Quarterbacks in the News *** Friday Night Update - QB Jake Plummer (Ari) did not practice on Friday with his sore shoulder. He is expected to start, but his status will be a game-time decision. QB Chris Redman (Bal) will not play this week. He is out with an injured back, but is expected to return next week. Jeff Blake will once again start in his place. Brian Billick is hinting that it is not a sure bet that Redman will automatically return to the starting job when healthy. QB Rodney Peete (Car) will return to the starting lineup this week now that he has healed from his knee surgery. Note that he has a touch of the flu. QB Chris Weinke (Car) will be available to play this week. QB Jim Miller (Chi) has been ruled out this week with elbow and shoulder tendonitis. Jim was able to only throw about 40 passes before he quit due to pain. Chris Chandler will start in his place this week and possibly the whole year. *** Saturday Night Update - QB Jim Miller (Chi) will be the #2 QB this week. He is not able to play for long stretches without the tendonitis hurting so bad that it affects his throws. QB Tim Couch (Cle) cut his throwing hand in the 2nd quarter of last Sunday's game. The Browns are off this week. QB Jay Fiedler (Mia) is still out with his broken thumb. He is expected to return November 24th at the earliest. QB Ray Lucas (Mia) has a bum shoulder, but the MRI showed no structural damage. Since he was able to return last week to finish the game, he is expected to start this game. If he cannot go, Sage Rosenfels will start in his place. Ray Lucas did practice on Thursday (took half of the snaps). *** Friday Night Update - QB Ray Lucas (Mia) practiced on Friday and will start this week. QB Troy Aikman was contacted by the Dolphins through a 3rd party. Rumor is that nothing will happen here. Of course, the rumor was that Miami wasn't interested in Cris Carter so you never really know. QB Daunte Culpepper (Min) had to talk Mike Tice out of benching him and going with Todd Bouman to finish last Sunday's game against Tampa Bay. Culpepper responded with an 88-yard TD drive. A couple of weeks ago, Tice publicly commented on Culpepper's poor play, and the QB responded with an excellent showing against the Bears. QB Kurt Warner (StL) is still out with his broken pinky. His cast was removed though and he is ahead of the 8-10 week timeframe. Kurt Warner could possibly play next week, but is more likely to start on November 24th. Marc Bulger will again start for the Rams. *** Friday Night Update - QB Kurt Warner (StL) practiced on Friday and is now looking like he has a good chance to play next week. *** Saturday Night Update - QB Kurt Warner (StL) threw 30 yard passes for about 30 minutes on Friday elevating his possibility to return as early as next week. HC Mike Martz was impressed, but he also would like Warner back at 100% (understandable since the team is winning with Bulger). QB Jeff George (Sea) will be the team's #2 QB this week. QB Brad Johnson (TB) looked pretty good last Sunday and will have another week to heal his broken ribs during the Buccaneers' bye. QB Steve McNair (Ten) wore a walking boot early this week due to a reappearance of turf toe. He is expected to start despite the pain. QB Shane Matthews (Was) only passed for 114 yards last week but will remain the starter. Steve Spurrier admits that Matthews is Washington's best QB. To quote Metallica, "Sad but true". QB Danny Wuerffel (Was) is still recovering from his shoulder injury. /*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/* Running Backs in the News RB TJ Duckett (Atl) missed practice on Wednesday and is doubtful for Sunday's game. Warrick Dunn will start. *** Friday Night Update - RB TJ Duckett (Atl) has officially been ruled out for this week. *** Friday Night Update - RB DeShaun Foster (Car) had surgery this week on his injured knee. He is out for the remainder of the year. RB Daimon Shelton (Chi) sprained his ankle last Sunday. He may not play this week. RB Jamel White (Cle) suffered a shoulder injury in last Sunday's game. The Browns are off this week. RB Cory Schlesinger (Det) has a back injury that could keep him off the field this week. *** Friday Night Update - FB Cory Schlesinger (Det) was able to practice on Thursday and Friday and will play this weekend. RB James Stewart (Det) has a back injury and is questionable this Sunday (as is about half of the Detroit roster). *** Friday Night Update - RB James Stewart (Det) was able to practice on Thursday and Friday and will start as usual. He also was upgraded on the Friday injury report to probable RB Richard Huntley has been released by the Lions. RB Autry Denson (Ind) was signed by the Colts. RB Jim Finn (Ind) will play this week. His start last week was eventful (fumbling his first two catches). RB James Mungro (Ind) will start in place of injured Edgerrin James this week despite an ailing shoulder. RB Edgerrin James (Ind) will miss his 2nd straight week with his partial hamstring tear. RB Ricky Williams (Ind) will