December 2011 4for4 Player News Articles

The Kansas City Chiefs put running back Jackie Battle on injured reserve and signed running back Shaun Draughn to the active roster.

Battle was in a walking boot and did not practice this week after sustaining a foot injury in last Sunday’s overtime loss to Oakland, which eliminated Kansas City from playoff contention.

Draughn was signed by Washington as an undrafted free agent and spent 13 weeks on the Kansas City practice squad. He’ll provide depth behind Thomas Jones, Dexter McCluster and Le’Ron McClain.

Vikings HC Leslie Frazier: "We’ve received word that Adrian underwent successful knee surgery with Dr. James Andrews and is now resting comfortably. Adrian is in our thoughts, we wish him a speedy recovery and we look forward to seeing him when he returns to Minnesota."

While many are now finished with their holiday shopping, some NFL owners are just about to get started. Beginning as soon as Sunday night, some NFL owners will be shopping for a new head coach to become the leader and the face of their franchise. Here are 10 names, in alphabetical order, that are likely to be on many of the shopping lists:

Broncos defensive coordinator Dennis Allen: Players consider him to be calm and charismatic, and it helps that he has learned from Saints head coach Sean Payton and Broncos head coach John Fox.

Seahawks offensive line coach Tom Cable: The Raiders have had a habit of watching some of their former head coaches, like Mike Shanahan and Jon Gruden, find success elsewhere, and Cable could do the same.

Panthers offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski: Carolina knows how in demand Chudzinski will be and will make it as tough as possible for him to the leave the Panthers.

Packers assistant head coach Winston Moss: An intense former player and current coach who has learned from some of the finest in the Raiders and Packers organizations.

Falcons offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey: After helping mold Matt Ryan into the quarterback he is, Mularkey's name has been whispered for a while now in Jacksonville.

Jets offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer: New York might be struggling, but its red-zone offense is not, and Schottenheimer has the right pedigree and résumé to become a successful head coach.

Montreal Alouettes head coach Marc Trestman: A sleeper, off-the-chart candidate who might be able to build a champion just as he has done in the Canadian Football League.

Chargers assistant head coach Steve Wilks: His work in San Diego quietly has begun to get recognition around the league.

Vikings defensive backs coach Joe Woods: Considered to have a similar makeup to Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, who also once served as an assistant coach with the Vikings.

Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer: His players revere him and his defenses perform for him, and now the time should be here for him.

Wide receiver Jacoby Ford, who hasn't played since the last time the Raiders played the Chargers on Nov. 10, expects to play after practicing Wednesday through Friday.

"I'll be out there," Ford said. "If I practice this much this week and I'm not out there, I'd be mad. I'll be out there, though."

Jackson said he is not inclined to have Ford return kickoffs after being out for five games, leaving that duty to Bryan McCann.

Darrius Heyward-Bey and Denarius Moore are the better fantasy plays this week. Both are risky with significant upside.

Raiders RB Michael Bush is 89 yards shy of 1,000 for the season, and his offensive linemen are hoping to get him there. "He's kind of quiet about it, but I know he wants it, and we want it, too, as bad as he does," center Samson Satele said.

49ers activated WR Joe Hastings for week 17.

Ted Ginn and Kyle Williams are both very iffy for this week. We expect a run-heavy attack with Michael Crabtree and Vernon Davis being featured in the passing game.

Rams QB Sam Bradford (ankle, doubtful) and A.J. Feeley (right thumb, doubtful) missed practice all week and is doubtful for Week 17. Kellen Clemens gets another start.

Cowboys QB Tony Romo (right hand, probable) took limited practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17.

Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger (ankle, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17. Roethlisberger looks like he's a go, though he'll supposedly be on a 25-30 snap count. A first round bye is still in play, so the Steelers could use the win. He's not a safe start this week.

Chiefs RB Jackie Battle (foot, out) missed practice all week and is out for Week 17. With Battle out, Thomas Jones figures to see extra touches between the tackles, and Dexter McCluster may be used more in space.

Bears RB Marion Barber (calf, doubtful) missed practice all week and is doubtful for Week 17. Kahlil Bell should see the lion's share of the touches against the Vikings.

Eagles RB LeSean McCoy (ankle, questionable) took full practice reps on Friday after being limited earlier in the week and is questionable for Week 17. McCoy is expected to play against the Redskins.

Redskins RB Roy Helu (toe, knee, questionable) took limited practice reps all week and is questionable for Week 17. Helu expects to play, though the Redskins will evaluate his injuries in warmups. If he is a go, neither he nor Evan Royster would be more than a flex play due to the uncertainty of the distribution of the touches amongst the Washington RBs.

Chargers RB Ryan Mathews (calf, questionable) missed practice Friday after taking limited reps Thursday and is questionable for Week 17. The downgrade is worrisome for Mathews. If he can't go Mike Tolbert would be a terrific play against a shaky Raiders rush defense. Tolbert (hamstring, probable) took full practice reps Friday after missing practice earlier in the week and is probable for Week 17.

Dolphins RB Reggie Bush (knee, out) missed practice all week and is out for Week 17. With Bush out, look for Daniel Thomas (knee, probable) to see a ton of work against the Jets, who have been hot and cold against the run this season. Thomas took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17.

Texans QB T.J. Yates (right shoulder, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17.

Vikings QB Christian Ponder (concussion, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17.

Colts QB Dan Orlovsky (not injury related) took full practice reps again Friday.

Browns QB Colt McCoy (head, out) missed practice all week and is out for Week 17. Seneca Wallace gets another start for the Browns.

Cardinals QB Kevin Kolb (head, questionable) took limited practice reps all week and is questionable for Week 17. He's listed as questionable, but it looks like John Skelton will get another start.

Seahawks QB Tarvaris Jackson (pectoral, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17.

Patriots QB Tom Brady (left shoulder, probable) took limited practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 17.

Cardinals RB Beanie Wells (knee, questionable) took limited practice reps all week and is questionable for Week 17. He's expected to play against the Seahawks despite the questionable tag.

Cowboys RB Felix Jones (hamstring, questionable) took limited practice reps all week and is questionable for Week 17. Jones is expected to play despite the questionable tag.

Titans RB Chris Johnson (ankle, questionable) took full practice reps Friday after missing practice earlier in the week and is questionable for Week 17. Johnson is expected to face the Texans.

Saints RB Mark Ingram (toe, out) missed practice again Friday and is out for Week 17. He reportedly re-aggravated his toe injury, so Chris Ivory will continue to get his touches.

Browns RB Peyton Hillis (elbow, probable) took limited practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17.

Jets RB Shonn Greene (rib, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17.

Texans RB Arian Foster (knee, probable) took full practice reps Friday and is probable for Week 17.

Giants RB Ahmad Bradshaw (foot, probable) returned to take limited reps Friday after missing practice earlier in the week and is probable for Week 17.

Packers WR Greg Jennings (knee, out) has been ruled out for Week 17. Randall Cobb (groin, out) missed practice all week and is out for Week 17. With Cobb out, look for Jordy Nelson, James Jones and Donald Driver to play more than they otherwise would in a meaningless Week 17 game.

Steelers WR Mike Wallace (ankle, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 17.

Bills RB Johnny White (concussion, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17.

Patriots RB Shane Vereen (hamstring, questionable) took limited practice reps all week and is questionable for Week 17. Stevan Ridley is more likely to have an impact against the Bills.

Jets RB LaDainian Tomlinson (quadricep, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 17.

Cardinals RB LaRod Stephens-Howling (hamstring, questionable) took limited practice reps all week and is questionable for Week 17.

Packers RB James Starks (knee, ankle, out) missed practice all week and is out for Week 17. Look for Ryan Grant and especially Brandon Saine to see an increased workload this week.

Lions RB Kevin Smith (ankle, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17. The fact that he's listed as probable makes it tough for owners to start Maurice Morris, though there are indications that the Lions will hold him out to let his ankle heal.

Steelers RB Mewelde Moore (knee, out) missed practice all week and is out for Week 17. With Big Ben hobbled and Moore out, Rashard Mendenhall is primed for a big game against a bad Browns rush defense.

Jets RB Joe McKnight (shoulder, elbow, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17.

Raiders RB Darren McFadden (foot, out) missed practice all week and is out for Week 17.

Jaguars RB Maurice Jones-Drew (ankle, probable) took full practice reps Friday after missing practice earlier in the week and is probable for Week 17.

Falcons RB Michael Turner (groin, probable) took full practice reps on Friday after being limited earlier in the week and is probable for Week 17.

Patriots WR Deion Branch (groin, questionable) took limited practice reps all week and is questionable for Week 17. It appears that Branch is on track to play against the Bills, though nothing is ever certain when it comes to the Patriots and the injury report.

Cowboys WR Laurent Robinson (shoulder, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17.

Giants WR Hakeem Nicks (hamstring, probable) returned to take limited reps Friday after missing practice earlier in the week and is probable for Week 17. Nicks is expected to play in the Giants' must-win game against the Cowboys.

Panthers WR Legedu Naanee (foot, out) has been ruled out for Week 17. Brandon LaFell is a sneaky start against the Saints.

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

Giants WR Mario Manningham (knee, probable) took limited practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17. Manningham is looking like a go against the Cowboys.

Falcons WR Julio Jones (ankle, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 17.

Lions WR Calvin Johnson (achilles, probable) returned to take limited reps Friday after missing practice earlier in the week and is probable for Week 17. The Lions should be playing to win, so expect Johnson to be a full go against the Packers.

Ravens WR Anquan Boldin (knee, doubtful) has been ruled out for Week 17. Boldin is not expected to play against the Bengals. Torrey Smith is a sneaky start again this week.

Saints WR Lance Moore (hamstring, out) missed practice all week and is out for Week 17. With Moore out, look for Robert Meachem to see plenty of work against the Panthers.

Texans WR Andre Johnson (hamstring, probable) took limited practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17. Johnson is expected to play 30 to 40 snaps, though the Texans have nothing to play for, so one wonders why he's playing at all.

Chargers WR Vincent Jackson (groin, probable) took full practice reps Friday after missing practice earlier in the week and is probable for Week 17. Jackson is on track to play against the Raiders despite the injury.

Bengals WR A.J. Green (shoulder, probable) took full practice reps on Friday after being limited earlier in the week and is probable for Week 17.

Patriots WR Wes Welker (knee, questionable) took limited practice reps all week and is questionable for Week 17. He is fully expected to play against the Bills.

Redskins WR Donte' Stallworth (ankle, probable) took full practice reps on Friday after being limited earlier in the week and is probable for Week 17.

Steelers WR Emmanuel Sanders (foot, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17.

Buccaneers WR Arrelious Benn (neck, questionable) missed practice all week and is questionable for Week 17.

Buccaneers WR Preston Parker (concussion, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 17.

Seahawks WR Ben Obomanu (knee, probable) took full practice reps Friday after missing practice earlier in the week and is probable for Week 17.

Raiders WR Louis Murphy (groin, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 17.

