Quarterbacks in the News QB Michael Vick (Atl) has been upgraded to probable on the injury report. After a pain-free practice on Wednesday, Vick believes himself to be ready to start this Sunday. *** Friday Night Update - QB Michael Vick (Atl) practiced on Thursday and will start. QB Rodney Peete (Car) suffered a concussion against Dallas and was diagnosed with a torn meniscus (which required surgery). He will be out 3 to 6 weeks and be replaced by Chris Weinke. QB Jim Miller (Chi) is questionable on the injury report with elbow and shoulder tendonitis (which has been hurting him for several weeks). He did not practice Wednesday or Thursday. Chris Chandler will start if Miller can't go (in what is shaping up to be a game day decision). For the record, Miller says he expects to play, but Chandler has been taking all of the first team snaps. *** Friday Night Update - ESPN is stating that QB Chris Chandler (Chi) will start on Sunday. Jim Miller was unable to get through stretching on Friday and that led to the decision. *** Saturday Night Update - QB Jim Miller (Chi) has made great progress, but he will be the #2 QB this week behin Chris Chandler since he was unable to practice. Jim Miller was upgraded on the Friday injury report to probable. QB Jon Kitna (Cin) will continue as the Bengals starter when Cincinnati comes off their bye week. QB Kelly Holcomb (Cle) is still out with a broken leg. QB Mark Brunell (Jac) suffered a concussion against Tennessee and is listed as questionable. Brunell has stated that he has improved and figures on playing against Baltimore. *** Saturday Night Update - QB Mark Brunell (Jac) practiced on Friday and is expected to start on Sunday. QB Trent Green (KC) tweaked an ankle against San Diego but finished the game. He is probable on the injury report but Dick Vermeil put his chances of playing this week at 60-40. Todd Collins is receiving extra work in practice and will start if Green is unable to go. Green did see the practice field on Thursday and says he will play this Sunday. *** Friday Night Update - QB Trent Green (KC) took snaps on Friday and is expected to start on Sunday. *** Saturday Night Update - According to HC Dick Vermeil, QB Trent Green (KC) will start on Sunday. QB Jay Fiedler (Mia) broke his right (throwing hand) thumb against Denver. He will be out 6 to 8 weeks and will be replaced by Ray Lucas. QB Kurt Warner (StL) is still out with a broken finger. Marc Bulger will continue to start in his place. QB Steve McNair (Ten) did not practice Wednesday due to his ever present back stiffness. He'll also be able to rest over the bye week. QB Patrick Ramsey (Was) will continue as the starting QB despite looking very much like a rookie at times against New Orleans (4 INTs). QB Danny Wuerffel (Was) is doubtful on the injury report. /*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/* Running Backs in the News RB Damien Anderson (Ari) will be ready to go if Jones and Shipp are unable. RB Thomas Jones (Ari) has been upgraded to probable on the injury report but was unable to practice Wednesday. His playing status is still up in the air. *** Friday Night Update - RB Thomas Jones (Ari) and Marcel Shipp have improved through the week and are both likely to see some time this week. No starter has yet been named. *** Saturday Night Update - RB Thomas Jones (Ari) will start, but Marcel Shipp is also expected to get some carries. Damien Anderson could be deactivated. RB Marcel Shipp (Ari) has been upgraded to questionable on the injury report. He was able to run on Monday, did not practice Wednesday, but was able to go Thursday. His playing status is largely unknown. *** Friday Night Update - FB Joel Makovicka (Ari) returned to practice Thursday and is expected to play on Sunday. He appears on the injury report as questionable with an injured hamstring. RB Jamal Lewis (Bal) played last week on AstroTurf for the first time since his knee injury from a year ago. RB Shawn Bryson (Buf) is out after knee surgery. *** Friday Night Update - RB Shawn Bryson was placed on injured reserve and is lost for the season. Sammy Morris is now the backup to Travis Henry. RB DeShaun Foster (Car) is still listed as out on the injury report. He is rounding into shape and actually wore pads for a good part of practice on Wednesday. The Panthers have stated they will wait until a grass game to put Foster on the field. *** Friday Night Update - The Carolina Panthers are targeting October 27th as the return date for RB DeShaun Foster (Car). RB Anthony Thomas (Chi) helped pull a man from a burning car. What a way to spend a bye week. Thanks go to Thomas for giving us some good off-the-field news. RB Corey Dillon (Cin) is obviously frustrated with the state of Bengals football. On Monday, he stated "They better get it right or at the end of this season I've got a surprise for them." He also added, "I'm sick of this crap, period." This is probably just a talented player boiling over with frustration, but it's something to make note of in a dynasty league. RB Emmitt Smith (Dal) is 175 yards away from becoming the NFL's All-Time leading rusher. Unfortunately, this means we have to keep hearing about it for a bunch more weeks as he is only averaging 14 carries a game. FB Cory Schlesinger (Det) was able to practice on Friday. He appears on the injury report as questionable with an injured back. RB Najeh Davenport (GB) experienced tightness in his hamstring before the New England game. He was inactive for the game and is listed as questionable. He did not practice Thursday. *** Friday