September 2010 4for4 Player News Articles

Given the number of weapons the Texans have at their disposal, and the fact that Andre Johnson hasn’t practiced this week with a high ankle sprain, cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha isn’t likely to shadow Houston’s top receiver the way he did Larry Fitzgerald.

“Nnamdi’s not the focal point of this game,’’ defensive coordinator John Marshall said. “If we don’t give an outstanding team effort, so what if 80 catches one ball and you lose the game. That’s not the focus.’’

Johnson was listed as not having practiced, although Cable said he went through individual drills. Houston coach Gary Kubiak said Johnson is a game-time decision, Cable declared him ready to play _ which is the only sensible way to look at it.

“He very much will play. There’s no doubt in our minds,’’ Cable said. “ We don’t even look at it that way. If we did, it really wouldn’t change anything. It may free up a couple of guys to maybe get more involved in some things. He’s going to play so there’s no thought of that.’’

Finally healthy enough to show Mike Martz what he can do, Bears wide receiver Earl Bennett has exceeded the offensive coordinator’s expectations.

“He’s so good in the slot,” Martz said Thursday. “He does so many good things. He does a great job in those inside routes. He really does so many things for us. I’m excited. I’m really pleased. I thought he was a good player, but he’s even better than I thought. He’s really done a remarkable job.”

After catching 54 passes for 717 yards and 2 touchdowns last season, Bennett sat out the offseason program while recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery. Finally back on the field, he sustained a hamstring injury in training camp that forced him to miss all four preseason games.

After being inactive for the season opener, Bennett caught five passes in a Week 2 victory over the Dallas Cowboys. He then had three receptions and drew a crucial pass-interference penalty that led to Robbie Gould’s game-winning field goal Monday night against the Green Bay Packers.

Head coach Gary Kubiak said the Texans had a good practice on Thursday, but that practice did not include wide receiver Andre Johnson.

Johnson, who has a high-ankle sprain, did a light amount of running. Kubiak reiterated that the he will be a game-time decision on Sunday at Oakland.

“He did practice last (Thursday), so that’s a change,” Kubiak said. “To say that he’s a ‘no,’ I don’t see it that way. I think that he’s going to be a game-time decision. Obviously, he’s sorer than he is now than he was last week at this time or would’ve taken in some of the practice. He did run some. It’s not like he didn’t do anything.”

Charges RB Ryan Mathews participated fully for the second day in a row.

After missing his second consecutive practice with a groin strain, the decision on whether or not Steven Jackson plays on Sunday could come down to a morning workout that day.

"Sunday we'll definitely go out before the game, warm up, see how I feel" shared Jackson after Thursday's practice. "Ideally I would like to get a practice in either tomorrow or Saturday. So we still have two days of practice that I could go out and try it, but say Friday or Saturday it doesn't happen, I will be there early Sunday seeing if I can run and cut and seeing if I can go out there and give my team a lift."

The good news is Jackson and the Rams have a 1 p.m. game on Sunday, so you'll be able to plan accordingly if he can't go and won't necessarily have to rely on Kenneth Darby as your only option if it had been a later contest.

Running back Beanie Wells (knee) and guard Alan Faneca (back) both returned to practice fully.

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees will “more than likely” wear a brace on his sore left knee Sunday against the Carolina Panthers in the Superdome.

Brees is not on the injury report filed by the Saints this week to the NFL since he did not leave last week’s 27-24 overtime loss to the Atlanta Falcons and took all the reps in practice both Wednesday and Thursday.

Brees has not worn a knee brace in a game in 14 years, since he was a senior at Westlake High School in Austin, Texas.

“I’m very confident that by game day it will be fine,” Brees said Wednesday. “It’s just a little sore now.”

Bengals RB Cedric Benson (knee) as expected took full practice reps Thursday after not practicing on Wednesday. Benson will be a go this weekend.

Patriots QB Tom Brady (right shoulder) took full practice reps Thursday.

Browns QB Jake Delhomme (ankle) took some limited practice reps Thursday after not practicing on Wednesday. The Browns have said that Delhomme will be the guy once he's healthy. That could be this week.

Saints RB Pierre Thomas (ankle) missed practice again Thursday and is headed towards a game-time decision Sunday. Luckily for owners the Saints play the Panthers at 1PM. We love the matchup and think Pierre will have a big day if he is close to 100%. We'll know more Friday.

Ravens RB Ray Rice (knee) took some limited practice reps Thursday after not practicing on Wednesday. Rice did not take part in contact drills, But has indicated that he feels good and expects to go this weekend. Even if he does suit up, we aren't wild about his matchup against the Steelers defense. For what it's worth, Rice averaged over 150 yards per contest against the Steelers last season.

Colts RB Joseph Addai (knee) took full practice reps Thursday. Addai appears to be fully recovered from the knee that had him missing practice last week. Addai may see a heavier load than normal this week with Donald Brown (hamstring) missing practice for the second consecutive day.

Broncos RB Knowshon Moreno (hamstring) did not practice Thursday. Moreno is not expected to be available this weekend. Laurence Maroney should get the start with Correll Buckhalter also filling in.

Cardinals RB Beanie Chris Wells (knee) took full practice reps Thursday after being limited on Wednesday. The full practice is great news for Wells owners. Look for Wells to continue to lead the Cardinals in touches this week against the Chargers.

Chargers RB Ryan Mathews (ankle) has returned to full practice and is expected to play this weekend in a great matchup with the Cardinals. Mike Tolbert is expected to retain some of the goal-line work.

Patriots RB Fred Taylor (toe) did not practice Thursday. It's looking likely that BenJarvis Green-Ellis will be the Patriot's lead back against the Dolphins. Any Patriots back is a risky fantasy play.

Eagles RB Mike Bell (illness) did not practice Thursday after taking full practice on Wednesday. Bell hasn't had much of a role for the Eagles anyways.

Raiders RB Michael Bush (thumb) took full practice reps Wednesday. Bush should play Sunday, but his reps are seriously limited behind the emergence of Darren McFadden.

Rams RB Steven Jackson (groin) did not practice Thursday. Jackson is a gamer, but it's looking more and more likely that he could be shut down this week in order to preserve him for the rest of the season. Kenneth Darby would received the majority of the carries if Jackson can't go.

Lions RB Jahvid Best (toe) missed practice again Thursday. Despite missing practice, the rookie RB says of his turf toe, "My toe is doing good. I've got to take it day by day. I'll give it a go tomorrow and see how it feels. It's gotten a lot better -- better than I thought it was going to get. It's looking real good right now." We'll look to see if Best can practice Friday, but as of now it looks like he is expecting to play Sunday against the Packers.

Browns RB Jerome Harrison (thigh) was limited at practice Thursday. Harrison is on track to get back to game action Sunday against the Bengals, but Peyton Hillis figures to be the workhorse and even Harrison said he doesn't know what his role will be.

Colts WR Austin Collie (heel) was limited at practice Thursday after taking full practice on Wednesday. With Pierre Garcon looking out again this week, the Colts need Collie at 100%. He's a top 10 WR this week barring a setback.

Eagles WR Jeremy Maclin (back) took full practice reps Thursday. Maclin should be good to go against the Redskins Sunday barring setback.

Raiders WR Louis Murphy (collarbone) returned to practice Thursday, but was not full speed. He reportedly has a bruise on the collarbone and it's not serious. We expect him to be ready for Sunday in a great matchup with the Texans.

Giants WR Mario Manningham (concussion) took full practice reps Thursday after not practicing on Wednesday. Manningham has been fully cleared, and now has doubts that he ever even had a concussion. Manningham looks good to go for Sunday against the Bears as the 3rd WR option. He has been active in that role so far this season.

Texans WR Andre Johnson (ankle) missed practice again Thursday. HC Gary Kubiak indicated that Johnson did do some running and will likely be a game-time decision. We think there's a good chance Johnson suits up. But how effective he'll be against Nnamdi Asomugha is anybodies guess.

Browns RB James Davis (thigh) was limited at practice Thursday. With Jerome Harrison back in the mix, Davis will see very limited work.

Bengals WR Jordan Shipley (shoulder) was limited at practice Thursday. We'll check back Friday, but if Shipley can't go Andre Caldwell would see more time in the slot.

Falcons WR Michael Jenkins (shoulder) was limited at practice again Thursday.

Browns WR Josh Cribbs (ankle) was limited at practice again Thursday. Cribbs is becoming a bigger part of the Browns offense, but his fantasy impact is still limited.

Broncos WR Brandon Lloyd (not injury related) took full practice reps Thursday after not practicing on Wednesday. The reason for yesterday's absence was not injury related. Nothing to see here.

Colts WR Pierre Garcon (hamstring) did not practice again Thursday. It's looking like Garcon will be out again this week in a juicy matchup with the Jaguars. Look for Austin Collie to continue his dominance with Blair White filling in as the Colts WR3.

Eagles TE Brent Celek (wrist) took full practice reps Thursday. Celek should be fine to play, but Michael Vick often uses his legs in situations Kevin Kolb would have checked down to Celek.

Texans TE Owen Daniels (hamstring) did not practice Thursday after taking limited practice on Wednesday. The mid-week downgrade is not a good sign for a guy already struggling to get back into his pre-injury groove.

Browns WR Brian Robiskie (hamstring) was limited at practice again Thursday.

Ravens TE Todd Heap (shoulder) took full practice reps again Thursday and is on track to play Sunday against the division rival Steelers.

Rams RB Steven Jackson could be a game time decision. SJ39 realizes may need to miss this game to be healthy enough the rest of the year.

Not a good sign, but like Jackson says, it's probably for the best if it's going to help him for the long haul. As we've been saying, Kenneth Darby would probably see a lot of work and has a decent matchup against the Seahawks. However he's still a risky play.

Mario Manningham apparently did not suffer a concussion. The wide receiver/kickoff returner was tested this morning and cleared to get back on the field. He said after practice it was just a headache and he expects to play Sunday night against the Bears.

“I am good, I practiced today, practice tomorrow and ready to play Sunday,” Manningham said. “I am good. I’ve never really got hit in my head like that. That’s why I felt like that, I had a headache."

Reggie Bush said today he's optimistic his return will be closer to four weeks than six weeks. He's off crutches and walking without pain, he said.

Wide receiver Louis Murphy was back on the field with his injured clavicle but looked something less than 100 percent.

During drills, Murphy ran a route down the left sideline at about three-quarter speed and raised only one arm in an unsuccessful attempt to catch the ball. He then removed his helmet and watched from near the end zone, later helping cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha with his daily stretching routine.

Murphy leads Raiders wide receivers with 15 receptions for 238 yards and a touchdown, followed by Darrius Heyward-Bey (10 receptions, 140 yards).

Murphy really opened some eyes with last week's performance and was becoming a popular pickup this week, if he's still on your waiver wire. We'll monitor Murphy's progress the rest of the week.

New 49ers offensive coordinator Mike Johnson has a simple plan Sunday in Atlanta and beyond: Get the ball in the playmakers' hands and let them take the offense from there.

It's not like fired offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye didn't have the same stated goals in terms of getting Vernon Davis, Michael Crabtree and Frank Gore involved. It's just that Johnson thinks the best way to do that is to flood the field with other personnel and different looks and make use of the grass outside the numbers.

"The way I look at that, Jimmy Raye left a great foundation," Johnson said in his first press conference Thursday. " I correlate it to two women wearing the same dress. You have football plays, you have an offense but you can have two women wearing the same dress and look totally different. What I'm going to try to do is get the ball to the players on our offense that can make plays, to utilize the talent and the potential that we have here as an offense and get our quarterback and our skill athletes the ball in space where they can do something with it and run."

The New Orleans Saints are planning for newly signed John Carney to serve as the team's kicker Sunday against the Carolina Panthers, a league source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.

The 46-year-old Carney signed with the Saints this week after starting kicker Garrett Hartley missed a 29-yard field goal in overtime Sunday that would have given the Saints a 27-24 win over the Atlanta Falcons.

Hartley remains on the Saints' roster.

This is an update from a previous report that said Payton hadn't made a decision yet and wouldn't until Sunday. Be sure to keep checking up on the situation, but Hartley doesn't seem like a safe play, at least this week.

Some big-named players, especially RBs, are on the injury report and look to be game-time decisions this week. So, owners should adjust accordingly and plan for the possibility their guy(s) may not play.

Here is a little rundown:

Andre Johnson, WR - didn't practice Thursday, but did run. Looks to be a game-time decision. Jacoby Jones could see a more significant role against the Raiders.

Steven Jackson, RB - didn't practice Thursday. If he's not a go, Kenneth Darby could get the start against Seattle. He played well after Jackson went out last week, but traditionally backup RBs haven't stepped up when in a full-time role behind SJax.

Fred Taylor, RB - sat out Thursday and team resigned RB Thomas Clayton off the Browns practice, a sign they may not be counting on Taylor. The Pats play Monday night and BenJarvis Green-Ellis could be in store for more work.

Pierre Thomas, RB - didn't practice Thursday. Looks to be a game-time call, but team appears optimistic and haven't made any moves to bring in anther back. Chris Ivory could get a more significant role whether Thomas plays or not.

Ray Rice, RB - practiced Thursday but wore a non-contact jersey. He seems like he'll go, but has a tough matchup against the Steelers.

Jahvid Best, RB - missed a second straight day with a bad toe. Maurice Morris would start should Best not dress, but it's not a great matchup against the Packers.

Ryan Mathews, RB - appears to be able to play this week in a great matchup vs. Arizona.

Knowshon Moreno, RB - did not practice and things don't look good for Sunday against the Titans. Laurance Maroney and Correll Buckhalter figure to carry the load this week.

As always, continue to check back with 4for4 the rest of the week as we'll take you right up until 1 p.m. kickoffs with the latest news.

Andre Johnson did not practice today but did run a little bit, says Coach Kubiak.

No change to the Saints injury report: Pierre Thomas (ankle) did not practice.

Dan Henning said RB Ronnie Brown has been "nicked," dealing with hamstring pull vs. Jets.

Saints coach Sean Payton said the decision on who will kick between John Carney & Garrett Hartley will be made on Sunday.

Brian Dawkins and WR Brandon Lloyd both returned to practice today. Knowshon Moreno out.

Rams just off the practice field. Nothing new on the injury front. Steven Jackson and OJ Atogwe did not practice again. Hopeful for tomorrow.

It's official: Darrelle Revis says, "I'm not going to play this week." Says hammy worse than he originally thought.

Broncos coach Mike Shanahan says Clinton Portis will start Sunday.

WR Mario Manningham (concussion) back to practice.