Browns WR Mohamed Massaquoi (foot, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 17.

Bears WR Devin Hester (ankle, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 17.

Titans WR Lavelle Hawkins (ankle, questionable) took full practice reps Friday after missing practice earlier in the week and is questionable for Week 17.

Colts WR Anthony Gonzalez (illness, questionable) missed practice Friday after taking full reps Thursday and is questionable for Week 17.

49ers WR Ted Ginn (ankle, questionable) missed practice all week and is questionable for Week 17.

Raiders WR Jacoby Ford (foot, questionable) took limited practice reps all week and is questionable for Week 17. Ford should play, though his snaps will likely be limited.

Falcons WR Harry Douglas (groin, shoulder, probable) took limited practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17.

Browns WR Josh Cribbs (groin, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 17.

Bills QB/WR Brad Smith (hamstring, out) missed practice all week and is out for Week 17.

Bills K Dave Rayner (left groin, out) missed practice all week and is out for Week 17. Brandon Coutu will kick for the Bills this week.

Ravens K Billy Cundiff (left calf, questionable) took limited practice reps all week and is questionable for Week 17. Shayne Graham would kick for the Ravens if Cundiff can't go.

Jaguars TE Marcedes Lewis (hamstring, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 17.

Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez (not injury related, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 17.

Dolphins TE Anthony Fasano (head, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17.

Texans TE Joel Dreessen (knee, probable) took limited practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17.

Bears TE Kellen Davis (illness, probable) took full practice reps Friday after missing practice earlier in the week and is probable for Week 17.

Giants TE Jake Ballard (knee, out) missed practice all week and is out for Week 17.

Texans TE Owen Daniels (knee, probable) took limited practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17.

Colts TE Dallas Clark (neck, questionable) took full practice reps all week and is questionable for Week 17. Jacob Tamme would start if Clark can't go, but neither player is a solid start this week.

Chargers TE Antonio Gates (not injury related, probable) returned to take full practice reps Friday after missing practice Thursday and is probable for Week 17.

Packers TE Jermichael Finley (knee, probable) took limited practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 17. Finley may play, but the Packers are likely to rest their stars this week and Finley certainly qualifies.

49ers WR Kyle Williams (concussion, questionable) missed practice all week and is questionable for Week 17.

Dolphins RB Reggie Bush (knee) has been ruled out for Week 17.

The Dolphins will turn to Daniel Thomas to carry the load against a Jets' rush defense that isn't as good as its reputation right now.

Darrius Heyward-Bey has had something of a breakout season, racking up 55 catches for 845 yards and three TDs. But Raiders HC Hue Jackson says he still has plenty of room for improvement.

"When he starts making those uncommon plays that we all know that you look for at that position, that's when he's arrived," Jackson said. "He hasn't arrived yet, regardless of what the numbers are, but he's still working. But I think the sky's the limit for him if he continues to work like he is."

In Weeks 4-7, DHB caught 22 passes for 385 yards and a TD, and looked to be the Raiders clear WR1. But then, in a mind-boggling move, he was demoted and saw just one target in Weeks 9 & 10. Since Week 11, he has reestablished himself as the Raiders' most productive receiver, and has 20 catches for 326 yards and two TDs over the last four games. He'll be an interesting middle round selection in 2012 fantasy drafts, though he won't come without risk. After all, he plays wide receiver for the Raiders.

A day after Rex Grossman described his confidence as “at an all-time high,” Washington Redskins offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan cast further uncertainty on the veteran-yet-turnover-prone quarterback’s future role with the team.

Shanahan, who last week said that Grossman needs to eliminate his turnovers, on Thursday praised the quarterback’s aggressive nature. But at the same time, Shanahan said he would have no problem going with a quarterback that has no experience in his system next season. The offensive coordinator also acknowledged that the Redskins remain in need of a franchise quarterback.

“No, not at all. You don’t need a guy that’s experienced with your system,” said Shanahan, who is in his second season with the struggling Redskins after directing the Houston Texans to the ranks of the league’s offensive leaders in 2008 and 2009. “When [Matt] Schaub came into Houston in his first year, he played at a very high level. I don’t think it’s a system that takes a long time to learn. You can get better at it, but everyone in the league runs similar plays. You’re going to run what they’re good at and the better they are, the more you keep doing it.”

Sources have indicated, regardless of the outcome Sunday, the Broncos plan to move forward with the mindset that Tim Tebow will remain the team's starter in 2012.

Brandon Lloyd has been happy as a Ram and says he wants to return to St. Louis next season and beyond.

"I would like to stay here," he told the Post-Dispatch. "I've been well-received by the players, by the coaches, by the community. It's been overwhelming; an overwhelmingly warm reception. Coming back to Missouri and St. Louis. I would love to grow with Sam Bradford; that would be awesome. I've never had a true elite-level quarterback in my career."

But there's a catch for Lloyd, the Kansas City area native who's scheduled for unrestricted free agency after this season. If offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels leaves St. Louis, Lloyd would attempt to follow.

"I can't even lie about that," Lloyd said. "I'm tied to McDaniels. He uses me differently than other offensive coordinators used me in my entire career. He uses me as an every-play receiver. The short game, mid-range game, gimmick passes, deep balls.

"I do everything in this offense as opposed to other coordinators who would just run me off as the deep guy; run me off into double coverage and then say I'm not open. So I really like how Josh uses me within the offense. I'm extremely comfortable in the offense. So that is definitely going to be a. ...

At this point Lloyd paused and didn't finish the thought.

A consideration? A factor?

"Probably No. 1 (as a factor)," Lloyd replied. "Because I want to be successful, and I want to earn whatever money I'm making. I want to be used in ways where I feel comfortable and I can be successful. And Josh knows how to do that."

McDaniels has not been successful in St. Louis, but he's been very successful in developing Brandon Lloyd. At this point it doesn't seem likely that McDaniels will be back, which means that Lloyd may be leaving as well.

Nick Scurfield on Texans WR Andre Johnson: "Kubiak said it looks like Andre Johnson is ready to go. He'll be on a play count on Sunday."

New Orleans Saints tailback Mark Ingram missed practice again Thursday after suffering a setback with his lingering turf toe injury, according to Coach Sean Payton. Ingram has missed the past three games with the injury, and it now appears likely that he could miss the remainder of the season.

"We just gotta wait 'til it's healthy. It's real simple," Payton said.

Ingram returned to the practice field last week, participating only in individual drills. Then Wednesday he participated in team drills on a limited basis for the first time. But Payton said he aggravated the injury during Wednesday's practice.

Ingram's health concerns, combined with the way his replacement Chris Ivory has performed over the past three games, make Ingram a long shot to return to action during the Saints' playoff run.

It does not appear that Ingram will make his return this week and may be a longshot to play next weekend if the Saints don't earn a first round bye. Pierre Thomas and Chris Ivory will continue handle the bulk of the carries out of the New Orleans backfield.

La Canfora on Twitter: "Kevin Kolb won't play for the Cards Sun. Team taking every precaution with his concussion."

This is good news for Larry Fitzgerald, who has been more productive with John Skelton under center.

It's not often that you hear a grown man known for scarfing down Skittles talk about how much he has grown up, but that is exactly what Marshawn Lynch credits with improving his game this season. With one game still remaining, Lynch has already established career highs in rushing yards and touchdowns and has the highest yard-per-carry average of his career. Plenty of that has had to do with the growth of the offensive line in front of him, as well as the blocking of fullback Michael Robinson, who was named a Pro Bowl alternate, but Lynch also said he has become a harder worker and better student of the game this season.

"I feel I became a pro this year<" he said. "In the studying, the taking care of my body, doing the little things that I could have gotten away with when I was younger, like not stretching, just going out there.

Lynch said watching the way Leon Washington prepares for games and takes care of his body has been a big help, as has studying the game with Robinson and Justin Forsett.

"A lot of the things I have learned, I have learned from those guys in that room," he said.

"He came to me a few weeks back and said, ‘Help me do what the other backs have done in this thing,'" offensive line coach Tom Cable said. "And we made a deal. You have to do it the way I ask you to do it, and he's done it. A lot of credit goes to him because he was able to maybe push his ego or push his own beliefs, to some extent, aside and embrace something new. Because this is a system that asks a back to do things a certain way, and once you get in and through the line of scrimmage, then do your thing, you can do all the craziness you want then, but you've got to do it this way from A to B, and he bought into A to B."

With just 117 rushing yards (and zero TDs) in his firs three games, Lynch started to hit the waiver wire in shallow leagues. Since Week 4, he has scored 13 TDs in 11 games, while averaging a healthy 108 total yards per game. He is now the #8 RB in fantasy points per game and is shaping up to be a late 1st round/early 2nd round pick next summer.

It is possible Vincent Jackson has played his final game as a Charger. The wide receiver, due to be an unrestricted free agent in 2012, missed practice with the groin injury that hampered him in this past Saturday’s game. It is difficult to see the Chargers pushing Jackson to play in a game that is meaningless for them. Jackson’s future with the team could hinge in part on the future of the team’s management.

Running back Cedric Benson didn’t fumble the ball on his first 237 touches of the season and in the past two games he’s put it on the ground five times on his last 36 touches. Two with nearly unthinkable consequences last Saturday in the fourth quarter as the Bengals nearly blew a 23-point lead in the final 11:25 of the 23-16 victory over Arizona at Paul Brown Stadium.

But the Bengals are hanging with Benson, author of two of the nine 100-yard games the Ravens have allowed in the last 82 games.

“We’re married to him right now," offensive coordinator Jay Gruden said after Wednesday’s practice. “He’s a guy that has had great games against Baltimore in the past. We need him to run between the tackles and be his physical self and not worry so much about it. He’s had a ton of carries before the last couple of weeks where he hasn’t fumbled. He’s got to get back in that mentality, get his confidence going and protect the football better. Obviously putting the ball on the ground is unacceptable no matter your position.”

Raiders HC Hue Jackson doesn't see a scenario in which McFadden could play Sunday without practicing, and it doesn't appear he'll practice this week.

"As fast as Darren runs and as violent as Darren runs, you've got to make sure you're healthy," Jackson said. "You can't just go out there and wobble and run around and jog through it. You've got to be able to run through it, and he's not ready yet."

It appears that Michael Bush will continue to be a safe start in Week 17.

Steve Johnson, whose contract is up at the end of February, admitted he considered the possibility that last week's game against Denver could have been his last at Ralph Wilson Stadium.

"Since last week playing at The Ralph, I thought about it -- walking on the field, walking off the field, looking around, looking at the crowd," Johnson said Wednesday. "It was kind of crazy because it seemed like four years went by pretty fast, me playing only two years of it. Being in this city and how they adopted me, I thought about it. I don't think I'll be somewhere else next year. I'm still pretty sure I'll be here next year. But if not, it's a pretty crazy feeling."

The Bills have not been able to reach a contract extension with Johnson. If no deal is reached by February, they still could keep him in the fold for 2012 by using a franchise tag on him. However, that will be expensive -- roughly $9.5 million.

