Quarterbacks

*** SATURDAY UPDATE *** QB Jake Plummer (Den) will likely not play the entire game this weekend as the team wants him healthy for the playoffs.

*** SATURDAY UPDATE *** QB Steve McNair (Ten) will likely play this weekend as HC Jeff Fisher says McNair "is better today that he was last Friday."  Since he played last Sunday, it stands to reason that he'll suit up this Sunday.

*** SATURDAY UPDATE *** RB Priest Holmes (KC) has another reason to be proud of his father.  Sgt. Herman Morris has volunteered for a 12-month tour of duty in Iraq.

*** SATURDAY UPDATE *** WR Peter Warrick (Cin) now says he felt good in Friday's practice and thinks he can play this weekend.  However, he is still a game-time decision and is still listed on the injury report as "doubtful".

*** SATURDAY UPDATE *** WR Robert Ferguson (GB) has improved and now HC Mike Sherman believes he will be able to play this weekend.

*** SATURDAY UPDATE *** WR Phil McGeoghan (NO) has been signed by the team.

*** SATURDAY UPDATE *** WR Jerheme Urban (Sea) has been signed by the team from their practice squad.

*** SATURDAY UPDATE *** PK Neil Rackers (Ari) has signed a 2-year contract extension with the team.  The move likely means Bill Gramatica will no longer be a Cardinal.

*** SATURDAY UPDATE *** G Ruben Brown (Buf) has been excused from the team's season finale and has told teammate Jamie Nails that he will not be a Bill in '04.

*** SATURDAY UPDATE *** G Milford Brown (Hou) has been placed on the injured reserve list with his injured knee.  T Curry Dawson has been signed from the team's practice squad.

*** SATURDAY UPDATE *** G LeCharles Bentley (NO) has been placed on the injured reserve list with his injured knee.

*** SATURDAY UPDATE *** G Jerry Wunsch (Sea) has been placed on the injured reserve list with his injured ankle.

*** SATURDAY UPDATE *** LB Napoleon Harris (Oak) has not practiced this week and is expected to sit this weekend.

*** SATURDAY UPDATE *** LB LaVar Arrington (Was) agreed to an 8-year $80 million deal that includes $26.5 million in bonuses.  Wow!

*** SATURDAY UPDATE *** S Reggie Tongue (Sea) is expected to play this weekend after missing the last two games with a sore hamstring.

Coaches

*** SATURDAY UPDATE *** HC Dave Wannstedt (Mia) will reportedly remain with the team as head coach but will have his GM duties pulled by owner Wayne Huizenga.  A formal announcement will not be made until early next week.

*** SATURDAY UPDATE *** HC Steve Spurrier (Was) is now considering resigning as HC of the Redskins.  Reports say he has talked with his wife and they both agree that things are "miserable with the Washington Redskins and don't have a reason to live life that way."

Team 'Final Week' Situations

At this stage in the season, some teams have absolutely nothing to play for and some teams have everything on the line.  Here is a brief run-down of teams that should (or shouldn't) be motivated this weekend.  The teams not listed have nothing to gain this weekend (as they have no chance to be playoff bound), but they will likely play their normal skill players.

Baltimore Ravens – If the Bengals lose their day game on Sunday, then the Ravens will lock up the division and have nothing more to play for.  However, Cincinnati should be able to handle the Browns so Baltimore will likely need a win against the Steelers.  Also, there's Jamal Lewis' quest to become the league's all-time single season rusher.

Carolina Panthers – They have nothing to play for (already have one home-game sewn up) so it wouldn't be surprising to see some starters sitting late in the game.

Chicago Bears – A win gives them a .500 record.  That should be motivating for them.

Cincinnati Bengals – They must win (and have the Ravens lose) to make the playoffs so the effort will definitely be there for the Bengals.

Dallas Cowboys – If the Eagles lose on Saturday, then the Cowboys will win the division with a win against the Saints.  However, with Bill Parcells at the helm (and with such a young team) the team will play as usual whether they need the win or not.

Denver Broncos – They have nothing to play for so it wouldn't be surprising to see some starters sitting late in the game.

