss the next two games and return after the Cowboys week 6 bye.

Steelers RB Willie Parker (toe) missed practice Wednesday. His status is unclear for Sunday. If Parker cannot go, Mewelde Moore and Rashard Mendenhall should split the workload.

Seahawsk QB Matt Hasselbeck (rib) did not practice, and is expected to miss another start this week. Seneca Wallace will fill in, but is not a good fantasy option.

Rams QB Marc Bulger (shoulder) did not practice Wednesday. He has not been ruled out for Sunday, but Kyle Boller is more likely to get the start. Neither is someone to count on for fantasy production on a bad Rams team.

49ers RB Frank Gore (ankle) missed practice today
and is expected to miss 2-3 weeks. Glen Coffee will fill in, and is a great pickup for this week against St. Louis.

Patriots WRs Wes Welker and Randy Moss were limited in practice Wednesday. This is a good sign for Welker and Brady owners as Wes returns to practice, but Welker will likely again be game-time decision.

Raiders WR Chaz Schilens (foot) did not practice Wednesday and is unlikely to play this week.

Chiefs WR Dwayne Bowe (hamstring) missed practice Wednesday after being a late scratch Sunday. Mark Bradley started in Bowe's place, and may do so again this week.

Bucs RB Derrick Ward (knee) did not practice Wednesday. Ward and the Bucs had a game to forget last week against the Giants. With a new QB under center, the Bucs will likely want to lean on the run, but with their RB corps hurting, lots of things remain uncertain.

Bucs RB Cadillac Williams (knee) practiced Wednesday. He is expected to play Sunday.

Giants RB Ahmad Bradshaw (ankle, foot) said there is no doubt in his mind he will play Sunday, even after being seen in a protective boot today while missing practice. Coach Coughlin was also optimistic. The matchup looks good against KC.

Giants WR Domenik Hixon (knee) was limited at practice Wednesday.

Giants WR Hakeem Nicks (foot) says it is his goal to play this week. Still, any action he sees may be limited.

Falcons RB Jerious Norwood (concussion) was cleared to practice Wednesday.

Saints WR Lance Moore (hamstring) returned to practice Wednesday, but was limited. He may try to play this weekend, but has little fantasy value until we see him catching balls on Sunday.

Bucs WR Antonio Bryant (knee) was limited in practice. He is expected to play but is not someone to count on until he proves he can do it on the field.

Bucs WR Maurice Stovall (knee) practiced Wednesday. Stovall missed last week's game but is expected to play Sunday.

Saints RB Mike Bell missed practice Wednesday. He will most likely not play this weekend, and will be backing up Pierre Thomas when he returns.

Brown K Phil Dawson (calf) did not practice. He missed last week with Billy Cundiff took over. Neither is a good fantasy option on a very bad Browns offensive unit.

Ravens TE Todd Heap (back) was limited in practice Wednesday. Injuries have slowed Heap in the past, so this is troubling for Heap owners, but there is a good chance he will start Sunday.

Redskins RB Mike Sellers (thigh) did not practice Wednesday. Coach Jim Zorn is optimistic he will be able to play Sunday.

Titans RB Lendale White (illness) did not practice Wednesday due to illness. Perhaps he's back on the tequila?

Bucs RB Earnest Graham (hamstring) was limited in practice Wednesday after missing Sunday's game. Graham is considered questionable for this week.

Bucs QB Byron Leftwich (hip) did not practice Wednesday after being demoted from his starting duties.

Seahawks RB Justin Griffith (knee) sat out Wednesday's practice to rest a sore knee.

Steelers TE Matt Spaeth (hip) practiced fully Wednesday.

Steelers WR Hines Ward (not injury related) got the day off Wednesday.

Jets WR Wallace Wright (quadricep) practiced fully Wednesday.

Saints TE Darnell Dinkins (foot) continues to miss practice.

Patriots QB Tom Brady (right shoulder) practiced fully Wednesday, while making his usual appearance on the injury report.

Texans WR Andre Davis (concussion) practiced fully Wednesday and may be in line to get his first game action since week 1. However, with the return of Kevin Walter, Andre Davis may not have a lot of value.

Texans RB Chris Brown (shin) was limited at practice Wednesday. He may well be in Coach Kubiak's doghouse after fumbling on the 1 yard line with two minutes remaining Sunday and costing the Texans the game.

Bears TE Desmond Clark (rib) practiced on a limited basis Wednesday. He is questionable to play this week.

Bills TE Shawn Nelson (shoulder) was limited in practice Wednesday. He missed Sunday's game with a shoulder injury.

Ravens WR Kelley Washington (groin) was limited in practice Wednesday.

Chargers RB Ladainian Tomlinson (ankle) practiced

- The Washington Redskins are hurting on both sides of the ball as running back Clinton Portis and defensive end Albert Haynesworth sat out Wednesday's practice with injuries suffered during Sunday's crushing loss to the Detroit Lions.

Portis suffered a calf injury that kept him out of the final stages of Washington's 19-14 defeat on Sunday. Head coach Jim Zorn indicated after the game that Portis was kicked in the calf. Portis came into the game already questionable dealing with soreness in his ankles.

Haynesworth is dealing with a strained glute muscle, according to Zorn. He had to be helped onto a cart by teammates and was taken into the locker room during the second quarter of Sunday's game after sacking Detroit quarterback Matthew Stafford. He was able to return in the second half.

Also sitting out practice Wednesday for the Redskins were cornerback Carlos Rogers (ankle) and fullback Mike Sellers (thigh).

Marc Bulger did not practice Wednesday, increasing the likelihood the winless St. Louis Rams will go with backup Kyle Boller at quarterback on Sunday in San Francisco.

Coach Steve Spagnuolo has not ruled out Bulger, who has a bruised rotator cuff in his throwing shoulder. Bulger rode a stationary bicycle and did exercises along with safety James Butler and offensive tackle Jason Smith, both recovering from knee injuries.

No sign of Raiders WR Chaz Schilens as practice begins . . . guessing he won't play much of a role Sunday, if he's even active at all . . .

Giants WR Hakeem Nicks (foot) says he's feeling better and that it's his "goal" to play this week. DT Justin Tuck (shoulder) expects to play, too.

Giants RB Ahmad Bradshaw said "There's no doubt in my mind ... I'll play" on Sunday in KC

Bucs WR Antonio Bryant and Byron Leftwich are not at practice.

49ers RB Frank Gore (ankle) and S Reggie Smith (groin) are out; but Singletary says everyone else should be available.

Although the Buccaneers demoted QB Byron Leftwich in favor of second-year pro Josh Johnson, the team won’t release the seven-year veteran, general manager Mark Dominik said.

One player who might benefit from the quarterback change is WR Braylon Edwards. He and Anderson hooked up for 16 touchdown passes in 2007 -- a Browns record for a receiver.
"You know DA. He's a guy who likes to throw the deep ball, likes to get the ball out," Edwards said. "I like to run deep routes, so it's natural he'd look for me in those situations."
Mangini hoped QB Derek Anderson could spark the Browns in Baltimore when they were down at halftime, 20-0. Despite three interceptions in the second half, Anderson's ability to convert three of four third downs on the Browns' lone scoring drive convinced Mangini to make the move this week.

Patriots practice notes:

Wilfork, Mayo, Kaczur not present for start of practice; Every other player, including WR Wes Welker, WR Randy Moss & Wilhite, were present.

Panthers coach John Fox is standing strongly behind Jake Delhomme as the team's starting quarterback. He just said after practice "yes with a capital Y" when asked if he was committed to Delhomme as his starter.

"I didn't think that was a question, but if that needs to be clarified, yes with a capital Y," was his full quote on the subject.

Delhomme has played much better the past two weeks after a five-turnover performance in the opener against Philadelphia, but he still ranks next-to-last in the NFL in passing efficiency.

Falcons running back Jerious Norwood, who suffered his second concussion of the season against Carolina on Sept. 20, was medically cleared and returned to practice on Wednesday.

Wednesday Lewis indicated that rookie SAM linebacker Rey Maualuga (knee) will be able to play Sunday in Cleveland and that cornerback David Jones (foot) will be available for the first time this season.

Maualuga, who appears to have sprained his medial collateral ligament, is limited at Wednesday’s practice, as are running back Cedric Benson (foot), backup middle linebacker Abdul Hodge (unkown), defensive tackle Tank Johnson (foot), cornerback Johnathan Joseph (knee), safety Chinedum Ndukwe (unknown) and right tackle Andre Smith (foot).

But Lewis said he expects most of those guys to be ready for the game.

Redskins RB Clinton Portis, Mike Sellers, Albert Haynesworth, and Carlos Rogers are not in pads at practice, Rick Maese reports. All four were injured to one degree or another in the Redskins' loss Sunday in Detroit.

The Seahawks are planning to be without quarterback Matt Hasselbeck and best blocker Walter Jones again on Sunday.
Coach Jim Mora said Wednesday he does not expect his three-time Pro Bowl passer or his nine-time Pro Bowl left tackle to play at the undefeated Indianapolis Colts.
The 34-year-old Hasselbeck, who broke a rib 10 days ago, still can't run and still has pain when he takes a deep breath.
Mora says he doesn't know for sure if Jones will play at all this season. The team will back off pushing the 35-year-old Jones through practice this week. Jones had his second knee surgery in nine months in August.
Seattle (1-2) does expect to have linebacker Lofa Tatupu back from a hamstring injury against the Colts.

Maybe facing Kevin Smith wouldn't be such a bad thing for the Bears defense.

Smith, the Lions top running back, injured his shoulder in Detroit's 19-14 over the Washington Redskins last Sunday. Smith also had a banged up knee.

Smith's backup in Maurice Morris, a player the Bears are familiar with from the past. Back in the 2007, when the Bears went out to Seattle and loss an important 30-23 decision to the Seahawks, Morris rushed for 87 yards on 18 carries. His 19-yard touchdown run gave the Seahawks their first lead.

A healthy Morris might pose more problems than a banged up Smith. As for Smith's status for Sunday, Lions coach Jim Schwartz somewhat addressed the issue via conference call Wednesday`We will just see how that plays out this week and see what we can get out of him and make a game-time decision on whether he can go or not,'' Schwartz said. ``But Kevin is really important. We have a dynamic playmaker in Calvin Johnson who can get open downfield, but that is largely dependant on how we run the football and Kevin is a big part of that.''

Cowboys RB Marion Barber did not play against the Panthers because of a left quadriceps injury, and on Tuesday, coach Wade Phillips was not ready to say that Barber would be able to play against the Broncos.

That leaves the Cowboys with one tailback who's 100 percent healthy in Tashard Choice. It also leaves open the possibility of Chauncey Washington being called up from the practice squad.

"I'm not Carnac," Phillips said. "You want me to say definitely this guy is going to play and this guy isn't.

"There's no way you can tell [the Broncos] that. It's all real subjective in the first place and then it's individual with each player and how quickly they come back and how serious the injury is. I can't predict that."

Cowboys WR Felix Jones suffered a sprained posterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during Monday's 21-7 win over Carolina and, according to a source, will not play Sunday at Denver. Jones could be out until after the Oct. 18 bye week.

Cowboys coach Wade Phillips wouldn't say it, but the reality is backup running back Felix Jones will miss Sunday's game at Denver with a sprained posterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, according to multiple sources.

Phillips said he's had players come back quickly from a sprained PCL in the past but doesn't know when Jones would return.

Jones will be evaluated this week and next to determine if he can play Oct. 11 at Kansas City, but Cowboys officials believe Jones, with rest and treatment, will have a more realistic shot of returning Oct. 25 against Atlanta.

"It's possible, yeah," Phillips said of Jones coming back sooner. "It depends on how bad the sprain is when he comes back."

Cardinals WR Anquan Boldin appears to be recovered from a hamstring injury that hampered him in the opening weeks. Boldin can now explode out of routes and he should be due for some productive games.

WR Larry Fitzgerald's longest catch this season is 25 yards. The Cardinals must find some way to get him the ball deep. That means better protection for Kurt Warner and a better running game to set up play action.

Cardinals QB Kurt Warner will use the off week to rest a sore right shoulder. Warner suffered a stinger in his throwing shoulder in the first week but it has affected his practice regimen or performance.

Cardinals RB Beanie Wells carried just twice against the Colts because the Cardinals fell behind and were forced to go with their "Texas" package in the second half. That's a spread formation where Kurt Warner calls most of his plays. Wells, a rookie, hasn't had enough work in that scheme to be effective.

The bottom line is the Bears essentially are running in place. They enter Sunday’s game averaging a dismal 2.8 yards per carry, second to last in the league behind the Chargers.

RB Matt Forte is 29th in the league in rushing with 150 yards on 59 carries through three games. He is the only back among the top 30 averaging less than 3.0 yards per carry with a 2.6 average. And this is the same player who compiled 304 yards over his first three games as a rookie last season.

So what has changed? Not Forte. He still runs hard, still hits defenders with the occasional ankle-breaking cutback. And injury is not an issue, although some wonder if the hamstring injury Forte suffered during the off-season lingers.

“No, my hamstring does not hurt at all,” he said.