Johnson said his viewpoint is not based on any progress in contract talks. Why does he think he will be back? "I don't know," he said. "I just feel like being here four years and with the coaches that I have here, with the players, with Fitz signing his deal, you would think you'd have the one-two punch. When Fitz came on, I came on. So you would think they would keep it together."

Vacchiano on Twitter: And today's injury report surprise: WR Hakeem Nicks, who has a hamstring injury.

Nicks is expected to play through the injury in a must-win game, but don't expect him to be at 100%.

HC Sean Payton said the team is playing well, is healthy and needs continuity. "We're going into it full speed ahead."

It does not appear that the Saints will be too concerned with the score of the San Francisco game when determining playing time, though keep in mind that if the 49ers are blowing out the Rams, the Saints may decide to pull a few key starters earlier than normal.

It will be a dizzying week atop the Chargers power structure, and the possibilities only keep getting more intriguing.

The first order of business for team president Dean Spanos is whether to retain General Manager A.J. Smith.

Spanos is expected to reveal his decision on whether to keep Smith by the middle of next week. It is believed, based on numerous conversations with league sources over the past month, that head coach Norv Turner will be fired regardless of who is the general manager.

Kevin Kolb is not going anywhere. The Cardinals traded away too much (cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, second-round pick in 2012) and committed to a five-year contract worth as much as $63 million.

Kolb has missed six starts and most of a seventh game this season due to injury, but the Cardinals are too deep in this relationship to sever it after one year. And just as important, who takes over if Kolb is gone?

John Skelton has shown potential but it's questionable whether he's ready to be a starter.

The Cardinals are paying Kolb a $10 million signing bonus and a $2 million in salary in 2011. He is due a $7 million roster bonus in 2012.

That bonus is guaranteed for injury only, meaning the Cardinals could decide to cut him based on performance.

That's not going to happen, according to sources. Kolb will return in 2012. That will be a defining year for him, however, as his salary increases to $9 million and then to $10 million in each of the final three seasons.

If the Cardinals cut him after 2012, they save $41 million of that $63 million deal, but they will have paid him $20 million over two seasons.

It sounds as if Kolb will get another shot to be the starter in 2012, but if he doesn't prove to be the Cardinals' QB of the future, they can cut him without much penalty.

Dulac: "Steelers want Ben Roethlisberger to play about 25-30 snaps vs Browns. They don't want to go into playoffs w him missing last 2 games."

The Steelers could still end up with the #2 seed (or even the top seed), so they must feel like they can handle the Browns if they're talking about limiting Roethlisberger. Either way, he's not much of a fantasy option this week.

Kuharsky on Texans WR Andre Johnson: "Kubiak on Andre Johnson: Will be full participant today, looking for 15-20 plays Sunday, if things go well."

Clearly, AJ won't be much of a fantasy option this week if he's only playing 15-20 snaps in a meaningless game against the Titans.

There’s more than a playoff berth on the line for running back Chris Johnson against the Texans.

In the four-year extension he signed in April there was a clause that stated his 2012 salary would decrease from $8 million to $7.7 million if he failed to reach 1,000 yards in 2011.

He needs 14 yards on Sunday to reach 1,000 for the season and keep the $300,000.

Suddenly, no one is talking about Cowboys running back Felix Jones' injured hamstring this week.

That's what happens when quarterback Tony Romo injures his throwing hand.

Jones didn't practice last week but was able to play Saturday against Philadelphia. He had felt tightness in his hamstring on his final carry the week before at Tampa Bay, and the Cowboys were cautious with Jones all week considering the lack of depth behind him.

Cowboys coach Jason Garrett said he wasn't surprised that Felix Jones was able to play against the Eagles after not practicing.

"Felix has been around here for a few years now. We understand what he's all about," Garrett said. "He did a great job managing that [hamstring] last week."

The Chicago Bears have placed quarterback Jay Cutler and running back Matt Forte on injured reserve.

Eagles defensive coordinator Juan Castillo has come under fire in Philadelphia . According to a source, the Eagles may bring back a familiar face as defensive coordinator.

It is a foregone conclusion that Steve Spagnuolo will lose his job in St. Louis. League sources said this week that it is all but certain that Spagnuolo will join Andy Reid’s staff in Philadelphia as the Eagles’ defensive coordinator.

The Washington Redskins have released running back Ryan Torain.

New England Patriots guard Logan Mankins has been diagnosed with a sprained MCL. Mankins will not play this weekend but hopes to return for the playoffs.

Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder might recover from his concussion in time to punctuate this season with a positive performance in the season finale against Chicago on Sunday.

"Christian is still our No. 1 quarterback, but you do have to take a real good look at Joe," coach Leslie Frazier said.

Ponder, who suffered a concussion in the third quarter of the Vikings' 33-26 win over Washington on Saturday, is improving but must pass the NFL's protocol before returning to play.

Ponder must pass the ImPACT test, exercise without symptoms and get clearance from both a physician and the NFL's neurologist in order to be cleared, trainer Eric Sugarman said Monday.

"He's doing excellent today, really doesn't have any symptoms, and I hope for a fast and speedy recovery," Sugarman said.

If Ponder plays, the Vikings can get one more look at their first-round draft pick in hopes he'll offset his recent struggles.

Ponder was benched Dec. 11 against Detroit after throwing three interceptions while dealing with a hip pointer injury, led the offense to six three-and-outs in a loss to New Orleans and finished 8 of 13 for 68 yards against Washington.

Ben Roethlisberger's status for the Steelers Week 17 game against the Browns is unclear at this time.

Steeler coach Mike Tomlin said he will wait to see how his quarterback feels when he returns to work. The Steelers had Sunday and Monday off, and today is their usual off day, although many players often report for treatment of injuries and to watch video.

The Detroit Lions have signed Joique Bell to the active roster from the New Orleans Saints practice squad, according to several reports. The former Wayne State University running back agreed to a two-year deal.

Bell was an undrafted free agent in 2010 and originally signed with the Buffalo Bills before moving on to Philadelphia, Indianapolis, spending another stint with the Eagles then landing with the Saints last season.

Though Lions head coach Jim Schwartz wouldn't comment on the move, as it was not official but Bell bid farewell to Saints fans on his Twitter account.

Wide receiver Braylon Edwards announced this morning he was released by the San Francisco 49ers.

Below is the text of Edwards' statement:

I was released today by the 49ers due to my injury that required more time to rehab and hasn’t allowed me to re-sync with the offense. I wish the 49ers organization the best of luck during the Playoffs. I will be working hard this off season to strengthen my knee and prepare for the 2012 season. Thanks for your continued support and for being such loyal fans.

Reid: Shady has a "slight" ankle sprain but should be fine for Sunday

The Eagles have nothing to play for, but McCoy has a chance to get Eagles rushing records to add to what's been a great, individual season for him. McCoy is most likely too far behind MJD for this year's NFL rushing title.

Chris Johnson could miss practice time this week with sore ankle but expected to be a go Sunday.

Redskins coach Mike Shanahan said rookie running back Roy Helu, who was limited by knee and toe injuries all week, was tested out before Saturday’s game and couldn’t push off without pain and so the decision was made to sit him against the Vikings.

Shanahan praised Evan Royster’s production and said between Helu, Royster and Tim Hightower, the Redskins have great depth at running back.

Rex Ryan: "There’s no way that we’re looking to replace Mark Sanchez."

The Detroit Lions have agreed to a two-year contract with former Wayne State running back Joique Bell, who is expected to play Sunday at Green Bay.

Bell, who had been on the New Orleans Saints’ practice squad, is flying to Detroit tonight and will sign his contract Tuesday, pending a physical.

Bell said the Lions want him to come in and be ready for the playoff run. He said he expects to get some carries in Sunday’s regular-season finale against the Packers at Lambeau Field.

Falcons Inactives
Kirk Chambers T
Kelvin Hayden DB
Cliff Matthews DE
Kerry Meier WR
Stephen Nicholas OLB
Brett Romberg C
John Parker Wilson QB

Saints Inactives
Adrian Arrington WR
Jonathan Casillas OLB
Mike Higgins TE
Mark Ingram RB
Turk McBride DE
Will Robinson OT
Leigh Torrence DB

Lance Moore is active for the Saints, but is a risky play after being limited this week with a hamstring injury. Chris Ivory will see carries with Mark Ingram out again.

WR Jacoby Ford says he and RB Darren McFadden will test out sore feet later today. Not sure if he will be able to play Sunday.

Yet another case of too little, too late for owners, especially McFadden, whose seasons ended this week. McFadden has only played in 7 games this season.

Andre Johnson practiced. Gary Kubiak wants to see him go full speed rest of week before saying he will start for sure.

Looks like he has a chance to play in week 17 ... which could be too little, too late for most owners. He hasn't played since injuring his hammy in week 13.

Tucker says Gabbert continues to get better week in and week out. Says Gabbert is improving and is ascending player.

The Green Bay Packers aren't committed to starting or even playing all of their front-line players in the regular-season finale against the Detroit Lions next Sunday at Lambeau Field.

Coach Mike McCarthy made that clear after the Packers earned home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs Sunday night with a 35-21 victory over the Chicago Bears.

"We do need to get healthy as a team," said McCarthy. "Every team in the league is probably saying that today. We'll look at all our options."

Asked if healthy starters would start, McCarthy replied, "I don't have an answer for you. I need to see how the players come in here tomorrow. It usually takes to Tuesday to put a prognosis on who's available, who's at risk and who isn't."

Seems unlikely that the Pack will be playing all their studs for a full game so you may risk points putting them in your lineup. These are the things you deal with in Week 17 of a fantasy season. Continue to monitor things leading up to the weekend.

Rookie running back Stevan Ridley had a season- and team-high 13 carries against the Dolphins Saturday, the second straight week he led the Patriots in rushing attempts.

Ridley totaled 64 yards, nearly all of them coming in the second half - a recurring theme in the game for the New England offense - and his final carry, an 18-yard scamper, gave the Patriots the first down they needed to kill the clock and seal the 27-24 win.

The third-round pick out of Louisiana State impressed teammates and coach Bill Belichick.

The Patriots running back situation is always going to be a head-scratcher when you have Tom Brady at QB, but Ridley is clearly moving up the depth charts and looks likely to have a bigger impact starting next season than he did this season.

The Giants are hoping Jake Ballard and Mario Manning will mend in time for Sunday night’s first-place NFC East showdown with the Cowboys.

Ballard suffered a partially torn posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee against the Redskins and last week still had not been able to run. He believes he will only miss one game, but that might be wishful thinking.

Manningham has been dealing with a swollen and sore knee for the entire second half of the season. He is hoping to avoid surgery following the season and is optimistic he will be able to make it back for the Cowboys.

Panthers WR Legedu Naanee broke a small bone in his foot vs. TB. Naanee out, but Panthers likely won't IR him in Week 17.

Colts coach Jim Caldwell said today he isn't sure about TE Dallas Clark (neck) and OLB Philip Wheeler (foot) for season finale at Jax.

