Quarterbacks

QB J.P. Losman (Buf) practiced on Wednesday but will almost certainly
not play this weekend.

QB Craig Krenzel (Chi) has been named the team's starting QB.

QB Brett Favre (GB) rested his injured throwing hand but is expected
to start as usual this weekend.  It was also revealed this week that
Favre's wife has breast cancer.  The good news is that she is expected
to have a full recovery.

QB Tommy Maddox (Pit) has begun throwing but is still out with his
injured elbow.

QB Matt Hasselbeck (Sea) rested his injured heel on Wednesday but
should start as usual this weekend.

QB Tim Rattay (SF) didn't participate in throwing drills Wednesday
while he rested his sore forearm. "I'll be able to warm it up (in
Chicago)," Rattay said. "Hopefully I can get it under control and not
have it lingering all season."

On his morning radio show, general manager Terry Donahue intimated
that Rattay might not be able to play Sunday, but both head coach
Dennis Erickson and Rattay claimed he'll be ready to go. "I'm just
spending too much time in the training room," Rattay said.

QB Brian Griese (TB) will continue as the team's starting QB even when
Chris Simms is completely healthy.  "There will be no debate if
(Griese) keeps playing the way he is playing," said HC Jon Gruden.
"We love (Simms).  We think he is going to be an outstanding pro.  But
if you continue to throw for 70, 72, 74 percent and make great
decisions and make clutch throws in key situations…good for Tampa Bay
Buccaneers football…that's what I say.  Good for Brian Griese.  If he
keeps going like he's going, we might have to get a lifetime contract
going here."

QB Steve McNair (Ten) did not practice on Wednesday, according to the
Associated Press, McNair missed practice Wednesday not because of his
bruised chest, but because of a death in the family.

"We will see how he is [Thursday] when he comes in," head coach Jeff
Fisher said. "He was a little better [Tuesday] when he came in for
treatment, but still quite sore." McNair admitted on Sunday that he
likely needs to take some time off to allow himself to heal so he's
not as sure of a bet to play this weekend.

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Running Backs

RB Josh Scobey (Ari) is still out with his injured knee.

RB Emmitt Smith (Ari) is a mere 129 yards shy of reaching the amazing
career total of 18,000 rushing yards.

FB Ovie Mughelli (Bal) did not practice on Wednesday and could sit
this weekend with his injured hamstring.

RB Willis McGahee (Buf) says he will start for the team this weekend.
However, HC Mike Mularkey says both McGahee and Travis Henry have been
named starters.  That sounds like…well…a bunch of malarkey.  It looks
like McGahee will get the nod as he has looked better than Henry
lately.  If McGahee takes off this weekend, he could lock up the job
the rest of the way.

RB Travis Henry (Buf) is still "officially" a starter according to
coach Mike Mularkey but it seems pretty clear his value is sliding.
"Would you be happy?" Henry said. "However they want to word it, word
it. ... It is what it is. Coach feels like this is the best thing for
our football team, so I have to live with it."

RB Brandon Bennett (Car) has been signed by the team.

RB Stephen Davis (Car) is out with his injured knee.

RB DeShaun Foster (Car) has been lost for the season after being
placed on the injured reserve list with his injured collarbone.

FB Brad Hoover (Car) will get the start at RB this weekend for the Panthers.

FB Jason McKie (Chi) is out with his injured knee.

RB Chris Perry (Cin) did not practice on Wednesday and could sit this
weekend with his injured abdomen.

RB Julius Jones (Dal) is still out with his injured shoulder.

RB Tatum Bell (Den) did not practice on Wednesday and should sit this
weekend. Bell pulled a hamstring on kick coverage early in Monday
night's loss at Cincinnati. Bell is officially listed as doubtful for
Sunday's game against the Falcons. "With a hamstring, you never know,"
head coach Mike Shanahan said.

RB Quentin Griffin (Den) has been lost for the season with a torn ACL.

RB Garrison Hearst (Den) should be the team's backup RB this weekend
behind Reuben Droughns.

RB Cecil Sapp (Den) has been signed by the team from their practice squad.

FB Cory Schlesinger (Det) practiced on Wednesday and could play this
weekend despite his injured hamstring.

RB Ahman Green (GB) rested his Achilles on Wednesday but is expected
to start as usual this weekend.

RB Fred Taylor (Jac) did not practice on Wednesday, but the team hopes
he'll be able to play this weekend despite his injured quadriceps.

