*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** QB Tim Couch (Cle) has been announced as the team’s starting QB for this weekend with Kelly Holcomb hobbled with a fractured leg and sprained ankle.

QB Kelly Holcomb (Cle) has a hairline fracture in his leg but could still play this weekend.  However, he did not run (actually, he could barely walk) on Wednesday and looks very far from being able to recover in time to play on Sunday.  Further, it appears that his left ankle is also bothering him and (according to Holcombe) felt worse than the fractured leg.  Tim Couch will get the start if Holcomb can not go.

QB Joey Harrington (Det) dislocated a finger last Sunday.  He had it popped back into place and returned to the game.

QB David Carr (Hou) was not on the field for the first time in franchise history as the final minutes ticked away last Sunday.  Carr was icing his calf but said he could have played.  He is expected to play this weekend.

QB Mark Brunell (Jac) needed five stitches to close a wound on his elbow.  He did not practice on Wednesday and is listed as questionable. There is a very good chance that Byron Leftwich will get the start for the team this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** QB Mark Brunell (Jac) says his elbow has improved, but he still did not practice on Thursday.  Instead, he watched rookie Byron Leftwich from the sidelines.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** QB Byron Leftwich (Jac) has not (repeat…not) yet been named the team’s starter for this weekend, but he was a guest of head coach Jack Del Rio on the coach’s TV show on Monday.  Is that an omen?

Note that all Miami QBs are have a bye the week and will not play.

QB Brian Griese (Mia) is nearing a return from his toe injury and might even be the team's #3 QB next weekend.

QB Daunte Culpepper (Min) has three cracked bones in his back. Officially, his injury is 'multiple transverse process fractures'.  The injury is normally a two week recovery, but Culpepper (widely known as a very quick healer) hopes to be able to practice on Friday.  If he can not go, Gus Frerotte (who finished last Sunday's game) will get the start.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** QB Daunte Culpepper (Min) did not practice on Thursday but was upgraded on the injury report from doubtful to questionable.  The team hopes he will practice on Friday.  If he is able to go Friday, he’ll probably start this weekend as well.  To quote Mike Tice, ‘I’m just astonished’.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** QB Gus Frerotte (Min) has taken all of the 1^st team snaps during practices on Wednesday and Thursday.  He will start if Culpepper can’t go.

Note that all NY Giants QBs are have a bye the week and will not play.

 QB Tom Brady (NE) had a sore elbow on Monday but is expected to start this weekend.

QB Brooks Bollinger (NYJ) may get on the field before Chad Pennington does.  There are rumors that if the team falls to 0-5 then Vinny Testaverde may sit in order for the team to get a good look at the rookie Bollinger.

QB Rich Gannon (Oak) will continue to be the team's starting QB.  When asked if he would consider playing backup QB Marques Tuiasosopo for a few series, head coach Bill Callahan replied, "No. No. No. We've got confidence in Rich right now. That goes without question."  That said, there are many 'media-types' that believe Gannon has lost confidence in himself.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** QB Donovan McNabb (Phi) says he has watched film of him play well and playing poorly.  He says the difference is "mainly just me being me, going out there, making plays and having fun doing it. That's something that just didn't happen the first 2 weeks."

QB Jeff Garcia (SF) is expected to play this weekend despite suffering a groin injury in last Sunday's game.

Note that all Seattle QBs are have a bye the week and will not play.

Note that all Tampa Bay QBs are have a bye the week and will not play.

QB Steve McNair (Ten) experienced some swelling in his injury knee after Sunday's game, but the team believes the knee is no longer a problem. Also he practice on Wednesday with his fingers wrapped.  Of course, he is still expected to play this weekend.

*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*

Running Backs

FB Harold Morrow (Bal) is still day-to-day with his elbow injury and has been ruled out for this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** FB Harold Morrow (Bal) was able to practice on Wednesday but still will not play this weekend.

RB Musa Smith (Bal) is still out with his knee injury and is likely a week away from being placed on the injured reserve list (which would put him out for the year).

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** RB Joe Burns (Buf) has been getting the vast majority of the work in practice with Henry and Morris on the sidelines.

FB Phillip Crosby (Buf) broke his fibula last Sunday. He reportedly might try to play this weekend but that remains to be seen.

RB Travis Henry (Buf) injured his ribs last Sunday.  Early rumors had him missing a few weeks of action, but Henry said on Wednesday that (despite being too sore to practice) he would play this weekend.  If Henry does not return to practice soon, look for practice squad RB Ken Simonton to be elevated to the active roster.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** RB Travis Henry (Buf) missed Thursday’s practice as well but still believes he’ll be able to play this weekend.  Even head coach Gregg Williams said Henry was doing better and could play Sunday even if he does not practice at all this week.