Green Bay Packers – A Seattle defeat on Saturday will put the Packers in the playoffs.  However, they will still play for the win because a win (and a Vikings loss) would give Green Bay the division.  The Packers and the Vikings play at the same time so they will not know the outcome of the other game.

Indianapolis Colts – The Colts need either a win or a Titans loss to claim the division title.  Both games will be played at the same time so the Colts will try to win their contest.

Kansas City Chiefs – If the Patriots lose on Saturday, the Chiefs would claim the top record in the league with a win on Sunday.  If the Patriots win on Saturday, the Chiefs would have nothing to play for on Sunday so it wouldn't be surprising to see some starters sitting late in the game.

Minnesota Vikings – A Seattle defeat on Saturday will put the Vikings in the playoffs.  However, they will still play for the win because a win (or a Packers loss) would give Minnesota the division.  The Vikings and the Packers play at the same time so they will not know the outcome of the other game.

New England Patriots – A win (or a Chiefs loss) gives them home-field advantage until the Super Bowl, and it also will serve as a little payback for the Bills demolishing them 31-0 week one.

New Orleans Saints – A win gives them a .500 record.  That should be motivating for them.

Philadelphia Eagles – They will be playing hard because a win (or a Cowboys loss) will give the Eagles the division.  Philadelphia plays on Saturday so they must go ahead and play for the win.

Pittsburgh Steelers – The Steelers have only one thing to play for this weekend: A win could keep the Ravens out of the playoffs.

San Francisco 49ers – A win gives them a .500 record.  That should be motivating for them.

Seattle Seahawks – They will play hard because they need a win (and a loss from either Minnesota or Green Bay) to make the playoffs.

St. Louis Rams – If the Eagles lose on Saturday, the Rams will have nothing to play for as they will already have home field advantage until the Super Bowl.  If the Eagles win on Saturday (and they should), the Rams will need a win to gain that advantage.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers – A win gives them a .500 record.  That should be motivating for them.

Tennessee Titans – The Titans need a win and Colts loss to claim the division title.  Both games will be played at the same time so Tennessee will try to win their contest.

Quarterbacks

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** QB Josh McCown (Ari) will again start for the team this weekend.  Preston Parsons could be the backup (with former start Jeff Blake at the #3 spot) because the Cardinals would like to get a look at Parsons.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** QB Doug Johnson (Atl) practiced on Friday and will be available this weekend.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** QB Travis Brown (Buf) may see action this weekend as the team wants to find out if he is worth keeping in the future.

*** SATURDAY UPDATE *** QB Jake Plummer (Den) will likely not play the entire game this weekend as the team wants him healthy for the playoffs.

QB Joey Harrington (Det) should start this weekend, but Mike McMahon is also expected to play.

QB Brett Favre (GB) will spend most of the week in Mississippi with his family but will play this weekend.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** QB Brett Favre (GB) returned to practice on Friday and will play this weekend.

QB Kerry Collins (NYG) should sit again with his ankle sprain.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** QB Kerry Collins (NYG) is out this weekend.

QB Rick Mirer (Oak) was benched in the second half of last Monday night's debacle against the Packers, but he will start again this weekend.

QB Drew Brees (SD) will again start for the team this weekend.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** QB Matt Hasselbeck (Sea) practiced on Wednesday and is expected to play this weekend.

QB Steve McNair (Ten) was sore after last weekend's game, but he says he is no worse than last he was at this time last week.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** QB Steve McNair (Ten) did not practice on Friday and will be a game-time decision this weekend.

*** SATURDAY UPDATE *** QB Steve McNair (Ten) will likely play this weekend as HC Jeff Fisher says McNair "is better today that he was last Friday."  Since he played last Sunday, it stands to reason that he'll suit up this Sunday.

Running Backs

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** RB Emmitt Smith (Ari) says he has not decided whether he will retire after this season, but he will make the decision in a month or two.

RB Travis Jervey (Atl) has been placed on the injured reserve list with a strained neck.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** RB Willis McGahee (Buf) will not play this weekend.

