Players in the News (Saturday Morning Edition)

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

Quarterbacks in the News

QB Chris Redman (Bal) is nearing a return to action but is likely a week away from being ready. Jeff Blake will again start for the team.

*** Friday Afternoon Update � QB Chris Redman (Bal) practiced on Thursday, but is not expected to return as the starter until next week.

QB Rodney Peete (Car) was named the starter for this Sunday. Considering the ineffectiveness of the Carolina offense, we hope you weren�t hanging on this news.

*** Friday Afternoon Update � QB Rodney Peete (Car) was unable to practice on Thursday.� He expects to be downgraded to questionable on Friday�s injury report.� His status will be a game-time decision.

*** Saturday Morning Update � QB Rodney Peete (Car) returned to practice on Friday and is expected to start as usual.

QB Chris Chandler (Chi) will likely miss this week which means the elbow deficient Jim Miller will likely start for the team.

*** Thursday Morning Update � QB Jim Miller (Chi) could not throw during Wednesday�s practice.� He and the team are saying that he will start on Sunday despite this condition.� Note to self: Do not play Jim Miller this week.�

*** Friday Afternoon Update � QB Chris Chandler (Chi) is not able to practice with his high ankle sprain.� Jim Miller will start, but he is also limited.� Henry Burris will be the #2 QB this week.

*** Saturday Morning Update � QB Chris Chandler (Chi) has been ruled out this week.� Henry Burris has practiced with the first unit all week and will be the team�s #2 QB behind Jim Miller who is suffering from tendonitis.�

QB Brian Griese (Den) may be able to go this week after practicing on Wednesday. If he can not, Steve Beuerlein will again start for the team.

*** Friday Afternoon Update � QB Brian Griese (Den) practiced on Thursday and should start on Sunday.� HC Mike Shanahan refuses to name the starter stating only that it is a game-time decision.

*** Saturday Morning Update � QB Steve Beuerlein (Den) will start in place of Brian Griese this week.� HC Mike Shanahan felt that Brian was favoring his sprained left knee and opted to start the healthy Steve Beuerlein one more week.� Brian Griese is expected to return as the starter next week.

QB David Carr (Hou) has a sprained ankle and will practice less this week.

*** Friday Afternoon Update � QB David Carr (Hou) practiced Wednesday and Thursday with a heavily taped ankle.� He will start as expected.

QB Jay Fiedler (Mia) has been cleared for practice. Ray Lucas will still continue to start this week however.

*** Thursday Morning Update � QB Jay Fiedler (Mia) is expected to return next week.

*** Friday Afternoon Update � QB Jay Fiedler (Mia) practiced on Thursday and is on schedule to return as the starter next week.

*** Saturday Morning Update � There is some possibility that QB Jay Fiedler could be QB #2 this week.� The decision will not be made until game-time.

*** Friday Afternoon Update � QB Kerry Collins (NYG) had back spasms earlier in the week, but is fine now and will start as expected.

QB Koy Detmer (Phi) is out for 2-5 weeks after dislocating his elbow. He will be replaced by AJ Feely (who will be backed up by Tim Hasselbeck).

QB Donovan McNabb (Phi) is out but could return for the final regular season game.

QB Tommy Maddox (Pit) has been cleared to practice and could start this weekend. However, Kordell Stewart took 1^st-team snaps during Wednesday�s practice so the situation is far from settled. Tom Coughlin did announce that Maddox would start. Of course, Bill Cowher doesn�t allow Coughlin to make lineup decisions for the Steelers.

*** Thursday Morning Update � ESPN�s John Clayton is reporting that Kordell Stewart will start for the Steelers this week. HC Bill Cowher is not tipping his hand and both Stewart and Tommy Maddox are practicing with the first unit.� Although this could be a good matchup for whichever Steeler starts, we would advise looking elsewhere if you can.� There is also the possibility that both could see action this week (giving Tommy Maddox a few reps instead of throwing him into the fire).

*** Friday Afternoon Update � QB Kordell Stewart (Pit) took the majority of the snaps on Thursday and looks to be the starter this week.� HC Bill Cowher has declined to name a starter this week.

QB Marc Bulger (StL) is not being allowed to throw very much at all.

*** Friday Afternoon Update � QB Marc Bulger (StL) snuck in some throws when the coach was not looking.� He remains the backup in St. Louis.

QB Kurt Warner (StL) practiced well on Wednesday despite a sore throwing hand. Look for him to again start on Sunday.