What has changed is the offensive line, with three new starters and two players — right tackle Chris Williams and left guard Frank Omiyale — playing positions they were not initially projected to play. As natural left tackles, both gained more notice for their pass protection than run blocking.

So far, it's not working too well for the Jets, as RB Thomas Jones and Leon Washington are averaging a combined 3.9 yards per rush. That could be attributed to several factors, namely a line that hasn't generated much push. Nevertheless, you have to wonder how it's affecting Jones, who is accustomed to being the workhorse. "Me and Thomas are great about it," said Washington, naturally thrilled to have more touches. "We want to go to Miami and be in the Super Bowl, so it would be good for both of us to have that continuity."

In an effort to improve their special teams -- in both coverage and returns -- the Detroit Lions have signed free agent receiver Adam Jennings and released Yamon Figurs. Jennings was with the Lions last year and throughtout training camp this season.

Jennings is a decent returner, but he's very good all-around special teams player and excellent on coverage. His role as a potential kick returner is yet to be known, but Lions head coach Jim Schwartz made it clear on Monday that they were only going to wait so long for rookie Aaron Brown to improve his performance.

NFL.com reported Monday evening that former Raiders assistant coach Randy Hanson cooperated with the Napa Police Department last week, telling a detective the story that has been widely circulated since mid-August — that head coach Tom Cable struck Hanson in a meeting with three other coaches and broke his jaw.

Hanson’s agent, San Francisco-based John McGuinn, offered no other details of his client’s testimony to the NFL web site, but called the incident “a textbook case of felony assault.”

McGuinn said Napa PD detective Mike Walund interviewed Hanson for roughly 90 minutes Friday, and accepted the alleged victim’s medical records.

This was the first time Hanson had spoken to police since they responded to a request from Queen of the Valley Hospital on Aug. 6. The assault supposedly took place at the Napa Valley Marriott the day before.

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello confirmed more than a month ago that the league was looking into the incident, but has declined additional comment. McGuinn told NFL.com that neither he nor Hanson has been contacted by the league yet.

Steelers RB Willie Parker's injury might mean the resurrection of Rashard Mendenhall at halfback. Mendenhall was benched on offense by Tomlin Sunday in Cincinnati when his learning curve of the playbook looked more like a flat slider.

Tomlin took issue yesterday when he was asked at his news conference if Mendenhall was still in his doghouse.

"He is not in the doghouse. I don't have a doghouse," Tomlin replied. "A doghouse is something you have when you let things stew and you don't take action. I intend to take action and I'm done with it.

"He lacked a little detail in his preparation last week, so I chose not to play him offensively, and really was quite frank in dealing with him."

The Patriots worked out a group of wide receivers last week, but that doesn’t mean they’re looking to replace Joey Galloway or add depth because of the status of Wes Welker (knee injury), who has missed the last two games. “Those workouts had been scheduled ahead of time,’’ said Caserio. “I think it’s part of the process that you go through during the course of the fall; whether it’s to update your records, update the medical information, maybe the player has been out of camp a period of time, or maybe he hasn’t been in a camp, so you’re trying to get an update on what his physical conditioning level might be.’’

Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw is the only surprise on the team's 11-player prepractice injury report. Bradshaw's listed as having an ankle/foot injury, though the designation doesn't necessarily mean he won't practice today.

Bradshaw came off the field during Sunday's victory over the Buccaneers with an undisclosed injury and was gesturing toward his lower leg while talking to the trainers. He returned and was effective on his way to 104 rushing yards, though he did not return punts after the injury.

Coach Tom Coughlin will update Bradshaw's status shortly.

Here's the rest of the team's prepractice injury report:

DL Chris Canty (calf)

CB Kevin Dockery (hamstring)

WR Domenik Hixon (knee)

OL Adam Koets (ankle)

OT Kareem McKenzie (knee)

WR Hakeem Nicks (foot)

CB Aaron Ross (hamstring)
LB Clint Sintim (groin)

DE Justin Tuck (shoulder)

RB Danny Ware (elbow)

Derek Anderson will replace Brady Quinn as the starting quarterback Sunday against the Bengals, coach Eric Mangini announced today.
Mangini said "giving Derek the opportunity is something I think will help us offensively.'' He said Anderson's performance on third down Sunday in Baltimore -- including 3-of-4 on a field goal drive -- helped him clinch the job. He said he needs to improve on throwing interceptions, after throwing three in Baltimore.
He also said he expects Quinn to continue to work hard. "I'm not saying it's all Brady,'' said Mangini. "Derek did some things that were positive and that's what it's based on.''

Steelers TE Matt Spaeth (hip pointer) and center Justin Hartwig (ankle) came out of Sunday's game with more minor injuries that might limit them in practice but should allow them to play against the Chargers.

Say goodbye to Limas Sweed for a while.

Like the passes he keeps dropping, Sweed has plunged to the bottom of the depth chart at wide receiver, and it looks as though veteran Shaun Mcdonald will take his place with what Tomlin likes to call a "hat" for Sunday night's game against San Diego at Heinz Field.

"He's quite frankly not catching the football when he's deep downfield," Tomlin said two days after Sweed dropped what would have been a 34-yard touchdown, all alone in the end zone. "He's got some tape that shows that. He's got to shake that off. If and when he's given the next opportunity to make a similar play, he'd better make it."

Asked if he were concerned if that could happen, Tomlin answered, "I am, I am," and that he would "absolutely" consider dressing McDonald instead Sunday.

Second-year wide receiver Malcolm Kelly is off to a slow start in his first season as the first-team flanker.

Kelly impressed by catching passes in traffic in the preseason, but he has only six receptions for 65 yards in three games.

"Malcolm is a very impressive young player, and we definitely want to get him more involved, but you can't force it," quarterback Jason Campbell said. "We have to play smart football, and Malcolm understands that.

"He knows you can't just throw the ball against certain coverages. You take what's there and you move on to the next play. But Malcolm is going to get opportunities."

The Steelers re-signed Carey Davis, who started 11 games at fullback for them in 2007-08 but was released when the team set its 53-man roster at the beginning of the month.

Davis takes Frank Summers' place on the roster.

The Steelers put Summers on the reserve/injured list because of a back injury, ending the rookie's season.

The loss of Summers, who saw a doctor yesterday, isn't the only reason the Steelers brought Davis back.

Tight end David Johnson, who also lines up at fullback, sustained a high ankle sprain in a 23-20 loss to the Bengals. Coach Mike Tomlin said the rookie is "questionable" for Sunday's game against the visiting San Diego Chargers.

As expected, the Miami Dolphins placed Pennington on the reserve-injured list to create a roster spot for quarterback Tyler Thigpen, who was acquired Tuesday from the Kansas City Chiefs for an undisclosed 2010 draft pick.

The Eagles released quarterback Jeff Garcia to make room for Trotter. Garcia was signed as an emergency backup after Donovan Mcnabb cracked a rib in the season opener.

Jeremiah Trotter is back for a third run with the Philadelphia Eagles. The four-time Pro Bowl linebacker signed a one-year contract Tuesday, returning to Philadelphia after spending a year out of the NFL.

Running back Frank Gore is expected to miss at least two games after an MRI examination showed a right ankle strain and a right hind foot sprain.

The 49ers have games the next two weeks against the St. Louis Rams and Atlanta Falcons, followed by their Oct 18 bye week. The first game for which Gore might be available is Oct. 25 against the Houston Texans.

Rookie Glen Coffee, a third-round draft pick from Alabama, will take over the every-down duties. And, right now, the 49ers do no appear inclined to promote Kory Sheets from the practice squad. It looks as if they're sticking with Coffee and Michael Robinson.

This is the reason they invested in Coffee. The 49ers do not want the 49ers to dramatically change their offensive approach if Gore was unavailable.

Chargers QB Philip Rivers, who took a number of licks again Sunday, said he was “a little sore, but nothing newsworthy.”

There is a big difference between walking well and running and cutting as a running back, but it's still a positive for the Chargers that Ladainian Tomlinson is walking without hint of a limp as his ankle continues to improve.

“He is making progress,” head coach Norv Turner said.

Still, the Chargers will weigh the benefit of another week off with Tomlinson and Merriman.

“For a guy to try to talk himself into thinking he's healthy or a guy to try to play at less than a high level of health, he's not going to help himself and he's not going to help us,” Turner said.

Turner hinted at being careful with Merriman, who played just two snaps Sunday against Miami due to a groin strain, because he doesn't “want this to become something chronic.”

Merriman said, “It feels a lot better than last week.”

Felix Jones sprained the posterior cruciate ligament Monday but the Cowboys aren't sure how much time he will miss.

"It could get well quickly," coach Wade Phillips said.

Typically PCL injuries take two weeks to get better which would keep Jones out through the bye week.
Felix Jones sprained the posterior cruciate ligament Monday but the Cowboys aren't sure how much time he will miss.

"It could get well quickly," coach Wade Phillips said.

Typically PCL injuries take two weeks to get better which would keep Jones out through the bye week.

Cowboys coach Wade Phillips wouldn't say it, but the reality is backup running back Felix Jones will miss Sunday's game at Denver with a sprained posterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, according to multiple sources.

Phillips said he's had players come back quickly from a sprained PCL in the past but doesn't know when Jones would return.
Jones will be evaluated this week and next to determine if he can play Oct. 11 at Kansas City, but Cowboys officials believe Jones, with rest and treatment, will have a more realistic shot of returning Oct. 25 against Atlanta.

"It's possible, yeah," Phillips said of Jones coming back sooner. "It depends on how bad the sprain is when he comes back."

The Chiefs sign former Cardinals TE Leonard Pope

While the Dolphins continued Tuesday to look toward their best interest by trading for Chiefs quarterback Tyler Thigpen, quarterback Chad Pennington also has moved toward looking out for his own best interest as well.Adding insult to injury, Pennington also now has stitches on his nose, where he caught a helmet to the face while bullying for a first down in Sunday's game against the Chargers.

The nose injury, of course, is nothing compared to his shoulder. As a result of the upcoming surgery, Pennington's career is in serious jeopardy. He has not yet made a decision about his future.

Pennington, who now has enough information about the injury, has elected to undergo a third surgery to his right shoulder to repair a torn capsule, sources said.

When he travels Friday to Birmingham, Ala., Dr. James Andrews will perform the procedure.

The Titans re-signed return man Mark Jones on Tuesday afternoon and placed veteran punter Craig Hentrich on injured reserve, ending his season and possibly his career.

The Titans also signed safety Kevin Kaesviharn to the active roster and released running back Chris Henry, a former second-round pick of the 2007 NFL Draft. The day's transactions ended with the re-signing of cornerback Cary Williams to the practice squad while running back Rodney Ferguson was waived from the practice squad.

Steelers notes, tailback Willie Parker has turf toe and could miss some practice time this week. Rookie fullback Frank Summers is having his back evaluated, and the team may search to add another player.

The team recently released veteran fullback Carey Davis, so he could be on the team's short list this week if Summers can't play.

According to Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, there is no such thing as a doghouse.

But second-year players Rashard Mendenhall and Limas Sweed would certainly be in it if there was.

The prized acquisitions of the 2008 draft class have not had a good week for the Steelers (1-2). Mendenhall, a former first-rounder, had such a poor week of practice that Tomlin opted not to play the tailback on offense in Sunday’s loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Sweed, the team’s second-rounder a year ago, did play but dropped a costly touchdown pass.

But Tomlin says it’s a new week and the slate is clean.

"I don’t have a doghouse; a doghouse is something that you have when you let things stew and you don’t take action," Tomlin said during his Tuesday news conference. "I tend to take action and I’m done with it."

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is worried about injured running back Felix Jones.

Jerry Jones told ESPN that his running back was not able to loosen his left knee after leaving Monday night's win against Carolina.

Felix Jones had 114 yards yards from scrimmage on nine touches, but did not finish the game. Dallas was already playing without Marion Barber, so Tashard Choice was the lone healthy tailback by the end of the game.

After just six games last year as a rookie, Felix Jones landed on IR with a toe injury. And he suffered a strained quad in Week 1 this season.

The running back is expected to have an MRI today. Wade Phillips may have more on his status at his afternoon news conference.

The Chiefs have traded quarterback Tyler Thigpen to the Miami Dolphins for an undisclosed draft pick.

Thigpen was Kansas Citys third quarterback in the team's 34-14 loss at Philadelphia this past Sunday, and he has taken only two snaps this season. Thigpen started the majority of the Chiefs games last season after Brodie Croyle and Damon Huard suffered season-ending injuries.

His mobility and improvisation made him a tough quarterback to plan for, and he led the Chiefs to a victory against Oakland.

49ers not expected to make roster move in response to RB Frank Gore's expected 2-game absence.

Seahawks LB Lofa Tatupu ran Monday, testing the injured hamstring that kept him out of Sunday's game. Mora said that barring a setback, Tatupu should be ready to play on Sunday.

The status of Walter Jones and Matt Hasselbeck this week is more uncertain. Jones will practice as he did last week, but Mora said it was unclear if he'll be ready to play.

"This is almost like his training camp time right now," Mora said.

