October 2011 4for4 Player News Articles

Chiefs Inactives
Brandon Bair DE
Anthony Becht TE
Jalil Brown DB
Steve Maneri T
Jerrell Powe NT
Ricky Stanzi QB
Jerheme Urban WR

Chargers Inactives
Luis Castillo DE
Kris Dielman G
Gerald Hayes LB
Ogemdi Nwagbuo DT
Shaun Phillips OLB
Darrell Stuckey DB
Mike Tolbert RB

Malcom Floyd and Antonio Gates are active for the Chargers. Despite looking good in warmups, Mike Tolbert is inactive. Curtis Brinkley and Jacob Hester will work behind Ryan Mathews who is expected to see the majority of the work.

Seahawks coach Pete Carroll is approaching this week with Tarvaris Jackson as the stater.

Seahawks WR Mike X Williams, who sat out with a hamstring injury, should be back this week, Pete Carroll said.

Cowboys linebacker Sean Lee will attempt to play with a dislocated left wrist, but he was not sure he would be able to play Sunday against Seattle.

Lee visited with Dr. Bo Frederick, a hand and wrist specialist, today in Dallas to determine the extent of the injury. If Lee can play, he would wear a cast, although surgery remains a possibility.

Lions coach Jim Schwartz on Monday could not definitively say whether or not he expects running back Jahvid Best to be back after the bye week.

Best missed his second straight game Sunday after incurring a second concussion in three months against the 49ers.

"We'll see," Schwartz said. "You can't have a timetable on these things. We've gone through it with Justin Durant and Tony Scheffler. Some come back quickly and some last longer."

Mike Munchak said again "Chris Johnson is our starter and nothing has changed."

The Redskins claimed former Cowboys running back Tashard Choice on waivers.

The Skins needed a third back with the loss of Tim Hightower. Ryan Torain hasn't been impressive and rookie Roy Helu didn't get much of a chance last week. Choice could be in the line for work, but this looks like it could be a messy situation until we see more.

Chargers RB Mike Tolbert is listed as OUT for Monday Night Football against the Chiefs.

Ryan Mathews will get a full workload and recently signed off the practice squad, Curtis Brinkley, will be the backup with FB Jacob Hester likely also in the mix.

Giants Tom Coughlin saying he hasn't heard anything on WR Hakeem Nicks' hamstring but expects him to be "day-to-day."

Mike Shanahan said Fred Davis has a grade one ankle sprain. Said doesn't know if Davis will miss time.

Falcons WR Julio Jones returned to practice today.

Rams QB Sam Bradford is out of the boot and is walking freely.

Rams WR Mark Clayton in a boot for Achilles. Uncertain status this week as he deals with that injury.

Danario Alexander [expected] back at practice on Wednesday, in limited fashion.

Giants coach Tom Coughlin said RB Ahmad Bradshaw is "sore" and that he has this (foot pain) before and got it again.

Bill WR Donald Jones has a real chance to play this week. He expects to return to practice Wednesday.

John Fox said he "feels better" about RB Willis McGahee's chances to play Sunday vs. Oakland.

Broncos coach John Fox will address the media. Don’t expect any bombshell announcements.

Although Fox did not give quarterback Tim Tebow a vote of confidence following the 45-10 debacle to the Detroit Lions on Sunday, no change will be made for the Broncos’ next game Sunday at Oakland.

Tebow was awful but did give owners some points with a two late drives, one of which resulted in a TD. Tebow still has fantasy potential given his ability to run the ball and how much he'll be involved in red zone plays. This week he gets Oakland on the road in what isn't a bad matchup.

No news on Cardinal's QB Kevin Kolb's turf toe, swollen and black and blue.

Browns RB Montario Hardesty "is going to miss some time'' with calf, coach Pat Shurmur said.

Wide receiver Braylon Edwards' first reception Sunday was a diving, stretching, acrobatic snag for eight yards in the first quarter.

But Edwards said he knew his surgically repaired knee would be fine on an incompletion earlier in the game.

"I kind of got whacked on that play," he said. "And that was it. I ran a route full speed, I planted on the right leg, got whacked, got up and everything was cool. And I said, 'All right, let's go.'"

There's already concern in this area, as running back Darren McFadden has a midfoot sprain of unknown severity. He could be back against Denver on Nov. 6, but it's no slam dunk.

The Raiders can get by without RB Darren McFadden for short periods of time by using Michael Bush and increasing the workload of explosive rookie Taiwan Jones.

If McFadden were to be out for an extended amount of time because of this injury or one down the road, the Raiders aren't deep enough to be a championship level team without their most dynamic playmaker.

As reported, Redskins TE Fred Davis has a walking boot on left foot. Mike Shanahan has some stringent rules on what we can report, was waiting to ask him.

It has not been determined if Felix Jones will return to action this week vs. the Seattle Seahawks.

He's expected to miss two-to-four weeks with a high left ankle sprain. Jones a walking boot taken off his leg last Monday and it's unknown if he'll practice this week.

Jermaine Gresham worked out on the field before the game and was listed as probable on Friday, but the tight end was a late scratch because of a hamstring that he tweaked in practice last week.

The Bengals’ second-leading receiver was replaced by Donald Lee, who entered the game with only two catches this season but added two more in the first half.

Then in the third quarter, Lee came up with a key 26-yard reception on third down when Andy Dalton hit him with a bullet across the middle.

After being hit as he slid by inside linebacker Brian Cushing, Jacksonville QB Blaine Gabbert was slow to get up, having suffered bruised ribs. He sat out three plays as trainers wrapped his torso, but said he never considered leaving the game for good. After the game, Gabbert said he was fine.

"I don't like coming off the field," Gabbert said. "It's the way I play, that's the way we play as a team. You're gonna get dinged in football games. It's our job as players to be out there on the field with our teammates."

Just had a chance to visit with some folks with the Cowboys and it sounds like Sean Lee suffered a dislocated wrist.

Broncos John Fox says he's not ready to name a starting QB for next week. Champ Bailey says this team is bad. Really bad.

Tim Tebow looked terrible in the loss and fortunately for owners put together a couple of late drives that racked up yards and one TD. At this point, it's best to have another option for next week if he doesn't get the start. If he does, he travels to Oakland to play the Raiders in a matchup, on paper, that isn't a bad one.

If there were any lingering questions about the health of Matthew Stafford's sprained right ankle, they disappeared late in Sunday's first quarter when the Lions quarterback stepped up in the pocket to avoid a sack and took off running for a 21-yard gain, tying his career high.

"It was good enough to get out there and scramble a little bit," Stafford joked after the 45-10 win over the Broncos at Sports Authority Field. It was his only carry.

A week after his ankle was injured on his final pass against Atlanta, Stafford played one of his best games of the year, throwing for 267 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions as the Lions snapped a two-game losing streak.

Kevin Faulk’s playing time stands out most, both in terms of volume and how it had a trickle-down effect on the other backs, particularly Danny Woodhead and rookies Stevan Ridley (dressed but did not play) and Shane Vereen (inactive).

The Patriots were in passing mode early, which contributed to the high total for Faulk, who is considered the team’s top “passing” back.

Seahawks wide receiver Mike X. Williams was a surprise inactive.

Pete Carroll said a tweaked hamstring kept Williams on the sidelines. Williams was a full participant in practice all week and wasn't listed on any injury report.

Texans WR Andre Johnson tells me he can run and making progress but still having issues accelerating, especially going against defenders in practice.

His status will again be in doubt heading into week 9. The Texans have a bye week 11.

With Montario Hardesty hurt and Peyton Hillis inactive, the Browns had no choice but to play newcomer Chris Ogbonnaya almost every down. Ogbonnaya, who was supposed to be the third-down back again this week, played most of the 61 snaps on offense, rushing for 37 yards on 11 carries and catching five passes for 24 yards.

"Chris did a nice job, he just got gassed," said his old college teammate, Colt McCoy. "He was the only guy."

Pat Shurmur said he didn't know for sure that Hillis wouldn't be able to play until Sunday morning.

"But we kind of knew," he said. "There were indicators all through the week and he hadn't practiced much."

Browns RB Montario Hardesty will undergo an MRI tomorrow on his strained calf.

The Titans would now seem to have a full-blown running back controversy — or a brand-new rotation, depending on how you look at it — on their hands after Javon Ringer saw the most extensive action of his three-year career.

Chris Johnson and Ringer finished with 14 carries apiece against the Colts, but Ringer was more effective both on the ground and through the air. He totaled 60 rushing yards (4.3 average) to Johnson’s 34 (2.4), and made five catches for 42 yards as opposed to Johnson’s three for 17 yards.

Johnson spent much of the second half on the sideline. He would carry just six times for 20 yards over the final two quarters — just once for 5 yards in the fourth quarter.

“In general, we knew we were going to give both guys a chance to get reps and get some plays,” Coach Mike Munchak said. “It was just a matter of how we rotated them. There really wasn’t much thought to it. It was just more or less how the game was going.”

This is certainly bad news for Chris Johnson owners, who were looking at this game as a chance for him to bust out and get back on track. However, a split, or rotation of RBs, make both Ringer and Johnson no more than flex options, at least heading into next week.

Cowboys Inactives
G Daniel Loper
OL Kevin Kowalkski
OL Daniel Loper
QB Stephen McGee
RB Felix Jones
DT Josh Brent
DE Clifton Geathers

Eagles Inactives
RB Dion Lewis
CB Curtis Marsh
S Jarrad Page
LB Keenan Clayton
OL Julian Vendervelde
OL Winston Justice
DE Phillip Hunt

Patriots Inactives
Josh Barrett S
Jermaine Cunningham LB
Julian Edelman WR
Dane Fletcher OLB
Ryan Mallett QB
Donald Thomas OG
Shane Vereen RB

Bengals Inactives
Clint Boling G
Jermaine Gresham TE
Rey Maualuga MLB
Dontay Moch LB
Robert Sands DB
Morgan Trent DB
Ryan Whalen WR

Jermaine Gresham is a surprise inactive. If you're scrambling, Heath Miller, Evan Moore, Delanie Walker and Daniel Fells are desperation TE plays available in most leagues. Miller is the best bet of that group.

Browns Inactives
Oniel Cousins OT
Auston English LB
Peyton Hillis RB
Thaddeus Lewis QB
Mohamed Massaquoi WR
Steve Vallos OT
Raymond Ventrone DB

Montario Hardesty will get the start and a big workload again with Hillis out. Hillis got married on Tuesday and then showed up on the practice report with a hamstring injury, missing Thursday and Friday practice. Hillis skipped a game earlier in the year due to the advice of his agent. Make of this what you will.

Seahawks Inactives
QB Josh Portis
DB Jeron Johnson
DB Kennard Cox
DB Ron Parker
DT Al Woods
OL Jarriel King
WR Mike X Williams

Tarvaris Jackson is active. Mike X Williams is a healthy scratch.

Broncos Inactives
Rafael Bush DB
Derrick Harvey DE
Tony Hills OT
Quinn Johnson FB
Willis McGahee RB
Brady Quinn QB
Manny Ramirez OG

49ers Inactives
Tramaine Brock DB
Daniel Kilgore G
Moran Norris FB
Mike Person G
Brett Swain WR
Scott Tolzien QB
Ian Williams DT

Braylon Edwards is active and expected to start for the 49ers.

Lions Inactives
Jahvid Best RB
Don Carey DB
Rashied Davis WR
Nick Fairley DT
Jason Fox T
Chris Harris SS
Drew Stanton QB

Matthew Stafford is active and starting for the Lions.

Steelers Inactives
LB James Harrison
LB Jason Worilds
G Doug Legursky
NT Chris Hoke
WR Hines Ward
LB James Farrior
QB Dennis Dixon

Emmanuel Sanders will start with Hines Ward out. Antonio Brown will also see extensive work.

Redskins Inactives
Phillip Buchanon DB
Dominique Byrd TE
Santana Moss WR
Darrion Scott DE
Mike Sellers TE
Markus White LB
Trent Williams OT

The Redskins have announced Ryan Torain wills tart at RB. Anthony Armstrong will start at WR with Santana Moss out.

Bills Inactives
Demetrius Bell T
Antonio Coleman DE
Chris Hairston T
Donald Jones WR
Shawne Merriman OLB
Terrence Wheatley DB
Kyle Williams NT
Aaron Williams DB

Miami Dolphins running back Daniel Thomas has been downgraded to out for tomorrow's game vs. the New York Giants due to a hamstring injury.

Thomas was questionable, but the speculation was that he would be able to play. Reggie Bush now becomes a realistic option if you are needing help at running back.

Cincinnati running back Cedric Benson's non-injury grievance has been rejected and his suspension stands.

The New England Patriots have activated running back Kevin Faulk and placed rookie cornerback Ras-I Dowling on injured reserve.

With New England's backfield being one of the most crowded in the league, fantasy owners shouldn't be in a hurry to add Faulk.

There was no sign of San Diego Chargers running back Mike Tolbert at practice today, further lending credibility to the belief Tolbert is out this week. Curtis Brinkley will spell Ryan Mathews.

San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates practiced today after resting on Friday. He was in on two-thirds of the team's offensive snaps last Sunday, and the same workload is expected Monday night.