Kevin Kolb still day to day with concussion.

Seems like John Skelton will get another start. No one is really sure if Skelton is the real deal, he was nearly benched and nearly brought his team all the way back in a loss to Cincy. But financially, the team is pretty committed to Kevin Kolb. Just another offseason story to keep an eye on.

If Cutler or Forte are ready to go, "we won't tell them no," Lovie said. "If we had other things on the line, we would take same approach."

Hard to believe Cutler and Forte would come back in a meaningless week 17 game. In another post, we already saw Lovie Smith's comments that he was looking forward to Josh McCown starting.

Reading between the lines, Marion Barber is going to have an awful hard time holding off Kahlil Bell as No. 2 back next season.

Bell will be a guy to draft late if you're a Matt Forte owner...

While Lovie Smith didn't rule out Jay Cutler, he said he is looking forward to seeing Josh McCown on Sunday.

Coach Spagnuolo presser; Sam Bradford and AJ Feeley will be day-to-day, Chris Long had no set backs coming out of the Pittsburgh game.

An NFL source said late Saturday night that an MRI confirmed All-Pro halfback Adrian Peterson suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament and medial collateral ligament when his left knee caved sideways on a direct hit from Redskins safety DeJon Gomes early in the third quarter.

Surgery to replace the ACL probably won't occur for at least a couple of weeks while Peterson regains his range of motion and the MCL heals. (Peterson's posterior cruciate ligament was not damaged, a source said. The lateral collateral ligament also is believed to be OK. The meniscus will be evaluated in the operating room and might need repair as well.)

An optimistic timetable would have Peterson returning to action no sooner than September. And recent research suggests even an athlete of Peterson's caliber may struggle to return to his previous performance level, especially one who relies so heavily on lower-body explosion.

The article doesn't paint a great picture about Peterson returning to the back we all know him to be, but time will tell. He will be a risk as we head into 2012 and those who were counting on keeping him will have to monitor his progress throughout the winter and summer months.

The Dallas Cowboys' season will be decided next Sunday, New Year's Day, in a winner-take-all battle for the NFC East title at the New York Giants.

The Cowboys will play it with injured quarterback Tony Romo and without any momentum after a 20-7 loss Saturday to the Philadelphia Eagles in a game that turned out to be as meaningless as a preseason tuneup before a crowd of 84,834, the smallest in the three-year history of Cowboys Stadium.

Romo suffered a bruised right hand in the first quarter and did not return as the Cowboys (8-7) decided to play it safe to gear up for next week's showdown against the Giants (8-7).

"I'll be fine," Romo said. "I think I just took a hit to the helmet. We're going to be all right, though. I'll be good to go next week."

This game will determine the NFC East winner. The game has also been moved to Sunday night at 8 p.m. so you may have to take a chance on Romo definitely being ready if you wanted to put him in your starting lineup.

Starting running back LeGarrette Blount fumbled on Tampa Bay's first play from scrimmage, leading to Olindo Mare's field goal.

Blount was benched until the second half.

"It's a basic thing, and to fumble like that, that's unacceptable," Morris said. "If some players aren't ready to play, we'll put others in."

Blount has been in trouble for fumbling before and lost carries to Caddy Williams last year at key times in the game when he just wasn't trusted. This year, with Earnest Graham lost for the year, the Bucs didn't have many options but it didn't stop the team from sitting Blount this time.

Starting running back LeGarrette Blount fumbled on Tampa Bay's first play from scrimmage, leading to Olindo Mare's field goal.

Blount was benched until the second half.

"It's a basic thing, and to fumble like that, that's unacceptable," Morris said. "If some players aren't ready to play, we'll put others in."

Blount has been in trouble for fumbling before and lost carries to Caddy Williams last year at key times in the game when he just wasn't trusted. This year, with Earnest Graham lost for the year, the Bucs didn't have many options but it didn't stop the team from sitting Blount this time.

Running back Reggie Bush hurt his right leg late in the fourth quarter and wasn't on the field for the Dolphins' final touchdown with 1:48 left. Bush, though, isn't worried about playing Sunday against the New York Jets.

"I don't think it's serious," he said in the locker room. "I mean, I'm walking,"

Fellow running back Daniel Thomas suffered a knee injury in the first half, forcing him to leave the game after two carries for 3 yards.

LeSean McCoy’s sprained ankle Saturday was serious enough to scuttle a last-ditch run at the NFL rushing title.

It also left him 123 yards shy of snapping the club record of 1,512 yards established by Wilbert Montgomery in 1979.

While McCoy declined to discuss the severity of the injury, his words made it obvious he would need a miraculous recovery to be healthy enough to pursue either mark in the season finale this Sunday against the Washington Redskins.

“Montgomery, he’s probably smiling right now,” McCoy said. “I’ll get it next year – hopefully.”

T Bryan Bulaga
T Chad Clifton
QB Graham Harrell
CB Davon House
WR Greg Jennings
DE Ryan Pickett
LB Frank Zombo

Chicago Bears inactives for week 16:

DT Anthony Adams
RB Marion Barber
QB Jay Cutler
QB Nathan Enderle
RB Matt Forte
T Levi Horn

With Barber out, Kahlil Bell is an intriguing option, especially in PPR leagues.

The Houston Texans have lost their last two games, but they could be getting back their best offensive player after a short Christmas break this weekend.

All-Pro wide receiver Andre Johnson has missed the last three games with a left hamstring injury. Johnson has eight more days to recover until the Texans face the Tennessee Titans in their regular-season finale on Jan. 1.

"I’m hoping (Johnson) is back out there this week," Texans coach Gary Kubiak said on Friday. "We’ll see what happens, but he’d be a nice addition to get back."

The Texans’ offense has been sorely lacking a deep threat with Johnson out of the lineup. In Week 14 against Atlanta, rookie quarterback T.J. Yates completed three passes of 20 yards to Johnson in three quarters before Johnson was injured.

In the three games since then, Yates has completed a total of seven passes of 20 yards, but only two have come on deep balls. The rest have been on screens and other short passes.

Johnson did not practice last week but was able to run with trainers on a side field.

"I have no hold on him," Kubiak said. "When they tell me he can go, he’s going. It’s been a process. They’ve been working with him off the field, trying to get him ready to turn him over to me and put him on the field. It’s my understanding that we’re real, real close. I’ll let you know. If it happens, it’ll be early next week."

Since Houston is locked into the third seed, it wouldn't be a shock to see Johnson play on a limited basis next Sunday, if at all. Fantasy owners shouldn't count on having him.

Not playing Saturday against the Cleveland Browns aided the healing process for Billy Cundiff’s sore left calf, but the Ravens kicker is eager to return for Sunday’s regular-season finale at the Cincinnati Bengals.

"I’m definitely hoping to be back next week," Cundiff said. "Right now, it feels much better than it did last week, but that really doesn’t matter until we actually kick and see how it holds up."

Filling in for Cundiff, Shayne Graham connected on field goals of 48 and 43 yards and made two extra points. The only criticism is that he didn’t register a touchback – only the second time this season that the Ravens failed to post a touchback in a game.

If only a shot at the No. 1 pick was the only thing the Minnesota Vikings lost on Saturday.

A resilient 33-26 road win against the Washington Redskins paled against the grim reality the Vikings' best player might not be ready when the 2012 season begins - and there's at least a chance he won't be quite the same ever again.

An MRI confirmed All-Pro halfback Adrian Peterson suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament and medial collateral ligament when his left knee caved sideways on a direct hit from Redskins safety DeJon Gomes early in the third quarter.

Surgery to replace the ACL probably won't occur for at least a couple of weeks while Peterson regains his range of motion and the MCL heals. (Peterson's posterior cruciate ligament was not damaged. The lateral collateral ligament also is believed to be OK. The meniscus will be evaluated in the operating room and might need repair as well.)

An optimistic timetable would have Peterson returning to action no sooner than September. And recent research suggests even an athlete of Peterson's caliber may struggle to return to his previous performance level, especially one who relies so heavily on lower-body explosion.

By no means is Peterson's career over at age 26. He has proven to be a fast healer and is so competitive he may try to defy the minimum eight- to nine-month recovery timetable many NFL teams endorse.

Peterson's injury came at a terrible time for fantasy owners. For those looking ahead to 2012, drafts are going to look a lot different if Peterson isn't in the top five as he normally is. Toby Gerhart will be Minnesota's lead back in week 17.

The Dallas Cowboys' season will be decided next Sunday, New Year's Day, in a winner-take-all battle for the NFC East title at the New York Giants.

The Cowboys will play it with injured quarterback Tony Romo and without any momentum after a 20-7 loss Saturday to the Philadelphia Eagles in a game that turned out to be as meaningless as a preseason tuneup.

Romo suffered a bruised right hand in the first quarter and did not return as the Cowboys decided to play it safe to gear up for next week's showdown against the Giants.

"I'll be fine," Romo said. "I think I just took a hit to the helmet. We're going to be all right, though. I'll be good to go next week."

Although the Giants played well against the Jets Saturday, Romo burned them earlier this season and will be a decent fantasy option next Sunday provided he's able to play.

Miami Dolphins running back Reggie Bush hurt his right leg late in the fourth quarter and wasn't on the field for the Dolphins' final touchdown with 1:48 left. Bush, though, isn't worried about playing Sunday against the New York Jets.

"I don't think it's serious," he said in the locker room. "I mean, I'm walking,"

Fellow running back Daniel Thomas suffered a knee injury in the first half, forcing him to leave the game after two carries for 3 yards.

Bush has had a tremendous season, and owners still playing in week 17 will want to keep an eye on his health as the Dolphins have a good matchup with a fading Jets team.

New York Giants wide receiver Mario Manningham missed Saturday's game as he regressed during the week as he said he had some soreness in his knee and there was a little bit of swelling.

Manningham said on Wednesday that he was going to play against the Jets, despite not practicing, but ultimately was inactive.

"I'm good, I'll be out there next week" Manningham said after the Giants' 29-14 win.

With the battle for the NFC East on title, the receiver said he does not know his practice plan for the week yet.

Injured New York Giants tight end Jake Ballard said after Saturday's game vs. the Jets that he is feeling alright.

He missed Saturday's game after injuring his PCL and said he is going to have to see how he feels. In his place, tight ends Travis Beckum and Bear Pascoe combined for zero catches in the game. Beckum was targeted once in the game.

The Eagles' playoff hopes ended Saturday, and so might have LeSean McCoy's chances to win the NFL rushing title or set an Eagles rushing record.

McCoy had just 35 yards on 13 carries, giving him 1,309 for the year. Jacksonville's Maurice Jones-Drew ran for 103 yards Saturday, giving him 1,437 for the season, a 128-yard edge heading into the final week of the season.

"I laid an egg today, so I probably won't get to get it," McCoy said. He left the game briefly with what coach Andy Reid described as a "tweaked" ankle, and then briefly returned before giving way to backup Ronnie Brown.

Wilbert Montgomery's team rushing record of 1,512 yards in a season now appears safe.