There have been no setbacks in Jones' recovery from two knee surgeries in the previous 10 months, it's just a matter of improving conditioning and gaining confidence in his leg.

"Whenever you're overcoming a lower leg injury, there are some mental hurdles you have to jump over," Mora said. "And he's doing that, but we're just not quite there yet."

Mora said it would be a stretch to ask Hasselbeck to practice Wednesday, but his status remains up in the air.

"Touch and go," Mora said. "That's just unpredictable. It depends on how he feels."

Upon further review, Jim Mora admitted to a little unnecessary roughness after Sunday's game.

Seattle's coach said he was a little too critical of Olindo Mare's kicking after Sunday's loss to Chicago.

"I let the emotion of the game get to me in my answers about Olindo," Mora said Monday.

Seattle's kicker won't get the boot after Mare missed two of his six field-goal attempts in Sunday's 25-19 loss to Chicago. While his coach isn't satisfied with that performance, he was no longer seething. In fact, he was spreading sunshine.

"I have very high, high expectations for Olindo," Mora said. "And it's because of the work that he has done in this league. He has been an outstanding kicker."

Raiders WR Chaz Schilens (foot) and free safety Hiram Eugene (leg) are questionable for the Houston Texans game Sunday, Cable said. Backup cornerback John Bowie (knee) is doubtful.

Raiders WR Javon Walker has made it all the way back from ankle and knee surgeries within the past year to being a No. 1 receiver, just not for the Raiders.

"I'm always the other team's number one receiver," Walker said about doing his best imitation of the opposing team's top receiver in practice each week.

Walker made like Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall in practice last week on the scout team.

Jets QB Mark Sanchez won’t be taking off on any daring, shoulder-lowering touchdown runs again anytime soon. Ryan said he, the coaching staff and teammates have talked to the rookie about the hazards of his 14-yard touchdown run against the Titans in which he lowered his shoulder and bowled over Titans safety Michael Griffin at the goal line.

“We’ve got to be smart there,” Ryan said. “He does need to realize that he’s got to take care of his body through the long haul.’’

Ryan added the team will devise some type of wet-ball drills to help Sanchez hold onto the ball when he plays in the rain. He fumbled twice. Overall, Ryan is concerned about ball-security issues with the quarterback. He has four fumbles this season and lost one.

Turns out NFL head coaches read Twitter, too.

That’s what Jets wide receiver David Clowney found out last week when coach Rex Ryan revealed Monday that he made Clowney inactive for Sunday’s 24-17 victory over the Titans after reading his Twitter post following the Patriots game in Week 2.

Clowney, an avid tweeter, wrote, ‘‘1 play in the 1st Half, 4 plays in the second half ... a bit disappointed about my playing time but very happy and satisfied about the win.’’

Clowney added, ‘‘My team always comes first so I’ma just keep grinding.’’

That didn’t sit well with Ryan and he called Clowney into his office early in the week and told him so. He also informed Clowney he would be inactive for the Titans game.

‘‘I was upset with him,’’ Ryan said Monday. ‘‘To me, it’s about our team. No individual is bigger than the team. That’s it. If I feel a guy isn’t putting the team first, then I’ll make that decision to put the guy down. It’s not head games, it’s just the way I feel.

Despite Giants K Lawrence Tynes’ two short misses this season, from 21 yards against the Bucs and 29 yards against Dallas, HC Coughlin said the team will not look at any other kickers this week.

Giants WRs Domenik Hixon (knee) and Hakeem Nicks (foot) both hope to practice this week.

Giants HC Coughlin is hopeful RT Kareem McKenzie (knee) and LG Rich Seubert (shoulder), who left Sunday’s game early, will be back to practice Wednesday. McKenzie sprained his knee against the Bucs, while Seubert’s shoulder is a nagging issue that he’ll continue to strengthen.

LB Chase Blackburn sustained a high ankle sprain against the Bucs. He left the game for X-rays, then came back in, and said he expects to play this week against Kansas City.

That’s optimistic, because high ankle sprains can often keep players out for several weeks, but Coughlin said Blackburn thinks the swelling can be controlled.

DE Justin Tuck (shoulder), who surprised even himself by playing Sunday, came out of the game okay after playing eight third-down snaps.

CBs Aaron Ross and Kevin Dockery, who have sat out the first three games with hamstring injuries, should be eased back into individual drills this week.

“We’re going to spoonfeed it back,” Coughlin said. “It’s time.”

Titans rookie tight end Jared Cook is still slowed by an ankle injury and has yet to record his first NFL reception.

"I'm hopeful that he'll be 100 percent this week," Fisher said. "He's still struggling with it. … We want to get him involved in our game plan, but a lot has to do with how he responds this week."

Titans HC Fisher was noncommittal when asked if punter Craig Hentrich would remain on the roster as he recovers from a calf injury.

Fisher said Hentrich's replacement, Reggie Hodges, played well in his first game for the Titans. Hodges averaged 30.3 yards on seven punts against the Jets. He did not have one fielded inside the 20, but it wasn't his fault, Fisher said.

"My young gunners have to understand to run behind the return man and handle that ball when they let it go," Fisher said. "We'll get that fixed."

There was good news with Rams WR Donnie Avery, who took a shot to the ribs late in Sunday's 36-17 loss to Green Bay. His X-rays came back negative.

"We think he's going to be OK," Spagnuolo said. "He's a little bit sore."

Vikings Coach Brad Childress didn't have an update when asked about quarterback Brett Favre, who was hit often against San Francisco and was walking gingerly after the game. Favre said he was sore and tired.

Vikings wide receiver Darius Reynaud, who didn't return after suffering a leg injury in the third quarter Sunday, is expected to be able to play Monday night against the Green Bay Packers.

That's good news for the Vikings, given Reynaud's emergence as one of the league's best punt returners.

Reynaud ranks as the league's second-leading punt returner, averaging 17.3 yards. More remarkable is the fact that Reynaud has a better average than Cleveland's Josh Cribbs, who returned a punt 67 yards for a touchdown in the season opener against the Vikings.

The Indianapolis Colts are in a holding pattern regarding the health and availability of Dwight Freeney.

The team's four-time Pro Bowl defensive end and career sack leader underwent a magnetic resonance imaging test Monday to determine the severity of an injury to his right quadriceps he sustained in Sunday night's win at Arizona.

Team president Bill Polian was unable to offer a prognosis on Freeney on his Monday night radio show. He had yet to meet with the team's medical staff

Texans injury update:

Linebacker Chaun Thompson suffered a knee injury against Jacksonville and could undergo surgery.

Coach Gary Kubiak said Monday he's hoping receiver André Davis (concussion) and cornerback Jacques Reeves (fibula) will be able to play against Oakland.

Receiver David Anderson got X-rays on his back after the game, but they were negative. He's sore.
Cornerback Antwaun Molden could miss another game because of a quad injury.

After being limited during the week in practice with a left quadriceps injury, Marion Barber was not active, allowing Felix Jones to make the first start of his career.

On Monday afternoon, Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones said the team would be "conservative" with Barber's injury after seeing him struggle late last season when he attempted to play with a dislocated toe.

Barber had only 15 yards on 13 carries in the last three games of the 2008 season. With Jones and Tashard Choice, the Cowboys did not see the need to risk Barber to more injury with the bulk of the season to play.

Felix Jones was briefly forced to the sideline with a strained left knee after his 40-yard run in the third quarter.

It appeared that Jones suffered the injury as he landed out of bounds. After being examined by the medical staff, he was fitted with a knee brace. Before returning, he spent time riding the stationary bike.

Jones was in on the first two plays of the next drive that ended with Tashard Choice's touchdown but did not get another carry.

Jones, who still hasn't had more than nine carries in a game, finished with 94 yards on only eight carries. He also had a 20-yard reception.

Bengals coach Marvin Lewis is faced with the same daunting dilemma this week that Vikings coach Brad Childress had for the opener: Whom to prepare for -- Brady Quinn or Derek Anderson?

As expected, Browns coach Eric Mangini will try to keep folks guessing on his starter, at least for one more day.

"I'll make that decision and let you guys know on Wednesday," he said.

The Panthers reported only one new injury, that being to RB Mike Goodson, who suffered a head injury and had to leave. Goodson will have two weeks to rest, so he should be available for the Panthers when they return to the field on Oct. 11 against Washington.

Bills starting cornerback and kick returner Leodis McKelvin suffered a broken leg in Sunday's 27-7 loss to the New Orleans Saints, while starting safety Donte Whitner was scheduled for surgery Monday to repair an injured thumb.
Jauron said Whitner's injury will keep him out in the week-to-week range, while McKelvin will be out longer. McKelvin's injury occurred in the second quarter. Jauron said it was not related to the fibula injury he suffered in Week Two against Tampa Bay.
"It was one of those freak things," Jauron said.

Falcons RB Jerious Norwood (head) and safety William Moore (hamstring) are expected to be ready for the San Francisco game Oct. 11.

Quarterback Marc Bulger has a bruised rotator cuff in his throwing shoulder, and the St. Louis Rams don't know if he will be available for their game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.

"He'll be a little bit day-to-day," Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo said Monday. "We're not sure on this week. We'll see where he is at tomorrow and on Wednesday, and if he'll do anything at all. It's not torn. It's a bruised rotator cuff."

Spagnuolo said he didn't know if Bulger would be able to throw in practice on Wednesday.

"He's very sore today," Spagnuolo said. "Tomorrow when he comes in, we'll see where he is at. I know one thing about Marc Bulger, if there is a way for him to go and fight through pain, he'll do that." If Bulger can't play, Kyle Boller will start in his place.

Packers WR James Jones said he dislocated a finger when he dropped a pass on slant in the third quarter. He played only sparingly thereafter. Receiver Greg Jennings aggravated a wrist injury but remained in the game.

Yesterday saw another game played, in the 2009 NFL season and this game was between the Dallas Cowboys and the Carolina Panthers, which took place at the Cowboys Stadium. And it was within this game, that Dallas’ Felix Jones suffered a knee injury.

Although there was a bit of good news for Felix, as he apparently had a 40-yard run. But according to dallasnews.com, the bad news for Felix was that he suffered an injury to his left knee, and had to get it checked out. Flozell Adams was also hurt on the same play.

Jones appeared to go unnoticed as he sat on the bench, but when he suffered the injury, he was surrounded by eight members of the medical staff. And apparently, Jones has been fitted with a brace for his knee, so it doesn’t look to be too serious.

If the 49ers are going to rebound from their tough final-seconds defeat in Minnesota, they're going to have to do it without running back Frank Gore.
Gore will miss at least three weeks after MRI results revealed Monday that he suffered a right-ankle strain and a right-foot sprain on the team's first play from scrimmage Sunday against the Vikings. The 49ers announced Gore's status via an e-mail sent Monday night and did not make any team officials available for comment.
Earlier Monday, coach Mike Singletary said at his weekly press conference that the injury was unrelated to the ankle sprain Gore suffered against Seattle two weeks ago and noted, "It is not believed to be serious.''
If the three-week prognosis holds true, Gore will miss just two games. The 49ers play host to St. Louis and Atlanta the next two weeks before a bye on Oct. 18. They play at Houston on Oct. 25.

Vikings WR Darius Reynaud had a 32-yard punt return on the final play of the first quarter. But he suffered a left hamstring injury on a 10-yard punt return in the third quarter. Bernard Berrian took over for Reynaud and returned the final two punts by the 49ers for a total of 13 yards.

The Packers came out of the game with only a couple injuries, according to Mike McCarthy. I don't think WR James Jones returned, but WR Greg Jennings did return after apparently re-injuring his wrist early in the 3rd quarter.

A week after San Francisco's Frank Gore rambled for 207 yards against Seattle, the Bears hoped to get their own ground game sorted out against the Seahawks.

That didn't happen, but they still managed to get just enough out of Matt Forte and the running game to keep the offense balanced.

Forte, who left Qwest Field with a wrap on his right knee, was examined in the first quarter after taking a hit and came back to finish with 66 yards on 21 attempts (3.1 per carry). The Bears didn't get a first down rushing until 10 minutes left in the game.

Still, the Seahawks frequently had eight men in the box, and that created one-on-one matchups on the outside that quarterback Jay Cutler used to his advantage.

''I think the running game was effective to where we had to have it,'' said Forte, who now has 150 yards on 59 carries this season with no touchdowns. ''Sometimes they brought the safety down, and that made it a little tough. We were this close to breaking some long runs. Some of them I've got to pick my feet up, and I tripped. Things like that happened.''

Forte said his knee was ''dinged up'' and he just had it taped to return.

Running back Kevin Smith hopes to return Sunday at Chicago after leaving the Lions’ 19-14 victory over Washington with a shoulder injury.
“I’m alive,” Smith said today. “I’m not ready to play if we had to play a game tomorrow, and that’s just probably because of the general soreness. But I’m 22 years old. I usually heal pretty fast. I don’t have any bone damage or anything like that.”

Asked if it was just a bruise, Smith said: “I don’t know yet. I’m about to go walk in there and find out. I haven’t gotten my results yet. But they say I’m not out of it, so that’s a good sign.”

