October 2010 4for4 Player News Articles

Percy Harvin, arguably the Vikings' most important offensive weapon, appears to have a serious ankle injury he will have examined Monday at Winter Park.

Harvin twisted his left ankle in the field turf at Gillette Stadium in the first quarter and had to be helped off the field by the medical staff. He taped it up and was able to return, ultimately catching six passes for 104 yards.

But Harvin was limping severely in the locker room after the game and expects to be even sorer today.

"It's hurting pretty bad and it probably was adrenaline that got me through," he said. "I couldn't do much but I was able to fight through it. Go and see the trainer's (today) and we'll know then."

Mike McCarthy on Packers injuries:

Patrick Lee had an ankle and did not return, the x-rays were negative. Donald Driver, it’s the same quad, he dropped out in the second quarter. Aaron Rodgers had an ankle sprain and he did return.

Raiders CB Nnamdi Asomugha suffered a right ankle injury during the fourth quarter against the Seahawks. Steve Wyche reports Raiders coach Tom Cable said X-rays were negative, and Asomugha will undergo further tests on Monday.

According to multiple reports, Seahawks QB Matt Hasselbeck wasn’t available for postgame interviews due to being “dinged” in the head.

A follow up post on Brett Favre, who still took the podium following Sunday’s loss to the Patriots, even though he wasn’t able to finish the game after taking a hard hit to the chin during the fourth quarter.

Favre admitted his chin was numb after getting eight stitches, and said he still expects to play next week.

“I got hit very hard,” Favre said. “Oh yeah, it was sore. And bleeding.

“I don’t want to make a big deal out of it. I remember everything, unfortunately. But I’ll be fine.”

As for the ankle injury that was to keep Favre out of Sunday’s game against the Patriots, Favre said he was “shocked” he was able to play.

Vince Young was in a walking boot as he left the locker room following Sunday’s game and confirmed that he reinjured his left ankle, according to multiple reports. The Titans are on bye next week, giving Young more time to heal.

Titans receiver Kenny Britt suffered a right hamstring injury in the first quarter against the Chargers and did not return to the game.

Coach Jeff Fisher said the second-year pro would miss an "extended period of time." The Titans have a bye this week before returning to action on Nov. 14 at Miami.

Titans receiver Kenny Britt suffered a right hamstring injury in the first quarter against the Chargers and did not return to the game.

Britt, who had seven catches for 225 yards and three touchdowns last week, suffered the injury when he was trying to get to a deep pass from quarterback Vince Young. Britt stayed down on the field for a few minutes before limping to the sideline. He spent the second half on the sideline in street clothes.

Britt was seen grabbing his hamstring several times during practices this week, but he was not on the injury report for the game.

Steelers Inactives
Charlie Batch QB
Antonio Brown WR
Crezdon Butler DB
Jonathan Dwyer RB
Ramon Foster T
Tony Hills T
Brett Keisel DE
Aaron Smith DE

Saints Inactives
Charles Brown T
Reggie Bush RB
Junior Galette DE
Jabari Greer CB
Tory Humphrey TE
Tracy Porter CB
Pierre Thomas RB
Anthony Waters LB

Raiders Inactives
Michael Bennett RB
Travis Goethel LB
Bruce Gradkowski QB
John Henderson DT
Thomas Howard OLB
Chris Johnson CB
Louis Murphy WR
Chaz Schilens WR

Seahawks Inactives
Allen Barbre OT
Kelly Jennings CB
Anthony McCoy TE
Matt McCoy LB
Brandon Mebane DT
Russell Okung T
Michael Robinson RB
Walter Thurmond CB

Cardinals Inactives
Hamza Abdullah DB
Ben Claxton C
Clark Haggans OLB
A.J. Jefferson CB
Max Komar WR
John Skelton QB
Reggie Walker LB

Bucs Inactives
Rudy Carpenter QB
Jeff Faine C
Kregg Lumpkin RB
Elbert Mack DB
Alex Magee DE
Preston Parker WR
Brian Price DT
Jeremy Trueblood T

Patriots Inactives
Pat Chung FS
Mark LeVoir T
Kyle Love DT
Rich Ohrnberger G
Jarrad Page DB
Taylor Price WR
Matt Slater WR
Fred Taylor RB

Vikings Inactives
Hank Baskett WR
Chris DeGeare G
Erin Henderson OLB
Tyrell Johnson SS
Jimmy Kennedy DT
Lito Sheppard DB
Joe Webb QB
Albert Young RB

Don't be surprised to see Tarvaris Jackson enter at some point during this game.

Chargers Inactives
Buster Davis WR
Larry English OLB
Malcom Floyd WR
Nate Kaeding K
Legedu Naanee WR
Brandon Siler ILB
Darrell Stuckey DB
Cam Thomas DT

Patrick Crayton will start at WR. Seyi Ajirotutu and Richard Goodman will chip in with Floyd, Naanee & Davis out.

Titans Inactives
Tony Brown DT
Ryan Durand G
Justin Gage WR
Robert Johnson DB
Troy Kropog T
Ryan Mouton CB
Rusty Smith QB
Jamie Winborn OLB

There is good news for Ben Roethlisberger, because the Saints could be minus both cornerbacks, Tracy Porter and Jabari Greer. The Steelers tandem of Mike Wallace and Hines Ward have combined for 704 receiving yards and seven TDs. The Saints had nine defensive touchdowns during their run to 13-0, and this season they have zero. It should be a wild Halloween night in the Big Easy.

This is the first time Bills coach Chan Gailey has returned to Kansas City since being fired by Todd Haley 13 days before the start of the 2009 season as offensive coordinator. “I understood exactly where Todd was coming from; he and I were on different pages,” Gailey said. “There’s no hard feelings. It’s business, I understand it …the timing was just unusual.”

After a hip scare, Bengals QB Carson Palmer is good to go. Palmer passed for three TDs and 412 yards operating out of a no-huddle offense, and the Bengals plan to stick with it.

Miami QB Chad Henne hasn’t had a 30-yard completion in four of his six starts, but he faces a Cincinnati secondary minus Pacman Jones and S Roy L Williams, plus starting cornerbacks Leon Hall (hamstring) and Johnathan Joseph (ankle) are hobbling.

For weeks, Jon Kitna never took a snap in practice, but he got them all this week as he’s the Cowboys’ starter, possibly for the rest of the season. Without a strong pass rush, Kitna should have time to throw, and expect him to lock onto TE Jason Witten. The Jaguars don’t really have anyone who can cover Witten, either. He also has a good rapport with rookie WR Dez Bryant.

The 49ers elevated No. 3 QB Troy Smith to the start with Alex Smith (shoulder) out. Smith hasn’t started since late in 2007 in Baltimore. The Broncos are banged up in the secondary, although SS Brian Dawkins is back. They are also 30th in the NFL against the run, which seems to suggest they will see a lot of RB Frank Gore, considering Smith’s rustiness. The Broncos didn’t arrive until Friday. Since last year’s 6-0 start, the Broncos are 4-13 and coming off that horrible loss to the Raiders. 49ers TE Vernon Davis, who has a touchdown catch in four consecutive games, is questionable, but he expects to play.

The Seahawks need to figure out a way to bottle up Darren McFadden (5.7 yards a carry) and force Campbell to beat them through the air. The Seahawks, however, are giving up only 77.5 yards a game on the ground, second best in the league. Raiders CB Nnamdi Asomugha, a three-time Pro Bowler, will cover WR Mike Williams, who leads the Seahawks with 32 catches for 348 yards; 21 of those catches in the past two games. The Seahawks had a season-high nine players listed on the injury report Wednesday. Campbell’s favorite target is TE Zach Miller, who needs one catch for 200 in his career.

With Cadillac Williams struggling, look for LaGarrette Blount, who had 72 yards on 11 carries, plus had a 46-yarder called back against the Rams, getting more carries. If Blount can get to the edge, he’s tough on defensive backs.

The Cardinals plan to feature RB Beanie Wells — coach Ken Whisenhunt tired of Tim Hightower’s three lost fumbles — against the Bucs’ 31st ranked run defense that is allowing 158 yards a game. Max Hall really struggled with the wet ball in Seattle last Sunday, but Whisenhunt really likes him over Derek Anderson. The key, though, is that the Cardinals now have a healthy contingent of receivers for the first time since the season opener.

Patriots CB Devin McCourty will have to stop Vikings WR Randy Moss, who definitely wants to prove that the Pats made a mistake trading him. But is Favre going to have the time to go deep? Short passes to Percy Harvin make more sense.

The Panthers will be minus RB DeAngelo Williams, but that’s no big deal because there is plenty of depth with Jonathan Stewart, Mike Goodson and Tyrell Sutton. The big news for Carolina is that QB Matt Moore is coming off a career-high 308 yards passing last week. He got rookie David Gettis involved big time last week, and there’s always Steve Smith. The key will be whether Rams cornerbacks Kevin Dockery and Bradley Fletcher can contain Smith and prevent big plays. Rams DLE Chris Long needs to have a big game against Panthers RT Garry Williams, who replaced Geoff Schwartz last week.

Rams RB Steven Jackson (broken finger) is going to play, but he still hasn’t found the right cast or padding to protect his left hand that was set earlier in the week. The Rams need Jackson to have a big game (he’s had three straight 100-yard rushing games) because rookie QB Sam Bradford has lost his three best receivers from the start of the season. The Rams have only four healthy receivers and no real game-breaker.

The Lions are saying that Stafford could have played against the Giants a couple of weeks ago, but they wanted him to get more practice time in order to get his timing back with his receivers. The Lions are tweaking their protection packages to make sure that Washington’s Brian Orakpo doesn’t rattle Stafford. Redskins CB DeAngelo Hall, who tied an NFL record with four interceptions last week, will have Johnson much of the day.

On the flip side, the Lions will put CB Chris Houston on Washington WR Santana Moss. You can bet that Donovan McNabb will be looking to go deep to Anthony Armstrong, plus he feels good about finding TE Chris Cooley on underneath routes as long as he gets time against Detroit’s solid pass rush. If it’s close, don’t forget that Jason Hanson has kicked 438 field goals, fifth all-time.

A couple hours prior to kickoff today in Foxboro, after his left ankle has been injected and immobilized, Brett Favre will test his movement and backpedal on the Gillette Stadium grass. It’s pretty simple. If Favre can move satisfactorily — we all know he can’t run for first downs anymore — then he will make his 292nd regular-season start in a game the 2-4 Vikings desperately need against the Patriots.

Favre did some light throwing Friday after wearing a walking boot for a stress fracture in his left ankle and something called an “avulsion” fracture in his left heel against the Packers. The fracture means a piece of bone is pulled off by a tendon or a ligament in his heel, but neither fracture requires surgery. In order to properly tape the left foot, Favre was fitted for a shoe one size larger (15 instead of a 14) for more protection.

Favre said that he would love to play. “That’s no secret to anyone,” he said. “I want to play. I want to do what I can this week to get myself ready to play. I know the bone will continue to be broken for quite a while. I’ve done it in the past. I think I can do it again. I just want to help this team get back on track.”

Don't be surprised to see Favre start the game, only to be relieved by Tarvaris Jackson. The matchup is good on paper, but Favre has not been impressive.

Over the 2008 and 2009 seasons when both Panthers RBs were together, DeAngelo Williams averaged 5.42 yards per attempt in games with 14 tries or more (402-2,178).

Over that same span, Jonathan Stewart averaged 5.38 yards per attempt in games when he got 14 carries (257-1,382).

Jets Darrelle Revis won't be shadowing Packers WR Greg Jennings. When Jennings & Donald Driver line up on same side, Revis & Cromatie will be on that side.

Cromartie has been every bit as good as Revis this year. Aaron Rodgers is one of a few QBs in the NFL who has what it takes to beat the Jets secondary, but there is a bit of wind in the forecast. Look for another surprise game out of Greg Jennings if Cromartie and Revis do in fact line up on Jennings and Driver.

Nearly three years after nearly parlaying a stint on Dancing with the Stars into a movie deal but opting instead to keep playing football, New York Jets defensive end Jason Taylor is reportedly planning to end his NFL career after the 2010 season.

The San Diego Chargers have signed wide receiver Gary Banks from the practice squad and released veteran offensive tackle Adam Terry.

The Miami Dolphins signed rookie safety Jonathon Amaya to their 53-man roster and placed fullback Deon Anderson on injured reserve.

Despite some optimism last weekend, New Orleans Saints running back Reggie Bush won't be playing on Sunday night when the defending Super Bowl champs are defending their turf against the Steelers.

Bush's fractured fibula is healing more slowly than expected. As of now, he could be out until Week 11 at the earliest, when the Saints return from their bye to host the Seahawks.

Though he has been medically cleared to run, he has not yet been medically cleared to participate in practice or games. He originally was expected to miss four-to-six weeks. Monday night will be the six-week anniversary of the date of the injury.

Nearly two weeks ago, Phiadelphia Eagles receiver DeSean Jackson suffered what was described at the time as a severe concussion. Though he has passed the preliminary concussion test, he is still not a sure thing to play in the game that will be played three weeks after he suffered the concussion.

While Jackson is doing better, his ability to suit up against the Colts on November 7 will depend on how he feels next week during practice.