RB Sammy Morris (Buf) had hernia surgery on Monday and will miss 2-3 weeks.  Joe Burns looks to be the team's primary backup RB.

RB Corey Dillon (Cin) injured his groin (and blames the condition of the field in Cincinnati) during last Sunday's game.  He did not practice Wednesday but is expected to play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** RB Corey Dillon (Cin) has been upgraded to probable on the team’s injury report and will almost certainly play this weekend. He practiced Thursday.

RB Rudi Johnson (Cin) should be able to play this week despite his leg injury.

RB Mike Anderson (Den) injured his knee last Sunday against the Raiders. At first the team feared the worst, but he felt better by the game's end.  Anderson was able to practice on Wednesday and will start if Clinton Portis can not go.

RB Clinton Portis (Den) re-aggravated his sternum in last Sunday's game. There is a good chance that he'll miss this weekend's game, but with Mike Shanahan in control deciphering what's going on in Denver is extremely tricky.  It does seem certain that there is concern over this injury and the possibility that it could nag at Portis for the remainder of the season.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** RB Clinton Portis (Den) says he wants to come back when he’s 100% and not before.  Running back coach Bobby Turner expects Portis to be ready to play this weekend, and Portis sounded optimistic Thursday when he said, "I think my chances are good for Sunday. Hopefully, I'm playing because I don't want to miss a game for anything."  Conventional wisdom says the team will rest him with the lowly Lions coming to Denver.  Of course, when has Mike Shanahan been conventional with injuries?  Further, after Portis missed Wednesday’s and Thursday’s practices, Shanahan seemed pessimistic about the star runner being able to play this weekend.

RB Najeh Davenport (GB) did not practice on Wednesday with his injured hamstring but is expected to be able to go this weekend.

RB Tony Fisher (GB) was able to practice on Wednesday despite his groin injury and expects to play this Monday.  He has surpassed Najeh Davenport and is the team's #2 RB.

FB Nicolas Luchey (GB) hopes to play this Monday after missing last week with his calf injury.

RB Domanick Davis (Hou) missed last Sunday's game with his groin injury and could miss this weekend as well.

RB Tony Hollings (Hou) played fairly well last Sunday in his first action of the season.

RB Edgerrin James (Ind) missed practice on Monday and Wednesday with a sore back.  Tony Dungy said he is 50-50 for playing this weekend.  If James can not go, it looks like a RBBC will be instituted with Ricky Williams, James Mungro, and possibly Dominic Rhodes (who has yet to see action this season) all getting some action.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** RB Edgerrin James (Ind) missed practice again on Thursday.  Head coach Tony Dungy has announced that James will likely be a game-time decision.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** RB Priest Holmes (KC) did not practice on Thursday due to soreness in his hip muscle.  He’s expected to play Sunday.  General manager Carl Peterson said, ‘Last week he didn't practice on Wednesday, and how did he do against Houston?  He's a pro. He knows what he has to do to get ready. This is not a major concern in any fashion.’  Note that while Holmes did start against Houston and play well, he also rested when the game became a route.  Look for that to occur frequently for the remainder of the season.

Note that all Miami RBs are have a bye the week and will not play.

RB Michael Bennett (Min) is still rehabbing and is eligible to come off the PUP list on November 2nd.

RB Doug Chapman (Min) has missed a couple of games with his ankle injury but should be able to play this weekend.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** RB Ki-Jana Carter (NO) has been re-signed by the team….again.

Note that all NY Giants RBs are have a bye the week and will not play.

RB Tiki Barber (NYG) 'might' be given some breaks soon as the team does not want to wear him out.  Says head coach Jim Fassel, "He's carrying the ball a lot now.  He's carrying it and I may have to give him a little more of a rest. I don't want it to get to where he's beat down."

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** RB Curtis Martin (NYJ) should get a good deal of work this weekend as the team will attempt to get the ground game going against the Cowboys.  It seems the Jets want to see why they have not had success rushing the ball.  Is it because they haven’t tried hard enough, or is it because they aren’t very good at it?

RB Tyrone Wheatley (Oak) may see a bit more action in the coming weeks. There is a good deal of talk that the team (while struggling in the air) may try to become a more physical running offense.  That could mean more action for Wheatley.

RB Verron Hayes (Pit) may miss this weekend with his sprained knee. That means Amos Zereoue will handle the 3rd down duties for the team.

RB LaDainian Tomlinson (SD) was given a day off on Wednesday and did not practice.

Note that all Seattle RBs are have a bye the week and will not play.

