Quarterbacks

QB Jeff Blake (Ari) will start despite the mild concussion he received in the team's final exhibition game.

QB Doug Johnson (Atl) will start in place of the injured Michael Vick.

QB Kyle Boller (Bal) has been named the starting QB for the team.

QB Rodney Peete (Car) has been named the team's starter.

QB Quincy Carter (Dal) has been named the team's starting QB.

QB Drew Henson (Hou) is quitting baseball and will head to the NFL. The two most likely scenarios have the Texans signing and trading Henson or Henson holding out and returning to the NFL draft pool for 2004.

*** Saturday Update: QB Peyton Manning (Ind) gave Tony Dungy a scare when Dungy looked over to see Manning icing his knee. Turns out it was a bee sting. No worries.

QB Mark Brunell (Jac) will start this weekend, but he is far from entrenched. Expect to see the rookie Byron Leftwich on the field this season.

QB Brian Griese (Mia) will likely miss a month and a half with his toe injury.

QB Marquel Blackwell (NYJ) was signed by the team (which then released Jamie Martin).

QB Vinny Testaverde (NYJ) will start for the injured Chad Pennington.

QB Jeff Garcia (SF) will start but is still bothered by his back injury (which has disrupted his preseason practice routine).

QB Jim Miller (TB) was placed on the PUP list with his injured shoulder.

QB Billy Volek (Ten) will be the team's backup after the release of Neil O'Donnell.

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Running backs

RB Travis Henry (Buf) will start this weekend despite his injured foot.

*** Saturday Update: Henry practiced Friday and looks good to go. He's even talking 2,000 yards rushing which you like to see.

*** Saturday Update: RB Anthony Thomas (Chi) will likely start but expect Adrian Peterson to see plenty of action if Thomas is not effective. We think that means Peterson will see plenty of action.

RB Rudi Johnson (Cin) injured his quadriceps in the team's final exhibition game and will not play this weekend.

RB Quentin Griffin (Den) should play this weekend.

RB James Stewart (Det) has been lost for the season after being placed on the injured reserve list with a shoulder injury.

RB Olandis Gary (Det) was brought in via trade from Buffalo to help replace the injured James Stewart.

*** Saturday Update: RB Avon Cobourne was added to the injury report as Questionable with a calf injury. He missed practice time and it looks like Shawn Bryson and Olandis Gary will see more time.

*** Saturday Update: RB Shawn Bryson (Det) is looking up. As we reported in Bob Harris' Flashupdate Report, Cobourne's injury likely means good things for Shawn Bryson as coach Mariucci seems hesitant to throw new comer Olandis Gary into the different packages too soon. "With [Cobourne] not practicing [Friday] and [today] being very quick, short and sweet, that might say to us that we are going to use Shawn Bryson a little bit more," Mariucci explained. "Olandis Gary is more prepared to play in the base and tiger, tiger is two tight ends, than the other ones. The other ones are a little bit different than what he has had. Cory Schlesinger is also able to back up at some of those position groups." Don't be surprised to see Bryson start and see a lot of action.

RB Greg Comella (Hou) was claimed off waivers from the Titans.

RB James Mungro and Dominic Rhodes (Ind) will both likely sit out this weekend's game.

*** Saturday Update: Rhodes (knee) and Mungro (ribs) will miss this week's game

RB Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala (Jac) has been signed by the team after being released by the Steelers.

*** Saturday Update: Fuamatu-Ma'afala is learning the offense and likely won't be a factor this weekend.

RB Priest Holmes (KC) has signed a 4-year contract extension with the team.

RB Rob Konrad (Mia) practiced Monday despite his injured finger.

RB Doug Chapman (Min) missed Monday's practice with an ankle injury. However he did practice on Wednesday. He's listed as Questionable.

*** Saturday Update: Chapman has continued to improve practicing Thursday and Friday and now looks to see action this weekend behind Moe Williams. Although coach Mike Tice says he'll go with the hot hand, this likely pushes rookie Onterrio Smith back.

RB Moe Williams (Min) will start this weekend and is slated to receive the bulk of the team's carries.

*** Saturday Update: RB Onterrio Smith (Min) will have to take a backseat as Doug Chapman's ankle has improved to the point he'll likely back up Williams this week. Although coach Mike Tice says he'll go with the hot hand, this likely pushes rookie Smith back.