Ray Rice said he is going to practice today and was relieved that it was just a bruise.

Despite seeing reduced playing time in the second half of last week’s loss to St. Louis, Redskins running back Clinton Portis remains on the same page with coach Mike Shanahan “until they notify me of something different.”

“I consider myself a feature back, one of the best backs and I’ll always feel that way,” Portis added in the Redskins locker room. “I don’t think anything’s changed. Sunday just didn’t work.”

Portis played only 24 of 54 snaps against the Rams, including nine second-half plays as the Redskins worked in Ryan Torain and Keiland Williams.

On Monday, Shanahan said Portis was slowed by a hand injury but Portis maintains he’s healthy.

“It ain’t nothing to clarify; it was the game plan, bro,” Portis said. “Sunday is over with. We’ve got the Eagles this week and we have to prepare and be ready for them, no matter who’s at the helm.”

Ryan Torain and Keiland Williams will probably factor in this week's game plan against the Eagles as well. It's looking more like a committee situation in Washington and maybe one to stay away from for now.

As expected, Shaun Hill will start at quarterback for the third straight week in place of Matthew Stafford (right shoulder) for Detroit.

"Matt is making great progress and doing a great job on his rehab," Schwartz said. "But he won't be ready this week."

As expected, Stafford apparently has thrown, but Schwartz wasn't providing any details.

"He's doing more and more," Schwartz said. "There's a lot of steps through that (throwing the ball). There's range of motion stuff, there's different objects, there's active throwing and there's working with a receiver. I don't want to go into where he is in that progression.

"It's not pain level or comfort level. It's about his throwing motion and ability to make throws."

Morris
Rookie running back Jahvid Best (toe) was one of five starters kept out of practice Wednesday.

He probably won't practice much, if at all, this week, though he still might play Sunday.

"There is a difference between pain and being able to do your job," Schwartz said. "He's played with a lot of pain in his career. He played with a dislocated elbow in college. But that's a pain situation. He could still run. When you are talking about his foot, you are talking about affecting his ability to run."

Maurice Morris will probably start in his place, and Kevin Smith (ACL) is expected to be active for the first time this year.

The Detroit running game is probably one to stay away from if Best doesn't start, despite the Pack giving up 116 yards a game on average so far this year.

I figured I would save you something for this morning and our daily discussion of the offense. Terrell Owens had some interesting comments on the state of things.

And like everyone on the offense there’s some frustration.

Said Owens: “Obviously, I think with the expectations of what we have in this locker room, especially with the addition of myself, and with Chad doing some great things here for this organization, with all the hoopla and expectations and the Batman and Robin stuff, the capabilities of what we have, obviously it is disappointing. We’re constantly kicking field goals and things of that nature. We’re not moving the ball up and down as we expected, but a win is a win, and that’s the most important thing at the end of the day.”

Owens did go on to say that there is not a sense of panic right now over the offense but that there isn’t an identity, chemistry or flow to what they have done. He’s not the first to say that either.

Raiders wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey's inconsistent play during his rookie season made him a lightning rod for criticism. Three games into this season, he is gaining widespread attention for all the right reasons.

Quarterbacks Jason Campbell and Bruce Gradkowski targeted Heyward-Bey 24 times the past two games in an attempt to take advantage of single coverage and Heyward-Bey's maturity into a reliable option.

"This time last year, Darrius would have his head down if something goes wrong," Gradkowski said. "Now he knows that this is the game. I am going to miss throws, receivers are going to drop balls, that's the name of the game. That stuff is going to happen, but it's what you do after that."

We must refrain from saying Darren Sproles isn’t earning his keep. This is more about the Chargers keeping him from earning it.

Really now. The Chargers’ running back isn’t very big, but that doesn’t mean he can be made invisible, that he has to disappear at times on the football field. Sproles is dangerous, and NFL teams must prepare for danger, be he 6-foot-6, which he isn’t, or 5-foot-6, which he is.

“That’s the way it is,” he says. “If they need me to block, I’ll block. If they need me to get downfield, I’ll get downfield. I just go out and do my job. If they give me the ball, they give me the ball.”

So give him the ball.

In the loss to Seattle, he played a lot, but was used mostly as a blocking back. He had one carry (not enough) for 16 yards (not bad) and one catch (not enough) for 10 more (not bad). Thus far, he has 10 touches (returns not included) for 128 yards. Help me out here. That’s a whole lot of dough per try from scrimmage.

He has only six carries for 27 yards and one touchdown, but rookie RB LeGarrett Blount's physical running style drew some lofty, albeit unrealistic, comparisons.

"That run the other day was shades of Mike Alstott," Morris said, referring to the retired fullback who is the franchise's all-time touchdowns leader. "That was nice to see."

On his weekly radio show Monday, Morris declared Blount as having earned the role of short-yardage and goal-line back. But the coach seemed to backpedal a bit Wednesday.

"He's not declared," Morris said. "But he's definitely going to have a role (there) if he's not the back. He still has to go out there and compete with Earnest a little bit, but I'm sure Earnest Graham will gladly run up the sideline and tap him in if he keeps giving us runs like that."

Seems like Morris is pretty excited about Blount and his potential. So while he backed off a bit, Blount still looks to be in line to steal some work from Caddy, especially in deep. It remains to be seen what the workload split will look like but Blount is a popular pickup these days as Caddy seems to be down-trending.

Perhaps Devin Aromashodu could benefit from a conversation with Mike Martz regarding his current situation.

Because up to this point, it doesn't sound like Aromashodu has gone out of his way to seek answers from the Bears coaching staff.

"We've talked briefly, but not as far as the reason why I didn't play," Aromashodu said Wednesday. "Obviously, they saw something that maybe they felt I didn't do that other players brought. So they went with that.

"I don't know [what exactly I did wrong]. I would have to go and discuss that with them to find out."

After leading the Bears with 10 passes thrown his way against the Lions in Week 1, Aromashodu has disappeared from the game plan. He didn't see a pass come his way against the Cowboys in Week 2 and was inactive for the Packers game.

It's a strange story for a guy many considered a late-round steal. At this point, he's getting dropped in leagues for better options and for good reason. One would think he'd be back at some point so if you have a deep roster, it may not be a bad idea to stash him away if you see him out there. But in leagues with tougher restrictions, he can't be clogging up a spot when he's not even active.

Jerome Harrison, who returned to practice Wednesday limited with a thigh injury, said he was happy for Peyton Hillis' breakout game last week, but has no idea how it will affect his playing time if he's ready to go Sunday against the Bengals.

Asked if it might be hard for him to get carries after Hillis rushed for 144 yards in Baltimore, Harrison cracked, "What carries? It was a good game by him and it doesn't affect me at all."

Does he see his role changing with Hillis having the hot hand?

"I never knew what my role was, so I can't answer that question," he said. "I support [Hillis]. I'm happy for him He works hard, ran hard and looked good doing it."

But does he expect fewer reps even when fully healthy?

"I don't anticipate anything and I don't expect anything," he said. "We'll just see what happens."

Peyton Hillis looks like he's earned role of RB1 on Cleveland. So, if Harrison is active this week it's probably not a good idea to put him in your lineup, even in a flex spot, until we see how he's used.

One 49er receiver, Josh Morgan, said he'd be fine by Sunday after spraining his knee on the final play of the game in Kansas City.

Another receiver is more iffy.

Ted Ginn said he wouldn't take part in today's afternoon session. Ginn sprained his knee in the season opener and hasn't taken in part in practice since.

Alex Smith, who has been in around-the-clock meetings with new offensive coordinator Mike Johnson since the change was made, today said the team needed to be more flexible on offense and it needed to exploit mismatches with the defense instead of sticking with the same approach - and the same personnel groups -- from week to week.

"I do think there will be more variation," Smith said. "I think personnel and formations and things like that, there will be some different things. I think we'll find out how they're going to play certain personnel, find out how they're going to play certain formations and then go from there."

Smith said he thought parts of the spread offense, something that Johnson studied in 2008 and helped implement in the 49ers system last season, would be used, but that the 49ers wouldn't fully commit to any one style. "You have to be able to present a lot of different things to the defense," he said. "You have to be able to make the defense defend a lot of different things."

It could be time for Plan C at cornerback.

With Darrelle Revis expected to miss his second straight game because of a strained hamstring, and with rookie Kyle Wilson struggling in Revis' spot, the New York Jets might promote Drew Coleman to a starting role for Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills.

Coleman and Wilson rotated with the first-team defense Wednesday in practice, and coach Rex Ryan later volunteered that he was mulling a change. That would be a setback for Wilson, their first-round pick.

"He closed out the game pretty well," said Ryan, alluding to Coleman's victory-clinching, end-zone interception last Sunday night in Miami. "He deserves a look in there. We'll see how it develops as the week goes on."

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In an ideal world, the Jets wouldn't have to make that decision, but Revis missed his fourth straight practice. He hasn't practiced since injuring his hamstring late in the first half of their Week 2 win over the New England Patriots. Officially, the Jets haven't ruled out Revis for the Bills, but they aren't counting on him.

"I don't feel great about Darrelle right now," said Ryan, adding, "I don't want to rule him out yet because I don't want to get fined by the league if he plays."

Revis sure changes the defensive game plan for the Jets and pretty much takes away half of the field. But until he's back close to 100%, the Jets probably shouldn't be a lock to be in your lineup every week. This week, though, it's a good matchup regardless against the Bills.

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith is trying to diffuse any potential controversy involving him and rookie quarterback Jimmy Clausen.

Smith, a four-time Pro Bowl player, said Wednesday that his sideline comments to Clausen during the Panthers' 20-7 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals last weekend have been overblown by the media.

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Television cameras caught Smith walking over to Clausen, who was talking with an assistant coach on the bench, and screaming at the rookie.

Smith walked away, then returned and said something else before being escorted away by tight end Jeff King. At that point, a frustrated Smith threw down his cup of Gatorade.

"It was said that I was just about to 'go off,' and I wasn't," Smith said after Wednesday's practice. "I thought it was interesting because here, I was obviously agitated and frustrated, but sometimes people think they know me better than I know myself. I think that's a joke, and I think the people that reported it are jokes."

Kenneth Darby, who ran for 49 yards in the second half, including a 12-yard touchdown, in relief of Jackson on Sunday, got most of the work with the first-team offense Wednesday, although rookie Keith Toston was sprinkled in, too.

Still, Darby insisted that "my week is the same; nothing's changed. Before all this happened, I always took each week, each day of practice, as if I was going to start, even though I knew that may not happen. ... Just be ready whenever."

Darby called scoring his first touchdown his top NFL highlight — so far. "I really haven't had too many highlights in the NFL," he said. "But I've got a lot more to come."

And, he promised, he'll have a celebration planned for his next score. "I've got something coming," he said. "I already know what I'm going to do; it's going to be a surprise to everybody else."

Pressed for a hint, Darby said, "It's got to do with a shark; I'll just say that."

The Cardinals receiving corps has been hit hard by injuries. Larry Fitzgerald is just now getting close to 100 percent after suffering a knee sprain in preseason. But Steve Breaston (knee) and Early Doucet (sports hernia) are likely to miss at least two more games.

It has been suggested that the Cardinals should sign a veteran receiver who could help immediately. If only such a person existed.

At least Fitzgerald is near 100%.

Saints QB Drew Brees practiced fully Wednesday, but reports surfaced that Brees has a "strained" MCL. The plan is for Brees to play barring a setback.

Saints RB Pierre Thomas (ankle) did not practice Wednesday. The Saints are treating this as a day-to-day situation. We will know more later in the week. Chris Ivory looks likely to fill in if Thomas can't go.

Browns RB Jerome Harrison (thigh) returned to limited practice Wednesday after missing all of last week. Harrison looks on pace to return this week, but Peyton Hillis has established himself as the Browns best back and figures to get the bigger workload moving forward.

Bengals RB Cedric Benson (knee) missed practice Wednesday. This is the first we've heard of the knee. We are going to assume the Bengals are giving Benson some rest after a high-workload week 3 (27 carries). We'll check back Thursday.

Ryan Mathews (ankle) returned to practice Wednesday. Mathews looks like he is in line to return for the Chargers this week. Mike Tolbert still has some value as a goal-line back, but isn't worth starting if Mathews is healthy. We will continue to monitor Mathews throughout the week.

Browns QB Jake Delhomme (ankle) did not practice Wednesday. Delhomme has a shot at playing this week, but our money is on Seneca Wallace.

Lions QB Matthew Stafford (shoulder) continued to miss practice Wednesday. Shaun Hill has been named the Lions starter for Sunday against Green Bay. Stafford expects to begin throwing some point this week and is targeting a return to action in week 5 against the Rams.

Redskins RB Clinton Portis (wrist) practiced fully Wednesday. Ryan Torain was recently signed off the practice squad and received the same number of carries as Portis (7). We still expect Portis to be the lead dog for now, but wouldn't at all be surprised to see Torain get more and more work.

Colts RB Joseph Addai (knee) took full practice reps Wednesday. Addai started Sunday and took most of the work. Expect him to be fine this week.

Rams RB Steven Jackson (groin) did not practice Wednesday. HC Steve Spagnuolo indicated that Jackson was sore and would be a game-time decision. Jackson has been tough in the past, playing through injuries, but the Rams may elect to play it safe this early in the season. If Jackson can't go, Kenneth Darby would draw the start with Keith Toston backing him up.

Broncos RB Knowshon Moreno (hamstring) missed practice Wednesay. Moreno injured the hamstring Friday and missed week 3 action. He is expected to sit out week 4 as well. Laurence Maroney will bee the early down back with Correll Buckhalter picking up backup and pass-catching duties.

Ravens RB Ray Rice (knee) did not practice Wednesday. Rice sounds positive on playing, and so does his teammate Willis McGahee who stands to start if Ray Rice is out. We'll monitor this situation as the week goes on and see if Rice can return to practice as the knee bruise begins to heal.

Lions RB Jahvid Best (toe) did not practice Wednesday. Best left week 3 action with a turf toe injury. Best expects to be able to go this week, but we would like to see him get in some practice first. If Best can't go, Kevin Smith would likely be active and cary the workload with Maurice Morris.

Colts RB Donald Brown (hamstring) did not practice Wednesday. This is the first we've heard of the hamstring for Brown. We will monitor the situation as the week progresses, but Joseph Addai will get the majority of the workload regardless.

Rams RB Keith Toston (shoulder) did not practice Wednesday.

Browns RB James Davis (thigh) was limited at practice Wednesday. With Jerome Harrison out, Davis backed up Peyton Hillis.

