December 2012 4for4 Player News Articles

Asked whether he was confident he would play against the Vikings in the playoff opener next week, Packers WR Randall Cobb said, "100%."

Cobb's return will make it difficult to rank the Packer WRs, but with the way Aaron Rodgers spreads the ball around, they are all capable of big (or quiet) games.

The Raiders were expected to fire offensive coordinator Greg Knapp and other offensive staff members this week, according to the San Francisco Chronicle, and a source informed of the news confirmed to NFL.com's Ian Rapoport that Knapp, linebackers coach Johnny Holland and two other unnamed offensive coaches are out.

The Raiders later announced in a release that Knapp, Holland, special teams coordinator Steve Hoffman and offensive line coach Frank Pollack have been relieved of duties.

Knapp preferred a zone scheme in the running game, which collapsed this season. The Raiders finished 28th in the NFL in rushing at just 89 yards per game. They were a top-seven rushing unit over the previous two years. Their supposed star rusher, Darren McFadden, finished with 707 rushing yards and a 3.3 yards-per-carry average.

Assuming the Raiders find an OC who can implement a running game more suited to McFadden's strengths, he should return to RB1 territory again next season.

Vikings WR Jerome Simpson left Sunday's game with an apparent concussion, but was able to return to the game.

Packers WR Jordy Nelson missed a few plays due to a knee injury, but returned to catch a TD en route to a 5-87-1 day.

Nelson's return was crucial with Randall Cobb out and Jarrett Boykin leaving the game with an apparent leg injury.

The Packers sure could use a bye week to heal up, but they lost their chance at a week off when they couldn't contain the apparently unstoppable combination of Christian Ponder and Michael Jenkins. The Packers and Vikings play on Saturday.

Titans quarterback Jake Locker will have surgery in the near future to repair his non-throwing shoulder, sources familiar with the situation said.

Locker missed five games after dislocating his left shoulder twice in the first four games.

He initially suffered the injury while making a tackle in the season opener against the Patriots, but he played the following week wearing a harness. When Locker injured the shoulder the second time, at Houston on Sept. 30, he also fractured a bone at the front of the shoulder.

The surgery is expected to sideline the second-year pro for several months, but there’s a chance he could participate in minicamps in May. The team’s offseason program begins in April.

Cardinals fired HC Ken Whisenhunt and GM Rod Graves.

Cowboys QB Tony Romo said he suffered a cracked rib on his left side, an injury sustained when he was hit by Redskins cornerback Josh Wilson late in the second quarter.

Receiver Dez Bryant suffered severe lower back spasms that forced him to leave the game in the fourth quarter. Bryant, who was not available to the media after the game, had to be helped into the showers and left the stadium in a wheelchair.

Receiver Miles Austin suffered a high ankle sprain in the second quarter. He attempted to play after halftime but left the game during the opening series of the third quarter.

Vikings Antoine Winfield, who suffered a broken right hand last weekend at Houston, left Sunday's game in the second quarter when the swelling and pain became too much and did not return.

If Winfield is not able to play against the Packers, it would be good news for Aaron Rodgers and Co.

Regime change has been a fact of life in Cleveland for months, and it reached the coaching staff Monday. Head coach Pat Shurmur was fired after going 9-23 in two seasons on the sideline including a 5-11 effort this year.

General Manager Tom Heckert was also let go after a three-season tenure.

New owner Jimmy Haslam, who took the franchise's reins midseason and quickly replaced Mike Holmgren with Joe Banner in the front office, is expected to make a splashy coaching hire for a team that's had just two winning seasons and one playoff appearance since returning to the NFL in 1999 after a four-year hiatus.

Basically, it comes down to this -- Greg Knapp or Darren McFadden.

The Raiders have to make a choice between a beleaguered offensive coordinator whose version of the West Coast Offense and zone-blocking scheme all-but neutered what had ben one of the game's more explosive running attacks and an explosive running back who has a propensity to get injured and yet to play a full 16-game season. Reports have Knapp and other staff members on their way out this week, though coach Dennis Allen would not comment on them Sunday.

It was obvious McFadden was struggling early and often with the return of the ZBS, a system for which not only Mike Goodson but undrafted rookie Jeremy Stewart seemed more fitted and comfortable.

Knapp is expected to be fired, so as long as the Raiders hire an OC who plans to run an offense more suited to McFadden's strengths, he should return to RB1 form in 2013. This was a cas of Knapp fixing something that wasn't broken.

Redskins RB Robert Griffin III wasn’t his usual self Sunday, still hobbled by a knee injury suffered three weeks earlier.

“I was able to be effective,” Griffin said.

“He wasn’t his normal self,” Redskins Coach Mike Shanahan admitted, going on to say that it was as much a surprise for him as for anyone watching.

Griffin has a way about him, a feeling of invincibility, and more than that, he doesn’t admit to feeling pain or experiencing weakness. Griffin didn’t tell his coach last week that he was anything but 100 percent, and Shanahan said his quarterback didn’t practice as if anything was wrong, either.

“He always tells me he’s fine,” Shanahan said. “You can see that he was hurting a little bit.”

Griffin and the Redskins will face a tougher test when the Seahawks' formidable defense comes to town on Sunday.

Before Week 4 doctors told Giants WR Hakeem Nicks that he'd need 6-8 weeks of rest to fully heal.

This explains Nicks' lackluster performance this season. He should be back to his old self in 2013, but he has been somewhat injury-prone throughout his career.

Browns RB Trent Richardson said he played w/ 2 or 3 broken ribs and said injury in Denver was mild high ankle sprain.

Chan Gailey has been fired by the Buffalo Bills after three losing seasons.

The announcement was made Monday, a day after the Bills closed out another disappointing season with a 28-9 win over the New York Jets.

Buffalo finished 6-10, and Gailey leaves with a 16-32 record. There was no immediate word on the status of general manager Buddy Nix.

The Bears fired Lovie Smith on Monday after a 10-6 season, Tribune sources have confirmed. They started 7-1 but fell apart down the stretch, mostly because they couldn't score.

On the day he was hired, Smith said: "The No. 1 goal is to beat Green Bay. One of the first things [then-Chairman] Michael McCaskey said to me, he gave me the history behind the Green Bay-Chicago rivalry and the number of times he wanted us to beat them. I understand that. I feel the pain."

Smith repeated his No. 1 goal many times during his tenure, but he was not able to achieve it often enough. After winning seven of his first 10 games against the Packers, Smith lost eight of his next nine, including the NFC championship game in January 2011 at Soldier Field. The Packers went on to win the Super Bowl.

Andy Reid's worst coaching season with the Philadelphia Eagles ended Monday after 14 years when he was fired by owner Jeffrey Lurie, who said it was time ''to move in a new direction.''

The dismissal came one day after Reid and the Eagles were humiliated 42-7 by the New York Giants and ended their season at 4-12.

''Andy leaves us with a winning tradition that we can build upon. And we are very excited about the future,'' Lurie said in a statement released by the team.

San Diego Chargers coach Norv Turner and general manager A.J. Smith will be fired Monday, league sources told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.

Turner told reporters after Sunday's game that he expected the team will begin looking for a new coach.

"Obviously, we're going to meet with the team, and I'm sure they'll start looking for a new coach," said Turner, who has one year left on his contract at $3 million.

Smith, 63, has come under fire for the erosion of talent from a roster that at one time was considered among the NFL's best.

The Kansas City Chiefs fired coach Romeo Crennel on Monday, but made no move on embattled general manager Scott Pioli despite a 2-14 season marked by blowout losses, fan rebellion and a murder-suicide involving one of their players.

Crennel was fired after one full season as coach, and one day after Kansas City matched the fewest wins in franchise history with an embarrassing 38-3 loss to the Denver Broncos.

"I am embarrassed by the poor product we gave our fans this season, and I believe we have no choice but to move the franchise in a different direction," Chiefs chairman Clark Hunt said in a statement. "I will immediately begin the search for the next head coach of the Chiefs. The entire football operation will remain under review and there may be additional changes to come."

Hunt said that "no final determination has been made" about Pioli's future.

Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum, who has run the football operation since 2006, was fired Monday, owner Woody Johnson announced in a statement. Rex Ryan will remain as coach, according to Johnson.

"I believe that he has the passion, the talent, and the drive to successfully lead our team," Johnson said.

Ryan has two years and approximately $6 million remaining on his contract.

Seahawks Inactives
Winston Guy SS
Leroy Hill OLB
Rishaw Johnson G
John Moffitt G
Mike Person T
DeShawn Shead DB
Walter Thurmond CB

49ers Inactives
Eric Bakhtiari LB
Jewel Hampton RB
Joe Looney G
Trenton Robinson FS
Justin Smith DE
Scott Tolzien QB
Will Tukuafu DT

TE Vernon Davis is active, but an extremely risky start.

Cardinals Inactives
LaRon Byrd WR
Early Doucet WR
Mike Gibson T
Nate Potter OT
Anthony Sherman FB
John Skelton QB
Ronald Talley DE

Dolphins Inactives
Davone Bess WR
Patrick Brown T
Nolan Carroll CB
Pat Devlin QB
Josh Kaddu LB
Kyle Miller TE

Rams Inactives
Joe Barksdale T
Sammy Brown LB
Matt Conrath DT
Austin Davis QB
Terrance Ganaway RB
Cory Harkey TE
Steve Smith WR

Chargers Inactives
Edwin Baker RB
Donald Butler ILB
Gregory Gatson CB
Ladarius Green TE
Gary Guyton ILB
Stephen Schilling G
Mike Willie WR

Raiders Inactives
Brandon Bair DE
Tyvon Branch SS
Mike Brisiel G
Juron Criner WR
Rolando McClain MLB
Carson Palmer QB
Jeremy Stewart FB

Terrelle Pryor starts at QB for the Raiders.

