Players in the News

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** QB Michael Vick (Atl) says he almost did not play last week because his right leg was so sore. He says he will be ready to play this weekend against the Buccaneers and believes there will be no swelling in the leg and only a trace of soreness.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** QB Chris Chandler (Chi) practiced on Wednesday and Thursday but will still be the #3 QB this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** QB David Carr (Hou) practiced again on Thursday and says his right shoulder feels “back to normal”. He is expected to start this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** QB Jay Fiedler (Mia) practiced on Wednesday and Thursday and should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** QB Kerry Collins (NYG) went home ill on Thursday. He is also still hobbled by the high ankle sprain. HC Jim Fassel has admitted that he doesn’t see Collins coming back this season.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** QB Steve McNair (Ten) tried to drop back in Thursday’s practice but was in too much pain to continue. With Neil O’Donnell back in the fold, McNair is no longer under a huge amount of pressure to return this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** QB Neil O’Donnell (Ten) re-signed with the team on Thursday and worked with the starters in practice. There’s a good chance he could start this weekend, but at the least, O’Donnell was added so the Titans would have a capable veteran behind Steve McNair for the playoffs.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** QB Billy Volek (Ten) was placed on the injured reserve list to make room for the signing of Neil O’Donnell.

Running Backs

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** FB Alan Ricard (Bal) practiced on Wednesday and Thursday and should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** RB Chester Taylor (Bal) practiced on Wednesday and Thursday and should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** RB Travis Henry (Buf) says he does not expect to sit the last two games with his broken fibula despite being eliminated from the playoffs with a 6-8 record.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** RB Willis McGahee (Buf) is “not likely” to play this weekend according to HC Gregg Williams.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** RB Stephen Davis (Car) did not practice again on Thursday and looks like a scratch for this weekend’s game. We expect DeShaun Foster to get the start.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** RB Corey Dillon (Cin) did not practice on Wednesday, but he did go on Thursday and should start this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** RB William Green (Cle) has reportedly agreed to enter alcohol rehabilitation in a Boston facility. Let’s hope this is the first step to him returning to the field in the 2004 season.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** RB Clinton Portis (Den) did not practice again on Thursday, but HC Mike Shanahan hopes he’ll be able to go on Friday. However, Portis did not sound like he would be on the field Friday when he said, “Hopefully I get a couple days’ rest – or a day to rest on the plane ride to Indy – and hopefully Sunday I’ll be ready.” There have been few players in Denver that did not practice all week and then played in that weekend’s game. However, there are few players in Denver that are as important as Portis.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** RB Ricky Williams (Mia) practiced on Wednesday and Thursday and should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** RB Michael Bennett (Min) did not practice on Thursday. However, he will start this weekend according to HC Mike Tice. Of course if Bennett tweaks his ankle, he’ll quickly head to bench.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** RB Fred McAfee (NO) practiced on Wednesday and Thursday and could play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** FB Terrelle Smith (NO) did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday and should sit this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** RB Jerome Bettis (Pit) took another day off on Thursday but should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** RB LaDainian Tomlinson (SD) did not practice on Thursday (he was given the day off to rest his turf toe). He will play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** RB Kevan Barlow (SF) has been working on holding on to the ball (he has fumbled three times in the last two games).

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** RB Ladell Betts (Was) was limited again on Thursday and should sit this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** RB Trung Canidate (Was) did not practice on Thursday and should sit this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** RB Rock Cartwright (Was) will start again this weekend. John Simon and Chad Morton should get a few carries as well.