RB Stephen Davis (Car) is expected to play this weekend (after sitting last week), but his playing time will not be extensive.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** RB Stephen Davis (Car) practiced on Friday and could get a few snaps in this weekend, but he will not get many plays.

RB Lee Suggs (Cle) played well last weekend (although he did have a pair of fumbles) and should receive a good deal of touches again this weekend.

RB Clinton Portis (Den) has unofficially been ruled out again this weekend.  Quentin Griffin is expected to be given another chance to dazzle the eye.  Mike Anderson should get some carries as well.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** RB Clinton Portis (Den) is out this weekend.  Mike Anderson and Quentin Griffin are slated to share carries.  As our Bob Harris points out, last week's game was played on the turf in Indianapolis (a field that Griffin was well suited for).  This week's game will be played on the frozen tundra of Lambeau Field (a surface that is more conducive to Anderson).

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** RB Cecil Sapp (Den) has been signed from the practice squad.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** FB William Henderson (GB) practiced on Friday and should play this weekend.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** RB Domanick Davis (Hou) is a lock for a 1,000-yard season according to center Steve McKinney.  Davis needs 68 yards to reach the milestone, and McKinney says "we're definitely going to get that" this weekend against the Colts.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** RB Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala (KC) practiced on Friday and should play this weekend.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** RB Derrick Blaylock (KC) practiced on Friday and should play this weekend.

*** SATURDAY UPDATE *** RB Priest Holmes (KC) has another reason to be proud of his father.  Sgt. Herman Morris has volunteered for a 12-month tour of duty in Iraq.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** FB Rob Konrad (Mia) practiced on Friday and should play this weekend.

RB Ricky Williams (Mia) is expected to play as usual this weekend despite likely needing off-season surgery on his shoulder.

RBs Michael Bennett & Onterrio Smith (Min) are expected to form "a nice 1-2 punch in the playoffs" according to HC Mike Tice.  He adds to Bennett (who practiced on Tuesday) hasn't lost his starting job to Smith, but Smith is simply the healthier back right now.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** RB Michael Bennett (Min) practiced on Tuesday but did not go on Wednesday or Thursday.  He is still expected to play this weekend.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** RB Onterrio Smith (Min) is experiencing soreness in his shoulder and hamstrings due to his large workload the last two weeks.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** RB Fred McAfee (NO) practiced on Friday and should play this weekend.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** RB Deuce McAllister (NO) did not practice on Wednesday to rest his sore knee, but he did go on Thursday and Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

RB Correll Buckhalter (Phi) was inactive last week because he had been late to meetings and practices.  He should be available this weekend, but his workload is not known.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** RB Jerome Bettis (Pit) practiced on Friday and should play this weekend.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** RB Amos Zereoue (Pit) practiced on Friday and should play this weekend.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** RB Andrew Pinnock (SD) practiced on Friday and will be available to get Gatorade for LaDainian Tomlinson.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** RB LaDainian Tomlinson (SD) practiced on Friday and will play this weekend.  In related news, Tomlinson is only 8 receptions away from becoming the first player in NFL history to rush for 1,000 yards and catch 100 passes in the same season.

RB Kevan Barlow (SF) will start again this weekend.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** RB Garrison Hearst (SF) is out this weekend.

RB Marshall Faulk (StL) could see very little action this weekend if Philadelphia loses on Saturday.  If Faulk does sit, Lamar Gordon is expected to play a very big role in the St. Louis offense.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** RB Eddie George (Ten) needs 78 more yards to reach 10,000 for his career.  Only 16 other backs in NFL history have reached that mark.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** RB Robert Holcombe (Ten) is out this weekend.

RB Ladell Betts (Was) is out this weekend.

RB Trung Canidate (Was) should sit this weekend with his injured ankle.

RB Rock Cartwright (Was) is expected to start again this weekend.

Wide Receivers

WRs Dez White & Justin Gage (Chi) will both likely sit this weekend as each player (oddly enough) has a sprained MCL in his left knee.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** WR Justin Gage (Chi) is out this weekend.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** WR Dez White (Chi) is out this weekend.