Patriots Inactives
Kamar Aiken WR
Jake Bequette DE
Marquice Cole DB
Alfonzo Dennard CB
Nate Ebner DB
Nick McDonald G
Markus Zusevics T

Rob Gronkowski returns to action today for the Patriots. Aaron Hernandez, Brandon Lloyd and Wes Welker are active as expected.

Vikings Inactives
McLeod Bethel-Thompson QB
Robert Blanton CB
Brandon Burton DB
Stephen Burton WR
Audie Cole LB
Troy Kropog T
D'Aundre Reed DE

Packers Inactives
Randall Cobb WR
Donald Driver WR
Davon House CB
Terrell Manning LB
Jordan Miller DT
James Starks RB
Charles Woodson SS

Jordy Nelson and Alex Green are active for the Packers.

Broncos Inactives
C.J. Davis G
Chris Gronkowski RB
Caleb Hanie QB
Trindon Holliday WR
Tracy Porter CB
Julius Thomas TE

Chiefs Inactives
Branden Albert T
Josh Bellamy WR
Nate Eachus FB
Abram Elam FS
Tyson Jackson DE
Rich Ranglin G
Ricky Stanzi QB

Dexter McCluster is active for the Chiefs.

Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski has been cleared and will play vs. Miami.

Gronk is obviously a must start if you have been sitting on him and don't have another top option, but temper expectations in his first game back.

With Baltimore having wrapped up the AFC North title, Ravens RB Ray Rice is not expected to play today.

Bernard Pierce will see a heavy workload in a bad matchup with the Bengals. Last week he ran for 123 yards on 14 carries.

Jason Wilde of ESPN Milwaukee believes that Packers WR Randall Cobb (ankle) will not play in Week 17 against the Vikings. Cobb practiced on a limited basis on Friday after sitting out on Wednesday and Thursday, and is currently listed as questionable.

49ers TE Vernon Davis (concussion) is not optimistic that he’ll play in San Francisco’s regular season finale versus the Cardinals on Sunday. When asked if he’s confident about playing in Week 17, Davis said, “A little bit. I know my teammates are, but I’ve just got to get a little more conformable.”

The Saints have placed RB Pierre Thomas on season-ending injured reserve with a knee injury. Thomas totaled 727 yards on 144 touches and two scores this season for New Orleans.

CSN New England’s Tom Curran believes that Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski will suit up and play on Sunday in at least a limited role. That said, ESPN’s John Clayton said Friday that Gronk is unlikely to play in Week 17.

Raiders QB Carson Palmer (ribs, out) has been ruled out for Week 17. Matt Leinart and Terrelle Pryor split first-team reps this week, but HC Dennis Allen declined to name a starter.

Titans QB Jake Locker (left shoulder, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17. Locker will continue to play through the shoulder injury.

Browns QB Brandon Weeden (right shoulder, out) and Colt McCoy (right shoulder, out) missed practice all week and are out for Week 17. Thaddeus Lewis gets the start against the Steelers. We can't imagine that this is good news for Josh Gordon.

Colts QB Andrew Luck (knee, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17. No worries here. Luck should be a good start against the Texans.

Redskins QB Robert Griffin III (knee, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17. Griffin said that he should be able to "do more" (i.e. run the ball) against the Cowboys this week. Start him with confidence.

Bengals RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis (illness, probable) returned to take full practice reps Friday after missing practice Thursday and is probable for Week 17. Green-Ellis will play against the Ravens, but his workload may be diminished since the Bengals don't have much to play for.

Packers RB Alex Green (concussion, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17. He figures to split time with Ryan Grant after Grant tore up the Titans in Week 16. James Starks (knee, out) missed practice all week and is out for Week 17.

49ers RB Frank Gore (knee, probable) took full practice reps again Thursday. Gore has a nice matchup with the Cardinals, who are #26 in RB aFPA.

Texans RB Arian Foster (arrhythmia, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17. Foster's "irregular heartbeat" issue seems to be behind him. He has a nice matchup with the Colts, who got torched by Jamaal Charles last week.

Bears RB Matt Forte (ankle, probable) took full practice reps on Friday after being limited earlier in the week and is probable for Week 17. Forte is expected to play in a must-win game against the Lions.

Chiefs RB Jamaal Charles (illness, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 17. Charles will play, but has a tough matchup against the Broncos.

Giants RB Ahmad Bradshaw (knee, foot, probable) took limited practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 17. It looks like Bradshaw is going to play against the Eagles. He out-touched David Wilson 10-to-3 in Week 16.

Browns RB Trent Richardson (ankle, out) missed practice all week and is out for Week 17. Browns beat writer Tony Grossi believes there is a "zero chance" that RB Trent Richardson plays this week. Montario Hardesty will get the start for the Browns.

Jets QB Mark Sanchez (back, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17. Greg McElroy (abdomen, doubtful) missed practice again Friday and is doubtful. Sanchez gets the start against the Bills. Tim Tebow (ribs, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable.

Saints RB Chris Ivory (hamstring, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17. Pierre Thomas (knee, out) missed practice all week and is out for Week 17. With Thomas out, Ivory should be active this week and the Saints may feature him to boost his trade value.

Jaguars RB Maurice Jones-Drew (foot) was removed from the injury report Friday. Jones-Drew averaged 12.3 standard fantasy points in his first five games, good for 10th-highest average among RBs. His contract is still an issuue for him.

Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart (ankle, questionable) missed practice again Friday and is questionable for Week 17. Stewart is not expected to play this week. DeAngelo Williams should get another start. Williams (not injury related, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 17.

Bills RB C.J. Spiller (shoulder, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17. Spiller should be productive against the Jets, who have had trouble stopping the run in the last three weeks.

Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (abdomen, probable) returned to take limited reps Friday after missing practice earlier in the week and is probable for Week 17. Peterson is ready to go for a big game against the Packers.

Cowboys RB DeMarco Murray (foot, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17. Murray is good to go for a nice matchup with the Redskins in a must-win game for the Cowboys.

Broncos RB Knowshon Moreno (ribs, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 17. No worries here. Moreno has a pretty nice matchup with the Chiefs and is averaging nearly 28 touches over the last four weeks.

Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch (back, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 17. Lynch has a nice matchup with the Rams this week.

Titans RB Chris Johnson (ankle, questionable) returned to take limited reps Friday after missing practice earlier in the week and is questionable for Week 17. Johnson is expected to start against the Jaguars on Sunday.

Rams RB Steven Jackson (foot, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 17. S-Jax is good to go for a pretty tough matchup against the Seahawks.

Titans RB Jamie Harper (ankle, questionable) returned to take limited reps Friday after missing practice earlier in the week and is questionable for Week 17.

Broncos RB Chris Gronkowski (hamstring, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17.

Texans RB Justin Forsett (knee, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17.

Bills RB Dorin Dickerson (ankle, probable) took limited practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17.

Saints RB Jed Collins (knee, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 17.

Texans RB Tyler Clutts (abdominal, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17.

Bears RB Armando Allen (knee, questionable) missed practice all week and is questionable for Week 17.

Chargers RB Ronnie Brown (hamstring, questionable) returned to take limited reps Friday after missing practice earlier in the week and is questionable for Week 17. Brown should play a limited role behind Jackie Battle.

Cowboys RB Felix Jones (knee, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17.

Texans RB Ben Tate (hamstring, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17. He will serve as the primary backup to Arian Foster.

Lions RB Kevin Smith (thumb, probable) was limited Friday after taking full reps earlier in the week and is probable for Week 17.

Cardinals RB Anthony Sherman (knee, questionable) returned to take limited reps Friday after missing practice earlier in the week and is questionable for Week 17.

Jets RB Bilal Powell (shoulder, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17. Powell only saw seven touches in Week 16 compared to Shonn Greene's 16.

Eagles RB Chris Polk (toe, questionable) took full practice reps all week and is questionable for Week 17.

49ers RB Bruce Miller (shoulder, probable) took limited practice reps again Thursday.
and is probable for Week 17.

Jets RB Joe McKnight (ankle, illness, probable) returned to take full practice reps Friday after missing practice Thursday and is probable for Week 17.

Ravens RB Vonta Leach (ankle, questionable) returned to take limited reps Friday after missing practice Thursday and is questionable for Week 17.

Jaguars RB Greg Jones (thigh, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 17.

Eagles RB Stanley Havili (hamstring, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17.

Lions WR Calvin Johnson (knee, ankle, probable) missed practice Friday after taking limited reps Thursday and is probable for Week 17. No worries here, other than a tough matchup against the Bears.

Redskins WR Pierre Garcon (foot, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17. Garcon is averaging 6.0-86-0.6 in his last five games. Those are WR6-type numbers.

Cowboys WR Dez Bryant (finger, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17. Bryant is good to go for a must-win game against the Redskins.

Seahawks WR Sidney Rice (knee, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 17. Rice is expected to face the Rams, but he only played 25 of Seattle's 65 offensive snaps in Week 16, so he may be limited once again.

Giants WR Hakeem Nicks (knee, questionable) took limited practice reps again Friday and is questionable for Week 17. Nicks' status is up in the air as the Giants' playoff chances are on life support.

