Players in the News

QB Jake Plummer (Den) reaggravated his (throwing) shoulder injury last Sunday and did not practice on Wednesday. He plans to test it Thursday and try to go on Friday. His playing status for this weekend is in doubt.

Note that all Detroit QBs have a bye this week.

QB Joey Harrington (Det) finally admitted that his throwing shoulder is bruised, but he says it is not affecting his play. He did not practice on Tuesday.

QB Byron Leftwich (Jac) has been named the team's starting QB for the remainder of the season. This has to be the most underwhelming announcement in Jaguars history. Head coach Jack Del Rio has wanted to make this move for some time, but he seemed hesitant to bench the veteran Mark Brunell. The injury to Brunell gave the team the perfect situation. If Leftwich bombed, Brunell would return. Since Leftwich performed well, he remains the starting QB.

Note that all Minnesota QBs have a bye this week.

QB Chad Pennington (NYJ) is actually listed as doubtful this week. Don't get too excited though, he's not ready to play yet. However, he took part in practice on Monday and threw a good number of passes. He could return to game action as soon as October 26th.

QB Tommy Maddox (Pit) has to work through a confidence problem according to head coach Bill Cowher. The bigger problem is that it also appears that Cowher has a little problem with his confidence in Maddox. One thing is certain: Tommy Maddox needs to play better.

Note that all San Diego QBs have a bye this week.

QB Patrick Ramsey (Was) is still having trouble with a sprain in his non-throwing shoulder. However, he practiced fine on Wednesday and will start this weekend is usual.

Running backs

RB Marcel Shipp (Ari) is now the team's starting RB with the injury to Emmitt Smith.

RB Emmitt Smith (Ari) will be out 4-6 weeks with a broken scapula. Head coach Dave McGinnis said that Smith will be the starter again when he is healthy.

RB Travis Henry (Buf) is still suffering from his rib injury, but he is expected to start this weekend.

RB Willis McGahee (Buf) has passed his physical and could begin practicing with the team next week.

RB Sammy Morris (Buf) is still out recovering from hernia surgery.

RB Rabih Abdullah (Chi) was charged with a DUI after being involved in a car accident in which he suffered a concussion. He will not play this weekend.

Note that all Cincinnati RBs have a bye this week.

RB Corey Dillon (Cin) was held out of last weekend's game with the intent of him being fully healthy after the team's bye week. Although he did not practice on Wednesday, the October 19th game is still Dillon's targeted return.

Note that all Detroit RBs have a bye this week.

FB Nicolas Luchey (GB) may be able to play this weekend despite his broken thumb.

RB Edgerrin James (Ind) is recovering from his back injury. He doesn't seem to be 100%, and the team is winning without him. The Colts have a bye after this Sunday's game, and they believe two more solid weeks of rest will get James completely healthy. He did practice "sparingly" on Wednesday and has already been declared a game-time decision. Stay tuned.

RB James Mungro (Ind) sat out Wednesday's practice with an injured knee.

RB Dominic Rhodes (Ind) did not practice on Wednesday but should return for Thursday's session.

RB Ricky Williams (Ind) will start if Edgerrin James doesn't play this weekend.

Note that all Minnesota RBs have a bye this week.

RB Mike Cloud (NE) burst upon the scene for the Patriots in spectacular fashion. He is likely the healthiest RB on the squad, but there is some doubt about how many plays he can handle this quickly. Still, with Faulk and Smith hobbled, Cloud will see action this weekend.

RB Kevin Faulk (NE) was close to being able to play some last Sunday, but he was held out with his injured leg. He did not practice on Wednesday but might be able to play this weekend.

FB Fred McCrary (NE) has been re-signed by the team after being released last week.

RB Antowain Smith (NE) has a shoulder injury but could be able to play this weekend.

RB Ron Dayne (NYG) is rumored to be on the trading block. We have offered a free 2004 subscription for Ron to play on our flag football squad.

RB LaMont Jordan (NYJ) did not practice Wednesday due to the flu. He should be able to play this weekend.

RB Tyrone Wheatley (Oak) practiced on Wednesday and should play this weekend.

Note that all San Diego RBs have a bye this week.

RB Garrison Hearst (SF) practiced on Wednesday and is expected to play this weekend.

RB Shaun Alexander (Sea) rested his ankle on Wednesday but is expected to be able to play this weekend.

RB Marshall Faulk (StL) is still out with his injured hand.

RB Mike Alstott (TB) has been lost for this season after being placed on the injured reserve list with a neck injury. One player will not replace him as he was the team's RB-of-all-trades. However, look for an increased role for starting RB Michael Pittman as he will be expected to handle the goal line work. Jameel Cook will now start at FB. Aaron Stecker (has been upgraded to probable) should see a little more action as well. Thomas Jones could even be pulled away from the Gatorade for a play or two.