Anyone still playing fantasy football next weekend will need to monitor the status of McCoy's ankle.

Buffalo Bills tight end Mike Caussin suffered a knee injury during Buffalo's victory over Denver and didn't return.

Caussin, who started Saturday, is Scott Chandler's backup at tight end. Chandler will likely return to his starting role after being limited with an ankle injury.

Seahawks Inactives

Kennard Cox DB
Jeron Johnson DB
Jarriel King OT
Clinton McDonald DT
Josh Portis QB
Malcolm Smith LB

49ers Inactives

Tramaine Brock DB
Ted Ginn WR
Daniel Kilgore G
Mike Person G
Scott Tolzien QB
Ian Williams DT
Patrick Willis ILB

The Cowboys reported no inactive players, which means Felix Jones is active.

He may give it a go if the Giants lose to the Jets. If the Giants win, the game is meaningless to the Cowboys, so they are likely to let him rest and rid Sammy Morris instead.

Lions Inactives

Aaron Berry DB
Aaron Brown RB
Don Carey DB
Leonard Davis G
Louis Delmas FS
Andre Fluellen DT
Drew Stanton QB

Chargers Inactives

V-Jax is a high-risk, high-reward start given his iffy groin.

FoxSports Southwest's Matt Mosley: "If the Giants beat the Jets, Felix Jones will not play a snap vs Eagles. Jets win, he's 50-50."

ESPN Dallas's Bryan Broaddus: "Hearing the same info about Felix Jones playing as @mattmosley is. If NYG win, he will not play. If NYJ win, there is a better shot."

It never made sense that the Cowboys would rush Jones back if the game was meaningless, especially if they faced a must-win game the following week. It sounds as if he's likely to be active (assuming his hammy is good enough to play) and then his workload will be determined based on the outcome of the Jets/Giants game. There's always the chance that he's not healthy enough to play even if Dallas needs the win. Bottom line: Felix Jones is not a worthwhile fantasy play this week, while Sammy Morris looks like a fringe RB2 with considerable risk. He looked good last week, but he's still a 34-year-old who was sitting on his couch two weeks ago. Generally speaking, he has been able to produce when given the opportunity.

Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger (ankle, questionable) missed practice all week and is questionable for Week 16. The Steelers will start Charlie Batch this week. Big Ben may dress, but would only play in case of emergency.

Redskins RB Roy Helu (toe, knee, questionable) took limited practice reps all week and is questionable for Week 16. Helu is expected to play, though there is some question about what kind of workload he'll receive with Mike Shanahan calling the shots in Washington.

Cowboys RB Felix Jones (hamstring, questionable) missed practice all week and is questionable for Week 16. There is growing concern about Jones's availability this week. If the Giants beat the Jets, the Cowboys/Eagles game won't matter to Dallas, so he will almost certainly be limited in that scenario. We're expecting Sammy Morris to out-produce Jones this week.

Titans RB Chris Johnson (ankle, questionable) took limited practice reps again Friday and is questionable for Week 16. He's expected to play, though he'll be at less than 100%. The last time CJ1K faced the Jaguars (win Week 1), he gained 49 total yards and failed to find the endzone.

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

Jets QB Mark Sanchez (neck, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 16.

Browns QB Colt McCoy (head, out) missed practice all week and is out for Week 16.

Cardinals QB Kevin Kolb (head, questionable) took limited practice reps all week and is questionable for Week 16. John Skelton will reportedly get the start against the Bengals.

Seahawks QB Tarvaris Jackson (pectoral, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 16.

Buccaneers QB Josh Freeman (right shoulder, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 16.

Rams QB Sam Bradford (ankle, doubtful) missed practice all week and is doubtful for Week 16. A.J. Feeley (right thumb, out) is out, so Kellen Clemens will get the start.

Saints RB Mark Ingram (toe) missed practice again Friday. He's not expected to play in Week 16. Chris Ivory will see work as the Saints' clock-killing RB.

Browns RB Montario Hardesty (calf, questionable) took full practice reps all week and is questionable for Week 16. The main thing to note here is that Chris Ogbonnaya has passed Hardesty on the team's depth chart.

Jets RB Shonn Greene (rib, shoulder, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 16.

Bears RB Matt Forte (knee, out) missed practice all week and is out for Week 16.

Lions RB Kevin Smith (ankle, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 16.

Packers RB James Starks (knee, ankle, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 16. Brandon Saine (concussion, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 16. Green Bay's four-headed monster is back, and given the bad matchup versus the Bears, none of the Packer RBs are fantasy relevant this week.

Falcons RB Michael Turner (groin) returned to take limited reps Friday after missing practice Thursday. He's expected to play Monday night.

Patriots RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis (illness, questionable) took limited practice reps again Friday and is questionable for Week 16. BJGE should be active this week -- the Patriots love to play coy with the injury report.

Cardinals RB Beanie Wells (knee, questionable) took limited practice reps all week and is questionable for Week 16. The Arizona Republic says that Wells is fully expected to play against the Bengals.

Raiders RB Michael Bush (shoulder, questionable) took limited practice reps all week and is questionable for Week 16. The feeling is that Bush will be good to go for a nice matchup with the Chiefs.

Giants RB Ahmad Bradshaw (foot, probable) returned to take limited reps Friday after missing practice Thursday and is probable for Week 16.

Bears RB Marion Barber (calf, doubtful) missed practice all week and is doubtful for Week 16. The Chicago Tribune reported that Barber would miss Week 16, which means Khalil Bell will see a heavy workload against the Packers.

Seahawks WR Doug Baldwin (ankle, questionable) missed practice again Friday and is questionable for Week 16. It's not looking good for Baldwin. Bump Golden Tate up a bit along with Ben Obomanu, but none of the Seattle WRs are good plays this week against a good 49ers defense.

Bills WR Steve Johnson (groin, probable) took limited practice reps all week and is probable for Week 16.

Packers WR Greg Jennings (knee, out) has been ruled out for Week 16. He's expected to return for the playoffs.

Jets WR Santonio Holmes (hip, probable) took limited practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 16.

Bengals WR A.J. Green (shoulder, probable) took full practice reps on Friday after being limited earlier in the week and is probable for Week 16.

Chargers WR Vincent Jackson (groin, questionable) missed practice all week and is questionable for Week 16. There is growing concern that Jackson won't be able to play against the Lions. Kickoff is at 4:05 PM ET, so owners may have to make the call early in the day on whether or not to start V-Jax. Malcom Floyd looks like a sneaky WR2/WR3 start while Vincent Brown would also be startable if Jackson can't go.

Giants RB Danny Ware (knee, questionable) returned to take limited reps Friday after missing practice earlier in the week and is questionable for Week 16.

Patriots RB Shane Vereen (hamstring, questionable) took limited practice reps all week and is questionable for Week 16. Danny Woodhead (abdomen) was removed from the injury report Friday.

Falcons RB Jason Snelling (illness) missed practice again Friday.

Steelers RB Mewelde Moore (knee, out) missed practice all week and is out for Week 16. Look for Rashard Mendenhall and Isaac Redman to see more work on third downs.

Jets RB Joe McKnight (shoulder, elbow, questionable) took limited practice reps all week and is questionable for Week 16.

Eagles RB Ronnie Brown (hamstring, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 16.

Raiders RB Taiwan Jones (hamstring, questionable) took limited practice reps all week and is questionable for Week 16.

Broncos RB Willis McGahee (hamstring, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 16. He should be fired up to face his old team (the Bills) this week. It's a nice matchup, so McGahee should have a nice game.

Jaguars RB Maurice Jones-Drew (ankle, probable) took limited practice reps all week and is probable for Week 16. It sounds like MJD is good to go for the Titans this week.

Falcons WR Harry Douglas (groin) took limited practice reps again Friday.

Buccaneers WR Arrelious Benn (concussion, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 16.

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

Jets WR Plaxico Burress (illness, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 16.

Patriots WR Deion Branch (groin, questionable) took limited practice reps all week and is questionable for Week 16. Even if he does play, Branch is not a trustworthy fantasy option.

Titans WR Nate Washington (ankle, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 16.

Patriots WR Wes Welker (knee, questionable) took limited practice reps all week and is questionable for Week 16. Welker is fully expected to play against the Dolphins this week.

Cowboys WR Laurent Robinson (shoulder, questionable) took limited practice reps all week and is questionable for Week 16. He has been questionable for two weeks now and has played when it mattered. He's not getting as many snaps with Miles Austin back, but he's still a high-upside WR3 in the Cowboys' offense.

Saints WR Lance Moore (hamstring) took limited practice reps Friday. Mid-week downgrades are always concerning. Owners planning to start Moore may want to pick up Robert Meachem or Devery Henderson in case Moore can't play.

Raiders WR Denarius Moore (foot, probable) and Chaz Schilens (hip, probable) took full practice reps all week and are probable for Week 16. Raiders WR Jacoby Ford (foot, out) missed practice all week and is out for Week 16. Louis Murphy (groin, questionable) took limited practice reps again Friday and is questionable for Week 16.

Dolphins WR Brandon Marshall (knee, probable) took full practice reps on Friday after being limited earlier in the week and is probable for Week 16.

Giants WR Mario Manningham (knee, doubtful) missed practice all week and is doubtful for Week 16. It's not looking good for Manningham -- this is a downgrade for Eli Manning since he will have one less weapon at his disposal against a talented Jets secondary.

Eagles WR Jeremy Maclin (hamstring, shoulder, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 16.

Ravens WR Anquan Boldin (knee, out) has been ruled out for Week 16.

Panthers TE Jeremy Shockey (not injury related, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 16.

Jaguars TE Marcedes Lewis (hamstring, questionable) took limited practice reps again Friday and is questionable for Week 16.

Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez (not injury related) returned to take full practice reps Friday after missing practice Thursday.

Broncos TE Daniel Fells (thumb, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 16.

Dolphins TE Anthony Fasano (head, out) missed practice all week and is out for Week 16.

Bears TE Kellen Davis (back, probable) took full practice reps on Friday after being limited earlier in the week and is probable for Week 16.

Bills TE Scott Chandler (ankle, probable) took limited practice reps all week and is probable for Week 16.

Giants TE Jake Ballard (knee, out) missed practice all week and is out for Week 16. Travis Beckum (chest, probable) took limited practice reps all week and is probable for Week 16. He'll get the start in Ballard's place.

Steelers WR Emmanuel Sanders (foot, out) missed practice Friday after taking limited reps Thursday and is out for Week 16.

Browns WR Mohamed Massaquoi (foot, questionable) took limited practice reps again Friday and is questionable for Week 16.

Bears WR Devin Hester (ankle, questionable) missed practice all week and is questionable for Week 16.

49ers WR Ted Ginn (ankle, questionable) missed practice all week and is questionable for Week 16.

49ers WR Braylon Edwards (knee, questionable) took limited practice reps all week and is questionable for Week 16. Edwards is not a fantasy option.