Saints RB Chris Ivory (knee) took full practice Wednesday. There was some concern that Ivory had aggravated the knee in Sunday's loss to the Falcons. But the full practice indicates Ivory is in line to play Sunday and serve as backup to Pierre Thomas (assuming Thomas plays).

Patriots RB Fred Taylor (toe) missed practice Wednesday. Fred may return to practice earlier in the week, but BenJarvis Green-Ellis is looking like the best Patriots RB play this week. The Patriots are actually looking thin at RB for the first time in a long time.

Cardinals RB Beanie Chris Wells (knee) took limited reps Wednesday. The Cardinals are going easy on their best RB. Expect him to play again this weekend. Last week Wells got 14 carries to Tim Hightower's 11. Expect more of the same with Hightower catching more balls.

Colts WR Pierre Garcon (hamstring) did not practice Wednesday. Garcon missed Sunday and Austin Collie lit it up. Expect the same this week as Garcon looks headed to a game-time decision.

Cardinals WR Steve Breaston (knee) did not practice Wednesday. Breaston underwent surgery on the knee and is expected to miss at least the next two weeks. Stephen Williams will fill in as WR2 for Breaston.

Giants WR Mario Manningham (concussion) did not practice Wednesday. Today was the first we have heard about the concussion. We'll wait to see if Manningham is cleared to practice later in the week. Manningham has been having a very good campaign so far as the Giants 3rd WR. If he can't go, Victor Cruz will step in.

Eagles WR Jeremy Maclin (back) took full practice reps Wednesday. Maclin should be good to go by Sunday and has emerged as a red zone target for Michael Vick.

Raiders WR Louis Murphy missed practice Wednesday. Murphy has established himself as the top Raiders WR, and we love the matchup against Houston this week, but the injury is now a concern. Thursday will give us a better indication.

Texans WR Andre Johnson (ankle) did not practice Wednesday. Andre Johnson will be a game-time decision, but insists that he will be fine to play. Johnson had an ankle last week and played on it, catching 4 passes for 64 yards and aggravating the injury.

Rams WR Laurent Robinson (foot) did not practice Wednesday. Robinson did not play this week, and isn't a very good fantasy option when healthy now that Mark Clayton is the Rams #1 wideout.

Lions WR Nate Burleson (ankle) did not practice Wednesday. Don't expect Burleson to suit up this week.

Seahawks WR Mike X Williams took reps Wednesday. Williams has caught only 3 passes over the past two weeks for 42 yards and shouldn't be a fantasy consideration. Rookie Golden Tate is pushing for playing time and has far more upside.

Broncos WR Brandon Lloyd (not injury related) did not practice Wednesday. Look for Lloyd to get back to work later in the week. Lloyd had a great game Sunday, but can't be counted on for consistent production.

Broncos WR Demaryius Thomas (arm) took reps Wednesday. The arm was banged up Sunday in a disappointing 2 catch performance against the Colts. Expectations are high for Thomas who caught 8 balls and a TD in week 2.

Browns WR Josh Cribbs (ankle) took limited practice reps Wednesday. Cribbs hurt the ankle Sunday against the Ravens, but it doesn't sound too serious with the limited reps today. We'll look for a full practice later in the week.

Eagles TE Brent Celek (wrist) took full practice reps Wednesday. Celek continues to be under-utilized in the Michael Vick led offense.

Ravens TE Todd Heap (shoulder) took full practice reps Wednesday. Expect Heap to play as he makes his usual appearance on the injury report.

Falcons WR Michael Jenkins (shoulder) took limited reps Wednesday and may return this week.

Browns WR Brian Robiskie (hamstring) was limited at practice Wednesday.

Redskins WR Anthony Armstrong (groin) took full practice reps Wednesday.

Bengals WR Jordan Shipley (shoulder) took limited reps Wednesday. Shipley has passed Andre Caldwell on the depth chart and is getting worked into the Bengals offense with 13 catches on 16 targets through three games. Look for Shipley to return to full practice later in the week.

Rams TE Billy Bajema (knee) did not practice Wednesday.

Texans TE Owen Daniels (hamstring) continued to be limited at practice Wednesday.

Saints RB Pierre Thomas did not practice with a left ankle injury. But Thomas has not been ruled out of Sunday's game at Carolina. Payton wants to see how he progresses as the week goes on. Backup Chris Ivory fully practiced on Wednesday as he continues to recover from a knee injury. He and veteran Ladell Betts could pick up extra carries if Thomas can't play. DeShawn Wynn could also be activated from the practice squad.

OC Greg Olson said rookie WR Arrelious Benn took all the snaps in practice today as the Bucs work on getting him ready for a bigger role.

We like Benn to emerge as the Bucs #2 WR and it looks like that could happen over the next couple of weeks.

New Orleans Saints Coach Sean Payton said he has not yet decided whether John Carney or Garrett Hartley will handle kicking duties this week against Carolina. He said both kickers will be evaluated during the week - much like when they were both on the roster together for nearly three months last season.

Texans WR Andre Johnson (ankle) did not practice- same as last Wednesday. Kubiak: "I'm sure it'll be a game time decision."

Saints RB Pierre Thomas (ankle) did not practice for the Saints on Wednesday.

Lions WR Nate Burleson (ankle) seems doubtful to play in Week 4.

Patriots RB Fred Taylor (toe) not present for the start of today's practice.

Rams running back Steven Jackson will not practice Wednesday, and his status is a question mark heading toward Sunday's game after he suffered a groin injury in St. Louis' victory over Washington Sunday.

"We're going to tread lightly on this one," Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo said on a conference call with Seattle reporters. "It is truly day-to-day.

The Saints' start to defending their championship has been auspicious at best, even with a 2-1 record. So the report coming out of New Orleans on Wednesday that Drew Brees has a strained left MCL can't be considered "good," and certainly not "well-timed."

"The plan" is for Brees to play against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, meaning that the reported injury can't be that serious, at least for now.

This is a situation worth monitoring until more information is released. Stay tuned to 4for4 for more updates.

Lions Jahvid Best (toe) did not practice for the Lions today.

The Colts worked out former Raider and Bronco running back Justin Fargas on Tuesday.

Fargas never attained the status of permanent starter in Oakland but was a valuable back for the Raiders. Fargas was signed by the Broncos in the offseason but did not make the 53-man roster.

Ravens RB Ray Rice (knee) not expected to practice today.

Browns WR Brian Robiskie returning to practice today.

Rams RB Steven Jackson will not practice Wednesday because of a sore groin that has him day-to-day according to Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo.

Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford said he'll begin throwing a football today, 16 days after spraining his throwing shoulder in the opener against the Bears.

"They told me that I need to try to do some light throwing this week and see how it feels and we'll take it from there. I'll throw a little bit tomorrow and the next day and see how it feels," he said.

If everything goes well, Stafford could be back at practice next week and start against the Rams in two weeks.

New additions to the Giants pre-practice injury report: DT Rocky Bernard (back), LB Keith Bulluck (toe), WR Mario Manningham (concussion).

UPDATE: Manningham will not practice today and will be reevaluated, Coughlin said. Victor Cruz will be the No. 3 in his place.

The Steelers have no plans to place quarterback Dennis Dixon, who had surgery to repair a torn lateral meniscus last Wednesday, on injured reserve this week. When Roethlisberger returns, however, they will have to make room for him on their 53-man roster and are not likely to keep four quarterbacks.

"They say from four to six weeks, but every time it's different," Tomlin said of the length of time Dixon is expected to miss. "We're hopeful he's going to get back to us quickly."

Putting him on injured reserve, "depends on how games go," Tomlin said.

Knowshon Moreno (hamstring) is not expected to play against Tennessee in Week 4.

Laurence Maroney will again handle the early down work, with Correll Buckhalter filling in as 3rd down and pass-catching back.

With the surgery and subsequent short-term shelving of Steve Breaston, the Cardinals re-signed receiver Onrea Jones and will see how their current wideout group does Sunday in San Diego before considering any other veteran additions, general manager Rod Graves said in a text message Tuesday night. The team will re-evaluate the position again after playing the Chargers, Graves added. The Cardinals feel if they can get through the next two games with the current group — Larry Fitzgerald, Andre Roberts, Stephen Williams, Max Komar and Jones — then both Breaston and Early Doucet can likely return after the bye (which comes in three weeks after a home game against New Orleans).

Despite the fact that the New Orleans Saints are bringing in a veteran kicker to help with the kicking duties, kicker Garrett Hartley remains on the roster and still is in the Saints' plans, Hartley's agent said Tuesday night.

According to a league source, the Saints have reached a one-year contract agreement with 46-year-old kicker John Carney to help solidify the Saints' struggling field goal kicking.

If John Carney is handling the field goal and PAT duties, Garrett Hartley can now be safely dropped in all leagues.

Running back. It appears Pete Carroll has settled on not only a starter, but a feature back, after Justin Forsett got 17 of the team’s 21 rushes in Sunday’s game against the Chargers.

Look again.

“Well, we’re definitely going that way and this week was the first time where we said, ‘Let’s get him as much as we can, let’s see what happens, let’s see how he produces,’ ” Carroll offered.

If you were waiting for the “but …” it didn’t take long to come.

“But the competition, in my mind, is not closed at all,” said Carroll, in typical always-compete fashion.

Buccaneers head coach Raheem Morris claims in an interview that LeGarrette Blount will be his team's short-yardage and goal-line back moving forward this season.

Although Lewis told reporters he doesn’t have any concerns about Palmer, one voice at the NFL Network — Michael Lombardi — says he’s does.

“You watch the tape, there are huge concerns with Carson Palmer,” Lombardi said. “He’s not nearly the player he was three years ago. His arm doesn’t seem to have the same zip to it. He doesn’t have the accuracy with the football, and he’s not as explosive. Right now he’s a liability in the Cincinnati offense.”

Maybe Palmer isn’t, or no longer is, who we thought he was. Maybe the problems hide elsewhere. It doesn’t appear to be panic-button time in Cincinnati, but we’ll continue to take the temperature of this story as Lewis circles the wagons around his quarterback.

There are a number of people in the sports media that have no clue what they are talking about. However, Mike Lombardi is not one of them. He has more than two decades of experience as an NFL executive. He has worked with a number of the game’s prominent architects, including Bill Walsh, Bill Belichick, Mike Shanahan and Marty Schottenheimer. Lombardi headed the Oakland Raiders’ and Cleveland Browns’ personnel departments and also worked with the San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles and Denver Broncos.

Reading this report about Carson Palmer now has me concerned.

Keenan Burton worked out for the Redskins Tuesday.

Chargers linebacker Larry English had foot surgery on Tuesday and will miss at least some time.

English battled the foot injury through training camp and the preseason and missed Sunday's game at Seattle. He will not be placed on injured reserve.

Update: English will be out 4-6 weeks.

Per Packers Coach Mike McCarthty:

What's the definition of a run game? We went in to the game with a specific run plan. I felt the running backs were productive. Brandn and John played well with the opportunities they were given. They played us a certain way... The number of attempts is not always the most important factor. I thought the run production was a positive. Would not be smart to run Brandon Jackson or John Kuhn 25 times a game anyway.

The Saints have signed K John Carney.

The Jacksonville Jaguars have claimed QB Trent Edwards via waivers.

Cardinals WR Steve Breaston had knee surgery today; according to source Breaston tore his meniscus and expected to be out the next couple of games.

Free agent defensive end Aaron Schobel worked out for the Houston Texans Monday, but did not sign with the club and remains retired Schobel told FOX 26 Sports in an interview Tuesday.

Schobel lives in nearby Columbus, Texas

"I worked out for the Texans Monday," Schobel said. "Part of me wanted to do it.

"It wasn't meant to be. We couldn't agree on terms. They saw me for what I am today and not for what I can be. It's over."

A week from now, one of the big stories in the league -- maybe the biggest story in the league -- will be Ben Roethlisberger returning to the Steelers after his four-week suspension.

George Whitfield, a quarterback coach from San Diego, was hired by Roethlisberger's agent, Ryan Tollner, to work privately with Roethlisberger for his four weeks away from the Steelers. Whitfield commutes from California each week and tries to simulate a regular Wednesday-Thursday-Friday practice week at a high school in Pittsburgh. Sometimes Roethlisberger throws to the likes of former NFLer Devard Darling, who lives in the area, and sometimes he uses high school kids. Whitfield puts Roethlisberger through two-hour workouts, which are taped, and then he and Roethlisberger go over the tape to see how he might make slight improvements.

Knee feeling a lot better I was so happy when I found out it was just a bruise no worries I will be back asap

Steelers quarterback Charlie Batch, as expected, has earned another start with his play last Sunday in Tampa.

"Guys have a great deal of confidence in him," Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said of Batch, who threw three touchdowns in a 38-13 win against the Buccaneers.

The winless Lions, Browns and Panthers have not put in a waiver claim on QB Trent Edwards, so if San Fran did he is theirs.

Updating a previous item, the 49ers opted not to put in a waiver claim on QB Trent Edwards.

All signs are pointing toward running back Kevin Smith (ACL surgery) being in uniform on Sunday in Green Bay.

"I am not going to make any commitment that I don't have any control over, but it looks like I could be getting some action," he said.

The Lions expected Smith, who had surgery nine months ago, to begin camp on the physically unable to perform list, but he was ready to go on Day 1.

The general sense in Berea is that Seneca Wallace will get his third straight start at quarterback.

Jake Delhomme is still recovering from a high ankle sprain, and Wallace loved the offense fairly well against Baltimore’s vaunted defense. Eric Mangini praised his overall work in the passing game, which complemented Peyton Hillis’ breakout, 144-yard rushing day.

Maybe now the Packers will make some progress in their oft-rumored efforts to swing a deal for disgruntled Buffalo Bills running back Marshawn Lynch.

An NFL source said Monday night that the Bills, who had rebuffed not only the Packers’ advances but any team’s inquiries about the availability of the 2007 first-round draft pick, have put out word that they will at least start listening to offers for Lynch. Whether the Packers will – or will try to – trade for Lynch before the Oct. 19 trade deadline remains to be seen.

Multiple reports in recent weeks have said that the Packers inquired about Lynch’s availability, and the source confirmed Monday night that the team had indeed contacted the Bills about him, even before Lynch ran 17 times for 64 yards against the Packers last week. Recently added Dimitri Nance was among the inactives Monday night.

Broncos WR Demaryius Thomas wound up not having X-rays on his left forearm after the game Sunday. "I was going to, but then it cleared up," Thomas said. He suffered some tingling after landing awkwardly while trying to leap for a pass in the end zone.