Packers WR Jordy Nelson (hamstring, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17. Nelson's return muddles the Green Bay WR situation further. Don't expect a huge stat line in his first game back, but he could see significant snaps if Randall Cobb is sidelined.

Packers WR Randall Cobb (ankle, knee, questionable) returned to take limited reps Friday after missing practice Thursday and is questionable for Week 17. Cobb seems iffy, but was apparently moving "well" early in practice on Friday. Green Bay can secure a bye with a win, so expect Cobb to give it a go if he's close. Jordy Nelson is back, so the Packers should be able to win without Cobb.

Falcons WR Roddy White (knee, questionable) returned to take limited reps Friday after missing practice earlier in the week and is questionable for Week 17. The Falcons have nothing to play for, so don't be surprised if White is very limited even if he does play against the Buccaneers.

Steelers WR Mike Wallace (hip, out) missed practice all week and is out for Week 17. Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders will start against the Browns.

Seahawks WR Golden Tate (illness, probable) returned to take full practice reps Friday after missing practice Thursday and is probable for Week 17.

Dolphins WR Davone Bess (back, out) missed practice all week and is out for Week 17. Brian Hartline has the potential to see big targets against the Patriots this week. Hartline (back, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17.

49ers WR Mario Manningham (knee) has been ruled out for Week 17. He tore ligaments in his left knee and is now on injured reserve. Randy Moss will start opposite Michael Crabtree.

Patriots WR Brandon Lloyd (knee, questionable) took limited practice reps all week and is questionable for Week 17. Lloyd will be out there against the Dolphins.

Panthers WR Brandon LaFell (toe, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17. LaFell caught five passes (on seven targets) in Week 16, so he appears to be resuming his role in the Carolina offense. The Panthers have a nice matchup against the Saints this week.

Ravens WR Anquan Boldin (shoulder, questionable) took limited practice reps all week and is questionable for Week 17. Boldin is expected to play against the Bengals.

Patriots WR Wes Welker (ankle, questionable) took limited practice reps all week and is questionable for Week 17.

Panthers WR Steve L Smith (not injury related, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 17. Smith will play against the Saints this week.

Titans WR Kenny Britt (knee, probable) was limited Friday after taking full reps earlier in the week and is probable for Week 17. No worries here. Britt has a nice matchup against the Jaguars this week.

Eagles WR Jeremy Maclin (knee, probable) returned to take full practice reps Friday after missing practice Thursday and is probable for Week 17. Maclin's presence certainly helps Michael Vick, who is starting for the Eagles.

Browns WR Josh Cribbs (knee, probable) took full practice reps on Friday after being limited earlier in the week and is probable for Week 17.

Chiefs WR Terrance Copper (knee, out) missed practice all week and is out for Week 17.

Cardinals WR Laron Byrd (knee, doubtful) missed practice all week and is doubtful for Week 17.

Redskins WR Dez Briscoe (not injury related, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 17.

Dolphins WR Armon Binns (groin, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17.

Eagles WR Jason Avant (calf, hamstring, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17.

Panthers WR Joe Adams (ankle, questionable) took full practice reps all week and is questionable for Week 17.

Chiefs WR Josh Bellamy (ankle, questionable) missed practice Friday after taking limited reps Thursday and is questionable for Week 17.

Titans WR Kendall Wright (rib, questionable) took full practice reps again Friday and is questionable for Week 17. Wright is expected to play through the questionable tag.

Colts WR Donnie Avery (shoulder, questionable) missed practice Friday after taking limited reps Thursday and is questionable for Week 17. Midweek downgrades aren't a good sign. T.Y. Hilton would be a very sneaky start if Avery is sidelined. LaVon Brazil would see more snaps as the Colts' WR3.

Redskins WR Josh Morgan (hand, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17.

Chiefs WR Dexter McCluster (illness, questionable) missed practice Friday and is questionable for Week 17.

Bills WR Ruvell Martin (not injury related) was removed from the injury report Friday.

Ravens WR Jacoby Jones (ankle, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17.

Broncos WR Trindon Holliday (ankle, doubtful) missed practice all week and is doubtful for Week 17.

Jets WR Braylon Edwards (hamstring, knee, questionable) took limited practice reps again Friday and is questionable for Week 17.

Bills WR Marcus Easley (hamstring, probable) took limited practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17.

Cardinals WR Early Doucet (concussion, out) missed practice all week and is out for Week 17.

Ravens WR Tandon Doss (ankle, questionable) took limited practice reps all week and is questionable for Week 17.

Raiders WR Juron Criner (hip, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17.

Panthers TE Greg Olsen (not injury related, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 17. He should see 6-8 targets in a possible shootout against the Saints this week.

49ers TE Vernon Davis (concussion, questionable) returned to limited practice reps Thursday after missing Wednesday practice and is questionable for Week 17. Davis has yet to receive final clearance to play. If he doesn't, Delanie Walker would be a nice pickup for Week 17.

Jets TE Dustin Keller (ankle, doubtful) missed practice all week and is doubtful for Week 17. Keller is not expected to play this week.

Patriots TE Aaron Hernandez (ankle, questionable) took limited practice reps all week and is questionable for Week 17. Hernandez is a nice bounce-back candidate this week against the Dolphins.

Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski (forearm, hip, questionable) took limited practice reps all week and is questionable for Week 17. Gronkowski is not expected to play in Week 17.

Saints TE Jimmy Graham (wrist, finger, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17. Graham will continue to play through his wrist injury.

Texans TE Owen Daniels (hamstring, neck, probable) returned to take limited reps Friday after missing practice Thursday and is probable for Week 17. Daniels is good to go for an important Week 17 game for the Texans.

Broncos WR Matt Willis (knee, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17.

Titans WR Damian Williams (foot, questionable) missed practice all week and is questionable for Week 17.

Broncos WR Brandon Stokley (quadricep, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 17.

Jets WR Chaz Schilens (knee, doubtful) missed practice all week and is doubtful for Week 17.

Rams WR Austin Pettis (shoulder, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17.

Seahawks TE Anthony McCoy (back, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 17.

Jets TE Jeff Cumberland (wrist, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17.

Packers TE Tom Crabtree (hamstring, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17.

Browns TE Jordan Cameron (head, out) missed practice all week and is out for Week 17.

Buccaneers TE Nate Byham (illness, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 17.

Giants TE Travis Beckum (knee) has been ruled out for Week 17.

Raiders TE David Ausberry (knee, probable) was limited Friday after taking full reps earlier in the week and is probable for Week 17.

Bills TE Scott Chandler (knee, out) missed practice all week and is out for Week 17. There's no opportunity to capitalize on Chandler's absence.

Buccaneers TE Dallas Clark (illness, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 17.

Raiders TE Brandon Myers (shoulder, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17. Myers isn't as attractive of a start without Carson Palmer under center.

Ravens TE Dennis Pitta (knee, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17. Pitta should be available to face the Bengals.

Lions TE Brandon Pettigrew (ankle, doubtful) returned to take limited reps Friday after missing practice earlier in the week and is doubtful for Week 17. It's a step in the right direction, but the doubtful tag means that he's probably not going to play this week. Tony Scheffler should continue to see extra snaps.

Packers K Mason Crosby (illness, probable) took full practice reps on Friday after being limited earlier in the week and is probable for Week 17.

Bengals K Mike Nugent (right calf, out) missed practice again Friday and is out for Week 17. He was placed on IR, so Josh Brown will continue to kick for the Bengals.

Titans TE Craig Stevens (concussion, out) missed practice all week and is out for Week 17.

Browns TE Alexander Smith (illness, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17.

Eagles TE Evan Moore (back, doubtful) missed practice again Friday and is doubtful for Week 17.

Chiefs TE Tony Moeaki (head, questionable) returned to take limited reps Friday after missing practice earlier in the week and is questionable for Week 17.

Jets K Nick Folk (back, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17.

The Bengals placed Mike Nugent (calf) on IR, ending his season.

Josh Brown will continue to kick for the Bengals.

Titans RB Chris Johnson practiced on Friday and still expected to play Sunday.

CJ1K has a nice matchup with the Jaguars on Sunday.

The San Francisco 49ers have placed WR Mario Manningham on the Injured Reserve List. Manningham tore his left ACL and PCL.

Randy Moss will start against the Cardinals on Sunday.

Steelers WR Mike Wallace (hip) has been ruled out for Week 17.

There is speculation that Wallace has already played his last game as a Steeler. He will get a lot of attention as an unrestricted free agent this summer. Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders will start for Pittsburgh on Sunday.

Jeremy Maclin at practice, catching passes. Should be good to go Sunday.

“He is quicker than fast,” Titans offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains said of WR Kendall Wright. “He’s really explosive in his lower body, so he’s catching a lot of slammer screens, the underneath stuff, and we’re giving him a chance to run after the catch. But sometimes when you throw a slammer screen on second-and-20, you’re not going to have a 17-yard average on that kind of stuff.”

“To his credit, he’s not 6-4 and he still played a lot on the perimeter for us against longer corners,” Ragone said. “I thought what he improved upon during the year was his ability to get off the jams. And for a smaller guy, that’s sometimes a difficulty.”

That means there could be more opportunities for Wright to get farther downfield next season.

“He’s just scratching the surface,” Ragone said. “You have to remember he was also a basketball player at Baylor and that he came to Baylor as a quarterback, so he’s only been playing wide receiver for a few years.