This means, of course, that he'll be practicing this week. Whether he'll be playing against the Colts remains to be seen.

Carolina Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams didn't travel to St. Louis for tomorrow's game against the Rams with the rest of the team. Wide receiver Devin Thomas and tackle Jeff Otah also stayed behind in Charlotte.

Williams wasn't expected to play, but this news officially puts Jonathan Stewart in the spotlight. In both our PPR and regular rankings, Stewart is in the top fifteen. Get him in your lineup.

An attorney for Jenn Sterger said Saturday he expects his client to meet with the NFL next week about the league's investigation into the Brett Favre matter.

Sterger is the former New York Jets sideline hostess who allegedly received inappropriate text messages and lewd photos from Favre in 2008 when he was with the team.

Lacking evidence or a personal account such as Sterger's, the league has come close to shelving the case. But now it appears Sterger will give her testimony to the NFL.

"There is a very strong likelihood that Ms. Sterger will agree to meet with the NFL in their ongoing investigation," Joe Conway said Saturday. "I expect that such a meeting will take place late next week at an undisclosed location."

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne (hamstring) was limited in practice on Saturday and is listed as questionable for Monday night's game vs. the Houston Texans. Fellow wide receivers Pierre Garcon (hamstring) and Anthony Gonzalez (ankle) are all questionable as well.

There's no indication that Wayne will miss Monday's game. Wayne and Garcon should be safe to start. Gonzalez is worth watching as a possible free agent acquisition.

It appears that Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts will return from their bye without running back Joseph Addai.

Addai didn't practice on Saturday and is listed as doubtful on the Colts' official injury report ahead of Monday's night matchup against the Houston Texans.

The fifth-year back injured his shoulder in Indianapolis' Week 6 win over the Washington Redskins.

Addai had been on the way to his finest season since 2007. In six games, Addai has 93 carries for 406 yards (4.4 average) with three touchdowns.

Donald Brown, Addai's backup, practiced in full on Saturday and is listed as questionable. Brown has missed the past three games with a hamstring issue. The 4-2 Colts also have running back Mike Hart on their roster.

Although Brown is questionable, the fact he put in a full practice is a good sign for his availability on Monday night. He's at 20 in our regular rankings and at 22 on our PPR board. We expect he'll get more work than Mike Hart and is worth a look if you have issues at running back.

Brett Favre told ESPN's Ed Werder Saturday afternoon his injuries have healed significantly and the Minnesota Vikings quarterback expects to start against the host New England Patriots on Sunday.

Favre was on the field for drills Friday, with limited participation in practice for the first time this week. He wore a wrap on his left ankle, which has two fractures that have threatened his NFL-record streak of 291 straight games started.

Minnesota head coach Brad Childress said he "probably will" wait until the last hours before kickoff to decide whether Favre starts.

It's not going to be a major surprise if Favre starts. His fantasy forecast is not favorable.

The Arizona Cardinals have activated linebackers Gerald Hayes and O'Brien Schofield and waived wide receiver Onrea Jones and linebacker Alex Hall. Hayes and Schofield had been on the PUP list.

The Baltimore Ravens have plenty of possession receivers. Their only real deep threat - Donte' Stallworth - has been out all year with a broken foot.

When the Ravens return from their bye week on November 7 with a home game against the Dolphins, Stallworth will be on the field.

Without Stallworth, the Ravens have scored 31 and 37 points in two of their last three games. With Stallworth stretching the field and opening up all the underneath routes for the likes of Anquan Boldin, Derrick Mason, and T.J. Houshmandzadeh, the Baltimore offense could begin to approach their expectations.

For Stallworth, who'll turn 30 on November 10, it'll be his first regular-season game since Week 17 of the 2008 season. He missed all of 2009 after pleading guilty to DUI manslaughter and receiving a one-year suspension from the league.

It remains to be seen what Stallworth has to offer since he hasn't played since 2008. He may end up being a hit-and-miss fantasy player if he's a situational deep threat, but he's someone to track on the waiver wire.

Detroit Lions backup quarterback Shaun Hill, who broke his left forearm in Detroit's last game, won't play this Sunday, but he could return soon.

"He's not going to be suiting up for this one, but we'll see where he's at after this one," Detroit head coach Jim Schwartz said. "We never really put a timetable on him. We'll get him back as soon as he's able to go out and do all the things he needs to do with this off-hand (like taking snaps and handing off)."

Oakland Raiders quarterback Jason Campbell will get another chance to prove critics wrong Sunday when he makes his third straight start. Bruce Gradkowski, though making progress coming back from a shoulder injury, was limited at practice Friday and coach Tom Cable is again telling Campbell to turn it loose.

Cable didn't surprise anyone naming Campbell the starter, but he said he was encouraged by Bruce Gradkowski's progress.

"In fact, I think if had to do it, I think he could go in and play," said Cable, who did not rule out making Gradkowski the backup behind Campbell.

Gradkowski might be back in the lineup next week and at a minimum seems certain to be Oakland's starter in week 11 after the Raiders have had their bye week.

San Francisco 49ers head coach Mike Singletary said it's a "priority" to get backups Brian Westbrook and Anthony Dixon more involved so running back Frank Gore doesn't have to carry all of the load.

With Dixon questionable for this week and Westbrook past his prime, neither offers much of a direct threat to Gore. Gore remains a top fantasy running back and that won't change barring an injury.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Tarvaris Jackson doesn't know whether he'll play on Sunday and doesn't expect to find out until, at the earliest, he arrives at Gillette Stadium for the game against New England.

Hasn't Brett Favre pulled this stunt before where it looks like he's not going to play and then he plays the whole game? Both Favre and Jackson are poor fantasy bets tomorrow.

Tennessee Titans quarterback Vince Young is expected to return to starting lineup Sunday in San Diego.

There had been speculation Young would be back in the lineup this week. Young is usually a fantasy backup and isn't particularly high in our rankings this week, but if you need a quarterback he should be available.

Speaking about the Cowboys' quarterback situation on Friday, receiver Roy Williams said Jon Kitna is "just as good" as the injured Tony Romo. "I don't think there's any dropoff," Williams insisted. "I think Kitna threw for 4,000 yards two years in a row on (losing teams). I think if he had those stats playing with the Cowboys, he would have been a Pro Bowler, too. But he got overlooked because he played for the Lions."

Updating an earlier item, Rams receiver Danario Alexander is "expected to have arthroscopic knee surgery." The surgery is not directly related to the minor injury he suffered on Friday afternoon.

Cardinals Coach Ken Whisenhunt confirmed Friday that Chris Wells will start at running back Week 8.

Vincent Jackson "has officially reported to the Chargers and signed his tender." He "cannot play until Week 12."

Vikings QB Brett Favre (ankle, foot questionable) took limited reps Friday. The fact that Favre was able to take first team reps is a great indicator that he will be under center for the Vikings. The matchup against the Patriots is good, but the way Favre has been limping around and throwing to the other team doesn't instill much confidence in his abilities this Sunday. Percy Harvin and Randy Moss could have nice games, but Favre is best left on the fantasy bench. Tarvaris Jackson will go if Favre can't and 4for4 scout Mike Woodley has heard from a trusted source that Jackson could even come in early to replace an ineffective Favre. This could signal an uptick in production for TE Visanthe Shiancoe.

Jaguars QB David Garrard (concussion probable) practiced fully Friday and is in line to start this weekend against the Cowboys as expected.

Titans QB Vince Young (knee, ankle probable) took full practice reps Friday. Young looks likely to get the start barring a setback. Backup QB Kerry Collins (right finger Probable) took full practice reps Friday and is Probable for week 8.

Bengals QB Carson Palmer (hip probable) returned to take full reps Friday. Palmer indicated he is good to go after resting the hip on Thursday.

Redskins QB Donovan McNabb (hamstring questionable) took full reps Friday. While McNabb is questionable, the Redskins have been extremely liberal in their use of the Q tag. Expect McNabb to start and be fine in a plus matchup with the Lions.

Raiders QB Bruce Gradkowski (right shoulder questionable) took limited reps Friday. Gradkowski was again seen doing some light throwing, but is not in shape to return to the starting lineup. Jason Campbell will again draw the start against the Seahawks.

Cardinals QB Max Hall (head Probable) took full practice reps Friday and is Probable for week 8. Hall is expected to start barring a setback.

Cowboys QB Tony Romo (left shoulder Out) did not practice Friday and is Out for week 8. Jon Kitna will get the start in a nice matchup with the Jaguars.

49ers QB Alex Smith (left shoulder Out) has been ruled out for week 8. Troy Smith will draw the start in London.

Panthers RB DeAngelo Williams (foot doubtful) missed practice again Friday and is doubtful for Sunday. Jonathan Stewart is in line to start for the Panthers, and although he hasn't done much with limited touches this year, certainly has potential for a big game against the Rams. Stewart should see the majority of the touches and is a borderline RB1 play this week. Mike Goodson will also be in the mix and is not a bad flier in deeper leagues.

Rams RB Steven Jackson (finger questionable) returned to limited practice Friday. Jackson continues to say he will be good to go for Sunday, but HC Steve Spagnuolo has been reserved when talking about the injury. The matchup with the Panthers is excellent. Make sure to check the gameday inactive, but assume Jackson will play.

Lions RB Jahvid Best (toe probable) took limited reps Friday. Best indicated that he is definitely close to 100% and admitted that he saw the toe slowing him down on the game film. Best is a solid option this week at home against the Redskins who are allowing 114 yards per game on the ground.

Broncos RB Knowshon Moreno (hamstring) practiced fully Friday. Moreno wasn't even on the injury report, so it looks as if he'll be good to go.

Colts RB Donald Brown (hamstring) returned to limited practice Friday. Brown has indicated that he will be good to go for Monday Night, but the Monday kickoff means managers will be taking on a risk by rolling with Brown. Joseph Addai (neck) continues to miss practice and is an extreme long shot to play this week. Mike Hart would start if Brown can't go. We will have the official statuses Saturday.

Buccaneers RB LeGarrette Blount (illness Probable) took full practice reps Friday and is Probable for week 8. Blount should be in line for an increased role moving forward after rushing for 72 yards on 11 carries last week. Still, Carnell Williams and Earnest Graham (hamstring Probable) will be in the mix. Have realistic expectations if starting Blount.

Titans RB Chris Johnson (thigh Probable) took full practice reps Friday and is Probable for week 8. Johnson will be full speed this week.

Saints RBs Reggie Bush (fibula out) and Pierre Thomas (ankle out) have been ruled out for week 8. We'll look for an update next week, but don't hold your breath. Chris Ivory and Ladell Betts will continue to fill in.

Patriots RB Fred Taylor (toe out) did not practice Friday and has been ruled out. Taylor hasn't played since week 3 and at 34 is clearly not someone to count on this season.

Bengals RB Brian Leonard (thigh Questionable) took full practice reps Friday and is Questionable for week 8. If Leonard goes, he will eat into the receptions of Cedric Benson and Bernard Scott.

49ers RB Anthony Dixon (hamstring questionable) took limited reps Friday and is questionable.

Redskins RB Mike Sellers (foot Questionable) was limited at practice Friday and is Questionable for week 8.

Saints RB Julius Jones (shoulder Probable) took full practice reps Friday and is Probable for week 8.

Colts WR Pierre Garcon (hamstring) returned to full practice Friday. With Austin Collie out, Garcon is in line for a big day against the Texans on Monday Night.

Colts WR Reggie Wayne (hamstring) took limited reps Friday. Expect Wayne to be full speed come Monday Night. He is our top-ranked WR in a great matchup with the Texans.

Texans WR Andre Johnson (ankle) took full practice reps Friday and should be good to go for a Monday Night matchup with the Colts.

Broncos WR Eddie Royal (groin probable) practiced fully Friday and is probable. The Broncos play the 49ers in London, but with the recent injury history, and the other WR options for the Broncos, Royal remains a risky play.

Packers WR Donald Driver (quadricep probable) returned to limited practice Friday. Driver should suit up this weekend, but after being limited to no catches with the quad last week, is a very risky fantasy play and shouldn't be counted on. James Jones and to a lesser extent Jordy Nelson could pick up some of the slack.

Chargers WR Legedu Naanee (hamstring doubtful) missed practice again Friday. Don't count on Naanee in the lineup this week against the Titans. With Malcom Floyd (hamstring) also doubtful, Patrick Crayton will be the Bolts #1 WR and beyond that is anybodies guess. Craig Davis (ribs questionable) took limited practice reps and is questionable. Richard Goodman (hand probable) split the webbing between two of his fingers in practice this week, but has returned to get in some work. Seyi Ajirotutu is also in the mix, but stay away from the WR position outside of Crayton.

Rams WR Danario Alexander (knee questionable) will be out for 2-4 weeks after tearing the meniscus in his knee in practice today. Drop Danario.

Bengals WR Terrell Owens (hand probable) returned to take full reps Friday. Expect Owens to start as normal. He has emerged as the top Bengals wideout just ahead of Chad Ochocinco.

Chiefs WR Dexter McCluster (ankle questionable) was limited at practice Friday. McCluster was seen on the stationary bike and earlier reports have him out several weeks. Jamaal Charles should get a bit more attention in the passing game and Chris Chambers will likely be active.