WR Peter Warrick (Cin) should sit again this weekend after undergoing arthroscopic surgery last Friday on his knee.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** WR Peter Warrick (Cin) was limited in Friday's practice and will be a game-time decision.  He wants to play, but it seems like he is re-signed to the fact that he should sit again and be available for the playoffs (if the Bengals qualify for them).

*** SATURDAY UPDATE *** WR Peter Warrick (Cin) now says he felt good in Friday's practice and thinks he can play this weekend.  However, he is still a game-time decision and is still listed on the injury report as "doubtful".

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** WR Nate Jackson (Den) has been signed from the practice squad.

WR Ashley Lelie (Den) could sit this weekend as the team would like his sprained shoulder to heal up before the playoffs begin.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** WR Robert Ferguson (GB) did not practice this week and should sit (although he is officially a game-time decision).

*** SATURDAY UPDATE *** WR Robert Ferguson (GB) has improved and now HC Mike Sherman believes he will be able to play this weekend.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** WR Javon Walker (GB) practiced on Thursday and Friday and should play this weekend.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** WR Marc Boerigter (KC) practiced on Friday and should play this weekend.

WR James McKnight (Mia) is out with his injured wrist.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** WR Kendall Newson (Mia) was signed by the team.

WR Joe Horn (NO) is out for the season with a separated shoulder.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** WR Derrick Lewis (NO) injured his toe tripping in the locker room and will likely sit this weekend.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** WR Michael Lewis (NO) practiced on Thursday and Friday and should play this weekend.

*** SATURDAY UPDATE *** WR Phil McGeoghan (NO) has been signed by the team.

WR Donte' Stallworth (NO) will start in place of the injured Joe Horn.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** WR Ike Hilliard (NYG) is out this weekend.

WR Jerry Porter (Oak) will likely sit this weekend with his strained calf.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** WR Jerry Porter (Oak) did not practice on Wednesday and should sit this weekend.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** WR Hines Ward (Pit) did not practice this week, but he is expected to start as normal this weekend.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** WR David Boston (SD) did not practice on Friday due to the flu but is expected to play this weekend.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** WR Reche Caldwell (SD) did not practice this week and should sit this weekend.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** WR Kassim Osgood (SD) will start again this weekend.

WR Terrell Owens (SF) is out for the season with a broken collarbone (although he likely will not need surgery).  Tai Streets, Cedrick Wilson, and Brandon Lloyd are all expected to see increased playing time this weekend with Owens out.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** WR Cedrick Wilson (SF) will start in place of the injured Terrell Owens.  Brandon Lloyd will continue in his role as the #3 WR.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** WR Darrell Jackson (Sea) practiced on Wednesday but did not go on Thursday.  He should play this weekend.

*** SATURDAY UPDATE *** WR Jerheme Urban (Sea) has been signed by the team from their practice squad.

WR Isaac Bruce (StL) will likely sit another week and get close to 100% for the playoffs.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** WR Isaac Bruce (StL) did not practice on Friday and (at best) will likely be a game-time decision this weekend.  Bruce will likely sit.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** WR Eddie Berlin (Ten) did not practice on Friday and should sit this weekend.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** WR Tyrone Calico (Ten) practiced on Friday and should play this weekend.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** WR Darrell Hill (Ten) partially participated in Friday's practice and looks like a game-time decision.

WR Derrick Mason (Ten) suffered a small fracture in a rib during last week's game against the Texans.  He finished the game with the injury and should play this weekend as well.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** WR Derrick Mason (Ten) practiced on Friday and should play this weekend.  However, he could have a small role as the team definitely wants him well for the playoffs.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** WR Jake Schifino (Ten) partially participated in Friday's practice and looks like a game-time decision.

Tight Ends

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** TE John Jones (Bal) was limited in Friday's practice and will be a game-time decision.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** TE John Gilmore (Chi) is out this weekend.

TE Jabari Holloway (Hou) should sit this weekend with his injured groin.

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

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** TE Pete Mitchell (Ind) was signed by the team.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** TE Tony Gonzalez (KC) rested on Friday but is expected to start this weekend.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** TE Josh Whitman (Mia) was released by the team and then re-signed to the practice squad.