“To come in and play at the level we asked him to play at, at a pretty consistent level, has been impressive. I think he comes in here next year as a much more confident guy, knowing he can beat NFL defenders.”

Jets TE Dustin Keller, who will be an unrestricted free agent during the offseason, is eligible for the franchise tag if a deal is not reached by free agency, but does not want that to be an option.

"I 100 percent do not want to be franchised," Keller clarified in an e-mail. "I signed a five year deal, that’s what I agreed to. To make somebody play a one year deal to something they never agreed to is crazy to me. It’s not legal in any other business, so it’s still, it’s just crazy to me. So no, I definitely don’t want to be franchised."

The franchise mark for a tight end this year is $5.962 million, according to the league's Website.

Keller said he's looking to settle down with his next contract and remain in one place for an extended stay.

49ers TE Vernon Davis cleared to resume limited work at practice.

Davis has a few hoops to jump through to get cleared for Week 17. If he can't play, Delanie Walker would be a sneaky start against the Cardinals.

Running back Steven Jackson will have the option to explore free agency after the season, raising the question of whether Sunday's finale at Seattle will be his final game in a St. Louis Rams uniform.

Coach Jeff Fisher said the team wants him back, but if Jackson asks for too many years or too much money he might price himself out of a Rams uniform. The only thing for certain following the season finale at Seattle on Sunday is that the team's active leader in rushing yards has the biggest decision of his career to make. Fisher said the team's made its decision.

"I think everybody in the building would like to have him back," Fisher said. "It's just a matter of us sitting down and working things out."

Jaguars place RB Maurice Jones-Drew on IR so he'll finish by missing last 10 games.

The soon-to-be 28 year-old Jones-Drew averaged 12.3 standard fantasy points in his first five games, good for 10th-highest average among RBs. His contract is still an issuue for him heading into 2013, as he has one year remaining on his deal.

QB Ryan Fitzpatrick may indeed have more quarterback starts in his future, but he is expected to make his last one for the Buffalo Bills in the season finale against the New York Jets in Ralph Wilson Stadium.

Keeping Fitzpatrick makes little sense from an economic or production standpoint.

The Bills are eager to find a young quarterback for next season, and Fitzpatrick is due to make $7.45 million in 2013. That includes a $3 million bonus he would get in March. It’s not an exorbitant salary for a starting quarterback, but it is exorbitant for a quarterback who is 22-41-1 for his career and who would be keeping the starter’s seat warm for whichever young QB the Bills draft.

Furthermore, it’s hard to imagine the Bills trying to sell the product in 2013 after 3½ unsuccessful seasons with Fitzpatrick at the helm. This season’s repeated statements by Bills General Manager Buddy Nix — including “the time is now” to try to trade up to draft a quarterback — provide further indication the Bills are ready to turn the page on Fitzpatrick.

Browns beat writer Tony Grossi believes there is a "zero chance" that RB Trent Richardson plays this week.

Montario Hardesty and Chris Ogbonnaya (and perhaps Brandon Jackson) will split the RB workload with Richardson out.

Steelers WR Mike Wallace (hip) missed practice again on Thursday.

Receiver Kendall Wright (ribs) practiced again on Friday and is still expected to play.

Bengals RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis listed as a DNP due to illness, K Mike Nugent also DNPs due to right calf.

Looks like Josh Brown will remain the Bengals kicker for Week 17.

Titans WR Kenny Britt says his left knee is still swelling and he will see doctors in offseason to try and diagnose the problem, including Dr Andrews.

Texans TE Owen Daniels did not practice on Thursday. What's wrong with Owen? "Owen's fine. He's got a sore hamstring," HC Gary Kubiak says.

Saints RB Pierre Thomas (hamstring) missed practice again on Thursday.

If Thomas is out, it's an upgrade for Darren Sproles and Mark Ingram, and perhaps Chris Ivory as well.

Titans RB Chris Johnson didn't practice Thursday but said he's a go on Sunday.

A scan revealed ankle and knee damage, though Packers WR Randall Cobb said Thursday that neither is too serious. On Friday, he'll test the ankle out to see if he can play this weekend at Minnesota.

On Thursday, Cobb watched practice in sweats inside the Don Hutson Center. Playing Sunday remains "a possibility," Cobb said.

"We’re going to take it day by day and see where we’re at on Sunday," Cobb said. "We’ll test it tomorrow and see how much progression I’ve made over the past few days and we’ll see where we’re at on Sunday.”

Jordy Nelson is back at practice, so the Packers may elect to rest Cobb for the playoffs.

Eagles WR Jeremy Maclin (knee) missed practice on Thursday after tweaking knee on Wednesday.

If Maclin were to miss Week 17, it would certainly put a dent in Michael Vick's sneaky start status, though Riley Cooper would be an interesting player to consider. Update: Maclin says he intends to practice on Friday.

Giants WR Hakeem Nicks (knee) didn't do a whole lot in Thursday's practice, HC Tom Coughlin said.

Consider Nicks very questionable for Week 17.

Giants RB Ahmad Bradshaw returned to practice today.

49ers TE Vernon Davis has gained clearance from an independent neurologist and the 49ers' team physician and resumed non-contact football activity Thursday after sustaining a concussion.

The next step for Davis to receive clearance to play Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals is to remain symptom-free after non-contact football work. Davis was expected to take part in limited practice Thursday afternoon.

Dolphins WR Davone Bess remained out of practice today. He is unlikely to go this weekend.

Bears RB Matt Forte (ankle) did some work and was limited.

Forte is expected to play this week against the Lions. Michael Bush is out.

Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman won his appeal of a four-game suspension for use of performance-enhancing substances on Thursday, making him eligible for the NFL playoffs. The decision was made by former NFL executive Bob Wallace.

Sherman was steadfast since news broke of his pending suspension that he believed he would win on appeal. Sherman's appeal was based on errors in the chain of custody of his sample and that there were mistakes made by the tester. Sherman, who made his appeal late last week, also had expressed a desire to pursue his case further in court if the suspension hadn't been overturned.

The decision makes Sherman eligible for the Seahawks' season finale against St. Louis and, more importantly, the playoffs. Seattle has played the past three weeks without fellow starting cornerback Brandon Browner, who is serving a four-game suspension for a banned substance violation.

The New York Jets' quarterback merry-go-round started spinning again Thursday morning, when Rex Ryan announced that Greg McElroy was being evaluated for a possible concussion and won't play Sunday against the Buffalo Bills in the season finale. Ryan said Mark Sanchez will start the game

Hopefully your fantasy championship doesn't rest in the hands of a Jets QB.

Giants RB Ahmad Bradshaw took some walk-through reps during the portion of practice open to the media today, a rare Thursday practice appearance for Bradshaw, who is coming off a sprained knee and is managing a bruised bone in his foot.

Browns QBs Brandon Weeden and Colt McCoy didn’t practice again today with shoulder sprains suffered Sunday in the loss to the Broncos. Running back Trent Richardson also remained sidelined with an ankle sprain. Coach Pat Shurmur didn’t rule them out for the finale Sunday in Pittsburgh, but said if he knows they can’t play he will make the announcement before gameday, likely Friday.

Offensive coordinator Brad Childress said Richardson could be a “spot player” this week behind Montario Hardesty if he’s cleared to play. Richardson, who broke Jim Brown’s team rookie rushing record last week, is 50 yards shy of the 1,000-yard milestone.

All Browns players should be hands off in Week 17 as they face the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Giants HC Tom Coughlin sounds encouraged about Ahmad Bradshaw. Not so much about Hakeem Nicks. He didn't do a whole lot, Coughlin said.

Bradshaw touched the ball 10 times for 47 yards. He's a flex option this week against the Eagles.

Jaguars RB Maurice Jones-Drew remains out of practice.

Montell Owens will carry the Jaguars 2012 season into the sunset. The Jaguars face the Titans in Week 17 who are #32 in aFPA to RBs.

Packers RB James Starks remains out.

Raiders RB Darren McFadden is averaging 3.3 yards per carry -- the NFL's third-lowest mark among qualified players.

"We certainly want to get Darren going and we haven't really been able to get it on track on a consistent basis," HC Dennis Allen said.

Kyle Shanahan echoed Mike's statement that the decision to limit Robert Griffin III's runs against the Eagles last week was related to the game plan and not to Griffin's sprained knee.

This is great news for anyone relying on RG3 in Week 17. The Skins will be highly motivated against the Cowboys this weekend. A win and they are in as NFC East champions.

Bengals RB Benjarvus Green-Ellis missed practice Thursday due to illness.

With the ball on the 15-yard line in the fourth quarter, Vikings RB Adrian Peterson decided Toby Gerhart gave the team a better chance to score than he did while dealing with abdomen pain.

“That’s the reason I came out because I felt like it was best for Toby to go in at that point in time and on that play he would give us the better opportunity to get it in the end zone,” Peterson said. “I didn’t want to be selfish just because we were down by the end zone and go in there and not be able to go 100 percent. Toby did a good job of executing and finishing that drive.”

Peterson missed practice Thursday with the abdomen, but is expected to be fine for a Sunday tilt with the Packers. Peterson rushed for 210 yards and a score in Week 13 against the Packers.

Titans WR Kenny Britt says his left knee is still swelling and he will see doctors in offseason to try and diagnose the problem, including Dr. Andrews.

Texans HC Gary Kubiak said Arian Foster is fine. He is expected to play this weekend.