Wide Receivers

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** WR Eric Moulds (Buf) says he does not expect to sit the last two games with his torn groin despite being eliminated from the playoffs with a 6-8 record.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** WR Peter Warrick (Cin) did not practice on Thursday and has been downgraded to questionable on the injury report with his injured knee. A player being downgraded is a red flag so Warrick could sit this weekend. If he does, Kelley Washington will get the start.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** WR Terry Glenn (Dal) practiced on Thursday and should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** WR Ed McCaffrey (Den) practiced on Wednesday and should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** WR Robert Ferguson (GB) did not practice on Wednesday but did go on Thursday. He should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** WR Javon Walker (GB) did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday but should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** WR Marc Boerigter (KC) did not practice on Thursday and should sit this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** WR Chris Chambers (Mia) practiced on Wednesday and Thursday and will play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** WR James McKnight (Mia) did not practice on Wednesday, but he did go on Thursday and could play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** WR Troy Brown (NE) practiced on Wednesday and Thursday and will play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** WR Bethel Johnson (NE) should play this weekend after missing last Sunday’s game due to disciplinary reasons.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** WR Ike Hilliard (NYG) is still experiencing pain in his knee and was limited in Thursday’s practice. He still hopes to be able to play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** WR Tim Brown (Oak) returned to practice on Thursday.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** WR Hines Ward (Pit) practiced on Wednesday and should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** WR David Boston (SD) practiced again on Thursday and should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** WR Reche Caldwell (SD) suffered a hamstring injury in Thursday’s practice and could miss this weekend’s game.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** WR Isaac Bruce (StL) ran in a pool on Wednesday but did not practice. On Thursday, he got some individual work in but did not practice. It appears that the injury was quite mild and that Bruce is healing quickly, but the team may give him the week off to get him close to 100% healthy for the playoffs.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** WR Eddie Berlin (Ten) did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday and should sit this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** WR Tyrone Calico (Ten) injured his knee in Wednesday’s practice. He did not practice on Thursday and should sit this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** WR Jake Schifino (Ten) was limited on Wednesday and Thursday and should sit this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** WR Laveranues Coles (Was) did not practice on Thursday but should play this weekend.

WR Taylor Jacobs (Was) did not practice on Wednesday and could sit this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** WR Taylor Jacobs (Was) practiced on Thursday but could sit this weekend.

Tight Ends

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** TE Brian Kozlowski (Atl) is now the team’s backup FB with the loss of George Layne.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** TE Desmond Clark (Chi) did not practice on Thursday but could still play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** TE John Gilmore (Chi) did not practice on Thursday but could still play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** TE Shannon Sharpe (Den) was snubbed by the Pro Bowl voters (in favor of Tony Gonzalez…understandable & Todd Heap…huh?) and could be on a mission this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** TE Marcellus Rivers (NYG) is likely out for the remainder of the season with his knee injury.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** TE Vishante Shiancoe (NYG) will likely be the team’s starting TE for the remainder of the season.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** TE Jeremy Shockey (NYG) has been declared out for the remainder of the season.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** TE L.J. Smith (Phi) is out this weekend. Mike Bartrum will play in Smith’s spot.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** TE Justin Peelle (SD) practiced on Wednesday and should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** TE Ken Dilger (TB) practiced on Thursday and should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** TE Shad Meier (Ten) practiced on Wednesday and Thursday and should play this weekend.

Offensive Linemen

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** C Pete Kendall (Ari) is improving but did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** T Michael Saffer (Atl) has been released by the team.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** T Kevin Shaffer (Atl) practiced on Wednesday and Thursday and should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** T Todd Weiner (Atl) practiced on Wednesday and Thursday and should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** G Edwin Mulitalo (Bal) practiced on Wednesday and Thursday and should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** C Jeff Mitchell (Car) did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday and should sit this weekend. Bruce Nelson should get the start.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** T Mike Gandy (Chi) did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday and should sit this weekend (and possible the final game as well). Qasim Mitchell will get the start.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** Chris Villarrial (Chi) practiced on Wednesday and Thursday and should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** T Levi Jones (Cin) practiced on Thursday and should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** G Eric Steinbach (Cin) practiced on Thursday and has been upgraded to probable on the injury report.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** G Andre Gurode (Dal) did not practice on Wednesday due to the flu, but he returned for Thursday’s session and will play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** G Dan Neil (Den) did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday but should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** T Ephraim Salaam (Den) practiced on Wednesday and should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** G Zach Wiegert (Hou) did not practice on Wednesday but should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** C Damien Woody (NE) did not practice on Wednesday, but he did go on Thursday and should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** G Kendyl Jacox (NO) practiced on Wednesday and Thursday and could play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** T Luke Petitgout (NYG) has been lost for the season.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** C Adam Treu (Oak) will start in place of the injured Barret Robbins.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** T Jon Runyan (Phi) did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday due to the flu and will not play this weekend. Artis Hicks will get the start.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** C Chukky Okobi (Pit) did not practice on Thursday but should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** C Jason Ball (SD) did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday and will sit this weekend. Cory Raymer will get the start.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** T Ed Ellis (SD) was signed by the team.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** T Damion McIntosh (SD) practiced on Wednesday and Thursday and should start this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** T Solomon Page (SD) practiced on Wednesday, but he suffered a setback and did not go on Thursday. He is now out this weekend. Phil Bogle will get the start.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** C Jeremy Newberry (SF) did not practice on Wednesday but should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** T Chris Terry (Sea) was excused from Thursday’s practice for personal reasons.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** G Jerry Wunsch (Sea) did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday and should sit this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** C Dave Wohlabaugh (StL) did not practice on Wednesday, but he did go on Thursday and should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** T Kenyatta Walker (TB) practiced on Thursday and should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** T Chris Samuels (Was) partially participated in both Wednesday’s and Thursday’s practices but should be able to play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** T Brandon Winey (Was) did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday and could sit this weekend.