FB Omar Easy (KC) did not practice on Wednesday and could sit this
weekend with his injured hamstring.

RB Sammy Morris (Mia) did not practice on Wednesday, but the team
hopes he'll be able to play this weekend despite his injured wrist.

RB Onterrio Smith (Min) will miss his fourth and final game this
weekend due to NFL suspension.

RB Moe Williams (Min) did not practice on Wednesday but is expected to
play this weekend despite his injured quadriceps.

FB Patrick Pass (NE) did not practice on Wednesday and could sit this
weekend with his injured thigh.

RB Justin Fargas (Oak) did not practice on Wednesday and could sit this weekend.

RB Tyrone Wheatley (Oak) did not practice on Wednesday and should sit
this weekend with his injured shoulder.

RB Dorsey Levens (Phi) will start for the team while Westbrook is out.
Reno Mahe will also get some carries.

RB Brian Westbrook (Phi) did not practice on Wednesday and could miss
up to two games with his broken rib.  According to doctors, the injury
is "a non-displaced fracture so it's lined up and so small, it's a
crack really. It did not show up on X-ray. It only shows up on certain
cuts of the CT scan." Coach Andy Reid sounded optimistic: "He'll be
fine as time goes on and hopefully he can make it this week," Reid
said. "If he can't, then he'll be back the following week."

Eagles head trainer Rick Burkholder said the rib injury didn't show up
on the first X-ray, but more tests revealed a small crack of the first
rib. The normal recovery time for that kind of injury is four to six
weeks, but Westbrook won't necessarily be out that long, Burkholder
said.

"He's got to be able to function," Burkholder said. "He has a high
tolerance for pain. He plays running back in the National Football
League. But he has to be able to function. He has to be able to get
comfortable enough to get out and practice and then the coaches need
to make a decision whether or not he can function."

RB Jesse Chatman (SD) did not practice on Wednesday but is expected to
play this weekend despite his injured toe.

RB LaDainian Tomlinson (SD) took his normal day off on Wednesday.  He
will play this weekend, but his groin is limiting him in every game
lately.  The team hopes he'll be able to make it to their week ten bye
and get some quality rest. He'll likely miss practice Thursday and be
back Friday. "If he misses practice, he's not full speed in terms of
his efficiency, but he knows what he's doing," head coach Marty
Schottenheimer said. "He knows how to take care of himself. It's not
really been a major issue."

RB Shaun Alexander (Sea) is expected to see more carries.  HC Mike
Holmgren is concerned that QB Matt Hasselbeck has been overwhelmed by
too many formations and personnel groupings.  The solution will be a
simplified offense with more running plays.  Holmgren says he will
"force-feed it if we have to" for Alexander.

RB Earnest Graham (TB) has been signed by the team from their practice squad.

RB Chris Brown (Ten) did not practice on Wednesday, but the team hopes
he'll be able to play this weekend despite his injured toe.

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Wide Receivers

WR Anquan Boldin (Ari) went through a full workout in pads Wednesday
and has no doubt he'll be able to play at Buffalo against the Bills
this weekend. "For the past couple of weeks, my goal has been to get
back on the field without any setbacks -- any swelling or any pain,"
he said. "I think I've reached that goal right now."

WR Devard Darling (Bal) practiced on Wednesday and could play this
weekend despite his injured heel.

WR Drew Haddad (Buf) practiced on Wednesday and could play this
weekend despite his injured hamstring.

WR Steve Smith (Car) has been lost for the season after being placed
on the injured reserve list with his broken ankle.

WR Chad Johnson (Cin) did not practice on Wednesday but is expected to
play this weekend despite his injured knee.

WR Peter Warrick (Cin) did not practice on Wednesday, but the team
hopes he'll be able to play this weekend despite his injured shin.

WR Kelley Washington (Cin) did not practice on Wednesday, but the team
hopes he'll be able to play this weekend despite his injured ankle.

WR Terry Glenn (Dal) is out with his injured foot.

WR Quincy Morgan (Dal) did not practice on Wednesday, but the team
hopes he'll be able to play this weekend despite his injured
hamstring.  However, being so new to the team, it will be tough for
Morgan to get on the field without a good deal of practice time. "I'm
not counting him out of the game right now, so it's probably gonna be
way down until the end of the week before I know exactly what we're
gonna do," coach Bill Parcells said.