RB Eddie George (Ten) describes his performance this season as "disgusting". Eddies a big guy and we're not going to argue with him.

Wide Receivers

WR Bryant Johnson (Ari) will miss this weekend's game with his injured hamstring.

WR Kevin Kasper (Ari) is expected to return to action for this weekend's game.

WR Jason McAddley (Ari) will miss another week with his hamstring injury.

WR Brian Finneran (Atl) hopes to be able to play this weekend as he has missed every game since opening weekend with his broken hand.

WR Peerless Price (Atl) should be able to play this weekend despite his foot injury (the same one he played "fairly" well on last Sunday.

WR Ron Johnson (Bal) is out with a knee injury.

WR Eric Moulds (Buf) has a groin injury that was suffered while leading his team to victory in overtime last Sunday. He did not practice on Wednesday and could miss this weekend's game If Moulds does sit, look for Bobby Shaw to start with Josh Reed.

WR Marty Booker (Chi) practiced on Wednesday despite his injured ribs and is expected to play this weekend.

Note that all Cincinnati WRs have a bye this week.

WR Quincy Morgan (Cle) lightly sprained his knee in last Sunday's game. He is fine and should play this in this weekend's game.

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

Note that all Detroit WRs have a bye this week.

WR Charles Rogers (Det) broke his collarbone during Tuesday's practice. He is expected to miss the next 4-8 weeks.

WR Andre Johnson (Hou) returned to practice on Monday and should play this weekend. Remember that Johnson had surgery to remove a toe nail during the team's bye week.

Note that all Minnesota WRs have a bye this week.

WR Deion Branch (NE) missed practice on Wednesday with his ankle injury.

WR Jerry Porter (Oak) participated in individual drills on Wednesday but will likely miss another week as he recovers from hernia surgery. He should be able to return for the October 20th Monday night game.

Note that all San Diego WRs have a bye this week.

WR Eric Parker (SD) received good news as the MRI on his injured shoulder came back negative. He did not practice on Tuesday but should be able to play after the team's bye week.

WR Terrell Owens (SF) rested his Achilles on Wednesday but is expected to play this weekend.

WR Kevin Curtis (StL) partially participated in Monday's practice but will not play this weekend.

WR Shaun McDonald (StL) is expected to be able to play this weekend.

WR Keyshawn Johnson (TB) suffered a thigh bruise last Monday night. He likely will not practice this week (has already missed Wednesday's session), and his status for this weekend is not fully known.

WR Joe Jurevicius (TB) will not play this weekend with his knee injury.

WR Charles Lee (TB) has re-signed with the team again.

WR Marvin Minnis (TB) has been released by the team.

WR Karl Williams (TB) has been upgraded to probable and will most likely be able to play this weekend.

WR Oronde Gadsden (FA) worked out for the Dolphins on Monday.

Tight Ends

TE Todd Heap (Bal) practiced on Wednesday and will play this weekend despite his shoulder injury.

Note that all Cincinnati TEs have a bye this week.

TE Aaron Shea (Cle) has been lost for the season after being placed on the injured reserve list. His spot on the roster will be taken by Zeron Flemister who the team claimed off waivers from the Redskins.

TE James Whalen & Jason Witten (Dal) will both likely miss this weekend's game. The team has signed Tony McGee in order to have enough TEs to play this Sunday.

TE Shannon Sharpe (Den) has a bruised knee, but he was able to practice on Wednesday and should play this weekend.

Note that all Detroit TEs have a bye this week.

Note that all Minnesota TEs have a bye this week.

TE Chad Lewis (Phi) is still officially the starting TE, but it appears very obvious that L.J. Smith is much more involved in the offense.

TE Jay Riemersma (Pit) is listed as questionable. He partially participated in Wednesday's practice and hopes to be able to play this weekend.

Note that all San Diego TEs have a bye this week.

TE Josh Norman (SD) is expected to be ready to play on October 19th when the team returns from their bye week.

TE Eric Johnson (SF) is still out with his broken collarbone.

TE Shad Meier (Ten) suffered a concussion last Sunday and missed practice on Wednesday with a headache. He still hopes to play this weekend.

TE Frank Wycheck (Ten) is doing some running, but he won't play this weekend.

TE Byron Chamberlain (Was) was able to practice with his new team on Wednesday and is looking to see action this weekend.

Place Kickers & Special Teamers

PK Bill Gramatica (Ari) missed last Sunday with his stiff back. His status for this weekend is not fully known, but Tim Duncan is still on the roster.

Note that all Cincinnati PKs have a bye this week.

P Nick Harris (Cin) has been released by the team.

P Kyle Richardson (Cin) has been signed by the team.

Note that all Detroit PKs have a bye this week.