Colts WR Anthony Gonzalez (ankle) took full reps again Friday. Gonzalez looks in line to return to game action Monday Night, but is not a good fantasy option as he will likely be splitting reps with rookie Blair White.

Cowboys WR Dez Bryant (ankle Probable) took full practice reps Friday and is Probable for week 8. Bryant is still losing snaps to Roy Williams, but has breakout potential in a nice matchup with the Jaguars.

Patriots WR Deion Branch (hamstring questionable) was limited at practice Friday. The Friday downgrade is never a good sign. If Branch can't go, Wes Welker, Brandon Tate, and TE Aaron Hernandez would see more balls.

Raiders WR Louis Murphy (chest Out) did not practice Friday and is Out for week 8. Darrius Heyward-Bey and Jacoby Ford will start for the Raiders, but neither is a fantasy option.

Rams WR Mardy Gilyard (hamstring Probable) took full practice reps Friday and is Probable for week 8. Gilyard could see some extra looks with Danario Alexander out.

Lions WR Bryant Johnson (foot questionable) was limited Friday and is questionable. Even when healthy Johnson isn't worth fantasy consideration.

Seahawks WR Brandon Stokley (oblique Questionable) was limited at practice Frida and is Questionable for week 8.

Panthers WR Devin Thomas (groin Doubtful) did not practice Friday and is Doubtful for week 8.

Titans WR Justin Gage (hamstring Questionable) took full practice reps Friday and is Questionable for week 8. Gage could return to action this week, but likely wont get his starting job back from Kenny Britt.

Cardinals WR Steve Breaston (knee Questionable) was limited at practice Friday and is Questionable for week 8. Breaston was close to playing last week but held out due to weather. We expect him to play, but no one should be counting on Breaston for production.

Cardinals WR Early Doucet (groin Questionable) was limited at practice Friday and is Questionable for week 8. Doucet returned to action last week, but shouldn't be on the fantasy radar.

Chargers TE Antonio Gates (toe questionable) took full reps Friday. Gates was jogging through routes and catching passes, and the full practice is a great sign. Gates will suit up this weekend against the Titans and is always a top option when he plays.

49ers TE Vernon Davis (ankle questionable) took limited practice reps Friday. Davis and the 49ers have indicated that Davis will be fine to play Sunday, but the questionable tag is less than desirable. Check the gameday inactives, but if active Davis is still a top 5 TE option and may see increased looks with Troy Smith under center.

Redskins TE Chris Cooley (foot questionable) practiced fully Friday. Despite the Redskins liberal usage of the questionable tag, expect Cooley to be a solid start this week against the Lions.

Texans TE Owen Daniels (knee) was limited in Friday's practice. Daniels is expected to play Monday Night and his production has been on a nice uptick.

Raiders TE Zach Miller (foot Questionable) was limited at practice Friday and is Questionable for week 8. It's a 4PM start, so rolling with Miller carries some risk, but it sounds like he'll play and is a top TE option this week.

Buccaneers TE Kellen Winslow (knee Probable) took full practice reps Friday and is Probable for week 8.

Chargers replacement K Kris Brown (ankle) was limited at practice Friday. Brown went through the special-teams walk-through before heading to the locker room. The Bolts haven't signed a backup, but banking on an injured kicker is risky.

Titans Coach Jeff Fisher said Friday that receiver Kenny Britt will not face further disciplinary action from the team following his involvement in a bar fight last week.

Metro police continue to investigate the incident, and if Britt is charged it would become a league matter, Fisher said. Britt is scheduled to start Sunday’s game against the Chargers.

“Based on the information that I have obtained and that is completely independent of the ongoing investigation … I have decided because of inappropriate behavior that I will handle things in-house and that will not include missing any play time this week,’’ Fisher said. “He has missed a quarter and several series already. He will play, but there will be some things that take place in house.’’

Sounds now like Colts RB Donald Brown will go Monday night: "If the game were today, I'd play," Brown said a few minutes ago.

Rams WR Danario Alexander hobbled off practice field after getting twisted up on a play; status unclear.

QB Brett Favre (ankle) participated in Vikings practice on Friday.

The Jaguars have cut veteran quarterback Patrick Ramsey.

Vernon Davis (ankle) is listed as questionable for Week 8 against the Broncos.

Panthers RB DeAngelo Williams (foot) did not participate in Panthers practice on Friday, and is listed as doubtful for Week 8 against St. Louis.

Patriots WR Deion Branch was a full participant at Patriots practice on Friday after being limited on Thursday.

Pats RBFred Taylor (toe) was again absent from Patriots practice on Friday.

Interesting stat. Colts QB Peyton Manning has directed 51.6 percent of his 254 passes at Dallas Clark and Austin Collie, and they've accounted for 57.9 percent of his 171 completions.

Look for Reggie Wayne and Pierre Garcon to make up the difference.

UPDATE: Bengals QB Carson Palmer (hip) pronounced himself ready to start in Week 8 on Friday.

Broncos Eddie Royal and Knowshon Moreno are practicing today. No helmets, just a walk-through.

If Bengals QB Carson Palmer (hip) does not practice on Friday, his younger brother Jordan Palmer (the Bengals' back-up QB) could be in line for his first NFL start on Sunday

Keep an eye on the 4for4.com Practice report for further confirmation.

Even if he is healthy before the season is over, Tony Romo won't necessarily be reinstalled as the Cowboys starter.

Although he still remains sidelined by his mysterious ankle injury, Saints RB Pierre Thomas is not currently set to have surgery.

Chris Ivory will remain the Saints #1 RB in Thomas' absence.

Niners fans already knew they would get their first look at quarterback Troy Smith on Sunday.

And based on what Mike Singletary said today, they might also get their most extended looks of the season at backup running backs Brian Westbrook and Anthony Dixon when the 49ers meet the Broncos at Wembley Stadium.

Yes, we know, Singletary and offensive coordinator Mike Johnson have delivered this line before. A lot.
And, yet, Westbrook and Dixon have remained surgically affixed to the bench. Through seven games, Westbrook and Dixon have combined for seven carries, or 128 fewer than Frank Gore, whose workload, the Niners keep insisting, simply must decrease.

So when Singletary said the backups would see more action Sunday you could almost hear the eyes roll, if such a thing was possible. Follow-up question: Is it a priority?

"It is a priority. Yes it is," said Singletary, who later added of Westbrook and Dixon, "We just have to do a better job of getting them in."

Brett Favre appears to have every intention of starting at quarterback for the Vikings on Sunday in New England, despite having a stress fracture in his left ankle and another fracture in the same heel.

Vikings coach Brad Childress isn't so sure.

Favre was held out of practice again Thursday, meaning if he doesn't practice Friday he will go into the game cold.

According to an NFL source, Childress is leaning toward having Tarvaris Jackson start at QB.

Chiefs WR Dexter McCluster is expected to miss multiple weeks with a high ankle sprain.

Colts running back Donald Brown (hamstring) will most likely be active on Monday night against the Texans. He last played in Week 3, and did not practice on Thursday.

Dexter McCluster has a high ankle sprain and is likely to miss multiple weeks.

This will allow Jamaal Charles to be more involved in the short passing game. Also, expect Chris Chambers to be active on game days.

Vikings wide receiver Sidney Rice was on the field after practice Wednesday catching some passes from position coach George Stewart but Thursday he made it clear that in no way qualified as route running.

“I was jogging around,” said Rice, who underwent hip surgery in August. “I wasn’t doing routes.”
The Vikings have until Nov. 9 to bring Rice off the physically-unable-to-perform list and at this point Rice said the next step is up to the trainers. He also isn’t willing to put any date on his potential return.

“I think it’s going great right now,” he said of his rehab. “I’m going to continue to do what they ask me to do and I’m just working to get better and get out on the field.

Rookie Jacoby Ford, talking with reporters about being prepared regardless of his role, let it slip that he’d be the starter opposite Darrius Heyward-Bey Sunday in place of the injured Louis Murphy.

“I’m always preparing like I am going to be the starter, that’s what coach Sanjay (Lal) tell us,” Ford said. “It just so happens that I actually will be the starter this game, so it’s no different for me, preparing-wise. I’ve just got to go out there and mkaae some plays when my number is called.”

Jerry Jones acknowledged Thursday that the team's record could factor into whether or not quarterback Tony Romo returns this season.

The owner was emphatic in the team's lockerroom Monday night, saying when Romo was ready to return from a fractured collarbone that he would play, regardless of the team's record. Jones backed off that stance Thursday.

"I don't know,'' Jones said. "We have to see what the circumstances are at that time. We have to see how well we are playing.''

If Romo is out for eight weeks, which appears likely, that would put him back in the lineup for the Cowboys game at Arizona on Christmas night. If the Cowboys have been eliminated from the playoff race by then, the wisdom of letting him play would be called into question.

Christmas night is week 16, which is the finals for a lot of fantasy leagues. The Cardinals present a tempting matchup where Romo could find a lot of success if things stay on pace. It's something to keep in mind if you're on the fence about putting Romo on IR or just releasing him.

In three career starts, Jonathan Stewart has averaged 23.3 carries for 150.3 yards with three touchdowns.

If DeAngelo Williams can't play, Stewart could be in store for a lot of work and could finally pay off for owners who have drafted him with high expectations. Williams is questionable at this point and has been called the dreaded "game-time decision."

Dez Bryant was one of the few bright spots in Monday night's 41-35 loss to the New York Giants, catching a pair of 15-yard touchdown passes and returning a punt 93 yards for another score.

With that in mind, the Cowboys are looking at possibly having Bryant also return kicks.

According to ESPNDallas.com, Bryant fielded kickoffs at practice on Thursday along with with Akwasi Owusu-Ansah and Felix Jones.

"We could put him back there some," Wade Phillips said Wednesday. "He's a guy that can make big plays, and you always have to think about that."

Saints coach Sean Payton said Pierre Thomas saw a local foot and ankle specialist this week, the 3rd doctor to evaluate his injury. Advice was to reduce the workload.

Not good news for owners. It appears Betts and Ivory will be the main backs for the struggling Saints for at least the near future.

There isn’t much Darren McFadden is doing wrong in his breakout NFL season.

After floundering in his first two NFL’s season, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2008 draft is making a major impact for the 3-4 Oakland Raiders. The former Arkansas speedster has 557 rushing yards in five games. He missed two games with a hamstring injury and then came back to rush for 165 yards on 16 carries and he scored four touchdowns in the Raiders’ 59-14 romp over Denver.

McFadden is averaging 5.5 yards per carry on 101 carries. His yardage total has surpassed both of his previous two years' totals.

According to ESPN Stats & Information, McFadden is enjoying his best year by adding a new wrinkle to his game. He’s running well up the middle of the field. Known as an explosive outside runner, McFadden is attacking the middle with gusto this season, and he is showing he can be more than a change-of-pace option.

He is averaging 2.3 yards per rush more up the middle than he did in his first two NFL seasons. His success up the gut is making him an even better outside threat. He is averaging 5.4 yards per rush up the middle and 5.6 per tote on the outside.

Rushers who can shred defenses both inside and outside are rare. It seems McFadden is becoming one of those players . It’s this type of balance that is helping McFadden become the player he was expected to be when he entered the draft.

Texans coach Gary Kubiak says there's a good chance that Jacoby Jones will get some reps at kick returner. Jones already returns punts.

“If you would have asked me to tell you exactly what I thought about Mike Hart a couple weeks ago, I would have been totally off base and you would have said, ‘You know what, that guy misled us.’ The fact of the matter is, he made such an unbelievable turnaround.”

Hart, despite missing most of the practices before an Oct. 10 home game against Kansas City, scored a clinching TD on an 11-yard run in a 19-9 win. Caldwell alluded to Hart’s readiness if Addai and Brown can’t play. Hart has 93 yards on 26 carries.

Hart wouldn't be a bad late-call, considering the game is Monday night. He's a nice insurance policy at this point. But expect the Colts to attack a Texan secondary that has struggled this year.

Vikings QB Brett Favre (foot, ankle) missed practice again Thursday as expected. Favre could get in some work Friday. We expect him to push to start this weekend. For what it's worth, Vikings OC Darrell Bevel said he would be surprised if Favre didn't suit up. We would be too.

Titans QB Vince Young (knee, ankle) took full reps again Thursday and looks in line to start against the Chargers barring setback. Kerry Collins (right finger) did not practice Thursday.

Bengals QB Carson Palmer (hip) missed practice Thursday with a sore hip. This is the first mention of the hip on the injury report, but HC Marvin Lewis said he expects Palmer to play this weekend.

Jaguars QB David Garrard (concussion) practiced fully again Thursday. Garrard is expected to return under center this week against the Cowboys.

Cardinals QB Max Hall (head) took full practice reps Thursday. Hall is expected to start this week after being knocked out of last week's game.

Cowboys QB Tony Romo (left shoulder) did not practice Thursday. Jerry Jones indicated that Romo's eventual return will depend on the Cowboys situation. Don't count on Romo playing again this season.

Raiders QB Bruce Gradkowski (right shoulder) was limited at practice Wednesday. It appears Jason Campbell will get the start this week.