For all the problems the Broncos continue to have with their running game, particularly near the goal line, coach Josh McDaniels made one thing clear Monday: Tim Tebow is not the solution.
"We're not going to do that in short yardage," McDaniels said. "People who mention that, I don't know, that's ridiculous."

Tebow, the rookie first-round draft pick quarterback who become a collegiate legend and a Heisman Trophy winner in part because of bruising running style, has not played since taking two snaps and rushing for 2 yards against Jacksonville on Sept. 12. Neither of those plays came in the red zone, and neither was in short-yardage situations.

Cowboys Guard Kyle Kosier and tight end Jason Witten both suffered sprained right knees against the Texans.

MRI exams taken by both players Monday came back negative for any significant ligament damage.

Both players say they will be ready to play when the team returns to action Oct. 10 against Tennessee.

The Cowboys' trainers are optimistic as well, but are taking a wait-and-see approach regarding their prognosis.

It’s been five months since the Seattle Seahawks drafted offensive tackle Russell Okung with the No. 6 overall pick, and they still haven’t seen what the Oklahoma State product can do in a meaningful game.

But that all could change this week with Okung scheduled to begin practice Wednesday, with the possibility he could play in Sunday’s game at St. Louis.

Tailback Ryan Mathews said he was pain free after doing his most extensive workout Monday, and head coach Norv Turner said he is “hopeful” Mathews will return to practice this week.

“They let me get after it today,” Mathews said. “It didn’t hurt. I felt like my normal self.”

Mathews was inactive Sunday at Seattle due to the sprained ankle suffered Sept. 19 against Jacksonville.

The circle continued unbroken Monday after the Bengals improved to 2-1. Questions were lobbed at coach Marvin Lewis about the state of the offense and Carson Palmer, Lewis continued to defend his quarterback, and concern about all 11 executing cohesively as a unit remains a work in progress.

Kevin Smith is ready to hit Green Bay's Frozen Tundra running for his first game action of the season in his recovery from a severe knee injury.

Smith, who led the Lions in rushing the last two seasons, sustained a torn anterior cruciate ligament in Game 13 last season.

A toe injury to rookie tailback Jahvid Best in Sunday's 24-10 loss at Minnesota could open the way for Smith to play on Sunday. Maurice Morris and Aaron Brown are the other healthy tailbacks on the roster.

Smith was guardedly optimistic when he spoke about playing on Sunday.

“It's pretty clear-cut," Smith said Monday afternoon. “I pretty much know right know. I'll leave it until Wednesday."

Does he feel better about playing than he did a week ago?

“Yeah. Pretty much," Smith said. “Hopefully, it doesn't turn into a letdown."

On the Redskins' updated depth chart released to media, Ryan Torain is listed as No. 2 RB, behind Portis but ahead of Keiland Williams.

WR Mike Williams suffered a shoulder injury in the first half, and while he finished the game, his status will be a question. "He's real sore today," Carroll said. "We'll see how that turns out."

Bill Polian says the 18-game NFL season is a done deal.

During Monday night's weekly radio show, the Indianapolis Colts team president called it a "fait accompli" and said the debate is over. Polian is a member of the league's competition committee and has worked in the league office.

He's concerned that getting rid of two preseason games to expand the regular season from 16 to 18 games will cost coaches and team officials opportunities to evaluate rookies. The solution, Polian says, might be hooking up with nearby teams for combined practices or controlled scrimmages.

League owners and the commissioner have expressed support for an expanded regular-season schedule, but have not said a decision has been made.

We all know how this will affect the NFL: less preseason games, more injuries, perhaps deeper rosters.

But how will it affect our fantasy leagues: Will the season start earlier, causing drafts to be earlier? Or, will the season run later? Will your league's fantasy rosters expand, and how long do we make our regular seasons vs. the start of playoffs?

Early Doucet (hernia) is still out and Steve Breaston was limping around Monday with his bruised knee. If Breaston is troubled on game day, at least the Cards will have another veteran besides Larry Fitzgerald to lean upon.

Wide receiver Devin Aromashodu is inactive, one week after only playing one snap against the Cowboys.

Packers Inactives
Brad Jones OLB
T.J. Lang T
Pat Lee CB
Nick McDonald G
Dimitri Nance RB
Mike Neal DE
Marshall Newhouse T
Charlie Peprah DB

Bears Inactives
Devin Aromashodu WR
Kahlil Bell RB
Caleb Hanie QB
Tommie Harris DT
Joshua Moore DB
Chris Williams OT
Corey Wootton DE
Major Wright DB

From the top scoring Bears wideout in week 1 to deactivated in week 3. It seems as if there's got to be more to the story here, but the Bears aren't letting on. We will continue to monitor this situation, but for now it appears safe to drop Aromashodu.

The New Orleans Saints will bring in veteran kicker Kris Brown for a tryout Tuesday, along with veteran John Carney, according to a league source.

Brown, 33, was released by the Houston Texans earlier this month after spending eight seasons with the Texans -- the entire franchise's history. He also began his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1999-2001. He has made 252 of 326 field goals in his career (77 percent). He was 21 of 32 last season for the lowest percentage of his career (65.6).

Brown made 4 of 5 field-goal attempts during the preseason, missing only a 56-yard attempt, before losing out to fellow veteran Neil Rackers in a hotly-contested preseason battle. Reportedly, Rackers won the job because of his better leg strength on kickoffs, which wouldn't be an issue in New Orleans since punter Thomas Morstead can kick off.

QB Matthew Stafford said on Mitch Albom Show he'll "do some light throwing this week and see how" his sprained shoulder feels.

The bye week comes at a perfect time for Dallas Cowboys starting tight end Jason Witten and left guard Kyle Kosier, who both suffered right knee injuries Sunday against the Houston Texans.

Witten suffered a sprained MCL in his right knee in the Cowboys' 27-13 victory. The six-time Pro Bowler, who caught seven passes in the game, said he was fine, but his practice status for this week is uncertain.

Running back Kevin Smith could be active for the first time this year. Smith missed the first three games while recovering from knee surgery.

“Kevin’s been chomping at the bit, and he’s ready to go. But sometimes you need to look at it objectively,” head coach Jim Schwartz said. “I know this, he’s a lot closer now than he was in preseason.”

Chris Johnson has carried 75 times in three games this season, but Coach Jeff Fisher says there are no plans on limiting him in practice.

Instead, Fisher said Monday he may use Javon Ringer more extensively in games. Ringer provided a spark with a 17-yard run on Sunday, and he’s totaled 64 yards on 13 carries – a 4.9-yard average. Johnson has gained 301 yards on his 75 carries, an average of 4.0 per run.

"I’m giving some thought to getting Javon some more carries early in the ballgame because he’s been very effective for us," Fisher said. "We’re switching backs to give (the backs) a break and Javon is making big plays for us."

While Johnson owners love seeing him get all the touches at RB, it's probably for the best Ringer chips in now and then so Johnson is around later this season. Johnson will still be considered the top one or two RB week-to-week in the fantasy world.

WR Nate Burleson said he'll test ankle this week. “I’m not looking to dress in street clothes on Sunday. I plan on actually being out there."

Browns head coach Eric Mangini will most likely stick with Peyton Hillis as his starting running back.

Former Ravens placekicker Matt Stover said he will not be trying out for the New Orleans Saints, and he expected the Saints to go with John Carney, who played with the Saints last year.

Stover, 42, the Ravens all time leading scorer, played for Baltimore from 1996 to 2008. The Saints are looking for a kicker to replace Garrett Hartley, who missed a 29 yard attempt that would have won the game for the Saints Sunday against the Falcons. Stover played for the Colts last season and played in the Super Bowl where Indianapolis lost to New Orleans.

Have spoken with some around the league that believe Larry Johnson is still leading candidate to sign with the Rams, due to size - would most be like Steven Jackson physically.

Paul Posluszny has missed the last two games with a minor knee sprain. At this point the odds are good that he’ll return to the lineup on Sunday against the Jets.

“I think so,” said head coach Chan Gailey when asked if Poz would be back for Sunday. ”I think he’ll make it back this week yes.”

Posluszny is also confident he’ll be ready to go.

“I think as long as I can practice well during the week I should be able to play,” said Posluszny. ”Tuesday and Wednesday will be big days just to make sure I’m progressing the way we want, but the plan is to get back out there on Sunday. It feels good right now. I know we still have a couple of days to get even better which is great. Everything feels good and we’re definitely on the right path to get out there on Sunday.”

Andre Johnson just said he is confident he will play Sunday.

Norv Turner "hopeful" RB Ryan Mathews can return to practice at some point this week.

"I think so," said McDaniels when asked whether Demaryius Thomas was okay after appearing to be hurt late Sunday.

Broncos head coach Josh McDaniel on Knowshon Moreno injury: "I don't know, really ... Not going to guess," but it's not as severe as training camp hamstring injury.

It's only a strain...

While that's all he said, it's good news for owners at least as far a long-term status goes. We'll keep monitoring how he stands for Week 4 against Seattle.

Sammie Stroughter showed enough skills and production his rookie season to help earn him a spot in the starting lineup in 2010. The seventh-round pick caught 31 passes for 334 yards and one touchdown last year. This season as the starting flanker, Stroughter’s production has been severely down. In the first three games Stroughter only has six receptions for just 49 yards.

Head coach Raheem Morris said that Stroughter’s lack of stats could be because he may not be accustomed to playing so many snaps on Sundays.

“When you look at Sammie, he played so hard that he wore down a little bit,” said Morris. “He caught some cramps yesterday and we had to pull him off the field.”

Morris plans rectify the situation by giving Stroughter some breaks during games and putting him in the slot more on passing downs.

The story makes sense with an earlier report we got about some changes after this week's bye for the Bucs. Look for more Arrelious Benn at WR in week 5 with Stroughter's move to the slot.

Dallas TE Jason Witten also underwent an MRI this morning and had his right knee wrapped.

In addition to coaching shake-up in San Fran, I hear veterans Michael Lewis and Takeo Spikes being benched on defense. Big change for 49ers.

Looks like Taylor Mays takes over for Lewis while Navorro Brown replaces Spikes.

After a painful 27-24 loss to the Falcons, in which kicker Garrett Hartley missed a 29-yard field goal that would have won the game in overtime, the Saints will work out kickers this week.

"The game came down to a 29-yard field goal and I yanked it left," said Hartley. "No ifs or buts about it. It was clearly my mistake. I need to go back to the drawing board."

According to NBC, the Saints will bring in veteran John Carney for a tryout this week, while other free agent kickers such as former Bengal Shayne Graham, long-time Texan Kris Brown, and former Raven Matt Stover may also get consideration.

"It’s the highs and lows of being a kicker," said Hartley. "I need to get back to kicking the football and not over-kicking it like I did today."

Keep an eye on this situation. It could be a scare tactic, or, if you're a Hartley owner you may have to look to the waiver wire for a kicker this week.

Chris Ivory's debut was less than spectacular, as he finished 13 yards on 7 carries and a fumble on a fourth-down carry that was recovered by the Falcons. And although Ivory seemed to be the short-yardage option in the Saints game plan, he got but 1 yard on two carries on New Orleans overtime possession.

But Coach Sean Payton said Monday the team still has confidence in Ivory, while at the same time acknowledging that depth at that position is a concern for the Saints and thus the organization is keeping an eye on other players who might become available.

"He's going to have to give us some good carries, here, he'll have to handle 7, 8, 10 carries a game," Payton said, noting the quandary the Saints face with Bush out. "Our confidence is high. He'll have an opportunity to do good things and I think he will."

Detroit RB Jahvid Best's toe injury is not severe. Lions rookie RB considered day-to-day. Aiming to play this week.

Without Trent Edwards, the Bills have an open roster spot. Bills planning to re-sign QB Levi Brown, whom they released this summer.

Darin Gantt's, Panthers beat writer for the Rock Hill Herald said:

Panthers coach John Fox said rookie QB Jimmy Clausen would "more than likely" start this week against New Orleans. As a nine-year veteran of translating Fox, that means yes, in fact, he will. He didn't offer much in the way of specifics, but seemed generally encouraged by Clausen's play -- other than the fumbles.

Interesting day at QB continues: Jaguars are flying in former Rams quarterback Keith Null, and plan to sign him.

Bucs will spend the bye week making some changes: More LeGarrette Blount at RB and Arrelious Benn at WR. Less Cadillac Williams and Sammie Stroughter.

The Buc's bye comes in week four.

RB LeGarrette Blount says he needs to learn the Bucs' protection schemes more thoroughly before he expects his role to increase.

This is pretty typical for a young back and often takes time to learn. Kareem Huggins has yet to make an impact and right now it looks like Blount may have passed him.

Eagles coach Andy Reid on injuries: TE Brent Celek has a wrist contusion.

Celek, in a radio interview on 610WIP, already said he should be good to go next week. However he hasn't been a safe play yet this season and we'd like to see more before you put him back in your lineup.

Ricky Williams has to keep two hands on the ball, Sparano says. Concern? "Yes, it concerns me."

Jahvid Best said he thinks he has "sprained ligaments" in right big toe, "totally new" not related to injury report last week.

Seahawks receiver Mike X Williams left the game with a shoulder injury in the first quarter and later returned, only to sit out the second half. Williams had one catch for 13 yards.

49ers have fired offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye.

Starting flanker Josh Morgan sustained a knee strain on the final play when the 49ers ill-advisedly pressed forward, trying to score a touchdown in the final seconds. The team reported it's a strain, which means it's an injury to a muscle or tendon. The extent of the injury is not known, but unless the 49ers misdiagnosed it, it rules out any ligament damage.

But we do not know if Morgan will miss any time. Also, receiver Ted Ginn has missed two games with a knee sprain. He could return to action this week, but this might not be the time to send a message to Michael Crabtree.

After all, the 49ers' offense would be a whole lot better if Crabtree and Smith spend more time working together and get on the same page.

Jets have a different def without Darrelle Revis. Rookie Kyle Wilson needs better ball awareness. Early hunch: No Revis in Buff.

Running back Cedric Benson never went more than two straight games without a 100-yard game in 2009. Now that he’s opened 2010 with three straight, he says he’s going to stay out of the play-calling game after he talked last week on national radio about the team not having an identity and moving away from the run game. But it was hard to say the Bengals did that Sunday after his nine-carry third quarter.

“We’ve had plenty of time to get it together," Benson said. "We’re going into the fourth game of the season now. We’ve had plenty of preseason games, minicamps, training camps. We’ve had plenty of time to get things together. I’m just not going to get involved with it. I’m going to just make sure I’m well prepared every Sunday for any type of situation. And take it as it comes. I have no control over it and I don’t want to step on anyone’s toes or cause any issues. It was a great win today, guys played hard, our defense played great. I’ll take it how we can get it.”