Defensive Linemen

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** DT Wendell Bryant (Ari) did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday due to the flu but should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** DE Brady Smith (Atl) practiced on Thursday but will be a game-time decision for this weekend’s game.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** Ed Jasper (Atl) did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday and should sit this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** DT Brentson Buckner (Car) did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday and should sit this weekend. Shane Burton should get the start.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** DE Mike Rucker (Car) did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday and should sit this weekend. Al Wallace should get the start.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** DT Keith Traylor (Chi) did not practice on Thursday and could sit this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** DE Kenard Lang (Cle) practiced on Wednesday and Thursday and should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** DT Gilbert Brown (GB) did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday (as was the case last week) but will play this weekend if he practices Friday.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** DT Eric Downing (KC) re-aggravated his injured groin in Wednesday’s practice. He did not practice on Thursday and now should sit this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** DT Tim Bowens (Mia) did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday and could sit this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** DE Jason Taylor (Mia) practiced on Wednesday and Thursday and should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** DE Darren Howard (NO) did not practice on Thursday with a knee sprain. He hopes to go on Friday and play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** DE Willie Whitehead (NO) did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday and should sit this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** DT Alan Harper (NYJ) has been signed from the practice squad and could see action this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** DT Rod Coleman (Oak) did not practice on Thursday due to the flu but should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** DT Sean Gilbert (Oak) was limited in Wednesday’s practice, but he did practice on Thursday and could play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** DE Kimo von Oelhoffen (Pit) injured his shoulder in Thursday’s practice but should still play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** DT Warren Sapp (TB) practiced on Thursday and should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** DE Bruce Smith (Was) took his normal day off on Wednesday. He will play this weekend.

Linebackers

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** LB Twan Russell (Atl) practiced on Wednesday and Thursday and could play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** LB Ray Lewis (Bal) was limited in Thursday’s practice but will play this weekend…because he’s Ray Lewis.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** LB Dan Morgan (Car) practiced on Thursday and should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** LB Andra Davis (Cle) still feels the sting of being on the short end of 295 yards rushing, and he wants a piece of Jamal Lewis. “We still feel it to this day, and we want to go out there and make up for it, “Davis said. “You can’t say it enough: It was embarrassing, and we’ve been waiting on this day for a long time.”

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** LB Jim Nelson (Ind) did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday and should sit this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** LB Mike Maslowski (KC) did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday and should sit this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** LB Junior Seau (Mia) practiced on Wednesday and Thursday and should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** LB Chris Claiborne (Min) is out this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** LB Ted Johnson (NE) did not practice on Wednesday but should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** LB Cie Grant (NO) did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday and should sit this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** LB Sam Cowart (NYJ) practiced on Wednesday and should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** LB Larry Atkins (Oak) did not practice on Thursday due to the flu but should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** LB Napoleon Harris (Oak) did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday due to illness but should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** LB Nate Wayne (Phi) was excused from Wednesday’s practice for personal reasons.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** LB Kendrell Bell (Pit) practiced on Wednesday and should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** LB James Farrior (Pit) practiced on Wednesday and should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** LB Chad Brown (Sea) did not practice on Thursday but should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** LB Orlando Huff (Sea) did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday and should sit this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** LB Anthony Simmons (Sea) practiced on Wednesday but did not go on Thursday. He could play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** LB Jordan Kramer (Ten) did not practice on Wednesday and should sit this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** LB LaVar Arrington (Was) practiced on Thursday and should play this weekend.