RB Delvin Joyce (NYG) has beaten out Dorsey Levens and Ron Dayne and is the team's #2 RB.

*** Saturday Update: Backups to the backup RBs Dorsey Levens and Ron Dayne are not taking the Delvin Joyce promotion well. We hear Levens was especially upset.

*** Saturday Update: RB Tiki Barber (NYG) has never felt better entering a season as he's free of the nagging injuries that limited him in the past. Coach Jim Fassel's move to bump Delvin Joyce to the #2 RB spot says a lot about his confidence in Barber.

RB James Fenderson (NO) is the team's #2 RB.

*** Saturday Update: RB Charlie Garner (Oak) was taken off the injury report and will be good to go as expected.

RB Brian Westbrook (Phi) practiced again on Monday and looks ready to return kicks this weekend.

*** Saturday Update: Coach Andy Reid is saying all three of his RBs will play this week. "We will see. It is broken down a certain way. We look at them like they all can be starters" says Reid.

RB Garrison Hearst (SF) is slated to start this weekend but will share carries with Kevan Barlow.

RB Paul Smith (SF) experienced a high ankle sprain in the team's final exhibition game and has been waived by the team.

RB Michael Pittman (TB) had his domestic violence trial set for January 13, 2004. He also still has a probation revocation hearing set in November.

*** Saturday Update: RB Thomas Jones (TB) will likely see a bigger than expected role, regardless of Pittman's legal situation. "[Jones] is a guy now who we are going to use creatively," Bucs Coach Jon Gruden said. "In some sets, you may look at him as the starter. I don't want to say too much, but we're going to utilize our backfield the best way we can, and [Jones] will be a big part of that."

RB Trung Canidate (Was) will start on Thursday, but Ladell Betts could see an equal amount of playing time.

*** Saturday Update: It doesn't matter for this week, but for week 2, coach Steve Spurrier says Betts' performance Thursday night doesn't necessarily mean he'll start over Canidate. "I don't know if we have an exact plan," Spurrier said. "But certainly if one back seems to be running a little bit better than the other, he will probably get more carries."

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Wide Receivers

WR Larry Foster and Bryan Gilmore (Ari) will start for the team this weekend.

WR Frank Sanders (Bal) expects to start this weekend.

*** Saturday Update: Sanders didn't progress this week as well as expected and will probably be a Sunday decision. He's listed as doubtful as he tries to recover from the dislocated toes in his right foot.

WR Josh Reed (Buf) has beaten out Bobby Shaw and is the #2 WR for the team.

WR Chad Johnson (Cin) sprained his left ankle in the team's final exhibition game. He should play this weekend.

*** Saturday Update: Johnson practiced Thursday and Friday and still looks good to go.

WR Antonio Bryant (Dal) is on again / off again with his playing status for this weekend. He at first said he didn't want to risk hurting his slightly torn quads again, but later acted as if he would indeed be on the field this weekend.

*** Saturday Update: Bryant practiced Friday but still is not 100%. Look elsewhere for a receiver.

*** Saturday Update: WR Terry Glenn (Dal) will likely start at WR with Bryant limited.

WR Az-Zahir Hakim (Det) missed Monday's practice with a knee injury and will likely miss this weekend's game.

WR Carl Ford (GB) suffered a torn MCL in his right knee and will miss 4-6 weeks.

*** Saturday Update: WR Brandon Stokely (Ind) will likely not play this week as he recovers from a hamstring injury.

WR Jimmy Smith (Jac) will miss the first four weeks due to an NFL suspension.

WR Oronde Gadsden (Mia) has been placed on the injured reserve list.

WR Ron Dixon (NYG) has been placed on the reserve/physically unable to perform list and will be out at least six weeks.

WR Donte Stallworth (NO) is slated to play this weekend despite his hamstring woes.

*** Saturday Update: Stallworth practiced Friday and seems to be ok. Although we're a little nervous until we see him at full speed in game conditions. New Orleans has plenty of other weapons.

WR Jerry Porter (Oak) returned to practice after recovering from his abdominal injury and expects to play this weekend.

