October 2012 4for4 Player News Articles

Jaguars QB Blaine Gabbert (shoulder) practiced fully on Wednesday. He played through the injury in Week 8, and should be able to do so again in Week 9. He is a desperation play against a shaky Lions secondary.

Colts QB Andrew Luck (knee) practiced fully on Wednesday. He played through the injury last week, and should do so again in Week 9 in a fairly nice matchup with the Dolphins, who are #22 in QB aFPA.

Vikings QB Christian Ponder (knee) practiced fully on Wednesday. He has a bad matchup with the Seahawks this week.

Titans QB Jake Locker (shoulder) was limited on Wednesday, but has already been ruled out for Week 9. Matt Hasselbeck has a very rough matchup with the Bears this week.

Browns QB Brandon Weeden (groin, thigh) practiced in full on Wednesday. Weeden was disappointing in a good matchup with the Chargers last week, and this week he is a low-end QB2 against a mediocre Ravens secondary.

Broncos QB Peyton Manning (thumb) got in a full practice on Wednesday. He says that the thumb is “sore” and an “irritant," but this doesn't seem to be much of an issue.

Packers QB Aaron Rodgers (calf) practiced in full on Wednesday. This is nothing to worry about.

Dolphins QB Ryan Tannehill (knee, quad) was limited in Wednesday's practice. Tannehill took half of the first-team reps, so it looks like he's going to play in a nice matchup with the Colts.

Dolphins RB Daniel Thomas (elbow) practiced fully on Wednesday. He may be considered a desperation flex start this week in a great matchup with the Colts.

Texans RB Ben Tate (hamstring) missed Wednesday's practice. Tate is probably out for Week 9. Justin Forsett will back up Arian Foster.

Bills RB C.J. Spiller (shoulder) practiced fully on Wednesday. He should be fine for Week 9.

Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch (back) practiced fully on Wednesday. Lynch will continue to play through the injury.

Raiders RB Darren McFadden (shoulder) practiced fully on Wednesday. McFadden rushed 29 times for 114 yards against the Chiefs in Week 8. He should be fine for Week 9.

Browns RB Trent Richardson (ribs) was limited on Wednesday. HC Pat Shurmur said that Richardson did not aggravate his injury in Week 8, so we can pencil him in for Week 9.

Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (ankle) was limited in Wednesday's practice. This is not much of a concern as the Vikings are just managing Peterson's health. He has a tough matchup with the Seahawks in Week 9.

Giants RB Ahmad Bradshaw (foot) did not practice on Wednesday. Expect Bradshaw to miss Wednesday and even Thursday practices for the remainder of the season as the Giants try to manage his injury.

Steelers RB Rashard Mendenhall (Achilles) was limited in Wednesday's practice. Jonathan Dwyer (quad) did not practice. Isaac Redman (ankle) practiced fully. The Steelers' RB situation is a bit of a mystery at this point. Dwyer is coming off of back-to-back 100-yard games, but that doesn't matter if he isn't healthy enough to practice.

Lions RB Mikel Leshoure (not injury related) was absent for practice on Wednesday. Leshoure may have suffered a leg injury in the third quarter of Week 8's win, but HC Jim Schwartz insists that his absence isn't injury related. Joique Bell figures to step in if Leshoure can't play, and Kevin Smith would serve as his backup. The Jaguars are #29 in RB aFPA.

Cowboys RB DeMarco Murray (foot) did not practice on Wednesday. With Cowboys VP Stephen Jones talking about setbacks in a Wednesday interview, it looks like Murray is going to miss another week. Felix Jones out-touched Phillip Tanner 13-to-3 against the Giants, but fumbled the ball early in the fourth quarter and didn't register a touch the rest of the way. Jones should start, but Tanner could see a bigger role this week.

Colts TE Coby Fleener (shoulder) will miss at least the next two weeks. Dwayne Allen will be a sneaky start while Fleener is out.

Packers TE Jermichael Finley (shoulder) was limited again in Wednesday's practice. This has been going on for a couple of weeks, so expect Finley to be somewhat limited despite announcing that he was 100% after Week 8.

Lions TE Brandon Pettigrew (knee) did not practice on Wednesday. This has been going on for couple of weeks now, and Pettigrew has been able to play through this injury.

Cowboys WR Kevin Ogletree (hamstring) did not practice on Wednesday. We will monitor his progress throughout the week, but he is not much of a fantasy option with Miles Austin and Dez Bryant expected to play in Week 9.

Panthers WR Brandon LaFell (concussion) did not practice on Wednesday. He took a big hit in Week 8 but returned to the game. He is very iffy for Week 9.

Lions WR Calvin Johnson (undisclosed) did not practice on Wednesday. Johnson was dealing with a knee injury heading into Week 8, so this is probably a continuation of that. We're expecting him to play in Week 9. Titus Young (knee) was limited on Wednesday. We will keep an eye on Young's injury this week, but it is probably nothing to worry about.

Cowboys WR Dez Bryant (hip) did not practice on Wednesday. Bryant should be ready for Week 9. The Cowboys don't seem too worried about his status.

Texans WR Andre Johnson (not injury related) was not at practice on Wednesday. Johnson should be fine for Week 9.

Giants WR Victor Cruz (calf) was limited in Wednesday's practice. This is a new injury for Cruz, but is probably nothing to worry about.

Packers WR Jordy Nelson (hamstring) missed practice on Wednesday. Nelson's absence is worrisome, though HC Mike McCarthy said that he was “real close” to playing in Week 8. Nelson isn't expected to test his hamstring until Friday.

Vikings WR Percy Harvin (hamstring) was limited on Wednesday. The Vikings are probably just being smart with Harvin's snaps heading into a tough matchup with the Seahawks.

Raiders RB Mike Goodson (turf toe) practiced fully on Wednesday. He should once again back up Darren McFadden.

Broncos TE Jacob Tamme (hip) practiced fully on Wednesday. He should be fine to play this week.

Kansas City Chiefs

OUT
RB Nate Eachus (head), QB Brady Quinn (head)

QUESTIONABLE
WR Terrance Copper (calf), DE Glenn Dorsey (calf), TE Steve Maneri (ankle), CB Stanford Routt (hamstring)

PROBABLE
WR Devon Wylie (hamstring)

San Diego Chargers

DOUBTFUL
WR Eddie Royal (hamstring)

QUESTIONABLE
CB Chris Carr (quad), WR Robert Meachem (WR)

PROBABLE
T Jared Gaither (groin), DE Vaughn Martin (neck), LB Jonas Mouton (hip), LB Takeo Spikes (elbow)

Other than perhaps Robert Meachem, there's no real news here. Meachem isn't much of a fantasy option at this point, and there's no good way to capitalize with Eddie Royal and Vincent Brown out as well.

It seems Victor Cruz may soon get that much-desired — and much-deserved — bump in pay.

The Giants receiver made headlines last week when he told WFAN’s Mike Francesa he wanted to sign a contract extension this season. On Tuesday, Cruz said everything was “moving in the right direction.”

That may be an understatement.

“From what I hear, they’ve just agreed on the structure right now,” Cruz told Francesa. “And that’s all I’m at liberty to say.”

Great news for Cruz's dynasty owners. Eli Manning loves throwing the slot, so it's unlikely Cruz's value would be as high if he played elsewhere.

For right now, Alex Green is Mike McCarthy's man. Not James Starks or Randall Cobb or Steven Jackson.

The Green Bay Packers coach said Monday that despite the second-year pro's feeble 2.5-yard average Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Green is most deserving of the starting running back job.

"Alex, that was not his best game yesterday," McCarthy said Monday, a day after Green gained 54 yards on 22 carries in a 24-15 victory over the Jaguars. "He's seen the film and I think the corrections for a young player will definitely be applied as we move forward.

"James will probably be given more opportunities as we go through the week, but there are a number of different factors that are involved with that and the biggest one is Alex Green has earned these opportunities."

Lions running back Jahvid Best is only 23 years old, he feels great and yet he cannot get doctors to clear him to return to football, raising doubts about whether he will be cleared to play not only this season, but ever again.

Doctors who have examined him don't want to be responsible for him, which is why none has signed off on him returning to football. It's also the reason the Lions haven't taken Best off the physically unable to perform list, something they have until Nov. 5 to do.

It has been more than one full year since Best suffered his last concussion. He has been recovering, working out, and he said he feels he is ready to return to practice. But doctors and Lions officials do not. Nothing more will change with Best's condition, which is why some now wonder whether he has played his last NFL down.

At this point, Best can be dropped in all but the deepest dynasty leagues.

The NFL is a league built on adjustments, and defenses appear to be game-planning to account for tight end Dennis Pitta following his fast start this season. Pitta caught 18 passes for 188 yards and two touchdowns in the first two games and has 30 receptions for 276 yards overall, emerging as one of quarterback Joe Flacco's most frequent targets.

Over the past four games, though, Pitta has generated only a dozen catches for 88 yards and no scores and was shut out against the Browns on Sept. 27. HC John Harbaugh acknowledged that teams may have shifted their schemes to try to slow down Pitta, but emphasized there's more nuance to what's happening on the field.

"It’s probably some of that," Harbaugh said. "To me, it’s a product of everything across the board. Typically, you say, ‘OK, this guy’s not involved. That guy’s not involved.’ It’s something you can take a look at, but when you start breaking it down and you start studying it, what you really find out is it’s more a product of us executing."

Colts HC Bruce Arians: Wait and see how week goes before naming starting RB. Donald Brown and Vick Ballard will play "equal amounts."

This obviously makes it difficult to expect much from either player, though they are both flex-worthy in the right matchup. Unfortunately, the Dolphins are pretty stout against the run.

Lions HC Jim Schwartz said RB Mikel Leshoure missed practice for a personal day today and will be back tomorrow. Not injury related.

Leshoure appeared to have suffered a leg injury in the third quarter of Week 8's win, but Schwartz insists that his absence isn't injury related. Joique Bell figures to step in if Leshoure can't play, and Kevin Smith would serve as his backup. The Jaguars are #29 in RB aFPA.

HC Mike Mularkey said WR Cecil Shorts will remain the starter outside.

Over last three weeks, Shorts has averaged 4.7 catches for 79 yards and 0.3 TDs. He should be owned in most formats.

Philadelphia Eagles coach Andy Reid announced Wednesday morning that he won't bring rookie Nick Foles out of the bullpen for Monday night's game at the New Orleans Saints.

Still, sticking with Vick seems to be the logical move for Reid, who's clearly under intense pressure to win now in order to save his job. Asking a rookie who hasn't taken a regular-season snap to save the season is a long shot. And if there was ever a week the talented Eagles offense might have a breakout performance, it could be against a Saints defense on pace for a historically bad season.

The Eagles are 3-4, so it seems early to be pushing the panic button by handing the keys over to a rookie QB. Vick should benefit from a very nice matchup against the Saints, who are #31 in QB aFPA.

The Arizona Cardinals will not be making a change at quarterback.

"I don't know where the Ryan Lindley (talk's) coming from," Cardinals HC Ken Whisenhunt said. "We're going to continue to stay the course. With the way our quarterback situation's been going, probably Lindley will get a chance to play because it seems like we've had some issues there. But right now, we're staying with John Skelton."

Rams HC Jeff Fisher addressed WR Brian Quick’s status and said he’s “just behind” and “some guys take a little longer.” Fisher was not pleased with Quick not going to challenge for the ball that was intercepted in the red zone. He also added that he believes Quick is going to be “very good.”

Rams HC Jeff Fisher quickly addressed the rumors of a trade of RB Steven Jackson. He said Jackson is “still our running back” and that they aren’t calling anyone to deal him nor are other teams calling about him. It really doesn’t appear Jackson is going anywhere despite the rumors that are out there.

Rams HC Jeff Fisher said things look good for a Danny Amendola return following the bye week.

Robert Meachem (hamstring) a limited participant in practice. Norv Turner called him "a little sore." Will see where he is Wednesday. Eddie Royal also missed practice with a hamstring.

