Players in the News

QB Michael Vick (Atl) will not play this weekend, but he returned to practice with the team on Wednesday. Reports say Vick, at times, appeared to be favoring his leg, and he did not show much of his scrambling abilities.

QB Kyle Boller (Bal) will be out 4-6 weeks after surgery to repair his torn quadriceps.

QB Ray Lucas (Bal) has been signed by the team.

QB Chris Redman (Bal) was horrible last Sunday and has been passed over for the starting QB position by Anthony Wright.

QB Anthony Wright (Bal) has been named the team’s starting QB this weekend.

QB Jake Plummer (Den) practiced on Monday and expects to return to the starting lineup this weekend even though his foot is still sore.

QB Brett Favre (GB) and the Packers coaching staff believe his poor performance was caused by the tape on the splint on his thumb and not the thumb. The tape became wet in the poor weather and then slid around on the football.

QB Mark Brunell (Jac) partially participated in Wednesday’s practice but will likely miss this weekend’s game with his injured elbow.

QB Brian Griese (Mia) will once again start for the team as Jay Fiedler is still not even healthy enough to practice.

QB Rich Gannon (Oak) has been lost for the season after being placed on the injured reserve list with his shoulder injury.

QB Rick Mirer (Oak) is still the team’s starting QB.

QB Jeff Garcia (SF) returned to practice on Wednesday but will not play this weekend with his high ankle sprain.

QB Tim Rattay (SF) will again start for the injured Garcia.

QB Marc Bulger (StL) struggled last week, and head coach Mike Martz considered plugging in Kurt Warner. However, Bulger will start again this weekend.

Running Backs

RB Emmitt Smith (Ari) is still out with his injured shoulder.

RB Warrick Dunn (Atl) will likely stick as the team’s starting RB.

RB Stephen Davis (Car) did not practice on Wednesday (he did run on the sidelines) but is expected to play this weekend after missing last Sunday’s game. Note that Davis will be facing his former team in the Washington Redskins.

RB Corey Dillon (Cin) did not practice on Wednesday and will likely miss this weekend’s game with his injured groin and bruised ego.

RB William Green (Cle) should be active this weekend after serving his one-game suspension last Sunday. However, it is not fully know if he or James Jackson will be the starter.

RB Lee Suggs (Cle) was activated from the PUP list.

RB Troy Hambrick (Dal) is still the team’s starting RB, but it looks like Adrian Murrell might be the team’s finishing RB. Murrell out-carried, out-gained, and out-everything elsed Hambrick in last week’s game.

FB Mike Anderson (Den) was suspended four games by the NFL for allegedly violating the substance abuse policy (testing positive for marijuana). Quentin Griffin will be the team’s primary backup RB while Reuben Droughns will see more playing time at FB.

RB Paul Smith (Det) was signed by the team.

RB Stacey Mack (Hou) practiced on Wednesday and could play this weekend after missing last Sunday’s game.

RB Brian Allen (Ind) practiced on Wednesday and (barring a setback) should play this weekend.

RB James Mungro (Ind) did not practice on Wednesday and should sit this weekend.

RB Dominic Rhodes (Ind) practiced on Wednesday and should play this weekend.

RB Ricky Williams (Mia) practiced on Wednesday and should start this weekend.

RB Michael Bennett (Min) is slated to receive 15 or so carries this weekend.

RB James Fenderson (NO) will likely miss this weekend’s game with his injured foot.

RB Jerome Bettis (Pit) might miss this weekend’s game with his bruised shoulder.

RB Dan Alexander (StL) was released by the team.

RB Ladell Betts (Was) will likely miss this weekend’s game with his injured arm.

RB Rock Cartwright (Was) has a small chance to be the team’s starting RB this weekend as a reward for his good performance in last week’s game.

Wide Receivers

WR Jason McAddley (Ari) is still out with his injured hamstring.

WR Frank Sanders (Bal) will likely miss at least this weekend’s game with his injured Ankle. Marcus Robinson should get the start.

WR Eric Moulds (Buf) continues to play with his nagging groin injury. He believes he’s about 80% and will likely not be fully healthy until the off-season.