*** Saturday Update: Porter practiced Friday and looks good to go for the Tennessee game.

WR Taylor Jacobs (Was) will not play this weekend after spending some time in the hospital recovering from being kicked in the midsection.

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Tight Ends

TE Sean Brewer (Atl) was claimed off waivers from the Bengals.

TE Bennie Joppru (Hou) has been lost for the year after being placed on the injured reserve list with a groin injury.

TE Tony Gonzalez (KC) practiced this week, and the team expects him to be available this weekend.

*** Saturday Update: Gonzalez practiced Friday and still looks good to go. Like Shockey, he's too good to sit.

TE Byron Chamberlain (Min) will be out 4 weeks due to NFL suspension for the use of ephedra.

TE Jeremy Shockey (NYG) practiced on Monday with a flak jacket covering his injured ribs. He will play this weekend.

*** Saturday Update: Shockey practiced Thursday and Friday and will be good to go. He'll wear extra protection for his ribs. He is more susceptible to a big hit causing him trouble as his ribs will be vulnerable but I don't see any way you sit Shockey in week 1. So stop worrying about it.

TE Ernie Conwell (NO) is expected to play this weekend despite his hip injury.

TE Jerame Tuman (Pit) practiced on Monday after recovering from his groin injury.

TE Eric Johnson (SF) is out for at least 3 months with a broken clavicle.

*** Saturday Update: TE Stephen Alexander (SD) is listed as doubtful with a groin injury. He has looked a little better later this week though. He's fragile though so I'd be cautious.

TE Jerramy Stevens (Sea) practiced Tuesday for the first time since the first days of camp (while resting his ankle).

TE Rickey Dudley (TB) was waived by the team.

TE Tony McGee (TB) was claimed off waivers from the Cowboys. He will take over the #2 TE spot recently vacated by Dudley.

*** Saturday Update: TE Frank Wycheck (Ten) is listed as questionable on the Titans injury report but we all know the Titan's report is a joke. He practiced later this week and looks good to go.

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Place Kickers & Special Teamers

K Shayne Graham (Cin) was claimed off waivers from the Panthers. The team also waived Neil Rackers.

K Mike Hollis (NYG) has been lost for the season after being placed on the injured reserve list with a back injury. Matt Bryant will take be the team's place kicker.

LS Ryan Kuehl (NYG) has been lost for the season after being placed on the injured reserve list with an elbow injury.

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Offensive Linemen

OL Leonard Davis (Ari) expects to play this weekend after missing a month with a broken hand.

OL Raleigh Roundtree (Ari) has been placed on the reserve/non-football injury list due to spleen problems.

OL Jonas Jennings (Buf) will play this weekend despite his concussion.

OL Terrence Metcalf (Chi) was limited in practice on Monday with a finger injury.

OL Rex Tucker (Chi) has been lost for the year after being placed on the injured reserve list with an ankle injury. Steve Edwards will likely start in his place.

OL Tony Semple (FA) worked out for the Beats on Tuesday.

OL Ross Verba (Cle) has been lost for the year after being placed on the injured reserve list with an arm injury.

OL Marco Rivera (GB) was limited in Monday's practice and could play this weekend.

OL Tim Ruddy (Mia) was expected to practice on Wednesday.

OL Mark Dixon (Mia) was expected to practice on Wednesday.

OL Toniu Fonoti (SD) has been lost for the season after being placed on the injured reserve list with a foot injury.

OL Scott Gragg (SF) is not a good bet to play this weekend with his ankle sprain.

OL Walter Jones (Sea) has signed a one year deal and rejoins the team.

*** Saturday Update: Jones will start Sunday and plans to play the whole game. "Walter's a great player and he'll play a fine football game Sunday," Holmgren said. "I don't doubt that. "But will he be better in Week 5? Yeah, I believe that, too" says coach Mike Holmgren.

OL Chris Terry (Sea) will miss the first four games due to a league suspension.

OL Dave Wohlabaugh (StL) played over a quarter of the team's final exhibition game while wearing a cast over his left hand.

OL Larry Moore (Was) will start on Thursday despite being listed as Questionable with a knee injury.

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Defensive Linemen

DL Talifaia Atoe (Ari) will miss the season after being placed on injured reserve with an ankle injury.