Defensive Backs

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** CB Juran Bolden (Atl) practiced on Thursday and is expected to play this weekend after missing last Sunday’s debacle with his injured back.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** CB Brandon Williams (Atl) has been signed by the team.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** S Pierson Prioleau (Buf) will start at FS for the team with Izell Reese lost for the season.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** S Jarrod Cooper (Car) has rejoined the team after his four-game NFL suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. He practiced on Wednesday and should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** CB Terry Cousin (Car) did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday and should sit this weekend. Ricky Manning, Jr. should get the start.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** S Deon Grant (Car) practiced on Wednesday and Thursday and should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** CB Reggie Howard (Car) practiced on Wednesday and Thursday and should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** S Mike Green (Chi) practiced on Thursday and could play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** CB Artrell Hawkins (Cin) practiced on Thursday and has been upgraded to probable on the injury report. He is expected to start this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** CB Anthony Henry (Cle) practiced on Wednesday and Thursday and should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** CB Daylon McCutcheon (Cle) practiced on Wednesday and Thursday and should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** CB Mike McKenzie (GB) partially participated in Thursday’s practice and (barring a setback) should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** S Idrees Bashir (Ind) practiced again on Thursday and should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** S Cory Bird (Ind) practiced on Wednesday and Thursday and could return this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** CB Nick Harper (Ind) practiced again on Thursday and should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** CB Walt Harris (Ind) did not practice on Wednesday, but he did go on Thursday and should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** CB Jason Craft (Jac) did not practice on Thursday and should sit this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** S Greg Wesley (KC) did not practice on Wednesday but could play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** S Brock Marion (Mia) practiced on Thursday and should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** S Chris Akins (NE) did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday and could sit this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** CB Kato Serwanga (NYG) did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday and should sit this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** CB Reggie Stephens (NYG) has been signed by the team. The Giants secondary is in such dire straights that Stephens will likely be their #4 CB this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** CB Carey Scott (Oak) did not practice on Wednesday pr Thursday due to illness but should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** CB Troy Vincent (Phi) is out this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** S Zack Bronson (SF) did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday and will sit this weekend. Dwaine Carpenter will get the start.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** CB Ahmed Plummer (SF) did not practice on Wednesday but should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** CB Jason Webster (SF) did not practice on Wednesday and will sit this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** S Reggie Tongue (Sea) practiced on Thursday and should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** CB Willie Williams (Sea) did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday and could sit this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** CB Jerametrius Butler (StL) did not practice on Wednesday, but he did go on Thursday and should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** CB Travis Fisher (StL) did not practice on Wednesday, but he did go on Thursday and should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** S David Terrell (Was) did not practice on Wednesday and was limited on Thursday. He should sit this weekend.

Coaches

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** HC Jim Fassel (NYG) is believed to be the Arizona Cardinals top choice to replace the not-yet-fired Dave McGinnis

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** HC Tom Coughlin is believed to be the New York Giants top choice to replace the fired-but-not-yet-departed Jim Fassel. Other candidates include LSU HC Nick Saban, StL DC Lovie Smith, NE OC Charlie Weis, NE DC Romeo Crennel, Iowa HC Kirk Ferentz, and Dal OC Maurice Carthon.

ALL OF THE NEWS

Quarterbacks

QB Josh McCown (Ari) will most likely remain the team’s starting QB for the remainder of the season.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** QB Chris Chandler (Chi) practiced on Wednesday and Thursday but will still be the #3 QB this weekend.

QB Mike McMahon (Det) could see action before the season ends. “We’d like to see him play,” HC Steve Mariucci said. “He deserves to play. He’s a good quarterback. It’s not because we’re disappointed with Joey at all. It’s because it would be good to see a backup quarterback get some snaps.”

QB Brett Favre (GB) says he will return for the 2004 season.

QB David Carr (Hou) practiced on Wednesday and should start this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** QB David Carr (Hou) practiced again on Thursday and says his right shoulder feels “back to normal”. He is expected to start this weekend.

QB Mark Brunell (Jac) has been named a team captain for this week’s home finale. It is all but certain that this will be Brunell’s final home game as a Jaguar. It’s too bad he won’t be the starting QB.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** QB Jay Fiedler (Mia) practiced on Wednesday and Thursday and should play this weekend.

