Quarterbacks in the News

QB Michael Vick (Atl) has some swelling in the thumb on his throwing hand. He practiced on Wednesday and expects play this week.

*** Friday Night Update � QB Michael Vick (Atl) practiced on Thursday and Friday and will start as expected.

QB Chris Redman (Bal) still has not recovered from his back injury (and actually had another MRI). He will be the team�s #2 QB this weekend.

QB Rodney Peete (Car) missed some of last week�s game due to dizziness suffered after a hit.

*** Friday Night Update � QB Jim Miller (Chi) has been placed on injured reserve.� He is lost for the rest of the season.

QB Tim Couch (Cle) suffered a jammed thumb after hitting it on a helmet during last week�s game. He continued playing and is expected to start this weekend.

*** Friday Night Update � QB Tim Couch (Cle) practiced this week and will start as expected.

QB Chad Hutchinson (Dal) lightly sprained his knee but is expected to practice and play as usual.

*** Friday Night Update � QB Chad Hutchinson (Dal) practiced on Friday and will start this weekend as expected.

QB Brian Griese (Den) is sore almost everywhere (knee, left thumb, shoulder) but is expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Night Update � QB Brian Griese (Den) practiced with the first unit and will start this weekend.

QB Joey Harrington (Det) experienced an accelerated heartbeat in last week�s game. He was transported to the hospital for tests and monitoring. After undergoing a non-surgical procedure, he is fine but will miss the rest of the season as he recovers. Mike McMahon will start for the team.

*** Thursday Night Update � QB Brett Favre (GB) practiced on Wednesday and will start as usual this weekend.

QB Trent Green (KC) received stitches in the thumb on his throwing hand. He is expected to start this weekend, but the stitches won�t do wonders for accuracy.

*** Thursday Night Update � QB Trent Green (KC) did not practice Wednesday but practiced fully on Thursday. He is expected to start this weekend.

*** Friday Night Update � QB Trent Green (KC) practiced on Friday and will start as expected.

QB Aaron Brooks (NO) has still not fully recovered from his shoulder injury but should still play this weekend.

*** Thursday Night Update � QB Aaron Brooks (NO) was able to throw some in Wednesday�s practice. This is an improvement as Brooks has not thrown the past two Wednesdays.

*** Friday Night Update � QB Aaron Brooks (NO) practiced on Friday and will start as expected on Sunday.

QB Koy Detmer (Phi) is still not ready to return as starting QB. AJ Feeley will again start for the team.

*** Friday Night Update � QB Koy Detmer (Phi) will serve as the team�s #2 QB on Saturday.

QB Donovan McNabb (Phi) is still wearing his protective boot but is improving as expected.

QB Jeff Garcia (SF) suffered a sprained ankle late in last week�s game. He is expected to be fine this weekend.

*** Friday Night Update � QB Jeff Garcia (SF) may not play the whole game.� The 49ers gain nothing by winning this game so may elect to minimize Garcia�s exposure in an effort to get their star fully healed before the playoffs.�

QB Brad Johnson (TB) has a sore back and a sprained thumb on his throwing hand. He did not practice Wednesday, but Coach Jon Gruden is �optimistic� that Johnson will be able to play this weekend. Shaun King took the vast majority of first team snaps on Wednesday.

*** Thursday Night Update � QB Brad Johnson (TB) was unable to practice on Thursday due to his sore back and has been downgraded to questionable for this weekend�s game. If he can�t play, Shaun King will get the start.

*** Friday Night Update � QB Brad Johnson (TB) was unable to practice on Friday and remains a very risky pick this week.� He will be a game-time decision on Monday (little use since rosters would be due much before then).� Shaun King continues to get the first team snaps in practice and will start if Brad Johnson cannot go.� We are advising that you look elsewhere for your QB this week.

QB Steve McNair (Ten) has a sore everything. As usual, this MAN is expected to start this weekend.

*** Thursday Night Update � QB Steve McNair (Ten) missed practice Thursday. As mentioned above, he is the man and will still start this weekend.

*** Friday Night Update � QB Steve McNair (Ten) skipped Friday�s practice as expected.� He did some light throwing and stated that he is feeling better than usual at this time in the week.� He is expected to start as usual.