Offensive coordinator Brian Daboll defended the Chiefs’ use of running back Jamaal Charles in last week’s loss to Oakland. Charles was given the ball just eight times between rushes and pass receptions in the 26-16 loss to the Raiders.

“Jamaal is a good player . . . and give Oakland credit,’’ Daboll said. “They did a nice job of stopping the run. We tried to move it some other ways. Every week is a new week.

“You go as the game develops. You try to run or pass based some on what you think you can do and some on what they’re doing. If they’re doing a good job of stopping the run over and over, we’re going to try and move the ball in another fashion. If we’re running the ball well, we’ll continue to run the ball.’’

The Dolphins have released WR Anthony Armstrong.

Veteran wide receiver Ben Obomanu was placed on injured reserve by the Seahawks today because of the wrist injury he got in Sunday’s loss to the Lions in Detroit.

The Jets have waived RB Jonathan Grimes.

Bilal Powell could return to practice this week. Joe McKnight and Lex Hilliard round out the RB depth chart.

The Detroit Lions are the first NFC North team to act in the shadow of the NFL's trading deadline, which has been extended to Thursday afternoon because of Hurricane Sandy. Their acquisition of Jacksonville receiver Mike Thomas restores their depth, at least, in the wake of Nate Burleson's season-ending leg injury.

Thomas could provide an option to Ryan Broyles in the slot; he caught 158 passes in three seasons for the Jaguars but had managed just 10 receptions for 80 yards the Jaguars' new offense. He has also been a kickoff and punt returner at times in his career, and it's worth wondering at least if the Lions will give him a look there in place of incumbent Stefan Logan, who has been inconsistent this season.

Thomas had something of a breakout season in 2010, posting 66 receptions for 820 yards and four TDs, but his production since has been disappointing. With the way Broyles has played the last two weeks, we'd be surprised if he lost any snaps to Thomas, who will probably fill the Lions' WR4 role and potentially get some work as a returner on special teams. Thomas, 25, is a player to monitor in the Lions' offense.

Michael Vick remains the starting quarterback in Philadelphia, for now. Three people familiar with the decision told The Associated Press on Monday night that coach Andy Reid hasn’t benched Vick.

The people spoke on condition of anonymity because all announcements about the starting lineup come from Reid. The Eagles’ headquarters was closed Monday due to Superstorm Sandy, and there was no media availability.

The alternative is turning the job over to rookie Nick Foles. Despite Vick's struggles to date, he gives the Eagles the best chance to win.

Packers RB Alex Green will remain the lead back on offense. As poor as Green's numbers have been over the past two weeks and as well as James Starks has performed in the past, Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy still believes Green deserves the opportunity to be the top back.

Green is by far the fastest of the team's backs and has better hands than Starks. Green played in a run-and-shoot offense in college, and he's still making adjustments to being in a pro-style offense, so it might take him time to get going.

Green hasn't been overly productive since taking over for Cedric Benson, gaining only 154 yards on 64 carries, but the high workload keeps him fantasy relevant as a flex play.

The end of Nate Kaeding's nine-year run in San Diego has arrived. The Chargers kicker passed a team physical Tuesday morning and will be placed on waivers. If claimed, that team must pay the remainder of his 2012 contract.

Nick Novak will remain the Chargers kicker for the remainder of the season.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin would not commit to a starting running back today, saying only that he expected Isaac Redman back at practice Wednesday, while Rashard Mendenhall has been cleared to return to individual drills.

Jonathan Dwyer, who has started the past two games - gaining over 100 yards in each - is expected to sit out practice Wednesday and return Thursday.

Tomlin said he'll wait until later in the week to make a decision on who starts, but the feeling here is that Dwyer starts, Redman serves as a third-down and short-yardage back and Mendenhall sits out again while he gets that Achilles' tendon 100 percent healthy.

Jonathan Dwyer has posted back-to-back 100-yard rushing games, but this is shaping up to be an ugly RBBC. Relative health will likely dictate pecking order.

Raiders backup running back Mike Goodson suffered a turf-toe injury Sunday and center Stefen Wisniewski hurt an ankle. The Raiders are hopeful that Goodson and Wisniewski will recover well enough to play against the Buccaneers on Sunday. Goodson’s injury is the one of most concern, Allen said. If Goodson can’t play Sunday, second-year back Taiwan Jones and fullback Marcel Reece would pick up the slack behind lead back Darren McFadden.

Seahawks WR Braylon Edwards was inactive on Sunday after his knee swelled unexpectedly, Ben Obomanu suffered a wrist injury in Detroit and Doug Baldwin is unlikely to be back for this week's game after suffering a high ankle sprain on Oct. 18. That's some serious uncertainty at wide receiver, which means the Seahawks might be making changes to the 53-man roster.

Obomanu and fullback Michael Robinson each saw a specialist after suffering wrist injuries in Sunday's game, and Carroll did not have an update on either.

The good news for the Seahawks is Sidney Rice is rounding back into shape as the team's #1 WR.

Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery is expected to have his fractured right hand re-evaluated over the next two days, but coach Lovie Smith refused to put a timetable on when the rookie will return. Jeffery has missed the past two games after he suffered the broken hand in the fourth quarter of the Bears' win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Oct. 7. Although the injury did not require surgery, Jeffery's right hand was placed in a cast.

Smith says he has no reason to believe Jeffery won't pick up right where he left off whenever he gets medically cleared to resume playing.

The Chargers signed wide receiver Seyi Ajirotutu to a one-year contract and placed wide receiver Richard Goodman on the injured reserve list after he sustained a season-ending hamstring injury returning the opening kickoff Sunday. Ajirotutu was with the Chargers in 2010 as an undrafted rookie free agent from Fresno State, catching 13 passes for 262 yards and two touchdowns.

Ajirotutu is at best 4th on the Chargers WR depth chart.

Chargers HC Norv Turner said he hasn't spoken about his job status with either Smith or team president Dean Spanos. It's doubtful Spanos would fire Turner during the season for a number of reasons. There's no viable candidate on the staff who could step in and replace Turner, especially with a game Thursday night. Turner also is the de facto offensive coordinator given that he calls the plays. Spanos isn't prone to knee-jerk reactions, and he's not prone to eating salary if he doesn't have to. Turner's contract runs through 2013.

49ers RB Brandon Jacobs didn't dress for the game despite being fully healthy and despite fellow running back Frank Gore's bruised ribs. Jacobs dressed for the team's most recent game, Oct. 18 against Seattle, but was the only 49er who didn't get into the game.

"I'm ready whenever coach calls my name," Jacobs said last week. "I can't do anything about what's going on, but I can work hard and show coach that I'm ready, that I'm healthy."

Brandon Jacobs is a non-factor in San Francisco.

Cowboys RB Demarco Murray has missed the last two games with a sprained left foot. While he’s made progress, he hasn’t practiced since Oct. 12 and there is no guarantee he’s return this week. This is an injury that can linger.

“We’ll just have to see,” head coach Jason Garrett said. “It seems like he’s moving around a little bit better. Again, that’s an injury you have to be patient with. We don’t want to rush him back then take any backward steps. We’ll see how he is day-by-day this week.”

Despite optimism from Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, it seems like a longshot that Murray will be able to reclaim his featured role this weekend against the Falcons. Felix Jones will fill in if Murray remains out with Phillip Tanner backing him up. Jones out-touched Tanner 13-3 in Week 8, but was not productive (13 rushed for 19 yards) outside of a touchdown.

Cowboys coach Jason Garrett was asked about WR Dez Bryant’s hip. Garrett indicated that the Cowboys believe Bryant will be OK for Sunday’s game at Atlanta.

“He seemed to be limping around a little bit, but we don’t think it’s that severe,” Garrett said.

Titans WR Kenny Britt was limping on Monday and said he’d had an MRI on one of his troublesome knees. "The doctor said everything looks good, looks healthy," he said. "I’ll be playing on Sunday."

Titans QB Matt Hasselbeck will be the starting quarterback “until further notice” as Jake Locker continues to recover from his non-throwing shoulder injury, coach Mike Munchak said.

Hasselbeck is off the fantasy radar in a Week 9 matchup against the Bears.

Receiver Larry Fitzgerald was feeling fine after the game, he said. He took a blow to the head in the first quarter and was evaluated by the team's medical personnel and cleared to return. Some fans via twitter assumed Fitzgerald had a concussion because they saw him sniff an ammonia capsule (or something like that). That's pretty common in the NFL and Fitzgerald said that he often does it before he takes the field. He seemed as clear-headed as usual after the game.

Fitzgerald is fine injury wise, but continues to be limited by poor QB and line play in Arizona. There is no light at the end of the tunnel here.

Texans RB Ben Tate was not ready for Monday’s practice and likely won’t be ready for a few more days. His status for Sunday’s game against Buffalo is uncertain.

“My biggest level of concern with Tate is just keeping him on the field,” coach Gary Kubiak said. “It seems like it’s been one thing after another. If it’s not the toe, the hamstring. This has been going on for a few years. We need him.”

Justin Forsett will back up Arian Foster while Tate is sidelined.

Matt Cassel will get the start at QB for the Chiefs in Week 9 vs. the Chargers.

Brady Quinn is out with a head injury. This is good news for Dwayne Bowe, but Cassel isn't worth fantasy consideration outside of 2QB leagues.

Bills DE Mario Williams plans to practice this week and play on Sunday after wrist surgery last Tuesday. He also intends to continue wearing a cast on his left wrist.

“I was told from the advice from the trainers and the doctors to wear the cast,” he said. “I would be wearing the cast regardless because if I hadn’t had it done I’d still be in the cast and the same predicament. But now in my mind I have a better mindset of this week and next week it’s going to get better. At least I know it’s going in the right direction.”

An MRI exam Monday on the left knee of Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill did not show any structural damage, but his status for Sunday's game against Indianapolis remains uncertain, according to The Miami Herald. The rookie Tannehill could sit out with a bruised quadriceps and, according to the Herald, a bone bruise in his left knee.

If Tannehill can't go, Matt Moore would get the start in a great matchup with the Colts.

Cardinals Inactives
LaRon Byrd WR
Todd Heap TE
Senio Kelemete G
Kevin Kolb QB
Adam Snyder G
Greg Toler CB
Jamaal Westerman LB

John Skelton remains the starting for the Cardinals.

49ers Inactives
Brandon Jacobs RB
LaMichael James RB
A.J. Jenkins WR
Joe Looney G
Trenton Robinson FS
Scott Tolzien QB
Ian Williams NT

WR Mario Manningham returns to action after being inactive last week.

Tennessee Titans quarterback Jake Locker fractured his left non-throwing shoulder on the hit he took in Houston a month ago, and that is what is keeping him from returning to the starting lineup.

When asked for confirmation of whether or not Locker's shoulder did have a fracture, Titans coach Mike Munchak on Monday told TitanInsider, “He fractured his shoulder. That's what we're waiting on to heal.”

Matt Hasselbeck will remain the Titans starting quarterback for now. It's a difficult matchup this week against the Bears but he does have a couple of favorable ones after that against Miami and Jacksonville.

Running back DeAngelo Williams has been the subject of a potential trade. A team source told the Observer that at least one playoff-contending team has reached out to the Panthers about possibly trading for the back.

Rivera said he has not discussed a Williams trade with anyone and referred questions to Brandon Beane, who has been handling personnel duties since Marty Hurney was fired last week. He declined to discuss the potential of a Williams trade further.

WR Doug Baldwin "a longshot" to play this week against Vikings.

Browns Pat Shurmur on Trent Richardson: He's no worse for wear. He didn't reinjure himself. With RB, if he's going and score's right, you feed him.

Maurice Jones-Drew definitely out Sunday, Jags coach Mike Mularkey says.

Rashad Jennings will get the call and be a decent option as the Jags host the Lions.

Indications are a trade has been requested for Titans TE Jared Cook.