Head coach Marvin Lewis apparently heard the comments during the week.

“He won’t let you guys or any media lead him down that path anymore that way,” Lewis said. “Some days he’ll get some carries. Some days he may not. Sometimes we might throw it. We’re going to win some games. We’re going to play 16 games, and hopefully play 16 games with Cedric. Bernard (Scott) is going to carry the football this year more than he did last year. Cedric is going to have less carries at the end of the year. But hopefully he’s going to have 16 games where he carries the football and on into whatever is after that.”

Benson admits he’s not wild about a rotation and maybe the Bengals aren’t, either. Scott carried it just twice Sunday, one for 12 yards.

Ravens' running back Ray Rice left the stadium last night with a crutch, but the crutch was given to him for possible assistance.

There was speculation that Rice needed the crutch to walk because of the injured knee, but Rice basically was forced by the Ravens' medical staff to use it.

Rice left the game against Cleveland with ten minutes remaining after he injured the knee on a tackle following a four-yard gain off a reception.

According to a Ravens observer, Rice didn't need the crutch to walk, but the medical staff gave it to him anyway. Rice used it sparingly, even jokingly at times, but did walk with a slight limp.

Rice is expected to get an MRI on his knee later today. Ravens coach John Harbaugh reported after the game that initial diagnosis showed no ligament damage.

Patriots TE Aaron Hernandez ranked second in playing time this week among Patriots RB/WR/TEs, as he was part of almost every offensive package. He was utilized in the 4 WR/1 TE package in the two-minute offense, which was a new twist without Kevin Faulk. The 52 snaps were a season-high for Hernandez, who had played 29 against the Bengals and 38 against the Jets.

While Rob Gronkowski may steal some red zone looks, Hernandez is the TE you want. Hernandez is pushing to be a fantasy TE1 as his role continues to expand.

The Saints suffered from several nicks to key players, but none appears serious.

Quarterback Drew Brees gave the biggest scare when he got his left knee banged on the Saints' final possession of regulation, sending backup Chase Daniel to begin warming up.

But Brees managed to finish the contest, and, after the game, said he was OK.

Thomas injured his ankle with 17 seconds to play in regulation, but he was able to return.

Negativity swirled around Vince Young all week like the winds of the Meadowlands.

Coming off one of his worst performances, every part of his game was questioned, from his level of preparedness after missing meetings, to his abilities under pressure, to his maturity as a fifth-year pro quarterback. In Week 2, it seemed like his entire season was on the brink.

For at least a game, however, Young answered his critics as the Titans beat the Giants 29-10 on Sunday at New Meadowlands Stadium.

Young wasn't asked to do much. He threw only four passes in the first half and finished the game 10-of-16 for 118 yards and a touchdown. But after throwing two interceptions, fumbling twice and getting benched in a loss to the Steelers, he played a key role in this victory by being mistake-free.

Raiders RB Michael Bush said his thumb held up fine and that he’s planning on taking the pad off next week. He got blown up once by Adrian Wilson while pass blocking.

“I’ve got to get under him,” Bush said. “He knocked me down because I didn’t have my feet gathered correctly. It was good to get back in and get banged up a little bit.”

The Dwayne Jarrett era appears to be drawing to a close, as the Panthers activated two rookies instead of the former second-rounder, who came to camp as the unquestioned starter at receiver.

Jarrett was one of the team’s eight pregame inactives. He had already been passed for a starting job by both third-rounder Brandon LaFell and sixth-rounder David Gettis the first two weeks. When LaFell came back from the hamstring strain that had him inactive last week against Tampa Bay (when Jarrett was active but not thrown to), there was no apparent need for him.

Steve Smith sat quietly in his locker, fiddling with his phone, knowing the assembled mass of reporters were waiting to hear what he had to say.

The Carolina Panthers emotional wideout has blown his stack in similar situations, but was subdued in the locker room after the 20-7 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.

Smith didn't catch a pass until midway through the fourth quarter, and finished with just three catches for 22 yards. That snapped a streak of five straight games with a touchdown going back to last year, but he was such a non-factor for most of Sunday it's hard to remember him scoring ever.

"I wouldn't necessarily call it frustrated; just disappointed, let down," Smith said of his day of inactivity. "If they throw a ball, they're going to throw me the ball. I've still got a job to do. I think I ran some pretty good routes. You've got to evaluate yourself. I'm a horrible quarterback, a terrible defensive back. I'm not going to tackle at linebacker. My best job is a wide receiver, and i'm going to run the routes they call.

Rookie wide receiver Dominique Curry, who blocked a Washington punt in the first quarter, left later in the quarter with a right knee injury. Coach Steve Spaganuolo said the injury is believed to be a torn ACL, which would be season-ending.

With his right leg in a huge brace in the locker room, Curry said he planted trying to move in for a tackle on punt coverage and felt the knee buckle.

The Rams also lost safety Oshiomogho Atgowe for the second half. Atogwe entered the game with a thigh injury and went as long as he could before the leg weakened. Running back Keith Toston, one of Jackson's replacements, banged up his shoulder - the extent of that injury was uncertain Sunday. Rookie safety Darian Steweart suffered a hamstring injury late in the game, and defensive tackle Gary Gibson limped off late with a possible ankle injury.

"It's frustrating, plain and simple. It's frustrating."

That's not Jaguars Nation speaking, but rather quarterback David Garrard, who suffered through one of the worst days of his NFL career on Sunday in the Jaguars' 28-3 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Garrard started slow and regressed. He finished the game with woeful numbers of 13-for-30 passing, 105 yards, six sacks and one interception. The quarterback rating of 38.9 was the third-lowest mark he's had in his 65 starts in the NFL. His lower ratings? A 25.5 against Houston in 2006 and a 35.9 at Tennessee last season.

Garrard's completion percentage of 43.3 matches his second lowest total ever, just a shade ahead of the 42.3 mark (11-for-26) last year against Miami. The 105 passing yards ranks as his fourth lowest total as a starter.

Harrison
Jerome Harrison was inactive with his thigh injury, but hopes to be back in practice this week.

"The most frustrating thing was not being to help," he said. "All I could do was try to help the guys that were out there."

Cribbs
Josh Cribbs had to rally from a sprained left ankle to play against the Ravens and was in a walking boot after the game. It's a good thing he played.

Cribbs was the only Browns receiver to catch a pass, finishing with a career-high five receptions for 58 yards, including a long of 20.

"I was really questionable for this game," said Cribbs, who felt pain in the ankle Friday in practice and had fluid on it. "I had to work out before the game started and everything. My fans were like 'don't do it if you can't go.' But it's the Ravens. That why I went. It's the Ravens and it's the division."

The Saints will audition some kickers this week. Garrett Hartley (who's missed 46, 32 and 29 yarders) is on thin ice.

Ray Rice sprained his knee in the fourth quarter of the Ravens' 24-17 win over Cleveland and didn't return.

Rice, the Ravens' leading rusher, doesn't have ligament damage, according to coach John Harbaugh. His status is unknown for Sunday's game at Pittsburgh.

"Right now, everything is standard," Rice said. "I'll take some tests on Monday, but everything looks positive right now."

Harbaugh was more vague.

"We don't know [the extent] for sure," Harbaugh said after the game.

Vikings TE Visanthe Shiancoe said he "just got a little tweak." Wouldn't confirm it was his hamstring. "I need the bye right now."

Andre Johnson said he re-aggravated his high-ankle sprain: "We're going to do the same (treatment) we did last week & see what happens"

Dolphins Inactives
Ikaika Alama-Francis DE
Patrick Brown T
Channing Crowder LB
John Jerry G
Marlon Moore WR
Jared Odrick DE
Mickey Shuler TE
Tyler Thigpen QB

Jets Inactives
Kellen Clemens QB
Jeff Cumberland TE
Kenwin Cummings LB
Marcus Dixon DE
Wayne Hunter T
Joe McKnight RB
Calvin Pace OLB
Darrelle Revis CB

Braylon Edwards (DUI) is active, but will not play in the first quarter.

Needless to say, any injury to Steven Jackson would be devastating for the Rams.

Jackson left Sunday’s game against Washington late during the second quarter with a groin injury. He was able to walk off the field under his own power, but was noticeably limping.

Jackson was visibly in discomfort on the trainer’s table, where his right groin area was worked on. After some time on the sidelines with trainers, he made his way to the locker room with several minutes remaining in the first half.

Officially, Jackson is questionable to return. Kenneth Darby took over in the backfield on the team’s final drive of the half.

Detroit Lions rookie running back Jahvid Best has left the game with a toe injury.

Best was hurt in the third quarter Sunday at Minnesota, and the Lions called his return questionable. After amassing five touchdowns and 268 yards from scrimmage in his first two NFL games, Best was limited to 26 yards rushing on seven attempts and two catches for 13 yards.

Hopefully this doesn't signify the beginnings of the 4for4.com curse. Best was our featured player this week.

The Patriots announced RB Fred Taylor was questionable to return to the game due to a toe injury.

The committee of Sammy Morris, BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Danny Woodhead have been effective in handling the rushing duties for the Patriots. Green-Ellis has 12 carries for 66 yards and a fourth-quarter touchdown that stretched the Patriots’ lead to 38-23, while Woodhead has three carries for 42 yards and a touchdown.

Colts Inactives
Pierre Garcon WR
Anthony Gonzalez WR
Charlie Johnson T
Brandon King DB
Ricardo Mathews DE
Jacques McClendon G
Bob Sanders SS
Clint Session OLB

Seahawks Inactives
Evan Dietrich-Smith G
Quinton Ganther RB
Leroy Hill OLB
Anthony McCoy TE
Nate Ness DB
Russell Okung T
Chester Pitts T
E.J. Wilson DE

Chargers Inactives
Stephen Cooper LB
Larry English LB
Vaughn Martin DE
Ryan Mathews RB
J.T. O'Sullivan QB
Adam Terry T
Jyles Tucker LB

Raiders Inactives
Kyle Boller QB
Ricky Brown LB
Hiram Eugene S
Robert Gallery G
Travis Goethel LB
John Henderson DT
Chris Johnson CB

Broncos Inactives
Chris Clark T
Eric Decker WR
Andre' Goodman CB
Ryan Harris OT
Knowshon Moreno RB
Eric Olsen G
Richard Quinn TE
Tim Tebow QB

Rams Inactives
Billy Bajema TE
Chris Chamberlain LB
Craig Dahl SS
Renardo Foster OT
Michael Hoomanawanui TE
Laurent Robinson WR
Clifton Ryan DT
Darell Scott DT

Redskins Inactives
OL Trent Williams
WR Anthony Armstrong
S Chris Horton
RB Chad Simpson
DT Anthony Bryant
DE Jeremy Jarmon
LB Perry Riley
QB John Beck

Cardinals Inactives
QB John Skelton
CB A.J. Jefferson
S Hamza Abdullah
CB Brandon McDonald
C Ben Claxton
WR Early Doucet
LB Alex Hall
DT Gabe Watson

Jaguars Inactives
Brock Bolen RB
Landon Cohen DE
Justin Durant LB
Kevin Haslam T
Deji Karim RB
Austen Lane DE
Zach Potter TE
Anthony Smith S

Eagles Inactives
Antwan Barnes DE
Keenan Clayton LB
Omar Gaither MLB
Clay Harbor TE
Austin Howard T
Mike Kafka QB
Trevard Lindley DB
Daniel Te'o-Nesheim DE

Arizona coach Ken Whisenhunt has taken a run-first approach with his offense, not knowing what Derek Anderson will do consistently. Beanie Wells is expected to play some after having arthroscopic surgery a few weeks ago. Wells brings more power to the running game, but Tim Hightower will start.

The Colts pounded the Giants last week, dominating the line of scrimmage with a more physical offensive line. They ran it 43 times — the most in the Peyton Manning era — for 161 yards. The Broncos should expect more of the same. RB Correll Buckhalter starts for the Broncos, who will use Laurence Maroney, too.

The benching of QB Trent Edwards by Bills coach Chan Gailey undoubtedly means that his career is over in Buffalo. The switch to Ryan Fitzpatrick was endorsed by the Bills’ best offensive player, WR Lee Evans, and we’ll see if Fitz can win a shootout with Tom Brady. Fitzpatrick is 8-14-1 as a starter over five seasons, although he did win five starts last season. New England has won 13 straight against the Bills, dating back to 2003. The Bills haven’t had a 300-yard passer in 58 consecutive games. Buffalo’s Donte Whitner said that the Packers, including quarterback Aaron Rodgers, were laughing at them at the end of last Sunday’s loss.

The Jimmy Clausen era starts today and again the Panthers will try to help him by getting their two running backs, DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart, untracked against a Bengals defense that is allowing 4.9 yards a carry after two games. Of course, Carolina's run game has been hurt by the absence of RT Jeff Otah. The Bengals have lost five straight road games and must play a more complete game to beat the Panthers. Clausen doesn’t figure to have much success against Cincinnati’s two fine cornerbacks, Johnathan Joseph and Leon Hall. Those two guys basically shut down Joe Flacco last week.

The Giants figure to imitate Pittsburgh’s eight-man fronts against Titans RB Chris Johnson and dare Vince Young to complete some passes against single coverage. Tennessee coach Jeff Fisher will have a quick hook with Young if he struggles, as he did last week. New York’s offensive line simply isn’t what it used to be a couple years ago and it figures to be worse if center Shaun O’Hara (Achilles) must be replaced. It’s been 13 games since the Giants have had a 100-yard rusher and who knows where Brandon Jacobs’ head is at?

Instead of blitzing Rams rookie QB Sam Bradford, the Redskins are going to drop into coverage, believing that Danny Amendola and Mark Clayton can’t beat the Washington secondary. The Rams won’t have WR Laurent Robinson again and, of course, they are playing the season without their top receiver, Donnie Avery. Rookie WR Mardy Gilyard will see some extended playing time for the Rams, who will also be starting TE Daniel Fells after losing their first two tight ends to injury. Darcy Johnson and Fendi Onobun will also play the position.

The Eagles will stick with their three-receiver formation (although they have only four wideouts on the active roster) that they used on 36 of 65 offensive plays last week. All but 13 of running back LeSean McCoy’s career-high 120 rushing yards came out of those sets. So did 173 of Michael Vick’s 284 passing yards. The Eagles need to spread the Jaguars out because their offensive line remains injured and in bad shape. The spread allows Vick to pick his own opportunities or simply stay with the play called.