WR Kevin Dyson (Car) might be active this weekend. Any action he receives will be at the expense of the struggling Muhsin Muhammad.

WR Chad Johnson (Cin) signed a 5-year extension with the team on Wednesday. In related news, Johnson has guaranteed a Bengals victory this weekend (despite the fact that they are playing Kansas City).

WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh (Cin) practiced on Wednesday and has a chance to play this weekend.

WR Shawn Jefferson (Det) has been lost for the season after being placed on the injured reserve list with his injured knee.

WR Charles Rogers (Det) is still out with his broken collarbone.

WR Marvin Harrison (Ind) suffered a grade one strain to his hamstring last Sunday. He did not practice on Wednesday and will likely sit out this weekend.

WR Brandon Stokley (Ind) practiced Wednesday and hopes to play this weekend.

WR Kevin Johnson (Jac) was released by the Browns on Tuesday and claimed by the Jacksonville Jaguars on Wednesday.

WR J.J. Stokes (Jac) has been released by the team.

WR Donte Stallworth (NO) appears to be nearly completely healthy and is expected to play this weekend.

WR Tim Carter (NYG) practiced on Wednesday and should play this weekend.

WR Ike Hilliard (NYG) did not practice on Wednesday but should still play this weekend despite his injured ankle.

WR Wayne Chrebet (NYJ) has been lost for the season after being placed on the injured reserve list with a post-concussion syndrome.

WR Terrell Owens (SF) did not practice on Wednesday. Instead, he had an MRI on his injured groin. Owens could miss practice all week but is expected to play this weekend.

WR Joe Jurevicius (TB) practiced on Wednesday as he attempts to return from his knee injury.

WR Karl Williams (TB) practiced on Wednesday and should play this weekend.

WR Drew Bennett (Ten) is still out with his injured calf.

Tight Ends

TE Freddie Jones (Ari) did not practice on Wednesday after being sore from a minor car accident. He is expected to play this weekend.

TE John Jones (Bal) will likely miss this weekend’s game with his injured leg.

TE Dustin Lyman (Chi) was hospitalized through Monday night with a bruised spleen (which was injured during Sunday’s game). He will miss 4-6 weeks.

TE Reggie Kelly (Cin) is still out with his injured foot.

TE Steve Heiden (Cle) has been lost for the season after being placed on the injured reserve list with his injured ankle.

TE Casey Fitzsimmons (Det) has passed Mikhael Ricks as the team’s starting TE.

TE Jabari Holloway (Hou) practiced on Wednesday and should play this weekend.

TE Marcellus Rivers (NYG) practiced on Wednesday and should start this weekend.

TE Jeremy Shockey (NYG) suffered a sprained knee last Sunday and original reports had him missing 6-8 weeks. However, Shockey received a 2^nd opinion on the injury, and it now looks like he could return after missing only 3 weeks. Marcellus Rivers will start for the team while Shockey is out.

TE Jay Riemersma (Pit) practiced on Wednesday and should play this weekend.

TE Stephen Alexander (SD) should be active this weekend, but he will not start and will be behind Justin Peelle and Antonio Gates.

TE Rickey Dudley (TB) was re-signed by the team on Monday.

TE Ken Dilger (TB) was able to practice on Wednesday despite his injured elbow.

TE Roland Williams (TB) was signed by the team on Tuesday.

Place Kickers & Special Teamers

PK Bill Gramatica (Ari) is still out with his injured back.

PK Neil Rackers (Ari) was signed by the team to replace Tim Duncan (who will now be able to fully concentrate on his NBA side project).

KR J.J. Moses (Hou) did not finish practice on Wednesday after tweaking his hamstring. His status for this weekend is not fully known.

KR Terrence Wilkins (Ind) was re-signed by the team to help ease the loss of injured Brad Pyatt.

PK Matt Bryant (NYG) practiced on Wednesday and hopes to play this weekend.

KR Michael Bates (NYJ) has been lost for the season after being placed on the injured reserve list with his broken hand.

Offensive Linemen

C Pete Kendall (Ari) partially participated in Wednesday’s practice but should still play this weekend.

G Cameron Spikes (Ari) did not practice on Wednesday but should still play this weekend.