Redskins QB Donovan McNabb (hamstring) was limited at practice Thursday.

49ers QB Alex Smith (left shoulder) has been ruled out for week 8. Troy Smith will get the start in London.

Colts RB Joseph Addai (neck) missed practice Thursday. Addai looks unlikely to play, while Donald Brown (hamstring) also missed practice but has a better shot at playing. The Colts play the Texans on Monday Night, meaning we wont know the RBs official statuses until Saturday. If Brown can't go, expect Mike Hart to carry a heavy load. HC Tom Caldwell has expressed confidence in Hart's abilities if called upon.

Broncos RB Knowshon Moreno (hamstring) took practice reps Thursday. Moreno pulled up with a hamstring in Wednesday's practice, but HC Josh McDaniels said he expects Moreno to be fine. The history of hamstring injuries is a concern for Moreno, but it looks like he will play barring a setback. He is by far the Broncos best option at tailback.

Panthers RB DeAngelo Williams (foot) missed practice again Thursday. We'll check back to see if he can practice Friday, but at this point it looks likely that Jonathan Stewart will start for the Panthers. Stewart will be a solid play if Williams is inactive.

Rams RB Steven Jackson (finger) missed practice again Thursday. The word out of St. Louis has been positive, but we'll wait to see what Jackson does Friday. Jackson says he is definitely going to play, but is still working with trainers to figure out what type of soft cast to wear on his non-carrying hand.

Lions RB Jahvid Best (toe) took limited reps again Thursday. Expect Best to play this week in a nice matchup with the Redskins.

Titans RB Chris Johnson (thigh) took full practice reps Thursday. Johnson will be full speed this weekend.

Reggie Bush (fibula) missed practice again Thursday. Bush is unlikely to return this week, leaving Chris Ivory and Ladell Betts handling the workload again.

Saints RB Pierre Thomas (ankle) did not practice Thursday. Thomas got another doctor's opinion on the ankle, and was told to lighten his workload. Not a good sign for a guy looking to get back on the field.

Bucs RB LeGarrette Blount (illness) was limited Thursday. Expect Blount to recover and go this weekend. Blount saw a season high 11 carries last week. Expect that trend to continue.

Bucs RB Earnest Graham (hamstring) practiced fully Thursday. Graham should play this week, but LeGarrette Blount will be the one seeing an uptick in touches after a nice performance last week.

Bengals RB Brian Leonard (thigh) took full practice reps Thursday.

Texans RB Steve Slaton (not injury related) did not practice Thursday.

Saints RB Julius Jones (shoulder) took full practice reps Thursday. Jones will likely see a few carries with Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush out.

49ers RB Anthony Dixon (hamstring) was limited at practice Thursday.

Texans WR Andre Johnson (ankle) practiced fully Thursday. Expect Johnson to be full go Monday Night against the division rival Colts.

Colts WR Reggie Wayne (hamstring) was limited Thursday. With the Monday Night game, this is the first official practice of the week for the Colts. Expect Wayne to return to full practice later in the week.

Colts WR Pierre Garcon (hamstring) missed practice Thursday. With Austin Collie (hand) out, Garcon looks to be getting some early week rest. Look for him to return to practice later in the week.

Colts WR Anthony Gonzalez (ankle) returned to full practice Thursday. This is a great sign for Gonzalez, who apparently did not suffer a setback as reported last week. Gonzo looks in line to suit up Monday Night, but it remains to be seen how much he will be used in his first game back. He is worth a waiver pickup with Collie out, but is a high-risk, high-reward play this week.

Broncos WR Eddie Royal (groin) took limited reps Thursday and will travel with the team to London. HC Josh McDaniels is hopeful that Royal will be able to play.

Cowboys WR Dez Bryant (ankle) returned to full practice Thursday. Bryant has breakout potential, but is still seeing less snaps than Roy Williams.

Patriots WR Deion Branch (hamstring) was limited Thursday. We'll check back Friday, but a hamstring issue is never good news for a WR.

Packers WR Donald Driver (quadricep) missed practice again Thursday. Driver missed last week, but played through it. Unfortunately, he caught no passes. Expect Driver to play again this week against the Jets, but he should not be in fantasy lineups.

Bengals WR Terrell Owens (hand) was limited Thursday. This is the first we've heard of the hand injury, but we will assume it is minor until we hear differently. We'll check back Friday to see if Owens can get in a full practice.

Raiders WR Louis Murphy (chest) did not practice Thursday. Murphy is out this week and possibly more with a bruised chest. Jacoby Ford is in line to start opposite Darius Hayward-Bey. This is a fantasy situation to avoid.

Chargers WR Legedu Naanee (hamstring) missed practice Thursday after taking limited reps Wednesday. The mid-week downgrade is never a good sign for a guy recovering from an injury. Naanee is now looking doubtful for this weekend. With Craig Davis (ribs) also missing practice, Patrick Crayton appears to be the only healthy wideout in San Diego.

Panthers WR Devin Thomas (groin) was limited at practice Thursday.

Cardinals WR Steve Breaston (knee) was limited at practice Thursday. Breaston was close to a return last week, so we expect he'll be a go this week, but is well off the fantasy roster.

Cardinals WR Early Doucet (groin) was limited at practice Thursday. Doucet returned to the lineup last week, but is not a fantasy option.

Chiefs WR Dexter McCluster (ankle) took limited reps again Thursday. We'll see what McCluster does Friday, but it sounds like he'll play.

Rams WR Mardy Gilyard (hamstring) took full practice reps Thursday.

Titans WR Justin Gage (hamstring) took full practice reps Thursday.

Lions WR Bryant Johnson (foot) was limited at practice Thursday. Johnson is terrible and shouldn't be owned under any circumstances.

Chargers TE Antonio Gates (toe) missed practice again Thursday. Gates may miss practice, but if he's active Sunday (expected) he should be in your lineup. A gimpy Gates caught 4 balls for 50 yards and a TD last week and nearly had another.

49ers TE Vernon Davis (ankle) missed practice again Thursday. Davis expects to be able to play this weekend. We'll check back Friday to see if he has resumed practicing.

Texans TE Owen Daniels (knee) was limited Thursday. The Texans play on Monday Night against the Colts so look for Daniels to return later in the week. His production has been on the rise, and he should be healthy coming out of the BYE.

Redskins TE Chris Cooley (foot) took full practice reps Thursday.

Buccaneers TE Kellen Winslow (knee) took full practice reps Thursday.

Colts coach Jim Caldwell: Does not anticipate RB Joseph Addai practicing today. Donald Brown less certain.

No boot on Brett Favre as he leaves walk through. Limping badly.

Tailback Ryan Mathews practiced for the first time in three Wednesdays, which is the beginning of the NFL work week.

“It’s a lot better,” Mathews said of the ankle he sprained on Sept. 19. “I feel like I’m almost healthy again.”

With a full week of practice, the Chargers hope Mathews can see more and soak in more and, thus, play more (and better) on Sunday.

Vikings QB Brett Favre, who watched part of practice Wednesday, has spent time in recent days consulting with doctors James Andrews and Erik Nilsson, who were responsible for performing surgery on Favre's left ankle last spring in which scar tissue and bone spurs were removed.

Favre does not need surgery for the latest injuries and has been told he can't make the injury worse by playing.

This updates a previous news post. Knowshon Moreno "should be fine" for Sunday's game. Moreno grabbed at his previously injured hamstring in practice, which was posted earlier here at 4for4.com

Now that quarterback David Garrard has been cleared to play, the Jaguars' task is to protect him from the Dallas Cowboys' pass rushers, most notably DeMarcus Ware.

"He's a game-breaker," Garrard said of Ware, who is tied for second in the NFL with eight sacks. "You don't want to let him disrupt the game. ... He brings it every Sunday," Garrard said.

Garrard returned to practice Wednesday for the first time since suffering a concussion against Tennessee.

Keeping Garrard from getting hit this week takes on added importance this week because a player who just suffered a concussion is more susceptible to another one.

Mathias Kiwanuka said doctors are "very optimistic" the herniated disk in his neck will heal on its own but that "it's just going to take time.” The only question was how much time it would take.

By the Giants' estimation, it'll take the rest of this season.

Kiwanuka will be placed on injured reserve today, according to two people informed of the impending transaction. The people requested anonymity because the Giants have yet to announce the move, which will end Kiwanuka's season and likely serve as the transaction to clear space on the roster for kick returner Will Blackmon.

Running back Jahvid Best , who has played with a sprained toe on each foot through the first six weeks of the season, was back practicing with the team. He had spent the last four practices working mostly on the side with a conditioning coach.

"He's probably not going to be 100 percent healthy until the season is over," Schwartz said. "We kind of said the same thing about Kyle Vanden Bosch . Nobody is going to be 100 percent healthy. But we feel like (Best) is on the right track and he is close to putting it behind him."

The toe injuries have robbed him of his explosiveness, which is at least partly to blame for his 3.2 yards-per-carry average.

"We hope (the explosiveness) is back, but we kind of have to wait and see," offensive coordinator Scott Linehan said. "I've had guys who've dealt with turf toes and a lot of times they linger. I am sure it will improve over time. His one toe has healed to the point where it doesn't bother him, so hopefully by Sunday the other one is closer, too."

If you were watching closely you might have noticed that something immediately seemed weird. After Torain's head snapped to the right on this hit, he remained on the ground. Anthony Armstrong came over to help Torain up, but the running back stayed on the ground and brought his hands together, in a gesture that sort of looked like he was calling a timeout. Then he left the field for a play. When he came back on the field, he lost the ball within two plays.

Coach Mike Shanahan addressed the issue on Wednesday, admitting that the head shot may have contributed to the fumble.

"I think he got hit pretty good, because he went out of the game, then he came back and had that fumble," Shanahan said. "I'm sure that had something to do with it. But a lot of these guys get licks like that all the time. It's been happening forever. Did he have a concussion? I don't think he did. But did he get dinged? I think he got dinged."

But Shanahan also suggested that the hit that caused the fumble helped, you know, cause the fumble.

"He got the hell knocked out of him on the one play, right before the ground," Shanahan said. "I was gonna use another word, but I know it wasn't proper."

Offensive coordinator Mike Martz took it one step further, noting he'd like to get Matt Forte and Chester Taylor on the field together. Thus far, the Bears have fielded two running backs (not necessarily Forte and Taylor) on a play only nine times, according to ESPN Chicago.

''We've got to get them in the game more together,'' Martz said. ''That's a neat opportunity for us. We've explored a little bit of that. Those are all things that we look at over the bye week.''

Taylor isn't going to get too excited just yet.

''All we can do is wait and see and take their word for it,'' Taylor said. ''We've got to just wait until the game time to see if that's going to really happen.''

Near the end of practice Wednesday, Broncos running back Knowshon Moreno grabbed his right hamstring and consulted with trainer Steve Antonopulos. Moreno missed three games because of a strained right hamstring, but he has performed well in the two games since he returned.

It appears right cornerback Andre Goodman (thigh) and strong safety Brian Dawkins (knee) will play Sunday after they fully participated in their second consecutive practice.

Thanks to Antonio Cromartie's Pro Bowl-caliber production through the first six games, the Jets may opt to rotate Darrelle Revis and Cromartie on opposing No. 1 receivers for the remainder of the season.

"I anticipate that," Cromartie told the Daily News. "We feel we have the best cornerback tandem in the league. Both of us are basically No. 1 corners."

Rex Ryan suggested that the Jets "can be flexible now" and "do whatever we want" with their pair of elite cornerbacks. Sometimes, that will mean leaving Revis and Cromartie on particular sides of the formation. Sometimes, it'll mean having them take turns covering the top receiving threat to keep each other fresh.

Vikings WR Sidney Rice running half-speed routes and catching passes from WRs coach George Stewart.

Raiders Tom Cable says receiver Louis Murphy is doubtful for Sunday with chest contusion near lung and could be out a couple of weeks.

Raiders QB Bruce Gradkowski (shoulder) missed practice again Wednesday while Jason Campbell took first-team reps. Gradkowski will get the job back when healthy, but for now it looks as if Campbell is in line for another start. Last week against the Broncos was decidedly better (204/2/0) than his horrid start against the 49ers two weeks ago (83/0/2).

Lions QB Matthew Stafford took full reps Wednesday and has been removed from the Loins injury report. Stafford is taking first-team reps, and fully expected to return under center for the Lions this week in a good matchup with the Redskins, who are allowing 292 passing yards per game.

Titans QB Kerry Collins (right finger) did not practice Wednesday. Vince Young (knee, ankle) returned to practice fully and is in line to start this week barring a setback.

Redskins QB Donovan McNabb (hamstring) was limited Wednesday. McNabb is probably headed for a questionable tag again this week as usual, but will play in a good matchup with the Lions.

Vikings QB Brett Favre (foot, ankle) did not practice Wednesday. Favre likely wont see any practice time until Friday and his consecutive game streak will be a hot topic of conversation heading into the weekend. Our money is on him playing, but don't expect him to be effective. If Favre can't go, Tarvaris Jackson would play and likely be a better fantasy option.

Cowboys QB Tony Romo (left shoulder) did not practice Wednesday. Romo will miss at least the next 6 weeks. Jon Kitna will start in a great matchup with the Jaguars.