TE Marcellus Rivers (NYG) should sit again with his injured knee.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** TE Marcellus Rivers (NYG) is out this weekend.

TE Jeremy Shockey (NYG) should sit again with his injured knee.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** TE Jeremy Shockey (NYG) is out this weekend.

TE L.J. Smith (Phi) practiced on Tuesday and should play this weekend.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** TE Antonio Gates (SD) practiced on Thursday and Friday and should play this weekend as normal.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** TE Frank Wycheck (Ten) is considering retiring after this season and could very well be playing in his final home game this weekend.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** TE Zeron Flemister (Was) may be inactive this weekend after being late for Thursday's practice.

Place Kickers & Special Teamers

*** SATURDAY UPDATE *** PK Neil Rackers (Ari) has signed a 2-year contract extension with the team.  The move likely means Bill Gramatica will no longer be a Cardinal.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** KR Michael Bates (Dal) has been claimed by the team.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** KR Michael Lewis (NO) practiced on Thursday and Friday and should play this weekend.

KR Michael Bates (NYJ) has been released by the team.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** RB Jamal Robertson (SF) will handle the team's KR duties this weekend.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** WR Cedrick Wilson (SF) will handle the team's PR duties this weekend.

Offensive Linemen

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** G Leonard Davis (Ari) practiced on Friday and should play this weekend.

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

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** C Pete Kendall (Ari) did not practice on Thursday and was limited on Friday.  He will be a game-time decision.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** T L.J. Shelton (Ari) did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday, but he did go on Friday and will likely play this weekend (although he is officially a game-time decision).

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** T Reggie Wells (Ari) practiced on Friday and should play this weekend.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** G Kynan Forney (Atl) practiced on Friday and should play this weekend.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** G Bennie Anderson (Bal) practiced on Friday and should play this weekend.

*** SATURDAY UPDATE *** G Ruben Brown (Buf) has been excused from the team's season finale and has told teammate Jamie Nails that he will not be a Bill in '04.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** C Jeff Mitchell (Car) practiced on Friday and could get a few snaps in this weekend, but he will not play extensively.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** T Mike Gandy (Chi) has been upgraded to probable on the injury report and should play this weekend.

T Qasim Mitchell (Chi) broke his right fibula last Sunday and is out for the season.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** T Levi Jones (Cin) did not practice on Friday but should play this weekend.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** G Eric Steinbach (Cin) practiced on Friday and should play this weekend.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** T Barry Stokes (Cle) was limited in Friday's practice and will be a game-time decision.

G Paul Zukauskas (Cle) is out with his injured knee.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** C Bill Conaty (Dal) has been released by the team.

G Dan Neil (Den) should sit this weekend with his injured ankle.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** G Dan Neil (Den) is out this weekend.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** T Marcus Spriggs (GB) practiced on Friday and should play this weekend.

*** SATURDAY UPDATE *** G Milford Brown (Hou) has been placed on the injured reserve list with his injured knee.  T Curry Dawson has been signed from the team's practice squad.

G Zach Wiegert (Hou) should sit this weekend with his injured elbow.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** G Zach Wiegert (Hou) is out this weekend.  Fred Weary will get the start.

T Adam Meadows (Ind) has been placed on the injured reserve list with his injured knee.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** T Mike Pearson (Jac) practiced on Friday and should play this weekend.

*** SATURDAY UPDATE *** G LeCharles Bentley (NO) has been placed on the injured reserve list with his injured knee.

G Kendyl Jacox (NO) has signed a three-year extension with the team.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** G Kendyl Jacox (NO) practiced on Friday and should play this weekend.

T Lincoln Kennedy (Oak) has retired from the NFL.

C Barret Robbins (Oak) should sit this weekend with his injured knee.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** C Barret Robbins (Oak) is out this weekend.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** C Chukky Okobi (Pit) practiced on Friday and should play this weekend.