Smith said his goal was to get back to practice Wednesday. He said he needs at least a couple of days of practice to feel prepared for a game.

Running back Frank Gore nursed a right ankle injury last week, taking part in limited practice. On the first play on which he touched the ball, Gore came up hobbling.

But 49ers coach Mike Singletary says the injury sustained early in the game Sunday against the Vikings is not related to Gore's pre-existing condition. We're trying to get official word from the 49ers' medical staff.

Gore sustained an ankle sprain against the Seahawks. (A sprain is an injury to a ligament). The injury Gore sustained Sunday was described as an ankle strain. (A strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon).
Gore is scheduled to have an MRI examination later today.

"It is not believed to be serious," Singletary said.

Eagles HC Reid indicates there will be RB rotation going forward: "I think that'll take place. [McCoy] will rotate in there. We'll see how it goes."

St. Louis Rams quarterback Marc Bulger has a bruised rotator cuff on his right throwing arm but has not been ruled out for next week's game at San Francisco.

Whether Bulger or backup Kyle Boller starts, winless St. Louis will be without wide receiver Laurent Robinson, who leads the Rams with 13 catches. He will miss the remainder of the season with a high right ankle sprain and a fractured fibula.

Bulger, Robinson and safety James Butler were all hurt in Sunday's 36-17 loss to the Packers. Coach Steve Spagnuolo said Butler will miss at least two weeks with a sprained left knee.

Bulger was injured on a sack that caused a fumble in the first quarter.

San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore will undergo an MRI late Monday afternoon to determine the extent of damage to his injured right ankle.

Rams WR Laurent Robinson out for the season with a broken tibia.

Just caught up to Jerry Jones at Gilley's in Dallas and he said it is doubtful Marion Barber will play tonight against Carolina.

Barber is listed as questionable and did not take part in a full practice during the week.

Jones said the Cowboys would be "conservative" with Barber with a long season still to come and the health of Felix Jones and Tashard Choice.

Reading between the lines on Jones word and Wade Phillips on Saturday I would not expect to see Barber tonight.

Dolphins Chad Pennington has a torn capsule in throwing shldr. Expected out for year with second opinion next.

Emotionally, Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt sounds as if he wants to put his team in full pads during this bye week and work the players for hours in the sun. Logically, he knows that's not the smart thing to do. So Whisenhunt likely will reach some middle ground this week. He has some injured players he needs to rest -- QB Kurt Warner (shoulder), DE Darnell Dockett (ankle), WR Steve Breaston (knee), WR Anquan Boldin (hamstring), to name a few.

Josh Freeman's time has not yet come, but Byron Leftwich's has apparently run out.

Buccaneers coach Raheem Morris announced today that 23-year-old Josh Johnson will replace Leftwich as the starting quarterback in Washington on Sunday.

Two key Titans members of the defensive backfield — Pro Bowl cornerback Cortland Finneganand nickel back Vincent Fuller — suffered injuries during the loss to the Jets on Sunday and their status for the Jacksonville game is uncertain.

Finnegan injured a hamstring in the second half and Fuller suffered a broken right arm in the first quarter. Neither returned to action, leaving the Titans with a patchwork secondary.

After Fuller's injury, rookie Ryan Mouton stepped in at nickel back. Another rookie, Jason McCourty, replaced Finnegan at corner.

When McCourty cramped up in the fourth quarter, Mouton switched over to the cornerback spot opposite Nick Harper.

Chargers LB Shawne Merriman was not surprised his injured groin wouldn't last more than a few snaps of yesterday's 23-13 victory over the Miami Dolphins.

“I wasn't good before the game,” Merriman said. “It wasn't feeling good at all. It wasn't there yet.  . . . I just had to go to see what I could do.”

Merriman played the first two snaps of Miami's first two series and then not again.

No one would say so, but it is likely the Chargers simply didn't want to let the Dolphins know Merriman wasn't going to be in the game. He is a key player teams have to account for when preparing their game plan.

Going forward, Merriman didn't rule out resting through the bye that follows this week's game at Pittsburgh.

“I don't know yet,” he said. “We'll do our best to get me ready (for Sunday).”

Rookie Larry English played in Merriman's place and continued to progress.

“I felt like I did OK,” said English, who knocked down a third-down pass in the fourth quarter. “I could have made more plays than I did.”

Asked about his knee injury, which has been an issue since the preseason, WR Antonio Bryant said, "I have to push myself to get back out here on this field whether I’m beat up or not. Nobody’s 100 percent. Once you start playing this game, you’ll never go back to 100 percent. I think I was 100 percent when I was 14 years old."

Then, he pointed to his heart and said, "This right here though, this can be 100 percent."

Unlike in the opener, when Bryant took himself out of the game in the second half because of knee pain, he said he emerged in better shape today. There was no swelling, which he said is a particularly good sign.

Raiders coach Tom Cable said he never considered taking Jamarcus Russell out of the game and wouldn’t speculate about replacing him in the future if the quarterback continues to struggle.

“I just feel like we have to keep moving forward, trying to figure out what is going to help him be at his best,” Cable said.

Cable took the blame for Russell’s first interception, having him throw the ball out of his own end zone.

“I thought we could get them in a single-high safety and they bailed out to a two and Darrius fell down on that,” Cable said. “The bottom line is I could have called a better play.”

Former Raider Renaldo Hill intercepted that one. The second pick, to Andre Goodman, “was just an overthrow.”

With a bye Sunday, the Eagles will likely get the remainder of this week off from practice and return a week from today.

Donovan Mcnabb could return Oct. 11 when the Eagles play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after their bye week.

"I think he will, but we'll see how it goes," Eagles coach Andy Reid said yesterday after his team's 34-14 win over the Kansas City Chiefs.

McNabb's return from a fractured rib will likely have a domino effect, with Kevin Kolb resuming his backup role and Jeff Garcia getting sent back to the unemployment line.

Reid made it clear that there isn't going to be a quarterback controversy even though Kolb threw for more than 300 yards in each of his two starts.

"Donovan is the quarterback of the team," Reid said. "That's not a problem. I don't think it's a problem with Kevin, and I don't think it's a problem for our team, and I know it's not a problem for me."

Kolb said a return to the sidelines won't be easy, but he'll understand it.

Brady Quinn waited his whole life to play quarterback for his beloved Browns, and now he faces a benching just 2½ games into what was supposed to be his first full season as the starter.

After yanking Quinn midway through Sunday's 34-3 loss to the Ravens, coach Eric Mangini said he'll look at the quarterback situation and "make a decision early [this] week." Of course, he might decide to keep the Bengals -- next week's opponent -- guessing for a few days.

But Quinn knows he might have to take a seat behind Derek Anderson for a while, even though Anderson threw three interceptions in desperate attempts to get back in the game.

Lions RB Kevin Smith left the game in the third quarter with a shoulder injury and did not return.
"Yeah, Kevin's got a shoulder (injury) and Kevin was running extremely well," Lions coach Jim Schwartz said. "He was running physical and was giving hits, taking hits, and things like that. He's got a shoulder. I don't know where it's going to be. We'll have a lot of tests he'll wind up doing tomorrow, but he came out of the game with a shoulder."
Smith had rushed for 101 yards on 16 carries up to that point (6.3 average). He left briefly in the second quarter with a knee injury, but returned after the half until being knocked out with the shoulder.
Smith lay flat on his back for several minutes after taking a hit out in the flat in the third quarter. He immediately signaled for trainers to come out.

he Lions have sought a legitimate No. 2 receiver opposite superstar Calvin Johnson going on three years now. There have been plenty of contenders, but all have turned out to be pretenders.
But the Lions might have found something in seventh-year veteran receiver Bryant Johnson, who signed with the team as a free agent in the offseason.
The Lions have sought a legitimate No. 2 receiver opposite superstar Calvin Johnson going on three years now. There have been plenty of contenders, but all have turned out to be pretendersBut the Lions might have found something in seventh-year veteran receiver Bryant Johnson, who signed with the team as a free agent in the offseason.
Calvin Johnson has battled double teams from Day 1 in the NFL, mainly because teams never had to worry about a real threat on the other side. Bryant Johnson's performance Sunday: four receptions for 73 yards, including a 21-yard touchdown in the first quarter, might be all Calvin Johnson needs to see less double teams as the year moves on.

Wearing a bandage on the bridge of his nose and a solemn expression, Dolphins quarterback Chad Pennington gingerly slipped his right arm into his shirt sleeve.

While he slowly dressed after Sunday's 23-13 loss to the Chargers, his mind raced with concerns about the state of his injured shoulder.

Pennington spent almost all of the second half on the bench Sunday, an ice pack on his throwing shoulder, as the Dolphins fell to 0-3. He had surgery on the shoulder twice in 2005, putting his career in doubt.

Sunday, he was sidelined on the first series of the second half when linebacker Kevin Burnett broke through the right side of the Dolphins' line and hit Pennington's arm on an incomplete pass.

"Right now I'm just in a little bit of a state of shock," he said. "Truly disappointed because I know what kind of work I've put in and what type of work our team has put in.

"For me not to be able to be out there and help us is tough for me to swallow."

Coach Tony Sparano had no comment on the severity of the injury.

When Dolphins quarterback Chad Pennington left Sunday's game with an injury to his throwing shoulder in the third quarter, it created a domino effect.

The Dolphins chose to insert Chad Henne, listed as the third quarterback, rather than Pat White, the nominal backup on game day. That meant that neither White nor Pennington could return because Henne had come into the game before the start of the fourth quarter.

Pennington was injured on the fourth play of the second half when Chargers linebacker Kevin Burnett threw him to the ground after an incompletion on third-and-7 from the Miami 40 yard line. Right tackle Vernon Carey appeared to be the culprit on the knockdown.

Pennington has undergone two major surgeries on that right shoulder.

Browns quarterback Brady Quinn has been benched after failing to produce any first-half points against the Baltimore Ravens.

Quinn went 6 for 8 for 34 yards and an interception as the Browns fell behind 20-0. He was replaced by Derek Anderson, who threw an interception on Cleveland's first possession of the third quarter.

Playing without injured running back Jamal Lewis, the winless Browns generated only 78 yards in offense over the first 30 minutes.

Anderson started for the Browns last year and was ultimately replaced by Quinn.

Rams WR Laurent Robinson suffers an ankle injury in today's game.

Chargers outside linebacker Shawne Merriman left Sunday's game against Miami because of a groin injury.
Merriman tried to play with the injury, which he sustained a week earlier in a loss to Baltimore, but was forced out by early in the third quarter. Merriman didn't practice Wednesday or Thursday but did on Friday, and was listed as questionable on the injury report.

Broncos RB Peyton Hillis suffers a head injury during today's game against the Raiders.

The Rams, already playing without starting rookie right tackle Jason Smith (sprained knee), lost quarterback Marc Bulger in the first quarter of Sunday's game against the Packers.

Bulger went to the sideline, where he removed his shoulder pads. Backup Kyle Boller came in to replace him.

The official word is Patriots RB Laurence Maroney has a thigh injury.

Niners RB Frank Gore tested his gimpy right ankle against the Vikings today, but after a brief appearance, he wasn’t able to continue. It now appears Gore might miss some significant time.

NFL Network’s Jason La Canfora reports that Gore is suffering from a high ankle strain and likely will miss at least the next two games, according to a league source. The hope is that he could return after the 49ers’ Week 6 bye.

“It happened,” coach Mike Singletary said following the game. “But I had every bit of confidence in Glen Coffee going into the game and did not blink.”

Gore limped off the field after his only carry of the game, a 4-yard run on the first play of the 49ers’ second series. He later was carted off the sideline to the locker room, and X-rays revealed no broken bones, according to the team.

Gore had been limited in practice during the week after injuring the ankle late in last week’s game against the Seahawks, and he was listed as probable for Sunday’s game. Rookie RB Glen Coffee carried the load with Gore out, rushing for 54 yards on 25 carries.

The Dolphins season has taken a drastic detour in the third quarter of the game.

Chad Pennington injured his right shoulder and was out for the remainder of the game and possibly longer.

Chad Henne replaced Pennington.

Lions running back Kevin Smith injured his right shoulder and walked off the field in the third quarter Sunday against the Washington Redskins.

49ers running back Frank Gore left the game Sunday against Minnesota with a right ankle injury. The team says X-rays showed no broken bones and his return is doubtful.

Gore has been bothered by the injury since last week against Seattle. He rushed for 207 yards on 16 carries in the game, but did not play for most of the fourth quarter after getting hurt.

He left the game after rushing for 4 yards on one carry on the second possession of the game for San Francisco. Gore limped to the sidelines and tried to walk it off for several minutes before taking a cart to the locker room.

Glen Coffee replaced Gore as the 49ers primary running back.

Reminder - Rookie RB Knowshon Moreno did not participate in the Friday practice because of a groin injury. Veteran receiver Brandon Stokley also didn’t practice Friday because of a thigh injury. Moreno was not previously listed on the injury report so he apparently suffered the groin injury during practice Thursday. Both Moreno and Stokley are listed as questionable against Oakland.