49ers QB Alex Smith (left shoulder) has been ruled out for week 8. The 49ers have seen enough of David Carr and have named Troy Smith their starting QB against the Broncos. Troy could add a couple of points with his legs, but don't expect much. Stay away from the 49ers receiving game outside of Vernon Davis.

Jaguars QB David Garrard (concussion) took full practice reps Wednesday. Garrard has been cleared and is expected to start this week against the Cowboys.

Cardinals QB Max Hall (head) took full reps Wednesday. Hall has been cleared to practice and will start this week barring a setback. No one should be relying on Hall outside of a desperate BYE week play in 2QB leagues.

Panthers RB DeAngelo Williams (foot) missed practice Wednesday. The Panthers played off the severity of the injury initially, but as of right now his game status for week 8 is up in the air. If Williams can't go, Jonathan Stewart would get the start and finally be in line for a productive fantasy outing against the Rams.

Titans RB Chris Johnson (thigh) did not practice Wednesday. Expect Johnson to return to full practice later in the week and be full speed against the Chargers this weekend.

Lions RB Jahvid Best (toe) took limited reps Wednesday. Best took part in position drills, and is nearing a full recovery from the turf toe that has slowed him down for the past several weeks.

Chargers RB Ryan Mathews (ankle) took reps Wednesday for the first time in three Wednesdays. It's good news for Mathews, but the Chargers face a tough run defense in the Titans this week, and Mike Tolbert will still vulture goal line work.

Saints RB Reggie Bush (fibula) continues to miss practice Wednesday. Jason LaCanfora is reporting that Bush looks doubtful for week 8 and we agree. Chris Ivory will again handle early down work with Ladell Betts spelling him in passing situations. Ladell Betts caught 8 of his league high 10 targets last week, but did not record a single carry.

Rams RB Steven Jackson (finger) did not practice Wednesday. Jackson had surgery on his left (non carrying) hand Monday. Jackson indicated he would be full speed and is as tough as they come. We expect him to return to practice and be full speed this week in a good matchup with the Panthers (129 rushing yards/game).

Saints RB Pierre Thomas (ankle) did not practice Wednesday. We still have no timetable on a return for Thomas, and owners are growing frustrated. Chris Ivory will continue to handle the early down work and presents the best fantasy value with Thomas and Bush out.

Bengals RB Brian Leonard (thigh) returned to full practice Wednesday. If Lenoard is active, he will eat into Bernard Scott's pass catching numbers.

Buccaneers RB Earnest Graham (hamstring) took full practice reps Wednesday. Expect Graham to play and get some touches, but LeGarrette Blount will be the one receiving more touches this week after a nice showing last week (11 for 72)

Patriots RB Fred Taylor (toe) continues to miss practice. Perhaps Taylor is targeting a return for the playoffs.

Saints RB Julius Jones (shoulder) took full practice reps Wednesday.

49ers RB Anthony Dixon (hamstring) was limited at practice Wednesday.

Redskins RB Mike Sellers (foot) was limited at practice Wednesday.

Redskins RB Chad Simpson (hamstring) was limited at practice Wednesday.

Chiefs WR Dexter McCluster (ankle) took limited reps Wednesday. With Chris Chambers a healthy scratch the last two weeks, McCluster has been serving as the WR2 in Kansas City and recorded a season high 5 receptions last week. The Chiefs are obviously trying to get the ball into the hands of one of their top playmakers. We expect he'll return to full practice later in the week.

Titans WR Kenny Britt (not injury related) practiced Wednesday but is still not a lock to play this weekend as a result of his bar-room brawl last week. Britt didn't start last week, and didn't see the field until the mid-way point of the 2nd quarter. It obviously didn't affect his on the field performance, but HC Jeff Fisher is still gathering information on the incident and noted that Britt could face further discipline. We'll keep you posted.

Packers WR Donald Driver (quadricep) did not practice Wednesday. Driver missed practice last week, but suited up for the Packers. He was held catchless for the first time in 133 games despite not looking overly hampered by the quad. Expect him to be out there again this week, but shouldn't be started against the Jets defense.

Cardinals WR Steve Breaston (knee) took limited reps Wednesday. Breaston could have gone last week, but was held out due to messy field conditions. Breaston should make his return this week but isn't a fantasy option given the horrendous QB play in Arizona.

Chargers WR Legedu Naanee (hamstring) returned to light practice Wednesday. Naanee is not yet full speed, and while he could be worth a roster spot, should not be started until we see some production. Patrick Crayton has 13 receptions on 20 targets over the past two weeks and is the top WR play on the Chargers for now.

Cardinals WR Early Doucet (groin) took limited reps Wednesday. Doucet returned to the lineup last week for the Cardinals, catching 2 balls for 33 yards on 8 targets. We expect him to play this week, but is not a fantasy option given the Cards quarterback situation.

Broncos WR Eddie Royal (groin) did not practice Wednesday. Royal aggravated the groin against the Raiders and is questionable for this week in London.

Cowboys WR Dez Bryant (ankle) was limited at practice Wednesday. Bryant had a huge Monday Night with two receiving and one return TD. He obviously has the skills, and Kitna was looking to him in the red zone, but remains a risky play due to lack of snaps with Roy Williams still starting.

Rams WR Mardy Gilyard (hamstring) took full reps Wednesday. With Gilyard back, Danario Alexander could see even fewer snaps. Neither is a good fantasy option moving forward.

Titans WR Justin Gage (hamstring) took full practice reps Wednesday. Gage is in line to return this week. His role remains to be seen.

Chargers TE Antonio Gates (toe) did not practice Wednesday. Gates missed all last week, but predictably showed up on gameday and caught 4 passes for 50 yards and a TD despite being obviously hampered. Gates just missed a 2nd TD and should be started every week, even when not 100%.

49ers TE Vernon Davis (ankle) did not practice Wednesday. Now in London, Davis could just be seeing the sights. We will monitor the situation, but expect Davis to return to practice later in the week and be full speed this weekend against the Broncos.

Redskins TE Chris Cooley (foot) took full practice reps Wednesday.

Buccaneers TE Kellen Winslow (knee) took full practice reps Wednesday.

Cardinals QB QB Max Hall said he was feeling fine today after coming back to practice after his concussion. He said he wasn’t worried about it despite two blows to the head in two games, and said he’s never had a concussion in the past.

He also said he wasn’t happy with how he played, which is obviously the focus in practice.

“There are things I can fix, though, excited to prove I am better than that,” Hall said.

– Hall said he is considering gloves, although made it sound like it would be for bad weather games and not all the time.

Titans WR Kenny Britt practiced on Wednesday, but head coach Jeff Fisher says he hasn't ruled out more discipline for the wide receiver.

As expected, Austin Collie has been declared out for Week 8.

Jay Cutler is still working on timing with his receivers. "I think it's always going to be a process, not only for me, but also for the receivers," he said. "They've got to be at the right spot at the right depth at the right time against the right coverage. There's a lot of variables involved and it's a process."

Wow! Timing is something is developed during the off-season followed by training camp, followed by the first 2-3 weeks of the season....not week 8!

Raiders QB Bruce Gradkowski is unlikely to return from his shoulder injury this week, so Jason Campbell is expected to draw the start.

Reports from Washington DC Media that they have been receiving e-mail from numerous fans calling for the Redskins to bench starting quarterback Donovan McNabb and start backup quarterback Rex Grossman. Apparently the thinking is that Grossman has a better understanding of Mike Shanahan's offense because he worked under Kyle Shanahan when he was with the Houston Texans. McNabb is struggling with the offense as he has played in the West Coast-style his entire pro career.

Reid rightly points out that EVEN GROSSMAN probably wouldn't promote himself over McNabb. Grossman may have a better feeling for the offense but he does not have McNabb's physical tools or playmaking ability. In his 12th year McNabb is still more talented than most of the current quarterbacks in the NFL. Many quarterbacks know where balls should go on each play. Getting it there while being pursued by large, violent men is the hard part. McNabb has made plays (anyone remember some of his throws late in the overtime victory against Green Bay?) to help Washington win that Grossman simply is not capable of making.

Grossman helped the Chicago Bears reach the Super Bowl in his best season as a starter in 2006 (3,193 yards passing, 23 touchdowns, 20 interceptions), but he failed to keep the job and no longer is considered a starting-caliber NFL quarterback. That is not intended as a criticism, only a stated fact.

The Shanahans have modified some things in the offense in an effort to help make McNabb more comfortable, according to people familiar with the situation, and they're also working with his mechanics. Obviously, Mike Shanahan wants more from McNabb, who is still working with a one-year deal. The jury is out on whether McNabb will get a mult-year deal to stay in Washington but he is the team's best bet for 2010.

I had to post this story just for the sheer humor it brings.

aguars coach Jack Del Rio confirmed that defensive end Derrick Harvey has been benched.

Harvey was the 8th overall pick in the 2009 NFL draft. Stellino labels him one of the great busts in team history.

Titans quarterback Vince Young practiced Wednesday for the first time since being injured in the Oct. 18 game against the Jaguars.

Young, who suffered knee and ankle sprains against the Jaguars, went through a full practice on Wednesday, which bodes well for his chances of returning to action this Sunday against the Chargers.

Very doubtful Saints RB Reggie Bush returns this week. Was unable to practice today and though team made no determination for Sunday.

Broncos Josh McDaniels says Knowshon Moreno is "not a 2-down player," and when healthy, will get bulk of carries, w/ Maroney & Buckhalter playing less.

Rams RB Steven Jackson (finger) is sitting out practice today.

Vikings QB Brett Favre is not ruling himself out of Sunday's game at New England despite two fractures in his left ankle.

When asked how he was feeling this morning, Patriots strong safety Patrick Chung (knee) gave a big thumbs up and said he's "feeling great."

Cowboy's owner and de-facto head coach, Jerry Jones, says that Jon Kitna is definitely the man moving forward. Jones noted on his weekly radio show that the younger, Stephen McGee, would not get a chance under center.

Detroit running back, Jahvid Best (turf toe), was back in action for Lions' practice today.

Chiefs veteran running back Thomas Jones needs just 39 yards this week to become the first player in NFL history to have more than 500 yards rushing for five different franchises.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Austin Collie still doesn't know how much time he'll miss after having surgery on his right thumb.

Collie ranks fourth in the NFL with 44 receptions this season and has 503 yards and six touchdowns.

But before an autograph session Tuesday night at an Indianapolis restaurant, Collie said he "couldn't put a timetable" on his return. He was signing with his left hand.

Collie was injured in an Oct. 17 game at Washington. He says the hand got jammed between two helmets as he made a block. He says he taped the thumb up and continued to play.

WR Mohamed Massaquoi (concussion) returned to practice on Tuesday. Apparently, he feels "wonderful" and "great." The Browns have a bye in Week 8.

Troy Smith, who has yet to take a first-team practice snap with the 49ers, will be the team's starting quarterback Sunday against the Denver Broncos, coach Mike Singletary announced Wednesday morning.

Alex Smith is expected to miss 2 to 3 weeks with a left shoulder separation, Singletary said. David Carr has been demoted after struggling against the Carolina Panthers after taking over for Alex Smith. Carr completed 5 of 13 passes for 67 yards and a critical interception in the 49ers' 23-20 loss to the Panthers.

In his first public comments since he took a vicious hit two weeks ago, DeSean Jackson said that the collision he had with Atlanta cornerback Dunta Robinson felt like he "was in a car accident."

The Eagles wide receiver confirmed that he lost consciousness for what he believed to be "a couple of minutes." Jackson said it took about an hour before he regained his bearings.

"I was like, 'What happened?' " Jackson said Tuesday on Comcast SportsNet's Daily News Live. "Everybody was like, 'You got hit hard.' "

As for whether he anticipates being ready to play in the Eagles' next game on Nov. 7 against the Colts, Jackson said, "I look forward to be playing."

Stay tuned for more information. As much as Jackson wants to play, there still may be obstacles that hinder his return.

Broncos Josh McDaniels said Tuesday he did not expect to take safety Darcel McBath (foot), linebacker Robert Ayers (foot) or linebacker Wesley Woodyard (hamstring) to London.
Safety Brian Dawkins (knee), who has missed the past two games, returned to practice Tuesday. McDaniels said any player with "a good chance" to be ready to play Sunday would make the trip.

Wide receiver Eddie Royal (groin) didn't practice Tuesday. He aggravated his injury in the Oakland game.

Ravens wide-out Derrick Mason told Jerry Coleman of Fox Sports Radio 1370 on Tuesday that he had a surgical procedure on his broken right pinky finger Monday and had a pin inserted.

Mason said he would be able to play against the Dolphins on Nov. 7 after the Ravens' bye week.

Mason was on the injured list last week with an ankle and finger injury. Coach John Harbaugh wasn't asked about Mason's injury in his news conference on Monday, but Mason told Coleman on Sunday after the team's win over Buffalo that he would have surgery. During Coleman's Tuesday show, he said he would be able to play in the next game.

Oakland's 45-point thrashing of the Broncos didn't go as seamlessly as it seemed.

Receiver Louis Murphy, we're told, has a bruised lung. Murphy is expected to miss Sunday's game against the Seahawks.