As we saw in week seven, some Gates is a lot better than no Gates. He should be in your lineup.

San Diego Chargers wide receiver Malcom Floyd practiced today for a second straight day. He was limited on Friday. It's a good early sign for his availability Monday night in Kansas City.

You can do better than Floyd if you need a WR3.

As expected, the New Orleans Saints activated running back Chris Ivory from the PUP list to the active roster. Tight end Tory Humphrey was waived to make room for Ivory.

Ivory is expected to be the goal line back for the Saints while Mark Ingram is out, but Darren Sproles and Pierre Thomas will carry the load, leaving Ivory with very little to offer if he doesn't get an opportunity inside the five.

The Dallas Cowboys have waived running back Tashard Choice. Choice was cut to make room for linebacker Bruce Carter.

This cements Phillip Tanner as DeMarco Murray's backup this week, but Tanner won't get enough touches to be a fantasy option. Going forward, Tanner will probably be the number three back behind Murray and Felix Jones.

More than ever, the San Diego Chargers will be hoping running back Ryan Mathews can stay healthy on Monday.

It’s not that he won’t have backup.

"I would expect (Curtis) Brinkley to play," Chargers head coach Norv Turner said Friday.

It’s just that Mathews won’t have the usual 1b to his 1a.

Mike Tolbert has remained sidelined all week with a hamstring strain and it is appearing more likely every day he will not play on Monday night in Kansas City.

"I’m not real hopeful on Michael," Turner said.

Further evidence that Tolbert should be out of your lineup. Brinkley is not worth adding as Mathews will carry the load.

Washington Redskins linebacker London Fletcher will play tomorrow against the Buffalo Bills in Toronto, barring a last-minute setback with his hamstring. His consecutive games played streak will reach 215…and counting.

If you are counting on Fletcher in an IDP league, it would be hard to imagine him not taking the field, but have an alternative ready to go just in case.

Cleveland Browns tight end Ben Watson is listed as questionable, but should be available for duty against the 5-1 San Francisco 49ers.

Watson will be a TE2, and not a particularly dynamic one.

Rams QB Sam Bradford (ankle, out) missed practice all week and is out for Week 8. A.J. Feeley will get his second straight start.

Titans QB Matt Hasselbeck (right thumb, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 8.

Seahawks QB Tarvaris Jackson (pectoral, questionable) took full practice reps on Friday after being limited earlier in the week and is questionable for Week 8. Jackson has ramped up his participation and is a real threat to play against the Bengals. He's not a fantasy option this week in all but the deepest of leagues.

Dolphins QB Matt Moore (ribs, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 8.

Panthers QB Cam Newton (illness, probable) took full practice reps Friday and is probable for Week 8. The probable tag means he should play, but we'll monitor his progress throughout the weekend.

Cowboys QB Tony Romo (ribs, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 8.

Lions QB Matthew Stafford (ankle, questionable) took full practice reps on Friday after being limited earlier in the week and is questionable for Week 8. Stafford is expected to start on Sunday despite the questionable tag.

Chargers RB Ryan Mathews (thumb) took full practice reps Thursday. Mike Tolbert (hamstring, hand) missed practice Thursday and Friday. Tolbert is very iffy for Monday night after missing practice all week. He's probably not worth waiting for since the Chargers play in the last game of the week.

Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (ankle, probable) took full practice reps on Friday after being limited earlier in the week and is probable for Week 8. No worries here.

Browns RB Peyton Hillis (hamstring, questionable) missed practice again Friday and is questionable for Week 8. Hillis doesn't look like he's going to play this week, which makes Montario Hardesty a decent desperation start. He'll have a huge workload in a terrible matchup with the 49ers' rush defense.

Saints RB Mark Ingram (heel, out) missed practice all week and is out for Week 8. Look for Pierre Thomas to see an increased workload. Chris Ivory is also a threat to take over goal-line duties, per HC Sean Payton.

Colts RB Joseph Addai (hamstring, questionable) took full practice reps Friday after missing practice earlier in the week and is questionable for Week 8. Addai looks like he might play, but don't be surprised if Delone Carter leads the Colts in touches this week.

Cardinals RB Beanie Wells (knee, questionable) took limited practice reps again Friday and is questionable for Week 8. Wells said he'd play early in the week, but be warned -- he said that earlier in the year and was inactive. He's a bad start even if he does play given his matchup with a terrific Baltimore rush defense. He's also at risk to re-aggravate his injury. Alfonso Smith isn't much of a start given Wells's murky status.

Lions RB Jahvid Best (concussion, out) missed practice all week and is out for Week 8. Maurice Morris and Keiland Williams will split the work in the Detroit backfield. Neither is a great start given the Lions lack of commitment to the running game.

Dolphins RB Reggie Bush (neck, probable) took full practice reps on Friday after being limited earlier in the week and is probable for Week 8. Daniel Thomas (hamstring, questionable) took limited practice reps again Friday and is questionable for Week 8. Thomas is expected to play, but his role might be limited since he's clearly not 100%.

Cowboys RB Felix Jones (ankle, out) missed practice all week and is out for Week 8.
Tashard Choice (shoulder, questionable) missed practice Friday after taking limited reps Thursday and is questionable for Week 8. Look for DeMarco Murray to get a ton of work in a nice matchup with the Eagles' porous rush defense. Phillip Tanner will likely take over Choice's role if he can't go.

Patriots RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis (toe, questionable) took limited practice reps all week and is questionable for Week 8. He is expected to play.

Giants RB Brandon Jacobs (knee, probable) took limited practice reps all week and is probable for Week 8. Jacobs will eat into Ahmad Bradshaw's touches unless the Giants decide to ignore the matchup advantage and shift to a more run-oriented attack, which is not likely.

Jaguars RB Maurice Jones-Drew (not injury related) was removed from the injury report Friday after taking full practice reps Thursday. MJD is good to go.

Broncos RB Willis McGahee (hand, out) missed practice all week and is out for Week 8. Knowshon Moreno will likely be the feature back with Lance Ball rotating in as his backup.

Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch (back, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 8. Lynch looks like he'll play, but don't expect much from the Seahawks' spotty running game.

Texans RB James Casey (chest, probable) took limited practice reps all week and is probable for Week 8.

Chiefs RB Dexter McCluster (not injury related) missed practice Friday. There's no word on the injury, but it's not injury related. If McCluster can't go, look for Jackie Battle to see a few extra touches.

Rams RB Jerious Norwood (illness) was removed from the injury report Friday after taking full practice reps Thursday.

Texans WR Andre Johnson (hamstring, out) missed practice Friday after taking limited reps Thursday and is out for Week 8. Jacoby Jones and Kevin Walter (knee, probable) will see a few extra targets without AJ in the lineup.

Steelers WR Hines Ward (ankle, questionable) missed practice all week and is questionable for Week 8. Even though he insisted he would play, Ward is likely to miss Week 8 per NFL Network's Albert Breer. This opens the door for Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders to see increased snaps and targets. Both are sneaky starts this week.

Vikings WR Percy Harvin (ribs, questionable) took limited practice reps again Friday and is questionable for Week 8. Harvin will probably play, but he's not a good start given his injury status and the Vikings reluctance to use him extensively.

Rams WR Danario Alexander (hamstring, doubtful) missed practice all week and is doubtful for Week 8. Look for Brandon Gibson to get the start.

49ers WR Michael Crabtree (foot, probable) took limited practice reps again Thursday and is probable for Week 8. He's not a great start against CB Joe Haden.

Cardinals WR Early Doucet (quadricep, questionable) took full practice reps on Friday after being limited earlier in the week and is questionable for Week 8.

49ers WR Braylon Edwards (knee, questionable) took limited practice reps again Thursday and is questionable for Week 8. Steer clear of Edwards until he proves he's healthy and has a role in the 49ers offense.

Ravens WR Lee Evans (ankle, out) missed practice all week and is out for Week 8. Torrey Smith is a sneaky start in a great matchup with the Cardinals shaky pass defense.

Chargers WR Malcom Floyd (hip) missed practice Thursday but did practice on Friday. Floyd is now a threat to play on Monday night, though he's not a great option this week.

Colts WR Anthony Gonzalez (groin, questionable) took full practice reps all week and is questionable for Week 8.

Jaguars WR Jason Hill (wrist, probable) took full practice reps on Friday after being limited earlier in the week and is probable for Week 8.

Bills WR Donald Jones (ankle, out) missed practice all week and is out for Week 8.

Browns WR Mohamed Massaquoi (head, out) missed practice all week and is out for Week 8. Josh Cribbs could see some extra work in Massaquoi's place.

Redskins WR Santana Moss (hand, out) has been ruled out for Week 8. Look for Jabar Gaffney and Anthony Armstrong to see an increase in targets.

Jaguars WR Mike Sims-Walker (illness, probable) missed practice Friday and is probable for Week 8. MSW is not a fantasy option in a matchup against a tough Houston defense.

Redskins WR Donte' Stallworth (hamstring, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 8.

Chargers TE Antonio Gates (foot) took full practice reps Thursday. He was held out of practice on Friday, but is expected to return to Saturday practice and play on Monday night.

Saints TE Jimmy Graham (ankle, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 8.

Bengals TE Jermaine Gresham (hamstring, probable) was limited Friday after taking full reps earlier in the week and is probable for Week 8.

Vikings TE Visanthe Shiancoe (foot, probable) returned to take limited reps Friday after missing practice earlier in the week and is probable for Week 8. It looks like Shiancoe is good to go this week.

Browns TE Ben Watson (head, questionable) returned to take limited reps Friday after missing practice earlier in the week and is questionable for Week 8. If Watson can't go, Evan Moore would be a nice start.

Cardinals TE Todd Heap (hamstring, questionable) took limited practice reps all week and is questionable for Week 8. It looks like Heap is headed for a game-time decision against his old team. Avoid all Cardinals TEs this week.

Seahawks TE Zach Miller (neck, head, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 8.

Colts TE Jacob Tamme (concussion, questionable) took full practice reps again Friday and is questionable for Week 8.

Saints TE Dave Thomas (concussion, questionable) took limited practice reps all week and is questionable for Week 8.

Broncos TE Julius Thomas (ankle, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 8.

Browns K Phil Dawson (right thigh, probable) took full practice reps on Friday after being limited earlier in the week and is probable for Week 8.

Matt Hasselbeck practiced fully Thursday after being limited Wednesday. He said his thumb wasn't that bad Wednesday, but that they didn't want a bunch of snaps banging against his hand. The benefit was extra work for rookie Jake Locker, the eighth pick overall, and Rusty Smith.

"And when you're as old as I am, when you're 36, they start giving you days off if you sneeze too much," Hasselbeck joked.

He said he bruised the thumb in last week's 41-7 loss to Houston when he hit his throwing hand on the arm or elbow of a defensive lineman. Hasselbeck said his thumb will not be an issue Sunday when the Titans (3-3) host Indianapolis (0-7).

When Brandon Lloyd was asked whether Tim Tebow has the chops to make it in the NFL, this was his reply:

"I don't know. I think only time will tell with that style of play. I think it (was) effective last Sunday, but I just don't know how effective that style can be over the course of long games and playing formidable opponents."

"The timing is an issue," he said. "There's just not that much separation that you can get in the NFL. You got a yard on the guy? That is wide open. You got a yard or 2 yards on the guy, you are wide open, but that window . . . you are not open very long.

"Any delay in delivering the ball or any delay (in) not being able to deliver that ball before the separation happens? It just throws a monkey wrench into (the timing) and anything you are trying to accomplish down the field."

Ryan Torain appears most likely to start for the Redskins now that Hightower is out, and the third-year pro said he’s eager to prove he can consistently execute at a high level and that his big game against the Rams a couple weeks ago wasn’t a fluke. Rookie Roy Helu will be counted on to provide a spark, and both he and Torain have a tall task in matching Hightower’s pass-protection prowess.

The Redskins have been coy when addressing the "starter" at RB, which is a little worrisome for owners counting on Ryan Torain this week. We're likely to see a RBBC with Torain and Helu going forward. Given Torain's history of fragility, Helu is a good bet to be the featured RB for the Redskins at some point this season.

Delone Carter's success has come largely because he has proven to be just as adept at bouncing plays outside for large chunks of real estate as he is at powering his way between the tackles.

“He’s certainly getting a lot more familiar with playing in this league, and what it takes. He’s been able to put some pretty good runs together. Just in terms of his pass protection and those kinds of things, he’s been getting better each week,” Colts HC Jim Caldwell said.

“He’s been able to run it pretty well. He’s found seams and created some opportunities. [He’s] making guys miss with power and his natural God-given ability.”

It’s been Carter’s skill at learning the Colts’ pass blocking schemes — a must for any running back who expects to see much playing time in Indianapolis — that has impressed the coaching staff.

“He’s a lot more familiar, and a lot more comfortable in that realm,” Caldwell said.

Mike Thomas took over punt returning duties against the Baltimore Ravens and saw his time at receiver decrease.

It looked like it might have been a demotion. Not so, said Jaguars offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter.

"Mike is going to play both inside and outside," Koetter said. "We probably played Mike [Sims]-Walker more plays than we wanted to."

Koetter said Sims-Walker was the receiver on plays in which they had two backs, two tight ends and just one receiver. They didn't anticipate being able to run the ball out of that formation as well as it did. But when it started working, the Jaguars began using it more.