*** Saturday Update: DL Daryl Gardner (Den) is listed as doubtful with a hand injury and is not looking good to play.

DL Luther Elliss (Det) has been placed on the reserve/non-football injury list.

DL Gary Walker (Hou) was limited in practice with a shoulder injury, and the is not sure if he'll be able to go this weekend.

DL Tony Brackens (Jac) has returned from knee surgery but according to Head Coach Jack Del Rio, his status is uncertain.

DL Rob Burnett (Mia) returned to practice on Monday despite his knee injury.

DL Charles Grant (NO) practiced on Tuesday and could play this weekend. He is backed up by Kenny Smith

DL Darren Howard (NO) says he'll play this weekend. Head Coach Jim Haslett is doubtful that he will. He is backed up by Willie Whitehead.

DL Jerome McDougle (Phi) will be out for 2 weeks with injuries to his ankle, knee, and hip.

*** Saturday Update: DE Derrick Burgess (Phi) tore his Achilles tendon Friday and will miss the entire season. This is a large negative for the Eagles defense.

DL Jason Fisk (SD) bruised his right shoulder in the team's in the team's final exhibition game.

DL Lamar King (Sea) was placed on the reserve/physically unable to perform list with a knee injury.

DL Brandon Noble (Was) is out for the season after tearing three ligaments and dislocating his kneecap. He is slated to undergo surgery in about four weeks.

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Linebackers

LB Ray Thompson (Ari) is day-to-day with a sprained thumb and wrist.

LB Sam Rogers (Atl) sprained his left knee in the team's final exhibition game.

LB Brian Williams (Det) has been placed on the injured reserve list.

LB Joey Porter (Pit) was shot in the buttocks on Sunday. Doctors removed the bullet (which had lodged in his thigh), and he should make a full recovery. His return has been put at 2-8 weeks.

LB Ben Leber (SD) suffered a light sprain to his right ankle in the team's final exhibition game.

LB Carlos Polk (SD) suffered a knee sprain in the team's final exhibition game.

LB Rocky Calmus (Ten) will miss this weekend's opener with a severely pulled hamstring.

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Defensive Backs

S Justin Lucas (Ari) will likely be out close to a week after receiving a concussion and a neck strain in the team's final exhibition game.

S Michael Stone (Ari) will miss the season after being placed on injured reserve with a torn pectoral muscle.

S Cory Hall (Atl) suffered a severe right knee sprain in the team's last exhibition game and is out for this weekend's game.

CB Kevin Mathis (Atl) should be able to play the nickel position this weekend despite his left shoulder strain.

CB Tom Knight (Bal) practiced Tuesday and says he hopes to be able to play this weekend.

S Lawyer Milloy (Buf) was quickly signed by the Bills Wednesday after being released by the Patriots on Tuesday.

CB Jerry Azumah (Chi) seems to be over his toe injury that caused him to miss the team's last exhibition game.

CB Donald Mitchell (Dal) will likely miss 3-4 weeks after spraining his left ankle in the team's final exhibition game.

CB Chris Cash (Det) is out for the season with a knee injury.

S Darren Sharper (GB) was limited in Monday's practice, but it not known if he will play this weekend.

*** Saturday Update: Sharper's still struggling to be ready.

*** Saturday Update: CB William Bartee (KC) is listed as doubtful with an ankle injury and is not looking good to play.

CB Patrick Surtain (Mia) practiced on Monday without problems from his injured knee.

CB Denard Walker (Min) has returned from his hamstring injury and will start this weekend.

CB Brian Williams (Min) has returned from his concussion and will start this weekend.

S Chris Akins or Antwan Harris (NE) will compete to start in place of the recently released Lawyer Milloy.

S Mel Mitchell (NO) has been lost for the season after being placed in the injured reserve list with a knee injury.

CB Phillip Buchanon (Oak) returned to practice after recovering from his hamstring injury.

S Kim Herring (StL) was waived by the team.

CB Shawn Springs (Sea) will be out 6-8 weeks after breaking his shoulder blade during the team's final exhibition game.

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Coaches

HC Dick Jauron (Chi) feels (through sources) that the Bears' front office is gearing towards replacing him with Nick Saban from LSU.