The Broncos have been very stout defensively thus far, allowing only a touchdown and two field goals in a 2-0 start.

Ladainian Tomlinson will miss the game today because of injury and the club says L.T. won't be playing until his ankle is 100 percent.

Donovan Mcnabb is out again and Kevin Kolb will play, but how many snaps will Michael Vick get? Yes, he should get as many as 10 to 12 plays in the wildcat offense, but might he also take some reps in Philly's conventional offense? Insiders say he had a very good week of practice. Eagles coach Andy Reid prepared his team for Vick by running the wildcat 10 times last Sunday. The bad news for Philly fans is that RB Brian Westbrook continues to be bothered by a sore ankle (same one that was surgically repaired in the offseason) while big-play WR Desean Jackson has a groin strain. Chiefs WR Dwayne Bowe (right hamstring) should be active, but who knows how long he will last in the game and how limited he might become.

Bills RB Marshawn Lynch returns next week from his three-game NFL suspension and he could be active against Miami. Coach Dick Jauron is eager to have Lynch back because he's concerned with the pounding that Fred Jackson (54 touches in two games) has been taking.

Rookie WR Percy Harvin missed two days of practices with migraines. Harvin will be a game-time decision.

Giants QB Eli Manning won't have WRs Dominik Hixon and Hakeem Hicks, but he still has Steve Smith and Mario Manningham. There is a chance that rookie WR Ramses Barden might see some playing time.

Bucs RB Derrick Ward will start against his former teammates. He may not recognize everyone, though, because the Giants will be minus Justin Tuck (shoulder) and CB Aaron Ross while C.C. Brown starts for safety Kenny Phillips, who was put on IR this week.

The Bucs' offense is struggling, too. WR Antonio Bryant (knee) will be a game-time decision and Maurice Stovall (knee) is out. Bryant probably won't play because that's the only explanation for activating WR Mario Urrutia off the practice squad and thus releasing LB Matt McCoy, a solid special-teams player.

The Falcons are catching the Patriots at the right time. New England's offensive line has struggled with blitz pressure. They are minus talented MLB Jerod Mayo and WR Wes Welker probably won't play. There were worries about Randy Moss, too, but supposedly he will try to play. But that isn't good news for Tom Brady, who is still trying to regain his 2007 MVP form. Yes, rookie Julian Edelman had a nice game against the Jets last week for Welker, but he's no deep threat. And Joey Galloway still seems to be finding his way in the offense.

T.j. Houshmandzadeh claims he can beat Bears cornerbacks Charles Tillman and Zack Bowman “95 percent” of the time. “I feel like I’m going to get open every play, every time,” Houshmandzadeh said.

With Antonio Bryant and Maurice Stovall both iffy at best, Bucs WR Brian Clark could get more game snaps than normal today.

Reminder – RB Jamal Lewis didn't travel to Baltimore and he will not play today. Also out for CLE is kicker Phil Dawson. Look for RBs Jerome Harrison and James Davis to fill in for Lewis while newly signed free agent K Billy Cundiff is in line to kick.

Donovan Mcnabb could have a sideline view for Michael Vick's debut.

McNabb is doubtful to play Sunday when the Eagles host Kansas City because of a broken rib. Kevin Kolb will make his second straight start if McNabb can't go. No matter who's under center, Vick will play his first regular-season game in 33 months.

If McNabb doesn't play, the Eagles might keep three quarterbacks active and have Jeff Garcia be the backup. Kolb made his first NFL start against the Saints, throwing for 391 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions.

McNabb may be joined on the sideline by running back Brian Westbrook (ankle) and wide receiver Kevin Curtis (knee). Westbrook is questionable and Curtis is doubtful. Rookie Lesean Mccoy would take Westbrook's spot and rookie Jeremy Maclin would start for Curtis.

Middle linebacker Gary Brackett and cornerback Kelvin Hayden did not travel with the Indianapolis Colts to Arizona where they will play the Cardinals on Sunday night.

Brackett injured his left knee late in last Sunday's victory at Miami Dolphins. Hayden hurt his hamstring.

Both were held out of practice this week.

Freddy Keiaho likely will replace Brackett, the defensive captain, in the starting lineup. It's uncertain who will replace Hayden for the Colts in the secondary.

It's time for our daily Marion Barber update.

Barber continues to practice on a limited basis. He continues to have swelling where he strained his quad.

Wade Phillips continues to weigh whether or not it makes sense for the team's leading rusher to play.

"He wants to play,'' Phillips said. "Whether it's prudent for him to play or whether he's healthy enough, those things have to be determined. We've still got a couple of days left.

"I don't want him to be in a situation where number one, he could be hurt worse and you lose him for a longer amount of time...His game is power. If he's not as powerful, that could be a factor. It's so subjective.''

One thing that won't happen is for Barber to be active if he can only be used on a limited basis.

"You don't want to roll the dice with a player like that,'' Phillips said.

Two of the Broncos’ top offensive weapons _ rookie running back Knowshon Moreno (groin) and veteran receiver Brandon Stokley (deep thigh bruise) _ will test their leg injuries prior to the game Sunday in Oakland in hopes they will play.

A daunting offensive challenge for the Browns became officially all the more difficult early Saturday evening when the team announced its list of players declared out for Sunday's game due to injury.
On the list were running back Jamal Lewis (hamstring), kicker Phil Dawson (right calf) along with offensive linemen Rex Hadnot (knee) and Floyd Womack (ankle). Baltimore safety Ed Reed was listed as questionable on Friday.

To step in for Dawson, the Browns signed free agent Billy Cundiff, and waived running back Cedric Peerman. Cundiff was originally signed by Dallas as an undrafted free agent in 2002 and spent four seasons (2002-05) with the Cowboys. He spent a portion of the 2006 season with New Orleans, handling kickoff duties in five games, while also attempting one field goal.

In 58 career regular season games, he has converted 60-of-83 (.723) field goal attempts and 100-of-101 PATs for 280 career points. In 2003, Cundiff tied a then-NFL record with a career-high seven field goals against the N.Y. Giants.

If Seahawks QB Matt Hasselbeck is out (week #3), Seneca Wallace will start. He is 5-7 in games he has started for the Seahawks.

Jim Mora isn't counting on Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck to play against Chicago on Sunday.

In fact, Seattle's coach isn't even sure he'll be able to count on 45 players being healthy enough to dress against the Bears.

"I'm hoping we can suit up 45 guys, quite frankly," Mora said.

Mora announced after practice Friday Hasselbeck is doubtful because of a fractured rib, one of six players Seattle does not expect to play.

"It's extremely unlikely Matt will play," Mora said.

Texans injury status: HC Kubiak said that CB Jacques Reeves and WR André Davis are game time decisions for the showdown with the Jaguars. Reeves has been out since the early part of training camp with a broken left fibula, while Davis was knocked out of the Jets game in Week 1 with a concussion.

Davis wants to get back but says his situation changes from day-to-day.

"Right now, everything's just based on the symptoms I've been having," Davis said. "There are some days that I have good days and then the next day I'm still feeling pretty mentally foggy. Today was a good day."

As for Reeves, today went well at practice. He explained what methods for healing he'll use in between Friday afternoon and kickoff on Sunday.

"I'll do a little treatment, go get my masseuse to work on it," he said. "Epsom salt. Ice. Whatever I can do. Things around the bone are starting to come to, so it's going well."

After a week of limited participation in practice, Kubiak thought defensive tackle Shaun Cody "looked good," as Cody comes back from a bruised right knee. He also said that receiver Kevin Walter will likely play, based on what he saw during the week.

Redskins QB Jason Campbell (foot) and offensive tackle Mike Williams (illness) are also probable.

Clinton Portis did not practice Friday, and the Redskins listed the running back as questionable for Sunday's game against the Lions. Coach Jim Zorn, however, said Portis will play.

"His ankles have been sore," Zorn said. "We've got many [other backs] to choose from, but I expect Clinton to be out there ripping around."

Portis, who has started every game since he finished the 2006 season on IR with a broken hand, declined to comment. Zorn said Portis has been suffering from bone spurs in both ankles - a difficulty the coach had not revealed this season.

"It's been happening, not all preseason, but he's got a couple little spurs that are irritating," Zorn said. "No swelling. It's just hard for him. He needs to rest them."

He'll rest only in practice unless the ankles get much worse.

Eagles HC Reid would not comment on McNabb, but it is widely expected that Kevin Kolb will start for the Eagles.

Reid also confirmed Friday that Michael Vick will play in the team’s wildcat offense.

Brian Westbrook also did not practice this week and is listed as questionable (meaning he has a 50% chance or greater he will play). He has an ankle injury.

The Eagles have until Sunday morning to declare if McNabb, Westbrook and Jackson will play in the game.

If McNabb doesn’t play, it’s expected that Vick will be the backup quarterback and Jeff Garcia will be available as the emergency quarterback.

Eagles Coach Andy Reid said Kevin Curtis is now doubtful for the Chiefs game, as is Donovan Mcnabb and Quintin Demps.

If Curtis can’t play, Jeremy Maclin will start and Reggie Brown will be activated.

Desean Jackson made a surprise return to practice on Friday and Jeremy Maclin will probably start on Sunday for the Eagles.

Jackson missed practice until Friday with a groin injury, but surprised a lot of observers by takinga full set of practice reps on Friday.

The generally quiet release of the Friday afternoon practice report included one red flag yesterday that sounded like an air horn.

Receiver Randy Moss did not practice with the Patriots [team stats] because of a back problem - a surprising development.

Moss is officially listed as questionable. Fellow receiver Wes Welker (knee) also did not practice and is listed as questionable.

Moss and Welker were both on the field during the media access portion of practice, though neither took part in team drills. Moss was not in the locker room while reporters were there, the first time in recent memory that has happened.

Neither players, nor coach Bill Belichick, were available when Moss’ news became public. Belichick had said Welker was a gametime decision.

It is not clear when Moss injured his back. He has not missed a game in his Pats career, while Welker missed last week against the Jets.

It’s not a positive sign for quarterback Tom Brady [stats] and his offense that the top two receivers missed the last practice before playing the Falcons. It would be even worse if one or both didn’t play.

Philadelphia guard Todd Herremans (foot) and cornerback Dimitri Patterson (hand) are out for Sunday, safety Quintin Demps (hamstring) and quarterback Donovan Mcnabb (rib) are doubtful, and running back Brian Westbrook (ankle) is questionable.

Wide receiver Desean Jackson (groin) was a full participant in the Eagles’ practice on Friday.

Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel (knee) and cornerback Brandon Flowers (shoulder) are listed as probable, and linebacker Derrick Johnson (groin), tight end Jake O’Connell (ankle) and left guard Brian Waters (ankle) are listed as questionable.

Johnson told reporters Thursday that he didn’t expect to play Sunday but that he thought his groin injury would limit him only to one missed game.

Chiefs wide receiver Dwayne Bowe remained hobbled Friday by a leg injury, and coach Todd Haley said Bowe would be listed as questionable for Sunday’s game at Philadelphia.

If Bowe misses the game or isn’t 100 percent, Haley said, Kansas City’s other receivers would be expected to pick up the slack for their playmaking teammate. In the Chiefs’ first two regular-season games, Bowe has nine catches for 96 yards and two touchdowns.

“Just like anytime somebody gets injured or misses or isn’t full speed,” Haley said, “somebody is going to have to step up and play.”

Bobby Wade, who was signed last week and caught six passes against Oakland, is listed as the Chiefs’ other starting receiver, opposite Bowe.

The Browns might have to face the Ravens Sunday without two of their best offensive weapons: running back Jamal Lewis and kicker Phil Dawson.

Lewis is doubtful to face his former team with a hamstring injury suffered last week in Denver, meaning there's only a 25 percent chance he'll play. He hasn't practiced all week, including Friday's final full workout before the game. If he can't go, he'll be replaced by the combination of Jerome Harrison and rookie James Davis.

Dawson was added to the injury report on Friday as questionable with a right calf injury, meaning there's a 50-50 chance he'll play. He was limited in practice and afterward the Browns worked out four free-agents kickers, both on kickoffs and field goals. They were Shane Andrus, Matt Bryant, Brandon Coutou and Billy Cundiff.

The Browns can sign a kicker on Saturday if Dawson isn't ready to go. They could also use punter Dave Zastudil on kickoffs, although he's been battling an injury to his right (non-kicking) knee. Zastudil is listed as probable for the game.

Texans wide receiver Kevin Walter is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Jaguars with a hamstring injury.

Walter, who had 60 catches for 899 yards and eight touchdowns last season, has yet to make a catch this season because of the injury.

Texans cornerback Antwaun Molden (quadriceps) has been ruled out of the game, while wide receiver Andre Davis (concussion) and cornerback Jacques Reeves (fibula) are doubtful. Defensive tackle Shaun Cody (knee) is questionable.

There were some surprises on the Broncos’ injury report Friday. Rookie running back Knowshon Moreno did not participate in the Friday practice because of a groin injury. Veteran receiver Brandon Stokley also didn’t practice Friday because of a thigh injury.

Stokley also didn’t practice Wednesday because of his thigh injury but he returned on a limited basis Thursday. Moreno was not previously listed on the injury report so he apparently suffered the groin injury during practice Thursday.