"Mike Walker happened to be the receiver in that group," Koetter said. "No, we have definitely not seen the last of Mike Thomas as an outside receiver."

While Saints HC Sean Payton won’t yet rule out Mark Ingram for Sunday’s game at winless St. Louis, he said Chris Ivory would be activated from the team’s physically unable to perform list for the game.

“Mentally he understands and knows what we’re doing. He did well today,” Payton said. “He had some good runs today. I think it’s just the football aspect of getting comfortable with all the little things that come with it. You can be in shape and yet there’s still that aspect of trying to be in football shape.”

Therefore, Payton said, if Ivory plays, he would not necessarily slide into all of the plays that normally would have been called for Ingram, who leads the Saints both in carries (85) and yards rushing (329) this season.

“I don’t think you can realistically go into the game and say he could potentially end up with 22 carries or 18 carries. I think you have to monitor that, but there are some of the same things that he does that Mark would be inclined to do,” Payton said of Ivory, who rushed for 716 yards in 12 games last season.

“We’ve run Mark in our goal line and short-yard packages. The switch if it were to occur would be pretty clean in those areas. It’s an area that (Ivory) was very good at a year ago,” Payton said.

It sounds as if Payton has already decided that Ivory will be the goal-line back with Ingram out. If Payton is being above board, it would put a dent in Pierre Thomas's upside against a bad Rams rush defense.

Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch was a full participant in practice on Thursday, and expects to play this Sunday against Cincinnati.

“That’s the goal,” he said. “It never happened to me where I’ve not been able to play, but I don’t think it’s something that I should be worried about too much, that it might happen again.”

Lions OC Scott Linehan can tell there's been some extra fire in Tony Scheffler's belly this week. Scheffler used to play for the Broncos.

"We talked about it coming out of the locker room yesterday," Linehan said. "He's excited. I know he'd like to have his best game back there. We would, too. We love what Tony brings to our team and to our offense. He will have a significant role this week."

This is a little worrisome for Brandon Pettigrew owners as an increased role for Scheffler may mean fewer snaps for Pettigrew. But with Jahvid Best out, Pettigrew should be plenty involved in the short passing game.

It doesn't sound like Texans WR Andre Johnson will play in Week 8.

Yes, the All-Pro wide receiver worked again Thursday, and sure, he was better than Wednesday. But Johnson still doesn't seem too optimistic about his chances of playing Sunday against Jacksonville after missing the previous three games because of a right hamstring injury.

"You're encouraged, but when you're not where you want to be, that's a little bit discouraging.," Johnson said. "I'm encouraged. I improved from where I was at yesterday, so that's a good thing."

"I'm not going to go out there and play unless I feel comfortable," Johnson said. "If I don't feel like I can play, I'm not going to go out there. I definitely won't do anything to put myself in any danger."

The Cowboys don't like to compare players, but after DeMarco Murray shattered Emmitt Smith's single-game franchise rushing record, HC Jason Garrett compared his performance to Miles Austin's coming out party a few years ago.

"We don't like to compare players," coach Jason Garrett said. "But when a guy gets an opportunity -- Miles goes to Kansas City and breaks all the (single-game) receiving records, and then DeMarco breaks all the (single-game) rushing records -- it's impressive."

"It's something we preach on a daily basis. If you get one play or 70 plays, that's your opportunity to take full advantage of it."

Vikings OC Bill Musgrave said Adrian Peterson's pass-catching role might elevate after the coaching staff discussed how to get him even more involved and help early-down efficiency.

The preseason storyline that Peterson would thrive as a pass-catcher in Musgrave's new offense faded through the first seven games as the all-pro running back's receiving production dipped from previous seasons.

To be sure, Peterson does not have the best hands on the team, and he dropped several passes in preseason workouts. But he was a viable target for Brett Favre, averaging 30 catches for 293 yards from 2009-10. Through seven games this season, Peterson has 11 catches for 49 yards.

Finding creative ways to get Peterson the ball can help the Vikings avoid third-and-long situations, Musgrave said.

"That's what happened to us in the second half the other day; we weren't as efficient on first and second downs," Musgrave said. "Third down we completed some passes, made some plays. But we were much better in the first half on first- and second-down passing than we were in the third. A lot of that may have to do with getting Adrian the ball and not just thinking receivers and tight ends."

We'll see if the Vikings follow through with their intention to get Peterson more involved in the passing game. Football is not rocket science, and it makes perfect sense to try to get your superstars the ball as much as you can, especially with a lack of weapons in the WR corps.

Lions QB Matthew Stafford (ankle) took limited practice reps again Thursday. Stafford worked with the first-team offense and is now expected to play barring a setback. This is great news for his owners.

Rams QB Sam Bradford (ankle) missed practice again Thursday. It's unlikely that Bradford will play Sunday.

Titans QB Matt Hasselbeck (right thumb) took full practice reps Thursday after being limited Wednesday. He should be good to go for a great matchup with the Colts on Sunday.

Seahawks QB Tarvaris Jackson (pectoral) took limited practice reps Wednesday.

Dolphins QB Matt Moore (ribs) took full practice reps again Thursday.

Cowboys QB Tony Romo (ribs) took full practice reps again Thursday.

Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (ankle) returned to limited practice reps Thursday after missing Wednesday practice. Peterson looks good to go for Week 8. His owners should handcuff Toby Gerhart, just to be safe. The matchup with the Panthers is too good to pass up.

Cardinals RB Beanie Wells (knee) returned to limited practice reps Thursday after missing Wednesday practice. Wells appears to be on track to play against the Ravens, but he should be avoided if possible due to the horrible matchup -- Baltimore is allowing the fewest Adjusted FP to RBs this year -- and the relatively high chance that he re-aggravates his injury. Wells's presence kills any value that Alfonso Smith had this week.

Colts RB Joseph Addai (hamstring) missed practice again Thursday. Addai seems unlikely to play, though HC Jim Caldwell is talking as if there's a good chance Addai will be available. The interesting thing to note here is that the hamstring injury that is keeping Addai out now is not the same one that kept him out against the Bengals.

Browns RB Peyton Hillis (hamstring) missed practice Thursday after taking limited reps Wednesday. This is a setback for Hillis, who was supposed to be a "full go" this week. The matchup with the 49ers is a bad one, but if Hillis can't go, Montario Hardesty would be a decent RB3/flex play given the potentially large workload.

Lions RB Jahvid Best (concussion) missed practice again Thursday. According to a source close to Best, he is not expected to play this week. Maurice Morris and Keiland Williams will continue to split the touches for the Lions.

Dolphins RB Reggie Bush (neck) took limited practice reps again Thursday. Daniel Thomas (hamstring) returned to limited practice reps Thursday after missing Wednesday practice. They should both be healthy enough to split time again in Week 8.

Patriots RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis (toe) took limited practice reps again Thursday. Green-Ellis should be fine for Week 8. He's not a bad start against a Steelers defense that has been leaky against the run.

Cowboys RB Felix Jones (ankle) missed practice again. Jones has shed his walking boot, but is most likely out for Week 8. Tashard Choice (shoulder) took limited practice reps again Thursday. HC Jason Garrett said that Choice is "iffy" for Week 8. Look for Phillip Tanner to back up DeMarco Murray (and be a sneaky start against a suspect Eagles rush defense) if Choice can't go.

Saints RB Mark Ingram (heel) missed practice again Thursday. It doesn't look like Ingram will be able to go. Pierre Thomas becomes a terrific start (along with the already trustworthy Darren Sproles) against the Rams, who are brutal against the run.

Giants RB Brandon Jacobs (knee) took limited practice reps again Thursday.

Jaguars RB Maurice Jones-Drew (not injury related) took full practice reps Thursday after being limited Wednesday. This is the normal routine for MJD.

Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch (back) took limited practice reps Wednesday. If Lynch can't go, look for Leon Washington to get most of his touches.

Broncos RB Willis McGahee (hand) missed practice again Thursday. The Broncos aren't ruling him out, but he's not going to play. Knowshon Moreno should get most of the work, while Lance Ball rotates in.

Texans RB James Casey (chest) took limited practice reps again Thursday.

Texans WR Andre Johnson (hamstring) took limited practice reps again Thursday. Johnson will be a game-time decision. He didn't sound too optimistic after Wednesday's practice, however. The Texans play at 1:00 PM ET, so at least we'll be aware of his status early in the day.

Vikings WR Percy Harvin (ribs) returned to limited practice reps Thursday after missing Wednesday practice. Harvin's return was expected. He's not a great fantasy option right now due to his health and the Vikings' reluctance to use him extensively.

Ravens WR Lee Evans (ankle) missed practice again Thursday. Torrey Smith will be a decent flier against a bad Cardinals pass defense.

49ers WRs Michael Crabtree (foot) and Braylon Edwards (knee) both took limited practice reps Wednesday.

Cardinals WR Early Doucet (quadricep) returned to limited practice reps Thursday after missing Wednesday practice. Doucet upgraded his participation, which is a good sign. We'll know more after Friday's practice.

Redskins WR Santana Moss (hand) was ruled out for Week 8. He said that the doctors gave him a 3-6 week timeline, which is shorter than the 5-7 week timeline we've been hearing from the team.

Rams WR Danario Alexander (hamstring) missed practice again Thursday.

Bills WR Donald Jones (ankle) missed practice again Thursday. He is ahead of schedule recovering from a high ankle sprain, but is still not there yet.

Browns WR Mohamed Massaquoi (head) missed practice again Thursday. We wouldn't be surprised if Massaquoi misses Week 8.

Texans WR Kevin Walter (knee) took full practice reps again Thursday.

Steelers WR Hines Ward (ankle) missed practice again Thursday. Ward says he's going to play, but if he can't go, Emmanuel Sanders is likely to get the start over Antonio Brown, but we're betting Brown has the better fantasy day. Both players are startable against a porous Patriots pass defense.

Jaguars WR Jason Hill (wrist) was added to the injury report Thursday after taking limited practice reps. A midweek addition to the IR usually indicates that the injury occurred in practice. Not a good sign.

Saints TE Jimmy Graham (ankle) took full practice reps Thursday after being limited Wednesday. The upgrade is good news for Graham, who is a must-start no matter the matchup.

Cardinals TE Todd Heap (hamstring) took limited practice reps again Thursday.

Seahawks TE Zach Miller (neck, head) took limited practice reps Wednesday. 

Vikings TE Visanthe Shiancoe (foot) missed practice again Thursday. Shiancoe is looking iffy for Week 8. Kyle Rudolph is suddenly looking like a sneaky start for owners desperate for help at TE. The Panthers are mediocre against opposing tight ends.

Browns TE Ben Watson (head) missed practice again Thursday. Evan Moore is starting to look like a sneaky good start against the 49ers.

Browns K Phil Dawson (right thigh) took limited practice reps again Thursday.

Kellen Winslow is the first read on many plays in the Tampa Bay playbook, and Josh Freeman clearly isn't going through his progressions and looking to other options as much as he should. Instead, he's forcing the ball to Winslow or, in some cases, Mike Williams.

Coach Raheem Morris explained this problem in detail on Wednesday.

"Last year, (Freeman) simply did a better job of going through his progressions," Morris said. "Right now, he probably is playing his number in fantasy football. He’s trying to throw touchdowns. Sometimes it’s okay to throw the checkdown. It’s okay to go through your progressions. Right now he has a little too much confidence in what he’s doing with his arm, and forcing some things in there."

Matthew Stafford, who injured his right ankle in Sunday's loss to Atlanta, was limited in Wednesday's practice, but appeared to moving around without much restriction during Thursday's practice.

Signs are starting to point in Stafford's favor for a Week 8 start against the Broncos.

Last week, Brandon Jacobs hinted he wasn't happy with the amount of work he's been getting. He alluded to it a few times and, frankly, was practically begging he be asked about it.

So he was. And the Giants' running back gave an answer that left plenty unsaid but implied.

"Listen, man, I don’t know the way things go,” he said. “I take what I’m given and I make it the best I can.” He followed that by saying Tom Coughlin's promise to get him more work this season was merely "people talking in the offseason."

Upon being asked about how he's used less because of Ahmad Bradshaw's presence, Jacobs said both backs are starving for carries.

"Well, he’s not being used as much as he can be, either. It’s a very confusing thing," Jacobs said. "I’m just here, doing the best that I can do to help my team. I come out to win; it’s up to them whether or not they want to use me."

McCosky:"Stafford running 1st team offense"

This is a good sign for Matthew Stafford's availability on Sunday against the Broncos.

Browns HC Pat Shurmur said RB Peyton Hillis' hamstring is sore after practicing yesterday, and he won't practice today.

This is a setback for Hillis, who was supposed to be a "full go" this week. The matchup with the 49ers is a bad one, but if Hillis can't go, Montario Hardesty would be a decent RB3/flex play given the potentially large workload.

Joseph Addai's availability for Sunday still hinges on a hamstring.

Indianapolis Colts coach Jim Caldwell said today he's awaiting word from doctors on whether the team will have its starting running back for a road trip to Tennessee.

Addai exited the Colts' 62-7 loss at New Orleans Sunday night with a hamstring injury. Caldwell said Wednesday it's not the same injury which kept the sixth-year pro out the previous week's game at Cincinnati.