NFL clubs were just informed trading deadline is being moved from Tuesday to Thursday 4 p.m. ET

NFL league offices are closed Monday and Tuesday because of Hurricane Sandy. There are many big names like Chris Johnson, LeGarrette Blount, Steven Jackson and Dwayne Bowe who are reportedly on the block...

On Ryan Tannehill’s status (sprained knee, bruised quad), Joe Philbin was predictably non-committal. He said on the plane ride home from New York, Tannehill expressed optimism about being able to play next Sunday at the Colts.

Is Philbin optimistic? “I don’t know much, but it was a good conversation on the plane.” Asked if snaps might be altered in practice to give more work to third-stringer Pat Devlin, he said: "It's too early to predict what's going to happen."

Would Philbin be inclined to play him Sunday at Indianapolis if he isn’t 100 percent? “You have to make a decision: Can the guy function and do the job asked of him? Either he can do the job or he can’t. You would love the guy to be 100 percent.”

Matt Moore would get the start if Tannehill can't play and the Dolphins have three-straight pass-friendly matchups in the next three weeks, according to our SOS charts.

Texans coach Gary Kubiak: We need [RB Ben] Tate, very important to our success as a football team. He's "going to miss some time here."

Tate is a key handcuff for Arian Foster owners and can even be used as a flex play in certain matchups. Justin Forsett steps in as Foster's main backup.

Eagles coach Andy Reid met with coaches after game on Sunday to discuss QB situation. Met again Mon morning. I'm told likely QB change to Nick Foles.

Eskin is quite close to the Eagles, so the report should be taken seriously. However, another beat writer in the know, Reuben Frank, said Michael Vick remains the starter for now. Andy Reid's news conference was postponed Monday due to Hurricane Sandy, so we won't know more until Tuesday or Wednesday.

As for Foles, he performed well in the preseason but we all know the regular season is a different animal. At least a few of the Eagles' losses can be pin-pointed to Vick's turnovers. With plenty of weapons to work with, Foles could immediately have some fantasy value, at least in deep leagues, with the potential to be a low-end QB1. If he starts, Foles would face one of the worst passing defenses in the league in the Saints this week.

Specifically, I wonder whether something is wrong with quarterback Philip Rivers' throwing arm, and I know some league executives and coaches who have similar suspicions.

Last year, when Rivers suffered a huge dropoff in play from previous seasons, I thought he might be concealing an injury, but the quarterback assured me he wasn't. Arm strength was never Rivers' forte, but even with an unorthodox delivery he found a way to get the ball out quickly and effectively. Is his arm shot, or semi-shot?

Quarterback Jake Locker missed his fourth straight start, and he wasn’t even in uniform as Matt Hasselbeck was backed up by Rusty Smith.

Locker dislocated his left shoulder twice in the first four games. He was limited in practice the past two weeks.

Asked if Locker would be ready for this week’s game against the Bears at LP Field, Munchak said: “I don’t know yet. We’ll have to see. He’ll get re-examined again this week.”

If Vikes TE Kyle Rudolph (57 snaps) could have a defensive end trying to cover him man-to-man on every snap, he'd be unstoppable. But the Bucs learned their lesson after Rudolph easily beat Bennett on a cross for a 12-yard gain on third-and-10.

QB Christian Ponder didn't throw Rudolph's way again until a quick out for 5 on the final drive. Tampa used safeties to match up when Rudolph was detached from formation (20 times) and ran linebackers underneath him in zone.

He usually relies on his catch radius in lieu of truly getting open, but Ponder seems increasingly skittish about throwing him the ball when he's covered.

After absorbing a big hit from Pats linebacker Dont'a Hightower in the second quarter, Rams QB Same Bradford had to be helped off the field. He got the wind knocked out of him and was able to return without missing a play.

Not long after his 50-yard TD catch on the opening drive, Rams WR Chris Givens suffered a bruised toe and didn't return until about 6 minutes remained in the first half. By then the Rams were down 21-7.

The Green Bay Packers’ running game is still going next to nowhere – and coach Mike McCarthy may have to consider bringing James Starks out of mothballs.

Alex Green finished Sunday’s 24-15 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars with 54 yards on 22 carries (2.5-yard average). And while it marked the third straight game that Green eclipsed the 20-carry mark, it also was the third straight game he failed to average more than 3.0 yards per attempt. Green carried 22 times for 65 yards (3.0-yard average) at Houston on Oct. 14 and 20 times for 35 yards (1.8-yard average) last week at St. Louis.

“We need to improve,” McCarthy said. “I haven’t watched the tape … (but) the run game is not good enough and that’s today. So we’ll have an opportunity to look at it, we’ll go through with our players and we’ll be ready for Arizona.”

One would think James Starks would have been given a chance by now, so it's possible the Pack is looking to improve the RB position via trade. The deadline is Tuesday and there are plenty of backs rumored to be on the market. Green's job doesn't seem safe at this point.

Bengals RB Brian Leonard is back at practice.

Cedric Peerman will go back to being RB3 and Leonard will backup BenJarvus Green-Ellis.

RB Doug Martin is on pace to become the most productive rookie ball carrier in team history. That honor is currently held by Cadillac Williams, who ran for 1,178 yards in 2005. With 543 yards through seven games Martin is on pace to finish with 1,241 yards.

Chiefs coach Romeo Crennel said he wasn’t sure who would be the quarterback against the Chargers. He said the job would be Brady Quinn’s (over Matt Cassel) if he’s healthy enough to play, though that seemed unlikely.

“First of all, we have to see about Brady and what his situation is and whether he can go or not,’’ Crennel said. “Then we’ll evaluate Matt and his situation and also we’ll evaluate (Ricky) Stanzi.

“I’m not ruling out anybody. I have to look at everybody. I know time is a constraint that I have to work under, but the first thing that has to be done is to see where Brady is. If he’s not available, then I need to see about the other two and then make a decision.’’

Brady Quinn left Sunday's game with a concussion, after looking inept in early action. Matt Cassel clearly gives the Chiefs a better chance to win moving forward.

Oakland wide receiver Denarius Moore has caught touchdown passes in three consecutive games and has established himself as the player QB Carson Palmer looks to for big plays.

"I think everyone knows that he's the man in our locker room, but I don't know if guys around the league know about him yet," Palmer said. "He's young and has had some injuries, but he is finally healthy."

Moore is finally healthy and is starting to show his upside with consistency. If you drafted him as depth, Moore should certainly be considered a second or third WR in just about any format going forward. He has some juicy matchups against the Bucs, Saints and Browns coming up and doesn't really have a bad matchup until Week 16.

Bears RB Matt Forte on the field for 50 plays (91%) but Michael Bush got just 5 snaps (9%) in the 23-22 victory.

Bush was a decent flex option with the chance to get carries at or near the goal line, but putting someone in your lineup who got just five snaps won't be safe going forward until the trend stops - if it does. Obviously, it looks like Forte is the guy.

Ryan Mathews fumbled late in the first quarter.

That didn't stop the Chargers from turning to the running back.

Mathews was on the field for the offense's next drive and finished Sunday's 7-6 loss to the Browns with a season-high 24 carries for 95 yards. He added two catches for 9 yards.

The 25-year-old has fumbled twice this season, losing both, on 101 touches. His other fumble came in his season debut against the Falcons after missing six weeks and two regular-season games with a broken clavicle.

“The ball got away from him,” coach Norv Turner said. “We need Ryan to be a big part of this. We need to continue to have him have success.”

It's a good sign for owners that the team isn't going to throw in Jackie Battle every time Mathews fumbles. But, hopefully the fumbles don't continue or that may change.

With receivers Greg Jennings and Jordy Nelson sidelined because of injuries, Sunday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars figured to give tight end Jermichael Finley plenty of opportunities in the Green Bay Packers’ passing game.

But Finley caught just two passes for 24 yards. Afterward, he admitted he thought he would have a bigger game.

He was targeted six times, but that was tied for third most on the team with running back Alex Green behind receiver James Jones (nine targets, seven catches for 78 yards) and Randall Cobb (seven targets, five catches for 28 yards and one touchdown).

Lions WR Calvin Johnson didn't have a significant impact this week thanks in part to a sore knee.

"I just have to get my head around," Johnson said. "I didn't come out of my break like I wanted to. It's tough to stick my foot in the ground with my knee hurting, but that's not excuse."

Johnson missed two days of practice with a sore knee last week.

In addition to the knee soreness, Johnson took a big hit in the third quarter that appeared to shake him up.

Going up for a high pass over the middle of the field, Johnson had his legs chopped out from under him by Seahawks cornerback Brandon Browner. Johnson came down hard on his back, losing the football in the process, but stayed in the game.

"I'll be all right," Johnson said. "You're good after the win, but you'll feel it all on Monday."

Execs said they would not be surprised if little-used back-up running back LeGarrette Blount of the Bucs was dealt by 4 p.m. Tuesday.

Doug Martin has established himself as the starter in Tampa. Blount had a streak of 2 TDs in two games, but after falling short on a couple of tries last week, he seems on the outs and Martin received the in-close chances. Blount could have some value to a team as a big, change of pace back or possibly more. Danny Ware and Michael Smith would move up on the depth chart if Blount got moved.

“I’m not exactly sure,’’ coach Romeo Crennel said when asked why Charles wasn’t involved. “We were rotating our backs in there. Hillis was back and he was able to get some carries. He was somewhat effective. When a guy’s effective, we kind of stay with him a little bit. Hillis was able to run through there and break some tackles and get some things done.’’

But Hillis only got four carries, one fewer than Charles.

Charles was still playing late in the game, even though he wasn’t getting the ball much. He got it just once in the second half.

The Chiefs usage of Charles is mind-boggling, but the Chiefs only handed the ball off 13 times total in their loss to the Raiders and Charles did lead RBs with 5 carries. Charles is healthy and has a nice schedule the rest of the way outside of a tough matchup with the Broncos in week 12. We'll be watching Thursday night against the Chargers to see if the Chiefs make giving Jamaal touches a priority. Charles has posted monster fantasy days each of the three weeks he has racked up 20 or more touches.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones on if RB DeMarco Murray will play next week at Atlanta: "I am encouraged that he has a chance to be back."

It looks like DeAngelo Williams' days in Charlotte are numbered – if not by Tuesday's trade deadline, then during the offseason. Jonathan Stewart is now the featured back, although he averaged just 2.5 yards a carry.

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin cited RB Jonathan Dwyer in his postgame injury report as having a strained right quad. Dwyer shrugged it off — “I’m fine,” he said.

Tomlin was pressed after the game on the idea of keeping Dwyer the starter over Rashard Mendenhall when he comes back, but wouldn't commit due to Dwyer's injury. As the story points out, the numbers are sure there for Dwyer though: 107 yards on 17 carries; 122 the week before in Cincinnati — including 114 after contact. His back-to-back 100-yard outputs are the Steelers’ first since Willie Parker in September 2008.

Patriots receiver Wes Welker left Sunday’s win over the Rams in the fourth quarter with a left ankle injury and didn’t return. He answered questions from reporters afterward, and naturally the ankle was a topic of discussion.

Welker was asked if the ankle would be OK.

“Yeah, I think so,” he answered. “We’ll see. We’ll evaluate it in the morning. It’s hard to tell right after it happens. We’ll evaluate it as the week goes on.”

The Patriots are on bye next week so unless the sprain is of the high ankle variety, he should be fine for Week 10.

Cowboys WR Dez Bryant injured his hip on a would-be go-ahead TD catch that was called back. He landed hard on the turf and had to leave the game. Bryant returned for the final play.

Kevin Ogletree would be the primary beneficiary if Bryant were to miss any time.

Lions RB Mikel Leshoure started the game, but was spotted on the bench having his right leg examined by trainers in the second half.

He didn’t return, but HC Jim Schwartz said it was not due to injury.

“[Joique Bell] was doing some good things for us and we were rotating our backs too,’’ Schwartz said. “Kevin Smith played a lot of third downs and then Joique was playing Joique was on that last series. Mikel, I thought ran the ball well today too.’’

