Week 9 Essential NFL Practice News & Notes for Friday

Oct 31, 2014

Patriots QB Tom Brady (ankle, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 9. Brady is good to go for his showdown with Peyton Manning and the Broncos.

Redskins QB Robert Griffin III (ankle, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 9. Griffin has been medically cleared to play and will start, per HC Jay Gruden. He’s a risky start in his first game back, but given his weapons and ability add fantasy points in the running game, we believe he’s a high-end QB2 against the Vikings.

Cowboys QB Tony Romo (back, questionable) missed practice all week and is questionable for Week 9. Owner Jerry Jones said that the injury is a “function of pain tolerance,” and that it would come down to a game-time decision. Jason Garrett says he’s optimistic about Romo’s availability, though OC Scott Linehan said that “it’s rare” for a quarterback to play without having practiced all week. The Cowboys play early on Sunday, though we would shy away from using Romo since one hard hit could knock him out of the game. Brandon Weeden should post decent numbers if he gets the start.

Chiefs QB Alex Smith (right shoulder, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 9. Smith should be fine for a great matchup against the Jets. He had a great matchup in Week 8, but failed to score a touchdown as the Chiefs found other ways to score.

Jets QB Geno Smith (right shoulder, questionable) took full practice reps again Friday and is questionable for Week 9. Michael Vick will get the start and is a decent desperation play due to his upside as a runner.