Players in the News

*** THURSDAY UPDATE - QB Brett Favre (GB) says newly acquired WR Antonio Freeman looks better than ever and doesn't see any reason they won't pick up where they left off.

QB Byron Leftwich (Jac) seems to have won the team's #2 QB job over David Garrard.

QB Brian Griese (Mia) is still out with his toe injury.

QB Chad Pennington (NYJ) is still out with his wrist injury.

QB Jamie Martin (NYJ) was re-signed by the team.

QB Rich Gannon (Oak) says he will play this weekend despite hyper-extending his knee last weekend.

QB Jeff Garcia (SF) reported no problems with his injured back after last weekend's games.

QB Marc Bulger (StL) has been named the team's starting QB this week as Kurt Warner recovers from a concussion suffered last weekend. Note that Warner threw with the scout team on Wednesday. Also, head coach Mike Martz has not said that a healthy Warner will automatically return as the starting QB.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE - QB Kurt Warner (StL) practiced without setback on Wednesday but will not start this week. Further, his status in future weeks is not fully known. Much depends on Marc Bulger's performance this weekend. If Bulger excels, he could keep Warner on the bench.

QB Steve McNair (Ten) will be limited in practice this week with a small amount of swelling in his knee. He will play this weekend.

QB Patrick Ramsey (Was) says he will play this weekend despite his sore and swollen knee.

Running Backs

RB Musa Smith (Bal) is still out but is currently listed as day to day.

FB Brad Hoover (Car) hyper-extended his elbow last weekend but expects to play this Sunday.

RB Rudi Johnson (Cin) is expected to miss his 2nd straight game this weekend.

RB Quentin Griffin (Den) is practicing with the team but is not yet in game shape.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE - RB Quentin Griffin (Den) is 'starting to look like he's back to normal' according to head coach Mike Shanahan and could be on the active roster this weekend.

RB Clinton Portis (Den) is fine after having his foot stepped on in last week's game.

RB Jonathan Wells (Hou) appears to be on the verge of returning from his turf toe injury and will likely be on the active roster this weekend.

RB Brian Allen (Ind) was waived and then re-signed to the practice squad.

RB Edgerrin James (Ind) wants far more than the 15 carries he received last week. He says he's 'getting stronger and stronger'.

RB James Mungro & Dominic Rhodes (Ind) are each nearing a recovery, but neither expects to see significant action this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE - FB Tony Richardson (KC) is out of the soft cast and should see an expanded role in the offense (which likely means more receptions).

*** THURSDAY UPDATE - RB Doug Chapman (Min) suffered a setback in his recovery from his ankle sprain and did not practice on Thursday. This gave more reps to Onterrio Smith.

FB Charles Stackhouse (Min) signed with the Vikings.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE - RB Ki-Jana Carter (NO) has re-signed with the team after being cut just before the season began.

RB Dorsey Levens & Ron Dayne (NYG) were both inactive last week, but Levens could be on the active roster this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE - FB Chris Hetherington (Oak) will not play this weekend due to his hamstring injury.

RB Jerome Bettis (Pit) may miss this week's game with a groin injury.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE - RB Jerome Bettis is looking a little better and me be available for the game this week.

RB Mike Alstott (TB) will definitely carry the load at the end of the ballgame if the Buccaneers have the lead.

RB Michael Pittman (TB) will play this weekend after straining his shoulder last Monday night.

RB Chris Brown (Ten) is still out and listed as day to day with his hamstring injury.

RB Trung Canidate (Was) will likely start again this week but will split carries with Ladell Betts.

Wide Receivers

WR Anquan Boldin (Ari) has worked his way into the starting lineup with a huge week 1 performance. Even the Arizona coaches can't overlook someone catching 10 passes for 217 yards and 2 TDs. They did wait a few days before announcing it though so they could have been swayed by talk radio.

WR Larry Foster (Ari) sprained his ankle in last week's game and will likely miss this weekend's game.

WR Bryan Gilmore (Ari) sprained his right knee in last week's game and may miss this weekend's game.