T Jonas Jennings (Buf) practiced on Wednesday and could play this weekend.

G Matt O’Dwyer (Cin) did not practice on Wednesday and might sit this weekend.

T Barry Stokes (Cle) practiced on Wednesday and should return to action this weekend.

G Milford Brown (Hou) did not practice on Wednesday and will likely miss this weekend’s game with his injured knee.

G Todd Washington (Hou) did not practice on Wednesday but should play this weekend.

T Tarik Glenn (Ind) did not practice on Wednesday and will likely miss this weekend’s game with his injured knee.

T Adam Meadows (Ind) did not practice on Wednesday but should play this weekend.

G Vincent Manuwai (Jac) did not practice on Wednesday and will likely miss this weekend’s game with his injured foot.

G Jamie Nails (Mia) practiced on Wednesday and should play this weekend.

G Todd Perry (Mia) practiced on Wednesday and should play this weekend.

C Tim Ruddy (Mia) did not practice on Wednesday and will likely sit again this weekend.

G LeCharles Bentley (NO) did not practice on Tuesday and might sit this weekend.

G Frank Middleton (Oak) will likely miss this weekend’s game with his injured quadriceps.

C Matt Stinchcomb (Oak) has been lost for the season after being placed on the injured reserve list with his injured shoulder.

G John Welbourn (Phi) did not practice on Wednesday and will likely miss this weekend’s game with his injured knee.

T Oliver Ross (Pit) did not practice on Wednesday and could sit this weekend.

T Marvel Smith (Pit) practiced on Wednesday but will likely miss this weekend’s game with his injured neck.

G Eric Heitmann (SF) is still out with his sprained ankle.

C Austin King (TB) did not practice on Wednesday and might sit this weekend.

T Kenyatta Walker (TB) will again start at LT this weekend for the injured Roman Oben.

C Larry Moore (Was) will likely miss this weekend’s game with his injured foot.

Defensive Linemen

DE Calvin Pace (Ari) did not practice on Wednesday but should still play this weekend.

DE Travis Hall (Atl) will likely miss this weekend’s game with his injured neck.

DT Ron Edwards (Buf) will miss the remainder of the season after being placed on the injured reserve list with his injured shoulder.

DE Mike Rucker (Car) did not practice on Wednesday but should play this weekend.

DE Kenard Lang (Cle) practiced on Wednesday and could play this weekend.

DT Alvin McKinley (Cle) has been lost for the season after being placed on the injured reserve list with his injured knee.

DT Terdell Sands (GB) was released by the team to make room for LB T.J. Slaughter.

DE Corey Sears (Hou) did not practice on Wednesday due to his sore ankle.

DE Gary Walker (Hou) is out with his injured foot.

DT Montae Reagor (Ind) did not practice on Wednesday and will likely miss this weekend’s game with his injured chest.

DE Lionel Barnes (Jac) practiced on Wednesday and could play this weekend.

DT Larry Chester (Mia) practiced on Wednesday and should play this weekend.

DT Ted Washington (NE) says he will be able to return to action this weekend.

DE Darren Howard (NO) returned to practice on Tuesday and should play this weekend.

DE Kenny Holmes (NYG) did not practice on Wednesday but should still play this weekend.

DE John Abraham (NYJ) is still out with his injured groin.

DT John Parrella (Oak) is still out with his injured groin.

DT Dana Stubblefield (Oak) will likely miss this weekend’s game with his injured ankle.

DE Sam Williams (Oak) is still out with his injured knee.

DE Raylee Johnson (SD) will likely miss this weekend’s game with his injured foot.

DE Marcellus Wiley (SD) is expected to play this weekend despite his injured ankle.

DT Norman Hand (Sea) is out with his injured arm.

Linebackers

LB Gerald Hayes (Ari) is out with his injured shoulder.

LB Johnny Rutledge (Den) was signed by the team on Wednesday.

LB James Davis (Det) is out with his injured shoulder.

LB T.J. Slaughter (GB) was signed by the team.

LB Charlie Clemons (Hou) partially participated in Wednesday’s practice and could return to action this weekend. If Clemons can’t play, Steve Foley will get the starter.