Coach Tom Cable has characterized the injury only as a bruised chest.

Murphy, a second-year wideout who joined the team as a fourth-round pick in 2009, has started all seven games this year, with 21 catches for 337 yards and a touchdown.

Robert Meachem started at wide receiver in place of Devery Henderson. Not sure if there was a reason behind the switch but Henderson almost always starts in two-receiver sets opposite Marques Colston. He'd started five of six games prior to the Browns game. The only start he didn't earn was against the Falcons when the Saints opened in tank personnel, one receiver, two tight ends and two backs. This might be nothing or it could be a shift in starting assignments. Something to monitor in future games.

Max Hall passes neuro tests and is cleared to practice. If that goes well, he will start against Bucs on Sunday

Tarvaris Jackson is confident he can be successful if Brett Favre can't start and he gets the call. Jackson is 10-9 in 19 career regular-season starts.

"It's the best I've ever felt," Jackson said. "Hopefully, it translates to the field but it's the best I've ever felt since I've been in the league."

Asked why he feels that way considering he's been a backup the past two seasons, Jackson said it's his confidence.

"I think that's the main point, the confidence," he said. "I honestly can say I knew what I was doing, but I wasn't very confident just by all the external factors and listening to too much stuff instead of just going and playing football. Now I'm playing football. I haven't played in a game, just practice. But I feel great."

Bengals Adam "Pac Man" Jones out for season with a neck injury. Tough blow for him and the Bengals. He has been excelling on field and off.

It's always dangerous to ask a doctor about a patient he has not seen, so take what this ortho says with a grain of salt. (I talked with him with the agreement that I wouldn't identify him.)

"I think it's extremely misleading to say he has two ankle fractures and leave that impression,'' the orthopedist said. "Technically, with what I have read, he does. But you are not playing an NFL game with two fractures in the sense that we think of fractures.''

Favre has two situations, according to coach Brad Childress. One is a stress fracture of his ankle, and the other "avulsion fracture'' of his calcaneus, or heel area, where a portion of the heel bone has chipped away.

Colts owner Bill Polian thinks that TE Jacob Tamme can do many of the same things on offense as the injured Dallas Clark.

It was mostly a healthy bunch of Lions participating in practice today (Tuesday).

Key participants were quarterback Matthew Stafford and middle linebacker DeAndre Levy. Stafford (shoulder) hasn’t played since the first half of the opener at Chicago and Levy (ankle, groin) has been in just one game (at the Vikings) all season.

Running back Jahvid Best (toe) was not going through early drills, but instead was running along the sidelines with a trainer.

Chargers PK Nate Kaeding (groin) is not expected to return in Week 8.

Derrick Ward said he is ready for the increased role head coach Gary Kubiak said is forthcoming. "I'm just going to be ready when my number's called," Ward said. "I'm getting familiar with the team and the offense, everything. I feel confident when I go out there, and I'm able to perform at the level I know I can. Hopefully, with the reps and getting the ball will continue to be a thing for me."

Jaguars QB David Garrard officially passed his concussion test today and has been cleared to play in Week 8 against the Cowboys.

Chargers WR Legedu Naanee (hamstring) is expected back this week.

Panthers Tailback DeAngelo Williams is day-to-day after spraining his foot in Sunday's game. Williams, the team's leading rusher with 361 yards, was injured during a carry on the Panthers' game-winning drive.

Even more difficult to explain, was the use — or non-use — of wide receiver Danario Alexander. Following his stellar debut against San Diego, Alexander didn't see the field much in Tampa and caught only one pass for 6 yards.

Alexander experienced some knee soreness following the San Diego game, but Spagnuolo said that was a non-factor in determining Alexander's playing time against the Bucs.
"No, there was nothing there (health-wise)," Spagnuolo said. "The way the offense works with the receivers is they're in there for certain plays. When those are dialed up, he goes in. It's not, 'You have this series, you have that ...' "

In other words, Alexander simply wasn't a major part of the game plan Sunday, which seems startling considering his impact a week earlier.

"Yeah, I think we can get him more involved," Spagnuolo said. "No question."

Michael Vick (ribs) noted on a Virginia radio station that he is at 90-95 percent right now and will be 100 percent for Week 9. "Throwing the ball has been the toughest thing," Vick admitted. "I think I made great strides last week, just getting my range of motion back and working on my accuracy." The Eagles have a bye in Week 8.

QB Alex Smith has been diagnosed with a sprained AC joint in his left shoulder, but the 49ers haven't revealed any more details. Smith is currently in a sling.

It seems that David Carr will remain the starter.

Left tackle Jason Peters (knee) is likely to be ready to return in Week 9. He missed the last two games after undergoing minor knee surgery. The Eagles have a bye in Week 8.

Bruce Gradkowski (shoulder) remains the Raiders starting quarterback even though Jason Campbell played well in Week 7. Head coach Tom Cable said "he's made a lot of improvement," but it's too early to know if he will be ready for Week 8.

Asked if he was committed to Mike Singletary through the duration of the season, 49ers owner John York said, "Yes. He's our coach."

Bucs Offensive coordinator Greg Olson indicated the Bucs plan to use LeGarrette Blount and Cadillac Williams as their primary running back rotation. But he was quick to note that Williams will not be limited to third-down duty.

Blount, an undrafted rookie from Oregon, was claimed off waivers from the Titans at the start of the season. The Bucs had been reluctant to play Blount until he had a chance to become more versed in the team’s protection schemes.

Williams has excelled in that area, but Olson said the Bucs still value him as a ballcarrier.

Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson passed his post-concussion test, coach Andy Reid said Monday on his radio show on WIP-AM (610).

Earlier in the day, Reid said that Jackson had yet to pass the test, but even then he felt the receiver had "a pretty good chance of being ready for the Colts game" on Nov. 7.

Jerry Jones said the Cowboys expect Tony Romo to be sidelined for 6-8 weeks. That's the initial indication, Jones said.

Jon Kitna will be under center for the Cowboys. Obviously, this is a huge downgrade.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo left Monday night's game against the New York Giants in the second quarter with a fractured left clavicle and will not return.

Romo could be out for an extended time. Jon Kitna will get any playing time that Romo misses. The good news is Kitna inherits some quality receivers and RBs around him and could be just as good an option as any in your league if you are hurting at the position.

Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo injured his left (non-throwing) shoulder with 12:07 to play in the second quarter after completing a pass to wide receiver Miles Austin on Monday night.

His return is unknown.

Romo was hit by Giants weakside linebacker Michael Boley, who came on a blitz.

Romo's left shoulder crashed to the turf as Boley tackled him to the ground.

Jon Kitna took over for Romo and his first pass was knocked down. Romo tried to return to the game with about 11:18 to play but associate trainer Britt Brown pulled him back and slowly walked him to the bench area.

Romo took his helmet off and slammed it down lightly. Surrounded by several trainers and team doctors, Romo was then taken into the locker room for further examination.

If Romo misses any extended period of time, it's the first time he hasn't played since the 2008 season when he suffered a broken pinkie, causing him to miss three games.

The return of Kitna was his first snaps since Oct. 5, 2008 when he played with Detroit.

Mike Martz tells WBBM-AM that personnel changes is the key to fixing the goal line issues. He says he will use Chester Taylor there.

Wide receiver Brandon Stokley suffered an injury to his oblique that knocked him out of the game. His status for this week is uncertain.

Cowboys Inactives
Kyle Kosier G Inactive
Sean Lissemore DT
Stephen McGee QB
Kevin Ogletree WR
Jermey Parnell OT
Jason Williams LB
Leon Williams ILB
Sam Young T

Giants Inactives
William Beatty OT
Phillip Dillard LB
Madison Hedgecock FB
DJ Johnson CB
Linval Joseph DT
Mathias Kiwanuka OLB
Jamon Meredith T
Mitch Petrus G

With questions about New Orleans Saints running back Pierre Thomas' relationship with Coach Sean Payton swirling since Sunday, Thomas' agent said Monday the notion Thomas isn't champing at the bit to return to action is absurd.

In a phone interview, Lamont Smith said he has no inside information about whether Thomas and Payton are at odds, as was reported Sunday on Fox Sports. He characterized the whole matter as an unwelcome and counter-productive diversion from the Saints necessary focus on football. Under normal circumstances, Smith insisted, he would not insert himself into a team matter but in this case he is bothered by the idea Thomas, who he said has played with a variety of ailments in the past, has been too cautious about returning from an ankle injury suffered against Atlanta in week three.

Hakeem Nicks is active Monday night.

Good news for owners who took a chance on him playing despite the questionable status for a Monday night game. Mario Manningham is a real nice backup for those who like to handcuff the WR position.

Mike Garafolo reports: Nicks not really running full-speed during warmups here, so tough to get a feel for how healthy he is.

Eagles head coach Andy Reid said Monday that there's a 'pretty good' chance that WR DeSean Jackson (concussion), OLT Jason Peters (knee) and DT Brodrick Bunkley (elbow) will be able to play at home in two weeks against the Indianapolis Colts. Philadelphia is on their bye in Week Eight. However, Reid said backup DT Antonio Dixon will likely take the majority of playing time since Bunkley will be eased back in initially.

Michael Vick (ribs), who dressed as the the third quarterback for yesterday's game at the Tennessee Titans, will start against the Colts if he's healthy enough to play.

Rams RB Steven Jackson had surgery Monday morning to repair a crack in the ring finger of his left hand. Should be able to play Sunday.

He apparently played through the injury last week against Tampa, rushing for over 100 yards so it's an optimistic sign he could play this week, too. We'll keep you posted.

Jeff Fisher says he's optimistic about Vince Young this week. But still day to day.

Vikings coach Brad Childress says Brett Favre is in ankle boot. Avulsion fracture and stress fracture. No surgery. In walking boot.

Favre is the walking wounded and will eventually be knocked out of action. We're not sure that it will be this week, but clearly no one should be relying on Brett Favre's stat lines at this point.

Norv Turner doesn't anticipate WR Malcom Floyd or K Nate Kaeding back this week, but thinks Naanee will return.

Steve Jackson had surgery this morning on left hand ring finger, questionable for this week.

Adam Schefter reports that Jackson should be able to play this week.

San Francisco quarterback Alex Smith spent Monday morning at a hospital in London having his injured left shoulder examined and is still waiting to hear if he will be able to play Sunday against the Denver Broncos at Wembley Stadium.

The 49ers (1-6) flew to London from Charlotte, where they blew a late lead and lost to the Carolina Panthers 23-20. Smith was injured on a third-quarter sack and still had his non-throwing arm in a sling Monday afternoon.

"It's all right. Could be better," Smith said after arriving at the team's hotel outside London from the hospital.

David Carr would get the start against a Broncos defense that should play better this week...

Reid said he thought Michael Vick would be ready to play against Indianapolis after missing the last two games with a rib cartilage injury. Reid said Vick is “improving, he’s getting healthier”

“If he is, he is. I’m thinking he is,” Reid said. “I have full trust in Kevin Kolb as does our football team. I’m not too worried about that. Right now, it looks like he’s on track. We’ll see here.”

What's up with Golden Tate?
Six games into his rookie season, the second-round draft pick has caught the same number of passes (eight) as Brandon Stokley, who has been with the team less than a month.

He did play some receiver in Sunday's game, but you're forgiven if you didn't notice. He was targeted once, and didn't catch the ball that one time it was thrown to him. His 52-yard catch in Week 2 at Denver remains Seattle's longest play from scrimmage in six games, but in a season when so many rookies have already contributed, Tate has been a disappointment.

Colts WR Anthony Gonzalez says he'll be surprised if he doesn't play Monday. Said report of tweaking ankle this weekend wrong.

Bush said he has been cleared to play and that x-rays of his fractured fibula show it has healed nicely. He is somewhere close to 100 percent, but has still not tested the leg in live situations. Mentally, Bush said he is pointing to return Sunday night.

"Injuries are a part of this game, guys are going to get hurt," he said. "Anytime you have key guys out you're definitely not going to be as good because they are the guys who have been here, who know the system and have the experience. Once we get healthy we'll be better, but are we going to be back to the old Saints, I don't know. Because that takes the whole team to do."

Darrelle Revis said he is 100% after taking the bye week to rest and rehab injured hamstring.

Packers head coach Mike McCarthy: WR Donald Driver was nowhere close to 100% Sunday.

"For him to miss practice, he really has to be hurting. I hope he'll be full time this week."

Panthers head coach John Fox said RB Jonathan Stewart was "healthy enough to play," and didn't think his problems this year (3.0 per carry) were physical.

Offensive Coordinator Greg Olson says RB Cadillac Williams, while obviously very good on 3rd downs, still is important to the team as more than a 3rd-down back.

Andy Reid: WR DeSean Jackson not yet cleared from concussion. Of course, there is no game this week.

RB LeGarrette Blount had at least one good blitz pickup Sunday, which is a good step towards him getting the coaches' confidence, and more playing time.

Mewelde Moore turned in one of the biggest plays Sunday for the Steelers when he scooted 29 yards after catching a swing pass late in the fourth quarter. Moore's longest gain of the season helped set up Jeff Reed's game-winning field goal.