WR Kevin Kasper (Ari) suffered a back strain in last week's game and will likely miss this weekend's game.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE - WR Kevin Kasper (Ari) did not practice on Wednesday and is looking even less likely to play this weekend.

WR Quentin McCord (Atl) is expected to start for the team with Brian Finneran out for 4-6 weeks with a broken hand.

WR Frank Sanders (Bal) is expected to practice this week and could play this weekend.

WR David Terrell (Chi) will be given a larger role in the offense at the expense of Dez White.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE - WR David Terrell (Chi) will see more action but has not moved into the starting lineup.

WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh (Cin) is expected to miss his 2nd straight game this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE - WR Quincy Morgan (Cle) will likely play this weekend despite his hip injury.

WR Az-Zahir Hakim (Det) did not play last week. His status for this weekend is unknown.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE - WR Az-Zahir Hakim (Det) practiced on Thursday for the first time in a month. The team is not sure if and when he will be able to play, but don't expect much (if anything) this weekend.

WR Karsten Bailey (GB) could miss this week with his hamstring injury.

WR Donald Driver (GB) is out this week with his head and neck injuries.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE - WR Donald Driver (GB) could conceivably return to action against Arizona on September 21st, but it is more likely that he'll return September 29th against the Bears.

WR Robert Ferguson (GB) is hobbled with knee and ankle injuries and is not expected to play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE - WR Robert Ferguson (GB) did not practice on Wednesday, but the team still hopes he can go this weekend. They expect him to try to practice on Friday.

WR Antonio Freeman (GB) signed with the team today and appears ready to start this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE - Freeman reported to Green Bay in excellent shape. QB Brett Favre says he looks better than ever and doesn't see any reason they won't pick up where they left off.

WR Chris Jackson (GB) will be the team's #3 WR this weekend.

WR Javon Walker (GB) has moved into the starting line-up with all of the injuries at the WR position.

WR Matt Hatchette (Jac) injured his shoulder last Sunday but still hopes to play this weekend.

WR Jabar Gaffney (Hou) will start over Corey Bradford this weekend, but both will see significant action.

WR Joe Horn (NO) suffered a bone contusion in his left knee during warm-ups before last Sunday's game. He played the game with the injury but may miss this week's contest.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE - WR Joe Horn (NO is still experiencing pain but still plans to play this weekend. He says he is a 'warrior' and will play through the pain.

WR Jerry Porter (Oak) re-aggravated his abdominal strain in last weekend's game and pulled himself from the action. His status for this weekend is not fully known.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE - WR Jerry Porter (Oak) has now been diagnosed with a hernia and will undergo surgery for it tomorrow. Porter says the injury occurred against the Chiefs last December 28th. After an off-season of rest, it was reaggravated during training camp. Early reports have him out for 3 weeks or longer. Of course this makes Tim Brown a very viable starting WR in most leagues.

WR Plaxico Burress (Pit) will play despite his quadriceps injury.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE - WR Antwan Randle El (Pit) lost 10 yards..on Wednesday after the Elias Sports Bureau changed his sack to a running play. Don't ever think the Ravens aren't tough against the rush.

WR David Boston (SD) missed Wednesday's practice with a soft tissue injury in his heel (that means it was bruised).

*** THURSDAY UPDATE - WR David Boston (SD) will probably miss this week's game in order to let his heel heal. Say that real fast.

WR Dane Looker (StL) will be the team's 3rd WR this weekend with Kevin Curtis and Shaun McDonald both out.

WR Keyshawn Johnson (TB) suffered cramps in last week's game. There's no word on whether they affected his ability to mouth off.

WR Taylor Jacobs (Was) will sit another week so expect Darnerian McCants to again fill the #3 WR role.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE - WR MarTay Jenkins (FA) failed his physical with the Cardinals and will not re-join the team.

Tight Ends

TE Mike Seidman (Car) may soon receive more playing time at the expense of starting TE Kris Mangum.