*** Friday Afternoon Update � QB Kurt Warner (StL) looked very sharp in Thursday�s practice.� He will start as expected.

*** Saturday Morning Update � QB Shaun King (TB) has been promoted to QB #2 behind Brad Johnson.� Rob Johnson was demoted to #3.

QB Steve McNair (Ten) is pretty banged up (toe and rib injuries) and may not be able to go this weekend.

*** Thursday Morning Update � QB Steve McNair (Ten) did not practice on Wednesday, but still expects to practice later in the week and start on Sunday.

*** Friday Afternoon Update � QB Steve McNair (Ten) missed practice on Thursday and is now very questionable to play on Sunday.� McNair was quoted as saying, �I know I can play through things and I always want to be out there, but this one I don�t know.� I am having a hard time turning my body.�� HC Jeff Fischer stated that his status will be a game time decision.

*** Saturday Morning Update � QB Steve McNair (Ten) sat out the majority of Friday�s practice with extremely sore ribs.� He remains a game-time decision and could be scratched.� Neil O�Donnell would start in his place should he not be able to play.

*** Saturday Morning Update � QB Danny Weurffel (Was) has been named the starter for Week 14.

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

Running Backs in the News

RB Thomas Jones (Ari) is gone for the season after being placed on IR. Marcel Shipp is the starting RB for the team.

*** Friday Afternoon Update � RB Lamar Smith (Car) was charged with driving while impaired, speeding and reckless driving on Thursday.� Smith was released on bond Thursday night.�

*** Saturday Morning Update � The Carolina Panthers have placed Lamar Smith on paid leave for the rest of the season following his arrest while driving while intoxicated.� He will not play football for the rest of this year.� The team looks to use a RBBC approach this week with Dee Brown, Rod Smart, Nick Goings and Brad Hoover all getting carries.

RB Anthony Thomas (Chi) will likely lose more touches to Leon Johnson. In last week�s game against Detroit, Thomas sat on the bench for the last three Chicago series. This is definitely not good news for Thomas.

*** Saturday Morning Update � RB Brandon Bennett (Cin) has been unable to practice all week and is expected to be inactive for Sunday�s game.

*** Friday Afternoon Update � RB Jamel White (Cle) is expected to play this week in an undefined role after practicing Wednesday and Thursday.� William Green will start.

*** Friday Afternoon Update � RB James Stewart (Det) suffered a stinger in yesterday�s game, but he is expected to start next week as usual.

RB Edgerrin James (Ind) is expected (by Tony Dungy) to play this weekend despite an ankle injury.

*** Thursday Morning Update � RB Edgerrin James (Ind) was unable to practice on Wednesday with his ankle injury, but expects to start on Sunday.� HC Tony Dungy commented that James will likely not be 100% the rest of the season.

*** Friday Afternoon Update � RB Edgerrin James (Ind) practiced on Thursday and will start as expected on Sunday.

*** Saturday Morning Update � RB Edgerrin James (Ind) practiced again on Friday and will start as usual.

RB Michael Bennett (Min) has a sprained ankle but should be able to play this weekend.

*** Saturday Morning Update � RB Moe Williams (Min) will not return kicks this weekend since he is still recovering from a sore foot.� Tyrone Carter will take over those duties this weekend.

RB Deuce McAllister (NO) practiced without problems on Wednesday. If this continues, he�ll most likely get the start this weekend.

*** Thursday Morning Update � Report from New Orleans� HC Jim Haslett (who misled reporters last week) said that Deuce McAllister practiced on Wednesday, but was limited.� Haslett further commented that he will see how Deuce feels later in the week before determining his status.� We believe he will start as expected, but it is not a sure thing.

*** Friday Afternoon Update � RB Deuce McAllister (NO) practiced on Thursday, but was disappointed that he could not make sharp cuts.� �I just want to make natural moves,� said McAllister. �I do not want to have to take 2 to 3 steps to make one cut.� Right now I am having to take multiple steps to make one cut.�� His status is still in the air and won�t be determined until game-time.� Right now we have it as a 70% chance that McAllister will start.

*** Saturday Morning Update � RB Deuce McAllister (NO) practiced with the first team again on Friday, but will still be a game-time decision.� Since James Fenderson and Curtis Keaton would have needed reps in practice to play effectively, we believe Deuce McAllister should start on Sunday.� He could be replaced though if he struggles during the game.

*** Friday Afternoon Update � RB Richie Anderson (NYJ) missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday and remains very questionable for Monday�s game.

*** Saturday Morning Update � RB Richie Anderson (NYJ) returned to practice on Friday and now is expected to play on Monday.

*** Thursday Morning Update � RB Dorsey Levens (Phi) missed Wednesday�s practice, but HC Andy Reid believes he will play with his sprained foot on Sunday.