Highlights for Steelers, running backs, however, were few and far between in their 23-22 win against the Miami Dolphins. The Steelers managed just a season-low 58 yards on 27 carries. Moore saw his most extensive action of the season as he spelled starter Rashard Mendenhall, as planned, on the Steelers' third series. Coach Mike Tomlin said Moore took Mendenhall's place to lighten the latter's workload. Mendenhall managed just 37 yards on 15 carries.

"We weren't running the ball very effectively. It didn't matter who was running," Tomlin said. "We've got to get better there."

Running back Frank Gore, who rushed for 102 yards on 19 carries, saw a slight reduction in his play time Sunday. He was on the 49ers' sideline for eight snaps in the 49ers' 23-20 loss to the Carolina Panthers.

Gore played 96 percent of the 49ers' offensive snaps in the first six games. On Sunday, he played 86 percent.

Rookie Anthony Dixon was the 49ers' No. 2 back, ahead of veteran Brian Westbrook, who appears to be just a specialty back. In the first half, Dixon was on the field for four offensive plays, while Westbrook saw action on just one snap. Westbrook was in the same backfield as Gore on his one first-half snap.

One week removed from running back Willis McGahee not playing at all against the New England Patriots, he split the workload with Pro Bowl runner Ray Rice on Sunday.

Rice rushed for 72 yards on 16 carries.

And McGahee gained 64 yards and scored a touchdown on 11 carries with a long run of 25 yards.

McGahee started the game, but Rice played more than he did.

"It was just like any other game," McGahee said. "Whether Ray starts or I start really wasn't anything special. We work together, just giving each other rest. We worked on it all week the rotation."

Rice didn't seem to mind sharing carries with McGahee.

"It was our game plan going in, and I think it was smart on the end of our coaching staff," Rice said. "I came out of the game healthy, no wear and tear on the body. I think we both did a pretty good job of running the ball."

Running back Tim Hightower lost a fumble on his sixth carry on Sunday, and he didn't get a chance for a seventh attempt.

Beanie Wells replaced Hightower, who touched the ball just one more time - via the pass, in the Cardinals 22-10 loss to the Seahawks.

It was the fourth fumble Hightower has lost this season, and it could well be the one that costs him the starting job.

Like most of Hightower's fumbles, the one Sunday came at a critical time. Down 3-0 in the second quarter, the Cardinals were gouging the Seahawks with the run. Hightower had gained 24 yards on his previous carry and had gained 13 yards before he fumbled.

He finished with six carries for 59 yards.

"We can't live with that going forward," Whisenhunt said. "Momentum was starting to turn. We were moving the football."

Hightower said the ball just slipped out.

"It was more me than them," he said. "It hurts a lot. We needed a big play, we needed momentum, we needed something. Our defense was playing great. They are playing too good for us to do stuff like that."

Beanie Wells was already getting a majority of carries. Hightower is still a pass-catching threat who could see third-down work though. This appears to give Wells' value a boost, but without much of a passing game teams can look to shut down the run so he's only a safe play in certain matchups.

Rookie wide receiver Demaryius Thomas looked to have a right thumb injury in the second half as well.

The Broncos abandoned their running back committee and played only starter Knowshon Moreno.

Moreno had 14 carries for 53 yards, and caught three passes for 37 yards. Both of the team's touchdowns came on Moreno catches on screen passes.

David Gettis played what was easily the best game of his brief NFL career, catching eight passes for 125 yards and two touchdowns as Carolina (1-5) won its first game of the season.

The final catch came when Panthers quarterback Matt Moore went right back to Gettis in a similar situation. Trailing 20-13 with a third-and-2 at the San Francisco 23 and 1 minute, 59 seconds to go, Moore went back to Gettis deep.

Gettis is a sixth-round draft choice out of Baylor whom the Panthers hope will turn into their version of New Orleans receiver Marques Colston. Moore targeted Gettis nine times in Sunday's game. Gettis caught eight of those, including a 39-yard deep ball and an 18-yard touchdown in the second quarter.

Gettis is a guy to keep an eye on, as the Panthers were desperately hurting for a WR2 to step up alongside of Steve L. Smith. The news bodes well for Smith owners too as it may free him up a bit more.

Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams hobbled off the field late in the game with a foot injury, costing them their final time-out.

It was the end of a frustrating day, as he was held to 44 carries on 19 attempts.

Fox initially called it an ankle injury, but it was in fact his foot. "I don't know the extent of that, but we'll keep you posted," Fox said.

Rams RB Steven Jackson sat out a series in the third quarter after taking a shot to the neck.

"For a play or two there I was a little dizzy and wanted to make sure my bearings were fine," he said.

Bucs KR Preston Parker was injured on the opening kickoff and did not return.

Philadelphia coach Andy Reid is switching quarterbacks again and says Michael Vick will start Nov. 7 against Indianapolis in the Eagles' next game after their bye week.

Kevin Kolb made his third straight start Sunday, and the Eagles lost 37-19 to Tennessee. Kolb threw for 231 yards and was intercepted twice. He also lost a fumble at the Tennessee 3 in the third quarter.

Vick was the third quarterback against Tennessee as he recovered from injured rib cartilage.

Asked who his starter would be after the Eagles' bye, Reid was short.

"It's Mike," Reid said.

San Francisco quarterback Alex Smith knew the feeling immediately after Charles Johnson's 275 pounds landed on his left shoulder.

Fearing he has the same injury that cut short his 2007 season -- only this time to his non-throwing shoulder -- Smith said after Sunday's 23-20 loss to Carolina that he planned to fly to London with the team and get an MRI there. His playing status for next week's game against Denver is uncertain.

"It's definitely the AC, I think. It's very similar," Smith said, referring to the acromioclavicular joint that's sometimes called a separated shoulder. "But I don't know to what extent. There's not really much to say right now."

Smith, who was injured on a third-quarter sack, said X-rays were negative, but he was wearing a black sling after the game. His injury is complicated by San Francisco's travel schedule. The team was to fly directly from Charlotte to London after Sunday's game.

"As of right now, we'll have to wait and get an MRI," coach Mike Singletary said. "We'll see how that works out and go from there."

Vikings Inactives
Husain Abdullah SS
Hank Baskett WR
Chris DeGeare G
Fred Evans DT
Erin Henderson OLB
Lito Sheppard DB
Joe Webb QB
Albert Young RB

Packers Inactives
Quinn Johnson FB
Nick McDonald G
Mike Montgomery DT
Mike Neal DE
Marshall Newhouse T
Brady Poppinga OLB
Maurice Simpkins LB
Mark Tauscher T

Seahawks Inactives
Allen Barbre OT
Dexter Davis DE
Kelly Jennings CB
Anthony McCoy TE
Brandon Mebane DT
Nate Ness DB
Chester Pitts T
E.J. Wilson DE

Chargers Inactives
Larry English OLB
Malcom Floyd WR
Nate Kaeding K
Legedu Naanee WR
Cyril Obiozor LB
Darrell Stuckey DB
Adam Terry T
Cam Thomas DT

Antonio Gates is active. Kris Brown will handle kicking duties.

Patriots Inactives
on Brace DE
Mark LeVoir T
Kyle Love DT
Rich Ohrnberger G
Jarrad Page DB
Taylor Price WR
Fred Taylor RB
Terrence Wheatley CB

Broncos Inactives
Robert Ayers OLB
Chris Clark T
Brian Dawkins FS
Andre' Goodman CB
Darcel McBath SAF
Eric Olsen G
Brady Quinn QB
Wesley Woodyard OLB

With Royal Active, rookie Demayrius Thomas is a less attractive play.

Raiders Inactives
Travis Goethel LB
Bruce Gradkowski QB
John Henderson DT
Thomas Howard OLB
Walter McFadden DB
Brandon Myers TE
Chaz Schilens WR
Jeremy Ware DB

Darren McFadden is active and will take some touches away from Michael Bush. How many remains to be seen. Jason Campbell will start at QB.

Cardinals Inactives
Hamza Abdullah DB
Steve Breaston WR
Ben Claxton C
Alex Hall DE
Trumaine McBride CB
John Skelton QB
Stephen Williams WR

Early Doucet returns to the lineup for the Cardinals, but Steve Breaston does not. Rainy conditions and a sloppy field could be contributing to the decision to keep Breaston out another week.

Indianapolis Colts receiver Anthony Gonzalez, who is being counted on to help replace Austin Collie, who recently underwent thumb surgery and will likely miss a few weeks, recently tweaked the high ankle sprain that he had been nursing since early in the season, according to a source familiar with the situation.

It does not appear to be a major injury at this time, but it is notable considering what the Colts receivers have gone through in recent days.

With Gonzalez and Collie out, the Colts will rely on Blair White as a third option.

Chargers starting receivers Malcolm Floyd and Legedu Naanee won’t play due to hamstring injuries, meaning that ex-Cowboy Patrick Crayton must step up to bail Philip Rivers out. Buster Davis will also start and TE Antonio Gates (toe) is a game-time decision. Rivers has thrown a TD pass in 19 straight games, but would be wise to use RB Ryan Mathews as much as possible.

This is the third consecutive season that the Browns have played the reigning world champions, and the Saints better be careful. The Browns did beat the Giants in 2008, then did the same to the Steelers a year later. Cleveland’s first win as a new franchise in 1999 came on a Hail Mary touchdown pass from Tim Couch to Kevin Johnson on last play of a game in New Orleans, winning 21-16. Rookie QB Colt McCoy starts again for Cleveland, but he won’t have WR Mohamed Massaquoi, one of the two players KO’d by James Harrison last week.

The Chiefs lead the NFL in rushing, averaging 164.6 yards per game. Kansas City piled up a season-high 228 rushing yards at Houston. They are the only team with two 300-plus yard rushers in Jamaal Charles (418) and Thomas Jones (336). Finally, Matt Cassel has benefitted from all this running, throwing for six TDs in his last three games.

Todd Bouman starts for Jaguars QB David Garrard, who suffered a concussion last Monday night. If Bouman struggles — he hasn’t thrown a pass in a game since 2007 — Patrick Ramsey probably will play.

The Ravens love to pound Ray Rice as much as possible and then allow Joe Flacco to work off play-action. However, Flacco continues to prefer dump-off passes to testing defenses on deep routes. But offensive coordinator Cam Cameron says the two aren’t arguing about the play-calling. The Ravens also get back Pro Bowl FS Ed Reed and Brendan Ayanbedejo, one of the game’s best special teams players.

Carson Palmer has had a rough year, but could have a better day with the Falcons minus CB Dunta Robinson, who will be replaced by Chris Owens. Veteran CB Brian Williams will draw the slot coverage against Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco, who both have three drops this season.

Cardinals rookie QB Max Hall will make his first career road start in one of the league's loudest venues — and with significant rain and wind in the forecast. Seattle has the league’s 30th-ranked pass defense, but will load the box against the run, dial up blitzes on passing downs and dare Hall to make plays downfield. The Cardinals will counter with a conservative game plan despite the return of receivers Steve Breaston and Early Doucet. Hall has shown a tendency to make poor decisions early in games, and the Cardinals can’t afford to fall behind. Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald, who has 26 receptions and two TDs on the year, could have a big day if Kelly Jennings (hamstring) can’t go. That means that rookie Walter Thurmond must shut down one of the game’s best.

Rams QB Sam Bradford has performed well despite losing his two best receivers for the season. He found a new one last Sunday in rookie Danario Alexander for a TD, and the Rams have big hopes for this former Missouri star who has had four knee surgeries.

If the 49ers are really going to make a run for the NFC West title, this is a game they must win. San Francisco sounds like they want to open up its offense and move away from the trap running game that features Frank Gore and his 116 carries. Gore as accounted for more (755 yards) than 40 percent of his team’s offense. If the offensive change is true, look for veteran RB Brian Westbrook (five carries this season) to be more involved in the offense.

The winless Panthers return to Matt Moore at quarterback, and lucky for him WR Steve L Smith is also back in the lineup. There is a chance that 49ers CB Nate Clements (ankle) won’t play and may be replaced by Will James. If Clements doesn’t go, this should help the Moore-to-Smith combination.

If Smith is fully healthy, he will help stretch the field and give runners DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart room to run.

With Titans backup QB Kerry Collins starting for injured Vince Young, it could tighten the running lanes for Chris Johnson. Young runs a lot of bootlegs, something you won’t see from Collins.

With WR DeSean Jackson sidelined with a concussion, Jason Avant will be the second receiver with Jeremy Maclin in most of the Eagles’ two-wide receiver formations. This move will definitely put more pressure on Kevin Kolb to be productive and he may focus too much on Maclin. Rookie Riley Cooper, who has had his own concussion problems this season, will be the third receiver. Look for Eagles rookie Chad Hall lining up all over the formation, including occasionally in the backfield. The big key will be Philadelphia’s screen game to LeSean McCoy.

Look for Washington to throw at Chicago’s linebackers, especially Lance Briggs to test his injured ankle, believing Chicago’s two-deep zone will prevent the big throw. QB Donovan McNabb (a Chicago native) will have TE Chris Cooley, who suffered a concussion last week. The Redskins allow the most yards in the NFL, but they have been stingy in the red zone, allowing 19.8 points a game. Bears DE Julius Peppers will be going against rookie LT Trent Williams, who has the foot quickness to compete. The Bears need to create some turnovers in order to give their offense good field position. RB Ryan Torain will start for the third straight time for the Redskins.