TE Dan Campbell (Dal) should play as usual on Monday despite his groin injury.

TE Billy Miller (Hou) has signed a new four-year deal with the team.

TE Wesley Walls (GB) is still not at 100% with his injured hamstring. However he did practice Wednesday and looks to play this weekend.

TE Tony Gonzalez (KC) missed practice on Wednesday and has been declared 'questionable to probable' for this weekend's game. Take that to mean he will likely see action.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE - TE Tony Gonzalez (KC) according to coach Dick Vermeil "was gimpy today. He started out that way, so we just backed him off. We were working inside on the harder turf so we were very cautious with him." Vermeil did say that he is still expected to play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE - TE Jeremy Shockey (NYG) may spend more time blocking than receiving this weekend as the Giants offensive line is struggling (especially RT Ian Allen).

TE Jay Riemersma (Pit) will play this weekend despite his ankle injury.

TE Stephen Alexander (SD) missed last week's game with his groin injury but should see action this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE - TE Stephen Alexander (SD) 'is back and should be ready to go this week' according to head coach Marty Schottenheimer.

TE Eric Johnson (SF) is on target to return from his broken clavicle in seven weeks.

Warren Sapp (TB) could be used more often at the TE position. If so, it will be in goal line situations. We think he is still sulking he did not get one of those cool LCD TVs from Brad Johnson last season because he did not play offense.

TE Erron Kinney (Ten) seems to be iffy this weekend with a knee injury.

TE Frank Wycheck (Ten) suffered yet another concussion in last week's game. The team says he will be out for 'a while'.

TE Zeron Flemister (Was) expects to play this weekend despite his strained Achilles. However, the coaching staff is not so optimistic. Look for him to sit while Robert Royal starts.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE - TE Zeron Flemister (Was) has been ruled out of this weekend's game.

TE Roland Williams (FA) is drawing some attention from the Buccaneers and other team even though he has not fully recovered from his knee injury.

Place Kickers & Special Teamers

*** THURSDAY UPDATE - P Dave Zastudill (Bal) is expected to play this weekend despite his thigh injury.

PR R.W. McQuarters (Chi) will return punts for the team this weekend. Of course if the defense doesn't improve, McQuarters won't see much action.

KR Michael Bates (NYJ) signed with the Jets today.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE - KR/PR Michael Bates (NYJ) has barely unpacked his bags in New York but will return and cover all kicks and punts this weekend.

PK Jeff Chandler (SF) scored a ton of points last weekend, but his job is still not safe. His lack of distance on his kickoffs is the main reason the team continues to audition possible replacements.

PK Gary Anderson has been signed by the Titans as the replacement for Joe Nedney (who is out with a torn ACL).

Offensive Linemen

G Leonard Davis (Ari) sprained his ankle in last week's game.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE - G Leonard Davis (Ari) went through individual drills on Wednesday and should play this weekend.

G Travis Claridge (Atl) experienced a small separation in his left shoulder in last week's game but is expected to play this weekend.

T Todd Weiner (Atl) sprained his neck in last week's game. His status is not fully known.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE - C Casey Rabach (Bal) will likely play this weekend despite his knee injury.

G Terrence Metcalf (Chi) may be available for the team this weekend as he recovers from his finger injury.

G Chris Villarrial (Chi) suffered an MCL injury in his left knee last weekend. He will miss 4 to 6 weeks. Corbin Lacina will replace Villarrial in the starting lineup.

T Willie Anderson (Cin) twice left the field last Sunday with a hamstring injury but is expected to play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE - There are some changes in the Bengals offensive line. Rich Braham has been promoted to starting center. Former starting center Mike Goff has been moved to starting RG. Former starting RG Matt O'Dwyer has been showed the pine and will miss starting for the first time in his 55 game Bengal career.

G Larry Allen (Dal) missed a good portion of the 2nd quarter with an injured hamstring but should be ready to play this Monday night.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE - G Larry Allen (Dal) worked with the first team on Thursday and should be able to play this Monday although he could be limited.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE - G Eric Beverly (Det) missed Wednesday's practice.