*** Saturday Morning Update � RB Dorsey Levens (Phi) practiced on Friday and is expected to play on Sunday.

*** Friday Afternoon Update � RB Jerome Bettis (Pit) practiced on Thursday and will start this week.

*** Saturday Morning Update � RB Chris Fuamatu-Ma�afala (Pit) was limited in practice on Friday.� He is likely to be inactive this week.

*** Saturday Morning Update � RB Terrell Fletcher (SD) practiced this week and will play as expected.� He was upgraded to probable by the team.

*** Friday Afternoon Update � RB Maurice Morris (Sea) practiced on Thursday and part of the day on Wednesday.� He appears on the injury report as 1uestionable, but expects to be ready by Sunday.

RB Kevan Barlow (SF) is definitely out this week (and maybe longer). Garrison Hearst should receive most of the touches at RB for the team.

*** Thursday Morning Update � According to HC Steve Mariuchi, RB Kevan Barlow (SF) now looks as if he will miss 3 weeks.� He had his knee scoped and they removed soe cartilage.� Garrison Hearst will take an increased role while Barlow is on the sidelines healing.

*** Friday Afternoon Update � RB Fred Beasley (SF) practiced on Thursday despite a sore groin.� He expects to play on Sunday.

��

RB Marshall Faulk (StL) is not recovering as expected. There is a good chance he�ll have to sit another week. If so, Lamar Gordon will get another start.

*** Thursday Morning Update � HC Mike Martz (StL) sounded pessimistic on Wednesday that Marshall Faulk could go this week.� He remains a game-time decision.� Marshall did not practice on Wednesday.�

*** Thursday Morning Update � Lamar Gordon (StL) did not practice on Wednesday, but is expected to play on Sunday.� He appears on the injury report as probable with a concussion.

*** Friday Afternoon Update � RB Marshall Faulk (StL) did not practice with the team on Thursday, but did do some individual work. HC Mike Martz commented that Faulk is getting real close to coming back. �There is a real chance that we will have Marshall back this week�definitely next week for sure.�� He remains a game-time decision.

*** Saturday Morning Update � RB Lamar Gordon (StL) did not practice in contact drills this week as a precaution since he suffered a concussion last week.� He will play on Sunday.

*** Saturday Morning Update � RB Marshall Faulk (StL) did light work on Friday.� He remains a game-time decision.

*** Friday Afternoon Update � RB Aaron Stecker (TB) missed Thursday�s practice with a strained hamstring.� He mill likely be a game-time decision.� He appears on the injury report as questionable.

*** Saturday Morning Update � RB Aaron Stecker (TB) was able to practice on Friday and is expected to play his usual role on Sunday.� The team also updated his status to probable.

*** Friday Afternoon Update � RB Kenny Watson (Was) injured his knee in yesterday�s game.� No timetable to when he will be able to return.

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

Wide Receivers in the News

WR Brian Finneran (Atl) should be on the field this weekend.

*** Friday Afternoon Update � WR Brian Finneran (Atl) was able to practice on Thursday and will start as usual.

WR Brandon Stokley (Bal) is gone for the season after being placed on IR.

WR Steve Smith (Car) has been reinstated to the team after his one-week suspension for pummeling teammate Anthony Bright. He will return to the starting lineup.

WR Marty Booker (Chi) should play despite his leg injury.

*** Thursday Morning Update � WR Michael Westbrook (Cin) was released by the Bengals.� He stated that he may retire.� �I am just going to go home and laugh at this whole nightmare.�� Note to Westbrook: I think the NFL will survive if you retire.

WR Ed McCaffrey (Den) continues to be plagued by his neck injury but should start this Sunday.

WR Bill Schroeder (Det) makes his return to the injury report with a bad hamstring but should be able to start on Thanksgiving.

*** Friday Afternoon Update � WR Larry Foster (Det) hurts his ankle during yesterday�s game.� His status for next week will be known in a few days.

WR Corey Bradford (Hou) will not practice fully but will likely start this weekend.

WR Patrick Johnson (Jac) should be able to return this weekend, but Bobby Shaw will likely continue to start.

*** Friday Afternoon Update � WR Patrick Johnson (Jac) practiced on Thursday and expects to play this week.

WR Jimmy Smith (Jac) only participated in half of Wednesday�s practice but will start as usual on Sunday.

*** Friday Afternoon Update � WR Jimmy Smith (Jac) was still limited in Thursday�s practice, but states that he will be on the field Sunday as expected.