Leshoure finished with 10 carries for 46 yards rushing and three catches for nine yards. While Bell had seven for 25 yards rushing and four catches for 33 yards. Smith had just one run for one yard and also had one reception for seven yards.

It's possible that this is a sign that Bell's role will continue to grow.

Saints Inactives: Joe Morgan, David Hawthorne, Scott Shanle, Tyrunn Walker, Broderick Bunkley, Bryce Harris, Daniel Graham

Broncos Inactives: Caleb Hanie, Tracy Porter, Knowshon Moreno, Steven Johnson, C.J. Davis, Julius Thomas, Sealver Siliga

It looks like Jimmy Graham is going to give it a go tonight. He's a risky play with a lot of upside.

Giants Inactives
Rocky Bernard DT
James Brewer T
Jerrel Jernigan WR
Adewale Ojomo DE
Kenny Phillips SS
Adrien Robinson TE
Jacquian Williams OLB

Ahmad Bradshaw is active and expected to get the start. Andre Brown is expected to work behind Bradshaw.

Cowboys Inactives
Phil Costa C
Andre Holmes WR
Matt Johnson S
Sean Lissemore DE
DeMarco Murray RB
Charlie Peprah DB
Kyle Wilber LB

Felix Jones is active and expected to get the start. Phillip Tanner will work as backup.

Raiders Inactives
Khalif Barnes T
Jack Crawford DE
Travis Goethel LB
Taiwan Jones RB
Lucas Nix G
Terrelle Pryor QB
Shawntae Spencer CB

Chiefs Inactives
Glenn Dorsey DE
Tysyn Hartman DB
Steve Maneri TE
Bryan Mattison DE
Ricky Stanzi QB

Matt Cassel is active, but has lost the starting job to Brady Quinn. Peyton Hillis returns to action behind Jamaal Charles.

San Francisco 49ers

QUESTIONABLE
T Joe Staley (illness)

PROBABLE
WR Mario Manningham (shoulder), QB Alex Smith (right finger), RB Frank Gore (rib), P Andy Lee (hand), LB Tavares Gooden (elbow)

Arizona Cardinals

OUT
QB Kevin Kolb (ribs)

DOUBTFUL
CB Gregory Toler (hamstring)

QUESTIONABLE
CB Jamell Fleming (back), TE Jim Dray (knee), TE Todd Heap (knee), S Kerry Rhodes (back), RB Anthony Sherman (knee), G Adam Snyder (quad)

PROBABLE
S James Sanders (knee), CB Michael Adams (hamstring), DE Calais Campbell (quad), LB Quentin Groves (hamstring), LB Paris Lenon (ankle), LB O’Brien Schofield (knee), QB John Skelton (ankle), LB Reggie Walker (head)

Gore says he’ll play Monday night as the pain in his ribs has “lessened a lot.” He has a good matchup against an Arizona defense that allowed Adrian Peterson to rush for 153 yards and one touchdown on 23 carries in Week 7. The Cardinals also surrendered scores to running backs C.J. Spiller and Fred Jackson in Week 6. Gore practiced all week and is our No. 12th ranked running back for Week 8.

Coach Ron Rivera says Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart will have an opportunity to be the “hot hand” when Carolina visits Chicago on Sunday.

“I want to see one guy pound and get a rhythm, then see the other guy pound and get a rhythm,” Rivera said. “To me it’s hard for a back to get a rhythm when you’re coming out every other play.”

Stewart is listed as our 27th rated running back this week. He’s a decent RB2 option if you need a bye-week fill-in.

Chiefs RB Peyton Hillis participated fully in practice on Friday and barring any setbacks, will be active when Kansas City hosts Oakland on Sunday. Hillis had just 21 carries in three carries before suffering an ankle injury in Week 3.

Jamaal Charles leads the NFL in rushing yards per game so Hillis’ role in Kansas City’s game plan could be limited.

NFL Network’s Michael Lombardi speculates that the Panthers could be willing to listen to trade offers for RB DeAngelo Williams, who still has three years remaining on a five-year, $43 million deal he signed lat offseason. Williams has been demoted in favor of Jonathan Stewart in Carolina’s backfield.

Bears QB Jay Cutler (ribs, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 8. Cutler is fully expected to play.

Colts QB Andrew Luck (knee, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 8. We like Luck's chances against a suspect Tennessee secondary.

Packers QB Aaron Rodgers (calf, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 8. Rodgers is good to go against the Jaguars.

Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch (back, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 8. Lynch should be fine to face the Lions this week.

Steelers RB Rashard Mendenhall (achilles, out) missed practice all week and is out for Week 8. Jonathan Dwyer (not injury related, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable. Dwyer is expected to get the start with Mendenhall out, with Isaac Redman rotating in on third downs. Redman (ankle, questionable) took limited practice reps again Friday and is questionable. Consider Dwyer a mid- to low-end RB2 this week against the Giants. He ran hard last week.

Giants RB Ahmad Bradshaw (foot, questionable) returned to take limited reps Friday after missing practice earlier in the week and is questionable for Week 8. Bradshaw wasn't at the media portion of practice on Friday, but HC Tom Coughlin said that he was “confident” that Bradshaw would be able to play against the Cowboys this week. He has a bone bruise in his foot. Andre Brown would be a sneaky start if Bradshaw can't play. The Cowboys play in the second round of games on Sunday.

Browns RB Trent Richardson (chest, rib, questionable) took limited practice reps all week and is questionable for Week 8. HC Pat Shurmur said that Richardson had three good days of practice this week, so he should be a safer start than he was last week. Montario Hardesty (knee, probable) took full practice reps on Friday after being limited earlier in the week and is probable for Week 8.

49ers QB Alex Smith (right finger) took full practice reps Thursday. Smith should be fine for a bad matchup with the Cardinals.

Chiefs QB Matt Cassel (concussion, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 8. Cassel has lost the QB1 job. Brady Quinn will start against the Raiders

Titans QB Jake Locker (left shoulder, out) took limited practice reps all week and is out for Week 8. Matt Hasselbeck gets another start and has a good matchup with the Colts.

Cardinals QB Kevin Kolb (ribs) missed practice again Friday. John Skelton is now the starter for the Cardinals. Skelton (ankle) took full practice reps again Friday. Kolb is expected to be out a while.

Jaguars QB Blaine Gabbert (left shoulder, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 8. Gabbert will play against the Packers, but don't expect much.

Jets QB Mark Sanchez (back, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 8. Assuming the weather isn't too bad, Sanchez could have a nice day against the Dolphins, who have struggled against the pass.

Chiefs RB Peyton Hillis (ankle, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 8. He should resume his role as the primary backup to Jamaal Charles.

Patriots RB Brandon Bolden (knee, out) missed practice all week and is out for Week 8. Shane Vereen actually started in Week 7, but he will likely serve as the change-of-pace back to Stevan Ridley.

Jets RB Bilal Powell (shoulder, doubtful) missed practice all week and is doubtful for Week 8. Joe McKnight (ankle, questionable) missed practice all week and is questionable. Powell is probably out and McKnight is very iffy. Jonathan Grimes would back up Shonn Greene, who would likely see a ton of work in a mediocre matchup. The Dolphins are #12 in RB aFPA.

Jaguars RB Maurice Jones-Drew (foot, out) missed practice all week and is out for Week 8. MJD has a sprained foot and will be out a while. Rashad Jennings will get the bulk of the work out of the Jacksonville backfield. B.J. Raji is expected back for the Packers, which is bad news for Jennings. However, he can contribute in the passing game as well.

Raiders RB Darren McFadden (shoulder, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 8. The Chiefs has struggled against the run, so this could be the week that DMC busts out.

49ers RB Frank Gore (rib) took full practice reps Thursday. No worries here. The Cardinals have been mediocre against running backs this season.

Cowboys RB DeMarco Murray (foot, out) missed practice all week and is out for Week 8. Felix Jones is expected to get another start, but he's nursing a bruised knee so we may see Phillip Tanner get a few extra touches. Jones (knee, questionable) took limited practice reps again Friday and is questionable for Week 8.

Colts RB Donald Brown (knee, questionable) took full practice reps again Friday and is questionable for Week 8. It looks like Brown has a good chance to make his return this week. It's early in his recovery, so Vick Ballard probably will continue as the lead back in Week 8.

Titans RB Chris Johnson (ankle, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 8. Johnson has another good matchup this week, this one is against the Colts.

Saints RB Darren Sproles (not injury related, probable) took full practice reps Friday after missing practice earlier in the week and is probable for Week 8. Sproles was excused from practice due to an illness in the family. No worries here.

Jaguars RB Montell Owens (shoulder, doubtful) missed practice all week and is doubtful for Week 8.

Browns RB Chris Ogbonnaya (chest, ribs, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 8.

Raiders RB Taiwan Jones (knee, questionable) took limited practice reps all week and is questionable for Week 8.

Jaguars RB Greg Jones (hip, questionable) took limited practice reps again Friday and is questionable for Week 8. Jones could be the primary backup for Rashad Jennings with Montell Owens doubtful.

Raiders RB Mike Goodson (hip, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 8. He is fighting for scraps behind Darren McFadden.

Titans RB Javon Ringer (knee, out) missed practice all week and is out for Week 8. Jamie Harper scored two touchdowns last week against the Bills, and should have a chance to score again this week against the Colts. It appears he is the Titans' short-yardage RB now.

Dolphins RB Daniel Thomas (concussion, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 8. Expect Thomas to resume his role as Reggie Bush's primary backup.

Packers RB James Starks (illness, probable) returned to take limited reps Friday after missing practice Thursday and is probable for Week 8. There is a chance that Starks could make some noise this week given the struggles of Alex Green against the Rams last week and the absence of John Kuhn.

Packers RB John Kuhn (hamstring, out) missed practice all week and is out for Week 8. With Kuhn out, Alex Green (and perhaps James Starks) will see extra work this week.

Patriots WRs Wes Welker (ankle, questionable) and Brandon Lloyd (knee, questionable) took limited practice reps all week and are questionable for Week 8. Both players are expected to play against the Rams.

Redskins WR Pierre Garcon (foot, out) missed practice all week and is out for Week 8. Garcon was given the option of rest or surgery, and he has chosen rest. At the earliest, he would return in Week 11 after the Redskins' Week 10 bye. Leonard Hankerson and Santana Moss seem to be the best bets in the Washington receiving corps at this point.

Rams WR Danny Amendola (shoulder, questionable) took limited practice reps all week and is questionable for Week 8. Amendola could make his return this week against the Patriots, who present a good matchup.

Lions WR Calvin Johnson (knee, probable) missed practice Friday after taking limited reps Thursday and is probable for Week 8. Johnson's inactivity is a bit concerning, but the Lions beat writers don't seem too concerned and the probable tag means that he's virtually certain to play.

Packers WR Greg Jennings (groin, out) has been ruled out for Week 8. Jennings is going to undergo sports hernia surgery next Tuesday, and is expected to miss "about three weeks." That would be around Nov. 20, leading up to Week 12. Typically, sports hernia surgery requires 4 to 6 weeks of recovery.

Giants WR Hakeem Nicks (knee, foot, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 8. Nicks is good to go for a big game with the Cowboys.

Packers WR Jordy Nelson (hamstring, questionable) missed practice again Friday and is questionable for Week 8. Nelson is looking very iffy, but will test out the hamstring on Saturday or Sunday. James Jones and Randall Cobb are obvious plays, but Donald Driver (neck, probable) would be a sneaky start if Nelson can't play.

Redskins RB Darrel Young (hamstring, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 8.

Falcons RB Antone Smith (hamstring, probable) took full practice reps on Friday after being limited earlier in the week and is probable for Week 8.

Cardinals RB Anthony Sherman (knee) took limited practice reps again Friday.

Falcons WR Harry Douglas (knee, ankle, out) missed practice all week and is out for Week 8. Douglas wasn't getting a lot of targets, so the impact should be minimal. Perhaps Tony Gonzalez will see a few extra targets underneath.

Raiders WR Juron Criner (hip, probable) took limited practice reps all week and is probable for Week 8.