Foster was pulled for precautionary reasons last week after an irregular heartbeat popped up in-game. The Texans face the Colts Sunday, who Arian Foster gashed for 165 rushing yards on 27 carries two weeks ago.

Texans held TE Owen Daniels out of practice because of cold weather. He is expected to suit up this weekend.

Panther HC Ron Rivera said Jonathan Stewart had a setback with his ankle injury.

It sounds like Stewart is unlikely to suit up this week. DeAngelo Williams will again be the lead back with Mike Tolbert in the mix. The Panthers get a Saints team who has been improving against the run lately. Williams is an unreliable flex play. Last week he managed only 19 rush yards on 10 carries against the Raiders after having a long TD called back early.

Titans RB Chris Johnson missed practice again Thursday. He will test his ankle on Friday. HC Mike Munchak expects him to return to practice Friday.

Johnson says he takes pride in being durable and will play this week against the Jaguars, who are #28 in aFPA to RBs.

Eagles WR Jeremy Maclin didn't practice today, after leaving yesterday's session with a knee problem. Maclin says he will return to practice tomorrow.

Jets TE Dustin Keller, who said he was diagnosed with a high grade ankle sprain, is hopeful he can return to practice tomorrow.

Packers WR Randall Cobb on his ankle: “It’s getting better day by day. I’m going to test it out tomorrow and see where we’re at for Sunday.”

Lions WR Stefan Logan has been pulled off all return duties for the Bears game.

Cardinals RB Beanie Wells’ four seasons have been defined by injuries. But who replaces him? Ryan Williams finished both of his seasons on injured reserve. LaRod Stephens-Howling is due to be an unrestricted free agent, and the Cardinals have not yet tried to re-sign him. Wells is under contract through 2013.

At this time, the best option appears to keeping him and hoping that he and Williams can stay healthy in 2013. Maybe the situation changes if the team finds running backs in the draft or free agency. But that’s the way it stands now.

Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski said Wednesday he is still waiting to be cleared by the team's medical staff before he can return from a broken left forearm that has kept him out of the past five games.

"When the doctors clear me, when the training staff clears me, when I'm medically ready to play and they let me play, I'm sure that's when I'll be out there," Gronkowski said.

"Basically, the doctors know what they're talking about. They'll know when it's safe and sound and ready to go," he said. "I'm going to trust in them, and when they say so, I'm anxious to get out there, so obviously I want to go."

We don't expect Gronkowski to play this week.

Steelers TE Heath Miller, who tore knee ligaments Sunday, will have surgery Wednesday.

Tearing his ACL, PCL and MCL, he's going to have a tough time getting ready for the 2013 season, but Miller is a tough player.

Kicker Mike Nugent practiced fully for the first time since injuring his right calf on Dec. 5.

Nugent has not played in the past three games because of his injury. While he’s been out, Josh Brown has handled the kicking duties. Brown has made 8 of 9 field goal attempts and been perfect on six extra point attempts.

Nugent is likely to kick for the Bengals in Week 17, which wil be confirmed when the team releases Brown. The Packers may want to sign Brown. He's a career 89% kicker from 40-49 yards.

With the Broncos needing to win Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs to clinch the AFC's No. 2 playoff seed while maintaining a chance for the No. 1 seed, QB Peyton Manning is expected to play the entire game.

Redskins QB Robert Griffin III on his knee: I'll be able to do more against Dallas than I did against Philly.

In other words, he'll rush for more than the four yards he totaled in Week 16. Start him with confidence.

Giants WR Hakeem Nicks said he isn't sure yet if he'll play Sunday. As for if knee will need offseason surgery, he said he'll try rest first.

Domenik Hixon and Rueben Randle figure to benefit the most if Nicks can't play on Sunday.

49ers TE Vernon Davis (concussion) did not practice on Wednesday.

Davis did some conditioning, so it appears that he may be able to play in Week 17.

WR Jeremy Maclin injured his knee in practice with the Eagles today. He was "limited".

Consider the oft-injured wideout questionable for Sunday's game against the Giants.

Running back Jonathan Stewart (ankle) was limited on Wednesday.

Stewart, who has missed the past four games, said he hoped to play against the Saints. But Rivera said Stewart was “pretty hobbled still.”

HC Mike McCarthy on CB Charles Woodson: Still out on doctor's recommendation. Minnesota was the original target. He's disappointed.

Steelers WR Mike Wallace missed Wednesday's practice with a hip ailment.

Bears RB Matt Forte (ankle) missed practice on Wednesday.

The Bears playoffs hopes are still very much alive, so expect Forte to try to play if the ankle is close. Armando Allen and Kahlil Bell are next up.

Packers WR Jordy Nelson (hamstring) and RB Alex Green returned to practice on Wednesday. Randall Cobb (ankle) sat out.

It appears that Nelson and Green are on track to play in a big game against the Vikings on Sunday. Our guess is that if Cobb is able to give it a go, the Packers would love to have him out there. We'll know more later in the week.

Raiders QBs Terrelle Pryor and Matt Leinart split the reps with first-team offense Wednesday.

Texans RB Arian Foster is fine and has been cleared. Took normal amount of reps.

It appears that Foster will play in a crucial Week 17 matchup with the Colts. Indianapolis was torched by Jamaal Charles last week.

Patriots HC Bill Belichick on TE Rob Gronkowski's progress: He did more last week than he did the week before...we'll take it day to day. he's moving along, not ready yet

Browns HC Pat Shurmur said QB Brandon Weeden (sprained right shoulder) & RB Trent Richardson (ankle) still not ruled out for Sunday.

It's doubtful that the Browns would rush either player back for a meaningless game, but stranger things have happened.

Eagles placed QB Nick Foles on IR with a broken hand. Of course that likely works against the Giants, with Mike Vick likely getting the start.

Michael Vick is expected to start for the Eagles on Sunday.

The Giants have already opened up talks on a long-term deal with WR Victor Cruz, though he’ll only be a restricted free agent after the season, so they could easily retain him for less than $3 million. At the right price, it’s in their interest to sign him long term. If the price isn’t right, they can afford to wait.

The bigger question is WR Hakeem Nicks, who is signed through 2013 at $2.425 million. He’ll surely seek an extension, but how do you judge the value of a potential top-10 receiver with a problem staying healthy? Receivers have become $10 million-a-year players, but Nicks’ body has been battered and injuries reduced him to a possession receiver this season.

It might be better to let him play out his deal and see where the market is next offseason. It’ll be a tough sell to Nicks if they don’t pay him while giving a big contract to Cruz.

Packers HC Mike McCarthy said Monday morning that the return of safety Charles Woodson (collarbone), receiver Jordy Nelson (hamstring), running back Alex Green (concussion), tight end Tom Crabtree (hamstring) and end Jerel Worthy (hamstring) are imminent.

"I'm hopeful a lot of those guys can get back. But we'll see," McCarthy said a day after beating Tennessee, 55-7. "I know Jordy, talking with him, he feels like he's very close. Charles, he's waiting on information from the medical staff. He's very close. Alex Green, I was surprised that he wasn't available for Tennessee just based on the way that process, the result of the process, so he'll definitely be available.

"C.J. (Wilson, knee), I don't have enough information there. Same with James Starks (knee). Tom Crabtree's close, he'll be close. Jerel should be ready."

The Packers need a win to clinch the #2 seed and a first round bye, so they are motivated. Nelson's status could depend on Randall Cobb (ankle).

TE Vernon Davis should be available for the 49ers' regular-season finale against the Cardinals after sustaining a mild concussion Sunday night against the Seattle Seahawks.

With Mario Manningham and Kyle Williams lost for the year, Randy Moss is now the team's WR2. Getting production from Davis will be key to a long 49ers playoff run, so perhaps look for them to try to start to get him involved this week.

Randy Moss, 35, a 14-year veteran, is now the 49ers' No. 2 wide receiver. In 2010, when he played for three teams, Moss caught 28 passes for 393 yards and five touchdowns.

This year, Moss has just 26 receptions for 406 yards and three touchdowns, and hasn't caught more than three balls in one game. Michael Crabtree, who is just 67 yards shy of becoming the 49ers' first 1,000-yard receiver since Terrell Owens in 2003, leads the 49ers with 77 receptions and seven touchdowns.

Colts WR Reggie Wayne saw no reason to delay the debate concerning resting players.

"We're too young to rest," the veteran receiver said. "We probably need to put everybody out there and have them continue to play. I don't think we can afford (to rest).

"I can't speak for everybody, but I'm built to play."

While Wayne is set to play, that may not be what the team decides. The Colts are locked into the number-five seed in the AFC so there's a pretty good chance someone like Wayne may not see a full work day. We should know more as the week goes on.

Packers coach Mike McCarthy said: "Alex Green, I was surprised that he wasn't available for Tennessee just based on the way that process, the result of the process, so he'll definitely be available."

Green is ready to go after a concussion. He'll share worth with Ryan Grant in what isn't all that great of a matchup with the Vikings.

Jags coach Mike Munchak says he expects WR Kendall Wright to be back this week.

"Cracked ribs and a bruised lung" shown on CT scan for Raiders QB Carson Palmer.

Matt Leinart will get the start Week 17. Terrelle Pryor should also get some snaps in certain situations against the Chargers.

Jaguars put RB Rashad Jennings on IR.

Jaguars put WR Cecil Shorts on IR

Shorts suffered his second concussion in three weeks. Jordan Shipley and Tony Clemons should see more time alongside Justin Blackmon.

Browns place WR Mohamed Massaquoi (knee) on injured reserve.