LB Antwan Peek (Hou) is out with his dislocated toe.

LB Jim Nelson (Ind) is still out with his injured clavicle.

LB Zach Thomas (Mia) practiced Wednesday and should play this weekend.

LB Sedrick Hodge (NO) returned to practice on Tuesday and should start this weekend.

LB Sam Cowart (NYJ) partially participated in Wednesday’s practice but should play this weekend.

LB Victor Hobson (NYJ) partially participated in Wednesday’s practice but should play this weekend.

LB Mo Lewis (NYJ) practiced on Wednesday and should play this weekend.

LB Derrick Brooks (TB) practiced on Wednesday and should play this weekend.

LB Ryan Nece (TB) did not practice on Wednesday and could miss this weekend’s game.

LB Dwayne Rudd (TB) practiced on Wednesday and should play this weekend.

Defensive Backs

S Adrian Wilson (Ari) practiced on Wednesday and should play this weekend.

S Kevin McCadam (Atl) will likely miss this weekend’s game with his injured hamstring.

CB Todd McMillon (Chi) is out with his injured hand.

CB Jeff Burris (Cin) is out with his head injury.

CB Artrell Hawkins (Cin) practiced on Wednesday and hopes to play this weekend.

CB Daylon McCutcheon (Cle) partially participated in Wednesday’s practice and could play this weekend.

CB Roderick Babers (Det) has been lost for the season after being placed on the injured reserve list with his injured shoulder.

S Idrees Bashir (Ind) is still out with his injured shoulder.

S Cory Bird (Ind) did not practice on Wednesday and could sit this weekend.

CB Nick Harper (Ind) did not practice on Wednesday and could sit this weekend.

CB Walt Harris (Ind) did not practice on Wednesday but should still play this weekend.

CB Joseph Jefferson (Ind) has been lost for the season after being placed on the injured reserve list with his injured pelvis.

CB Deke Cooper (Jac) did not practice on Wednesday and could sit this weekend.

CB Jason Craft (Jac) did not practice on Wednesday and should sit this weekend.

S Trent Gamble (Mia) is out with his injured knee.

CB Patrick Surtain (Mia) practiced on Wednesday and could play this weekend.

S Shawn Wooden (Mia) practiced on Wednesday and should play this weekend.

S Jack Brewer (Min) is likely out for the season with his injured shoulder.

CB Ralph Brown (NYG) is out with his injured shoulder.

CB William Peterson (NYG) has been lost for the season after being placed on the injured reserve list with his back injury. The team signed Ike Charlton to take Peterson’s place. With Ralph Brown also ailing, there is a good chance that Charlton could see action this weekend.

CB Kato Serwanga (NYG) practiced on Wednesday and should play this weekend.

CB Donnie Abraham (NYJ) practiced on Wednesday and could play this weekend.

S Jon McGraw (NYJ) practiced on Wednesday and could play this weekend.

CB Ray Mickens (NYJ) practiced on Wednesday and should play this weekend.

S Brian Dawkins (Phi) practiced on Wednesday and could return this weekend.

CB Bobby Taylor (Phi) did not practice on Wednesday.

S Ronnie Heard (SF) is out with his injured knee.

S Damien Robinson (Sea) will likely miss this weekend’s game with his injured shoulder.

S John Howell (TB) has been lost for this season after being placed on the injured reserve list with his injured hamstring.

CB Hank Poteat (TB) was released by the team.

S Donnie Nickey (Ten) practiced on Wednesday and should play this weekend.

CB Andre Woolfolk (Ten) is out with his injured ankle.

S Matt Bowen (Was) practiced Wednesday and hopes to play this weekend despite his concussion last weekend.

Coaches

HC Mike Tice (Min) was asked if he guaranteed a win over the Oakland Raiders. Tice responded by saying, “without a doubt”.

HC Jeff Fisher (Ten) on Monday called the Jacksonville Jaguars a dirty football team. HC Jack Del Rio (Jac) on Monday responded with, “I did take the liberty of looking up the most penalized defenses in the league, and they’re first and we’re 15^th.” Can you tell the two will square off this weekend?