T Marvel Smith (Pit) has been placed on the injured reserve list with his injured neck.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** C Jason Ball (SD) is out this weekend.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** T Phil Bogle (SD) practiced on Friday and should play this weekend.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** T Damion McIntosh (SD) did not practice on Friday and should sit this weekend.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** T Solomon Page (SD) is out this weekend.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** G Ron Stone (SF) did not practice on Wednesday and could sit this weekend.

G Jerry Wunsch (Sea) should sit this weekend with his injured ankle.

*** SATURDAY UPDATE *** G Jerry Wunsch (Sea) has been placed on the injured reserve list with his injured ankle.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** C John Wade (TB) practiced on Friday and should play this weekend.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** T Kenyatta Walker (TB) has been placed on the injured reserve list with his injured knee.  Cornell Green will get the start.  T Anthony Davis has been activated from the practice squad.

Defensive Linemen

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** DT Ed Jasper (Atl) practiced on Friday and should play this weekend.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** DE Brady Smith (Atl) practiced on Friday and should play this weekend.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** DT Brentson Buckner (Car) practiced on Friday and could get a few snaps in this weekend, but he will not play extensively.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** DE Mike Rucker (Car) practiced on Friday and could get a few snaps in this weekend, but he will not play extensively.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** DT Charles Hill (Chi) was signed by the team.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** Ian Scott (Chi) practiced on Friday and should play this weekend.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** DT Keith Traylor (Chi) practiced Friday and should play this weekend.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** DT Antonio Garay (Cle) is out this weekend.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** DT Luis Almanzar (Den) has been released by the team.

DE Kalimba Edwards (Det) has been placed on the injured reserve list with his injured groin.

DT Luther Elliss (Det) should sit this weekend due to his concussion.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** DT Gilbert Brown (GB) practiced on Friday and should play this weekend.

DE Tony Brackens (Jac) will likely sit this weekend with his injured knee.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** DE Tony Brackens (Jac) did not practice on Friday and should sit this weekend.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** DT Eric Downing (KC) practiced on Friday and should play this weekend.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** DT Tim Bowens (Mia) did not practice on Friday and has been downgraded to questionable.  He will likely sit this weekend.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** DT Larry Chester (Mia) practiced on Friday and should play this weekend.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** DEs Jason Taylor & Adewale Ogunleye (Mia) were each given half a sack last weekend.  Elias Sports Bureau has changed that ruling and given the full sack to Taylor.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** DE Willie Whitehead (NO) is out this weekend.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** DT DeQuincy Scott (SD) practiced on Friday and should play this weekend.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** DT John Randle (Sea) practiced on Thursday and should play this weekend.

DT Brian Young (StL) will likely sit this weekend in order to get healthy for the playoffs.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** DT Brian Young (StL) practiced on Friday and now should play this weekend.

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

DE Greg Spires (TB) has been placed on the injured reserve list with his torn rotator cuff.  DE Corey Smith was signed from the practice squad.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** DT Darrell Russell (Was) may be inactive this weekend after being late for Thursday's practice.

Linebackers

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** LB Peter Boulware (Bal) did not practice on Friday and will be a game-time decision.  If he does play this weekend, Boulware will be limited at best.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** LB Ed Hartwell (Bal) practiced on Friday and should play this weekend.

LB Adrian Ross (Cin) is out for the season with a torn ACL.  Riall Johnson, Khalid Abdullah, and Frank Chamberlin are all expected to see increased repetitions in Ross' absence.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** LB Patrick Chukwurah (Den) has been released by the team.

LB Shantee Orr (Hou) has been placed on the injured reserve list.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** LB Rob Morris (Ind) did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday, but he did go on Friday and should play this weekend.

LB Jim Nelson (Ind) should sit again this weekend.

LB Monty Beisel (KC) should sit this weekend with his injured groin.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** LB Monty Beisel (KC) is out this weekend.

LB Mike Maslowski (KC) should sit this weekend with his injured knee.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** LB Mike Maslowski (KC) is out this weekend.

LB Henri Crockett (Min) will start again this weekend, but Chris Claiborne could see some time as well.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** LB Cie Grant (NO) practiced on Friday but looks like a game-time decision at best for this weekend.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** LB Orlando Ruff (NO) practiced on Friday and should play this weekend.