Cardinals TE Rob Housler won't play against 49ers. Sprained AC joint.

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin: WR Mike Wallace has hip strain.

If Wallace misses the game or is limited, Emmanuel Sanders would see an increase in targets.

Steelers TE Heath Miller now has ACL tear.

Early reports thought he may have escaped a tear but that's no longer the case. Obviously out for Week 17, Miller will be a question mark heading into to 2013 season coming off a surprising 2012.

And Reid: QB Nick Foles won't play Sunday.

Michael Vick, according to Adam Schefter, will get the start despite being the number-three last week against Washington. He presents a decent fantasy option against a Giants defense that's been getting lit up lately. At least consider him a high-end QB2 until our rankings come out.

Broncos kickoff and punt returner Trindon Holliday left the game with a sprained ankle.

Packers coach Mike McCarthy said he's hopeful WR Jordy Nelson back this week.

Texans coach Gary Kubiak: "Running some tests with Arian Foster just to make sure, but everything has been positive. Expecting him to be back."

The Texans are playing for top seed and it looks like they will have their top RB able to play in the game.

Saints TE Graham raced to the sideline in excruciating pain, the ring finger on his right hand dislocated and bent sideways at an anatomically incorrect angle.

He only missed one play as a result of the injury so should be a go in Week 17.

Bills TE Scott Chandler to IR. It's fair to say the Bills may pick up a tight end.

Brandon Weeden left the Browns locker room wincing in pain with a right shoulder injury Sunday night.

At this point, it looks like Weeden might sit out next week's finale in Pittsburgh.

Weeden (12-of-19, 104 yards, 0 TDs, 0 INTs) was knocked out of the game with 3:54 left in the third quarter when Von Miller exploded in on Weeden's right side and sacked him for a 9-yard loss. Weeden got up slowly, grimacing in pain and shaking his right arm. He walked off with the trainers and soon headed to the locker room.

According to the story, in the locker room, Weeden needed help from tight end Alex Smith in getting a pad off, and declined to elaborate on his injury. "I'm all right," he said. "I'll talk to you on Wednesday." The diagnosis is a shoulder sprain, and while it would seem unlikely Weeden plays Week 17 against the Steelers, he hasn't been ruled out. Colt McCoy would get the start but isn't really a great lineup option.

Browns RB Trent Richardson hobbled out with a walking boot on his left foot for the long trek to the team bus, where a bunch of dejected players and coaches sat waiting for him.

At this point, it looks like Richardson might sit out next week's finale in Pittsburgh.

He underwent X-rays, which were negative. Richardson tried to answer a few questions at his locker, but two members of the Browns public relations staff prevented him from talking. He managed to say the ankle wasn't broken. "I'll be alright," he said. "I'm fine." It would seem very unlikely Richardson plays next week. Montario Hardesty would get the start but it's a tough matchup against Pittsburgh.

Vikings running back Adrian Peterson missed practice time in the days preceding Sunday’s win over the Texans with a groin/abdomen injury. After the game, coach Leslie Frazier said that Peterson was held out of the game late because of an abdomen problem.

But Frazier was unequivocal in his comments to Peter King of Sports Illustrated, who reported during Football Night in America that Frazier said Peterson absolutely will play next Sunday against the Packers.

Peterson needs 208 rushing yards to set the single-season rushing record. Last time he played the Packers, he racked up 210 yards in Green Bay.

49 coach Jim Harbaugh described TE Vernon Davis' concussion as "minor."

He'll still have to pass tests to get back on to the field for Week 17. But he hasn't been much of a fantasy factor due to not having a connection yet with QB Colin Kaepernick.

49ers wide receiver Mario Manningham tore his ACL and PCL Sunday night against Seattle. Done for the season.

X-rays on receiver Randall Cobb’s injured ankle were negative, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.

An MRI will be conducted on Monday. Currently, it’s not believed that Cobb has any significant damage.

He could play on Sunday against the Vikings; he should be ready to go for the postseason — especially if the Packers end up with a bye.

While the story says he could play Week 17, it would seem unlikely the team puts him out there with all their WR depth, and of course being poised for a long playoff run. However, the number-two seed and a bye is up for grabs yet. James Jones has developed into a nice second option and Greg Jennings could also see more work.

Ravens WR Anquan Boldin (shoulder) is DOUBTFUL to return.

Jacoby Jones would see increased snaps if Boldin can't play in Week 17. But, coach John Harbaugh after the game said there were no significant injuries. That's all we known at this point.

Patriots safety Patrick Chung laid a nasty helmet-to-helmet hit on Jaguars receiver Cecil Shorts during the fourth quarter that drew an unnecessary-roughness penalty.

Shorts was knocked out of the game and did not return.

The hit will likely end Shorts' breakout season. He has 55 receptions for 979 yards and seven TDs. If the rumors are true and the Jaguars acquire Tim Tebow next offseason, it may put a dent in Shorts' value.

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb left Sunday's 55-7 blowout win over the Tennesee Titans in the third quarter with an ankle injury and did not return.

Cobb, who has developed into the Packers' version of Percy Harvin, was injured after he fielded a punt. He slowly jogged off the field with a noticeable limp, but he originally looked to be fine as he jogged on the sideline. Moments later, Cobb was taken to the Packers' locker room.

Cobb had three receptions for 62 yards and a touchdown before he left the game.

If Cobb can't play next week against the Vikings, it will mean bigger roles for James Jones and Greg Jennings, especially if Jordy Nelson can't return.

Tight end Heath Miller sustained a PCL and MCL injury to his right knee, according to Steelers coach Mike Tomlin, and isn‘t expected to play in the season finale Sunday against the Cleveland Browns.

Texans running back Arian Foster left Sunday's 23-6 loss to the Minnesota Vikings with an irregular heartbeat.

"I'll be OK," Foster said. "It's a very minor situation, so I'll be OK."

Coach Gary Kubiak said Foster had experienced the problem once before in practice.

"He calms down and he's fine," Kubiak said.

The medical staff told Kubiak that Foster was OK late in Sunday's game and could return. But Kubiak thought it would be best to give him the rest of the game off.

Vikings RB Adrian Peterson acknowledged the abdominal injury that limited him in practice last week flared up late in the fourth quarter.

He was on the sideline when Toby Gerhart scored on a 3-yard touchdown dive with 4:49 remaining and then watched Gerhart convert a pivotal third down with 3:14 left to allow the Vikings to drain the clock.

We wouldn't worry too much about Peterson this week. He'll almost certainly play against the Packers in Week 17.

Bears RB Matt Forte exited in the game in the third quarter after re-injuring his troublesome right ankle at the end of a run. Forte was taped up and appeared to be fighting to return to the game, but the Bears were taking no chances with a 28-6 lead.

Forte walked to the locker room with trainers. An announcement he was done for the game soon followed.

Armando Allen and Kahlil Bell filled in for Forte. The Bears play the Lions next week.

Seahawks Inactives
Jaye Howard DT
Rishaw Johnson G
John Moffitt G
Mike Person T
DeShawn Shead DB
Walter Thurmond CB
Marcus Trufant CB

49ers Inactives
Clark Haggans LB
Jewel Hampton RB
A.J. Jenkins WR
Joe Looney G
Trenton Robinson FS
Justin Smith DE
Scott Tolzien QB

Bears Inactives
Blake Costanzo OLB
Josh McCown QB
Henry Melton DT
Cheta Ozougwu DE
Dane Sanzenbacher WR
Jonathan Scott T
Brian Urlacher MLB

WR Earl Bennett is active for the Bears.

Cardinals Inactives
Early Doucet WR
Mike Gibson T
Jaymar Johnson WR
Senio Kelemete G
John Skelton QB
Kory Sperry TE
Ronald Talley DE

Giants Inactives
Ramses Barden WR
Travis Beckum TE
Adewale Ojomo DE
Kenny Phillips SS
Adrien Robinson TE
Tyler Sash DB
Justin Tuck DE

RB Ahmad Bradshaw is active for the Giants as expected. He'll split work with rookie RB David Wilson.

Ravens Inactives
Tandon Doss WR
Bryan Hall DT
Ramon Harewood G
Albert McClellan OLB
Bernard Pollard SS
Deonte Thompson WR
Bobbie Williams G

WR Torrey Smith returns from concussion. Backup RB Bernard Pierce is also active.

Broncos Inactives
Andre Caldwell WR
Quinton Carter FS
Chris Gronkowski RB
Caleb Hanie QB
Chris Kuper G
Sealver Siliga DT
Julius Thomas TE

Browns Inactives
Jordan Cameron TE
Tashaun Gipson FS
Brandon Jackson RB
Ishmaa'ily Kitchen NT
Mohamed Massaquoi WR
Adrian Moten LB
Jarrod Shaw G

Seahawks CB Richard Sherman is expected to play Sunday night versus the 49ers after he missed the past two days because of an appeals hearing.

This isn’t great news for owners of 49ers WR Michael Crabtree. Sherman is a top-5 cover corner and has locked down opponents for much of the season. Crabtree is our 28th-rated wide receiver in standard formats for Week 16.

Jets QB Tim Tebow (ribs, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 16.

Jets QB Mark Sanchez (back, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 16. Greg McElroy was named the Week 16 starter.

Chiefs QB Brady Quinn (ribs, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 16.

Colts QB Andrew Luck (knee, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 16. Luck is expected to play through the injury, as usual.

Titans QB Jake Locker (left shoulder, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 16. No worries here.