WR Az-Zahir Hakim (Det) did not practice on Wednesday and could sit
this weekend with his injured ankle.

WR Roy Williams (Det) did not complete practice on Wednesday, but the
team hopes he'll be able to play this weekend despite his injured
ankle.

WR Corey Bradford (Hou) did not practice on Wednesday and could sit
this weekend with his injured groin.

WR Troy Walters (Ind) is out with his fractured arm.

WR Randy Moss (Min) did not practice on Wednesday, but the team
believes he'll be able to play this weekend despite his injured
hamstring.  "Hopefully, he'll progress more this week, and we'll be
able to use him in an active role," HC Mike Tice said.  "I don't
anticipate he'll be at speed enough to play his normal role, which is
every play of the game and every situation."

"I think he's going to be ready," quarterback Daunte Culpepper said.
"I think he will be just by talking with him and being around him. ...
He wants to be on the field. It hurt him really bad not to be out
there."

WR Deion Branch (NE) did not practice on Wednesday and should sit this
weekend with his injured knee.

WR Troy Brown (NE) did not practice on Wednesday and could sit this
weekend with his injured shoulder.

WR Amani Toomer (NYG) did not practice on Wednesday, but the team
hopes he'll be able to play this weekend despite his injured
hamstring.

WR Ronald Curry (Oak) practiced on Wednesday and should play this weekend.

WR Doug Gabriel (Oak) practiced on Wednesday and should play this weekend.

WR Carlos Francis (Oak) is out with his injured knee.

WR Greg Lewis (Phi) did not practice on Wednesday and could sit this
weekend with his injured quadriceps.

WR Lee Mays (Pit) did not practice on Wednesday and could sit this
weekend with his injured toe.

WR Micah Ross (SD) has been released by the team.

WR Bobby Engram (Sea) is out with his injured ankle.

WR Marcus Knight (TB) has been released by the team.

WR Tyrone Calico (Ten) is still out with his injured knee.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tight Ends

TE Eric Beverly (Atl) is still out with his injured shoulder.

TE Todd Heap (Bal) did not practice on Wednesday, but the team hopes
he'll be able to play this weekend despite his injured ankle.

TE John Owens (Chi) has been claimed off waivers from the Lions.

TE George Wrighster (Jac) did not practice on Wednesday and should sit
this weekend with his injured back.

TE Kris Jenkins (KC) is still out with his injured ankle.

TE Eric Johnson (SF) practiced on Wednesday and should play this weekend.

TE Erron Kinney (Ten) did not practice on Wednesday and should sit this weekend.

TE Shad Meier (Ten) practiced on Wednesday and could play this weekend.

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Place Kickers & Special Teamers

KR Rod Smart (Car) is out with his injured knee.

KR Brad Pyatt (Ind) did not practice on Wednesday and could sit this
weekend with his injured ankle.

PK Olindo Mare (Mia) practiced on Wednesday and could play this
weekend despite his injured calf.  He will likely be a game-time
decision so Matt Bryant remains on the roster.

PK John Hall (Was) did not practice on Wednesday and should sit this
weekend with his injured groin.  Ola Kimrin should kick for the team.

KR Chad Morton (Was) practiced on Wednesday and could play this
weekend despite his injured knee.

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Offensive Linemen

T Jonathan Ogden (Bal) did not practice on Wednesday and could miss up
to 4 weeks with his pulled hamstring.

T Marcus Price (Buf) did not practice on Wednesday and could sit this
weekend with his injured knee.

C Trey Teague (Buf) did not practice on Wednesday and should sit this
weekend with his injured knee.

G Ruben Brown (Chi) did not practice on Wednesday but is expected to
play this weekend despite his injured knee.

G Mike Gandy (Chi) did not practice on Wednesday and should sit this
weekend with his injured hamstring.

C Olin Kreutz (Chi) did not practice on Wednesday but is expected to
play this weekend despite his injured elbow.

G Marco Rivera (GB) did not practice on Wednesday and could sit this
weekend with his injured ankle.

T Todd Wade (Hou) practiced on Wednesday and could play this weekend
despite his injured ankle.

G Tupe Peko (Ind) did not practice on Wednesday and could sit this
weekend with his injured back.

G Chris Naeole (Jac) did not practice on Wednesday, but the team hopes
he'll be able to play this weekend despite his injured ankle.