RB Marshall Faulk (StL) broke two bones in his hand and will miss the next 4-6 weeks.  While out, Faulk will have surgery on a nagging knee injury.  Note that the surgeons discovered a good deal of damage in the knee during the operation and put the recovery time at 3-5 weeks for the knee.

RB Lamar Gordon (StL) will be the team's starting RB while Faulk is out.

Note that all Tampa Bay RBs are have a bye the week and will not play.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** RB Chris Brown (Ten) appears to finally be at full speed and was heavily involved in Wednesday’s practice.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** FB Rock Cartwright (Was) will be the team’s short-yardage and goal line back (according to head coach Steve Spurrier).  This further muddies the Redskins RBBC.

*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*

Wide Receivers

WR Anquan Boldin (Ari) is expected to practice and start this weekend with his tailbone injury.

WR Larry Foster (Ari) was able to practice on Wednesday after missing two games with his ankle injury.

WR Bryan Gilmore (Ari) is still nursing his knee injury but was able to practice on Wednesday.  The team hopes he'll be able to play this weekend after missing the last two games.

WR Bryant Johnson (Ari) will continue to start alongside fellow rookie Anquan Boldin.

WR Kevin Kasper (Ari) has missed the last two games with his back injury and will likely sit out this weekend as well.

WR Jason McAddley (Ari) will miss 3-4 weeks with his hamstring injury.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** WR Brian Finneran (Atl) was able to practice with his cast on but will not play this weekend.  There is a chance he’ll return on October 5^th but will likely sit out until the October 12^th game.

WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh (Cin) will likely miss another week with his hamstring injury.

WR Dennis Northcutt (Cle) has a broken rib.  He did not practice on Wednesday.

WR Shawn Jefferson (Det) injured his ribs against the Vikings last Sunday and could miss this weekend's game.

WR Bill Schroeder (Det) has a knee injury and could sit this weekend.

WR Donald Driver (GB) was out of synch last week (even though he did start this game).  He should practice all week and be in a better groove this Monday.

WR Robert Ferguson (GB) re-aggravated his knee injury last Sunday.  His status is not fully known at this time.

WR Brandon Stokley (Ind) will most likely miss this weekend with his hamstring injury.  He still has not played this season.

WR Troy Edwards (Jac) was signed by the team.

Note that all Miami WRs are have a bye the week and will not play.

WR D'Wayne Bates (Min) did not play last Sunday with an ankle injury but should be able to go this weekend.  However, he did test out his ankle Wednesday and was not able to push it much at all.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** WR D’Wayne Bates (Min) wasn’t able to go on Thursday and will miss this weekend’s game.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** WR Kelly Campbell (Min) will start in Bates’ place this weekend.

WR Randy Moss (Min) is experiencing back spasms and will sit out practice until Friday (if he even practices then).  Head coach Mike Tice expects Moss to play.  "Oh, he'll play," Tice said. "Are you kidding me? I'm not going to be without two of my best players. I might already be without one of them (referring to Culpepper)."

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** WR Randy Moss (Min) is expected to practice on Friday, and head coach Mike Tice fully expects Moss to play this weekend.

WR David Patten (NE) may not play this weekend due to his knee injury.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** WR David Patten (NE) now appears to be a good bet to play this weekend.

Note that all NY Giants WRs are have a bye the week and will not play.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** WR Jerry Porter (Oak) has missed two weeks after undergoing hernia surgery and says he plans to play on October 5^th. We’ll see if his doctors are as optimistic as that seems unrealistic.

WR David Boston (SD) was sent home on Wednesday for disciplinary reasons after a morning meeting with head coach Marty Schottenheimer.  There is no word as to the reason (or reasons), but the team says Boston 'hasn't been meeting the team's expectations on some of the team's guidelines'. It's been speculated that Boston could receive some sort of team suspension on Thursday.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** WR David Boston (SD) has in fact been suspended by the team for this weekend’s game.  The reason is officially ‘conduct detrimental to the team’.

WR Reche Caldwell (SD) is still out with his wrist injury and will miss the next two months.

WR Tim Dwight (SD) suffered a knee sprain.  He was not able to practice on Wednesday.

Note that all Seattle WRs are have a bye the week and will not play.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** WR Shaun McDonald (StL) was able to partially participate in Wednesday’s practice and has been upgraded to questionable on the team’s injury report.

Note that all Tampa Bay WRs are have a bye the week and will not play.

WR Marvin Minnis (TB) was signed by the team.  The recently re-acquired Charles Lee was cut to make room for Minnis.