"It just depends on what happens with Joseph," Caldwell said, when asked who will play the position. "He is at this point really coming along, but doctors will give us the clear go-ahead here shortly at some point in time. When that's determined, we'll make a determination on how they'll work.

"Obviously, if Joe can go he'll go. If not, it will be the two guys who have doing it for us thus far."

Considering he said that he wasn't going to rush back, Addai's return was oddly timed, but the fact that this is a "new" injury may explain the series of events. We're not optimistic about Addai's return this Sunday, but it sounds as if Caldwell is.

Injured Washington Redskins wide receiver Santana Moss said Wednesday that he could return to the field sooner than the five to seven weeks that Coach Mike Shanahan said he expected.

Moss said doctors “gave me anywhere from three to six weeks. You never know. You never know what can happen.” Moss said that he is supposed to have the three pins removed from his broken left hand in roughly two weeks.

According to this timeline, Moss may have his pins removed leading up to Week 10 and then could perhaps play in Week 11 against Dallas if all goes well.

The headaches have mostly subsided, and Jahvid Best is feeling “pretty normal,” but the Detroit Lions running back is likely to miss his second straight game Sunday with a concussion, a person close to Best said today.

Best, who suffered his second concussion of the season two weeks ago in a loss to the San Francisco 49ers, did not practice today, and it’s unknown whether he’ll travel with the team to Denver.

We're expecting Maurice Morris and Keiland Williams to split the work in the Lions' backfield.

Houston Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson returned to practice Wednesday after missing three straight games with a right hamstring injury, but the receiver wasn't sure if he'll be able to return to game action Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

"I just went out and did a little bit in practice today to see how I feel," Johnson said Wednesday, according to the Houston Chronicle. "I wouldn't say I felt great. I didn't feel how I expected I would feel, but I was able to go out and make a few plays. We just keep taking it one day at a time."

Still, he said he isn't yet ready to declare himself ready to play.

"If I feel the way I feel today, I probably won't play Sunday, but today is not Sunday," Johnson said, according to the Chronicle. "We still have some days ahead of us that we have to work through."

Johnson is a lot less optimistic than his head coach, Gary Kubiak, who thought Johnson took "a huge step forward" by practicing on Wednesday. We'll continue to monitor his activity this week, but as of right now, Johnson's chances of playing seem to be 50/50 or less.

Lions QB Matthew Stafford (ankle) took limited practice reps Wednesday. Stafford did take a few snaps and throw the ball around, but Shaun Hill took the first-team reps. Still, it's a good sign that Stafford was out there at all.

Rams QB Sam Bradford (ankle) did not practice Wednesday. Rams beat writer Jim Thomas considers Bradford to be doubtful for Week 8.

Titans QB Matt Hasselbeck (right thumb) took limited practice reps Wednesday. Hasselbeck has a great matchup against a porous Colts pass defense in Week 8.

Dolphins QB Matt Moore (ribs) practiced fully Wednesday.

Cowboys QB Tony Romo (ribs) practiced fully Wednesday. No worries here.

Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (ankle) did not practice Wednesday. Peterson's absence is a bit worrisome. His owners should pick up Toby Gerhart just in case he can't go. Whoever is running the ball for the Vikings will have a great matchup against the Panthers.

Colts RB Joseph Addai (hamstring) did not practice Wednesday. Addai's return last week was puzzling. The feeling is that he'll miss Week 8 after his abbreviated return against the Saints.

Lions RB Jahvid Best (concussion) did not practice Wednesday. According to Adam Schefter, Best is not expected to play this week. Maurice Morris and Keiland Williams will continue to split the touches for the Lions.

Dolphins RB Daniel Thomas (hamstring) did not practice Wednesday. The Dolphins may just be giving Thomas a rest, but we'll be sure to keep an eye on his practice participation this week. Reggie Bush (neck) took limited practice reps Wednesday.

Cardinals RB Beanie Wells (knee) did not practice Wednesday. Wells says that he is expecting to play, but the Arizona Republic says he is "not likely" to play. Remember, Wells fooled fantasy owners earlier in the season with his overly optimistic assessment of his healthy. Don't be fooled twice.

Saints RB Mark Ingram (heel) did not practice Wednesday. The feeling is that Ingram won't play in a terrific matchup against the Rams, so Darren Sproles and Pierre Thomas are both looking like strong starts. Chris Ivory could be worked in as well.

Cowboys RB Felix Jones (ankle) did not practice Wednesday. Tashard Choice (shoulder) took limited practice reps Wednesday. HC Jason Garrett said that Choice is "iffy" for Week 8. Look for Phillip Tanner to back up DeMarco Murray (and be a sneaky start against a suspect Eagles rush defense) if Choice can't go.

Patriots RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis (toe) took limited practice reps Wednesday. BJGE was limited before the team's bye with a toe problem but still saw 15 touches for 69 yards in a bad matchup against the Cowboys in Week 6. He should be good to go, but we'll continue to monitor his participation.

Browns RB Peyton Hillis (hamstring) took limited practice reps Wednesday. Despite the limited participation Hillis is being described as a "full go" this week by HC Pat Shurmer and should return to the Browns lineup as the starter. Unfortunately, he faces the 49ers, who have been extremely stingy against the run.

Giants RB Brandon Jacobs (knee) took limited practice reps Wednesday. Jacobs looks to be on track to play against the Dolphins. He's not a great fantasy option against a pretty stout Dolphins rush defense, but he will depress Ahmad Bradshaw's value a bit.

Jaguars RB Maurice Jones-Drew (not injury related) took limited practice reps Wednesday. This is MJD's normal routine.

Broncos RB Willis McGahee (hand) did not practice Wednesday. McGahee could be out a couple of weeks to a month or more, according to the Denver Post. Knowshon Moreno is a nice pickup, but the Broncos will work Lance Ball in as well.

Texans RB James Casey (chest) took limited practice reps Wednesday.

Texans WR Andre Johnson (hamstring) took limited practice reps Wednesday. Johnson "looked good" according to Gary Kubiak, so we'll see how his hamstring responded to Wednesday's practice. Right now we're cautiously optimistic about his availability. Kevin Walter (knee) practiced fully Wednesday.

Vikings WR Percy Harvin (ribs) did not practice Wednesday. Harvin is expected to play, but can't be trusted given his limited workload.

Redskins WR Santana Moss (hand) was ruled out for Week 8. Jabar Gaffney and Fred Davis figure to lead the Redskins in targets while Moss is sidelined.

Rams WR Danario Alexander (hamstring) did not practice Wednesday. The results of Alexander's MRI were never released, but he's not a good fantasy option even if he does play this week.

Cardinals WR Early Doucet (quadricep) did not practice Wednesday. Doucet has been the Arizona's most reliable second option in the passing game.

Colts WR Anthony Gonzalez (groin) practiced fully Wednesday.

Bills WR Donald Jones (ankle) did not practice Wednesday. The hope is that Jones can make it back for Week 9.

Browns WR Mohamed Massaquoi (head) did not practice Wednesday. Massaquoi has had a concussion in the last year, so the Browns will be cautious.

Steelers WR Hines Ward (ankle) did not practice Wednesday. Ward says his ankle injury is not a "high" ankle sprain, and intends to play this week. If he's available, we'll need to downgrade Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders.

Saints TE Jimmy Graham (ankle) took limited practice reps Wednesday. Graham was limited last week and scored two TDs against the Colts. He's likely to play.

Cardinals TE Todd Heap (hamstring) took limited practice reps Wednesday.

Vikings TE Visanthe Shiancoe (foot) did not practice Wednesday. Shiancoe should be fine, but we'll track his progress this week.

Browns TE Ben Watson (head) did not practice Wednesday. Watson has had a concussion in the last year, so the Browns will be cautious. His potential absence could mean big things for Evan Moore.

Browns K Phil Dawson (right thigh) took limited practice reps Wednesday.

Adrian Peterson is a once-in-a-generation player that we all want to see play. But running backs don't last forever. Carries take their toll, even on men who look like Peterson.

The Vikings' offense is built around Peterson. But with the team slumping along at 1-6 in a lost season, should it start to taper Peterson's carries a little bit, keeping the future in mind?

He's on pace for 334 carries, which would be 29 fewer than his career high of 363 in 2008.

He's also on pace to have 306 more carries than his backup. That would be a career high by far.

The Oakland Raiders’ bye week is a working week for quarterback Carson Palmer.

In the aftermath of his three-interception debacle in Sunday’s 28-0 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, Palmer is using this bye week to build chemistry with the Raiders’ receivers. After Wednesday’s practice, the Raiders must take a four-day NFL-mandated break from organized workouts. However, Palmer and several receivers plan to remain in town to work out on their own. Darrius Heyward-Bey, Jacoby Ford, Louis Murphy and Derek Hagan all told the Contra Costa Times that they would not leave town during the bye.

Palmer and his receivers need the extra work. This is another reason to be optimistic about Heyward-Bey's season-long prospects. He has come into his own this season with four-straight 82+ yard games. Better yet, he has performed no matter who has been throwing the ball.

Matthew Stafford is back in practice for the Detroit Lions on Wednesday after injuring his ankle in Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons.

Stafford warmed up, threw the ball a few times and took a couple snaps in individual drills, but backup Shaun Hill was the featured quarterback. In all likelihood, the Lions will want to see how Stafford's ankle responds to physical activity before providing his status on the injury report around 4 p.m.

This is a great sign for Stafford owners. He still has a ways to go before we can pencil him into the starting lineup in Week 8, but the fact that he was doing anything at all at practice is good news.

Quarterback Matthew Stafford always has been somewhat of a gunslinger. Even during his days at Georgia, he would hurl the ball sidearm or underhand at times if that was the best way to get the pass off.

He's done it with greater frequency the last two weeks, which, given he's coming off right shoulder surgery, has raised some concern about the health of his arm.

Coach Jim Schwartz, doing his weekly spot on 97.1 on Tuesday, calmed those concerns.

"He's thrown a couple sidearm, but going back, he's made those throws before, particularly on play-action passes where he's trying to get it underneath," Schwartz said. "He's gotten some balls tipped. I think he had two in a row tipped last game and those were on high passes. A lot of times he drops down on tight end screens or play-action to get rid of the ball quicker and get it underneath the outstretched arms."

Stafford was asked directly about the sidearm throws after the 49ers game, and said he's always done that with certain passes and there were no problems with his arm or shoulder.

In part, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones wants to save his young wideout from himself. Jones indicated Tuesday that Dez Bryant's days returning punts could be short-lived. "We've got to get others ready to return those kicks," the Cowboys boss told Dallas's KRLD-FM on Tuesday. Bryant suffered a thigh injury while returning a punt in the season opener. Jones noted that Bryant's aggressive style of play makes him susceptible to injury. "I'm not going to say he's injury prone, but I will say he's more subject to getting hit and hurt with the way he stands up and fights (for yardage)."

Some of what the 49ers have done this season doesn't look like, well, anything other NFL teams are doing.

A formation with six offensive linemen and two fullbacks? How about three tight ends bunched to one side? Or a formation with four tight ends, one being an offensive lineman moonlighting at another position?

"They'll throw some unique formations at you," said Johnston, a Fox television analyst who has been in the booth for the 49ers' past two wins, against the Buccaneers and the Lions. "In the Tampa game, they had the three tight ends out there to one side. It's just not traditional.

The 49ers are taking a cerebral approach to playing smashmouth football, using motion and unique personnel groups to create mismatches, often by overloading one side of the line.

The recent results have been stunning. In their past three games, the Niners have collected 580 rushing yards - their highest three-game total since 2006 - while averaging 6.4 yards a carry. San Francisco has had back-to-back 200-yard rushing games for the first time since 1998.

After a slow start (148 yards) in his first three outings, Frank Gore has now racked up 393 rushing yards in the last three games.

What fans and media know about Beanie Wells' injured right knee fits in a medium-sized paragraph.

Wells suffered the injury against the Steelers last Sunday and has swelling. The knee is "stable", according to coach Ken Whisenhunt, and Wells won't knee surgery.

The unknown, however, takes several paragraphs to explore. We don't know what part of the knee is injured. We don't know what made the knee keep "locking up" on Sunday. Wells said it's not related to the knee surgery he underwent last season. And we don't know if it's related to the allergic reaction he had later to an injection. We don't know when Wells will return, so his availability for Sunday's game in Baltimore is in question. The "don't knows" go on and on.

Somers talked to Dr. Orr Limpisvasti, an othorpedic surgeon at Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic in Los Angeles, on Monday. Here's what Dr. Limpisvasti had to say about Wells' knee problem.

"Some of the locking symptoms people talk about could mean something inside the knee is loose or misplaced: a meniscus tear or a loose piece of cartilage or bone, or an injury to the joint cartilage, if it’s a big enough piece. That’s some of the most common things if there is “true” locking."

In Dr. Limpisvasti's experience, athletes often describe a "locking" sensation when a knee doesn't actual lock up. A variety of things can cause that problem.

"Those are the big, broad things. Inflammation of the joint lining, a little bit of fluid, arthritis in the knee. The patient athlete may say, 'it just kind of kind of locked up,' but they mean it more in the lay sense. If an MRI reveal no cartilage or mensicus tear, it may be one of those things."