Both Moreno and Stokley are listed as questionable for the game Sunday at Oakland. Stokley’s gimpy status could mean veteran receiver Brandon Lloyd will be activated Sunday for the first time since signing with the Broncos.

On the encouraging side of the injury report, left guard Ben Hamilton returned to practice after missing Thursday with a hamstring injury. Hamilton is listed as probable for the Raiders’ game.

After working his way back from knee and ankle injuries in college, NFLer Lynell Hamilton has largely spent time on the Saints practice squad.

However, with Mike Bell (knee) being ruled out for week three and Pierre Thomas just working his way back, Hamilton could very well be in the Saints backfield rotation with Reggie Bush and Thomas against Buffalo.

For his part, Hamilton had a solid preseason leading the team in several statistical areas.

Chargers RB Ladainian Tomlinson has been officially ruled out of Sundays game. As expected Darren Sproles will start for the Chargers and is a good fantasy option as long as LT is sidelined.

Patriots WR Wesley Welker (knee) did not practice Friday. He will again be a game-time decision Sunday. Adding to the cloudy picture is the fact that Randy Moss (back) was a late addition to the injury report with a back injury, and is officially questionable.

Chiefs WR Dwayne Bowe (hamstring) is officially listed as questionable after tweaking his hamstring on Thursday. We expect Bowe to start, but owners will need to check the inactive list Sunday to be sure.

Seahawks WR T.j. Houshmandzadeh took full reps Friday and is listed as probable. Housh has indicated all week long that he will play and has predicted a big game.

Seahawks QB Matt Hasselbeck (rib doubtful) is not expected to start. Coach Mora was even less optimistic than earlier in the week, declaring Hasselbeck "extremely unlikely" to start. Seneca Wallace should get the rock.

Eagles RB Brian Westbrook (knee) is questionable for Sunday after not practicing Friday. All indications are that Westbrook should start, but owners are familiar with Westbrook uncertainty up until gametime.
Expect Westbrook to start, but have a backup plan just in case.

Eagles WR Desean Jackson (groin) is officially questionable, but Andy Reid fully expects Jackson to start on Sunday. Kevin Curtis (knee) has been listed as doubtful, so the Eagles will be relying heavily on Desean Jackson and rookie Jeremy Maclin.

Eagles QB Donovan Mcnabb (rib doubtful) did not practice Friday. It is extremely unlikely that McNabb will play this week and will most likely be rested until after the Eagles bye week. Kevin Kolb is expected to start with Michael Vick seeing roughly 10 snaps in a wildcat formation.

NO RB Mike Bell (knee) and WR Lance Moore (hamstring) have both been officially ruled out for Sunday. Devery Henderson should benefit from Lance Moore's absence, while the running back situation is less clear. Lynell Hamilton has been rumored to get some touches, and Pierre Thomas (knee probable) is looking good enough to play.

Vikings WR Percy Harvin (illness) missed practice again with
what a source has reported as "severe migraines" and is officially listed
as questionable for Sunday. Harvin was well enough for team meetings and the Vikings hope he will be well enough to play.

Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (back probable) is listed as probable for Sunday, and has indicated
all week that he will play.

Jaguars RB Maurice Drew (knee) is officially probable and looks to have
a good fantasy day ahead of him.

Texans WR Kevin Walter (hamstring) is listed as questionable. He will
test out the hamstring in pre-game warmups and will be a game-time decision.
Fellow WR Andre Davis (concussion) is doubtful to play. Andre Johnson and
Jacoby Jones should continue to see increased action due to Houston's banged up
receiving corps.

Denver RB Knowshon Moreno (groin) was listed as questionable on
the Friday Injury report after not practicing Friday. It was looking
like Knowshon had mostly recovered from his pre-season injuries, but
now he figures to be a game-time decision.

Cowboys RB Marion Barber (thigh) was limited again on Friday. It seems as if the Cowboys will be cautious with
Barber and hold him out, although even if he does play his role should be limited. Look for Felix Jones
and Tashard Choice to step up and fill in for Barber.

Jamal Lewis has been officially listed as doubtful. Look for rookie
James Davis and Jerome Harrison to split work out of the backfield. It
is unclear who will officially be the starter.

Bengals WR Chris Henry (thigh) practiced fully on Friday and is listed
as probable. This is a nagging injury, and even if he plays, he may
lack the extra burst and separation that fantasy owners who reached for him in drafts
were counting on.

Steve Breaston (knee) is questionable for Sunday. He will again be a
game-time decision. Find production elsewhere to avoid getting burned if
Breaston again goes inactive.

Falcons RB Jerious Norwood (head) missed practice for the third straight day
and is listed as questionable. Jason Snelling should get Norwood's touches
as it is unlikely Norwood will see any significant action.

Ravens TE L.J. Smith (hamstring questionable) got in a full week of practice and may get some action Sunday.
Don't count on him until he does play and shows some production.

Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart (heel) was limited Friday, but should play his usual second fiddle to DeAngello Williams
Monday Night.

Browns K Phil Dawson (calf) has been listed as questionable on the team's injury
report. Dawson has no upside anyways. Pick up someone else
if Dawson is your kicker.

Denver WR Brandon Stokley (thigh) did not practice Friday and is listed
as questionable. Look for another WR option, with this game being
a late start.

Colts RB Joseph Addai missed practice Friday (not injury related). He should start this week, but
the Colts have not been able to establish the run, and Donald Brown is nearly splitting the time share.

Patriots WR Julian Edelman (ankle questionable) was limited all week. He is officially listed as questionable,
but likely will be called on to contribute Sunday if the Wesley Welker and/or Randy Moss injuries keep them out
of action.

Giants WR Mario Manningham (shoulder probable) practiced fully Friday and will have to play a big role in
the Giants passing game this weekend with Hixon and Nicks sidelined.

Raiders WR Johnnie lee Higgins (shoulder probable) practiced fully Friday and said he expects to play Sunday.
Then again, Javon Walker has been expecting to play all year and we see where that has gotten him (no where).

Seahawks WR Deion Branch (hamstring probable) practiced fully all week and is on track to start. However,
his fantasy production will be limited by the nagging injury and the absence of a healthy Matt Hasselbeck under center.

Bucs RB Carnell Williams (knee questionable) practiced Friday but is battling sore knees. We wouldn't be surprised to
see Williams play Sunday, but even if he does his role could be limited. Derrick Ward should see an increase in touches.

49ers RB Frank Gore (ankle) is probable for Sunday and is expected to start after being limited in practice all week.

Bucs WR Antonio Bryant (knee questionable) was limited Friday. We likely wont know his status until game-day. Even if
he plays, his production could very likely be limited by the nagging injury.

Titans TE Bo Scaife (knee) has been listed as questionable after
being limited in practice Friday. Scaife will be a game-time call.

Redskins RB Clinton Portis (ankle) is officially questionable Sunday,
but coach Jim Zorn expects Portis to start and "be out there ripping around."

Redskins QB Jason Campbell (foot probable) took full reps Friday and
is expected to start against the Lions.

Rob Bironas (ankle) has been listed as questionable for week 3. He
will most likely play, but fantasy owners are better off going with a
safer option.

Titans QB Vince Young (illness questionable) missed practice Friday due to illness.

Bucs WR Maurice Stovall (knee doubtful) missed practice all week and is not expected to play.

Bucs RB Earnest Graham (hamstring questionable) has been limited all week and is not someone to count on this Sunday.

49ers RB Glen Coffee (hip probable) practiced fully and is expected to play Sunday.

Seahawks RB Justin Griffith (knee doubtful) did not practice all week and is doubtful to see any action.

Steelers WR Limas Sweed (foot probable) practiced fully all week and is probable to play Sunday.

Raiders WR Nick Miller (shin) and WR Chaz Schilens (foot) have been ruled out for the week.

Jets QB Mark Sanchez (knee probable) practiced fully Friday, and is
expected to start Sunday.

Giants WR Domenik Hixon (knee questionable) did not practice Friday and is officially questionable. We would
be surprised to see him suit up Sunday.

Saints TE Jeremy Shockey (ankle probable) practiced fully Friday and will start Sunday.

Saints TE Darnell Dinkins (foot out) has been ruled out for the week.

Saints QB Drew Brees (left shoulder probable) took full reps Friday and we all expect another big game out of him this weekend.

Patriots TE Chris Baker (ankle questionable) was limited in practice Friday and is questionable for this weekend.

Patriots QB Tom Brady (right shoulder probable) practiced all week and is the least of the Patriots injury concerns.

Vikings TE Jim Kleinsasser (hand probable) practiced all week and is probable for Sunday.

Chiefs QB Matt Cassel (knee probable) practiced all week and looks to be getting healthier each week.

Packers K Mason Crosby (abdomen) practiced Friday and is probable for Sunday.

Packers RB Brandon Jackson (ankle out) has been ruled out for Sunday.

Lions RB Jerome Felton (ankle) practiced Friday and is probable to start
on Sunday.

Broncos WR Jabar Gaffney (finger probable) practiced fully on Friday. The Broncos will need him to step up Sunday
if Brandon Stokely cannot go.

Broncos QB Kyle Orton (right finger probable) practiced fully all week and is expected to start.

Browns WR Mohamed Massaquoi (shoulder probable) practiced fully all week and is probable for Sunday.

Bengals RB Cedric Benson (ankle) practiced Friday and is officially listed as
probable. Expect him to start as normal and get a lot of touches.

Bears TE Desmond Clark (ribs) is listed as doubtful this week. Look elsewhere
for TE production.

Panthers WRs Muhsin Muhammad (ankle) and Steve Smith (ankle) practiced fully Friday and are expected to play Monday.

Panthers RB Mike Goodson (illness) returned to practice Friday and appears to be over his illness.

Bills TE Shawn Nelson (shoulder doubtful) did not practice Friday and is not someone to count on this week.

Bills WR Josh Reed (ankle questionable) was limited at practice Friday and is questionable for Sunday.

Bills WR Roscoe Parrish (quadricep probable) took full reps Friday and is probable to play this weekend.

Falcons K Jason Elam (left hamstring probable) took full reps Friday and is expected to start Sunday.

Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez (back) practiced fully again on Friday and is expected to start Sunday.

Cardinals WR Anquan Boldin (hamstring probable) practiced fully this week and is probable to start Sunday.

Cardinals QB Kurt Warner (right shoulder probable) got in a full week of practice and should start as expected Sunday.

Seattle has not released its official injury report yet, but coach Jim Mora said after practice that he doesn't expect quarterback Matt Hasselbeck to play.

"I would say that it's extremely unlikely that Matt will play," Mora said. "So that probably won't happen."

There were no surprises on the Saints' official injury report Friday. Tailback Mike Bell (knee), receiver Lance Moore (hamstring) and defensive tackle Kendrick Clancy (knee) were listed as out, along with offensive tackle Jammal Brown (hip) and tight end Darnell Dinkins (foot).

After participating fully in Friday's practice, wide receiver Desean Jackson is expected to play against the Kansas City Chiefs, head coach Andy Reid said. Running back Brian Westbrook is listed as questionable with an ankle sprain and quarterback Donovan Mcnabb is listed as doubtful, although both players continue to improve.

Offensive lineman Todd Herremans and cornerback Dimitri Patterson are the only players who will be listed as out. Safety Quintin Demps is listed as doubtful with a quad strain.

Reid also held Kevin Curtis out of Friday's practice with a knee injury and Curtis is listed as doubtful. Reid said that he just felt it was time to give Curtis a rest in the hopes that the soreness in Curtis' knee will subside.

Reid said that if Curtis were unable to play, then rookie Jeremy Maclin would start opposite Desean Jackson and Reggie Brown would be active.

Randy Moss did not take part in team drills today, and was added to the injury report as questionable because of his back.

DE Justin Tuck (shoulder), WR Domenik Hixon (knee), DT Chris Canty (calf), CB Aaron Ross (hamstring) and CB Kevin Dockery (hamstring) all were either on the sidelines and not in pads or not even out at practice this morning. And since none of them have practiced at all this week, they are all very likely to miss the Giants’ game in Tampa Bay.

Bucs receiver Antonio Bryant (knee) appeared to be limited in practice Friday but has not been ruled out of Sunday's game against the Giants. He is listed as questionable.

"He's one of those guys who will be (working out) at the stadium (Sunday) and we'll find out that day,'' said coach Raheem Morris.

The Bucs are expected, however, to be without receiver Maurice Stovall (knee) Sunday, who is listed as doubtful.

WR Dwayne Bowe was working at practice today with a wrapped right leg.

Bucs running back Derrick Ward will start in place of RB Cadillac Williams vs. the New York Giants on Sunday. Williams is nursing a knee injury and is listed as questionable for the upcoming game.

There is a good chance Ward will receive a lot of work vs. his former team since Williams and RB Earnest Graham (hamstring) are listed as questionable. Bucs RB/return specialist Clifton Smith (quad) is listed as probable.