WR Taylor Jacobs (Was) has been out with a bruised pancreas but should see his first action of the season this weekend, but he will do so as the #5 WR.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** WR Taylor Jacobs (Was) practiced on Wednesday and should play this weekend.

*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*

Tight Ends

TE Brian Kozlowski (Atl) may miss this weekend's game with a leg injury that was suffered against the Buccaneers.

TE Matt Schobel (Cin) did not practice on Wednesday and will likely miss this weekend's game with his hamstring injury.

TE Wesley Walls (GB) rested his hamstring and sat out last weekend's game.  He hopes to be able to play this Monday.  However, he only partially practiced on Wednesday and is obviously still bothered by the hamstring.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** TE Marcus Pollard (Ind) is in stable condition in the hospital with a mystery ailment.  There has been no comment on the reason or the ailment.  His status for this weekend is not fully known.

Note that all Miami TEs are have a bye the week and will not play.

Note that all NY Giants TEs are have a bye the week and will not play.

TE Stephen Alexander (SD) missed Wednesday's practice and is again an unknown for this weekend.

Note that all Seattle TEs are have a bye the week and will not play.

Note that all Tampa Bay TEs are have a bye the week and will not play.

TE Frank Wycheck (Ten) is still out with headaches stemming from his week one concussion.  In Wycheck's absence, Erron Kinney has been starting while Shad Meier has seen considerable action as well.

*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*

Place Kickers & Special Teamers

KR/PR Eddie Drummond (Det) sprained his MCL and ankle last Sunday and will be out 3-10 weeks.  Az-Zahir Hakim should take over the PR duties while Avon Cobourne should assume the KR spot.

Note that all Miami PKs are have a bye the week and will not play.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** The Dolphins have brought in Ps Kyle Richardson and Matt Turk for try-outs.

Note that all NY Giants PKs are have a bye the week and will not play.

KR Ronney Jenkins (Oak) has an ankle injury.  His status for this weekend is not fully known.

Note that all Seattle PKs are have a bye the week and will not play.

Note that all Tampa Bay PKs are have a bye the week and will not play.

*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*

Offensive Linemen

G Leonard Davis (Ari) missed Wednesday's practice and will likely sit this weekend with his ankle injury.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** C Jason Starkey (Ari) has a shoulder injury and did not practice on Wednesday.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** G Travis Claridge (Atl) re-aggravated his shoulder strain in Wednesday’s practice.  His status for this weekend is not fully known.

G Terrence Metcalf (Chi) will likely be able to play this week after missing time with his broken finger.

G Chris Villarrial (Chi) was thought to be out for at least a month when he sprained his knee on September 7th.  However, he was able to practice on Wednesday and could see action this weekend.

T Barry Stokes (Cle) missed practice on Wednesday with his sprained ankle in a protective boot but is expected to play this weekend.

G Ray Brown (Det) may miss this weekend's game with a chest injury that occurred last Sunday.

G Marco Rivera (GB) expects to play this weekend despite his eye injury.

G Milford Brown (Hou) is still out with his knee injury and hopes to return in mid-October.

T Adam Meadows (Ind) has the most peaceful name possible for an offensive lineman, and he should also be able to play this weekend despite his knee injury.

T Ryan Diem (Ind) will miss this weekend (and likely longer) with his sprained ankle.

T Mark Dixon (Mia) should be able to play in the October 5th game after recovering from his ankle surgery.

C Tim Ruddy (Mia) had knee surgery Tuesday and will likely miss six weeks.

C Barrett Robbins (Oak) was inactive for the first three games but will start for the team this weekend.

G Solomon Page (SD) might miss this weekend's game with his high ankle sprain.

T Vaughn Parker (SD) has been lost for the season after tearing his left ACL and MCL in last Sunday's game.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** T Walter Jones (Sea) did not practice on Wednesday in order to rest his thigh injury.  He will play this weekend.

G Benji Olson (Ten) was able to play last Sunday despite his knee sprain and should play this weekend as well.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** G Dave Fiore (Was) did not practice on Wednesday but still expects to play this weekend.

*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*

Defensive Linemen

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** DT Wendell Bryant (Ari) missed practice on Wednesday with his ankle injury and could sit out this weekend as well.

DT Ellis Johnson (Atl) may miss this weekend's game with a shoulder injury that was suffered against the Buccaneers.

DT Aaron Kampman (GB) hopes to be able to play this Monday after missing last Sunday with his ankle injury.

DE Gary Walker (Hou) played on passing downs last Sunday to get his first action of the season.  He likely will not play full-time until after the team's bye week.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** DE Gary Walker (Hou) will in fact start this weekend’s game.

DE Dwight Freeney (Ind) did not play last Sunday with his ankle injury. His status for this weekend is not fully known.