Saints WR Joseph Morgan (chest, out) took limited practice reps all week and is out for Week 8. This leaves Devery Henderson as the team's primary deep threat. Don't be surprised if he gets behind the defense once or twice on Sunday.

Browns WR Travis Benjamin (hamstring, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 8. Mohamed Massaquoi (hamstring, questionable) took limited practice reps all week and is questionable. Josh Gordon's job seems safe right now.

Seahawks WR Doug Baldwin (ankle, out) has been ruled out for Week 8.

49ers WR Mario Manningham (shoulder) took full practice reps Thursday. Manningham should resume his role as the 49ers' WR2.

Patriots WR Julian Edelman (hand, questionable) took limited practice reps all week and is questionable for Week 8. He could pick up a few extra snaps with Aaron Hernandez out.

Lions WR Titus Young (knee, questionable) took limited practice reps all week and is questionable for Week 8. Young was probable last week, so this is a bit concerning. Still, he's expected to play and should see an increase in targets now that Nate Burleson is done for the year.

Jets WR Jeremy Kerley (finger, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 8. Kerley should have a nice day against a Dolphins defense that has struggled against the pass.

Rams WR Brandon Gibson (illness, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 8. Gibson should have a nice day against a questionable Patriots secondary.

Titans WR Kenny Britt (knee, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 8. He has a great matchup against the Colts. It's time for Britt to produce.

Raiders TE Brandon Myers (knee, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 8. The Chiefs are #6 in TE aFPA, so this is not a good matchup. Still, he led the Raiders in targets last week so he will be involved.

Packers TE Jermichael Finley (shoulder, probable) took limited practice reps all week and is probable for Week 8. Finley is expected to be limited again in Week 8, and he's not much of a fantasy option when he's limited. He would get a small bump if Jordy Nelson can't play.

Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski (hip, questionable) took limited practice reps all week and is questionable for Week 8. Gronkowski it is expected to play a big role against the Rams with Aaron Hernandez sidelined.

Saints TE Jimmy Graham (ankle, questionable) took limited practice reps all week and is questionable for Week 8. Graham said, “I'm good.” But he also said that the decision wasn't up to him. His owners should pick up David Thomas as a backup plan since the Saints play late on Sunday. Graham doesn't figure to be 100%, so he could be benched for a TE1 option who plays earlier in the day.

Patriots TE Aaron Hernandez (ankle, out) missed practice again Friday and is out for Week 8. Hernandez didn't make the trip to London. There was some conjecture that he might be staying home for the birth of his child, but it appears that the ankle is the driving factor. The Patriots have a Week 9 bye, so we are expecting that he'll be his usual self with some rest. Brandon Lloyd and Julian Edelman may pick up the slack with Hernandez out.

Chiefs WR Devon Wylie (hamstring, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 8.

Broncos WR Matt Willis (hamstring, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 8.

Raiders WR Rod Streater (knee, probable) took limited practice reps all week and is probable for Week 8.

Chargers WR Eddie Royal (hamstring, questionable) missed practice Friday after taking limited reps Thursday and is questionable for Week 8. Royal is not a good fantasy option right now, especially when he's dinged up.

Jaguars WR Laurent Robinson (concussion, questionable) took limited practice reps all week and is questionable for Week 8. Robinson is not expected to play, but if he does it will be in a limited role. Cecil Shorts seems to be the best option in the Jacksonville passing game at this point.

Bears WR Alshon Jeffery (hand, out) has been ruled out for Week 8. Devin Hester figures to benefit the most of the Bears receivers.

Jets WR Clyde Gates (shoulder, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 8.

Titans TE Craig Stevens (concussion, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 8.

Falcons TE Michael Palmer (shoulder, probable) took full practice reps on Friday after being limited earlier in the week and is probable for Week 8.

Rams TE Mike McNeill (knee, questionable) took full practice reps on Friday after being limited earlier in the week and is questionable for Week 8.

Chiefs TE Steve Maneri (ankle, questionable) took limited practice reps all week and is questionable for Week 8.

Cardinals TE Todd Heap (knee) took limited practice reps again Friday.

Panthers TE Ben Hartsock (calf, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 8.

Saints TE Daniel Graham (knee, out) missed practice all week and is out for Week 8.

Raiders TE Richard Gordon (hamstring, questionable) took limited practice reps all week and is questionable for Week 8.

Bears TE Brody Eldridge (illness, probable) returned to take full practice reps Friday after missing practice Thursday and is probable for Week 8.

Cardinals TE Jim Dray (knee) took limited practice reps again Friday.

Jets TE Jeff Cumberland (wrist, questionable) took limited practice reps again Friday and is questionable for Week 8.

Lions TE Brandon Pettigrew (knee, probable) took limited practice reps all week and is probable for Week 8. It looks like Pettigrew will be fine for the Lions, but he has failed to catch a touchdown since Week 2.

Broncos TE Jacob Tamme (hip, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 8. Tamme is ready for what should be a shootout against the Saints.

Raiders K Sebastian Janikowski (left groin, probable) took limited practice reps all week and is probable for Week 8.

Steelers K Shaun Suisham (left ankle, probable) took limited practice reps all week and is probable for Week 8.

The Chargers were the first team to exercise the new Designated-to-Return rule when they placed WR Vincent Brown on the Injured-Reserve list in Week 1. Brown suffered a broken ankle against the Cowboys in the second preseason game on August 18. He is now eligible to return to practice, but has not completely healed and may miss at least another four weeks.

“[Brown] is continuing through his rehab and I think he is making good progress,” coach Norv Turner said. “He hasn't obviously been able to practice. He is in the middle of rehab. So, what he is able to do, we will find out probably in the next month.”

Since Brown will likely begin practicing after Week 8, he will not be required to wait two weeks from his first practice until being placed on the 53-man active roster.

We were told a few weeks ago that Brown was right on schedule with his rehab, but it appears that he is still a few weeks away from playing. He is probably not worth a stash in all but the deepest leagues.

Packers WR Jordy Nelson sat out Thursday and would not practice again Friday, coach Mike McCarthy said.

You can believe that after seeing Greg Jennings come back too early and aggravate his injury, they won't let Nelson do the same thing. If it's bad enough that he can't practice during the week, it's probably bad enough that he can't play.

"This is really the first time Jordy has dealt with a hamstring," McCarthy said. "We will probably test him either Saturday or Sunday. (That's) what we're looking for."

If Nelson can't play, James Jones and Randall Cobb would be the starters with Donald Driver and rookie Jarrett Boykin the backups.

Jones and Cobb are obvious plays, but Driver would be a sneaky start if Nelson can't go.

Patriots TE Aaron Hernandez's ankle has not responded to treatment. He's struggling to cut, will not play Sunday vs. Rams. Bye next week to rest.

Hernandez didn't make the trip to London. There was some conjecture that he might be staying home for the birth of his child, but it appears that the ankle is the driving factor. The Patriots have a Week 9 bye, so we are expecting that he'll be his usual self with some rest. Brandon Lloyd and Julian Edelman may pick up the slack with Hernandez out.

Vikings Inactives
Mark Asper G
McLeod Bethel-Thompson QB
Brandon Burton DB
John Carlson TE
Audie Cole LB
Mistral Raymond S
Jarius Wright WR

Bucs Inactives
Najee Goode LB
Myron Lewis DB
Danny Noble TE
Chris Owusu WR
Michael Smith RB
Keith Tandy CB
Cody Wallace C

Jets QB Mark Sanchez (back) took full practice reps again Thursday. No worries here. Sanchez has another nice matchup with the Dolphins this week.

Colts QB Andrew Luck (knee) took full practice reps again Thursday. Luck should be fine for a good matchup with the Titans this week.

Titans QB Jake Locker (left shoulder) took limited practice reps again Thursday. Matt Hasselbeck will get the start in a good matchup against the Colts in Week 8.

Cardinals QB Kevin Kolb (ribs) missed practice Thursday. Kolb is probably going to be out a while. John Skelton will get another start. Skelton (ankle) took full practice reps Thursday.

Jaguars QB Blaine Gabbert (left shoulder) took full practice reps again Thursday. Gabbert is on track to start against the Packers in Week 8.

Bears QB Jay Cutler (ribs) took full practice reps Thursday after being limited Wednesday. Cutler looks good to go for the Panthers in Week 8.

Packers QB Aaron Rodgers (calf) took full practice reps again Thursday. Rodgers is good to go for the Jaguars in Week 8.

Raiders RB Darren McFadden (shoulder) took full practice reps again Thursday. McFadden should be fine for Week 8.

Cowboys RB DeMarco Murray (foot) missed practice again Thursday. Felix Jones is expected to get another start in Week 8, but he is nursing a bruised knee so Phillip Tanner may get a few extra touches. Jones (knee) returned to limited practice reps Thursday after missing Wednesday practice.

Steelers RB Rashard Mendenhall (achilles) missed practice again Thursday, while Isaac Redman (ankle) returned to limited practice reps Thursday after missing Wednesday practice. Jonathan Dwyer is in line for another start. The matchup (WAS) is not quite as good as last week (CIN), but Dwyer projects to be a solid RB2 start in Week 8.

Colts RB Donald Brown (knee) took full practice reps Thursday after being limited Wednesday. The full practice means that Brown could very well suit up for Week 8, and if so he'd put a considerable dent into the upside of Vick Ballard.

Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch (back) practiced fully Wednesday. No worries here. The Lions have been pretty good against opposing RBs the season, but Lynch should be able to produce.

Titans RB Chris Johnson (ankle) took full practice reps again Thursday. He should be fine for great matchup with the Colts.

Jaguars RB Maurice Jones-Drew (foot) missed practice again Thursday. Rashad Jennings will start while MJD recovers, and will be a solid RB1/RB2 depending on the matchup. The Jaguars are expecting Jones-Drew back this season, but no timetable has been given. Lisfranc surgery has been ruled out -- the team says that he has a sprained foot.

Giants RB Ahmad Bradshaw (foot) missed practice again Thursday. Bradshaw says he's just managing his injury, and expects to play against the Cowboys.

Browns RB Trent Richardson (chest, rib) took limited practice reps again Thursday. HC Pat Shurmur said that Richardson looks a lot better this week, though there is no guarantee he'll be able to finish the game even if he gets the start. Montario Hardesty (knee) took limited practice reps again Thursday. This is probably nothing to worry about. Hardesty is first in line for carries in the event that Richardson can't play.

Chiefs QB Matt Cassel (concussion) took full practice reps again Thursday. Brady Quinn is taking over as the Chiefs starter.

Raiders RB Taiwan Jones (knee) took limited practice reps again Thursday.

Jaguars RB Greg Jones (hip) returned to limited practice reps Thursday after missing Wednesday practice.

Dolphins RB Daniel Thomas (concussion) took full practice reps again Thursday. Thomas should resume his role as Reggie Bush's primary backup.

Jets RB Joe McKnight (ankle) and Bilal Powell (shoulder) missed practice again Thursday. McKnight played through his injury on Sunday, and is paying for it this week. Powell looks very iffy to make his return in Week 8. Jonathan Grimes would be the primary backup to Shonn Greene if neither McKnight nor Powell can get healthy for Week 8. For his part, McKnight thinks he'll play.

Titans RB Javon Ringer (knee) missed practice again Thursday. Jamie Harper will back up Chris Johnson. He scored two touchdowns last week and appears to be the Titans' short yardage back. Desperate owners could start him in a good matchup with the Colts.

Chiefs RB Peyton Hillis (ankle) took full practice reps Thursday after being limited Wednesday. Hillis didn't look very good before the injury, so it's doubtful that he will press Jamaal Charles for touches.

Raiders RB Mike Goodson (hip) took full practice reps again Thursday. He is fighting for scraps behind Darren McFadden.

Patriots RB Brandon Bolden (knee) missed practice again Thursday. Bolden is unlikely to play in Week 8. Look for Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen to get most of the carries for the Patriots.

Steelers RB Jonathan Dwyer (not injury related) returned to full practice reps Thursday after missing Wednesday.