G Adam Goldberg (Min) practiced on Wednesday and could play this
weekend despite his injured knee.

C Cory Withrow (Min) did not practice on Wednesday and should sit this
weekend with his injured knee.

T Tom Ashworth (NE) did not practice on Wednesday and could sit this
weekend with his injured back.

G Frank Middleton (Oak) is out for the season with his injured quadriceps.

G Ron Stone (Oak) practiced on Wednesday and could play this weekend
despite his injured knee.

T Jon Runyan (Phi) did not practice on Wednesday, but the team hopes
he'll be able to play this weekend despite his injured groin.

C Jason Ball (SD) has been released by the team.

G Bob Hallen (SD) has been signed by the team.

C Jeremy Newberry (SF) is out with his injured knee.

T Fred Miller (Ten) did not practice on Wednesday but could play this weekend.

T Kenyatta Jones (Was) has been released by the team.

T Vaughn Parker (Was) has been signed by the team.

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Defensive Linemen

DT Roderick Coleman (Atl) is out with his injured knee.

DT Alfonso Boone (Chi) practiced on Wednesday and could play this
weekend despite his injured knee.

DE Alain Kashama (Chi) has been released by the team.

DE Adewale Ogunleye (Chi) did not practice on Wednesday and could sit
this weekend with his injured calf.

DE Carl Powell (Cin) did not practice on Wednesday but is expected to
play this weekend despite his injured knee.

DT Tony Williams (Cin) is out for the season with his injured ankle.

DE Trevor Pryce (Den) is still out with his injured back.

DT Marcus Bell (Det) did not practice on Wednesday but is expected to
play this weekend despite his injured shoulder.

DT Dan Wilkinson (Det) did not practice on Wednesday but is expected
to play this weekend despite his injured arm.

DE Aaron Kampman (GB) did not practice on Wednesday but is expected to
play this weekend despite his injured ankle.

DT Larry Smith (GB) has been released by the team.

DT Junior Siavii (KC) did not practice on Wednesday and could sit this
weekend with his injured ankle.

DT Tim Bowens (Mia) is out for the season with his injured back.

DT Fred Robbins (NYG) practiced on Wednesday and could play this
weekend despite his injured shoulder.

DT Ted Washington (Oak) did not practice on Wednesday and should sit
this weekend with his injured ribs.

DT Darwin Walker (Phi) did not practice on Wednesday and could sit
this weekend with his injured calf.

DE Andre Carter (SF) did not practice on Wednesday and could sit this
weekend with his injured back.

DE Andrew Williams (SF) is out with his injured shin.

DE Grant Wistrom (Sea) is out with his injured knee.

DE Carlos Hall (Ten) did not practice on Wednesday and should sit this weekend.

DE Antwan Odom (Ten) did not practice on Wednesday and could sit this weekend.

DE Phillip Daniels (Was) did not practice on Wednesday and could sit
this weekend with his injured groin.

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Linebackers

LB Brian Simmons (Cin) did not practice on Wednesday but is expected
to play this weekend despite his injured hamstring.

LB Boss Bailey (Det) is out with his injured knee.

LB Donte Curry (Det) is out with his injured knee.

LB James Davis (Det) did not practice on Wednesday and could sit this
weekend with his injured knee.

LB Jason Gildon (Jac) has been signed by the team.

LB Monty Beisel (KC) did not practice on Wednesday and should sit this
weekend with his injured calf.

LB Morlon Greenwood (Mia) did not practice on Wednesday and could sit
this weekend with his injured quadriceps.

LB Junior Seau (Mia) practiced on Wednesday and could play this
weekend despite his injured groin and thigh.

LB Chris Claiborne (Min) did not practice on Wednesday and should sit
this weekend with his injured calf.

LB Dan Klecko (NE) is out with his injured knee.

LB Jason Glenn (NYJ) is out with his injured forearm.

LB Travian Smith (Oak) did not practice on Wednesday and should sit
this weekend with his injured knee.

LB Jason Short (Phi) did not practice on Wednesday and should sit this
weekend with his injured ankle and concussion.

LB Kendrell Bell (Pit) practiced on Wednesday and could play this
weekend despite his hernia.

LB Saleem Rasheed (SF) did not practice on Wednesday and should sit
this weekend with his injured knee.

LB Isaiah Kacyvenski (Sea) did not practice on Wednesday and should
sit this weekend with his injured ankle.