QB Kerry Collins (NYG) did not practice on Wednesday and should miss another week (and could be done for the year) with his injured ankle.

QB Jesse Palmer (NYG) will most likely remain the team’s starting QB for the remainder of the season.

QB Vinny Testaverde (NYJ) says he wants to return in 2004 as the Jets #2 QB, but he will retire rather than stick around as the #3.

QB Drew Brees (SD) will remain as the team’s starting QB after passing for a career high 353 yards in week 15. That’s the definition of a no-brainer.

QB Jeff Garcia (SF) is “definitely” wanted as the team’s starting QB in 2004 according to HC Dennis Erickson. Of course Garcia’s $9 million price tag will likely need to be renegotiated.

QB Jason Gesser (Ten) took the vast majority of the snaps in Wednesday’s practice.

QB Steve McNair (Ten) is still nursing ankle and calf injuries (he did not practice on Wednesday), but he may be forced into action this weekend with this loss of Billy Volek. McNair is improving but looks like yet another game-time decision this weekend. The team is also trying to work a deal to bring back veteran QB Neil O’Donnell, but the Titans are bumping hard against the salary cap.

QB Billy Volek (Ten) has been lost for the season with a ruptured spleen.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** QB Billy Volek (Ten) was placed on the injured reserve list to make room for the signing of Neil O’Donnell.

QB Tim Hasselbeck (Was) will remain the team’s starting QB for the remainder of the season.

Running Backs

FB George Layne (Atl) has been lost for the season after being placed on the injured reserve list.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** FB Alan Ricard (Bal) practiced on Wednesday and Thursday and should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** RB Chester Taylor (Bal) practiced on Wednesday and Thursday and should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** RB Travis Henry (Buf) says he does not expect to sit the last two games with his broken fibula despite being eliminated from the playoffs with a 6-8 record.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** RB Willis McGahee (Buf) is “not likely” to play this weekend according to HC Gregg Williams.

RB Stephen Davis (Car) is hobbled by an ankle injury and will rest this week (he did not practice on Wednesday). The team will likely hold him out for this weekend (and possibly in week 17 as well) to get him closer to 100% for the playoffs.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** RB Stephen Davis (Car) did not practice again on Thursday and looks like a scratch for this weekend’s game. We expect DeShaun Foster to get the start.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** RB Corey Dillon (Cin) did not practice on Wednesday, but he did go on Thursday and should start this weekend.

RB William Green (Cle) has not officially been suspended for the remainder of the season, but HC Butch Davis says Green will not play again this year.

RB Clinton Portis (Den) did not practice on Wednesday, but the team hopes he’ll be able to get some work in by Friday. According to Portis, his status will be determined on game-day. “We’ll test it out on Sunday. If I can go I’ll be out there giving it all I’ve got,” Portis said. “I’d love to play. I’d love to go out there and out-perform Edgerrin.”

RB Olandis Gary (Det) did not play last week (he wasn’t even active) as the Lions finally got Artose Pinner some game action. As long as Pinner stays healthy, Gary might not see the field the rest of the season.

FB Rob Konrad (Mia) is out due to a concussion. Obafemi Ayanbadejo will get the start.

RB Ricky Williams (Mia) bruised his left shoulder in Monday night’s game but is expected to start as normal this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** RB Ricky Williams (Mia) practiced on Wednesday and Thursday and should play this weekend.

RB Michael Bennett (Min) will play this weekend according to HC Mike Tice. Of course Tice said the same thing a week ago and Bennett sat on Sunday.

RB Onterrio Smith (Min) has a strained hamstring but is expected to play this weekend.

RB Moe Williams (Min) has been playing despite torn cartilage in his left knee. He is expected to play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** RB Fred McAfee (NO) practiced on Wednesday and Thursday and could play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** FB Terrelle Smith (NO) did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday and should sit this weekend.

RB Jerome Bettis (Pit) took his normal Wednesday off but is expected to play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** RB Jerome Bettis (Pit) took another day off on Thursday but should play this weekend.