Saints RB Darren Sproles (not injury related) missed practice again Thursday. Sproles was excused from practice to deal with family matter. He should be able play this week.

Packers WR Jordy Nelson (hamstring) missed practice Thursday after taking limited reps Wednesday. Nelson is not expected to test his hamstring again until this weekend.

Packers WR Greg Jennings (groin) was ruled out for Week 8. Jennings is going to have surgery to repair a sports hernia. Recovery is typically 4 to 6 weeks, which would put his return in the Week 12 to Week 14 range. There is no real way to capitalize on this news, since James Jones and Randall Cobb are long gone from most waiver wires.

Redskins RB Darrel Young (hamstring) took full practice reps again Thursday.

Packers RB James Starks (illness) was added to the injury report Thursday after missing practice.

Falcons RB Antone Smith (hamstring) returned to limited practice reps Thursday after missing Wednesday practice.

Cardinals RB Anthony Sherman (knee) took limited practice reps Thursday.

Jaguars RB Montell Owens (shoulder) missed practice again Thursday. Owens should be the primary backup to Rashad Jennings.

Browns RB Chris Ogbonnaya (chest, ribs) took full practice reps again Thursday. Ogbonnaya is a deep sleeper this week with both Trent Richardson and Montario Hardesty banged up.

Packers RB John Kuhn (hamstring) missed practice again Thursday.

Jets WR Jeremy Kerley (finger) took full practice reps again Thursday. Kerley should be good to go for the Dolphins.

Rams WR Brandon Gibson (illness) returned to full practice reps Thursday after missing Wednesday. He is once again a sneaky start this week against a shaky Patriots secondary.

Packers WR Donald Driver (neck) returned to full practice reps Thursday after missing Wednesday. With Greg Jennings out and Jordy Nelson iffy, Driver could be in line for larger role this week.

Patriots WR Wes Welker (ankle) took limited practice reps again Thursday. No worries here.

Patriots WR Brandon Lloyd (knee) took limited practice reps again Thursday. Lloyd is playing against his old team this week.

Giants WR Hakeem Nicks (knee, foot) took full practice reps again Thursday. Nicks seems to be getting closer to 100%.

Lions WR Calvin Johnson (knee) returned to limited practice reps Thursday after missing Wednesday practice. Megatron's knee is sore, but he should be fine for a bad matchup with a good Seahawks secondary.

Redskins WR Pierre Garcon (foot) missed practice again Thursday. Garcon has been diagnosed with a plantar plate tear. It sounds like he'll be out a while longer. At this point, Leonard Hankerson and Santana Moss seem like the best bets in the Washington receiving corps.

Titans WR Kenny Britt (knee) took full practice reps again Thursday. Britt appears to be getting healthy, but he needs to show it on Sundays. He has another nice matchup this week against the Colts.

Rams WR Danny Amendola (shoulder) took limited practice reps again Thursday. Amendola is not expected to play this week, but he's not ruling it out either. He should make it back for Week 10 after the team's bye. Brandon Gibson and Chris Givens will be sneaky starts again this week in a good matchup with the Patriots.

Broncos WR Matt Willis (hamstring) took full practice reps again Thursday.

Raiders WR Rod Streater (knee) took limited practice reps again Thursday. Streater will serve as the Raiders' WR3 if he's healthy.

Jaguars WR Laurent Robinson (concussion) took limited practice reps again Thursday. Robinson may not make his return this week. He has been out a while.

Bears WR Alshon Jeffery (hand) was ruled out for Week 8. Devin Hester is the most likely beneficiary of his absence.

Jets WR Clyde Gates (shoulder) took full practice reps again Thursday.

Patriots WR Julian Edelman (hand) took limited practice reps again Thursday. Edelman does not appear to be a threat to Wes Welker's job at this point.

Falcons WR Harry Douglas (knee, ankle) missed practice again Thursday. Douglas is starting to look iffy for Week 8.

Raiders WR Juron Criner (hip) took limited practice reps again Thursday.

Seahawks WR Doug Baldwin (ankle) did not practice Wednesday. Baldwin is out for Week 8.

Saints WR Joseph Morgan (chest) took limited practice reps again Thursday, but has been ruled out for Week 8. This could mean a few extra deep routes for Devery Henderson.

Browns WR Mohamed Massaquoi (hamstring) took limited practice reps again Thursday. Travis Benjamin (hamstring) took full practice reps again Thursday. Josh Gordon's job still looks safe.

Lions WR Titus Young (knee) took limited practice reps again Thursday. Young should get WR2 targets now that Nate Burleson is done for the season.

Raiders TE Richard Gordon (hamstring) took limited practice reps again Thursday.

Bears TE Brody Eldridge (illness) was added to the injury report Thursday after missing practice.

Cardinals TE Jim Dray (knee) took limited practice reps Thursday.

Jets TE Jeff Cumberland (wrist) returned to limited practice reps Thursday after missing Wednesday practice.

Broncos TE Jacob Tamme (hip) took full practice reps again Thursday. Tamme should be ready for a potential shootout with the Saints.

Raiders TE Brandon Myers (knee) took full practice reps again Thursday. He should be fine for the Chiefs on Sunday.

Lions TE Brandon Pettigrew (knee) took limited practice reps again Thursday. Pettigrew has been disappointing this season, but he is second on the team in targets per game.

Packers TE Jermichael Finley (shoulder) took limited practice reps again Thursday. Finley is expected to be limited again and Week 8, and he's not much of a fantasy option when he's limited.

Patriots TE Aaron Hernandez (ankle) missed practice Thursday after taking limited reps Wednesday. Hernandez also missed last Thursday's practice before heavy playing time in Week 7. He should be fine.

Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski (hip) took limited practice reps again Thursday. Gronkowski should be fine for the Rams.

Saints TE Jimmy Graham (ankle) took limited practice reps again Thursday. Graham is still very iffy for Week 8. The Saints play on Sunday night so hopefully we will have word about his status early in the day. Owners may want to back him up with David Thomas so they have an out in case he can't play. Joel Dreessen is another possibility.

Chiefs WR Devon Wylie (hamstring) took full practice reps again Thursday.

Raiders K Sebastian Janikowski (left groin) took limited practice reps again Thursday. Janikowski has been playing through a sore groin for a while now.

Titans TE Craig Stevens (concussion) took full practice reps again Thursday.

Falcons TE Michael Palmer (shoulder) took limited practice reps again Thursday.

Rams TE Mike McNeill (knee) was added to the injury report Thursday after taking limited practice reps.

Chiefs TE Steve Maneri (ankle) took limited practice reps again Thursday.

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

Panthers TE Ben Hartsock (calf) took full practice reps Thursday after being limited Wednesday.

Saints TE Daniel Graham (knee) missed practice again Thursday.

Steelers K Shaun Suisham (left ankle) took limited practice reps again Thursday. He should be fine to kick against the Redskins.

Personnel-wise, the Panthers continue to experiment with their offensive line following center Ryan Kalil's season-ending foot surgery. Byron Bell returns to right tackle after playing guard last week, while Jeff Byers gets a shot at guard next to Bell.

This likely coincides with the Panthers' shift from the zone read package to more reliance on a power running game. Rivera has only hinted about his plans for the offense. But based on last week's game against Dallas – when power-running Jonathan Stewart received the bulk of the work and speed back DeAngelo Williams mostly watched – it's clear the Panthers are trying to re-create themselves offensively.

Stewart's stock is on the rise, but fantasy owners aren't likely to see much improvement until Week 13 when the Panthers' schedule lets up

Packers WR Greg Jennings will have surgery to repair abdominal tear, says it is not season ending.

No timetable was provided, though if this is a sports hernia, recovery is typically 4 to 6 weeks, which would put his return in the Week 12 to Week 14 range. There is no real way to capitalize on this news, since James Jones and Randall Cobb are long gone from most waiver wires.

When asked about RB DeMarco Murray's injury Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said, "I don’t think it’s long term. I think we’ll have him back in the foreseeable future. I wouldn’t predict."

Felix Jones is expected to get another start in Week 8, but he is nursing a bruised knee so Phillip Tanner may get a few extra touches.

A foot specialist diagnosed Redskins WR Pierre Garcon with a plantar plate tear in his right foot Wednesday, a source said. His status will continue to be determined on a weekly basis.

The plantar plate is a soft tissue structure that connects the base of the toe and the metatarsal, the long bone that goes to the toe. It cushions the bottom of the metatarsal head, which is why the tear causes Garcon significant pain when he pushes off and sprints.

There is no specific timetable for Garcon’s return, although it could make sense to try to bring him back after the bye week. The Redskins return from the week off on Nov. 18, and five of their final seven games are against NFC East opponents.

The decision to send Garcon to see Dr. Robert B. Anderson was not prompted by a setback. The foot injury just was not getting any better.

If the foot injury isn't getting any better, it's hard to see how a few more weeks is going to make much of a difference. It's understandable if owners want to cut bait at this point for better option on the waiver wire. Please see our rest of season rankings to see how we value Garcon versus other players at his position.  Leonard Hankerson and Santana Moss seem like the best bets in the Washington receiving corps.

Packers TE Jermichael Finley hasn’t missed any games because of the shoulder injury he sustained against the Colts, but his snaps have been limited the last two games and probably will be for at least another week.

Finley, who was limited in Wednesday’s practice, played just 24 of 73 snaps against Houston on Oct. 14 and 41 of 68 snaps against the Rams last Sunday. He estimated his shoulder was at about 85 percent.

“Before the game, it was at about 50 percent, though,” Finley said. “I’m getting a lot of out routes where they’re keeping me close to the (sideline) to protect it. After this game, if I don’t get pounded, it should be right again.”

Finley is not much of a fantasy option when he's limited.

Packers WR Greg Jennings is reportedly considering surgery on his injured groin. That's possible that he has a sports hernia.

Such a surgery would not be season-ending, but would knock him out for the next 3 to 4 weeks.

Jets QB Mark Sanchez (back) practiced fully Wednesday. Sanchez has another good matchup this week.

Titans QB Jake Locker (left shoulder) took limited practice reps Wednesday. Matt Hasselbeck will get another start in a good matchup with the Colts.

Jaguars QB Blaine Gabbert (left shoulder) practiced fully Wednesday. Gabbert says he will play against the Packers on Sunday.

Chiefs QB Matt Cassel (concussion) practiced fully Wednesday. He has lost his job to Brady Quinn.

Colts QB Andrew Luck (knee) practiced fully Wednesday. Luck should be fine for a nice matchup with the Titans.

Bears QB Jay Cutler (ribs) took limited practice reps Wednesday. Cutler insists that he will play against the Panthers in Week 8.

Packers QB Aaron Rodgers (calf) practiced fully Wednesday. Rodgers will be fine for a tasty matchup against the Jaguars.

Dolphins RB Daniel Thomas (concussion) practiced fully Wednesday. Expect Thomas to resume his role as Reggie Bush's primary backup.

Saints RB Darren Sproles (not injury related) did not practice Wednesday. No word on the reason, but we'll continue to monitor his practice activity this week.

Raiders RB Darren McFadden (shoulder) practiced fully Wednesday. No worries here, other than the insistence of the coaching staff to try to fix a running game that wasn't broken by installing a zone blocking scheme prior to the season.

Cowboys RB DeMarco Murray (foot) did not practice Wednesday. Felix Jones (knee) did not practice Wednesday, but is expected to get another start. He's nursing a bruised knee so we may see Phillip Tanner get a few extra touches.

Steelers RBs Rashard Mendenhall (achilles) and Isaac Redman (ankle) did not practice Wednesday. Jonathan Dwyer would get another start if Mendenhall and Redman can't go. He'd be a mid- to low-end RB2 against the Redskins. Dwyer did not practice Wednesday, but it wasn't injury related.

Titans RB Chris Johnson (ankle) practiced fully Wednesday. There's probably nothing to worry about here. Johnson has another nice matchup this week with the Colts.