Packers QB Aaron Rodgers (ankle, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 16. Rodgers tweaked his ankle against the Bears, but finished the game. He will be fine to play against the Titans.

Redskins QB Robert Griffin III (knee, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 16. Barring a setback, Griffin is expected to start this week. This is not only great news for Griffin owners, but Pierre Garcon owners can celebrate as well. The Redskins face an Eagles defense that has struggled mightily against the pass this season.

Rams RB Steven Jackson (illness, probable) returned to take limited reps Friday after missing practice earlier in the week and is probable for Week 16. S-Jax is good to go for a not-so-great matchup against the Buccaneers.

Browns RB Trent Richardson (chest, rib, finger, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 16. T-Rich is good to go, but has a bad matchup against the Broncos and the Browns' running game has not been very productive lately.

Packers RB Alex Green (concussion, questionable) missed practice all week and is questionable for Week 16. The Packers still believe that he may be available to play in Week 16. If not, look for Ryan Grant and DuJuan Harris to split the RB workload in a nice matchup against the Titans. John Kuhn (not injury related) was removed from the injury report Friday.

49ers RB Frank Gore (wrist, probable) took full practice reps again Thursday and is probable for Week 16. Gore has a so-so matchup with the Seahawks this week.

Giants RB Ahmad Bradshaw (knee, foot, questionable) returned to take limited reps Friday after missing practice earlier in the week and is questionable for Week 16. Barring a setback, Bradshaw should return to a RBBC with David Wilson in Week 16.

Eagles QB Michael Vick (concussion, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 16.

Broncos RB Knowshon Moreno (ribs, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 16. Over the last four weeks, Moreno has garnered 76% of the Broncos' RB touches and has a nice matchup with the Browns.

Eagles RB LeSean McCoy (concussion, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 16. Bryce Brown will return to his RB2 role behind McCoy.

Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch (back, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 16. Lynch is a solid start even in a bad matchup against the 49ers.

Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (abdomen, groin, probable) took full practice reps Friday after missing practice earlier in the week and is probable for Week 16. Peterson is a must-start even in a bad matchup against the Texans. AP is matchup-proof at this point.

Lions RB Mikel Leshoure (calf, probable) took limited practice reps all week and is probable for Week 16. He's good to go for a good matchup with the Falcons on Saturday.

Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart (ankle, questionable) returned to take limited reps Friday after missing practice earlier in the week and is questionable for Week 16. If Stewart can play, it will put a dent in the upside of DeAngelo Williams, who was shaping up to be a sneaky start against the Raiders.

Colts RB Delone Carter (ankle, out) missed practice all week and is out for Week 16. Vick Ballard is a nice start against the Chiefs.

Chargers RB Ronnie Brown (hamstring, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 16. Brown will probably split touches with Jackie Battle, who is the better between-the-tackles runner at this point.

Jaguars RBs Maurice Jones-Drew (foot, out) and Rashad Jennings (concussion, out) missed practice all week and are out for Week 16. Montell Owens gets another start this week.

Browns RB Montario Hardesty (knee, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 16.

Broncos RB Chris Gronkowski (hamstring, questionable) took limited practice reps again Friday and is questionable for Week 16.

Texans RB Justin Forsett (knee, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 16.

Saints RB Jed Collins (knee, toe, out) missed practice all week and is out for Week 16.

Texans RB Tyler Clutts (abdominal, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 16.

Jets RB Bilal Powell (shoulder, toe, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 16. Powell should get his usual 8-12 touches against the Chargers.

Saints RB Pierre Thomas (knee, probable) took limited practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 16. If Thomas can't handle his usual 8-10 touches this week, it would be an upgrade for Darren Sproles and Mark Ingram, and perhaps Chris Ivory, if he's healthy enough to play. Ivory (hamstring, questionable) took limited practice reps all week and is questionable for Week 16. The Saints play early on Sunday.

Texans RB Ben Tate (hamstring, foot, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 16. He is once again the RB2 in Houston.

Bills RB C.J. Spiller (shoulder, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 16. He is a top 5 option against the Dolphins this week.

Cowboys RB DeMarco Murray (foot, probable) took limited practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 16. Felix Jones (knee, probable) took full practice reps all week and is also probable.

Packers RB James Starks (knee, out) missed practice all week and is out for Week 16.

Cardinals RB Anthony Sherman (knee, questionable) took limited practice reps all week and is questionable for Week 16.

Eagles RB Chris Polk (toe, doubtful) took full practice reps all week and is doubtful for Week 16.

Ravens RB Bernard Pierce (head, questionable) missed practice all week and is questionable for Week 16. Ray Rice may not see the sidelines if Pierce can't play.

Bengals RB Cedric Peerman (ankle, questionable) took limited practice reps all week and is questionable for Week 16.

49ers RB Bruce Miller (shoulder, probable) took limited practice reps again Thursday.
and is probable for Week 16.

Jets RB Joe McKnight (ankle, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 16.

Ravens RB Vonta Leach (ankle, questionable) returned to take limited reps Friday after missing practice Thursday and is questionable for Week 16.

Jaguars RB Greg Jones (thigh, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 16.

Eagles RB Stanley Havili (hamstring, out) missed practice all week and is out for Week 16.

Broncos WR Eric Decker (ankle, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 16. After a four-game stretch where he averaged just 2.5-30-0.3 (on 4.8 targets per game), Decker has racked up 16-221-1 on 20 targets in his last two games. He's back.

Packers WR Randall Cobb (shoulder, probable) took full practice reps on Friday after being limited earlier in the week and is probable for Week 16. No worries here. Cobb looks like a strong start against the Titans even though he doesn't get a ton of targets.

Giants WR Hakeem Nicks (knee, probable) took limited practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 16. He's good to go, but he's not his usual self right now.

Packers WR Jordy Nelson (hamstring, out) missed practice all week and is out for Week 16. Even if Nelson is getting close, the team may be holding him out of Week 16 because they view it as a "winnable" game (without Nelson) against the Titans. Randall Cobb, James Jones and Greg Jennings will hold down the fort until Nelson can return.

Cowboys WR Dez Bryant (finger, probable) took limited practice reps all week and is probable for Week 16. He's obviously not at 100% but he has a nice matchup with the Saints, and it's tough to bench a player who has eight TDs in his last six games.

Falcons WR Roddy White (knee, questionable) took limited practice reps again Friday and is questionable for Week 16. White is expected to play against the Lions on Saturday, but he doesn't appear to be at full health.

Colts WR Reggie Wayne (not injury related) missed practice Friday. No word on what kept him out of practice, but it wasn't injury related. Wayne should be fine for a pretty good matchup with the Chiefs.

Seahawks RB Leon Washington (illness, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 16.

Seahawks RB Robert Turbin (illness, probable) took full practice reps on Friday after being limited earlier in the week and is probable for Week 16.

Titans WR Kendall Wright (rib, questionable) missed practice all week and is questionable for Week 16. Wright is likely out against the Packers, which is good news for Nate Washington, who has averaged 4.5 catches for 63 yards and 0.4 TD in 22 games during the last two seasons when he's been targeted 6+ times.

Dolphins WR Brian Hartline (back, questionable) returned to take limited reps Friday after missing practice Thursday and is questionable for Week 16. Davone Bess (back, out) missed practice all week and is out. With Bess ruled out, Hartline should be a decent start, though the Bills have moved up to #7 in WR aFPA.

Titans WR Kenny Britt (knee, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 16. He and Nate Washington should benefit from the likely absence of Kendall Wright.

Buccaneers WR Mike Williams (wrist, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 16. Williams is ready for a good matchup against the Rams.

Bears WR Brandon Marshall (hamstring, probable) took full practice reps on Friday after being limited earlier in the week and is probable for Week 16. This is not rocket science -- start him.

Eagles WR Jeremy Maclin (back, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 16. Maclin has a nice matchup with the Redskins (#27 in WR aFPA), but with Nick Foles under center, he is far from a sure thing.

Patriots WRs Wes Welker (ankle, questionable) and Brandon Lloyd (knee, questionable) took limited practice reps all week and are questionable for Week 16. Owners who are surprised by this obviously haven't been paying attention. Tsk tsk. Barring a big surprise, both players will be a go this week.

Panthers WR Brandon LaFell (toe, probable) took full practice reps Friday after missing practice earlier in the week and is probable for Week 16. LaFell is a shaky start given the fact that he didn't see a single target in Week 15.

Lions WR Calvin Johnson (knee, probable) took limited practice reps all week and is probable for Week 16. No worries here.

Redskins WR Pierre Garcon (foot, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 16. Garcon is good to go for a nice matchup with the Eagles. He gets a boost with the return of Robert Griffin III.

Browns WR Travis Benjamin (finger, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 16.

Chiefs WR Josh Bellamy (illness, probable) returned to take full practice reps Friday after missing practice Thursday and is probable for Week 16.

Chiefs WR Jonathan Baldwin (illness, probable) took full practice reps on Friday after being limited earlier in the week and is probable for Week 16. Baldwin is proof that opportunity does not always equal fantasy success.

Eagles WR Jason Avant (hamstring, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 16. He's a decent desperation play in PPR formats in a nice matchup against the Redskins.

Titans WR Damian Williams (hamstring, questionable) took full practice reps again Friday and is questionable for Week 16. Williams could see some targets as the Titans' WR3 with Kendall Wright likely out.

Steelers WR Emmanuel Sanders (rib, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 16. He'll fill his usual role as the Steelers' WR3.