Ravens K Billy Cundiff (left calf, doubtful) missed practice all week and is doubtful for Week 16. Shayne Graham will kick for the Ravens this week.

Should Peyton Hillis finish the season the way he hopes to, he would set himself up for a big payday in the spring. Since the Browns have been unable to sign him to a contract extension, the 25-year-old newlywed will become an unrestricted free agent for the first time.

Despite putting a moratorium on the subject more than a month ago, Hillis did field a handful of questions about his future while preparing for the Ravens. He also disagreed with a reporter’s assertion that this was a lost season for him.

“You know, I don’t believe that,” said Hillis, who has rushed for a team-high 445 yards, caught 19 passes, and scored three touchdowns. “I feel everything happens for a reason. The Lord lets everything happen for a reason, so I’m not going to sit here and question myself or worry about the past. I’m just going to go out and approach it with the best mental state that I possibly can and hope the best happens.

“I’m not thinking about what the offseason will bring, I’m just thinking about how we can win these next two games.”

In Year 3, while there is a ways to go for Darrius Heyward-Bey to be considered among the NFL's elite receivers, he is at least competitive with the rest of his draft class and has put up respectable numbers.

With 51 receptions for 775 yards and three touchdowns, Heyward-Bey will become the first wide receiver to lead the Raiders in receptions and yardage since Ronald Curry (55 receptions, 717 yards) in 2007.

His rate of receptions per target is up to 56.9 percent, and while still plagued by the occasional dropped pass, they are becoming more infrequent, with five in 14 games.

Arizona Cardinals quarterback John Skelton is expected to start Saturday against the Cincinnati Bengals while Kevin Kolb continues to recover from his most recent concussion, a league source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.

This is good news for Larry Fitzgerald, who has been more productive with Skelton throwing the ball.

Running back Kahlil Bell is set to make just his second career start against the Bears' biggest rival.

Veteran Marion Barber is expected to miss Sunday's game against the Packers in Green Bay with a calf injury, according to a league source. That leaves Bell as the primary ball carrier because Matt Forte still is sidelined with a sprained right knee.

Coach Lovie Smith expressed confidence in Bell as the starter.

"There are bigger concerns I have, and Kahlil is not one of them,'' Smith said Thursday. "I vividly remember his first carry he had at Soldier Field (a franchise-rookie record 72-yard run). I see him every day in practice going against our No. 1 defense.

"He can make you miss in the open field. He can run with power inside. He can catch the ball out of the backfield. I'm excited about the opportunity he has.''

4for4 has been high on Bell all week, ranking him #25 amongst RBs in standard formats and #12 in PPR.

The Cowboys still are hopeful Felix Jones will play Saturday despite the running back missing another day of practice because of tightness in his hamstring.

Jones worked on the side with associate athletic trainer Britt Brown as the team began Thursday's practice. He was running and cutting, seemingly without problems.

Owner Jerry Jones expects Jones to be ready to go against the Eagles."He's going to be involved in all team stuff," the owner said Thursday. "He should be able to get anything he needs to get about the game plan, about what we're trying to do. We'll just let this thing get measured."

We're not so sure we believe the Cowboys when they say that the outcome of the Giants/Jets game will have no impact on Jones's workload against the Eagles. If the Giants win, the Cowboys' game against the Eagles will be meaningless. Dallas may still try to win the game, but it's not pragmatic to put Jones at risk when they would be facing a must-win game against the Giants the following week. Sammy Morris would get the lion's share of the touches if Jones misses time.

Colts Inactives
Mario Addison DE
Dallas Clark TE
Mike Holmes CB
Scott Lutrus LB
Peyton Manning QB
Quinn Ojinnaka T
Philip Wheeler OLB

Texans Inactives
Mike Brisiel OG
Jeff Garcia QB
Andrew Gardner OT
Garrett Graham TE
Sherrick McManis DB
Troy Nolan FS

TE Owen Daniels is active and starting. Daniels and fellow TE Joel Dreessen are both risky starts. Owen missed some practice this week with a knee issue.

Jets QB Mark Sanchez (neck) took full practice reps again Thursday.

Browns QB Colt McCoy (head) missed practice again Thursday. Seneca Wallace is expected to start in Week 16.

Cardinals QB Kevin Kolb (head) took limited practice reps again Thursday. It's not clear if Kolb will get the start if he's active, as John Skelton has won five of his six starts. There has been no announcement by the Arizona coaching staff.

Seahawks QB Tarvaris Jackson (pectoral) practiced fully Wednesday.

Buccaneers QB Josh Freeman (right shoulder) took full practice reps again Thursday.

Rams QB Sam Bradford (ankle) missed practice again Thursday. Bradford is not looking good for Week 16. A.J. Feeley (right thumb) did not practice again on Thursday, so it looks like Kellen Clemens will get the start.

Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger (ankle) missed practice again Thursday. OC Bruce Arians says Big Ben is a game-time decision this week, though the feeling seems to be that he'll be held out in a winnable game against the Rams. If he sits, it's a downgrade for Mike Wallace and Antonio Brown, though Charlie Batch is a capable short-term QB.

Falcons RB Michael Turner (groin) missed practice Thursday. He's expected to start Week 16 despite the groin injury.

Lions RB Kevin Smith (ankle) took full practice reps again Thursday. Smith looks like a full go against the Chargers.

Broncos RB Willis McGahee (hamstring) took full practice reps again Thursday. He appears to be set for a full workload in a good matchup against the Bills.

Saints RB Mark Ingram (toe) missed practice Thursday. Chris Ivory is expected to play in Ingram's place this week. The Saints have no reason to rush Ingram back with Ivory producing the way he is.

Redskins RB Roy Helu (toe, knee) took limited practice reps again Thursday. Helu is expected to play though he's not necessarily going to see the workload that he's seen in recent weeks. Evan Royster will likely see those extra touches.

Jets RB Shonn Greene (rib, shoulder) took full practice reps again Thursday.

Patriots RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis (illness) returned to limited practice reps Thursday after missing Wednesday practice. He's not getting many touches but has the best chance of any of the Patriots' RBs to find the endzone.

Raiders RB Michael Bush (shoulder) took limited practice reps again Thursday. The Raiders are just being careful with Bush, who is expected to play against the Chiefs.

Giants RB Ahmad Bradshaw (foot) missed practice Thursday after taking limited reps Wednesday. Bradshaw was just getting some extra rest ahead of Saturday's game against the Jets.

Cowboys RB Felix Jones (hamstring) missed practice again Thursday. Jones is looking iffy for this week which means Sammy Morris would carry the load in a good matchup against the Eagles.

Titans RB Chris Johnson (ankle) returned to limited practice reps Thursday after missing Wednesday practice. The Titans are expecting that Johnson won't be himself this week and Jamie Harper is expected to see a bigger role than usual against the Jaguars. Johnson reportedly looked fine running, but cutting will be an issue.

Eagles QB Michael Vick (ribs) took full practice reps again Thursday.

Ravens WR Anquan Boldin (knee) was ruled out for Week 16. He's having surgery on the knee so look for a run-heavy attack for the Ravens against a bad Browns rush defense.

Chargers WR Vincent Jackson (groin) missed practice again Thursday. Jackson is no longer expected to play, though he could still make it back. Malcom Floyd would be a terrific start if V-Jax couldn't go. Vincent Brown would also be startable as a WR3 in that scenario.

Patriots RB Danny Woodhead (abdomen) was removed from the injury report Thursday after taking limited practice reps Wednesday.

Cardinals RB Beanie Wells (knee) took limited practice reps again Thursday. No worries here.

Giants RB Danny Ware (knee) missed practice again Thursday. With Ware banged up, Ahmad Bradshaw would see additional snaps as the Giants only third down RB.

Packers RB James Starks (knee, ankle) took full practice reps again Thursday. Brandon Saine (concussion) took full practice reps Thursday after being limited Wednesday.

Steelers RB Mewelde Moore (knee) missed practice again Thursday. Rashard Mendenhall may serve as the Steelers' third down back with Moore sidelined.

Jets RB Joe McKnight (shoulder, elbow) took limited practice reps again Thursday.

Browns RB Montario Hardesty (calf) took full practice reps again Thursday.

Eagles RB Ronnie Brown (hamstring) took full practice reps again Thursday.

Raiders RB Darren McFadden (foot) missed practice again Thursday. The latest is that he's hoping to return Week 17.

Bears RB Marion Barber (calf) missed practice again Thursday. The Bears don't play until Sunday, but it sure looks like Khalil Bell will be the Bears primary back against the Packers.

Jaguars RB Maurice Jones-Drew (ankle) took limited practice reps again Thursday. This is a different injury than his usual knee soreness, but MJD is expected to play this week.

Rams WR Brandon Lloyd (illness) was removed from the injury report Thursday after taking full practice reps Wednesday.

Bills WR Steve Johnson (groin) took limited practice reps again Thursday. He's expected to play in Week 16.

Seahawks WR Doug Baldwin (ankle) took limited practice reps Wednesday and was downgraded to "no participation" in Thursday's practice. Baldwin is looking shaky as a desperation WR3 this week. Golden Tate gets a bump.

Jets WR Santonio Holmes (hip) was added to the injury report Thursday after taking limited practice reps. The Jets haven't expressed any concern about his availability this week, so he should be good to go.

Bengals WR A.J. Green (shoulder) took limited practice reps again Thursday. Green looks like a go for the Cardinals this week.

Dolphins WR Brandon Marshall (knee) returned to limited practice reps Thursday after missing Wednesday practice. Marshall should be fine for a great matchup with the Patriots.

Giants WR Mario Manningham (knee) missed practice again Thursday. He has swelling in his knee and is looking iffy for this week's game.

Eagles WR Jeremy Maclin (hamstring, shoulder) took full practice reps again Thursday. It looks like Maclin is a relatively safe play against the Cowboys.

Jaguars TE Marcedes Lewis (hamstring) returned to limited practice reps Thursday after missing Wednesday practice. Lewis is not a good fantasy option this week even if he does play.

Patriots TE Aaron Hernandez (not injury related) was removed from the injury report Thursday.

Giants TE Jake Ballard (knee) missed practice again Thursday. He's not expetcted to play. Travis Beckum (chest) took limited practice reps again Thursday and will likely start for the Giants.

Browns WR Mohamed Massaquoi (foot) returned to limited practice reps Thursday after missing Wednesday practice.

Bears WR Devin Hester (ankle) missed practice again Thursday.

49ers WR Ted Ginn (ankle) did not practice Wednesday.

49ers WR Braylon Edwards (knee) took limited practice reps Wednesday.

Falcons WR Harry Douglas (groin) took limited practice reps Thursday.

Jets WR Plaxico Burress (illness) took full practice reps Thursday after being limited Wednesday.

Patriots WR Deion Branch (groin) took limited practice reps again Thursday. He was limited all last week and sat out so we're not terribly optimistic about his chances of playing this week.

Buccaneers WR Arrelious Benn (concussion) took full practice reps again Thursday.

Patriots WR Wes Welker (knee) took limited practice reps again Thursday. He's expected to play against the Dolphins.