Note that all Minnesota PKs have a bye this week.

PK Matt Bryant (NYG) is out with a hamstring injury. The team has signed Brett Conway to handle their PK duties.

Note that all San Diego PKs have a bye this week.

KR Cedrick Wilson (SF) has been replaced in that capacity by Jimmy Williams.

Offensive Linemen

Note that all Cincinnati OLs have a bye this week.

T Barry Stokes (Cle) is bothered by an injured ankle but he should play this weekend.

G Larry Allen (Dal) suffered a light knee sprain last Sunday but should be fine to play this weekend.

Note that all Detroit OLs have a bye this week.

G Milford Brown (Hou) has returned to practice, but he likely will not start this weekend. Todd Washington will likely continue in that capacity for another week.

T Ryan Diem (Ind) will not play this weekend with his ankle injury.

T Tarik Glenn (Ind) missed practice on Wednesday with his MCL sprain but hopes to practice on Friday and play this weekend.

T Willie Roaf (KC) missed practice on Wednesday. His status for this weekend is not fully known.

T Mark Dixon (Mia) is still out with his ankle injury.

C Tim Ruddy (Mia) practiced on Wednesday and barring a setback, should start this weekend.

Note that all Minnesota OLs have a bye this week.

T Adrian Klemm (NE) did not practice on Wednesday and will likely miss another week with his ankle injury.

T Wayne Gandy (NO) practiced on Wednesday and should start this weekend.

G Jermane Mayberry (Phi) missed practice on Wednesday with his elbow injury but will try to go on Thursday.

T Jon Runyan (Phi) rested his back on Wednesday but should be able to play this weekend.

T Marvel Smith (Pit) will miss another week with his injured shoulder.

Note that all San Diego OLs have a bye this week.

G Bob Hallen (SD) tore his pectoral last Sunday and has been placed on the injured reserve list. He is out for the season. Cory Raymer looks to take his place.

G Eric Heitmann (SF) was finally able to practice on Wednesday and should actually be able to play this weekend.

C Jeremy Newberry (SF) rested his ankle on Wednesday but should play this weekend.

T Floyd Womack (Sea) will sit again with his toe injury. Since Chris Terry is back, the team can afford to let Womack completely heal before returning (which will likely be 2-4 weeks).

G Dave Fiore (Was) practiced on Wednesday and should be able to play this weekend after missing last Sunday's game.

G Randy Thomas (Was) did not practice on Wednesday but should be able to play this weekend.

Defensive Linemen

DE Kenny King (Bal) will miss this week with his toe injury.

DT Brentson Buckner (Car) did not practice on Wednesday due to a broken hand and knee soreness. He'll try to go Thursday and hopes to play this weekend.

DT Keith Traylor (Chi) will miss this weekend's game with his knee injury. He hopes to return in 2-4 weeks.

Note that all Cincinnati DLs have a bye this week.

DT Michael Myers (Dal) has been released by the team in order to make room to sign TE Tony McGee. With Halloween fast approaching, I'm a little unnerved by this move.

DT Daryl Gardener (Den) will likely miss another week of action as he recovers from illness.

Note that all Detroit DLs have a bye this week.

DE Joe Johnson (GB) did not practice on Wednesday and will likely sit out Thursday's session as well. His status for this weekend is not fully known.

DE Chukie Nwokorie (GB) is murder on a spellchecker. He also did not practice on Wednesday in order to rest his shoulder injury. He still hopes to play this weekend.

DE R-Kal Truluck (KC) missed practice on Wednesday and will also miss this weekend's game.

Note that all Minnesota DLs have a bye this week.

DE Jason Taylor (Mia) practiced on Wednesday despite his injured thigh and is expected to start this weekend.

DE Talance Sawyer (Min) was re-signed by the team which cut DT Colin Cole to make room for Sawyer.

NT Ted Washington (NE) is still out with his broken leg.

DE Darren Howard (NO) is still out with his dislocated wrist.

DE John Abraham (NYJ) practiced Wednesday for the first time since his DUI arrest. He will likely be benched for some time this weekend due to the arrest. If so, Bryan Thomas will get the start.

DE Jerome McDougle (Phi) did not practice on Wednesday and will likely miss this weekend's game with his ankle injury.

Note that all San Diego DLs have a bye this week.

DT Albert Haynesworth (Ten) was able to practice on Wednesday but isn't looking good to play this weekend.

Linebackers

LB Dan Morgan (Car) practiced Wednesday and should play this weekend.

LB Warrick Holdman (Chi) will most likely not play this weekend as he is suffering from sprains in his left ankle and knee. Look for rookie Joe Odom to get the start.

Note that all Cincinnati LBs have a bye this week.

Note that all Detroit LBs have a bye this week.