Alfonso Smith looks like he'll get the start in a bad matchup with the Ravens, who have allowed the 2nd-fewest Adjusted FP to opposing RBs this year. If Wells misses more than one game, Smith would be a sneaky good start against the Rams in Week 9.

Cabot on the Cleveland RB situation: "Browns HC Shurmur said Peyton Hillis should be full go today."

This puts a dent in Montario Hardesty's value, though neither player is going to be a terrific start against a 49ers DT that has allowed the fewest Adjusted FP to opposing RBs this year. Hillis has a chance to get his season going and to earn a nice contract from the Browns, but he has to stay healthy and run with the reckless abandon that he showed in 2010. Those two things don't usually go hand-in-hand.

Texans coach Gary Kubiak on Andre Johnson: "He's doing really well" and "he's got a chance." Will practice today.

Johnson's return would essentially kill the fantasy value of Jacoby Jones, who has been spotty at best with AJ out.

Ira Kaufman: "LeGarrette Blount just walked out on the practice field for the Bucs, ready to go."

This is obviously great news for Blount owners. The Buccaneers are on bye this week so it's a good sign that Blount is already practicing. Pencil him in for Week 9.

Bucs are leaning heavily toward signing RB Mossis Madu from the practice squad, tho they might consider other options.

To some and/or a lot of surprise, the Redskins also have placed tight end Chris Cooley on injured reserve, ending his season.

Cooley had been battling a knee injury. He suffered a broken index finger on October 16, and he was expected to miss six weeks.

Fred Davis was already the better fantasy option, but should continue to see more targets with Cooley on IR and Santana Moss also sidelined. Logan Paulsen, who had two catches for 48 yards last week, will see more time as a result.

Lions QB Matthew Stafford said on WJR today his ankle injury is "just a sprain, I guess. It's kind of in a weird spot ..."

Most in doubt this week will be left tackle Marcus McNeill (neck), receiver Malcom Floyd (hip) and perhaps linebackers Shaun Phillips (foot) and Larry English (foot). Both were walking in protective boots on Monday.

Running back Ryan Mathews had his left thumb wrapped Monday but is expected to play against the Chiefs. Running back Mike Tolbert appeared to be better after tweaking his hamstring Sunday.

Amidst a flurry of moves Tuesday, the club placed both quarterback Kerry Collins and fullback Chris Gronkowski on injured reserve, and announced that guard Joe Reitz underwent arthroscopic knee surgery and will be out indefinitely.

In addition, the Colts announced the signing of guard Jamey Richard and offensive tackle Michael Toudouze to the active roster; signed running back Darren Evans to the practice squad and waived wide receiver David Gilreath from the practice squad.

Jason LaCanfora on Randy Moss: He's listening, one ear to the phone ... If right team calls at right time, with right QB, at right price, could happen.

Receiver Braylon Edwards ran short, intermediate and deep routes at top speed Tuesday afternoon, as he returned to 49ers practice for the first time in a month.

Edwards underwent arthroscopic surgery Sept. 19 on his right knee to repair a torn meniscus. It appears as if he will be available to return to action Sunday at Candlestick Park against the Cleveland Browns, the team that made him the No. 3 overall selection in the 2005 draft.

Matt Moore suffered bruised ribs vs. Broncos and has been hit 25 times in two games. Dolphins are one hit away from JP Losman under center.

The team just signed Losman when Sage Rosenfels was put on IR.

Redskins blogger Rich Tandler took a look at RB snaps last week:

With Tim Hightower out for the season and a third running back for the roster yet to be determined, most are assuming that Ryan Torain will start at running back for the Redskins when they play the Bills in Toronto on Sunday.

A look at how playing time was distributed last week, however, might indicate that that’s not the case.

I knew that Torain did not play much last week but when looking at the snap counts done by Ryan O’Halloran at CSNwashington.com I was surprised to see that he played all of three snaps.

He carried to ball twice, once in each of the first two series of the second half, for a net of minus-five years (one for minus-seven, the other for two) so he was in there for one other snap.

Roy Helu, however, saw plenty of action. He played 33 of the 67 offensive snaps. That is two more than Hightower had and, of course, 30 more than Torain.

Helu played every snap of the Redskins’ final four possessions while Torain watched.

Helu should be picked up this week if he's on the wire because he probably won't be there much longer. Even if Helu doesn't start, the door is open for him for the rest of the year to get significant work with Ryan Torain, his main competition.

Polian said Peyton Manning could begin jogging this week. Manning walking on treadmill now. He and Manning talked about plans for 2012 and beyond. Wasn't specific.

Hard to believe Manning would come back this season given the team's 0-7 mark.

Matt Ryan says on ProFootballTalk Live he's been walking without boot since Sunday. Could have practiced this week.

Steelers WR Hines Ward is questionable with ankle sprain.

Vikings have released WR Bernard Berrian, a move that was expected. He's been inactive lately and having some issues with the staff.

The NFL is expected to review the Chiefs’ first offensive touchdown from Sunday and determine whether credit should go to fullback Le’Ron McClain, who fumbled as he crossed the goal line, or guard Jon Asomoah, who recovered the loose ball in the end zone.

For now, McClain gets credit for his first TD as a Chief and the first rushing TD by the Chiefs this season.

If you played McClain and won by six points or less, you may get a win taken away from you depending on the league's final decision.

The Browns will have to be extra cautious with the health of wide receiver Mohamed Massaquoi and tight end Ben Watson, because both have now suffered multiple concussions.

Both are undergoing evaluation and are considered day-to-day for the San Francisco game. "Each guy's different as they come back from those," said coach Pat Shurmur.

Knowshon Moreno was the Broncos' starting tailback the previous two seasons, as well as in the season opener this year. He missed the next two games with a hamstring injury, and by the time he returned, Willis McGahee had earned the No. 1 role.

Moreno has only 17 carries through six games this year for 54 yards. He also has eight catches for 92 yards. He will start in place of the injuryed McGahee.

Lance Ball is expected to be in the mix as well, and given the team will probably have some scripted run plays for Tim Tebow, it becomes a less-attractive situation.

Earnest Graham, the veteran backup who became the starter in LeGarrette Blount's absence during the past two games, suffered a torn Achilles' tendon in the loss to the Bears and almost certainly will be placed on injured reserve, ending his season.

The injury requires surgery and extensive rehab, a tall order for a 31-year-old running back.

The Bucs will be looking to address the position during this much-needed bye week, with Kregg Lumpkin — who struggled in relief of Graham — the only healthy back on the active roster.

On Sunday, Lumpkin gained 15 yards on eight carries, 1.9 yards per carry, and the Bucs rushed for a season-low 30 yards.

The Bucs don't have a lot of options outside of Lumpkin, who is more of a third-down back than anything. Look for the team, who is on a bye this week, to make a move in preparation for their game on Nov. 6. Whomever they sign could end up having at least some fantasy value, especially for Blount owners.

Lions head coach Jim Schwartz said there was no update on how Jahvid Best is recovering from his second concussion this season.

"I think we'll probably just on Wednesday put him on the injury report where he is," Schwartz said. "But, I don't think we consider him anything more than day-to-day at this time."

Maurice Morris and Keiland Williams both had 9 carries last week, with Morris getting 51 yards, including a 31-yard run.

Arizona RB Ryan Williams, a second round pick back in April who is out for the season, undergoes rehabilitation five days a week. On Mondays and Tuesdays, he also works out; on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays he attends meetings.

The team said he is making good progress. He initially was told he shouldn't count on being available in the spring, but recently learned he indeed is targeted to return for minicamps.

If Cardinals RB Beanie Wells can't play on Sunday in Baltimore, Alfonso Smith is likely to start, but LaRod Stephens-Howling and Chester Taylor likely would play there, too.

"It will be a little bit of back-by-committee," head coach Ken Whisenhunt said when asked who would play if Wells was out.

It's not a great matchup against the Ravens and it seems to be a situation to just stay away from, at least for this week.

Vikings WR Devin Aromashodu (61 snaps) played even more than Jenkins but caught only one pass for 13 yards early. He dropped a tough chance on a slant against Woodson and blocked OK.

The former Bear, who looked like he was on track to be a solid fantasy option, could be working his way back into fantasy leagues. It wasn't an impressive performance in the end, but the number of plays could tell us a lot. Don't go adding him just yet, but he's another guy to keep your eye on.

Texans coach Gary Kubiak said Monday that “there’s definitely a possibility” All-Pro wide receiver Andre Johnson and starting fullback James Casey return from injuries to face the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 8.

Kubiak expects both players to practice this week. Johnson has missed the last three-and-a-half games with a hamstring injury that required minor surgery on Oct. 4.

“The plan is for Andre to practice this week,” Kubiak said. “That is the plan as of right now, and we’ll see how that goes, so they both have an opportunity this week. Andre had a really good day of work today, just (from) me talking to the trainers... So we’re expecting him to get back on the practice field with his teammates at some point this week.”

Definitely good news for owners, but we'll have to wait to see when he gets back on the field. If Johnson isn't back this week against the Jags, it would seem like his chances would be better the following week against the Browns.

New York Jets coach Rex Ryan finally came clean, admitting Monday it was a bad idea to go into the season with a suped-up passing attack.

The Jets took a walk on the wild side, using a three-receiver package as their base offense and letting Mark Sanchez air it out, but it didn't work. After four games, Ryan decided to go back to their roots -- Ground & Pound -- and that change has helped the Jets to a two-game winning streak.

The Jets (4-3) played their most complete game, rushing for a season-high 162 yards in a 27-21 victory over the San Diego Chargers.

In the first four games, the run-pass ratio was 37-63. Over the last three, it has shifted to 49-51. It has helped Sanchez, who has cut down on his mistakes (one turnover) and sacks (five).

In his career, Sanchez is 5-6 when he's had to throw at least 35 times. But his record is 23-15, plus four playoff wins -- so, yes, he can win with help from his supporting cast.

Fully healthy, Dez Bryant will be the Cowboys’ punt returner.

Bryant suffered a quadriceps injury in the season opener at the New York Jets on a punt return but with the decision to release wide receiver Dwayne Harris last week, Bryant got the nod vs. St. Louis. Bryant, Kevin Ogletree and Terence Newman worked at punt returners during last week’s practice.

Its means more opportunities to produces fantasy points, but perhaps more opportunities to get hurt. Still, Bryant seems to be healthy and a definite starter in your fantasy lineup.

Dallas RB Tashard Choice suffered a subuxation, or a partial dislocation, of his right shoulder in which the joint pops out before popping back in place. Choice, who incurred a similar injury in college and played through it, said he should be able to take the field Sunday at Philadelphia.

But it's not certain if the Cowboys would use Choice if he's healthy enough to play.

The news speaks more about the possible workload for DeMarco Murray next week, who is coming off a 200-plus yard performance last week. Murray seems in line for another big workload against an Eagles defense, although solid in their last game, that's been gashed all season.

Ravens Inactives
Anthony Allen RB
Chris Carr DB
Dannell Ellerbe LB
Lee Evans WR
Ben Grubbs OG
Sergio Kindle LB
Tom Zbikowski SS

Torrey Smith will start again across from Anquan Boldin.

Jaguars Inactives
Eben Britton OT
Nate Collins DT
Jarett Dillard WR
Courtney Greene SS
Martin Rucker TE
Jason Spitz C
Chastin West WR

Mike Sims-Walker is active less than a week after re-signing with the Jaguars. We're not sure if he will be starting over Jason Hill, but don't advise starting any Jaguars WRs besides Mike Thomas.

TE Zach Miller still not cleared from his concussion. Pete Carroll said they're unsure on QB Tarvaris Jackson and RB Marshawn Lynch.

Coming off a franchise-record 253 rushing yards against St. Louis, the Cowboys are not ready to declare DeMarco Murray a starter for Sunday's game at Philadelphia.

"We haven't even had those discussions yet," coach Jason Garrett said, "but he's certainly earned the opportunity to get the ball a lot. There's no question about that."

While the coaching staff has not talked about it yet, there certainly are factors that favor Murray's placement in the starting lineup against the Eagles. Felix Jones will miss his second straight game with a high left ankle sprain, according to a source, and Tashard Choice has a shoulder injury.

Mike Tolbert walking well in locker room. Called hamstring injury a "precaution" and says it's a "little sore." Concern? "Hopefully not."

Antonio Gates: "It's kind of exciting to get back ... to where I'm just feeling sore and not feeling I have to take a full week off."

Listening to ESPN Football Today podcast. @WilliamsonNFL on Rivers: "I think he's injured, and we don't know it b/c his motion's so quirky."

Redskins coach Mike Shanahan came away from his film study of Washington’s 33-20 loss to the Carolina with a sense of pride in how quarterback John Beck played in his first start for the team.

Beck – who hadn’t started a game since 2007, when he was a rookie with Miami – completed 22 passes for 279 yards and a touchdown and an interception on 37 attempts, rushed for a touchdown and had one fumble during a blindside sack.

Beck spread the ball around to eight different receivers and for much of the game was without two of the team’s top targets (tight end Chris Cooley, who missed the game with a broken finger, and receiver Santana Moss, who broke his hand in the game). Shanahan was pleased with how Beck handled the adversity he faced.