Raiders WR Denarius Moore (foot) took full practice reps again Thursday. Louis Murphy (groin) returned to limited practice reps Thursday after missing Wednesday practice. Chaz Schilens (hip) took full practice reps again Thursday. Jacoby Ford (foot) missed practice again Thursday.

Titans WR Nate Washington (ankle) took full practice reps again Thursday.

Cowboys WR Laurent Robinson (shoulder) took limited practice reps again Thursday. Robinson was limited the last couple of weeks and still played, so we're expecting him to play against the Eagles this week.

Ravens K Billy Cundiff (left calf) missed practice again Thursday. Shayne Graham will kick for the Ravens in Week 16.

Broncos TE Daniel Fells (thumb) took full practice reps again Thursday.

Dolphins TE Anthony Fasano (head) missed practice again Thursday. It's not looking good for Fasano, who is dealing with a concussion.

Bears TE Kellen Davis (back) returned to limited practice reps Thursday after missing Wednesday practice.

Bills TE Scott Chandler (ankle) took limited practice reps again Thursday. Chandler is iffy for Week 16 but is working his way back.

Panthers TE Jeremy Shockey (not injury related) returned to full practice reps Thursday after missing Wednesday. This is bad news for Greg Olsen owners, but it is business as usual for Shockey who has been resting throughout the season.

Darrelle Revis could see plenty of Hakeem Nicks, the Giants' best wide receiver, on Saturday. Nicks is coming off a game in which he dropped a sure-handed touchdown pass after he lost it in the sun early in the first quarter during the Giants' 23-10 loss to the Redskins last Sunday.

Nicks is looking to redeem himself, but he is not getting caught up in the hype of a potential one-on-one matchup with Revis.

Victor Cruz, though, is looking forward to seeing those two go at it.

"Not only is [Revis] good athletically, but he watched a lot of film," Cruz said. "He knows the routes that we like to do on certain downs and distances and he picks up on tendencies. We have to be disciplined. We can't show any of our stuff and make sure we get to the right depths and using the right technique against them."

"It is going to be a good one," Cruz said of Revis against Nicks. "I think it is going to be a lot of back and forth, both guys making plays, both guys are very talented. Whoever makes that last play to win the game will be the victor."

Here's how the last few true WR1s have fared against the Jets and Revis: Dwayne Bowe (6-69), Santana Moss (5-42), Steve Johnson (8-75-1, 3-84), Vincent Jackson (1-15) and Brandon Marshall (6-109).

The Titans held running back Chris Johnson out of practice for a second straight day because of ankle soreness.

Johnson took part in individual drills prior to practice, and Coach Mike Munchak is still expecting the fourth-year pro to play Saturday against the Jaguars at LP Field.

“We’re assuming he is,” Munchak said. “Today was encouraging because even he thought he would be sorer than he was. Again, it’s the old ‘he’s progressing like you’d hoped he would.’ We’ll see how he is (Thursday) when he starts doing some cutting. If he doesn’t have any soreness from that, then we should be in good shape.”

Munchak acknowledged that Johnson is likely to be at less than 100 percent on Saturday, meaning rookie Jamie Harper should see more action.

“We’re assuming Harper will get more carries than he normally would — just because we’re assuming C.J. will be somewhat not himself,” Munchak said. “If for some reason C.J. is not even able to suit up … I would think we’d want Harper to get the majority of the carries depending on how much we run the ball.”

On this news, Johnson is looking like a fringe RB2 this week. The matchup is solid, but expectations need to be low due to his bad ankle and reduced workload.

Raiders RB Darren McFadden and WR Jacoby Ford, who jogged Tuesday, were not present when practice commenced Wednesday.

"I think they are a little sore today,'' HC Hue Jackson said. "They ran quite a bit yesterday and they were on it pretty good.''

It does not sound as if either player is close to returning.

One year after the Baltimore Ravens cut Shayne Graham when he lost a kicking competition in training camp, he was signed Wednesday as an injury replacement for the struggling Billy Cundiff.

The Packers' talks with Jermichael Finley’s agent appear to be going nowhere, which makes the tight end a likely target for their franchise tag.

Going into the season, Finley looked like the best candidate for a late-year extension, but he hasn’t had the numbers he and the Packers anticipated coming off a season-ending knee-cartilage injury five weeks into 2010. Finley ranks No. 8 in the NFL among tight ends in receiving yards and No. 17 in receptions, and has had surprising problems with drops, most recently three by subjective count last week against Kansas City.

The Packers appear to be waiting for more production and signs of maturity before making a long-term financial commitment to Finley.

Under the new collective bargaining agreement, the franchise tag for all positions has gone down substantially because the tender offers are based on the average of the top five paid players at each position over the past five years, and as a percentage of salary cap each year. Under previous CBAs, the tag was based solely on the average of the top five paid players at the position the previous season, with no percentage of cap figured in.

The NFL has provided teams an estimate of the tenders for 2012, and for tight ends it’s about $5.4 million, down from $7.3 million this season. Finley confirmed that if the Packers tag him, his agent probably will file a grievance to upgrade the tag to a wide receiver’s tender, which is estimated at about $9.4 million for next year.

Cowboys RB Felix Jones (hamstring) did not practice Wednesday. Jones is expected to play in a great matchup against the Eagles, but his owners should grab Sammy Morris just in case.

Titans RB Chris Johnson (ankle) did not practice Wednesday. CJ1K is expected to play, but is still experiencing pain in the ankle. Jamie Harper is currently Johnson's primary backup.

Redskins RB Roy Helu (toe, knee) took limited practice reps Wednesday. Helu is expected to play against the Vikings.

Eagles QB Michael Vick (ribs) practiced fully Wednesday.

Jets QB Mark Sanchez (neck) practiced fully Wednesday.

Browns QB Colt McCoy (head) did not practice Wednesday. McCoy is expected to miss Week 16. Seneca Wallace should get another start.

Cardinals QB Kevin Kolb (head) took limited practice reps Wednesday. It's not clear if Kolb will get the start if he's active, as John Skelton has won five of his six starts. For what it's worth Kolb said he was not back to "normal" just yet.

Buccaneers QB Josh Freeman (right shoulder) practiced fully Wednesday.

Bears QB Jay Cutler (right thumb) did not practice Wednesday. Josh McCown will get the start over Caleb Hanie.

Rams QB Sam Bradford (ankle) did not practice Wednesday. There have been rumors that the Rams were going to place him on injured reserve, but Bradford wants to stay on the active roster. Either way, he's not looking good for Week 16. A.J. Feeley (right thumb) did not practice Wednesday, so it looks like Kellen Clemens will get the start.

Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger (ankle) did not practice Wednesday. The NFL Network's Jason LaCanfora reported that the Steelers will likely rest Roethlisberger but our Steelers scout says that it was news to Big Ben and the other players. At this point, Roethlisberger expects to play. We'll continue to monitor his practice activity throughout the week.

Browns RB Montario Hardesty (calf) practiced fully Wednesday.

Jets RB Shonn Greene (rib, shoulder) practiced fully Wednesday.

Patriots RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis (illness) did not practice Wednesday.

Eagles RB Ronnie Brown (hamstring) practiced fully Wednesday.

Giants RB Ahmad Bradshaw (foot) took limited practice reps Wednesday. More of the same from Bradshaw, who is likely to suit up on Saturday.

Bears RB Marion Barber (calf) did not practice Wednesday. It appears that Barber has lost the starting gig to Khalil Bell, who figures to be very involved against the Packers in Week 16.

Packers RB James Starks (knee, ankle) practiced fully Wednesday. Starks looks like he's back in the saddle, which is going to kill any value Ryan Grant had this week.

Lions RB Kevin Smith (ankle) practiced fully Wednesday. It looks like Smith made it through Week 15 without re-injuring his ankle.

Broncos RB Willis McGahee (hamstring) practiced fully Wednesday. It looks like McGahee's injury wasn't serious. He should be a good start against a shaky Bills rush defense though lately he has been injury-prone.

Bears RB Matt Forte (knee) did not practice Wednesday. Forte is unlikely to be back before the playoffs.

Raiders RB Michael Bush (shoulder) took limited practice reps Wednesday. Bush is likely to play against the Chiefs despite the injury.

Raiders RB Darren McFadden (foot) did not practice Wednesday. McFadden is starting to jog, but he's most likely out for Week 16.

Eagles WR Jeremy Maclin (hamstring, shoulder) practiced fully Wednesday.

Ravens WR Anquan Boldin (knee) did not practice Wednesday. Torrey Smith is currently the best WR play in Baltimore. Boldin has only gained 70+ yards or scored a TD in one of his last six games.

Rams WR Brandon Lloyd (illness) practiced fully Wednesday. Unfortunately, he's facing the Steelers with Kellen Clemens throwing him the ball.

Bills WR Steve Johnson (groin) took limited practice reps Wednesday. Johnson is on track to start against the Broncos, though that means he'll have a date with Champ Bailey.

Packers WR Greg Jennings (knee) was ruled out for Week 16.

Chargers WR Vincent Jackson (groin) did not practice Wednesday. HC Norv Turner said that V-Jax came out of Week 15 "a little sore," so it doesn't sound too serious.

Bengals WR A.J. Green (shoulder) took limited practice reps Wednesday. Green has a shoulder sprain but intends to play through it in a great matchup with the Cardinals.

Patriots RB Danny Woodhead (abdomen) took limited practice reps Wednesday.

Giants RB Danny Ware (knee) did not practice Wednesday.

Patriots RB Shane Vereen (hamstring) took limited practice reps Wednesday.

Packers RB Brandon Saine (concussion) took limited practice reps Wednesday.

Steelers RB Mewelde Moore (knee) did not practice Wednesday.

Jets RB Joe McKnight (shoulder, elbow) took limited practice reps Wednesday.

Steelers WR Emmanuel Sanders (foot) took limited practice reps Wednesday.

Browns WR Mohamed Massaquoi (foot) did not practice Wednesday.

Bears WR Devin Hester (ankle) did not practice Wednesday.

Raiders WR Jacoby Ford (foot) did not practice Wednesday.

Patriots WR Julian Edelman (back) took limited practice reps Wednesday.

Browns WR Josh Cribbs (groin) took limited practice reps Wednesday.

Buccaneers WR Arrelious Benn (concussion) practiced fully Wednesday.

Bengals WR Andre Caldwell (groin) did not practice Wednesday.

Titans WR Nate Washington (ankle) practiced fully Wednesday. Washington looks like he's good to go for the Jaguars in Week 16.

Raiders WRs Denarius Moore (foot) and Chaz Schilens (hip) practiced fully Wednesday. Louis Murphy (groin) did not practice Wednesday.

Jets WR Plaxico Burress (illness) took limited practice reps Wednesday.

Patriots WR Deion Branch (groin) took limited practice reps Wednesday.

Cowboys WR Laurent Robinson (shoulder) took limited practice reps Wednesday. Robinson has been limited for the last couple of weeks and has continued to play through the shoulder injury. He should be fine for a big game against the Eagles.