RB LaDainian Tomlinson (SD) has a sore toe but says he will play this weekend. In related news, HC Marty Schottenheimer says Tomlinson is the greatest RB he has ever seen. In his 27-year pro football career, Schottenheimer has played and worked with the likes of Walter Payton, Barry Sanders, O.J. Simpson, Earl Campbell, Eric Dickerson, and Marcus Allen. That’s stellar company.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** RB LaDainian Tomlinson (SD) did not practice on Thursday (he was given the day off to rest his turf toe). He will play this weekend.

RB Kevan Barlow (SF) will get another start this weekend as Garrison Hearst is still recovering from his injured knee.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** RB Kevan Barlow (SF) has been working on holding on to the ball (he has fumbled three times in the last two games).

RB Garrison Hearst (SF) ran some on Wednesday but did not practice. There is a chance that he could see action this weekend.

RB Darian Barnes (TB) has been lost for the season after being placed on the injured reserve list with his injured ankle.

FB Cecil Martin (TB) has been signed by the team.

RB Ladell Betts (Was) was limited in Wednesday’s practice and should sit this weekend with his injured forearm.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** RB Ladell Betts (Was) was limited again on Thursday and should sit this weekend.

RB Trung Canidate (Was) did not practice on Wednesday. He is listed as questionable, but it looks like he’ll sit again this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** RB Trung Canidate (Was) did not practice on Thursday and should sit this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** RB Rock Cartwright (Was) will start again this weekend. John Simon and Chad Morton should get a few carries as well.

Wide Receivers

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** WR Eric Moulds (Buf) says he does not expect to sit the last two games with his torn groin despite being eliminated from the playoffs with a 6-8 record.

WR Chad Johnson (Cin) has been fined $10,000 for holding up a sign after scoring a TD last Sunday. The sign read: “Dear NFL: Please don’t fine me again.” Doh!

WR Terry Glenn (Dal) had a noticeable limp at Wednesday’s practice, but HC Bill Parcells expects him to play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** WR Terry Glenn (Dal) practiced on Thursday and should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** WR Ed McCaffrey (Den) practiced on Wednesday and should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** WR Robert Ferguson (GB) did not practice on Wednesday but did go on Thursday. He should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** WR Javon Walker (GB) did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday but should play this weekend.

WR Brandon Stokley (Ind) has passed Troy Walters and is now the team’s #3 WR.

WR Matthew Hatchette (Jac) has been re-signed by the team.

WR Marc Boerigter (KC) did not practice on Wednesday and should sit this weekend with his injured ankle.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** WR Marc Boerigter (KC) did not practice on Thursday and should sit this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** WR Chris Chambers (Mia) practiced on Wednesday and Thursday and will play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** WR James McKnight (Mia) did not practice on Wednesday, but he did go on Thursday and could play this weekend.

WR Deion Branch (NE) did not practice on Wednesday but is expected to play this weekend despite his injured hand.

WR Troy Brown (NE) came out of the week 15 game fine and is not even on this week’s injury report.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** WR Troy Brown (NE) practiced on Wednesday and Thursday and will play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** WR Bethel Johnson (NE) should play this weekend after missing last Sunday’s game due to disciplinary reasons.

WR Joe Horn (NO) has been fined $30,000 by the NFL for his WR-phone home celebration. WR Michael Lewis was fined $5,000 for taking part.

WR Michael Lewis (NO) strained his shoulder last Sunday night (hopefully not picking up the goal post padding) but is expected to play this weekend.

WR Donte’ Stallworth (NO) played last Sunday for the first time in a month and came out of the game fine. He is expected to play again this weekend.

WR Ike Hilliard (NYG) did not practice on Wednesday and should miss another week (and could be done for the year) with his injured knee.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** WR Ike Hilliard (NYG) is still experiencing pain in his knee and was limited in Thursday’s practice. He still hopes to be able to play this weekend.

WR Wayne Chrebet (NYJ) is still suffering migraines and other post-concussion ailments almost six weeks after his season-ending concussion. He believes he will play in 2004 but has not made a final decision.

WR Tim Brown (Oak) was excused from Wednesday’s practice for an undisclosed reason.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** WR Tim Brown (Oak) returned to practice on Thursday.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** WR Hines Ward (Pit) practiced on Wednesday and should play this weekend.

WR David Boston (SD) practiced on Wednesday and should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** WR David Boston (SD) practiced again on Thursday and should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** WR Reche Caldwell (SD) suffered a hamstring injury in Thursday’s practice and could miss this weekend’s game.