T Luke Petitgout (NYG) should play this Monday despite the back spasms he suffered in last Sunday's game.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE - T Luke Petitgout (NYG) did not practice on Wednesday.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE - G Mo Collins (Oak) did not practice on Thursday. His status for this weekend's game is not fully known.

T Lincoln Kennedy (Oak) suffered a leg injury last weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE - G Frank Middleton (Oak) did not practice on Thursday. His status for Sunday's game is not fully known.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE - G Solomon Page (SD) is expected to play this weekend.

T Derrick Deese (SF) sprained his ankle, but the team believes he'll be able to play this weekend.

G Scott Gragg (SF) also sprained his ankle, but the team is not sure if he'll be able to play this weekend.

G David Loverne (StL) will miss 3 to 4 weeks after having loose bodies and bone spurs removed from his elbow.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE - G Benji Olson (Ten) missed practice Wednesday because his wife was giving birth. That's a fair excuse.

G Zach Pillar (Ten) has the perfect name for an offensive lineman. He also could have some cartilage separation in his ribcage and might not play this week.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE - G Zach Pillar (Ten) is still very sore and looks to be a game-time decision this Sunday.

Defensive Linemen

DT Marcus Bell (Ari) sprained his right knee in last week's game.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE - DT Marcus Bell (Ari) is still ailing with his knee. He was limited in practice and will likely be at less than 100% this weekend.

DE Fred Wakefield (Ari) suffered a light concussion in last week's game but expects to play this weekend.

DT Gerard Warren (Cle) did not play in the last two series of last weekend's game due to cramps but should be good to go this Sunday.

DT Willie Blade (Dal) is expected to practice and play this week despite his MCL sprain.

DT Daryl Gardener (Den) will not play this week with his wrist injury.

DE Gary Walker (Hou) will likely miss another week with his shoulder sprain.

DE Dwight Freeney (Ind) will play this weekend despite his shin bruise.

DE Brad Scioli (Ind) will likely play all season with soreness in his right shoulder.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE - DT Henry Ford (NO) practiced on Wednesday for the first time in over a month but will not be active this weekend.

DE Charles Grant (NO) will play this weekend despite his calf injury.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE - DE Charles Grant (NO) did not practice on Wednesday but still expects to play this weekend.

DE Darren Howard (NO) will miss up to three months with a dislocation in his right wrist.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE - DE Willie Whitehead (NO) will start for the injured Darren Howard.

DT Johnathan Sullivan (NO) will play this weekend despite his wrist strain.

DE Jerome McDougle (Phi) is still out.

DE Brandon Whiting (Phi) suffered a hamstring injury in last Monday's game. His status is not fully known, but it looks like Darwin Walker will be starting in Whiting's spot this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE - DT Jimmy Kennedy (StL) is missing practice with an infected turf burn. That can't be good.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE - DT Ryan Pickett (StL) got some work in on Wednesday and should try to go this weekend despite his ankle injury.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE - DE Greg Spires (TB) practiced on Wednesday and expects to play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE - DE Ellis Wyms (TB) practiced on Wednesday and expects to play this weekend.

Linebackers

LB LeVar Woods (Ari) suffered a light concussion in last week's game but expects to play this weekend.

LB Will Overstreet (Atl) will likely miss this week's game with a shoulder injury.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE - LB Sam Rogers (Atl) was able to practice on Wednesday and could play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE - LB Dan Morgan (Car) may miss this weekend's game after suffering a hamstring injury during Wednesday's practice.

LB Brian Simmons (Cin) missed the 2nd half of last Sunday's game but should be able to play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE - LB Zach Thomas (Mia) was downgraded to questionable today with bruised ribs. Thomas says he only feels pain when he breathes, laughs or coughs but 'won't have a problem' playing this weekend.

LB Ted Johnson (NE) will be out for 8 to 10 weeks with a broken foot.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE - LB Bill Romanowski (Oak) suffered a concussion in last week's game against the Titans. He's listed as questionable for this weekend, but we believe he will play. When was the last time he played with a full deck anyway?