Running Backs in the News

*** Thursday Night Update � RB Thomas Jones (Ari) may not have injured his hand reaching for the phone. The talk is that he injured himself in a fight at a nightclub. You know, if I would have injured myself reaching for the phone, I would have made up a story about a huge brawl. That would seem manlier. You know?

RB TJ Duckett (Atl) had some fluid drained from his knee on Wednesday and may not be completely ready to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Night Update � TJ Duckett (Atl) did practice after the fluid was drained from his knee. The source of the injury is not known.

RB Skip Hicks (Car) has been signed by the team. There�s actually a chance he could play this weekend.

*** Thursday Night Update � RB Joe Montgomery (Car) is expected to play this weekend.

RB Lamar Smith (Car) has been placed on Injured Reserve by the team.

RB Aveion Cason (Det) suffered an elbow injury in last week�s game.

RB James Stewart (Det) faces an uphill battle to return to action this weekend.

*** Thursday Night Update � RB James Stewart (Det) was able to partially participate in practice on Thursday. He may be able to play this weekend.

*** Friday Night Update � RB James Stewart (Det) had a pretty good practice on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.� He will split carries with Aveion Cason.�

RB Tony Fisher and Ahman Green (GB) should both be able to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Night Update � RB Ahman Green (GB) likely will not fully recover from his various injuries for the remainder of the season. This means he�ll likely share time with Tony Fisher over the next two weeks.

RB Edgerrin James (Ind) played last week with his sprained ankle but was spelled often by James Mungro. James tweaked the ankle in the third quarter and spent the rest of the game on the sidelines. James did not practice Wednesday but is expected to do so on Thursday.

*** Thursday Night Update � RB Edgerrin James (Ind) is still expected to play this weekend but will share time with James Mungro.

*** Friday Night Update � RB Edgerrin James (Ind) practiced on Friday and will play this weekend.� He is not expected to have a huge fantasy impact as the team seems content with also giving James Mungro significant carries.

RB Ricky Williams (Ind) is out this week with an ankle injury.

RB Patrick Washington (Jac) is out for the year and a torn MCL.

RB Priest Holmes (KC) suffered a hip injury in last week�s game and will not play in this weekend�s game. Look for Mike Cloud to get the start for the team. There is a chance that Holmes season is over due to this injury.

*** Friday Night Update � RB Priest Holmes (KC) remains doubtful for this week�s game.� Mike Cloud will start in his place.� Priest Holmes is also very questionable for the week 17 game.� Many experts examined the MRI and it is believed that Priest Holmes does not have a severe (career threatening) injury.

RB Tony Richardson (KC) is out for this week after injuring his knee in last week�s game.

*** Thursday Night Update � RB Tony Richardson (KC) is actually out for the year after being placed on IR.

RB Moe Williams (Min) looks like he�ll be ready to go in this weekend�s game.

RB Deuce McAllister (NO) experienced some ankle soreness but will likely play this weekend.

*** Thursday Night Update � RB Deuce McAllister (NO) went through a full workout on Wednesday. This is excellent news as he has missed the two prior Wednesday practices.

*** Friday Night Update � RB Deuce McAllister (NO) practiced on Thursday and Friday and will start as expected.

RB Richie Anderson and LaMont Jordan (NYJ) should both be able to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Night Update � RB Richie Anderson (NYJ) did not practice Wednesday due to an ankle injury but is still expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Night Update � RB LaMont Jordan (NYJ) did practice on Wednesday and should be able to play this weekend.

*** Friday Night Update � RB Lamont Jordan (NYJ) practiced on Friday and will play on Sunday.

RB Curtis Martin (NYJ) re-aggravated his ankle sprain in last week�s game. He is expected to play this week but likely will not be 100%. He planned to sit out Wednesday�s practice in order to heal some.

*** Thursday Night Update � RB Curtis Martin (NYJ) was rested and did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday. Still, he will start this weekend.

*** Friday Night Update � RB Curtis Martin (NYJ) returned to practice on Friday and will start as expected.

RB Brian Westbrook (Phi) is improving but will likely miss another week.

*** Friday Night Update � RB Brian Westbrook (Phi) practiced on Friday and could see limited action this week.

RB Jerome Bettis (Pit) missed some of last week�s game with a hyper-extended knee. He returned to the game and should play this weekend.