also miss his 2nd straight week with a bad hammy. *** Saturday Night Update - RB Ricky Williams (Ind) appears on Friday's injury report as questionable. He has not practiced and is not expected to play a major role. His status will be a game-time decision. RB Ricky Watters reportedly was contacted by the Colts. His agent would neither deny nor corroborate the rumors. RB Elvis Joseph (Jac) experienced some knee swelling last Sunday but should still be available this week. RB Fred Taylor (Jac) sat out practice on Wednesday with a back injury. The team is merely being overly cautious with him (wonder why?), and he will start this Sunday as usual. *** Friday Night Update - RB Fred Taylor (Jac) practiced on Friday and is expected to start as usual. RB Robert Edwards (Mia) should be able to play Sunday. RB Tiki Barber (NYG) will be ready to start as usual this week despite some soreness in his ankle and quads. RB Ron Dayne (NYG) likes the way Jim Fassel calls a game. Last week, Dayne rushed for a season-high 52 yards on a season-high 13 carries. RB Charlie Garner (Oak) missed Wednesday's practice with a foot sprain. He is expected to return Thursday. *** Friday Night Update - RB Charlie Garner (Oak) practiced on Thursday and is expected to start as usual. RB Terry Kirby (Oak) is gone for the season with a broken leg. RB Correll Buckhalter (Phi) is coming along fine with his rehab from ACL surgery. He has a couple of weeks where he can participate somewhat in practice. The Eagles plan to use that time well. RB Jerome Bettis (Pit) will likely play this week but will wear a knee brace. It is believed that Amos Zereoue will still start this week for Pittsburgh. *** Friday Night Update - RB Jerome Bettis (Pit) was unable to practice on Friday and is very questionable to play on Sunday. The team has stated that Amos Zereoue will start again this week. *** Saturday Night Update - RB Jerome Bettis (Pit) remains very questionable to play on Sunday. The team will make a decision on his play status minutes before game-time. We believe he will likely be held out this week. RB Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala (Pit) is out again this week with a torn pectoral. RB Garrison Hearst (SF) practiced on Wednesday and is expected to play Sunday. RB Marshall Faulk (StL) accumulated 246 yards of offense last week despite leg cramps due to a touch of the flu. What a stud. RB Mack Strong (Sea) may not play with his bad ankle. *** Friday Night Update - FB Mack Strong (Sea) did not practice all week and will be a game-time decision this week. RB Mike Travis Pittman (TB) doesn't exist so Jon Gruden plans to use Mike Alstott, Michael Pittman, and Travis Stephens when their individual skills are most needed. Plus, they would like to see Aaron Stecker more involved. Tampa Bay is definitely a RB by committee team. RB Greg Comella (Ten) has a good chance of playing this week despite his bad shoulder. RB Robert Holcombe (Ten) is improving but his status is not set for this week. He is recovering from a hip injury. RB Stephen Davis (Was) is still recovering from his knee injury and is not expected to play this Sunday. *** Friday Night Update - RB Stephen Davis (Was) has been ruled out this week. Kenny Watson will start in his place. /*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/* Wide Receivers in the News WR David Boston (Ari) underwent an MRI on his right knee that revealed a tear in his right patella tendon (knee). He will definitely miss this week and will likely miss the entire season due to surgery. The team is very weak at Wide Receiver as they lost MarTay Jenkins earlier this week. Fran Sanders and Jason McAddley will start this week. The team is likely going to evaluate free agents early next week. *** Friday Night Update - WR David Boston (Ari) has officially been ruled out for this week. He will get a second opinion early next week, but is expected to be lost for the season. WR/KR MarTay Jenkins (Ari) is gone for the year after fracturing his scapula (shoulder blade). WR Darrin Chiaverini (Atl) is still out with his quad injury. WR Steve Smith (Car) is recovering from his shoulder injury, but should be able to play this week. WR David Terrell (Chi) is still out. He may be able to return in December. *** Friday Night Update - The Bengals are stating that they are going to try and get Michael Westbrook (Cin) more involved in the offense. WR/PR Larry Foster (Det) has a shoulder injury and is not expected to play this week. *** Friday Night Update - WR Larry Foster (Det) has been ruled out for this game. WR Germane Crowell (Det) is still experiencing swelling in his knee. This is hindering his ability to go full speed. He is expected to play in a limited role this week. WR/KR Desmond Howard (Det) has a rib injury. He was nearly able to play last week. WR/PR Az-Zahir Hakim (Det) has a slight shoulder injury but should still play this week. *** Friday Night Update - WR Az-Zahir Hakim (Det) was removed from Friday's injury report. He will start as usual. WR