While Reid denied it, a major reason for his decision to go with Vick is the struggles of his offensive line, which has given up 12 sacks in the first two games. It’s the first time since 1997 that the Eagles have allowed six or more sacks in consecutive games. The Eagles lost starting center Jamaal Jackson in Week 1 when he suffered a season-ending arm injury. He’s been replaced by inexperienced Mike McGlynn, a college tackle who has little experience at making line calls.

What’s interesting about the quarterback switch is that Vick and Kevin Kolb are good friends. Kolb reached out to Vick after the shooting incident at Vick's birthday party. Most of the younger players on the Eagles also look up to Vick. Kolb seems to be taking the benching in stride. He also expects to be the team’s starting quarterback again at some point. Vick is in the final year of his contract ($5 million) and will be an unrestricted free agent in the offseason. After Donovan McNabb was traded, Kolb got a one-year extension that carries him through the end of 2011. “I have faith that it will work out here and look forward to starting here again one day,” Kolb said. “As of right now, I’m the backup, and I’ll do what’s best for the team and for Michael.”

Jimmy Raye, the 49ers' offensive coordinator, will remain in the press box and call the plays. However, Alex Smith will wear a wrist band that will have 180 plays on it and the team practiced with a 40-second clock this week in order to get the plays in faster to Smith, which was a problem in the Seattle opener. Smith was heartened that Patrick Willis, the 49ers’ best player, came to his defense despite coach Mike Singletary’s criticism of him after the Seattle defeat.

Despite the 2-0 start, Chiefs coach Todd Haley continues to call a conservative passing game and Cassel continues to be ripped in the local media. His passer rating is 55.8, second worst in the NFL. No quarterback has started at least 12 games with a passer rating that low since Browning Nagle for the Jets in 1992. Plus, the Chiefs have scored just 13 points on 20 possessions that started on their half of the field. But the Chiefs have no options. Brodie Croyle is 0-9 as a starter while Cassel has started just 32 games in the NFL and never started in college. Cassel is due a roster bonus of $7 million in March. The Chiefs ought to know by then whether they want to pay and keep him.

If the Falcons want to be a playoff team, New Orleans is the team they have to beat in the South. Now, Falcons QB Matt Ryan has struggled on the road and he had three interceptions in the Superdome last season, including two inside the 10-yard line. Ryan needs to make better decisions under pressure. Look for him to focus on TE Tony Gonzalez, who has been doubled a lot this season. The Saints figure to isolate safety Malcolm Jenkins on Gonzalez and that could be the opening that Ryan wants. With Michael Jenkins still nursing a sore shoulder, Ryan has completed 20 passes to Roddy White, but that should be more difficult against the Saints’ cornerback tandem of Jabari Greer and Tracy Porter. The good news for Ryan is that RB Michael Turner is back from a groin injury.

The Texans have two of the biggest offensive talents in the league in WR Andre Johnson and QB Matt Schaub, who led the NFL in passing yards last season. Johnson can beat double coverage, so look for the Cowboys to blitz more, particularly against new Houston LT Rashard Butler, who starts for the suspended Duane Brown. The Cowboys will focus on stopping Schaub’s underneath receivers and the running game. Houston is a zone-blocking scheme team and RB Arian Foster had a huge opening day against the Colts. Foster is more of a punishing runner than a game breaker.

The Cowboys are second in passing offense and despite all the talk about finding an identity with the running game, it makes sense that Tony Romo (656 yards in two losses) comes out throwing against a young Houston secondary, one that allowed 426 yards to Donovan McNabb last Sunday. However, the Texans do have a decent pass rush with Mario Williams already posting four sacks. The Texans love to rotate their defensive linemen, but Dallas LT Doug Free has played well thus far and should be able to neutralize Williams. So far, the Dallas offensive linemen have been unable to keep opposing linebackers off of their running backs and they figure to struggle against DeMeco Ryans. This is why offensive coordinator Jason Garrett has called 99 pass plays to only 42 runs thus far.

The Vikings know that today's opponent, the Lions, are improved, but they also need Brett Favre and his receivers to snap out of it. They can't simply rely on Adrian Peterson. In nine games in the Metrodome last year, Favre was intercepted only twice.

Bernard Berrian is known as a speed receiver, a true deep threat. But he hasn’t been separating from defenders and people are wondering why. One reason Berrian's play has been questioned is his salary. The Vikings signed him away from the Bears in 2008 as a free agent to a $42 million, six-year contract that included a $16 million signing bonus. By the end of this season, the 29-year-old receiver will have collected $23 million.

“There’s still a lot of work to be done, but we’re close,” Berrian said last week. “There are a lot of things we see good on the field, there’s a lot of things we see bad on the field. It’s all working negatively right now.”

The good news here is that Favre has never lost in 18 home games against the Lions. Not in Lambeau, Milwaukee or Minneapolis.

While Albert Haynesworth said he has come around on the team's new 3-4 defense and feels he has more opportunities to chase the quarterback than a year ago, he characterized his absence from the team's offseason workouts as a stand that was based on principals.

"I guess in this world, we don't have a lot of people with backbones. Just because somebody pay you money don't mean they'll make you do whatever they want. I mean, that means everything is for sale. I mean, I'm not for sale," Haynesworth said. "Yeah, I signed the contract and got paid a lot of money, but just because, that don't mean I'm for sale or a slave or whatever.

Former Steelers HC Bill Cowher said he has been approached by NFL teams seeking a new head coach every year since he retired from the Steelers.

"I am not going to go back into coaching, just to go back into coaching," he said. "It has to be the right situation. And I don't know what the right situation consists of."

The Carolina Panthers seem like the obvious choice to us, with John Fox likely on his last legs and Bill Cower a North Carolina resident.

With Pierre Garcon and Anthony Gonzalez out for Sunday's game in Denver, the Indianapolis Colts have signed wide receiver Blair White off their practice squad to help fill the void.

Indianapolis Colts linebacker Clint Session didn't travel with the team to Denver, and will miss tomorrow's game against the Broncos.

In addition to shutting linebacker D'Qwell Jackson down for the season, Cleveland also listed wide receiver Brian Robiskie (hamstring) and defensive lineman Shaun Rogers (ankle, hip) as out for Sunday's game in Baltimore, and downgraded wide receiver Joshua Cribbs (ankle) to "questionable."

Cleveland linebacker D'Qwell Jackson is being placed on injured reserve.

Indianapolis Colts WR Pierre Garcon is out for tomorrow's game in Denver. He did not travel with the team to the Mile High City.

If you had Garcon in your lineup, it's time to take him out. Austin Collie's odds of success increase considerably.

San Diego Chargers running back Ryan Mathews wasn't limping Friday, but he sat out all three San Diego practices this week because of the right ankle sprain suffered in the team's home opener. The Chargers list him as doubtful to play in Week 3 at Seattle.

After two Jacksonville Jaguars stood him up and bent him backward last Sunday, putting an end to his home debut, Mathews was carted away. He returned to the sideline but didn't play again in the Chargers' 38-13 victory.

The sprain was high up the ankle, yet apparently not a high ankle sprain - which is good news for Mathews, because a high ankle sprain can sideline a skill player for well over a month.

"I wouldn't even say it was a high ankle sprain," Mathews told FanHouse. "Usually a high ankle is, you're not walking the next day or really doing anything like that. I'm walking fine. I don't feel pain or anything like that. It's really just real, real, real sore. Other than that, if I had to play ...

"It's sore. it's going to take some time to get used to, but it's going to heal up fine. It really is "

Hopefully Mathews will be back soon. Fantasy owners who spent a high draft pick on him need him out there.

Halfway through their six-week sabbatical, the Green Bay Packers' trio of rehabbing aspirants appear ready to be declared physically able to perform.

Cornerback Al Harris, safety Atari Bigby and running back James Starks have been working off the grid since the season started, training in anonymity while their teammates prepare to play each week.

All three are aiming to be 100% healthy Oct. 18, when they are eligible to come off the physically-unable-to-perform list. None has taken part in a single snap since training camp started because of injuries that resulted in them failing their physicals, but the club thought enough of their progress to keep them around.

Should they be activated right away, their first game would be against the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field on Oct. 24. They would like to provide a midseason boost to a team that has yet to hit its stride.

Of the three, Starks appears to be the closest to 100%. After aggravating a hamstring injury during the conditioning run at the start of training camp, Starks has rehabbed for almost two months and is running full speed.

The 2010 sixth-round pick attends all the running backs meetings and watches every play during practice in preparation for his return. Given Ryan Grant's season-ending injury, anything Starks could provide would be welcome.

If you are mining the waiver wire for a prospect who could pay future dividends, keep tabs on Starks, who the Packers have been high on.

If Redskins wide receiver Anthony Armstrong (groin) is inactive against the St. Louis Rams, wideout Devin Thomas could finally get a chance on offense.

"I'm always ready," said Thomas, who has participated only on special teams during Washington's first two games. "You never know when it's going to come, so all you can do is stay positive."

The third-year player has continued to do and say all the right things while being buried on the depth chart at wideout since the outset of training camp because Mike and Kyle Shanahan have not seen what they expected to from him. Thomas has run hard on kickoff returns and ranks third in the NFL with a 28.4-yard average. His performance in practice has also steadily improved, according to some of Thomas's teammates.

And Thomas could not have handled the situation more professionally. He often can be found sitting in front of his dressing stall during media availability at Redskins Park, answering another round of questions about his standing in the offense while being encircled by reporters and television cameras.

"Obviously, it's tough when you want to be out there contributing and you're not, but I have to just keep working," he said. "That's the only thing that can help make it better."

In most leagues, Thomas is probably on the waiver wire. He's someone to keep an eye on.

Chicago head coach Lovie Smith announced after Saturday's practice that starting left tackle Chris Williams (hamstring) and rookie safety Major Wright (hamstring) will not play against the Packers on Monday night. Both were injured against the Cowboys last week.

The loss of Williams doesn't help Jay Cutler's chances of success.

The Chargers have their left tackle back.

Marcus McNeill, the restricted free agent who had until now declined to sign his one-year tender offer, has now signed his tender. McNeill signed the one-year tender only, and has not signed a long-term deal.

Prior to this season, McNeill had started every game but two in his NFL career. He'll be eligible to return to the lineup after the Chargers' next three games.

This is great news for quarterback Philip Rivers and whoever is carrying the ball in the San Diego backfield.

One of the bigger mysteries to the start of the Ravens' season has been the limited play of Josh Wilson.

Baltimore traded a conditional fifth-round pick to Seattle for Wilson just before the start of the regular season, which created some expectations for the former University of Maryland cornerback.

But Wilson only played special teams in the season opener, and he rotated at nickel back in Week 2.

Ravens coach John Harbaugh said he expects that Wilson will play more Sunday.

"I would say he's really shined in practice the last week or so," Harbaugh said.

He also added that cornerback Cary Williams, returning from a two-game suspension, will probably see action on special teams.

Dallas Cowboys cornerback Mike Jenkins increased his practice work during the week but will go into the Houston game unsure whether he will be restricted by a bruised right knee.

Jenkins incurred the injury during the fourth quarter of last week's loss to Chicago. According to Jenkins, the medical staff didn't want to risk aggravating the injury with a heavy week of practice.

"We're going to try it out on Sunday," Jenkins said. "Right now I feel good."

It's not like Jenkins is a shutdown corner like Champ Bailey, but against Houston's high-powered passing game, the Cowboys need all the help they can get. The Cowboys defense should be benched this weekend.

Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator Brian Daboll knows that for his offense to be successful, he has to get the ball in the hands of Josh Cribbs more often, and he plans on doing that Sunday in Baltimore.

"I think more touches for Josh would be a good thing," Daboll said.

It shouldn't be hard to find reps for Josh Cribbs against the Ravens, especially with receiver Brian Robiskie doubtful for the game with a pulled hamstring and rookie Carlton Mitchell suffering a head injury in practice. Mitchell sat out practice Friday and is listed as questionable. Cribbs tweaked his left ankle early in practice Friday, but is listed as probable.

"[Cribbs] will get plenty of reps," Daboll said.

Cribbs is always capable of generating a big play, but against Baltimore, you don't want him in the lineup unless you are in a return yardage league. An increased work level could make him more valuable down the road.

Lions running back Kevin Smith has not played in a regular-season NFL game in more than nine months. After taking mostly scout-team reps this week, it doesn't look as if he's going to play in Sunday's game at Minnesota, either.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Dennis Dixon will be out six weeks after having surgery to repair a torn lateral meniscus in his left knee.

It was originally thought Dixon, the team's No. 3 quarterback, would be out three to five weeks after being injured in the second quarter of the Steelers' 19-11 victory Sunday in Tennessee. But, even though the surgery went very well and determined there was no major damage, Dixon will be out even longer than anticipated. If the prognosis is accurate, he will not return until the Nov. 14 game against the New England Patriots.

Coach Mike Tomlin said the other day he has no plans to sign another quarterback to the roster. Ben Roethlisberger will miss two more games before his four-game suspension is over.

It is believed that Broncos RB Knowshon Moreno's hamstring injury will keep him out for two weeks.

Colts RB Joseph Addai (knee questionable) practiced fully friday Friday. Addai is reportedly "good to go" but with a 4PM kickoff, owners are taking a risk. We wouldn't be surprised to see second year back Donald Brown called on a bit more this week to spell Addai with the knee.

Buccaneers QB Josh Freeman (right thumb Probable) took full practice reps Friday and will start in a bad matchup with the Steelers.

Vikings QB Brett Favre (ankle probable) was limited Friday but is fully expected to start in a good matchup with the Lions.

Browns QB Jake Delhomme (ankle doubtful) missed practice again Friday. There's no way Delhomme will play this week. Seneca Wallace is the starter in a terrible matchup with the Ravens.

Ravens RB Ray Rice (ankle Probable) took full practice reps Friday. Look for a huge day out of Rice against the Browns.

Raiders RB Michael Bush (thumb probable) took full practice Friday. Bush looks like he will play against the Cardinals, but we fully expect Darren McFadden to be the feature back moving forward.

Broncos RB Laurence Maroney (thigh Probable) took full practice reps Friday. Maroney should make his debut for the Broncos this week and could receive a decent workload in the absence of Knowshon Moreno.

Cardinals RB Beanie Chris Wells (knee questionable) was limited at practice Friday. It sounds as if Wells will return to action this week in a great matchup with the Raiders. Unfortunately for Wells owners, Tim Hightower will likely get more work this week as Wells is eased back in.

Rams RB Steven Jackson (knee Probable) was limited at practice Friday. Expect Jackson full-speed as the Rams workhorse again this week against the Redskins.