*** Friday Afternoon Update � WR Bobby Shaw (Jac) practiced on Thursday despite a sore toe.� He is expected to start opposite of Jimmy Smith.

*** Saturday Morning Update � WR Eddie Kennison (KC) injured his hip in practice on Friday.� His status will be determined at game-time.� If he cannot go, Marc Boerigter will start opposite of Johnnie Morton.

WR Cris Carter (Mia) has been cleared to practice but will not play this Sunday. James McKnight will get the start.

*** Thursday Morning Update � WR Cris Carter (Mia) is expected to return to the lineup next week.

*** Saturday Morning Update � WR Cris Carter (Mia) could be activated this week.� The team is talking daily to Carter�s doctors.� He is still not expected to play much even if he is activated until next week.

*** Friday Afternoon Update � WR James McKnight (Mia) practiced on Thursday with his sore back.� He is expected to play on Sunday.

*** Friday Afternoon Update � WR D�Wayne Bates (Min) is expected to be added to Friday�s injury report as probable.

*** Friday Afternoon Update � WR Herman Moore (NYG) is expected to be added to Friday�s injury report as probable with a hamstring injury.

*** Saturday Morning Update � WR Herman Moore (NYG) may be inactive this week with his ailing hamstring.

*** Friday Afternoon Update � WR Ron Dixon (NYG) practiced on Thursday and is expected to start on Sunday.

WR Curtis Conway (SD) is expected to play this weekend.

*** Saturday Morning Update � WR Curtis Conway (SD) may not be able to play on Sunday.� His shoulder stinger has now developed into spasms and has been unable to practice.� Reche Caldwell will start opposite of Tim Dwight should Curtis Conway not be able to go.

*** Friday Afternoon Update � WR Tim Dwight (SD) did not practice on Wednesday with his sore ribs.

*** Saturday Morning Update � WR Tim Dwight practiced on Thursday and Friday and will start as expected.� The team has upgraded him to probable on their injury report.

*** Friday Afternoon Update � WR Koren Robinson (Sea) missed Thursday�s practice with the flu.� He is expected to start as usual.

*** Friday Afternoon Update � WR Terrell Owens (SF) practiced on Thursday and will start as expected.

WR Keyshawn Johnson (TB) has injured ribs but is expected to tough it out and start as usual this Sunday.

*** Friday Afternoon Update � WR Keyshawn Johnson (TB) practiced on Thursday despite sore ribs.� He is expected to be upgraded to probable on Friday�s injury report.

*** Saturday Morning Update � WR Keyshawn Johnson (TB) practiced on Friday and will start as expected.

*** Friday Afternoon Update � WR Joe Jurevicius (TB) missed practice on Thursday with a sore leg.� He is expected to play on Sunday with the pain.

WR Kevin Dyson (Ten) will miss a month (or maybe all season) with his hamstring injury.

*** Friday Afternoon Update � WR Justin McCareins (Ten) practiced on Thursday with his sore knee and will play on Sunday.

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

Tight Ends in the News

TE Alge Crumpler (Atl) is expected to play this weekend.

TE John Davis (Chi) may not be able to go this Sunday due to a back injury. He is listed as day-to-day.

*** Saturday Morning Update � TE John Davis (Chi) has not been able to practice and is expected to be inactive for Sunday�s game.� The team downgraded John to doubtful on their injury report.

TE Shannon Sharpe (Den) returned to the practice field Wednesday and wants to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Morning Update � TE Shannon Sharpe (Den) had no setbacks after a full day of practice.� He looks like he will return to the starting lineup this week.

*** Friday Afternoon Update � TE Shannon Sharpe (Den) practiced on Thursday and looks as if he will start on Sunday.� Mike Shanahan re-iterated to the media that Sharpe will be a game-time decision.

*** Saturday Morning Update � TE Shannon Sharpe (Den) continues to make progress, but is not a lock to play this week.� The decision on his playing status will come after the two talk later today.

*** Friday Afternoon Update � TE David Sloan (NO) is expected to be added to Friday�s injury report as questionable.

*** Friday Afternoon Update � TE Eric Johnson (SF) practiced on Wednesday and Thursday and is expected to start this week after a long absence.

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

Place Kickers in the News

PK Tim Seder (Jac) was released. The team signed Richie Cunningham to handle the PK duties.

PK Jose Cortez (SF) was released. This means Jeff Chandler is a little more secure as the team�s PK.

*** Thursday Morning Update � PK Jose Cortez (FA) could be given a tryout next week with the Jackson Jaguars should Richie Cunningham struggle.� Fonzie believes Richie will do just fine and is willing to jump over Al�s diner on his motorcycle should Richie fail.