Jaguars RB Maurice Jones-Drew (foot) did not practice Wednesday. He's out for a while. Rashad Jennings will start while MJD recovers, and will be a solid RB1/RB2 depending on the matchup. The Jaguars are expecting Jones-Drew back this season, but no timetable has been given. Lisfranc surgery has been ruled out -- the team says that he has a sprained foot.

Colts RB Donald Brown (knee) took limited practice reps Wednesday. Brown could be back as early as this week, though he may miss a nice matchup with the Titans. If he can't play, Vick Ballard would get another start.

Giants RB Ahmad Bradshaw (foot) did not practice Wednesday. The Giants will probably manage Bradshaw's injury this way for the remainder of the season.

Browns RB Trent Richardson (chest, rib) took limited practice reps Wednesday. Richardson participated in the walkthrough, which is generally a sign that the team believes the player has a good chance to play. Hey says he's going to play, but didn't sound 100% confident that he'd be able to finish the game. Montario Hardesty (knee) took limited practice reps Wednesday, and would get the bulk of the carries if Richardson can't play.

Titans RB Javon Ringer (knee) did not practice Wednesday.

Jaguars RB Montell Owens (shoulder) did not practice Wednesday.

Browns RB Chris Ogbonnaya (chest, ribs) practiced fully Wednesday.

Packers RB John Kuhn (hamstring) did not practice Wednesday.

Raiders RB Taiwan Jones (knee) took limited practice reps Wednesday.

Jaguars RB Greg Jones (hip) did not practice Wednesday.

Raiders RB Mike Goodson (hip) practiced fully Wednesday.

Chiefs RB Peyton Hillis (ankle) took limited practice reps Wednesday. He should return to his role as the primary backup to Jamaal Charles.

Patriots RB Brandon Bolden (knee) did not practice Wednesday. It seems that attrition has caused Bolden to fall behind Shane Vereen, who actually got the start in Week 7.

Jets RB Joe McKnight (ankle) and Bilal Powell (shoulder) did not practice Wednesday. McKnight played through his injury on Sunday, and is paying for it this week. Powell looks very iffy to make his return in Week 8. Jonathan Grimes would back up Shonn Greene if neither player can get healthy for Week 8.

Patriots WR Brandon Lloyd (knee) took limited practice reps Wednesday. This is a new injury for Lloyd, but it doesn't sound too serious since he was able to get in a limited session.

Patriots WR Wes Welker (ankle) took limited practice reps Wednesday. This is normal early week activity for Welker.

Giants WR Hakeem Nicks (knee, foot) practiced fully Wednesday. Nicks has turned a corner in his injury recovery. He should be fine for Week 8.

Packers WR Jordy Nelson (hamstring) took limited practice reps Wednesday. Nelson's hamstring apparently “tightened up” in practice. We will keep an eye on this throughout the week.

Redskins WR Pierre Garcon (foot) did not practice Wednesday. The feeling is that the Redskins are going to let Garcon rest until after the team's Week 10 bye. Leonard Hankerson and Santana Moss are the best bets in the Washington receiving corps.

Titans WR Kenny Britt (knee) practiced fully Wednesday. Britt seems healthy, but we'd like to see some of his trademark production.

Rams WR Danny Amendola (shoulder) took limited practice reps Wednesday. Amendola's return is surprising this early in his recovery. The Rams are on bye in Week 9, so he may be eyeing a Week 10 return. Brandon Gibson and Chris Givens should be sneaky starts again this week against the Patriots. Givens (illness) did not practice Wednesday.

Lions WR Calvin Johnson (knee) did not practice Wednesday. This is normal for Megatron.

Packers WR Greg Jennings (groin) did not practice Wednesday. Jennings reportedly visited a specialist to get a second opinion on his troublesome groin. Generally, it's not a good sign when players visit a different doctor this deep in their recovery. Green Bay has a very winnable game this week against the Jaguars before squaring off against the Cardinals next week. (Both games are at home.) The team may elect to wait until after the Week 10 bye to bring him back.

Redskins RB Darrel Young (hamstring) practiced fully Wednesday.

Falcons RB Antone Smith (hamstring) did not practice Wednesday.

Saints WR Joseph Morgan (chest) took limited practice reps Wednesday.

Jets WR Clyde Gates (shoulder) practiced fully Wednesday.

Packers WR Donald Driver (neck) did not practice Wednesday.

Falcons WR Harry Douglas (knee, ankle) did not practice Wednesday.

Raiders WR Juron Criner (hip) took limited practice reps Wednesday.

Jaguars WR Laurent Robinson (concussion) took limited practice reps Wednesday. Robinson has finally been cleared to practice without contact.

Patriots WR Julian Edelman (hand) took limited practice reps Wednesday. Edelman played seven snaps in Week 7, so he's no threat to Wes Welker right now.

Bears WR Alshon Jeffery (hand) was ruled out for Week 8. Devin Hester and Earl Bennett will pick up the extra snaps.

Raiders WR Rod Streater (knee) took limited practice reps Wednesday. Streater has settled into the Raiders' WR3 role, ahead of Derek Hagan.

Browns WR Travis Benjamin (hamstring) practiced fully Wednesday, while Mohamed Massaquoi (hamstring) took limited practice reps. Both players have fallen behind Josh Gordon in the team's WR pecking order.

Lions WR Titus Young (knee) took limited practice reps Wednesday. With Nate Burleson out for the year, Young should get a bump in targets as the Lions' clear WR2. Rookie Ryan Broyles, a 2012 second-round pick, will take over as the third wide receiver. He finished with three receptions for 51 yards and one touchdown against the Bears.

Jets WR Jeremy Kerley (finger) practiced fully Wednesday. The former fifth-round pick is on pace for 57-994-4.5 this season.

Saints TE Daniel Graham (knee) did not practice Wednesday.

Raiders TE Richard Gordon (hamstring) took limited practice reps Wednesday.

Jets TE Jeff Cumberland (wrist) did not practice Wednesday.

Broncos TE Jacob Tamme (hip) practiced fully Wednesday. Tamme should be fine for a potential shootout with the Saints.

Lions TE Brandon Pettigrew (knee) took limited practice reps Wednesday. Pettigrew has totaled just 75 yards in the last two games and hasn't caught a TD since Week 2. Still, he has been the second most targeted Lions receiver (8.0 per game) after Calvin Johnson.

Raiders TE Brandon Myers (knee) practiced fully Wednesday. Myers was targeted a team-high 10 times in Week 7.

Packers TE Jermichael Finley (shoulder) took limited practice reps Wednesday. When asked about Finley's statistical struggles this season, QB Aaron Rodgers said: "The stats for him are obviously not exactly where you’d want them to be, but you have to understand that he’s been playing with an injury and a lot of times he’s been the guy that teams are trying to take away… There were a number of plays where he’s had two guys, one inside and one outside lined up on him, and just trying to take him away. It just lets other guys have the one-on-one opportunities and make the most of them. And I think he understands that if he’s one-on-one that’s usually where I’m going to look first but because of the respect of his talent teams usually pay a little more attention to him."

Patriots TE Aaron Hernandez (ankle) took limited practice reps Wednesday. Get used to seeing Hernandez on the injury report. He should be fine to face the Rams.

Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski (hip) took limited practice reps Wednesday. Gronkowski has been regularly getting early-week rest for his troublesome hip.

Saints TE Jimmy Graham (ankle) took limited practice reps Wednesday. We are cautiously optimistic that Graham will make his return in Week 8, but it's still very early in the week and we have to see how his ankle responds to the limited practice.

Chiefs WR Devon Wylie (hamstring) practiced fully Wednesday.

Broncos WR Matt Willis (hamstring) practiced fully Wednesday.

Raiders K Sebastian Janikowski (left groin) took limited practice reps Wednesday.

Titans TE Craig Stevens (concussion) practiced fully Wednesday.

Falcons TE Michael Palmer (shoulder) took limited practice reps Wednesday.

Chiefs TE Steve Maneri (ankle) took limited practice reps Wednesday.

Panthers TE Ben Hartsock (calf) took limited practice reps Wednesday.

Steelers K Shaun Suisham (left ankle) took limited practice reps Wednesday.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Minnesota Vikings

The probable tags mean that V-Jax, AP, Ponder and Simpson are virtually certain to play.

Seemingly on the verge of a breakout season, Eagles WR Jeremy Maclin has been inconsistent through the first six games. He enters Week 8 with 20 receptions for 295 yards and three touchdowns, although 13 of those catches and 226 of those yards came in two games. A hip pointer that bothered Maclin in Week 2 and sidelined him in Week 3 slowed him down, and now Maclin needs to average more than 77 yards per game if he hopes to record his first 1,000-yard season.

"I've just got to remain patient," Maclin said. "I battled the hip injury, but I'm 100-percent fine now. I'll continue to go out there and be available when the team needs me."

After just six catches for 46 yards against the Giants and the Steelers in Weeks 4-5, Maclin busted out with 6-130-1 against the Lions in Week 6. It appears that his injury issues are behind him.

RB Maurice Jones-Drew says he has no timetable for return.

Rashad Jennings will start while MJD recovers, and will be a solid RB1/RB2 depending on the matchup. The Jaguars are expecting Jones-Drew back this season, but no timetable has been given. Lisfranc surgery has been ruled out -- the team says that he has a sprained foot.

Cardinals HC Ken Whisenhunt was asked about the team's RB plan heading into Week 7.

RB LaRod Stephens-Howling had a big game. Did you go in knowing he’d play a big role?:

“I always think that he’s going to be a part of it. We went in planning to have a rotation like we normally do, but LaRod had the hot hand. We had a good running plan, felt like it was going to be able to get some runs in there. … He had a nice day and it was good for us that he was able to run the ball that way.”

It sounds as if the team planned to give more work to William Powell, but he fumbled on a kickoff return in the first quarter and ultimately only saw five touches in the game. it's unlikely that LSH will see 24 touches in a single game again anytime soon, but he can be productive in 15 to 20 touches. Consider him a flex start in a bad matchup against the 49ers this week.

In Week 7, Bills RBs C.J. Spiller and Fred Jackson combined for 222 yards from scrimmage, on 35 total touches.

“It was good. I’m not sure if ideal ever hits. First of all, nothing is ideal unless you win. There were some opportunities we had to score more points so it wasn’t ideal,” HC Chan Gailey said, “but for them to touch it 35 times between them and about four, five other times we tried to get the ball to Fred on some throws and did not connect on them. If we can let them touch it between 30 and 40 times a game, I think that’s pretty good for us.”

In Week 7, Jackson played 40 snaps, while Spiller played 29. In the last two weeks, Jackson is averaging 19 touches and Spiller is averaging 17. Both players will be solid RB2-types with this kind of workload.

Packers WR Greg Jenning has missed the past three games with the lingering groin injury he suffered in the Sept. 9 season opener against San Francisco, and while several players hinted after the Packers’ victory at St. Louis that there was a good chance Jennings could be back for this Sunday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lambeau Field, an NFL source said Tuesday evening that Jennings was out of town Tuesday visiting a specialist to get another opinion on his injury.

Whether that means Jennings will be cleared to return to action or there is something more amiss with the groin than first thought is unclear. But it’s not out of the realm of possibility that Jennings could be sidelined until after the team’s bye week.

Generally, it's not a good sign when players visit a different specialist this deep in their recovery. Green Bay has a very winnable game this week against the Jaguars before squaring off against the Cardinals next week. The team may elect to wait until after the Week 10 bye to bring him back.

Adrian Peterson still is nursing a sore ankle but he said he woke up Monday feeling much better than he had after the previous two games, though he sat out practice Tuesday.

The short turnaround to Thursday night's game against Tampa Bay at the Metrodome meant extra treatment and limited work Tuesday during the Vikings' only practice of the week.

Still, Frazier said the club does not need to manage Peterson's workload anymore in games.

"I do feel like we're at that point now where we don't have to be overly concerned about the number of snaps, but we always have to be conscious of fatigue and looking ahead," he said. "But for the moment, I don't think we feel we have to pull the reins back for any reasons. He's come a long way."