LB Joey Porter (Pit) is nearing a recovery from the gunshot he suffered in preseason. What's remarkable is that he's not officially 'out' on this week's injury report. However, he does not expect to play just yet. He did have enough spunk to be close to fighting Ray Lewis in the parking lot of last week's game though. How's that for intensity?

*** THURSDAY UPDATE - LB Joey Porter (Pit) was running on his own during practice Wednesday, but don't look for him to play this weekend as the team does not want to rush him back too quickly.

LB Shelton Quarles (TB) is expected to miss another 6 to 8 weeks.

LB Rocky Calmus (Ten) is still out with his hamstring injury but could soon return to practice.

Defensive Backs

CB Ray Buchanan (Atl) sprained his right thumb in last week's game. His status is not fully known.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE - S Keion Carpenter (Atl) will miss this weekend's game with his hamstring injury.

S Cory Hall (Atl) has a chance to play this weekend against the Redskins.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE - S Cory Hall (Atl) missed practice on Thursday and will not see action this weekend due to his knee injury.

CB Tod McBride (Atl) had pins removed from his broken thumb on Monday and could play this weekend.

CB Corey Fuller (Bal) strained his quadriceps last Sunday but expects to play this weekend. He is listed as day to day.

CB Tom Knight (Bal) is expected to see his first action of the season this weekend.

CB Derek Ross (Dal) is hopeful of returning to practice this week but will not play this weekend.

CB Alex Molden (Det) signed with the team this week.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE - CB William Bartee (KC) will likely sit out this weekend with his ankle injury.

CB Sam Madison (Mia) did not practice on Wednesday, but the team hopes he will be able to go this weekend as the MRI on his ankle showed no significant damage.

S Shawn Wooden (Mia) is uncertain of his playing status for this weekend due to his hamstring injury.

S Corey Chavous (Min) will likely miss this week's game with a sprained MCL in his right knee.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE - S Corey Chavous (Min) has been upgraded to questionable and could see action this weekend.

S Rod Woodson (Oak) underwent surgery on Tuesday to repair a meniscus tear in his left knee. The team is not sure how long Woodson will be out.

S Brian Dawkins (Phi) was rumored to be lost for the season with a Lis Franc fracture. There has been no official word of the actual injury, but the team says he will be out 2 to 6 weeks.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE - S Brian Dawkins (Phi) appears to have mildly sprained his Lis Franc joint. This is far milder than the rumored tear that would have kept him out for the season. The team is standing behind their prior timetable of a 2 to 6 week return.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE - S Clinton Hart (Phi) will start this week for the injured Brian Dawkins.

CB Bobby Taylor (Phi) could play this week but will likely be out at least two weeks with a Plantar Fascia injury in his foot.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE - CB Lito Sheppard (Phi) will start this week for the injured Bobby Taylor.

CB Tay Cody (SD) should be able to play this weekend despite his hamstring injury.

CB Mike Rumph (SF) is expected to play this weekend despite his shoulder injury.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE - CB Mike Rumph (SF) will start for the team this weekend.

CB Shawn Springs (Sea) is still out with his shoulder injury.

S Jason Sehorn (StL) is still out with his foot injury.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE - S Anthony Dorsett (Oak) is still hobbled by his leg and ankle injuries (which occurred against the Titans). He believes he will play this weekend but isn't sure to what level of effectiveness.

Coaches and Other

HC Dave Wannstedt (Mia) was given '1,000 percent' support from Dolphins owner Wayne Huizenga. Footballguys.com translation: He has about a 50/50 chance of getting let go after this season and he had better start winning soon.

Sideline reporter Lisa Guerrero may find herself on the injury report next week if she spends another 5 minutes talking about butt juice sweat coming from Tampa's center. It's investigative reporting like this that we feel honored to pass on to our faithful readers. But we plead...no more of this talk while we are eating pizza and drinking beer watching football.