LB Anthony Simmons (Sea) is out with his injured shoulder.

LB Rocky Calmus (Ten) got some work in on Wednesday but should sit this weekend.

LB LaVar Arrington (Was) did not practice on Wednesday and should sit
this weekend with his injured knee.

LB Mike Barrow (Was) practiced on Wednesday and could play this
weekend despite his injured knee.

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Defensive Backs

CB David Macklin (Ari) did not practice on Wednesday but is expected
to play this weekend despite his injured groin.

S Adrian Wilson (Ari) did not practice on Wednesday but is expected to
play this weekend despite his injured knee.

CB Aaron Beasley (Atl) did not practice on Wednesday and could sit
this weekend with his injured foot.

CB Mike Echols (Atl) has been released by the team.

S Etric Pruitt (Atl) has been signed from the team's practice squad.

S Cory Hall (Atl) practiced on Wednesday and could play this weekend
despite his injured foot.

CB Terrence McGee (Buf) did not practice on Wednesday and could sit
this weekend with his injured foot.

CB Troy Vincent (Buf) did not practice on Wednesday and should sit
this weekend with his injured knee.

CB Eddie Jackson (Car) has been signed from the team's practice squad.

S Travares Tillman (Car) did not practice on Wednesday and could sit
this weekend with his injured forearm.

S Bobby Gray (Chi) did not practice on Wednesday and should sit this
weekend with his injured groin.

CB Charles Tillman (Chi) is out with his injured knee.

CB Rashad Bauman (Cin) did not practice on Wednesday and should sit
this weekend with his injured Achilles.

S Rogers Beckett (Cin) practiced on Wednesday and could play this
weekend despite his concussion.

CB Reggie Myles (Cin) did not practice on Wednesday but is expected to
play this weekend despite his injured toe.

CB Lenny Walls (Den) practiced on Wednesday and could play this
weekend despite his injured shoulder.

CB Fernando Bryant (Det) did not practice on Wednesday and could sit
this weekend with his injured groin.

CB Al Harris (GB) did not practice on Wednesday and could sit this
weekend with his injured knee.

S Darren Sharper (GB) did not practice on Wednesday and could sit this
weekend with his injured knee.

S Glenn Earl (Hou) practiced on Wednesday and could play this weekend
despite his injured hip.

CB Aaron Glenn (Hou) did not practice on Wednesday but is expected to
play this weekend despite his injured hip.

S Jason Simmons (Hou) did not practice on Wednesday and could sit this
weekend with a head injury.

S Cory Bird (Ind) did not practice on Wednesday and could sit this
weekend with his injured calf and knee.

CB Nick Harper (Ind) did not practice on Wednesday and could sit this
weekend with his injured shoulder.

CB Joseph Jefferson (Ind) did not practice on Wednesday but is
expected to play this weekend despite his injured knee.

CB Dexter McCleon (KC) did not practice on Wednesday and could sit
this weekend with his injured hamstring.

S Antuan Edwards (Mia) practiced on Wednesday and could play this
weekend despite his injured groin.

CB Tyrone Poole (NE) did not practice on Wednesday and could sit this
weekend with his injured knee.

CB Frank Walker (NYG) practiced on Wednesday and could play this
weekend despite his injured ankle.

CB Charles Woodson (Oak) did not practice on Wednesday and should sit
this weekend with his injured hip.

CB Chad Scott (Pit) is out with his injured quadriceps.

CB Drayton Florence (SD) did not practice on Wednesday and could sit
this weekend with his injured ankle.

CB Ahmed Plummer (SF) did not practice on Wednesday and could sit this
weekend with his injured neck.

S Lance Schulters (Ten) is out with his injured foot.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Other

The Green Bay Packers at Washington Redskins game this weekend has far
greater implications than any contest on the schedule.  Over the past
72 years, Washington has forecasted the Presidential election with
amazing accuracy.  Over that span, if the Redskins won their last
contest prior to the election, the incumbent party has also won.  If
the Redskins lost or tied that game, the incumbent party has lost.
That is 18 consecutive Presidential contests.  So Bush fans should
cheer for the Redskins, and Kerry fans should cheer for the
Packers…the race will be over on Sunday.

NFL Draft guru Mel Kiper will in fact remain with ESPN.  It was
reported weeks ago that the two sides would part ways, but now Kiper
is expected to sign a new contract with the network that made him
famous.