Bucs wide receiver Anthonio Bryant (knee) and linebacker Matt McCoy (back) are both listed as questionable. Receiver Maurice Stovall (knee) is listed as doutbful. Should both players not be able to play vs. the Giants, WR Brian Clark would make his first career start Sunday.

Browns running back Jamal Lewis missed practice for the third straight day with a hamstring injury on today, and his status for Sunday's game in Baltimore is uncertain.

Injury designations come out later this afternoon, and there's a good chance Lewis will be listed as doubtful, meaning there's only a 25% chance he'll play.

Browns coach Eric Mangini said the possible loss of Lewis hurts the Browns on several levels, including the help he's able to give rookie James Davis and Jerome Harrison during the game. The Ravens boast the top-ranked run defense in the NFL.

Vikings rookie receiver Percy Harvin is apparently still sidelined with an illness.

Vikings coach Brad Childress cited an illness for Harvin's absence from practice Thursday, and the receiver was not on the field for the early portion of practice open to the media today.

So far, neither Jeremy Maclin nor Kevin Curtis has been able to contribute much to the Eagles this season.

After playing only a few plays in his first game as a pro against Carolina two weeks ago, Maclin caught two passes for 12 yards Sunday against New Orleans.

Curtis has caught five passes for 70 yards, but he admits he has not been himself since he sustained a sports hernia and needed two surgeries.

"I'm doing what I can do to try to get healthy," he said. "I haven't been healthy and I'm trying to get things right."

Besides possibly taking on added responsibility as a receiver, Maclin could become the lead punt returner for this week if Desean Jackson can't play.

Van Pelt said Derek Fine would have started in the opener at New England two weeks ago if not for an ailing hamstring. Fortunately for the Bills, Fine is available now that they need him the most.

Dallas running back Marion Barber participated in practice, and his status remained undetermined for the Cowboys’ game Monday night against Carolina. Barber injured his left thigh at the end of a 35-yard run on his final carry of Sunday’s loss to the Giants. “I can’t predict it,” Cowboys Coach Wade Phillips said of Barber’s status. “He’s day by day right now, but it can be a game-time decision by the time it gets here.”

The rookie running back Chris Wells is toting a football with his name on it this week, from the locker room to meetings at Arizona Cardinals headquarters. Teammates try to strip the ball; if Wells drops it, he pays a $200 fine to charity. So far, he said, that has not happened.

Wells said he was tiring of the attention given to his two fumbles in last Sunday’s 31-17 victory at Jacksonville. “It happened twice in a game, but it shouldn’t be that big an issue,” Wells said.

The Steelers are shooting for Troy Polamalu's return Oct. 11 against. If he can play by then, he will have missed three full games because of an injured left knee.

He also is not undergoing the therapy that Hines Ward took on his knee before the Super Bowl. Ward, who also had a medial collateral ligament injury, was treated using a hyperbaric oxygen chamber that is supposed to stimulate the production of red blood cells and promote faster healing. Polamalu does not believe it works, believing it can cause harmful side effects.

Jamal Lewis missed his second day of practice with a hamstring injury on Thursday.

In his place, Jerome Harrison took reps with the first team. Harrison, who missed most of preseason with a knee injury, was not on the Browns' injury report. James Davis (shoulder) had full participation for the second day in a row.

With Antonio Bryant still a serious question for Sunday, the Bucs really could use Maurice Stovall. But unless he practices today, it's unlikely he would play. That would press little-used Brian Clark into action, possibly as a starter

New Orleans Saints Coach Sean Payton was vague about how he plans to use his tailbacks Sunday against Buffalo. But he said the team has confidence in second-year pro Lynell Hamilton, who may play a significant role.

"He had a good training camp. He's a guy that made the roster, " Payton said. "All these guys on the roster are guys we have to count on."

49ers wide receiver Brandon Jones is not on the injury report. He went through full practice. He has been medically cleared to play. Now, it's just a matter of him knocking off the rust and returning to game action. He practiced last week, too, but the coaching staff determined he was not ready for game action. More will be known about Jones' availability for Sunday's game on Friday, when Mike Singletary next speaks with the media.

Mike Bell is expected to miss three to four weeks with a sprained knee, though he hasn't been ruled out of Sunday's game. Pierre Thomas is still on the mend from a knee sprain.

Stains receiver Lance Moore said he doesn't expect to play Sunday after missing his second consecutive practice with a hamstring injury. Moore said it's especially frustrating since he just came back last month from a shoulder injury that wiped out his entire offseason.

"But I guess stuff happens, " said Moore, who said he plans to stay patient and smart and not try to push the injury before it's healed.

With Jamal Lewis nursing a hamstring injury, James Davis, who attended the same Atlanta high school as his more famous teammate, could make his first NFL start when the offensively challenged Browns visit Baltimore to play the Ravens and their bone-bruising defense.

Lewis missed his second consecutive day of practice Thursday, increasing the possibility that he will sit out against the Ravens, his team from 2000 to 2006. The durable 30-year-old, who has made 118 of a possible 122 starts since his rookie season, was injured during last week's loss at Denver.

Ladainian Tomlinson still hasn't returned to practice since spraining an ankle in the regular-season opener at Oakland, but he did work out on the side Thursday afternoon while the team practiced.

Tomlinson performed several running drills with head trainer James Collins, testing his ankle through cuts, back-pedalling and longer runs.

But that doesn't mean Tomlinson will make an appearance Sunday against the Dolphins. The side session was rehab work, not something to be considered when evaluating game readiness.
In fact, it seems unlikely that Tomlinson will play this week. Head coach Norv Turner prefers his players go through a full practice before being cleared to play, and that's something Tomlinson hasn't done yet and won't do Friday.

Tomlinson himself has no interest in rushing back to action with capable backups on the roster, especially after being criticized last season for decreased production while fighting through injuries.
"I'm not going to go through what I went through last year, playing at 70 percent," Tomlinson said. "I'm not going to do that. I'm going to make sure it's healthy and where I need it to be in order to help this team. We have great depth right now. We're in good shape."

Vikings wide receiver Percy Harvin was absent from practice Thursday because of an illness.

Coach Brad Childress did not give any specifics on Harvin's situation, saying, "I'm not an epidemiologist," when asked if the Vikings feared the rookie might have symptoms of the H1N1 virus. Given the concerns about keeping those who are sick away from others, it would not come as a surprise that the team would send Harvin home.

His availability for Sunday's game against San Francisco will become more clear today when the Vikings issue their final injury report of the week and list players as probable, questionable, doubtful and out.

Just days after Kenny Phillips turned in his finest game as a pro, the Giants discovered that their safety's season is over.

The Giants' hobbling defense suffered a major blow Thursday when Phillips was placed on the injured reserve, ending the safety's second pro season just two games into it.

The team discovered that Phillips' knee condition - "patella femoral arthritis" - worsened after an examination and MRI on Wednesday. The news came as a shock to Phillips, who was coming off a two-interception game against Dallas and thought he could play through the injury for the rest of the season.

Nursing a quadriceps injury that he admits has bothered him the last
four weeks, Cincinnati WR Chris Henry returned to practice Thursday.
So far Henry has 2 receptions for 23 yards and a TD after 2 games,
and Henry says the quad injury has prevented him from opening up on long pass routes.

Cardinals QB Kurt Warner (right shoulder) practiced fully again Thursday and is fully expected to start this week.

Cardinals WR Anquan Boldin (hamstring) practiced Thursday and is probable for Sunday.

Cardinals WR Steve Breaston (knee) was limited at practice Thursday after not practicing at all Wednesday. He is questionable for Sunday. If he plays, he may be limited.

Falcons RB Jerious Norwood (head) missed practice for the second straight day. His status for Sunday is unknown, but it's not looking good at this point.

Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez (back) practiced fully on Thursday.

Falcons K Jason Elam (left hamstring) took reps Thursday after missing Wednesday practice. This will become a usual pattern for Elam.

Ravens TE L.J. Smith (hamstring) practiced again on Thursday. OC Cam Cameron says, “He’s had a good week of practice. He’s doing everything he can to get ready to play."

Bills WR Roscoe Parrish (quadricep) practiced fully Thursday.

Bills WR Josh Reed (ankle) got some limited work in Thursday after not practicing on Wednesday.

Bills TE Shawn Nelson (shoulder) was limited in practice Thursday for the second straight day.

Panthers RB Mike Goodson missed practice because of illness.

Panthers RB Brad Hoover (back) missed practice on Thursday. He hasn't been ruled out for Sunday, but if he can't go Tony Fiammetta will start in his place.

Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart (heel) did not practice Thursday. Resting his heel one day a week sounds like it will be standard fare for Stewart, who should be good to go Monday.

Panthers WRs Muhsin Muhammad (ankle) and Steve Smith both practiced fully Thursday. They were banged up last week, but are on pace to start as normal.

Bears TE Desmond Clark (rib) missed practice again Thursday.

Bengals RB Cedric Benson (ankle) was limited Thursday. The Bengals are likely just giving their workhorse some rest.

Bengals WR Chris Henry (quadricep) was limited at practice Thursday after missing all reps Wednesday.

Browns RB James Davis (shoulder) practiced fully on Thursday.

Browns RB Jamal Lewis (hamstring) missed practice again on Thursday. Eric Mangini indicated that if Lewis cannot go Sunday, Jerome Harrison could receive more snaps.

Browns WR Mohamed Massaquoi (shoulder) practiced fully on Thursday.

Cowboys RB Marion Barber (thigh) participated in a limited capacity Thursday. He he has been vague with reporters, but said that he wants to play on Monday. Regardless of if he can play or not, Felix Jones and Tashard Choice should see an increase in their workload.

Broncos WR Brandon Stokley (thigh) returned to practice after missing Wednesday. Stokely and Orton have a growing comfort level with one-another, which is a large part of why Stokely leads the Broncos in receiving yards.

Lions QB Drew Stanton (knee) was limited in practice again Thursday as he is slowly working his way back into game shape.

Packers RB Brandon Jackson (ankle) did not practice Thursday, saying his ankle "did not respond the way he wanted it to." Jackson looks doubtful to play this weekend.

Packers K Mason Crosby (abdomen) returned to practice Thursday. He played last week with no practice, and is on pace to play again this Sunday.

Texans WRs Andre Davis (concussion) and Kevin Walter (hamstring) were both limited at practice and are questionable to play Sunday.

Jaguars RB Maurice Drew (knee) was a limited participant in practice Thursday. He is likely just getting a bit of rest, and is poised for a big fantasy day against the Texans Sunday.

Chiefs QB Matt Cassel (knee) participated on a limited basis Thursday, and said his knee is feeling better every day. Barring any setbacks, expect him to start Sunday.

Chiefs WR Dwayne Bowe (hamstring) was limited at practice Thursday. Chiefs coach Todd Haley said Bowe "has a little something with his leg." It doesn't sound serious.

Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (back) was limited again on Thursday, but there should be no reason to worry. All-Day is on pace to start Sunday and prove to himself and fans that he can put up numbers against a 49ers team he has struggled against in the past.

Vikings WR Percy Harvin was sick today and missed practice.

Patriots QB Tom Brady (right shoulder) practiced again Thursday. Nothing to see here.

Patriots WR Julian Edelman (ankle) was limited again Thursday. The Patriots are likely being cautious with him as they are already depleted at WR with Wesley Welker hurting.

Patriots WR Wesley Welker (knee) returned to practice Thursday for stretching and the start of team drills. Welker appeared to be running at about half speed without any noticeable limp. His status is up in the air for Sunday.

Saints RB Mike Bell (knee) missed practice again on Thursday. It is looking more and more likely that Bell will miss Sunday's game, but nothing has been said for sure.

Saints RB Pierre Thomas (knee) practiced fully again on Thursday and is hopeful to be near full speed Sunday.

Saints WR Lance Moore (hamstring) missed practice again Thursday. He is not someone to count on for fantasy production this week.

Saints TE Darnell Dinkins (foot) has been ruled out for Sunday.

Giants WR Domenik Hixon (knee) did not practice Thursday.

Giants WR Mario Manningham (shoulder) was limited at practice Thursday. The Giants are being cautious with him as they are already down two receivers in Hixon and Nicks.

Jets QB Mark Sanchez (knee) took full reps on Thursday and downplayed the seriousness of his knee as just a little tendinitis. The Jets insist Sanchez is fine and will start Sunday.

Raiders WR Johnnie Lee (shoulder) says he will play Sunday was a WR and also as a punt returner.

Eagles QB Donovan Mcnabb (rib) missed practice again Thursday and is very doubtful to play Sunday. Kevin Kolb will likely get the start, with now eligible Michael Vick getting a handful of plays.

Eagles RB Brian Westbrook (ankle) did not practice Thursday, but coach Andy Reid said that the swelling in his ankle is "way down" and is confident Westbrook will be able to play Sunday against the Chiefs.

Eagles WR Kevin Curtis (knee) was limited in practice again Thursday. He is nursing a sore left knee. While Curtis may play Sunday, his production is down while the injury lingers.

Eagles WR Desean Jackson (groin) did not practice Thursday, but is expected to play Sunday. Jeremy Maclin may take over punt return duties.

Steelers WR Limas Sweed (foot) practiced fully again Thursday and appears ready to play Sunday.