Broncos RB Knowshon Moreno (hamstring out) was injured during practice Friday and has been ruled out for Sunday. This is a devastating Friday news item for Moreno owners as the matchup looked great against the Colts. Moreno is in danger of missing next week as well. While Moreno is out, it looks as if newly acquired Laurence Maroney and veteran Correll Buckhalter will carry the majority of the load for the Broncos with NC State standout Andre Brown possibly getting a few touches. We don't like any of the backs as more than an RB3/Flex this week, mainly because the distribution is a guess at this point. Maroney looks like the best waiver add, but has also been battling injuries.

Patriots RB Fred Taylor (toe probable) took full practice Friday and is ready to go in a good matchup against the Bills. However, one should never count on a Patriots RB to get the rock, and Taylor could just as easily play second fiddle to BenJarvis Green-Ellis as he could get 15 carries.

Browns RB Jerome Harrison (thigh questionable) missed practice again Friday. While he is technically questionable, we'd be surprised if he gets much work this week. Even if he does, the matchup is terrible against the Ravens.

Falcons RB Michael Turner (groin probable) returned to take full reps Friday. Turner will get the nod this weekend, but we wouldn't be surprised to see a fair amount of Jason Snelling. The Falcons want to keep Turner healthy for 15 more games.

Redskins RB Clinton Portis (wrist questionable) practiced fully Friday. It should be noted that Portis was questionable last week. We fully expect him to play, but we wouldn't at all be surprised to see a decent dose of Keiland Williams. Ryan Torain was also recently promoted off the practice squad.

Bucs RB Carnell Williams (hamstring probable) took full reps on Friday. Cadillac will start against the Steelers, but don't look for much production.

Chargers RB Ryan Mathews (ankle doubtful) missed practice again Friday. We would be shocked if Mathews were not inactive Sunday. Expect a heavy dose of Mike Tolbert with Darren Sproles also getting some extra work. Tolbert is startable as an RB2 against the Seahawks.

Chargers WR Malcom Floyd (hamstring probable) took full reps Friday. Floyd is a good bet for production this week against the Seahawks.

Texans WR Andre Johnson (ankle questionable) took limited reps Friday, but is fully expected to play. Johnson racked up monster points last week after turning the ankle and we still like him as the top ranked WR week 3.

Bucs RB Kareem Huggins (groin questionable) took limited reps Friday. It remains to be seen if Huggins will debut this week against the Steelers.

Saints RB Chris Ivory (knee probable) returned to full practice Friday. With Reggie Bush out, the Saints signed Ledell Betts. If Ivory plays, he would likely be limited this week as the #3 back, but could pass Betts soon.

Jaguars RB Maurice Jones-Drew (ankle Probable) took full practice reps Friday. MJD should be good to go this weekend, but is losing touches to Rashad Jennings.

49ers RB Anthony Dixon (back Probable) took full practice reps Friday. Dixon will back up Frank Gore.

Steelers WR Hines Ward (calf probable) returned to take full reps Friday. Ward will go Sunday against the Bucs, but wont realize his full potential until Ben Roethlisberger returns.

Panthers WR Steve L Smith (thigh probable) was limited Friday. Smith is expected to go Sunday, and is always a threat to take one to the house. However, owners should temper expectations facing a tough Bengals team and with rookie Jimmy Clausen making his first start at QB.

Colts WR Pierre Garcon (hamstring questionable) missed all reps Friday after taking limited work Thursday. A Friday downgrade is never a good sign. With the questionable tag, the 4PM kickoff, and the limited production through two weeks, look for another option this week.

Vikings WR Bernard Berrian (knee probable) was limited Friday. The matchup is great, but we aren't confident in Berrian.

Cardinals WR Steve Breaston (knee questionable) was limited at practice Friday. With Early Doucet out, the Cardinals really need Breaston playing, and we expect he will. Breaston could get extra looks with Raiders top corner Nnamdi Asomugha on Larry Fitzgerald.

Cowboys WR Dez Bryant (ribs probable) returned to full practice Friday. HC Wade Phillips said Bryant is expected to play Sunday against the Texans despite the sore ribs. Bryant is a high-risk/high-reward start this week in a good matchup.

Browns WR Josh Cribbs (ankle Probable) was limited at practice Friday, but is probable to play in a bad matchup against the Ravens.

Vikings WR Percy Harvin (hip, illness probable) took limited practice Friday and looks in line to start in a juicy matchup against the Lions. There is still considerable risk for Harvin owners that he will be slowed by the hip, or will have a flare up as he did last week resulting in a limited snap count.

Ravens WR Derrick Mason (knee Probable) was limited at practice Friday. Expect the veteran to be in there Sunday against the Browns.

Falcons WR Michael Jenkins (shoulder questionable) took limited reps Friday. Jenkins may return this week but you shouldn't be considering him.

Rams WR Laurent Robinson (foot doubtful) missed practice Friday. With Robinson likely out, rookie Mardy Gilyard will be given a chance this week. However, Mark Clayton is the Rams WR you want going.

Giants WR Mario Manningham (illness probable) practiced fully again Friday and should be full speed Sunday as the Giants 3rd WR.

Bengals WR Terrell Owens (back probable) was limited in practice Friday. While we'd like to see a full Friday practice out of Owens, he doesn't look to be in any danger of missing Sunday against the Panthers.

Browns WR Brian Robiskie (hamstring doubtful) missed practice again Friday and looks extremely doubtful for Sunday. Josh Cribbs will get the start across from Mohamed Massaquoi but the matchup with the Ravens is brutal.

Redskins WR Anthony Armstrong (groin questionable) was limited Friday and will be a game-time decision. Santana Moss is the only Redskins WR you want this week. If you are in an extremely deep league, Joey Galloway could be considered.

Panthers WR Brandon LaFell (hamstring probable) took limited reps Friday and may play Sunday, but expect a rotation with Dwayne Jarrett and now David Gettis. Not a promising fantasy situation.

Bucs TE Kellen Winslow (knee probable) returned to full practice Friday and should suit up this week in a tough matchup with the Steelers. Winslow actually getting in practice reps is an encouraging sign.

Eagles TE Brent Celek (chest Probable) took full practice reps Friday. Celek should be good to go in a juicy matchup, but so far hasn't been utilized much in 2010.

Ravens TE Todd Heap (shoulder Probable) took full practice reps Friday. Heap looks like he will be a go, but there are likely better options on the waiver wire.

Saints TE Jeremy Shockey (quadricep probable) missed practice Friday, but is expected to play Sunday. Shockey is no longer a fantasy consideration.

Cowboys TE Jason Witten (head Probable) took full practice reps Friday and looks ready to return to action this weekend.

Texans TE Owen Daniels (knee probable) took limited reps Friday. Daniels will start again, but isn't yet producing. Go with another option (we like Aaron Hernandez).

Seahawks WR Mike X Williams (thigh) took full practice reps Friday. Look for the inconsistent WR to suit up against the Chargers Sunday.

Rams TE Billy Bajema (knee Out) did not practice Friday and is Out for week 3. Daniel Fells (knee Probable) took full practice reps Friday and is expected to play.

Giants TE Kevin Boss (concussion Probable) took full practice reps Friday. Boss looks ready to return to action this week, but is not a good TE play this season.

Texans TEs James Casey (ankle Probable) and Joel Dreessen (hip Probable) both took full reps Friday and are probable.

Browns TE Evan Moore (head probable) was limited at practice Friday. Coming off a concussion, Moore may play this week but is not a fantasy option against the Ravens.

According to a source, RB Ryan Torain has been promoted from the practice squad and added to the Redskins 53 man roster.

New Orleans Saints tailback Reggie Bush limped through the New Orleans Saints locker room on Friday, but he wasn't on crutches and didn't have any cast or brace on his broken right fibula.

The early prognosis for Bush was that he's expected to miss four to six weeks after suffering the broken leg during Monday night's victory at San Francisco. But Bush said as painful as the injury was, it was a small fracture and that no cast is needed for it to heal. He is optimistic he can beat that estimated timetable.

All 53 players were on the field as the Minnesota Vikings began their final full practice of the week on Friday morning.

That included receivers Percy Harvin (hip) and Bernard Berrian (knee), who have been limited but should play on Sunday against Detroit, and cornerbacks Chris Cook (knee) and Cedric Griffin (knee), who both seem to have a chance of making their season debuts.

Maybe off-setting Champ Bailey's iffy status is fact Colts WR Pierre Garcon (& Anthony Gonzalez, out) has a hammy problem. RB Joseph Addai good to go.

Cardinals RB Beanie Wells recently underwent surgery to repair a torn meniscus. The team had previously been characterizing his injury simply as a "bruise."

This is the reason Chris Wells missed both weeks 1 and 2 with the injury that was considered minor at first. Wells appears ready to make his season debut this week, but may be eased in.

The Raiders appear ready to move forward with Darren McFadden as their undisputed number one running back.

Although Brett Favre's passing numbers are down, ESPN analyst and former Eagles quarterback Ron Jaworski sees no difference in the quarterback from last year.

Jaworski sees problems around Favre instead of with Favre.

'Maybe a couple of missed hot routes or a couple of bad breaks with interceptions, but his level of confidence throwing the ball the first few weeks has been great,' said Jaworski, an ESPN analyst and former NFL quarterback. 'The offensive line has to become a lot more firm. Brett is not getting the protection he needs. He's a guy in duress.'

Jaworski said teams are showing wide blitzes on the Vikings to pressure tackles Phil Loadholt and Bryant McKinnie. The Vikings are on pace to allow 32 sacks, two shy of last year's 34.

Training camp is where quarterbacks "develop feel" with receivers, Jaworski said, which might explain Favre's heavy reliance on Shiancoe. Tight ends are the ultimate bailout target for struggling quarterbacks.

Favre has targeted Shiancoe 16 times this season, four more than any other Vikings pass catcher.

More tough injury news for the Broncos _ starting running back Knowshon Moreno suffered an injury during practice Friday and has been ruled out for the game Sunday against Indianapolis.

Broncos coach Josh McDaniels said Laurence Maroney, Correll Buckhalter and Andre Brown would be his running backs.

This is a big blow for fantasy owners, and Moreno was penciled in as a top 10 RB this week. As the article notes, Maroney and Buckhalter will carry the majority of the load, while the distribution remains to be seen.

Redskins Coach Mike Shanahan on RB Keiland Williams:

“Coming into this situation, there were three proven guys and for me to be able to make the team definitely says a lot,” Williams said. “But that’s just Step One. I definitely want to become a factor on this team.”

Said Shanahan: “He’s doing a good job. Anytime a guy picks up the system as quickly as he has, in pass protection and running the ball, you have to be pretty sharp. And he’s been able to do that.”

Lions' star wide receiver Calvin Johnson only managed four catches for 50 yards, but it was the Eagles decision to consistently double-team him that opened up opportunities for Best and Pettigrew to excel according to coach Jim Schwartz.

"We saw our tight ends and running backs account for almost 380 yards of total offense," said Schwartz. "A lot of that had to do with Philly's game plan, and they wanted to devote a lot of resources to taking Calvin Johnson away from our looks and progressions."

That lack of production aside, however, the running game has contributed greatly to Tampa Bay's 2-0 start.

"I tell these guys, it's not so much about how much success you actually have running the ball, it's about banging your head up in there for the (good) of the team," Coach Raheem Morris said.

"You look at Cadillac (Williams) and how he ran the ball (against Carolina last week), and no, he didn't run for a great average. But what he did do was save us snaps on defense and take time off the clock for us. That's big."

Caddy is in for tough sledding this week against Pittsburgh. Strictly mu opinion but I would look elsewhere for week 3.

Eagles TE Brent Celek doesn't believe the change from Kevin Kolb to Vick at quarterback will alter his job.

"The role on offense of the tight end is to do exactly what we have been doing," Celek said. "I don't think the offense has changed because we have different quarterbacks. It is all pretty much the same, we are sticking to the same game plan."

Mornhinweg also doesn't see the offense changing under Vick.

Wide receiver Andre Johnson didn't participate in practice because of his sprained ankle, but he looked good enough on the sideline to convince his coaches he'll be ready to play against the Cowboys.

"He did everything we expected him to do today," coach Gary Kubiak said. "He worked the first hour of practice outside on the grass, but I did not want him to work inside. He felt okay. I think he'll be ready to go."

The playbook will increase this week for running back Dimitri Nance, who was acquired off Atlanta's practice squad last week.

Nance is learning new plays, new terminology and new concepts.

"We worked him more today in practice, trying to give him some things," McCarthy said. "He's going through such a terminology change. It's a lot different than what he's been exposed to, just from the digit system. Our words are his numbers and his old numbers are our words and so forth.

"To do that and also to be able to play the speed of a blitz drill, he's going through an adjustment right now."

Packers coach Mike McCarthy used the word "committee" to describe the team's approach to replacing Ryan Grant, who suffered a season-ending ankle injury during the team's Week 1 victory at Philadelphia.

Joining Jackson on that committee are John Kuhn and Dimitri Nance. Kuhn, who moved over from fullback to serve as Jackson's backup, had nine carries for 36 yards — both career highs — against Buffalo. Nance had two carries for 6 yards just five days after being signed by the Packers off the Atlanta Falcons' practice squad.

Without even being prompted, Cowboys coach Wade Phillips defended his placekicker. David Buehler has missed two of his four field-goal attempts this season, and he missed four in practice Wednesday before the media's access period ended.

On Thursday, Buehler did not kick during the 30 minutes the media is allowed to watch practice.

"As far as our field-goal kicker, you go out and you watch a few kicks and decide whether a guy can kick or not. It's really not how we do it," Phillips said. "I mean, the guy kicks over a hundred balls a week, and we have every one of those filmed, and he's working to try to get better as we're working.

This is a fantasy situation worth avoiding. There are enough kickers usually available that do not need any protection from the media.

While Raiders quarterback Bruce Gradkowski faced the cameras and answered questions outside by the practice field Thursday about being the new starter, Campbell politely declined to be interviewed when approached inside.

He said he would do it, but was asked by the team not to talk to reporters.

Bears wide receivers coach Darryl Drake said Devin Aromashodu's situation was ''a matchup thing'' and a result of Aromashodu not being fully recovered until late in the week after getting banged on his knee in the Lions game. It also was because of the ''flow of the game.'' And also because the Bears ran only 49 offensive plays against the Cowboys -- 21 fewer than against the Lions.

Expect the Falcons to be extra careful with Michael Turner's groin injury. While he was cleared to return to the action last Sunday, he was limited in practice early last week.