*** Thursday Night Update � RB Jerome Bettis (Pit) did not practice Wednesday but is expected to play this weekend.

RB Amos Zereoue (Pit) may not play this weekend due to an injured thumb.

*** Thursday Night Update � RB Amos Zereoue (Pit) did not practice Wednesday and could miss this weekend�s game.

RB Maurice Morris (Sea) may be kept out this weekend with his bad hamstring.

*** Friday Night Update � RB Maurice Morris (Sea) remains a game-time decision after missing practices this week.

RB Trung Canidate (StL) will start this weekend for the unimpressive (and slightly ailing) Lamar Gordon.

RB Marshall Faulk (StL) is still hobbled with the high ankle sprain and will likely play off the bench (as he�s done for the past month).

*** Thursday Night Update � RB Marshall Faulk (StL) will not practice much this week but will play this weekend.

*** Friday Night Update � RB Marshall Faulk (StL) practiced on Friday and will play this weekend.� He is not expected to start, but will likely end up with better stats than starter Trung Canidate.

*** Thursday Night Update � RB Eddie George (Ten) is ailing a bit with ankle soreness. He is expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Night Update � RB Eddie George (Ten) did not practice on Thursday, but will start as usual this weekend.

RB Stephen Davis (Was) dislocated his shoulder in last week�s game. He is out this week. Ladell Betts will start for the team while Kenny Watson will see some action as well.

Wide Receivers in the News

WR Kevin Kasper (Ari) suffered a concussion in last week�s game.

*** Thursday Night Update � WR Frank Sanders (Ari) will miss another week with his foot injury.

WR Shawn Jefferson (Atl) has an injured hamstring and will likely sit this weekend.

*** Thursday Night Update � WR Shawn Jefferson (Atl) could not complete practice on Thursday and likely miss this weekend�s game.

*** Friday Night Update � WR Shawn Jefferson (Atl) missed practice on Friday and is not expected to play.� Brian Finneran and Trevor Gaylor will start at WR.

WR Peter Warrick (Cin) did not play last week with a bruised chest. His status for this week�s game is not yet solidified.

*** Thursday Night Update � WR Peter Warrick (Cin) was able to practice on Wednesday.

*** Friday Night Update � The Bengals are stating that WR Peter Warrick remains a game-time decision, but he looks as if he will be able to play on Sunday.�

WR Dennis Northcutt (Cle) is able to run on his injured knee but has not made any cuts. If he can get some work in this week, he�ll see action in this weekend�s game. He did not practice on Wednesday.

*** Friday Night Update � WR Dennis Northcutt (Cle) has been unable to practice all week and will miss this game.� He could still play in week 17.

WR Terry Glenn (GB) should play this weekend despite various minor ailments.

*** Friday Night Update � WR Robert Ferguson (GB) hurt his back during warm-ups before practice on� Friday and was excused from practicing.� He is expected to play on Sunday.

WR Patrick Johnson (Jac) is still not fully recovered from his strained abs. He may not play another down this season.

*** Thursday Night Update � WR Corey Bradford (Hou) is a bit bothered by his foot injury but will play this weekend.

*** Thursday Night Update � WR/KR Jermaine Lewis (Hou) is still hurting from his ankle injury.� It is not yet known if he�ll be able to play this weekend.

*** Friday Night Update � WR/KR Jermaine Lewis (Hou) has been unable to practice all week and does not look like he will play.� He remains a game-time decision.

WR Marc Boerigter (KC) injured his shoulder in last week�s game and may miss this weekend�s game.

*** Thursday Night Update � WR Marc Boerigter (KC) practiced on Thursday and looks to be ready to play this weekend.

WR Dante Hall (KC) sprained his ankle in last week�s game. He says he expects to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Night Update � WR Dante Hall (KC) is expected to practice on Friday and should play this weekend.

*** Friday Night Update � WR Dante Hall (KC) practiced on Friday and will play this weekend.� He is expected to be the third receiver, but could see his number called more than normal after a huge week 15.

WR Jonnie Morton (KC) missed last week�s game with back spasms and may miss this weekend as well.

*** Thursday Night Update � WR Johnnie Morton (KC) experienced back spasms on Wednesday. He missed practice Thursday and will likely miss this weekend�s game.