Giants WR Mario Manningham (knee) did not practice Wednesday. This is likely a day off for Manningham, but we'll continue to monitor his practice activity throughout the week.

Dolphins WR Brandon Marshall (knee) did not practice Wednesday. At this point, Marshall is expected to play against the Patriots on Sunday.

Ravens K Billy Cundiff (left calf) did not practice Wednesday.

Panthers TE Jeremy Shockey (not injury related) did not practice Wednesday.

Jaguars TE Marcedes Lewis (hamstring) did not practice Wednesday.

Patriots TE Aaron Hernandez (not injury related) did not practice Wednesday. Hernandez's absence was not due to injury, so he should be fine for Week 16.

Broncos TE Daniel Fells (thumb) practiced fully Wednesday.

Dolphins TE Anthony Fasano (head) did not practice Wednesday. Fasano may be dealing with a concussion and is therefore quite iffy for Week 16.

Bears TE Kellen Davis (back) did not practice Wednesday.

Bills TE Scott Chandler (ankle) took limited practice reps Wednesday.

Giants TE Jake Ballard (knee) did not practice Wednesday. He's not expected to play. Travis Beckum (chest) took limited practice reps Wednesday, and should take over as the Giants' primary TE.

Patriots WR Wes Welker (knee) took limited practice reps Wednesday.

HOUSTON TEXANS

OUT
G Mike Brisiel (ankle), WR Andre Johnson (hamstring), CB Sherrick McManis (ankle), S Troy Nolan (ankle)

QUESTIONABLE
DT Shaun Cody (knee), TE Owen Daniels (knee)

PROBABLE
LB Mister Alexander (shoulder), CB Jason Allen (thumb), DE Tim Bulman (calf), G Antoine Caldwell (ankle), RB James Casey (foot), TE Joel Dreessen (knee, wrist), CB Brandon Harris (hip), DE Tim Jamison (knee), WR Jacoby Jones (foot), CB Johnathan Joseph (hamstring), WR Jeff Maehl (hamstring), DT Earl Mitchell (knee), C Chris Myers (knee), LB Jesse Nading (knee), S Glover Quin (ankle), K Neil Rackers (right calf), DE Antonio Smith (ankle), RB Ben Tate (hamstring), WR Kevin Walter (quadricep), QB T.J. Yates (right shoulder)

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

OUT 
QB Peyton Manning (neck) 

DOUBTFUL
TE Dallas Clark (neck)

QUESTIONABLE
DE Jamaal Anderson (groin), S Antoine Bethea (knee), RB Delone Carter (forearm), LB A.J. Edds (ankle), DE Robert Mathis (knee), LB Philip Wheeler (foot)

Despite playing poorly during the Buffalo Bills’ current seven-game losing streak, Ryan Fitzpatrick said he was not concerned about the team drafting a quarterback next spring.

“It’s just something I can’t worry about,” Fitzpatrick told reporters Tuesday. “Just like last year I wasn’t worried about them drafting a quarterback. I’ve sat down with (coach) Chan (Gailey), and I’ve talked to (general manager) Buddy (Nix). The thing I can control right now is me playing better. For me, it’s been a process this year. I think I’ve learned a lot and grown a lot. Hopefully these last few games we can end on a good note.”

Maybe Fitzpatrick should be worried. He has not played well since signing a new contract earlier this season, and he was booed at home during Sunday’s loss to the Dolphins.

The Green Bay Packers might have not just one indispensable player on their talent-heavy offense, but two.
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers indisputably is the first. Adding Greg Jennings to that list now looks plausible, or at least only a slight exaggeration.

One game doesn't tell all, but the Packers' performance at Kansas City on Sunday suggests they'd have a much, much tougher time and perhaps even be a home underdog if they didn't have Jennings in an NFC Championship Game against the San Francisco 49ers or New Orleans Saints.

Fortunately for them, they expect their best receiver back by the playoffs. But it's further evidence of just how important an individual or two can be to a given team.

Rams QB Sam Bradford could miss his fifth start with a high left ankle sprain this week at Pittsburgh and there's only two weeks left in a losing season, but he made it clear Tuesday that he doesn't want to go on injured reserve.

"Absolutely. I've said that now for the past two weeks," Bradford said. "I told Coach I'm trying to get my ankle healthy as quick as possible, I want to be out there as soon as it's good to go."

Asked why it was so important to play again given the Rams are 2-12, Bradford had an emotional response.

"It's my job. That's why I'm here. I'm here to play football, I'm not here to ride the bike, I'm not here to sit on the sideline," Bradford said. "And no matter what happens, I mean, why wouldn't I want to play?

"You put so much time in, you put so much work in, and then to just have it taken away and not be able to go out there and do what you love to do, it's not easy."

And for all those fans worried that Broncos VP John Elway isn't completely sold on Tim Tebow and might put the unorthodox quarterback on the trading block this winter, relax. Elway said the city's new comeback king is here to stay.

In an interview with The Associated Press, Elway gave his strongest indication yet that he believes Tebow can morph from a scrambling quarterback into a pocket passer, which suggests he won't be spending a high draft pick on another QB in April.

"Tim Tebow's not going anywhere," Elway said. "I mean, he's going to be a Bronco and we're going to do everything we can and hopefully he's that guy."

Even after a three-week layoff, Vikings HB Adrian Peterson (23 snaps) got plenty of extra attention from the Saints, who had a safety in box 78.2% of the time the All-Pro was in the backfield. It was obvious Peterson couldn't plant on his injured left ankle to finish the sweep he cut back through an inside crease for 39 yards. But he had three other carries of at least 8 yards (plus a fourth erased by Webb's penalty) and his 6.0-yard average on just 10 runs would've looked better if not for losses of 6 and 5 that were dead from go.

While overall, Eagles TE Brent Celek has blocked more this year on passing plays, that hasn't always been the case when you look at specific games. For example, last week against the Jets, he stayed in to block on just three of 25 passing plays.

In the first game against the Cowboys, Celek stayed in to block only four times on 35 pass plays.

In the first five games of the season, Celek blocked 30 percent of the time and went out into pass routes 70 percent of the time. In the last nine, it's a 21 percent/79 percent split. So yes, Celek has been blocking less in the past nine games.

In the first six games, his catch rate was awful - 13 catches on 30 targets, 43.3 percent.

Somehow, Celek has worked his way all the way up to 66 percent. In the last eight games, that number is 78.8 percent (41 catches on 52 targets).

Looking ahead to Saturday's matchup with the Cowboys, Celek should once again have opportunities to do damage. In the first game against Dallas, he led the team in targets (9), catches (7) and receiving yards (93).

Celek is 4for4's 8th-ranked TE in Week 16. He should have a nice game against the Cowboys.

Bengals WR A.J. Green was suited for practice on Wednesday.

It looks like Green will be a go in Week 16 despite the shoulder sprain.

LaCanfora on Twitter: Steelers officials would be shocked if Ben Roethlisberger plays this week. They fully expect him to rest at least one week. HC Mike Tomlin yet to reveal his decision.

It's the prudent thing for the Steelers to do, but it comes at a very bad time for fantasy owners. They are battling with the Ravens for the AFC North crown and both team have very winnable games this week -- Baltimore plays Cleveland while Pittsburgh faces St. Louis.

Raiders Running back Darren McFadden didn’t practice Tuesday but he was on the side jogging with trainers after being out 57 days with a mid-foot sprain.

Receiver Jacoby Ford (foot) was also in that group. He has missed five games.

Making his return to practice was rookie running back Taiwan Jones, who has been out since the Minnesota game on Nov. 20.

Missing in action were defensive tackle John Henderson (knee) and safety Michael Huff (hamstring) — who both were out Sunday against the Lions. Kick returner Bryann McCann, knocked out of the game with a concussion, was back at practice.

Running back Chris Johnson was held out of practice on Tuesday and said his right ankle remains sore.

Johnson suffered a sprained ankle in the latter stages of Sunday’s game, but said he expects to play on Saturday against the Jaguars.

“I think I should be good enough to go,’’ he said. “It’s pretty sore – I haven’t ran on it and … yesterday I was limping pretty bad. But I am doing much better.”

“Any running who runs for over 1,000 yards, it puts you up there in a group with elite running backs,’’ he said. “Even though I am not having the best of years to go over 1,000 yards, that’s something a lot of people thought probably wouldn’t happen this year.”

San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh said Alex Smith is the long term answer for the 49ers at quarterback.

The Chicago Bears are giving recently acquired quarterback Josh McCown a chance to win the starting job against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.

If McCown performs well enough during practice this week, he will get the start, according to the sources.

McCown, who was acquired on Nov. 23, replaced Hanie for the last two drives Sunday and completed just one pass and threw an interception. Since 2007, McCown has attempted just eight passes, completing two.

Bills WR Steve Johnson is being held out of practice today to rest sore groin, but he's expected to play Saturday.

Buccaneers WR Arrelious Benn, who missed last week's game against the Cowboys with a concussion, has returned to practice

Cowboys HC Jason Garrett just told the media that Felix Jones has a tight hamstring and hopes to have him back on Wednesday.

Per Texans Gary Kubiak, TE Owen Daniels DNP, knee very sore, "we'll see" for Thurs. Game time decision.

Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson will not play on Thursday against Indianapolis, according to Texans coach Gary Kubiak.

It will be his ninth missed game of the season.

Jacoby Jones will replace Johnson in the starting lineup.

BRONCOS: Considering the short work week, John Fox was asked Monday if the Broncos had set aside some time previously to get a jump on prep work for Buffalo. "(That's a) possibility," he said with a grin. ... Fox said Monday there were no "serious" injuries to report but was coy as to why running back Willis McGahee​ missed much of the second half against the Patriots. McGahee left the lineup in the first half with what appeared to be a hamstring injury. "Willis has had injuries before. It's a tough game," Fox said. ... No word if safety Brian Dawkins​ (neck) will be ready for Buffalo after sitting out Sunday's loss to New England.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have placed cornerback Aqib Talib on injured reserve and re-singed defensive tackle Jovan Haye.

Talib has been struggling with hamstring issues.

Browns coach Pat Shurmur declined to commit to quarterback Colt McCoy as the starter when he's recovered from his concussion.

"I'm going to cross that bridge when they're both healthy," said Shurmur. "Right now, until Colt's healthy, we're going to go with Seneca."

Asked specifically if McCoy will start Saturday against the Ravens if healthy, Shurmur said, "If Colt is OK — when Colt is OK — we'll talk about that," said Shurmur. "How's that? Good answer?"

Patriots DE Andre Carter will be placed on injured reserve due to his quad injury, ending his season, a league source confirms.

Redskins HC Mike Shanahan revealed on Monday that rookie running back Roy Helu played with knee and toe injuries Sunday, and that makes us wonder if the Redskins will look for ways to decrease Helu's workload over these final two weeks so they can make sure nothing too terrible happens to him in advance of next year. They may want to look at Evan Royster a bit anyway.