Chargers RB Ladainian Tomlinson (ankle) missed practice again on Thursday. He appears content to sit out another week with Darren Sproles and Michael Bennett in the mix.

Seahawks QB Matt Hasselbeck (rib) missed practice again Thursday. There is an outside chance that Hasselbeck could get the start without getting any practice this week, but it's not looking good.

Seahawks WR Deion Branch (hamstring) was a full participant Thursday. He has said he is ready to play Sunday.

Seahawks WR T.j. Houshmandzadeh returned to practice Thursday after missing Wednesday with back spasms. He is on pace to play Sunday against the Bears.

49ers RBs Frank Gore (ankle) and Glen Coffee both practiced fully on Thursday and appear ready for Sunday action.

Bucs RBs Earnest Graham (hamstring) and Clifton Smith (quadricep) were both limited in practice Thursday.

Bucs RB Carnell Williams (knee) rested his knee Thursday. Raheem Morris expects him to start Sunday against the Giants.

Bucs WR Antonio Bryant (knee) missed practice Thursday with a bone bruise after practicing Wednesday. This is not a good sign for Bryant owners, as he likely will not play or be severely limited Sunday. Raheem Morris indicated WR Brian Clark could start Sunday.

Bucs WR Maurice Stovall (knee) missed practice again Thursday.

Titans TE Bo Scaife (knee) returned to practice Thursday on a limited basis. His status for Sunday is unclear.

Redskins QB Jason Campbell (foot) and RB Clinton Portis were both limited Thursday, but should no doubt start Sunday against the Lions.

New York Jets rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez has some tendinitis in his right knee that isn't expected to affect his availability for Sunday's game against the Tennessee Titans.

Jets coach Rex Ryan said Sanchez "had a little tendinitis," but he fully participated in practice Thursday. Sanchez appeared to reach down at his knee a few times and flex it during the 40-minute period that the media is allowed to watch.

If all goes according to plan, Chaz Schilens hopes to return to face the Houston Texans on Oct. 4, approximately six weeks after breaking a bone in his left foot while running a pass pattern during training camp.

Wide receiver Wesley Welker, who did not practice yesterday, was present for the media portion of practice today, which consisted of stretching and the start of team drills.

Welker, who missed last Sunday's game against the Jets with what is being listed as a knee injury, appeared to be jogging and running half speed without a noticeable limp.

Colts WR Hank Baskett mentioned on Wednesday that at times he feels like he's head is going to explode with all the information he's taking in.

PewterReport.com is reporting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are practicing at One Buccaneer Place without several key players today.

The Bucs are without center Jeff Faine (triceps) and wide receivers Antonio Bryant (knee) and Maurice Stovall (knee). Bryant was limited in practice Wednesday, but is being held out of Thursday's workout.

In addition to practicing again without Earnest Graham (hamstring) and RB Clifton Smith (quad), RB Cadillac Williams was also held out of Thursday's workout for unknown reasons.

Wide receiver Chris Henry says he's been battling a strained quad for the past four weeks since he tweaked it warming up for the Aug. 27 preseason game against the Rams, but he said before Thursday's practice that he'll be full go for the workout on the Paul Brown Stadium field.

Henry was suited up in shoulder pads and shorts and running routes at the start of practice. Also on the field was cornerback Johnathan Joseph (ankle), left guard Nate Livings, and cornerback David Jones (foot).

Henry has a touchdown this season on two catches after catching a touchdown pass in all four preseason games. He says it has hurt his specialty, which is running down long balls. His touchdown came last Sunday in Green Bay on a five-yarder.

""It's been killing me. I can't really open up," Henry said. "I never had an injury like this…I don't want to miss any time."

Browns starting running back Jamal Lewis was not on the field for practice during the first 30 minutes open to the media Thursday.

Lewis did not practice Wednesday with a hamstring injury. Lewis told a reporter Wednesday he would talk Thursday, but when the media entered the locker room Thursday, he headed for the door.

If Lewis can't go Sunday against his former team, the Baltimore Ravens, coach Eric Mangini may be forced to start rookie James Davis, a sixth-round pick from Clemson.

Adrian Peterson calls back injury "not a big deal at all." Asked if he will play Sun."God willing I'll be out there playing."

Wesley Welker (knee) was present at the start of practice today. Looked limited in his participation, but a good sign for Pats nonetheless.

Wide receiver Greg Jennings spoke for the first time since he was held without a catch Sunday against the Bengals.

"For me, it's a no-no," said Jennings, who declined to speak to reporters after the game. "There's really no reason that should have happened. But it happened. It is frustrating? Yes. Not because I'm an individual, because I'm a competitor. I felt like I wasn't able to help my team.

"As a playmaker, as a guy that thrives on making plays, not to get that opportunity, it was devastating. But it's a new week, a new game plan."

Jennings also admitted that the officials were correct in ruling that he was not set at the snap of the final play of the game.

“We’re all trying to understand the reasons why we haven’t performed as well as we’d like in the last two games,’’ said Tom Brady. “It’s a number of reasons, and I think the only thing we can really focus on as players is what we can do. I can certainly make better decisions with the ball and throw it more accurately. That’s where it starts for me.’’

While the entire offense has seemed a little off-stride, so has Brady, with some of his throws sailing high or wide.

“That’s something that I’m always working on and focusing on and trying to improve on,’’ Brady said. “There were some positive things that I took out of last game in terms of my mechanics and driving the ball. Still, I don’t think I’m 100 percent comfortable with where the mechanics are at, but that’s why I’m still working at it.’’

The most dynamic runner in the league feels as if he has something to prove against the 49ers on Sunday.

Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson had the worst game of his life in 2007 when he faced the 49ers. He gained just 3 yards on 14 carries — an average of 7.7 inches per rushing attempt.

Although the Vikings defeated the 49ers 27-7, Peterson did a lot of talking to himself after that performance.

“From the moment I walked off the field, I was like, ‘I can't wait ‘til we play the 49ers again,'” Peterson said Wednesday in a conference call with Bay Area reporters. “And I think they're a better defense than they were then. This is what coaches want their defenses to play like.”

Peterson will get that chance to play the 49ers' defense on Sunday at the Metrodome in the weekend's only NFL game matching 2-0 teams.

"All I can do is my job. Me being out there, not being out there as much as I used to be, is something I have to get used to, but it's the National Football League. Things change," Brandon Marshall said Wednesday. He made 104 receptions and the Pro Bowl a year ago, but has caught little but grief, and made himself nonessential to a 2-0 team this season.

Eagles coach Andy Reid said Wednesday that Vick, 29, was overweight when he joined the team last month. Reid admitted that Vick needed every day of his two-game suspension. Reid says Vick was tired after a brief appearance in a preseason game, but there was something familiar when Vick carried the ball.

“You could see that he is a very talented football player,” Reid says.

Reid wouldn’t say Wednesday whether Vick will play Sunday against the Chiefs. But Eagles quarterback Donovan Mcnabb is injured, and because of that, the team is short on weapons. Not that Philadelphia minds that Kansas City is burning preparation time with Vick in mind.

Javon Walker said he is healthy, happy and performing as well as any of the other wide receivers on the Raiders roster. As for why he isn't playing much, he has no idea.

"I don't know what he's looking at," he said in response to coach Tom Cable saying Walker needs work getting in and out of breaks, running fast and separating from cornerbacks.

"I feel like I'm doing fine. I'm sure there's more stuff going on than what we know, but I'm saying I can run, play."

Walker wasn't active for Oakland's regular-season opener against San Diego. He played four downs against Kansas City on Sunday, in part because of injuries to Chaz Schilens, Nick Miller and Johnnie lee Higgins.

He said he understands Cable's desire to play some of the younger receivers. He doesn't comprehend how his inactivity is being characterized as having something to do with his ability.

"I'm doing the same thing that any receiver here is doing," said Walker, who underwent knee surgery in the offseason. "So, I can sit (out) as long as there's other reasons behind it, but (I shouldn't be) sitting because I can't come in and out of breaks, because I can do that."

Cable said Walker is caught in the proverbial numbers game, playing only when a certain situation dictates.

"(It's about) who has been productive," Cable said. "That's number one, and we're about to get very healthy there, too."

Running back Ladainian Tomlinson did not practice yesterday and is in danger of missing his second straight game.

Tomlinson hopes to play Sunday against Miami but said yesterday that he does not need to rush back due to the Chargers having Darren Sproles and Michael Bennett behind him.

“I can get healthy,” said Tomlinson, who last season played through a severe toe injury. “I don't have to just get to a certain percentage and then stay at that percentage all season.”

Matt Hasselbeck didn’t practice, and may not at all this week because of his broken rib. Yet Coach Mora said the three-time Pro Bowl quarterback is feeling better, “so we’re not ruling him out at all” for Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears.

“But I’m not saying he’s going to play, either, OK?” Mora added.

Larry Fitzgerald said he was "disappointed" by the comments from his younger brother Marcus, and that Marcus will be working at Kurt Warner's next football camp, apparently as a penance for calling Kurt an "old ass man" and saying that Kurt plays like he is 80 years old. "He is going to be taking out the garbage and whatever else Kurt needs," Larry Fitzgerald. said.

Larry also denied that he is frustrated by the lack of balls thrown in his direction. (He is averaging five catches for 52.5 yards and one touchdown per game.) "I am OK, honestly. I am really not frustrated. It is early in the season, we are only in Week Three and I am going to get my opportunities. I know that and I just have to make sure mentally and physically that I am prepared when those opportunities come, and play the way I am able to play."

Pierre Thomas pronounced himself ready after missing most of the past six weeks with a sprained right knee. He played one snap against Philadelphia, losing 4 yards on a swing pass. He also played on kick returns as a blocking back.

"Last week I had a bigger brace, so hopefully I can get into a smaller brace," Thomas said. "It felt a little funny with that brace on. My leg was a little heavy. It kind of fatigued me a little bit. I felt it on special teams. But hopefully I can get it a lot smaller and I can move a lot better, a lot faster and I won't fatigue as much.

"I felt a little rusty (against Philadelphia), especially on special teams, but I feel a lot more comfortable this week, and I'm ready to go."

Marion Barber wants to play and plans to play but won't be sure he can play until his leg responds favorably to workouts. In the 20-minute portion of practice that's open to reporters, he looked fine jogging through drills and catching a few passes.

The extra day of preparation works in Barber's favor. But if he can't go, the Cowboys have two proven runners – Felix Jones and Tashard Choice – itching for more carries.

Rushing has been Dallas' strength. The line has opened holes as the Cowboys have averaged 184.5 yards per game and 7.0 yards per carry. Jones has 118 yards on 13 carries, and though Choice has only four attempts, he stepped in seamlessly as the main man last year when Barber and Jones were injured.

"The other two know that their roles are going to have to be picked up a bit," Cowboys running backs coach Skip Peete said. "Even if [Barber] is healthy, he may not be able to take as much of a load as he's taken in the past."

Vikings running back Adrian Peterson was limited in today's practice because of back injury suffered in Sunday's game against Detroit. Before anyone gets too excited, Peterson was taking part in practice during the brief period the media was allowed to watch at the start of the session and did not appear to be slowed. That, however, was only stretching and individual drills.

Peterson is no stranger to the injury report and has been limited in practice before, but he also has missed only two games in his two-plus NFL seasons and that was because of a knee injury he suffered as a rookie in Green Bay.

Falcons RB Jerious Norwood (head) missed practice Wednesday and is day-to-day. He is no lock to play Sunday. Look for Jason Snelling to get more touches.

Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez (back) participated fully Wednesday.

Falcons K Jason Elam (left hamstring) was limited in practice. We saw this pattern last week. Elam should be fine come Sunday.

Ravens TE L.J. Smith (hamstring) practiced Wednesday.

Bengals RB Cedric Benson (ankle) did not practice today, but will start to get reps as the week progresses.

Bengals WR Chris Henry (quadricep) did not practice today, but should get work in later in the week. He is resting a nagging injury.

Browns RB James Davis (shoulder) practiced fully Wednesday, and may be leaned on more heavily Sunday if Jamal Lewis is still hurting.

Browns RB Jamal Lewis (hamstring) did not practice Wednesday. His status for Sunday is Uncertain.
If Lewis can't go, look for James Davis and Jerome Harrison to get the work.

Browns WR Mohamed Massaquoi (shoulder) practiced fully Wednesday.

Lions QB Drew Stanton (knee) returned to practice for the first time since having knee surgury.

Texans WR Andre Davis returned to practice today after missing last week with a concussion suffered in week 1.

Texans WR Kevin Walter (hamstring) was limited at practice Wednesday. He seems to be progressing, and is considered day-to-day, but his status for Sunday is uncertain.

Chiefs QB Matt Cassel (knee) was limited at practice Wednesday. He is still nursing the same injury that kept him out week 1.
He is expected to start week 3.

Chiefs TE Jake O'connell (ankle) was limited in practice Wednesday.

Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (back) was limited at practice Wednesday. This is likely just a precautionary move to give Peterson
some rest after racking up a franchise record 272 rushing yards in the first two weeks of 2009.