*** Friday Night Update � WR Johnnie Morton (KC) missed Friday�s practice and remains a game-time decision.� We do not expect him to play.

WR Yo Murphy (KC) has been signed by the team.

*** Thursday Night Update � WR Kelly Campbell (Min) will likely miss this weekend�s game with his toe injury.

WR Deion Branch (NE) has a leg injury and may sit this weekend.

*** Thursday Night Update � WR Deion Branch (NE) did not practice Thursday.

*** Thursday Night Update � WR Joe Horn (NO) is expected to play this weekend with his shoulder injury.

WR Jerome Pathon (NO) has a bruised knee and may miss this weekend�s game.

*** Thursday Night Update � WR Jerome Pathon (NO) did not practice on Wednesday and is not expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Night Update � WR Jerome Pathon (NO) was unable to practice on Friday and is not expected to play on Sunday.

WR Ron Dixon (NYG) has not been placed on IR and could be healed enough to play in the playoffs. Of course, the Giants would need to qualify for them first.

WR Wayne Chrebet (NYJ) should be able to play this weekend despite his neck injury.

*** Thursday Night Update � WR Santana Moss (NYJ) was added to the injury report with an ankle injury but is expected to play this weekend.

WR Hines Ward (Pit) is expected to play this weekend despite his ailing hamstring.

*** Thursday Night Update � WR Hines Ward (Pit) missed practice on Wednesday but is expected to play this weekend.

WR Curtis Conway (SD) is still suffering from his ailing shoulder. His status is not yet known.

*** Thursday Night Update � WR Curtis Conway (SD) practiced Wednesday but did not practice Thursday. Coach Schottenheimer believes Conway�s status to be similar to what it was last week at this time.

*** Friday Night Update � WR Curtis Conway (SD) did not practice on Friday and will be a game-time decision on Sunday.� We believe he will play and the team is just resting him to avoid further injury.

WR Terrell Owens (SF) may sit this weekend to give his injured groin some extra time to heal.

*** Thursday Night Update � WR Terrell Owens (SF) still may or may not play this weekend. Coach Mariucci say he expects Owens to play. If he does, it likely will be just a small portion of the game. We�ll have more on his playing status when it comes to light.

*** Friday Night Update � WR Terrell Owens (SF) skipped Friday�s practice and will be a game-time decision.� We think he may play, but likely only sparingly.� He may be rested fully since the 49ers do not gain any advantage by winning either of their last two games.� Our advice is to sit Terrell Owens this week.

*** Thursday Night Update � WR Bobby Engram (Sea) is still bothered by turf toe. His playing status will not be determined until late in the week.

*** Friday Night Update � WR Bobby Engram (Sea) has been unable to practice this week.� His status will not be known until game-time on Sunday.

WR Darrell Jackson (Sea) will likely miss practice this week due to overall soreness, but the team expects him to play this weekend.

*** Friday Night Update � WR Darrell Jackson (Sea) practiced on Friday and will start as expected.

*** Friday Night Update � WR Koren Robinson (Sea) missed practice on Friday, but is expected to start as usual on Sunday.

Tight Ends in the News

TE Wesley Walls (Car) did not finish last week�s game after re-injuring his sprained foot. The injury could keep him out of this weekend�s game.

*** Thursday Night Update � TE Wesley Walls (Car) was able to remove the temporary boot he wore for his injured foot. He likely will not practice this week but may play this weekend.

*** Friday Night Update � TE Wesley Walls (Car) will be a game-time decision.

TE John Davis (Chi) will not play this weekend.

TE Cam Cleeland (groin) and Daniel Graham (ribs) (NE) are both uncertain for this weekend�s game.

*** Thursday Night Update � TE Cam Cleeland (NE) missed practice on Thursday.

*** Thursday Night Update � TE Daniel Graham (NE) was able to practice on Thursday.

*** Thursday Night Update � TE Roland Williams (Oak) did not practice on Wednesday but is expected to play this weekend.

TE Ernie Conwell (StL) has a thigh injury but could still play this weekend. He is expected to return to practice on Thursday.

TE Frank Wycheck (Ten) lightly sprained his ankle in Monday�s game.

Place Kickers in the News

PK Morten Andersen (KC) is out for the year after being placed on Injured Reserve due to his knee injury. Michael Husted will kick for the team.