Mid-foot sprain for Raiders RB Darren McFadden, will get foot looked at, coach Hue Jackson hopes to get him healthy during bye week.

Raiders coach Hue Jackson said he expects to get back K Sebastian Janikowski (hamstring) and FB Marcel Reece (ankle) for Broncos game Nov. 6 [after this week's bye].

Titans coach Mike Munchak said WR Damian Williams should be OK for Sunday after [concussion] tests.

Denarius Moore has 3 catches for 26 yards last 3 games - Raiders head coach Hue Jackson said: "I think that’s direct correlation to where we’ve been at quarterback lately."

Per a source with knowledge of the situation, Lions QB Matt Stafford is in a walking boot with a sprained ankle. We’re told that, as of now, the thinking is that it’s slightly better than the dreaded high ankle sprain.

Stafford will be getting a second opinion later in the week, which suggests that there’s something about the first opinion that Stafford may not have liked. At this point, it’s unknown whether he’ll miss any time.

Officially, coach Jim Schwartz told the media on Monday that Stafford is “no more than day-to-day” with that ankle injury.

Good news for Stafford owners. He appears to be on target to play this week, with a bye the following week. We'll be sure to keep an eye on Stafford's progress as the week goes on.

Jim Harbaugh says he expects to see 49ers WR Braylon Edwards at practice tomorrow.

Washington Redskins running back Tim Hightower suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee and will miss the remainder of the season.

'Skins head coach Mike Shanahan made the announcement at his Monday afternoon press conference, but said the club has not decided to place Hightower on injured reserve or to make any other roster adjustments.

Despite the Skins not putting him on IR, fantasy owners should drop him. Ryan Torain and Roy Helu will get the work from here on out. Helu figures to have more long-term upside, while Torain will likely get more of the immediate work.

Just updating a previous post concerning Redskins WR Santana Moss

Santana Moss will miss 5-7 weeks after undergoing surgery on fractured hand on Monday.

Broncos coach John Fox gave typical "can't predict the future" answer about commitment to QB Tim Tebow long term, but did confirm that Tebow remains the starter.

Tebow looked pretty bad early on and couldn't get much going in the passing game. He overthrew on screen plays and also missed Eric Decker who was wide open. He just looked out of sync with receivers. But, he posted some nice fantasy points in pretty much a half-quarter of play, which should have owners optimistic that he could be pretty special if he can put together a whole game.

Broncos running back Willis McGahee will miss 1-2 weeks after undergoing surgery to repair a broken bone in his hand.

The Broncos host Detroit this week, and will have to rely on Knowshon Moreno and Lance Ball to carry the load in the backfield. It was telling that Ball received many of the carries Sunday after McGahee was hurt.

As the story indicates, Ball did get carries over Moreno once McGahee left the game. McGahee is worth holding onto it seems, and should get his job back.

Steelers have to "wait and see" on Hines Ward's ankle injury, team source says.

Browns head coach Pat Shurmur: WR Mohamed Massaquoi and TE Ben Watson day-to-day with concussions.

Browns head coach Pat Shurmur said RB Peyton Hillis (hamstring) ran today and is day-to-day.

Saints running back Mark Ingram suffered a bruised heel late in Sunday’s blowout win over the Colts.

Per a source with knowledge of the situation, Ingram is day-to-day, icing the heel and taking regular treatment.

There’s a chance he’ll miss Sunday’s visit to St. Louis.

Ingram has 329 yards rushing and three touchdowns in his rookie season, sharing touches with Darren Sproles and Pierre Thomas. Thomas would stand to see a bump in carries should Ingram miss next week's game against the Rams. He could be in store for a big day in what should be a lopsided win.

Washington Redskins wide receiver Santana Moss tweeted that he is having surgery on his broken left hand this afternoon, a day after he injured it in the first half of Washington’s 33-20 loss to the Carolina Panthers.

It’s expected that Moss will miss at least a month of playing time.

Moss, who entered Sunday’s game leading all Redskins wide receivers with 22 catches for 284 yards and two touchdowns, suffered the injury while trying to break his fall on a play. He recorded two catches for 17 yards before he was injured.

Anthony Armstrong and Niles Paul should benefit and get more time at WR, however John Beck is far from a strong fantasy QB at this point so don't get too excited about these waiver guys. Jabar Gaffney looks to be Washington's WR1.

Vikings say Percy Harvin will undergo an MRI. Rib was too painful for him to play the second half.

Arizona RB Beanie Wells likely to miss 1-2 weeks with a bone bruise.

Alfonso Smith and La'Rod Stephens-Howling should handle RB carries and could be targeted on the waiver wire this week. But, next week the Cardinals take on Baltimore which won't be a good matchup. Should Wells miss week 9, it would be against St. Louis.

Bucs beat writers weigh in on Josh Freeman:

Freeman threw four interceptions on Sunday, and the Bucs are going to be hard-pressed to beat good teams if the trend continues. He’s now thrown at least one interception in five of the Bucs’ seven games.

More and more, each appears to be the result of Freeman attempting throws that just aren’t there. He’s still completing 61.5 percent of his passes, which is right where he was last season. So, he isn’t suddenly an inaccurate passer. It’s his decisions that are the problem.

For those fans who often ask why offensive coordinator Greg Olson doesn’t dial up more deep shots and take the reigns off Freeman, I think the answer is right in front of you. Olson doesn’t have complete trust in Freeman because he continues to make ill-advised throws.

The good news? He’s just 23 and has been a starter for less than two years, so none of this has to define Freeman.

DeMarco Murry rushed for a franchise and rookie record 253 yards. It was the 10th best rushing day in league history. He displayed power, speed and smarts. He rushed for 253 without starting.

He should move with the first-team not only in practice but in the game next week at Philadelphia.

Tashard Choice fumbled and also injured his shoulder - as if Murray's performance wasn't enough to earn himself another start. This week, Murray gets another nice matchup against the Eagles, who have been gashed by the run all season, except for two Sundays ago against the Redskins when they held Ryan Torain in check. Still, you can expect the Cowboys to try and run the ball in this one and Murray will be a huge part of that.

Last Monday's St. Louis trade for wide receiver WR Brandon Lloyd left Brandon Gibson as odd man out against Dallas. Gibson, the Rams' leading pass-catcher through the first five games with 17 receptions, was one of the team's pregame inactives.

Lloyd and Alexander started at wide receiver, with rookies Greg Salas and Austin Pettis plus second-year man Dominque Curry the other active wideouts. Curry, normally used only on special teams, saw action at wide receiver.

Coach Steve Spagnuolo said wide receiver Danario Alexander suffered a hamstring injury, although the extent of that injury was not known. Although he was targeted six times, Alexander had a quiet day with two catches for 9 yards.

The New York Giants returned to work looking as healthy as they have been all season.

Several key players like defensive end Justin Tuck (neck/groin), right guard Chris Snee (concussion) and running back Brandon Jacobs (knee) returned to the practice field on Monday.

Buccaneers RB Earnest Graham, who started in place of injured lead back LeGarrette Blount, injured his right ankle and did not return to the game. Erik Lorig, who replaced Graham at fullback, injured his right shoulder.

With Kregg Lumpkin as their only healthy back, the Bucs were forced to throw the ball more than planned.

The Bucs are hopeful he and Blount will play against the Saints in two weeks.

The Victor Cruz story is a wonderful one and everyone is enjoying the sometimes-wild ride. Nobody expected that he'd have 21 catches for 398 yards and three spectacular touchdowns.

The problem, as offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride said, is that "He giveth and he taketh away on almost a play-by-play basis."

He's had fumbles (and non-fumbles), tipped passes, and a bevy of bad routes that have caused near-disasters. He's also been better on the outside, when the Giants prefer him in the slot, which has been an issue for the offensive flow, too.

So before it strikes midnight on Cruz, the Giants need to figure out if they can trust him to be more consistent, especially out of the slot. If not, they have to quickly figure out who it will be.

By the way, don't rule out Ramses Barden, who will soon be activated off the Physically Unable to Perform list. He was showing flashes last November before he got hurt, and the Giants have high expectations that he'll be able to step right in.

Seattle starting quarterback Tarvaris Jackson threw the ball pretty well during warm-ups before the game, but ultimately coach Pete Carroll decided against putting in his quarterback Sunday after not practicing most of the week. Carroll said there’s a good chance that Jackson will play next week against Cincinnati at home.

“He threw the ball very well under the circumstances, but he’s not 100 percent,” Carroll said. “And he was going to have to say, ‘I can go. I can do it. I don’t feel it.’ And really give us a real positive on it. It’s really up to him right now because he’s the one that’s feeling it. But we thought if he doesn’t go today, that he’ll have a chance to go next week. And if he did go, we didn’t know what would happen.”

Much of the focus continued to be on running back Chris Johnson. Limited to 18 yards on 10 carries, and booed for much of the game.

Asked about the state of the rushing attack, Johnson insisted he is not the problem. Since signing a $53.5 million contract extension in September, however, he has 268 yards and is on pace to finish with a career-worst 715.

Johnson didn’t call out the offensive line, but said he’s 100 percent physically after holding out for all of training camp and is doing everything the same way he did while leading the NFL in rushing yards over his first three seasons.

“I feel like I’ve been back,’’ Johnson said. “I can’t say that that’s the problem with the running game.”

Johnson has been killing fantasy owners and not even playing as an RB2 for most of this season. At this point, owners may have no choice but to stick with him in hopes he can turn it around, but the signs just haven't been there that it's happening anytime soon.

Did Montario Hardesty earn more carries when Peyton Hillis returns?

"Well, he has no choice right now," said coach Pat Shurmur. "He played like a starting running back and he battled. He wasn't perfect. I'm sure he's going to be sore tomorrow, but yes, I think for the time being he's earned the right to carry the football and we're going to welcome Peyton back when he's healthy and hopefully we can keep building on that."

Jets RB Shonn Greene hurt his right foot in the fourth quarter (he called it a "tweak"), but he returned almost immediately.

The Jets have a bye next week so it's expected Greene is fine by the next time the team takes the field - against the Bills in week 9.

Despite playing against the Chiefs, QB Carson Palmer said he memorized only three or four line protections and a small portion of the playbook. He also lacked the desired timing with his receivers.

Now he gets two weeks to brush up on the offense and get in synch with his receivers before the Raiders play again. By then, he said he expects to be much more effective.

Packers WR Greg Jennings left the Metrodome with a bag of ice wrapped around the top of his right hand. Jennings injured the hand on the Packers' first series when he caught a 26-yard pass and was tackled along the Packers sideline.

Jennings took himself out of the game and had the hand looked at on the sideline, then returned the next time the Packers got the ball. He said the medical staff did not take an X-ray of the hand at halftime.

The part that might make people nervous is that Jennings said his hand went numb for quite a while and when he did return - he caught six more passes for 121 yards, including a 79-yard touchdown.

• Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger limped around the locker room with ice on his left knee, which he said was bent backward in the fourth quarter. He stayed in the game but said he will have more tests on the knee today.

• Wide receiver Hines Ward left the game in the third quarter with a sprained ankle and did not return.

"We will see where he is as the week goes on," Tomlin said. "Hines always finds a way to defy logic, if you will, when it comes to injury and so forth. So we will definitely leave a seat on the bus for him."

Running back Willis McGahee​ left Sun Life Stadium with a soft cast on his right hand after suffering a fracture.

McGahee had his right ring finger and right pinkie wrapped. The Broncos' medical staff was reviewing X-rays after the game, and McGahee is expected to see a hand specialist today.

If McGahee needs surgery, he would miss significant time. Lance Ball and Knowshon Moreno saw more time once McGahee left the game. Moreno, who lost the job to McGahee, should be in line for more work and would be extra valuable in PPR leagues as Tim Tebow tries to get accustomed to NFL life.

The Oakland Raiders lost league-leading rusher Darren McFadden to a sprained right foot two carries into Sunday’s 28-0 loss to Kansas City, but it may not be a long-term problem.

Considering McFadden will have two weeks off to recover—the Raiders have their bye this week—he likely will be available for their next game, Nov. 6 game against Denver.

McFadden received treatment in the locker room, had the foot taped and returned to the field. However, coach Hue Jackson opted against putting McFadden back into the game for fear of losing his most potent offensive weapon for the long term.

Matthew Stafford suffered a right leg injury late in Sunday’s loss to the Falcons.

Per a source with knowledge of the situation, Stafford will have an MRI to examine whether and to what extent he has damage to both his knee and his ankle.

Heard 3-4 weeks on Santana Moss with the broken hand.

Much like the Tim Hightower injury, we'll learn more about this later today, but it seems like Moss owners will have to make alternate plans at WR.

Multiple sources tell ESPNRadio980 that the Redskins & medical staff strongly believe that Tim Hightower has a torn ACL, MRI in AM.

Unfortunately for Hightower, this would somewhat clear up the Skins RB situation a bit. Injury-plagued Ryan Torain would be in store for more work and Roy Helu now becomes a guy to target if he's still on your waiver wire, as he could eventually take over the job.

More likely to come later today...

Saints coach Sean Payton said Mark Ingram's x-rays were negative. "He'll be dealing with a bruised heel."