Note that all Miami DLs are have a bye the week and will not play.

NT Ted Washington (NE) suffered a broken leg last Sunday and will be out 4-6 weeks.

DT Henry Ford (NO) could miss this weekend with an ankle injury.

DT Johnathan Sullivan (NO) is out recovering from knee surgery and hopes to return to action in October.

Note that all NY Giants DLs are have a bye the week and will not play.

DE John Abraham (NYJ) suffered a pulled hamstring in last Sunday's game and could not finish.  He was able to partially participate in Wednesday's practice.  The team hopes he'll be able to play this weekend, but they do not know for certain.

DT Brandon Whiting (Phi) may play this week but he did not practice on Wednesday.

DE Andre Carter (SF) will play this weekend despite his strained back.

Note that all Seattle DLs are have a bye the week and will not play.

Note that all Tampa Bay DLs are have a bye the week and will not play.

*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*

Linebackers

LB Sam Rogers (Atl) needs surgery to repair knee cartilage.  However, he will wait until the season is over to have it.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** LB Sam Rogers (Atl) was in too much pain to practice on Wednesday.

LB Mike Caldwell (Car) did not practice on Wednesday and could miss another game due to his knee injury.

LB Dan Morgan (Car) practiced on Wednesday and should be able to play this week after missing last Sunday with his hamstring injury.

LB Riall Johnson (Cin) is still out with his calf injury and will likely miss two more weeks.

LB Keith Mitchell (Jac) did not play last Sunday and could miss this weekend as well due to his neck injury.

LB Eric Westmoreland (Jac) did not play last Sunday with his knee injury but hopes to play this weekend.

LB Kawika Mitchell (KC) will likely miss this weekend with his hamstring injury.

Note that all Miami LBs are have a bye the week and will not play.

LB Mike Vrabel (NE) is out with a broken arm.

Note that all NY Giants LBs are have a bye the week and will not play.

LB Jason Glenn (NYJ) has an ankle injury.  His status for this weekend is not fully known.

Note that all Seattle LBs are have a bye the week and will not play.

LB Jamie Duncan (StL) is day-to-day with his ankle sprain.

Note that all Tampa Bay LBs are have a bye the week and will not play.

*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*

Defensive Backs

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** CB Tod McBride (Atl) is most likely play this weekend as his broken hand is in less pain by the day.

S Gerald McBurrows (Atl) may miss this weekend's game with a neck injury that was suffered against the Buccaneers.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** CB Chris McAlister (Bal) was suspended from last week’s game but has returned to the team.  He practiced Wednesday after getting an earful from head coach Brian Billick and apologizing to his teammates.

S Kenoy Kennedy (Den) will likely miss this weekend after spraining his ankle last Sunday against the Raiders.

CB Andre Goodman (Det) is likely lost for the year after dislocating his shoulder.

CB Otis Smith (Det) hasn't been with the team very long but will likely start this weekend with Goodman out.

CB Joseph Jefferson (Ind) will miss this weekend's game with an injury this is listed as 'other'.  That's got to hurt.

CB Donald Strickland (Ind) will likely miss this weekend with his groin injury.

CB Kiwaukee Thomas (Jac) did not play last Sunday and will likely sit this weekend with his groin injury.

CB James Trapp (Jac) slightly re-aggravated his ankle injury last Sunday but is expected to play this weekend.

CB William Bartee (KC) will likely miss another week with his ankle injury.

Note that all Miami DBs are have a bye the week and will not play.

CB Dale Carter (NO) is still out recovering from surgery on his fractured eye socket and hopes to return at the end of October.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** S Victor Green (NO) has only been with the team for 10 days, but he should see action this weekend.

Note that all NY Giants DBs are have a bye the week and will not play.

S Rod Woodson (Oak) started last Sunday despite being listed as doubtful while recovering from knee surgery.  He is expected to start again this weekend.

S Brian Dawkins (Phi) is still out with his foot sprain and will miss at least 2 more weeks.

CB Bobby Taylor (Phi) will likely miss this week with his foot injury but could see action week five.

Note that all Seattle DBs are have a bye the week and will not play.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** CB Kevin Garrett (StL) was able to partially participate in Wednesday’s practice and has been upgraded to questionable on the team’s injury report.

Note that all Tampa Bay DBs are have a bye the week and will not play.

*** THURSDAY UPDATE *** CB Champ Bailey (Was) says he’ll play this weekend despite suffering injuries to his left wrist and shoulder in last Sunday’s game.

CB Fred Smoot (Was) played last Sunday after suffering a concussion in practice the week before.  He is expected to play this weekend as well.