Peterson rushed for 153 yards on 23 carries in Minnesota's 21-14 victory Sunday. It validated the Vikings run-heavy strategy and signaled Peterson has graduated from recovery to the next phase of his career following Dec. 30 reconstructive knee surgery.

In a conference call on Monday, Patriots coach Bill Belichick praised Vereen for being prepared for the opportunity that came his way over the weekend. He called for all of his players to be ready for that opportunity, like Vereen was.

"Shane's a smart kid," said Belichick. "I think he has a good understanding of the game, the running game, the passing game, pass protection, space plays. Where to be, how to get open and find space, that kind of thing. He's an elusive guy, he's got good balance. He's got good playing strength for his size. He's not the biggest guy, but he's got good playing strength."

Vereen had eight carries for 49 yards on Sunday. Prior to that, he had only two carries for one total yard. With no Brandon Bolden (knee) Sunday, Vereen saw more reps. But, Vereen's health has played into that more than anything Belichick said. If anything, this could further complicate the NE backfield behind Ridley, but it seems like Vereen is the hot hand right now as the RB2.

Also of note for the Patriots, TE Visanthe Shiancoe returned to practice today. He remains on IR with designation to return.

He's due to come back after Week 8, but will obviously be behind Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez.

Dez Bryant didn’t practice Friday and was listed as questionable for Sunday’s game at Carolina. On the Cowboys’ official injury/practice report, Bryant was listed as having a groin injury. It turned out that it was just groin soreness and Bryant said it started bothering him before last week’s practices leading up to the game at Carolina.

Bryant said Tuesday that he’s had groin soreness for more than a week, a “week or so,” he said.

“It’s nothing major, just something that I need to rest and I’ll be ready,” Bryant said.

Saints coach Joe Vitt said he thought Pro Bowl tight end Jimmy Graham, who missed the Tampa Bay game with a sprained right ankle, had a good chance to be "full go" on Wednesday when the Saints return to practice

Graham will likely be a top-rated play as the Saints travel to Denver on Sunday night in what's sure to be a high-scoring affair.

Packers WR Randall Cobb has become the offense's do-everything guy, and offensive coordinator Tom Clements said the coaches will continue to explore ways to exploit all his talents.

Cobb caught eight passes for 89 yards and two touchdowns and also ran once for 19 yards against the Rams. He is lining up both at receiver and running back.

Clements said Cobb's run was an excellent example of his play-making ability. The hole he was supposed to run through was plugged, so he bounced off his blockers and took the run outside.

Cobb is emerging as perhaps the best third receiver in the league and while it's hard to count on a team's WR3 as a consistent fantasy starter, Cobb is surely making his case. It's always a good sign when a team wants to get a WR the ball and they give him reverses or runs like the Packers did with Cobb. There are a lot of targets in Green Bay, so if they want to continue to to get Cobb touches, someone will have to see a decrease. When Jennings returns, that could mean James Jones.

Running back LeGarrette Blount may have lost his job as the goal-line back after failing to score on three tries from the 1-yard line in the loss to the Saints. The Bucs will have to consider using Doug Martin from here on. They can’t afford to waste scoring opportunities.

Blount had scored in two-straight games prior to last week, so this would be great news for Doug Martin owners. Blount was a risky play just counting on him to get you six points from a TD and he isn't getting enough work prior to this potential demotion to be in your lineup.

Dallas RB DeMarco Murray (sprained foot) no longer needs a scooter to get around. He was seen carrying crutches Monday without a limp.

But clearly he was given the crutches for reason. He's unlikely to return for Sunday's game against the Giants.

Felix Jones should start even though he got banged up against the Panthers and is nursing a strained neck and sprained knee.

So look for second-year player and former undrafted free agent Phillip Tanner to get a big load against the Giants. He's not as explosive as Jones or Murray, but he is a tough and steady inside runner. He also doesn't fumble and is a reliable pass protector.

With Jones banged up, Tanner could see work this week too, which means this may be a committee situation. The Giants are in the middle of the pack when it comes to allowing fantasy points to running backs, but right now neither of these guys seem like a safe play outside of a flex spot.

RB Beanie Wells isn’t allowed to formally return to practice until the Cardinals’ off week. And judging from his exasperation Monday by having been placed on the NFL’s new injured reserve/designated to return list in the first place, it only figures.

“It’s so boring sitting at home and watching the games on TV,” he said. “I wish I was out there. I feel like I’m ready to go right now. But I can’t until they activate me, so I’ve just been training really hard on my own, getting ready.”

Wells suffered a server turf toe Week 3 and has to skip the next seven games. He can't play until Nov. 25, but with Ryan Williams lost for the year, and questions about LaRod Stephens-Howling's durability, the Cards could certainly use him. If you have the roster room, or an IR spot, to stash Wells, it may not be a bad idea because he seems ready to go.

RBs Rashard Mendenhall (Achilles) and Isaac Redman (ankle) have a chance to play Sunday vs. Redskins.

If they can't, Jonathan Dwyer would step in again. If both are able to play, Dwyer could go back to being inactive.

The Redskins cut RB Ryan Grant to make room for Keiland Williams.

Running back Peyton Hillis (ankle) practiced for the first time in several weeks, though it was unclear whether he would play against the Raiders. The Chiefs don’t have to issue an injury report until Wednesday.

The Green Bay offense rolled up 402 yards and the team committed just three penalties, but McCarthy found holes to poke in Sunday's performance.

The most notable failure was in the running game, in which Alex Green gained 35 yards on 20 carries, an average of 1.8 yards per carry.

"I wasn't real happy with the production in the run game," McCarthy said. "I thought we left too many hard yards on the field. There were too many 1-, 2-yard runs that should have been hardball 3-, 4-, 5-yard runs. We need to improve that aspect of our offense."

There's a chance that Green Bay Packers wide receiver Greg Jennings will return this week from a groin injury, but don't expect a prediction on whether it will happen until Thursday at the earliest.

Jennings will continue on the rest and rehabilitation plan he began Oct. 1 after aggravating the injury against the New Orleans Saints. He has missed three games while recuperating but is getting close to a return.

The plan, however, is for Jennings to practice only one day this week if it turns out he's capable of playing. The last time, the medical staff thought he practiced too much during the week and that resulted in a setback during the game.

So Jennings will go through a run test Thursday, and if he passes he'll be given an opportunity to practice Friday.

The team wants to play it safe with Jennings, so it'd be a bit of a surprise if he comes back this week, especially against the Jags. If he does, he's a bit of a risk in the likely event the Pack gets up big and limits his time on the field. But the good news is he seems close to getting back.

Hakeem Nicks showed flashes of his old burst in Sunday’s win over the Washington Redskins. But Tom Coughlin says the wideout still has a long way to go as he recovers from knee and foot issues that have plagued him throughout this season.

“I think he gets a little bit better each week,” Coughlin said Monday. “He’s mentally better. I don’t think he’s always physically able to do the things he wants to do, or we want him to do. But on the whole, he’s OK.”

Nicks caught five passes for 53 yards on Sunday, after his first full week of practice, and he said he felt less tentative running his routes and “a little bit more confident” in his ability to run and separate.

Nicks is battling pains in the foot he broke back in May, and he’s also struggling with a swollen left knee. It will be a tough matchup this week against a pretty good Dallas secondary that's fourth best in allowing fantasy points to WRs.

Jaguars RB Maurice Jones-Drew has a sprained foot the team believes will sideline him multiple games. He does not need foot surgery, which means he does not have Lisfranc, per team source.

Jags coach Mike Mularkey said it appears Maurice Jones-Drew has an arch sprain “based on the pressure and where the initial swelling comes from.”

Mularkey said there’s even concern that Jones-Drew could have a Lisfranc fracture (dislocation injury of the tarsometatarsal joints) that could end his season. A similar injury ended the season last season for Houston quarterback Matt Schaub.

Jones-Drew escapes Lisfranc, which would have sidelined him the rest of the year. Rashad Jennings will get the start and should be in store for a big workload against the Packers in Week 8, so if he's still on your wire be sure to put a claim in for him. There isn't a timetable yet for when MJD will be back.

Rashad Jennings will start against the Packers. The Jaguars are likely to sign a running back this week because reserve back Montell Owens suffered a shoulder injury while playing special teams against the Raiders.

With the foot injury to Maurice Jones-Drew, this isn't shocking news, but serves as a good reminder to get Jennings if he's still on your wire. Jennings is likely looking at a big workload against the Packers this week.

Jay Cutler suffered a rib injury on his right side Monday during the Chicago Bears' 13-7 win over the Detroit Lions when he was sacked in Ndamukong Suh, and underwent x-rays in the locker room before returning to play the remainder of the game.

Bears coach Lovie Smith said the team will continue to evaluate the injury, but added he doesn't "think anyone is hurt seriously where they'll miss any time."

"Of course, that's just a normal part of our protocol if a player has an injury; to monitor it, to evaluate it more (Tuesday) to see," Smith said. "I'll say most of our guys will be sore today. But yeah, we'll continue to evaluate him. Hopefully he'll be OK."

The preliminary results of the MRI performed on Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blaine Gabbert indicate he suffered a torn labrum in his non-throwing shoulder, a source told ESPN NFL Insider Ed Werder.

A determination about his availability for Sunday's game in Green Bay won't be made until after famed specialist Dr. James Andrews offers a second opinion later Tuesday.

Backup Chad Henne was just 9-for-20 for 71 yards. He would fill in if Gabbert can't go. But since the injury is on his non-throwing shoulder, it's possible Gabbert will continue to play. Obviously, neither QB is a great fantasy option, especially with RB Maurice Jones-Drew lost for at least a few weeks.

Detroit Lions wide receiver Nate Burleson broke his right leg during Monday's game against the Chicago Bears and will miss the remainder of the season, according to Lions coach Jim Schwartz.

Burleson was tackled on a 16-yard reception in the third quarter and needed to be helped off the field. He did not return to the game. It was his only catch of the game.

"Man, that's tough," Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson said. "We lose a leader, captain on the team. Man, I hate it for him that it had to happen to him. I talked to him after the game; he saying he's going to be out for some significant time. It's tough because he's an emotional leader, leads by example on the field, gets the energy up. We're going to have to take that over for him."

Titus Young will remain in the WR2 role on the Lions with rookie Ryan Broyles, a 2012 second-round pick, taking over as the third wide receiver. He finished with three receptions for 51 yards and one touchdown against the Bears.

Bears Inactives
Nate Collins DT
Brody Eldridge TE
Alshon Jeffery WR
Sherrick McManis DB
Cheta Ozougwu DE
Matt Toeaina DT
Edwin Williams C

Lions Inactives
Bill Bentley CB
Jason Fox T
Corey Hilliard T
Jacob Lacey CB
Ronnell Lewis DE
Kellen Moore QB
Kevin Smith RB

49ers WR Mario Manningham on hand for the start of practice.

RB Frank Gore (bruised ribs) is practicing, jogging ... couldn't tell how he's breathing.

Big loss for Packers. CB Charles Woodson has a broken collarbone and is out for 6 weeks.

Arians says RB Donald Brown is close to returning, but coach makes it sound like Colts leading rusher will need one more week.

Vick Ballard will continue to start in the mean time, with Delone Carter getting some goal-line work and Mewelde Moore used on third downs.

Jets RB Joe McKnight just walked by the locker room on crutches.

Jaguars head coach Mike Mularkey met with the media on Monday and revealed Maurice Jones-Drew has a foot injury and will miss this week's matchup with the Green Bay Packers.

The full extent of Jones-Drew's injury is not yet known, but the Jaguars have not ruled out a lisfranc injury, which could sideline Jones-Drew for the season.

Rashad Jennings should be picked up as he'll carry the load until MJD returns, if he even does this season. The team is saying he'll be out an extended period, and we'll continue to monitor MJD's prognosis. It seems safe to assume Jennings will at least get a few weeks of action. Greg Jones will work behind Jennings.