There is no reason to risk additional strain on the groin after Jason Snelling's performance on Sunday. He ran it from scrimmage, picked up the blitz and caught passes out of the backfield on his way to being named the NFC offensive player of the week.

Mike Goodson is starting to round into the player the Carolina Panthers thought he would become when they drafted him in the third round last year.

The formeer Texas A&M product has replaced Tyrell Sutton as the team’s third-down back and kickoff returner this season.

And so far the results have been mostly positive.

Goodson is second on the team in receiving yards with 64 on five catches and has five carries for 20 yards. He also has returns of 45 and 43 yards, although he did make one mistake last week when he misplayed a kickoff and let it bounce off his hands and out of bounds at the 6-yard line.
But he’s a home run threat anytime he touches the ball – he returned a kickoff 94 yards for a touchdown in the preseason – so the Panthers are willing to deal with a few hiccups every now and again.

He’d probably be on the field even more if the Panthers didn’t have one of the best one-two running back punches in football in DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart.

Mike Martz addressed why Devin Aromashodu played so sparingly against Dallas and had this to say:

"Devin is a bit of a specialist in that he doesn't play the slot, which we asked him to do in the opener. He's not comfortable in there. He's not familiar with it. All four of our other receivers do play the slot and the outside. Devin just plays the outside so his opportunities to play are reduced dramatically because of his limited knowledge of what we do at that position. He's not a slot or a nickel guy. He's outside. It has nothing to do with Devin's performance."

Be that as it may, word is Aromashodu short-armed some balls after absorbing some big hits against Detroit and the coaching staff lost confidence in him going over the middle. No one will say it on the record, of course, but sources say this is reason why he was on the sideline vs. Dallas.

Ryan Mathews’ optimism and desire won’t be enough get him on the field Sunday.

The rookie tailback, who suffered a high ankle sprain against Jacksonville this past Sunday, missed Thursday’s practice and is almost certain to be inactive against the Seattle Seahawks.

“Getting better,” said Mathews, who was walking without apparent hindrance but wearing a protective boot later. “It’s sore.”

Mathews ran on a treadmill Thursday and still held out hope, but indications are that Mike Tolbert, who replaced Mathews against the Jaguars and ran 16 times for 82 yards and two touchdowns, will start in Mathews’ place.

Mathews, who has 101 yards on 24 carries, worked hard in college to overcome an injury-prone label and clearly wants to play.

“There’s a difference between being injured and hurt,” he said. “I can play in pain.”

The Chargers would rather sacrifice the week to keep him healthy for the season, and Mathews does acknowledge that is probably the smarter course.

LaDainian Tomlinson has been a beast so far.

The future Hall of Fame running back looks spry and has been the Jets' most consistent offensive player this season, something many probably didn't figure would be the case.

Tomlinson's 138 yards on 22 carries puts him 14th in the NFL in rushing, and he's basically broken off at least one long run in every game -- including in the preseason.

"Just playing football," Tomlinson said this afternoon. "I'm healthy, I enjoy playing and having fun."

But the key word is healthy.

"The last couple of years, I got banged up the first game," Tomlinson said. "Last year, I missed two games after the first game, and at this point, I was battling a high ankle sprain. The year before I was battling a toe injury. So at this point, I feel like a young man. So hopefully that can continue.

ESPN's Mike Sando thinks 49ers RB Frank Gore may be overused...

Gabe (Bay Area): Do you think that the 49ers might be "over-working" Frank Gore? I know the offense revolves around him, but it looked to me on Monday night that he was getting tired in the fourth quarter. The way Anthony Dixon looked in the preseason and in the game (granted only one carry), do you think they should use him in those short-yardage situations to save Frank later down the road? Thanks again and keep up the good work.

Mike Sando: Thanks, Gabe. They do need to give Gore some rest if they're going to run the ball so much. He also caught seven passes. Lots of touches in that game. I realize why the 49ers keep him on the field. They are better with him, no matter the situation. But when going with such a tough run-oriented approach -- lots of 22 personnel out there with tight formations -- it does make you wonder whether Gore might benefit from some rest. Dixon might need some time to get up to speed on protections, though. The 49ers like to throw deep from heavy personnel in short-yardage situations. Having the the threat of Gore in the backfield helps make that work.

On a day when the offensive line's struggles were plain for all to see, the Eagles still were able to get huge production from their running game, mostly when running out of the spread in a 35-32 victory over Detroit last Sunday.

This had a lot to do with quarterback Michael Vick, running back LeSean McCoy suggested today. McCoy came through with his first career 100-yard game, rushing for 120 yards on just 16 carries, including a 46-yard scoring burst in the fourth quarter.

McCoy believes that because opponents' defensive keys change when Vick is in the shotgun, it opens lanes for him, even between the tackles. And in Sunday's case, especially between the tackles.

"I think he helps me and a lot of the teammates," McCoy said. "He kind of takes a key defensive player out of the mix a little bit because they spy on Mike, chase him around a little bit. That's the thing with Mike. The defense has to do things different."

Over the past couple weeks Bengals RB Cedric Benson has wondered why there has been less emphasis with the running game after the team had nine 100-yard games last year, including six by Benson. On Thursday he did it nationally on SIRIUS NFL Radio.

Said Benson about the offense’s direction right now: “I don’t know. With all those players and names you brought up (Terrell Owens, Jordan Shipley, Jermaine Gresham) they’re all, except for one, directly involved in the passing game. So, I mean, if I had to guess, it seems that that’s kind of the route that we’re trying to go, which can be a bit frustrating because we were successful running the football last year and being a power team. Being that type of team got us where we ultimately wanted to be, which was in the playoffs. I don’t know what would be the reason the team would want to change their identity, unless in the past season it didn’t work. But that’s not the case here. And, I mean, I don’t know. I guess whoever’s making those shots, or calling those shots, you got to kind of roll with the punches.”

Thursday Broncos Injury Report - Did Not Participate; Bailey, Goodman J. Williams & Harris. Limited; Kuper & Woodyard. Full; Maroney & McBath.

According to a source close to the situation, Detroit Lions receiver Nate Burleson might only miss one game with a high ankle sprain. Burleson won't play on Sunday against the Vikings, but there's a high likelihood that Burleson will be on the practice field next Wednesday.

First reports were that Burleson could miss three or four weeks but his condition improved on Monday and it was upgraded to two to three weeks. While Burleson was playing coy with the media on Monday and saying he might return this week, receiver Stefan Logan unwittingly told a reporter about Burleson's status.

Running back Michael Bush (thumb) looks like he is ready to come back Sunday.

"Bush did everything (Wednesday)," Cable said. "For the first time, everything from individual to catching to blocking to running, the whole deal. I think he feels really good and we feel really good about where he's at."

RB Beanie Chris Wells did more today, Ken Whisenhunt said, and barring setback will play Sunday. How many touches depends, Whiz said.

Michael Turner fully participated in practice today for the Falcons.

Albert Haynesworth (ankle), LaRon Landry (wrist), Kareem Moore (knee), Clinton Portis (wrist) were all 'full participation' for Redskins.

Vikings WR Percy Harvin said his hip felt pretty good and that he didn't experience any real problems in practice. Sounds like he should play Sunday.

Braylon Edwards' charge for driving while intoxicated early Tuesday morning is potentially complicated by a previous incident -- a fight outside a nightclub in Cleveland -- for which he is still on inactive probation.

The 27-year-old Jets receiver has not violated his probation just by being arrested and charged, a Cleveland Municipal Court spokesman said -- but if found guilty of DWI, could be found in violation of probation and may face jail time.

Browns QB Jake Delhomme (ankle) did not practice Thursday. Seneca Wallace is the starter.

Vikings QB Brett Favre (ankle, right elbow) was limited Thursday. Favre is old and already beat up, but should be fine to go for a nice matchup with the Lions.

Redskins RB Clinton Portis (wrist) practiced fully Thursday. Portis should be good to go for this week against the Rams. Keiland Williams is now the backup and worth waiver consideration given Clinton's injury history.

Falcons RB Michael Turner (groin) returned to full practice Thursday. Turner looks in line to start Sunday against the Saints barring a setback, but Jason Snelling will be waiting in the wing should he be needed.

Ravens RB Ray Rice (ankle) took full practice reps Thursday and is expected to be full go this weekend in a nice matchup with the Browns. Expect Rice's best game so far this season.

Cardinals RB Beanie Chris Wells (knee) took limited reps again Thursday. HC Ken Whisenhunt said Wells would play Sunday barring a setback, but how many touches depends. Whisenhunt also noted that Wells "is not in football shape." It looks like Wells will be eased in, with Tim Hightower remaining the safer play for now.

Chargers RB Ryan Mathews (ankle) missed practice Thursday. The injury now sounds worse than the Chargers let on earlier in the week, and Mathews does not look like he will be available this week. Mike Tolbert will get the start and looks like a solid fantasy play against the Seahawks.

Buccaneers QB Josh Freeman (right thumb) took full practice reps Thursday. Freeman will get the start again this week against the Steelers.

Colts RB Joseph Addai (knee) returned to limited practice Thursday after missing Wednesday. The severity is unknown, but Donald Brown would see a much larger role if Addai can't go or is limited. We'll check back Friday.

Buccaneers RB Kareem Huggins (groin) took full practice reps Thursday and looks in line to see game action this week. The matchup is terrible (Steelers).

Browns RB Jerome Harrison (thigh) missed practice again Thursday. If Harrison can't go, Peyton Hillis would see an increased workload and James Davis could see his first carries of the season. None should be considered this week against the Ravens.

Saints RB Chris Ivory (knee) returned to full practice Thursday for the first time since injuring the knee in the preseason. With Reggie Bush down, the Saints are looking at their options behind Pierre Thomas. Ivory could have some value moving forward, but is too risky to consider this week.

Rams RB Steven Jackson (knee) was limited Thursday. Expect Jackson to start and be fine against the Redskins.

Patriots RB Fred Taylor (toe) took limited reps Thursday after being a full participant Wednesday. We'll check back tomorrow to see if Taylor takes full practice. The matchup is good, but Patriots RBs shouldn't be depended upon. BenJarvus Green-Ellis received 10 touches to Taylor's 5 last week.

Jaguars RB Maurice Jones-Drew (ankle) took limited reps Thursday. Jones-Drew is expected to be fine for Sunday, but last week was spelled heavily by Rashad Jennings.

Chargers WR Malcolm Floyd (hamstring) returned to practice Thursday. Floyd should be good to go for Sunday.

Vikings WR Percy Harvin (hip, illness) returned to limited practice Thursday. after missing Wednesday. Harvin was suffering from a migraine Wednesday, but said he is "feeling great" and encouraged by the decreasing frequency of the migraines. On the hip, Harvin said it "responded favorably" and "should make a full recovery." It sounds as if Harvin will be able to play this weekend, but he could have another setback during the game, giving owners little fantasy production. The matchup is great, but starting Harvin will be a roll of the dice.

Texans WR Andre Johnson (ankle) took some limited practice reps Thursday after not practicing on Wednesday. Johnson is expected to be good to go this week. We'll check his status Friday.

Broncos RB Laurence Maroney (thigh) was limited at practice Wednesday. If Maroney can suit up, he will be the 3rd option behind Knowshon Moreno and Correll Buckhalter.

Bucs RB Carnell Williams (hamstring) returned to full practice Thursday, but his 2.57 yards per carry average could actually go down this week against the Steelers. Look to other options.

Raiders RB Michael Bush (thumb) took full practice reps Wednesday and HC Tom Cable was positive on Bush's chances to return to action this week. Darren McFadden should still see the majority of the work.

Bengals WR Terrell Owens (back) returned to full practice Thursday. Owens was just getting some rest.

Vikings WR Bernard Berrian (knee) took limited reps again Thursday. Berrian is expected to start, and the matchup with the Lions is gravy, but it's hard to trust a guy who is averaging 1.5 receptions per game.

Panthers WR Steve L Smith (thigh) was limited again Thursday, but is fully expected to go Sunday with Jimmy Clausen taking over at QB.

Giants WR Mario Manningham (illness) returned to take full practice reps Thursday after not practicing on Wednesday. Manningham should be fine for his role as WR3 Sunday.

Colts WR Pierre Garcon (hamstring) did not practice Thursday after taking limited reps Wednesday. The down-trend is not good. Austin Collie is looking like a better option this week.

Cowboys WR Dez Bryant (ribs) took some limited practice reps Thursday after not practicing on Wednesday. Bryant claims he will play Sunday. We'd like to see him get in a full practice Friday.

Steelers WR Hines Ward (calf) was limited at practice Thursday after taking full practice on Wednesday. Hines often gets extra rest days given his veteran status. We'll check back Friday.

Cardinals WR Steve Breaston (knee) was limited at practice again Thursday. We will look for a full practice Friday. Breaston will be inconsistent with Derek Anderson at the wheel.

Browns WR Brian Robiskie (hamstring) missed practice again Thursday. Look for Josh Cribbs to step into the starting lineup, although his production is still going to be hit or miss.

Ravens WR Derrick Mason (knee) returned to take limited reps Thursday. We expect Mason to be good to go for Sunday.

Falcons WR Michael Jenkins (shoulder) took limited reps Thursday. Jenkins might return to action this week, but isn't fantasy relevant.

Buccaneers TE Kellen Winslow (knee) did not practice Thursday after taking full practice on Wednesday. Winslow barely practiced at all last week and still had a nice game. We'll check his status Friday.

Cowboys TE Jason Witten (head) took full practice reps Thursday after being limited on Wednesday. Witten looks in line to resume his regular pass-catching role on Sunday.

Patriots WR Julian Edelman (foot) took limited reps again Thursday.

Redskins WR Anthony Armstrong (groin) missed practice again Thursday. Armstrong looks in danger of missing Sunday against the Rams. Joey Galloway would get the start and Devin Thomas might even see some action.

Rams WR Laurent Robinson (ankle) did not practice Thursday after taking limited practice on Wednesday. We don't like the mid-week downgrade, but Robinson shouldn't be near your lineup anyways.

Panthers WR Brandon LaFell (hamstring) returned to limited practice Thursday but has no fantasy value.

Texans TE James Casey (ankle) returned to full practice reps Thursday.

Eagles TE Brent Celek (chest) took full practice reps Thursday and is expected to play this weekend against the Jaguars.

Texans TE Owen Daniels (knee) was limited at practice Thursday. The Texans are still working him back to football shape.

Ravens TE Todd Heap (shoulder) took full practice reps Thursday. Heap should be good to go Sunday barring a setback.

Giants TE Kevin Boss (concussion) took full practice reps again Thursday. Boss looks good to return Sunday.