Vincent Jackson is four games away from helping, and usual starters Malcom Floyd and Legedu Naanee both will not suit up for Sunday's game against the Patriots.

That leaves Patrick Crayton, Buster Davis, and rookie Seji Ajirotutu, who was activated off the team's practice squad Saturday to help out. To make room on the roster, the team placed linebacker Kion Wilson on injured reserve.

Browns HC Mike Holmgren now says he was "very encouraged" by Colt McCoy's performance last week in Pittsburgh and that maybe -- just maybe -- he could be looking at the Browns' quarterback of the future.

New York Giants defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka (neck), fullback Madison Hedgecock (hamstring), and tackle Will Beatty (foot) are listed as "out" for Monday's game against the Dallas Cowboys.

The Cleveland Browns have downgraded wide receiver Mohamed Massaquoi (concussion), tackle John St. Clair (ankle), and quarterback Seneca Wallace (ankle) to out for Sunday's game in New Orleans.

New Orleans Saints safety Darren Sharper has been added to the active roster and expects to play Sunday against the Cleveland Browns.

It's unclear how much he'll play or whether or not he'll return to the starting lineup. It's possible that his replacement, Malcolm Jenkins, could spend time at cornerback or the nickel back spot to help fill the void left by the Saints' recent rash of injuries at cornerback.

Tennessee Titans receiver Kenny Britt will play in Sunday’s game against the Eagles but will not start, after being involved in a bar brawl early Friday morning.

Britt took part in the team’s walkthrough Saturday after being excused from Friday’s practice.

Titans head coach Jeff Fisher said on Saturday night he has spoken multiple times with Britt and continues to gather information about the incident.

"Without all the information this close to the ballgame I’m going to go ahead and allow Kenny to play," Fisher said. "I’ll continue to gather information, and if I feel like disciplinary action needs to be taken, I’ll do it next week."

Britt has scored touchdowns in the past four games and has started the past two games in place of the injured Justin Gage. Receiver Nate Washington will start at one spot, and rookie Damian Williams also could be bumped into a starting role as a result of Britt’s one-game demotion. There’s also a chance Gage could return from a hamstring injury.

Most owners have probably already removed Britt from their lineups, and even though he'll play, he's not a great guy to start unless you absolutely have to.

Dallas Cowboys center Andre Gurode (knee) and linebacker Bradie James (knee) were full participants in practice for the second straight day on Saturday and are listed as probable for Monday's must-win game against the New York Giants.

Cowboys cornerback Mike Jenkins had missed Friday's practice to attend a funeral but is expected to be in the starting lineup against the Giants.

New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck (ankle) put in a full practice today and is probable for Monday night's game vs. the Dallas Cowboys.

Dallas Cowboys guard Kyle Kosier will not play Monday against the New York Giants , but he said he will be back for the Oct. 31 game against Jacksonville at Cowboys Stadium.

Kosier suffered a strained right Achilles on the last drive of the first half of the Minnesota game and he said he is also battling an ankle sprain too.

Montrae Holland will start his second game of the season due to an injury absence for Kosier. Holland also started the season opener at Washington because a sprained right knee Kosier suffered in training camp.

The Arizona Cardinals aren't going to be activating linebackers Gerald Hayes and O'Brien Schofield for Sunday's game at Seattle.

The Seattle Seahawks have released offensive tackle Breno Giacomini and signed running back Chris Henry from the practice squad.

Once upon a time, Henry was looked at as a potential starter in Tennessee. Those days are long gone as it would take a rash of injuries for him to make an impact in Seattle.

The New England Patriots have signed safety Sergio Brown off their practice squad and cut running back Thomas Clayton.

The Green Bay Packers did not activate anyone off of the PUP list today, according to an NFL source. That means cornerback Al Harris, safety Atari Bigby, and running back James Starks will not be in action tomorrow vs. the Minnesota Vikings.

Those owners keeping an eye out on Starks will have to wait a little longer to see if he can work his way into a prominent role in the Green Bay backfield.

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant took part in a full practice for the first time in two weeks on Saturday and is listed as probable for Monday's game against the New York Giants.

Bryant has been bothered for the last two weeks with a right ankle sprain.

Dez isn't high in our rankings, but if you are in a crunch due to bye weeks or injuries and need him, he should be available. He did have a touchdown last Sunday against Minnesota.

The Baltimore Ravens made a couple of important moves Saturday, ones that started Ed Reed’s 2010 season and perhaps ended Jared Gaither’s career with the team.

Reed was activated off the physically-unable-to-perform list after the Pro Bowl safety proved he recovered from offseason hip surgery this week. To make room for Reed, the Ravens placed Gaither on injured reserve, which finishes off a difficult year for the offensive tackle.

In another move, the Ravens took linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo off the PUP list and released linebacker Edgar Jones.

New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (hamstring) was limited in practice today and is questionable for Monday night's game against the Dallas Cowboys.

The fact that Nicks practiced a little bit is a good sign. He was a game-time decision back in week two against the Colts and ended up playing. Nicks will probably play on Monday, with Mario Manningham taking his place if he doesn't.

Philadelphia running back LeSean McCoy has been able to play effectively the past two weeks with that fractured rib he suffered against the Redskins on Oct. 3, but McCoy acknowledged yesterday that he is not healed.

"You see it?" McCoy said, pointing to a raised area on his lower torso. "It hurts. I guess it just takes time. The X-rays say it's healing."

McCoy's been doing just fine and should fare well tomorrow against the Titans.

Green Bay linebacker Clay Matthews looks ready to return after missing last Sunday’s loss to Miami because of a recurring hamstring injury.

But he said he needs to make some changes next offseason to make sure his left hamstring, which has been a problem in each of his first two NFL seasons, doesn’t become an issue year after year.

"We’ll address it in the offseason," Matthews said. "Hopefully, I’ll be able to make it through the season with no more speed bumps and take it from there."

Matthews said he and the team trainers plan to come up with a program designed specifically to address his hamstrings.

"I think you’ve got to do more prehab than anything," he said. "I don’t know, but we’ll figure it out. I think just staying on it, working on building up the hamstrings bigger and stronger than ever, doing some new things, doing some physical therapy."

It’s unclear whether Matthews will be in a limited role, perhaps playing only passing downs.

"That’s definitely an option," Packers coach Mike McCarthy said. "It’s an option we were shooting for last week."

This helps Green Bay's defense this week, but they have a tough matchup with Minnesota and shouldn't be started if you have another defense with an easier foe.

Philadelphia quarterback Michael Vick will dress as a backup against the Titans on Sunday, though his exact role this week - and beyond - is unclear.

"I can't tell you right now whether he's going to be two or three" on Sunday, said head coach Andy Reid, meaning Vick might either be Kevin Kolb's backup or the emergency third quarterback.

"I can throw the ball, and I can throw it full strength and effectively," Vick said after Friday's practice. "If the situation calls for me to go out and play, then I'll be ready."

If Vick is the number two quarterback, it will be another sign his recovery is going well.

According to ESPN, the Ravens will place offensive tackle Jared Gaither on injured reserve to make room on the roster for safety Ed Reed, who is expected to be activated off the physically-unable-to-perform list.

Gaither, who has been sidelined all season with a back injury, has practiced once since Aug. 5. By placing him on injured reserve, it ends his 2010 season and could mark the end of his Ravens career.

A Ravens official said the team won't announce any move until Saturday.

Reed is worth adding in IDP leagues.

Jenn Sterger, the subject of the NFL's investigation into Brett Favre's behavior, would decline the league's interview request if she and the Vikings quarterback reach a financial settlement that would prevent her from any potential legal action against Favre, the Pioneer Press has learned.

The settlement would include a confidentiality agreement between the two that would effectively stop the NFL, which does not have subpoena power, from speaking with Sterger about Favre.

Browns QBs Seneca Wallace (ankle doubtful) and Jake Delhomme (ankle doubtful) continued to miss practice Friday. Neither will play this week, giving way to Colt McCoy again against the Saints. Word out of Browns camp is that Seneca Wallace is closer to returning than Jake Delhomme.

Jaguars QB David Garrard (concussion out) missed practice again Friday and has been ruled out for week 7. Garrard was at practice (an improvement) but sporting sunglasses and not practicing. QB Trent Edwards (right thumb questionable) is questionable after taking limited practice Friday. It will be a game-time decision, but it looks likely Todd Bouman will draw the start. We suggest you stay away from the Jaguars passing game completely. Maurice Jones-Drew should see a large workload, but the Chiefs will be able to load up to stop the run.

Titans QB Vince Young (knee, ankle questionable) did not practice Friday. Young has missed all week and is very unlikely to play Sunday. Expect Kerry Collins (right finger probable) under center for the Titans.

Raiders QB Jason Campbell (knee questionable) was limited at practice Friday. HC Tom Cable indicated that Campbell will start if he continues to progress. If Campbell can't go, Kyle Boller would get the start. It's hard to say which QB would be worse for fantasy owners. Stay away from this situation.

Vikings QB Brett Favre (ankle, right elbow Probable) took full practice reps Friday and is Probable for week 7. Favre wont miss a prime time showdown with the Packers.

Eagles QB Michael Vick (rib Questionable) took full practice reps Friday and is Questionable for week 7. Kevin Kolb will get the start, but Vick could be available.

Saints QB Drew Brees (knee Probable) took full practice reps and is Probable for week 7.

Ravens RB Ray Rice (ankle probable) took full reps Friday. Rice will start and is in line for a huge game against the Bills.

Saints RB Pierre Thomas (ankle out) continued to miss practicen Friday and has been ruled out for week 7. Chris Ivory will be the lead back with Ladell Betts handling 3rd down duties. Julius Jones will also be in the mix.

Raiders RB Darren McFadden (hamstring questionable) took limited reps again Friday. McFadden told reporters he feels he has a 70% chance of playing Sunday and HC Tom Cable has indicated he will likely play. Don't count on McFadden for production this week, but Michael Bush owners will want to check the inactive list to see if McFadden is going or not. McFadden's role upon his return remains to be seen.

Browns RB Peyton Hillis (thigh probable) took full reps Friday and is listed as probable. Expect Hillis to be full speed this weekend against the Saints.

Eagles RB LeSean McCoy (rib Probable) took full practice reps Friday and is Probable for week 7. Expect a full workload from McCoy this weekend.

Chargers RB Ryan Mathews (ankle Probable) took full practice reps Friday and is Probable for week 7. Expect a lot of touches for Mathews with Naanee & Floyd doubtful and Gates banged up.

Titans RB Chris Johnson (thigh Probable) took full practice reps Friday and is Probable for week 7. Johnson will be full speed against the Eagles Sunday.

Bucs RB Earnest Graham (hamstring questionable) missed practice Friday and is questionable for Sunday. Carnell Williams should see the majority of the touches regardless. LeGarrette Blount will see extra touches behind Caddy if Graham can't go.

Patriots RB Fred Taylor (toe out) continues to miss practice and has been ruled out for week 7.

Saints RB Julius Jones (shoulder probable) took full reps Friday and is listed as probable. Jones shouldn't be in any fantasy lineups.

Bengals RB Brian Leonard (thigh out) missed practice again Friday and has been ruled out. Bernard Scott and Cedric Benson could see a few more looks in the passing game, Leonard's primary role.

Saints RB Reggie Bush (fibula Out) did not practice Friday and is Out for week 7.

Redskins RB Mike Sellers (heel Questionable) was limited at practice Frida and is Questionable for week 7.

Titans WR Kenny Britt (not injury related) was excused from practice Friday by HC Jeff Fisher. It came out earlier today that Britt was allegedly involved in a bar fight early this morning. Jeff Fisher is still gathering information, and what he finds out will determine if Britt is held out of Sunday's contest against the Eagles. We'll track this as it develops, but even though Fisher is giving Britt "the benefit of the doubt" fantasy owners should look elsewhere for production.

Panthers WR Steve L Smith (ankle probable) practiced fully Friday and will return to action this week. Smith has recovered quickly from the ankle, practicing fully all week. With Matt Moore back under center, Smith is a WR2 and always has big play upside.

Giants WR Hakeem Nicks (hamstring) missed practice Friday. Nicks was seen riding a stationary bike during the media portion of practice. Nick indicated that the injury was nothing serious, and that he was just resting it after feeling some fatigue. Nicks says he is definitely playing. Being a Monday Night game, owners will want to have Mario Manningham in reserve just in case.

Eagles WR DeSean Jackson (concussion out) missed practice again Friday and is out for week 7. Jackson has still has not passed his concussion tests. Jason Avant will start in Jackson's place with Riley Cooper (concussion probable) coming in for 3WR sets.

Broncos WR Eddie Royal (groin questionable) returned to limited practice Friday. The Broncos had a light Friday practice, and while the return is encouraging, we can't recommend Royal as a fantasy option this week. Rookie Demaryius Thomas will likely see increased snaps.

Vikings WR Percy Harvin (hamstring probable) took limited reps Friday. Harvin was limited Thursday with the Hamstring, but it appears to be a minor injury. We like Harvin as a high end WR2 this week in Prime Time against the Packers.