Bill Schroeder (Det) joins the rest of the Lions WRs on the injury report. Surprisingly, Schroeder is one of the healthier receivers in Detroit. He is expected play this week. WR Pat Johnson (Jac) is out for 2-4 weeks with his strained abs. WR/PR Bobby Shaw (Jac) should play this week despite a sore toe. WR Jimmy Smith (Jac) hauled in 10 catches for 123 yards last Sunday. His comments? "It wasn't what I'm looking for. Jimmy is capable of much better than that." Anyone else remember the Seinfeld episode with Jimmy? "Don't touch Jimmy!" WR Marvin Minnis (KC) has been activated by the Chiefs from the PUP list. This team desperately needs some help at WR. WR James McKnight (Mia) should be able to play Sunday with his strained hip flexor. *** Friday Night Update - WR Cris Carter (Mia) was added to the injury report as probable. He is battling the flu, but is expected to start on Sunday. *** Saturday Night Update - WR Cris Carter (Mia) will miss this week and is out indefinitely. Further tests on his "stomach virus" indicated kidney irregularity. He is expected to undergo additional tests within the next few days before fully evaluating his condition. James McKnight and Dedric Ward will both fill in and play opposite of Chris Chambers. WR Derrick Alexander (Min) tore his ACL and will be lost for the year. WR D'Wayne Bates (Min) is still bothered by his back but is expected to return to the starting lineup this week. WR Donte Stallworth (NO) is notable for his absence from the injury report. His hamstring appears to finally be healed. WR Antonio Freeman (Phi) is bothered by a hip bruise but will be ready on Sunday. WR Todd Pinkston (Phi) has a wrist injury but should be able to go on Sunday. WR Plaxico Burress (Pit) will play despite an ankle that's less than 100%. WR Terrell Owens (SF) will be ready to go on Sunday. WR JJ Stokes (SF) was able to practice on Wednesday and Thursday and will be the team's #3 WR this week. Terrell Owens and Tai Streets will start. WR Darrell Jackson (Sea) will likely miss another week while recovering from his severe concussion. He is scheduled for additional tests on Monday. *** Friday Night Update - WR Darrell Jackson (Sea) underwent additional tests on Thursday regarding his concussion and seizure. He is listed as doubtful on this week's injury report and is not expected to play. WR Joe Jurivicius (TB) will rest this week and should be able to play week 11. WR Keenan McCardell (TB) also will rest this week. Jon Gruden expects him to play week 11. WR Justin McCareins (Ten) was battered a bit last week (knee sprain and hip bruise) but will likely play this Sunday. WR Rod Gardner (Was) should be ready to go despite an ailing shoulder. /*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/* Tight Ends in the News TE Jay Riemersma (Buf) suffered a back injury last Sunday. The Bills are off this week so he will be able to rest. TE Fred Baxter (Chi) is once again questionable this week. This time, he has an ankle injury. TE Sean Brewer (Cin) has been placed on IR and is lost for the season. TE Mikhael Ricks (Det) is bothered by a groin injury, but is expected to start as usual. *** Friday Night Update - TE Mikhael Ricks has been upgraded to probable on Friday's injury report. He was able to practice on Thursday and Friday and will start. TE David Martin (GB) should play this week despite his rib injury. TE Randy McMichael (Mia) will play Sunday. He apperas on the injury reporet as probable with an injured finger. TE Dan Graham (NE) was finally completely healthy last Sunday. He caught 3 balls for 68 yards. *** Saturday Night Update - TE Jeremy Shockey (NYG) practiced on Friday despite torn ligaments in his toe. He will start as usual, but will battle this injury for the rest of the season. TE Jerame Tuman (Pit) should play despite a strained quad. *** Saturday Night Update - TE Josh Norman (SD) has been ruled out this week by the team. TE Eric Johnson (SF) is iffy again this week with his problematic back. *** Friday Night Update - TE Eric Johnson (SF) has been downgraded to doubtful on the Friday injury report. He has been unable to practice all week. Justin Swift is expected to start in his place. *** Saturday Night Update - TE Eric Johnson (SF) will not play this week. The team will add him to the inactive list this week. TE Jerramy Stevens (Sea) was able to practice on Wednesday despite an injured ankle. He appears on the injury report as questionable. *** Friday Night Update - TE Jerramy Stevens (Sea) did not practice on Thursday, but is expected to play in Sunday. *** Saturday Night Update - TE Jerramy Stevens (Sea) was cleared by team doctors to play this week. He will play on Sunday. /*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/* Place Kickers in the News *** Friday Night Update - PK Jason Hanson (Det) was removed from Friday's injury report. He will start as usual. PK Mike Vandgerjagt (Ind) is still bothered by his groin injury (who wouldn't be bothered by a bad groin?!?) but will still kick on Sunday.