LB Wesly Mallard (NYG) is out with his injured knee.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** LB Larry Atkins (Oak) has been released by the team.

*** SATURDAY UPDATE *** LB Napoleon Harris (Oak) has not practiced this week and is expected to sit this weekend.

LB Carlos Emmons (Phi) has been placed on the injured reserve list with a broken leg.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** LB Joey Porter (Pit) was excused from practice this week to be with his wife as she gave birth to their fourth child.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** LB Carlos Polk (SD) practiced on Friday and should play this weekend.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** LB Chad Brown (Sea) practiced on Thursday and should play this weekend.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** LB Tommy Polley (StL) practiced on Friday and should play this weekend.

LB Robert Thomas (StL) will likely miss another week with his injured groin.

LB Rocky Calmus (Ten) is out with his injured leg.

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

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** LB LaVar Arrington (Was) has agreed to "a monster" contract extension.  No details have been announced, but there are rumors that a small island nation in the Pacific is part of the deal.

*** SATURDAY UPDATE *** LB LaVar Arrington (Was) agreed to an 8-year $80 million deal that includes $26.5 million in bonuses.  Wow!

Defensive Backs

CB Terry Cousin (Car) should sit with his injured leg.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** CB Terry Cousin (Car) practiced on Friday and could get a few snaps in this weekend, but he will not play extensively.

S Mike Green (Chi) has finally landed on the injured reserve list with his injured groin.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** S Rogers Beckett (Cin) practiced on Friday and should play this weekend.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** S Mark Roman (Cin) practiced on Friday and should play this weekend.

CB Anthony Henry (Cle) is out with his injured knee.

S Nick Ferguson (Den) is out for the season with a broken wrist that was suffered last Sunday night again the Colts.

CB Kelly Herndon (Den) broke two metacarpals in his hand last Sunday against the Colts and is most likely out this weekend.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** CB Mike McKenzie (GB) did not practice on Friday and most likely will sit this weekend, but he is a game-time decision.

CB Kenny Wright (Hou) has been placed on the injured reserve list.

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

S Cory Bird (Ind) should sit this weekend with his injured shoulder.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** S Cory Bird (Ind) did not practice on Thursday or Friday and should sit this weekend.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** S Mike Doss (Ind) did not practice on Thursday or Friday and could sit this weekend.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** CB Nick Harper (Ind) practiced on Wednesday and Thursday and could start this weekend.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** CB Walt Harris (Ind) practiced on Thursday and should play this weekend.

CB Eric Warfield (KC) should sit this weekend with his injured back.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** CB Eric Warfield (KC) is out this weekend.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** CB Jimmy Wyrick (Mia) practiced on Friday and should play this weekend.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** CB Kato Serwanga (NYG) is out this weekend.

CB Phillip Buchanon (Oak) was benched in the second half of last Monday night's debacle against the Packers, but he will start again this weekend.

CB Troy Vincent (Phi) should sit with his injured hip.

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

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** S Brent Alexander (Pit) did not practice on Friday and could sit this weekend.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** S Terrence Kiel (SD) practiced on Friday and should play this weekend.

S Zack Bronson (SF) is out with his injured neck.

*** SATURDAY UPDATE *** S Reggie Tongue (Sea) is expected to play this weekend after missing the last two games with a sore hamstring.

*** FRIDAY UPDATE *** CB Andre Dyson (Ten) practiced on Friday and should play this weekend.

CB Andre Woolfolk (Ten) has been placed on the injured reserve list.

S Ifeanyi Ohalete (Was) is out with knee and ankle sprains.

S David Terrell (Was) should sit this weekend with his injured knee.

Coaches

*** SATURDAY UPDATE *** HC Dave Wannstedt (Mia) will reportedly remain with the team as head coach but will have his GM duties pulled by owner Wayne Huizenga.  A formal announcement will not be made until early next week.

*** SATURDAY UPDATE *** HC Steve Spurrier (Was) is now considering resigning as HC of the Redskins.  Reports say he has talked with his wife and they both agree that things are "miserable with the Washington Redskins and don't have a reason to live life that way."