We'll be able to get a better feel for Ingram's status as the week goes on. If he can't play, Pierre Thomas could see more time.

Saints Inactives
Adrian Arrington WR
Sean Canfield QB
Will Herring LB
Ramon Humber LB
Turk McBride DE
Johnny Patrick DB
Zach Strief T
David Thomas TE

Colts Inactives
Anthony Castonzo T
Kerry Collins QB
Ryan Diem G
A.J. Edds LB
Anthony Gonzalez WR
Peyton Manning QB
Drake Nevis DT

Addai is active for Sunday Night Football, but we would be very hesitant to use him. Definitely don't rely on Delone Carter or Donald Brown with this news.

Cowboys Inactives
David Arkin G
David Buehler K
Derrick Dockery G
Jason Hatcher DE
Felix Jones RB
Daniel Loper T
Stephen McGee QB

Packers Inactives
Chad Clifton T
Ray Dominguez OT
Rob Francois LB
Jamari Lattimore LB
Mike Neal DE
Sam Shields CB
Frank Zombo LB

Rams Inactives
C.J. Ah You DE
Sam Bradford QB
Brandon Gibson WR
Brian Jackson DB
Ben Leber OLB
Jerious Norwood RB
Stephen Spach TE

A.J. Feeley will get the start with Sam Bradford inactive.

Vikings Inactives
Bernard Berrian WR
Chris Cook CB
DeMarcus Love T
D'Aundre Reed DE
Jamarca Sanford SS
John Sullivan C
Antoine Winfield CB

Michael Jenkins and Devin Aromashodu should see more looks with Bernard Berrian inactive again.

Raiders Inactives
Jason Campbell QB
Bruce Campbell G
Chimdi Chekwa DB
Sebastian Janikowski K
Chris Johnson CB
Marcel Reece FB
Chaz Schilens WR

With Sebastian Janikowski out, Dave Rayner will handle kicking duties.

Chiefs Inactives
Brandon Bair DE
Jeremy Horne WR
Reshard Langford DB
Steve Maneri T
Jerrell Powe NT
Ricky Stanzi QB
Jerheme Urban WR

Rookie WR Jonathan Baldwin is active for the Chiefs, but shouldn't be inserted into fantasy lineups.

Cardinals Inactives
Richard Bartel QB
D'Anthony Batiste T
Jim Dray TE
Todd Heap TE
Kerry Rhodes FS
Ronald Talley DE
Chester Taylor RB

Jeff King & Rob Housler will see looks at TE with Todd Heap out.

Steelers Inactives
Dennis Dixon QB
Jonathan Dwyer RB
Casey Hampton NT
James Harrison OLB
Chris Hoke NT
Doug Legursky G
Jason Worilds LB

The fact that Indianapolis Colts running back Joseph Addai was able to go through a full practice Friday suggests he is expected to play Sunday night.

The possible return of Addai shakes up an already dicey fantasy situation. Addai, Delone Carter, and Donald Brown should all be benched.

If New York Jets wide receiver Plaxico Burress has a breakout game Sunday, it will happen within the natural flow of the Jets offense.

Jets head coach Rex Ryan said on Friday that he doesn't want quarterback Mark Sanchez to force the ball to Burress, who has only 14 receptions and more dropped passes (three) than touchdown catches (two) in six games.

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Aaron Smith, one of the most underrated players of his era, will end another season on injured reseve.

The team announced Saturday that Smith has been placed on injured reserve with a foot injury. The 35-year-old has played in only 15 games over the last three years because of various injuries. Undrafted free agent defensive end Corbin Bryant will replace him on the roster.

The Minnesota Vikings updated their injury report Saturday to confirm that cornerback Chris Cook will not play against the Packers Sunday.

Cook isn’t hurt; he’s currently behind bars following a domestic assault charge.

It’s not the Vikings really had an option here. Cook is currently being held in jail without bail, and it’s expected that he will remain there until Monday morning.

Cook risks eventual punishment from the league on the issue, especially since he has a prior arrest for a gun charge. He was eventually acquitted for that charge.

As if Aaron Rodgers needed another boost in value. If you are playing against Rodgers in your league, you are going to need to score a lot of points to win.

Quarterback Kyle Boller reportedly will get the start for the Oakland Raiders on Sunday. Newcomer Carson Palmer reportedly won’t.

Lost in the shuffle is rookie Terrelle Pryor, the quarterback for whom the Raiders gave up a third-round pick in the 2012 draft, via the 2011 supplemental draft. Pryor could make his debut against the Chiefs, as the Raiders have installed specific packages for him.

Pryor emerged less than two weeks ago from a five-game suspension. He was added to the active roster on Monday.

Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Bill Muir said Friday that the rushing duties will, for now, fall primarily to Jackie Battle, but he didn’t rule out a back-by-committee approach if one rusher shows he’s particularly effective.

"We basically have a plan in terms of not equally distributing the carries," Muir said, "but certain plays we maybe like with a certain player. Obviously you get in a situation where a guy is running tough and he’s running for extra yards - the kind of game sometimes dictates who that back is."

As long as Battle continues to play well, it's hard to see him losing the lead role, as neither Thomas Jones or Dexter McCluster has been impressive since Jamaal Charles was lost for the season.

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Lee Evans has been declared out for Monday night's game vs. Jacksonville.

Torrey Smith, who has gotten the most playing time since Evans has been missing in action, is a WR3 with upside against Jacksonville's unremarkable secondary.

The Oakland Raiders are signing kicker Dave Rayner, who won a competition there on Friday. Rayner will face the Chiefs on Sunday. Oakland could get Janikowski back after their week eight bye.

Rayner hit 13 out of 16 field goals last year in Detroit while filling in for an injured Jason Hanson. With Kyle Boller likely to start at quarterback, the outlook for Oakland's offense isn't great despite a good matchup with the Chiefs. There should be better options available if you need a replacement for Seabass.

St. Louis Rams quarterback Sam Bradford is out for tomorrow's game against the Dallas Cowboys with a high ankle sprain. A.J. Feeley will get the start.

Feeley isn't a fantasy option. Although there are worst backups in the league, his presence in the lineup is a downgrade for all of the Rams aside from Steven Jackson, who figures to see more carries with Bradford out of action.

Buffalo Bills running back/wide receiver C.J. Spiller had a season-high in last week's game against the New York Giants. Not in yards, but plays.

Spiller was on the field for 35 snaps, by unofficial count, by far his most this season. He figures to get that many or more snaps at least the next several weeks as he fills in at wideout due to injuries.

Spiller's move to receiver was precipitated by the injury to starting receiver Donald Jones, out four to six weeks with an ankle sprain. Jones said he's healing fast. The Bills figure to need Spiller to see extended action at receiver at least the next two games and maybe more.

Spiller has fallen off the face of the fantasy earth due to Fred Jackson's incredible season, but increased playing time, even if it's at receiver, could allow him to resurface as a flex option in weeks eight and nine, which feature plenty of teams on bye.

Speculation that new Oakland quarterback Carson Palmer’s velocity and arm strength has been an issue was refuted by Oakland head coach Hue Jackson.

"You’ve got to be kidding me," Jackson said. "I get surprised at those kinds of questions because I would never put the guy on the team or (trade) draft picks like that if he couldn’t throw the ball or he could not do or be what I think he has the potential to be."

Even if Palmer isn't the player he used to be, he's still better than Kyle Boller. However, if Palmer is going to make any kind of fantasy impact, it won't be until week nine at the earliest.

A league source and multiple Raiders players indicated on Friday that Kyle Boller is likely to start at quarterback for Oakland against the visiting Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, though no final decision has been made.

There was heavy speculation throughout the week that veteran Carson Palmer, who was acquired in a trade from the Cincinnati Bengals on Tuesday, would start just five days after joining the team. Boller's familiarity with the offense and teammates, however, seems to have prevailed for a 4-2 team hoping to keep pace with the AFC West-leading San Diego Chargers.

Coach Hue Jackson said Friday that he and the team knew who the starter would be but he remained non-committal, saying he could even use multiple quarterbacks.

"I know who the starting quarterback is," Jackson said, adding, "We'll have a quarterback that's ready."

Rams QB Sam Bradford (ankle, questionable) missed practice all week and is questionable for Week 7. Bradford was supposed to test his ankle today but that apparently didn't happen. We're not expecting him to play against the Cowboys after not practicing at all this week. A.J. Feeley would get the start.

Seahawks QB Tarvaris Jackson (pectoral, doubtful) took limited practice reps all week and is doubtful for Week 7. Charlie Whitehurst will get the start against the Browns, who will likely be without Joe Haden. He's still only a desperation start.

Cowboys QB Tony Romo (ribs, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 7.

Texans QB Matt Schaub (chest, hip, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 7.

Steelers RB Rashard Mendenhall (knee, probable) took full practice reps on Friday after being limited earlier in the week and is probable for Week 7. Whew! Here's a case where a midweek downgrade didn't result in disaster. Mendenhall's full participation is a sign that he's good to go. He's a strong play in a nice matchup with the Cardinals after a good week against the Jaguars in Week 6.

Colts RB Joseph Addai (hamstring, questionable) took full practice reps Friday after missing practice earlier in the week and is questionable for Week 7. Addai has a shot to play, but he'll likely sit this week. If he does play, he may be eased in, which would not make him a very good fantasy option and could also kill the value of Delone Carter and Donald Brown.

Browns RB Peyton Hillis (hamstring, questionable) missed practice all week and is questionable for Week 7. We're not expecting Hillis to suit up on Sunday. Montario Hardesty is a fringe RB2/flex play in a bad matchup with a pretty stout Seahawks rush defense.

Buccaneers RB LeGarrette Blount (knee, doubtful) missed practice all week and is doubtful for Week 7. Blount is not expected to return this week. Earnest Graham is a decent start against the Bears this week.

Lions RB Jahvid Best (concussion, out) missed practice all week and is out for Week 7. As for the rumors that Best may miss the remainder of the season, OC Scott Linehan did say that he "fully expects" Best back this year. Maurice Morris is expected to get the lion's share of the touches, but the Lions will surely work Keiland Williams in against the Falcons.

Chiefs RB Jackie Battle (neck, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 7. Battle is good to go against the Raiders, who seem to be improving against the run after bottling up Arian Foster and the Browns RBs in the last two weeks. Still, Battle is a good bet to lead the Chiefs in touches.

Dolphins RB Reggie Bush (groin, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 7. Daniel Thomas (hamstring, probable) took full practice reps on Friday after being limited earlier in the week and is probable for Week 7. It looks like both RBs will play. We're expecting Thomas to see the lion's share of the touches, with Bush rotating in and playing on third down.

Redskins RB Tim Hightower (shoulder, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 7. He may press Ryan Torain for carries now that he's healthy again. This week's workload should give us an indication of where Mike Shanahan is headed with this backfield.

Cowboys RB Felix Jones (ankle, out) missed practice all week and is out for Week 7. DeMarco Murray and Tashard Choice will share the work against the Rams.

Jaguars RB Maurice Jones-Drew (not injury related) took full practice reps on Friday after being limited earlier in the week. He was just getting a rest.

Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch (ankle, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 7.

Broncos RB Willis McGahee (back, probable) took full practice reps on Friday after being limited earlier in the week and is probable for Week 7. McGahee should be good to go -- he was just getting a rest earlier in the week.

Chargers RB Mike Tolbert (concussion, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 7. The Jets are vulnerable against the run, so we expect Tolbert and Ryan Mathews to get a lot of work this week.

Jets RB LaDainian Tomlinson (not injury related, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 7.

Texans RB James Casey (chest, doubtful) missed practice all week and is doubtful for Week 7.

Texans WR Andre Johnson (hamstring, out) missed practice all week and is out for Week 7. This means that Kevin Walter and Jacoby Jones (groin, probable), who was limited on Friday but probable for Sunday, will have to pick up the slack again in a mediocre matchup with the Titans.

Vikings WR Percy Harvin (ribs, probable) took limited practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 7. Harvin should be good to go in a nice matchup with the Packers. Now, can Christian Ponder deliver the ball?

Chargers WR Vincent Jackson (hamstring, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 7. The Jets are a bad matchup, but it doesn't appear that they'll always have Darrelle Revis covering Jackson, so he'll have a chance to make some plays.

Steelers WR Mike Wallace (hamstring, probable) took full practice reps on Friday after being limited earlier in the week and is probable for Week 7. He's good to go and is a strong play against the Cardinals.

Dolphins WR Brandon Marshall (quadricep, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 7. He's good to go, but will see a lot of Champ Bailey this week.

Falcons WR Julio Jones (hamstring, doubtful) missed practice all week and is doubtful for Week 7. Fortunately for the Falcons, Roddy White (knee, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 7. Harry Douglas should see a few extra targets with Julio out.

Bears WR Devin Hester (chest, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 7. With five catches in each of his last two games, Hester is not a terrible start in a nice matchup with the Bucs.

Ravens WR Lee Evans (ankle) missed practice again Friday. Torrey Smith draws another start, but the Jaguars have been tough on WRs this year.

Steelers WR Hines Ward (not injury related) was removed from the injury report Friday. He could surprise against the Cardinals.

Redskins WR Anthony Armstrong (hamstring, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 7.