LB Na'il Diggs (GB) missed Wednesday's practice but should be able to play this weekend.

LB Jim Nelson (Ind) will be out for 3 months with a broken clavicle.

LB Mike Peterson (Jac) missed practice on Wednesday and will likely sit this weekend as well. T.J. Slaughter looks to slide in from the outside with Danny Clark starting there.

LB Eric Westmoreland (Jac) has been released by the team with the intent to reclaim him once he clears waivers. He then will be placed on the injured reserve list and be lost for the season.

LB Kawika Mitchell (KC) will likely miss another week with his hamstring injury.

LB Junior Seau (Mia) did not practice on Wednesday. His status for this weekend is not fully known.

Note that all Minnesota LBs have a bye this week.

LB Ted Johnson (NE) is still out with his injured foot.

LB Mike Vrabel (NE) did not practice on Wednesday and will most likely not play this weekend.

LB Cie Grant (NO) practiced on Wednesday, but his status fort his weekend is not fully known.

LB Sedrick Hodge (NO) is out this weekend with his knee injury.

LB Bill Romanowski (Oak) did not practice on Wednesday and will most likely miss another week due to his concussion.

LB Clint Kriewaldt (Pit) was able to practice on Wednesday and should play this weekend.

Note that all San Diego LBs have a bye this week.

LB Carlos Polk (SD) had minor knee surgery this week but should be ready for action after the team's bye week.

LB Chad Brown (Sea) sat out Wednesday's practice. This is becoming the routine for him.

LB Orlando Huff (Sea) looks iffy at best for this weekend as he is still battling an ankle injury.

LB Robert Thomas (StL) missed Wednesday's practice with his groin pull and will not go on Thursday either. It looks like Jamie Duncan will start in his place this weekend.

LB Shelton Quarles (TB) practiced on Wednesday and may return to action this weekend.

TE Peter Sirmon (Ten) is still suffering from back pain. He didn't practice on Wednesday and isn't looking good for this weekend.

Defensive Backs

S Gerald McBurrows (Atl) will likely miss another week with his neck injury.

S Kevin McCadam (Atl) will likely miss another week with his injured hamstring.

S Cory Hall (Atl) is still out with his injured knee.

Note that all Cincinnati DBs have a bye this week.

CB Jeff Burris (Cin) passed his tests after being knocked unconscious in last Sunday's game. He is expected to be able to play after the team's bye week.

S Kenoy Kennedy (Den) practiced on Wednesday and is expected to return to the field this weekend.

Note that all Detroit DBs have a bye this week.

CB Alex Molden (Det) has been released by the team.

S Antuan Edwards (GB) did not practice on Wednesday due to his ankle injury.

CB Aaron Glenn (Hou) did not practice on Wednesday and will likely miss this weekend's game with his groin injury.

CB Joseph Jefferson (Ind) will not play this weekend.

CB Kiwaukee Thomas (Jac) will likely miss another week with his groin injury.

Note that all Minnesota DBs have a bye this week.

CB Ty Law (NE) rested his ankle on Wednesday and did not practice.

S Aric Morris (NE) was released by the team.

CB Dale Carter (NO) is expected to start this weekend.

S Tebucky Jones (NO) practiced on Wednesday and could play this weekend.

CB Donnie Abraham (NYJ) is out with his injured shoulder.

S Rod Woodson (Oak) kept up the routine and sat out of practice Wednesday.

S Brian Dawkins (Phi) is still on crutches and will miss another week with his sprained foot.

CB Bobby Taylor (Phi) did not practice on Wednesday but is hopeful that he'll be able to play this weekend.

CB Troy Vincent (Phi) is expected to be able to play this weekend.

CB Chad Scott (Pit) was excused from Wednesday's practice to attend his mother's funeral.

Note that all San Diego DBs have a bye this week.

S Tony Parrish (SF) did not practice on Wednesday but should be able to play this weekend.

CB Jason Webster (SF) will miss this weekend's game with his knee injury but hopes to return next weekend.

S Ken Hamlin (Sea) sprained his ankle last Sunday. He did not practice on Wednesday but should be able to play this weekend.

CB Shawn Springs (Sea) got in some individual work on Wednesday but will miss another week with his injured shoulder.

CB Marcus Trufant (Sea) rested his knee sprain on Wednesday but should be able to play this weekend.

S Jason Sehorn (StL) partially participated in Wednesday's practice but will most likely wait until the week seven contest to return to game action.

S Shane Walton (StL) will likely sit out this weekend's game with his back injury.

CB Brian Kelly (TB) may face surgery for his pectoral injury and most likely will not be able to play this weekend. Tim Wansley should get the start.

CB Samari Rolle (Ten) will not play this weekend due to his injured elbow.

CB Rashad Bauman (Was) missed practice on Wednesday with his injured hamstring.