WR Terrell Owens (SF) did not practice on Wednesday but is expected to play this weekend.

WR Tai Streets (SF) did not practice on Wednesday but is expected to play this weekend.

WR Isaac Bruce (StL) is hobbled by an ankle injury and will rest this week. The team is game-planning as if Bruce will be available (he says he feels good and will be ready to go). He is not expected to practice until Saturday. If Bruce does not play, the team will count on Dane Looker and Mike Furrey to fill the void.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** WR Eddie Berlin (Ten) did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday and should sit this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** WR Tyrone Calico (Ten) injured his knee in Wednesday’s practice. He did not practice on Thursday and should sit this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** WR Jake Schifino (Ten) was limited on Wednesday and Thursday and should sit this weekend.

WR Laveranues Coles (Was) did not practice on Wednesday. He has played nearly the entire season with a stress fracture in his foot. He will continue playing but will wear a cast for 1-2 months after the season is over.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** WR Laveranues Coles (Was) did not practice on Thursday but should play this weekend.

WR Taylor Jacobs (Was) did not practice on Wednesday and could sit this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** WR Taylor Jacobs (Was) practiced on Thursday but could sit this weekend.

Tight Ends

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** TE Brian Kozlowski (Atl) is now the team’s backup FB with the loss of George Layne.

TE Desmond Clark (Chi) did not practice on Wednesday due to his turf toe injury.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** TE Desmond Clark (Chi) did not practice on Thursday but could still play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** TE John Gilmore (Chi) did not practice on Thursday but could still play this weekend.

TE Dustin Lyman (Chi) has been lost for the remainder of the season after being placed on the injured reserve list with his bruised spleen.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** TE Shannon Sharpe (Den) was snubbed by the Pro Bowl voters (in favor of Tony Gonzalez…understandable & Todd Heap…huh?) and could be on a mission this weekend.

TE Dallas Clark (Ind) is still out with his injured ankle.

TE Sean McDermott (NE) has been lost for the season after being placed on the injured reserve list with his injured shoulder.

TE Marcellus Rivers (NYG) should miss another week with his injured knee.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** TE Marcellus Rivers (NYG) is likely out for the remainder of the season with his knee injury.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** TE Vishante Shiancoe (NYG) will likely be the team’s starting TE for the remainder of the season.

TE Jeremy Shockey (NYG) did not practice on Wednesday and should miss another week (and could be done for the year) with his injured knee.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** TE Jeremy Shockey (NYG) has been declared out for the remainder of the season.

TE L.J. Smith (Phi) should sit this weekend with his injured groin and back.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** TE L.J. Smith (Phi) is out this weekend. Mike Bartrum will play in Smith’s spot.

TE Stephen Alexander (SD) did not practice on Wednesday and is officially listed as questionable, but it looks like he’ll sit again this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** TE Justin Peelle (SD) practiced on Wednesday and should play this weekend.

TE Ken Dilger (TB) is expected to play this weekend after missing last Sunday with his injured hip.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** TE Ken Dilger (TB) practiced on Thursday and should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** TE Shad Meier (Ten) practiced on Wednesday and Thursday and should play this weekend.

Place Kickers & Special Teamers

P Eddie Johnson (Min) will likely be inactive the remainder of the season as HC Mike Tice is not pleased with his current production (the Vikings have signed Leo Araguz to handle the punting duties). Tice says Johnson still is the team’s punter of the future.

LS Brian Kinchen (NE) has been signed by the team. LS Sean McDermott has been lost for the season after being placed on the injured reserve list.

Offensive Linemen

C Pete Kendall (Ari) should sit this weekend with his injured shoulder.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** C Pete Kendall (Ari) is improving but did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday.

G Roberto Garza (Atl) has been lost for the season after being placed on the injured reserve list.

T Michael Saffer (Atl) has been signed by the team.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** T Michael Saffer (Atl) has been released by the team.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** T Kevin Shaffer (Atl) practiced on Wednesday and Thursday and should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** T Todd Weiner (Atl) practiced on Wednesday and Thursday and should play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** G Edwin Mulitalo (Bal) practiced on Wednesday and Thursday and should play this weekend.

T Bernard Robertson (Buf) has been signed by the team.