Bears WR Earl Bennett (chest, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 7. The Chicago Tribune speculated that Bennett would be out, but it appears he'll play. He could be a sneaky start for brave and/or desperate owners in PPR leagues. Dane Sanzenbacher's stock takes a big hit.

Browns WR Josh Cribbs (knee, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 7.

Colts WR Anthony Gonzalez (groin, questionable) missed practice Friday after taking limited reps Thursday and is questionable for Week 7.

Broncos WR Eddie Royal (groin, probable) and Demaryius Thomas (finger, probable) took full practice reps all week and are probable for Week 7. They're expected to replace Brandon Lloyd's production, but Eric Decker is the safest start in the Denver WR corps right now.

Seahawks WR Mike X Williams (concussion, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 7.

Raiders WR Chaz Schilens (groin, questionable) was limited Friday after taking full reps earlier in the week and is questionable for Week 7.

Saints TE Jimmy Graham (ankle, probable) returned to take limited reps Friday after missing practice Thursday and is probable for Week 7. Graham was limited but the "probable" tag means he's very likely to play. He's the top fantasy TE. Start him with confidence.

Chargers TE Antonio Gates (foot, questionable) returned to take full practice reps Friday after missing practice Thursday and is questionable for Week 7. Full participation for Gates means that he's expected to play. The Jets are a bad matchup and his snaps may be limited, so be cautious with Gates this week.

Panthers TE Greg Olsen (toe, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 7. Olsen's full participation is a strong signal that his turf toe isn't serious, though it's a worrisome injury. He should be a solid start against the Redskins, who are mediocre against TEs.

Buccaneers TE Kellen Winslow (not injury related) was removed from the injury report Friday. The Bears have struggled against TEs, so Winslow could have a nice Week 7.

Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez (elbow, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 7.

Cardinals TE Todd Heap (hamstring, questionable) missed practice all week and is questionable for Week 7. It was Rob Housler (8), not Jeff King (6), who saw the most targets with Heap out in Week 5. Desperate owners should probably turn to Housler.

Redskins TE Chris Cooley (finger, knee, out) has been ruled out for Week 7. Fred Davis looks like a strong start, provided John Beck can deliver the ball.

Bears TE Kellen Davis (elbow, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 7.

Seahawks TE Zach Miller (head, neck, out) missed practice all week and is out for Week 7.

Browns TE Evan Moore (ankle, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 7.

Lions TE Tony Scheffler (concussion, probable) took limited practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 7. He's probably not a threat to Brandon Pettigrew at this point, but it's something to monitor. Pettigrew has established himself as a go-to option and with Jahvid Best sidelined, he'll be a big target in the short passing game.

Panthers TE Jeremy Shockey (not injury related, probable) returned to take full practice reps Friday after missing practice Thursday and is probable for Week 7.

Saints TE Dave Thomas (concussion, out) took limited practice reps all week and is out for Week 7.

Raiders K Sebastian Janikowski (left hamstring, questionable) missed practice Friday after taking limited reps Thursday and is questionable for Week 7. The Raiders brought in other kickers and are reportedly considering shutting Janikowski down for a few weeks to let his hammy heal. Typically, it's not worthwhile to carry two kickers, but it depends on league size and scoring.

Anyone looking for the obvious difference between John Beck and Grossman saw it right away: Beck was nimble on his feet and eventually scored on a 2-yard quarterback draw, the type of play that no one would expect from Grossman.

The Redskins plan to take advantage of that mobility when they can.

"I'm not giving away a secret that Beck is faster than Rex," offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan said. "But he's not faster than all those guys on the defense. You can do a little bit more with his legs, but you can't totally depend on it."

Steve Breaston’s slow start mirrored that of the Chiefs, who were outscored by a combined 89-10 in blowout losses to the Bills and Lions. Breaston had three catches for just 33 yards in those games. But Breaston has emerged in the last three games as a potent complement to Dwayne Bowe.

The Chiefs, 2-3, have steadied themselves in a three-point road loss to San Diego and victories over Minnesota and Indianapolis. Breaston has stepped up with 11 receptions for 196 yards and two touchdowns over that span and heads into Sunday’s game at Oakland feeling increasingly comfortable working with Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassell.

“It’s always about developing that trust with your quarterback,” Breaston said. “It doesn’t just happen overnight. I’m the new guy here. Coach Haley knows me, but not everybody else does. I just think it’s a matter of me continuing to be a reliable option for Matt.”

Shonn Greene has 314 yards on 93 carries, an average of 3.4 yards per carry, and two touchdowns. Players and coaches around the Jets say they have not lost faith in the third-year back, though. They point to the de-emphasizing of the running game early, and struggles on the offensive line as the reasons Greene has not put up big numbers.

“I am so tired of hearing people saying Shonn and [LaDainian Tomlinson] aren’t the backs we thought they were because that is not true at all,” left guard Matt Slauson said. “We just have to get in a groove as a unit, as a group, and just figure everything out. Right now, I’m to a point where I’m just going out there and trying to explode because I want them to just have breakout games. I want them to shut everybody up.”

“I think Shonn is definitely ready,” HC Rex Ryan said. “We have to give him more opportunities. I like the fact he got 21 carries this past week. I think that’s kind of when he gets in his groove a little bit.”

Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Raheem Morris says running back LaGarette Blount will not play against the Chicago Bears in London on Sunday.

Morris ruled out Blount again after he missed practice all week in London.

Earnest Graham will get the start.

Seahawks tight end Zach Miller has eight catches through Seattle's first five games, and he's in his second week sitting out practice for an injury to his head and neck. That's not quite the return Seattle expected on its top-shelf investment in what it viewed as one of the game's rising young tight ends.

In Week 5 at the Giants, he was hit high by safety Kenny Phillips on a pass overthrown by Tarvaris Jackson. He returned to the game, but left because of pain in his neck. There's no timetable for his return to the field, and without him, the Seahawks are down to Anthony McCoy as the only tight end on the active roster.

According to Tony Romo, the Cowboys are seeing a lot of Cover 4 defenses in the red zone. That essentially means double-coverage for Dez Bryant, who has a cornerback on his outside and a safety on the inside. That’s why Romo threw a checkdown to Tashard Choice instead of a fade to Bryant on second-and-goal in the fourth quarter against the Patriots.

“It would have been a force for sure,” Romo said. “Theoretically, yeah, you could throw it, but there’s a very high percentage that it’s not going to turn out very well if you throw it. If they keep a safety over there, they get to play two-on-one.”

Rams WR Mark Clayton knows the playbook, and is now healthy after spending the first six weeks on the PUP list. But he hasn't taken part in a football practice since early October of 2010. It may take him a couple weeks to get into football shape.

Most offenses seem to be taking a hard look at the Broncos' nickel package (five defensive backs) because of where Champ Bailey is. Against the Chargers, for example, Bailey matched up on San Diego wide receiver Vincent Jackson when the Broncos were in base defense, no matter where Jackson lined up.

However, when the Broncos went to the nickel, that moved Bailey into an inside position, where he covers the third receiver, no matter who it may be. Defenses have done this with the best cornerback all over the league because quarterbacks go to that slot receiver so often, but when the Broncos do it, quarterbacks are looking outside, especially with a chance to score, because Bailey isn't there.

Brandon Marshall will probably see plenty of Bailey on Sunday, though it sounds like Bailey will continue to play in the slot on third down.

TE Chris Cooley says he'll be out at least 3 weeks but expects to return this season. He had a plate inserted in his finger.

Fred Davis should be TE1 caliber while Cooley is sidelined, assuming new QB John Beck looks his way as often as Rex Grossman did.

The St. Louis Rams expect quarterback Sam Bradford's status for this weekend's game against the Dallas Cowboys to be a game-time decision, a source with knowledge of the situation said Thursday, but he hasn't been able to do enough at this point to play.

According to the source, the hope early in the week was Bradford could play with a high ankle sprain, but given the nature of his injury, no one was certain. After Bradford missed his second consecutive practice Thursday, it appears playing Sunday is less likely. The team hopes Bradford can do more in walkthroughs and practice Friday.

If Bradford can't play, A.J. Feeley would start.

Bradford's injury is one that often sidelines players for up to a month, but the quarterback said Wednesday that the ankle was improved from earlier in the week and that he believed his playing would be a matter of "pain tolerance," not how much he is able to practice this week.

While we're reasonably high on Bradford for the rest of the season (with the addition of Brandon Lloyd), he wouldn't be a good start against a pretty tough Dallas pass defense anyway. Owners in need should turn to fairly dependable options like Colt McCoy, Matt Cassel or Matt Hasselbeck, or even Curtis Painter or Matt Moore, who have terrific matchups against the Saints and Dolphins, respectively.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said Friday morning on 105.3 FM that running backs DeMarco Murray and Tashard Choice would likely share carries Sunday against St. Louis.

The Cowboys replaced injured starting running back Felix Jones last Sunday with Murray. The Cowboys prefer that Choice is in for third downs because he's good at picking up blitzes.

"We've shown that we've split the carries and in this circumstance that's very appropriate since DeMarco is still very early on in his repetitions, his time that he's sorted through the blocking," Jerry Jones said on his radio show. "He's gotten more reps, he's patient is the word that you hear a lot, in other words let the blockers do their job if they can if it's there. What happened to us last week is we did get, what I call big-boyed and they really did put a lot of pressure on the interior of our line and when they saw it working they kept it coming and we had to really adjust for that and we got a lot of plays that were behind the line of scrimmage. But I do expect us to adjust for that."

Per our RBBC Report, Murray saw 11 touches and Choice saw eight in Week 6. The Cowboys figure to be leading, and Murray would likely be their first choice to kill the clock with runs between the tackles. Choice is a veteran, however, and he'll be involved throughout the game.

Charlie Whitehurst appears to be Seattle's starting quarterback for Sunday's game in Cleveland. Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll gave us that indication during his visit on 97.3 KIRO FM's Seattle Morning News.

"Charlie's ready to go, and as far as I'm concerned he's starting the football game, unless something turns with Tarvaris here in the next couple days," said Carroll.

Jackson suffered a high-grade strain of his right pectoral in Seattle's victory over the New York Giants two weeks ago. He has been making great improvement according to coach Carroll.

"Tarvaris has been throwing the football in controlled routes. He's closer than the doctors would have thought he could be this quickly," Carroll emphasized. "We've tried to be careful with him as he's coming back."

The Browns aren't a great matchup for Whitehurst, but they'll be without CB Joe Haden, which should help.

Schefter: "Raiders bringing in kickers today. They know they might have to shut down Sebastian Janikowski for a few weeks due to hamstring injury."

Janikowski owners better have a Plan B ready to go because it sure looks like he won't be kicking for at least Week 7, maybe longer. It's generally not worth it to keep two kickers on the roster as the spot is better spent on depth at another position.

Rams QB Sam Bradford (ankle) missed practice again Thursday. Bradford is expected to start per Adam Schefter though John Clayton speculated that he would not play. The Cowboys aren't a great matchup, but Brandon Lloyd is expected to play, so Bradford should get a small boost. It remains to be seen how effective he'll be on a sprained ankle. We'll know more on Friday, when Bradford is expected to test his ankle.

Seahawks QB Tarvaris Jackson (pectoral) took limited practice reps Wednesday. Charlie Whitehurst may get the start this week, but Jackson's participation is a sign that he may be available.

Cowboys QB Tony Romo (ribs) took full practice reps again Thursday.

Texans QB Matt Schaub (chest, hip) took full practice reps Thursday after being limited Wednesday.

Steelers RB Rashard Mendenhall (knee) was added to the injury report Thursday after taking limited practice reps. Mendenhall was not on the Wednesday injury report so he may have suffered this injury in practice. We'll monitor this, but his owners should keep Isaac Redman ready in case this is serious.

Colts RB Joseph Addai (hamstring) missed practice again Thursday. Addai has already hinted that he was planning to let the hamstring heal fully and there's no rush with the Colts sitting at 0-6. Delone Carter and Donald Brown will split the work while Addai is sidelined.

Chiefs RB Jackie Battle (neck) took full practice reps again Thursday. Battle should be good to go against the Raiders, who seem to be improving against the run after bottling up Arian Foster and the Browns RBs in the last two weeks.

Lions RB Jahvid Best (concussion) missed practice again Thursday. As for the rumors that Best may miss the remainder of the season, OC Scott Linehan did say that he "fully expects" Best back this year. Maurice Morris is expected to get the lion's share of the touches, but the Lions will surely work Keiland Williams in against the Falcons.

Buccaneers RB LeGarrette Blount (knee) missed practice again Thursday. Blount is not expected to return this week. Earnest Graham is a decent start against the Bears this week.

Dolphins RB Reggie Bush (groin) returned to full practice reps Thursday after missing Wednesday. Daniel Thomas (hamstring) took limited practice reps again Thursday. The Dolphins are being cautious with Thomas, who emerged from Week 6 without re-aggravating his hamstring. He should be fine for Week 7.

Browns RB Peyton Hillis (hamstring) missed practice again Thursday. The feeling here is that Hillis will miss Week 7, but he could be a game-time decision

Cowboys RB Felix Jones (ankle) missed practice again Thursday. He's likely out for Week 7. DeMarco Murray and Tashard Choice will share the work against the Rams.