49ers WR Mario Manningham (shoulder, questionable) took limited practice reps again Thursday and is questionable for Week 16. Randy Moss would see increased snaps if Manningham can't play.

Eagles WR Riley Cooper (knee, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 16. Cooper has 16 targets in his last two games and has a nice matchup against the Redskins this week.

Ravens WR Torrey Smith (head, questionable) took limited practice reps again Friday and is questionable for Week 16. Smith is expected to play against the Giants, but needs to be targeted more than he has in recent weeks (six total targets in last two games) to make a big impact on Sunday.

Seahawks WR Sidney Rice (knee, questionable) returned to take limited reps Friday after missing practice earlier in the week and is questionable for Week 16. Rice will apparently be a game-time decision for Sunday Night Football, which is not good news for Russell Wilson, who struggled to 122 yards and an interception in his Week 7 meeting with the 49ers. Golden Tate posted a goose egg on three targets in that game, but he and Doug Baldwin figure to be more involved if Rice is hobbled or can't play.

Jets WR Braylon Edwards (hamstring, questionable) took limited practice reps all week and is questionable for Week 16.

Bills WR Marcus Easley (hamstring, out) missed practice all week and is out for Week 16.

Falcons WR Harry Douglas (ribs, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 16.

Cardinals WR Early Doucet (concussion, out) missed practice all week and is out for Week 16.

Ravens WR Tandon Doss (ankle, questionable) missed practice all week and is questionable for Week 16.

Raiders WR Juron Criner (hip, questionable) took limited practice reps all week and is questionable for Week 16.

Browns WR Josh Cribbs (knee, probable) took limited practice reps all week and is probable for Week 16.

Chiefs WR Terrance Copper (hamstring, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 16.

Dolphins WR Armon Binns (ankle, probable) took full practice reps Friday and is probable for Week 16.

Bears WR Earl Bennett (concussion, questionable) took limited practice reps all week and is questionable for Week 16.

Patriots TE Aaron Hernandez (ankle, questionable) took limited practice reps all week and is questionable for Week 16.

Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski (forearm, hip, questionable) took limited practice reps all week and is questionable for Week 16. Gronkowski is not expected to play this week. It's not a huge surprise here considering the opponent (Jacksonville). Aaron Hernandez and Brandon Lloyd should continue to be strong starts in Week 16.

Broncos WR Matt Willis (knee, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 16.

Ravens WR LaQuan Williams (thigh, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 16.

Ravens WR Deonte Thompson (thigh, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 16.

Jets WR Chaz Schilens (calf, knee, questionable) took limited practice reps again Friday and is questionable for Week 16.

Chargers WR Eddie Royal (hamstring, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 16.

Giants WR Rueben Randle (back, probable) took full practice reps on Friday after being limited earlier in the week and is probable for Week 16.

Cowboys WR Kevin Ogletree (illness, questionable) missed practice Friday and is questionable for Week 16.

Browns WR Mohamed Massaquoi (knee, out) missed practice again Friday and is out for Week 16.

Broncos WR Trindon Holliday (knee, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 16.

Jets WR Mardy Gilyard (illness, questionable) missed practice Friday after taking full reps Thursday and is questionable for Week 16.

Cardinals TE Robert Housler (knee, questionable) took limited practice reps all week and is questionable for Week 16.

Raiders TE Richard Gordon (biceps, probable) took limited practice reps all week and is probable for Week 16.

Ravens TE Ed Dickson (knee, probable) took full practice reps on Friday after being limited earlier in the week and is probable for Week 16.

Jets TE Jeff Cumberland (ankle, wrist, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 16.

Packers TE Tom Crabtree (hamstring, out) missed practice all week and is out for Week 16.

Browns TE Jordan Cameron (head, out) missed practice all week and is out for Week 16.

Giants TE Travis Beckum (knee, questionable) was limited Friday after taking full reps earlier in the week and is questionable for Week 16.

Bills TE Scott Chandler (foot, probable) took limited practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 16. He saw eight targets last week with Donald Jones sidelined.

Eagles TE Brent Celek (concussion, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 16. With Clay Harbor done for the year, he should be able to produce against the Redskins (#30 WR aFPA), in what could turn into a shootout.

Lions TE Brandon Pettigrew (ankle, doubtful) missed practice all week and is doubtful for Week 16. Pettigrew is likely out, so look for Tony Scheffler to see a good workload against the Falcons on Saturday.

Saints TE Jimmy Graham (wrist, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 16. He's fine to play, but his fantasy production is down 21% this season.

Texans TE Owen Daniels (hamstring, probable) took full practice reps Friday and is probable for Week 16. Daniels should be fine to play against the Vikings, who are #26 in TE aFPA.

Jets K Nick Folk (back, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 16.

Dolphins K Dan Carpenter (right groin, out) missed practice Friday after taking limited reps Thursday and is out for Week 16. The Dolphins signed Nate Kaeding to kick in the final two games.

49ers K David Akers (pelvis, probable) took full practice reps again Thursday and is probable for Week 16.

Buccaneers TE Luke Stocker (head, nose, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 16.

Bills TE Lee Smith (back, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 16.

Browns TE Alexander Smith (knee, questionable) missed practice Friday after taking full reps Thursday and is questionable for Week 16.

Chiefs TE Tony Moeaki (head, doubtful) missed practice all week and is doubtful for Week 16.

Dolphins TE Jeron Mastrud (hamstring, questionable) took limited practice reps again Friday and is questionable for Week 16.

Jets TE Dustin Keller (ankle, doubtful) missed practice all week and is doubtful for Week 16.

Bengals K Mike Nugent (right calf, questionable) missed practice again Friday and is questionable for Week 16. Josh Brown figures to kick again this week.

HC Pete Carroll said it looks like WR Sidney Rice will be able to play, but they'll have him test his knee out before Sunday's game.

This is not terribly good news for Russell Wilson, who struggled to 122 yards and an interception in his Week 7 meeting with the 49ers. Golden Tate posted a goose egg on three targets in that game, but he and Doug Baldwin figure to be more involved if Rice is hobbled or can't play.

Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart practiced on a limited basis Friday. WR Brandon LaFell (toe) was full participation and is probable.

Beat writer Joe Person said he thought Stewart "probable" to play in Week 16.

If Jonathan Stewart can play, it will put a dent in the upside of DeAngelo Williams, who was shaping up to be a sneaky start against the Raiders. As for Brandon LaFell, he's a shaky start given the fact that he didn't see a single target in Week 15.

Giants RB Ahmad Bradshaw (knee) and WR Hakeem Nicks (knee) returned to practice Friday.

Barring a setback, Bradshaw should return to a RBBC with David Wilson in Week 16.

Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski will not play on Sunday in Jacksonville, according to a league source.

Not a huge surprise here considering the opponent (Jacksonville). Aaron Hernandez and Brandon Lloyd should continue to be strong starts in Week 16.

A source said the Jets were shocked at how poor Tim Tebow played in practice soon after he arrived. As Tebow struggled, McElroy improved and eventually gained the coaching staff’s backing. So when Ryan decided to give Mark Sanchez the hook this week, his trust was in Greg McElroy.

There was also the “Tebowmania” factor. One source described the organization as “frozen with fear” that Tebow would actually excel, creating a quarterback controversy that would wreck Sanchez’s psyche. Tebow wound up being more effective as the personal protector on the punt team than as an offensive player.

It's never a good sign when a team doesn't player a QB because they're afraid he's going to excel. Tim Tebow won't be a Jet in 2013.

Second-year quarterback Terrelle Pryor will be used on some third-down and red-zone plays against the Panthers so that the Raiders “can create a different look the defense to contend with” and “try to use some of his athletic ability.”

Pryor played one series last Sunday against the Chiefs. The series consisted of two hand-offs and an incomplete pass from Pryor to wide receiver Darrius Hewyard-Bey.

This certainly puts a small dent in the already shaky Week 16 value of Carson Palmer.

According to four NFL sources, Vikings WR Percy Harvin and HC Leslie Frazier had another heated exchange weeks later in front of some players and staff members, fueling speculation about a deteriorating relationship that could spell the end of Harvin's four seasons in Minnesota.

Details of that altercation remain clouded, though it is believed to have begun in the training room at the Vikings' facility. There's no question Harvin was frustrated with the ankle not coming around. The incident was sufficiently impassioned some inside and outside the building believed that, and not the ankle, was the driving force behind Harvin's trip to IR.

In reality, according to a source with knowledge of the situation, discussions already were underway with Harvin's agent, Joel Segal, about making a decision both sides believed was in the best interest of the player and the team based strictly on the injury.

It's no secret the Vikings must make a decision on Harvin's future after the season. He privately made clear as far back as last summer he expects a new contract to replace the final year of his rookie deal and is unlikely to show up on time for training camp without one.

Dolphins K Dan Carpenter has been placed on reserve/injured list and the team has signed K Nate Kaeding.

The Bills represent a decent matchup for Kaeding so he isn't a bad pick-up-and-start kicker this week.

Patriots QB Tom Brady (right shoulder) was removed from the injury report Thursday. As expected, Brady is fine to play this week against the Jaguars.

Giants RB Ahmad Bradshaw (knee, foot) missed practice again Thursday. Bradshaw can play without practicing, but it won't be up to him. It will be a medical decision. Complicating matters, the Giants play at 4:25 pm on Sunday.

Texans QB T.J. Yates (right elbow) took full practice reps again Thursday.