Night Update - RB Mike Cloud (KC) has been downgraded to questionable on the injury report. He has an injured foot. RB Charlie Garner (Oak) was able to go last week with his ailing hamstring and did not have significant soreness afterward. He is listed as probable this week. *** Friday Night Update - RB Charlie Garner (Oak) was able to practice this week and will start as expected. RB Tyrone Wheatley (Oak) was a late addition to the injury report. He is questionable with an ailing hamstring. He must have pulled it with his one carry for -1 yards last week. RB Jerome Bettis (Pit) is listed as probably on the injury report. He did sit out on Wednesday to rest his knee. *** Friday Night Update - RB Jerome Bettis (Pit) returned to practice on Thursday and is expected to start on Monday. RB Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala (Pit) is listed as questionable on the injury report but was able to practice on Wednesday. RB Terrell Fletcher (SD) is listed as questionable on the injury report but was able to practice on Wednesday. RB Terry Jackson (SF) tore his ACL and is out for the year. FB Chris Hetherington (StL) suffered a groin injury against Oakland and is doubtful this week. FB James Hodgins (StL) is targeting a Week 9 return. RB Shaun Alexander (Sea) is listed as questionable on the injury report. He did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday. *** Friday Night Update - RB Shaun Alexander (Sea) was held out of practice on Friday, but both he and coach Holmgren stated that he would start as expected. *** Saturday Night Update - The decision on whether RB Shaun Alexander (Sea) starts will be made about an hour before the game. Right now I would say he has an 80% chance of starting. RB Michael Pittman (TB) remains the starting RB while Mike Alstott is still the starting FB. Coach Jon Gruden maintains both have their role and Alstott will move to the RB spot in the one-back sets. FB Greg Comella (Ten) injured his right shoulder against Jacksonville. He was expected to miss at least a month, but (after a negative MRI) he could possibly return in Week 8 (after the Titans bye week). RB Eddie George (Ten) suffered a slight concussion against Jacksonville. He will be able to rest this week during the Tennessee bye. RB Robert Holcombe (Ten) is not close to returning from a cracked hip as he is still on crutches. /*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/* Wide Receivers in the News WR David Boston (Ari) is listed as probable on the injury report but was able to practice Wednesday and Thursday. He will likely be bothered all season by his Lis Franc foot sprain but said the injury felt much better this week. *** Friday Night Update - WR David Boston (Ari) practiced on Friday and will start as expected. WR Shawn Jefferson (Atl) will start Sunday over Willie Jackson. WR Brandon Stokley (Bal) is listed as questionable but was able to practice on Wednesday. *** Friday Night Update - WR Brandon Stokley (Bal) was upgraded to probable and is expected to start this week. He practiced fully on Thursday. *** Friday Night Update - WR Eric Moulds missed Friday's practice because of back pain. He was added to the injury report as probable. He is expected to start on Sunday as usual. WR Isaac Byrd (Car) is listed as questionable on the injury report. He didn't practice Wednesday and is day-to-day. WR Muhsin Muhammad (Car) is listed as probable with his hamstring injury. *** Friday Night Update - WR Muhsin Muhammad (Car) was able to practice Thursday and is expected to start as usual. WR Steve Smith (Car) suffered bruised ribs while returning a kick against Dallas and is questionable on the injury report. However, Smith did practice on Wednesday and is expected to play this week. *** Friday Night Update - WR Steve Smith (Car) practiced on Thursday and will start as expected. WR David Terrell (Chi) is still out. *** Friday Night Update - WR Marcus Robinson (Chi) was removed from the friday injury report. WR Germane Crowell (Det) practiced for the first time Monday. His playing status is unknown, but there is actually a chance of him returning this Sunday (for around a dozen snaps). *** Friday Night Update - WR Germane Crowell (Det) woke up with swelling which likely rules him out for returning this week. *** Saturday Night Update - WR Germane Crowell (Det) was taken off the PUP list and is now on the team's active roster. He is not expected to play this week, but should be available Week 8. WR Bill Schroeder (Det) shows up as usual on the injury report as questionable with an ankle injury (which is odd because he left the Minnesota game with what looked like a hamstring injury). He likely will sit this week. *** Friday Night Update - WR Bill Schroeder (Det) remains very questionable and will be a game time decision. WR Javon Walker (GB) has a sprained ankle but should still play against Washington. WR Marc Boerigter (KC) tweaked his knee against San Diego and is questionable on the injury report. However, the team does expect him to play on Sunday. WR Marvin Minnis (KC) is trying to return from a broken bone in his foot. In the next three weeks, the Chiefs will either activate him or have him remain on the PUP list for the rest of the season. WR Chris Chambers (Mia) suffered a concussion from a helmet-to-helmet hit from Kenoy Kennedy. Chambers was discharged from the hospital Tuesday after recovering from the hit. He ran a few patterns on Wednesday but is still not 100%. Chambers is questionable on the injury report. *** Friday Night Update - WR Chris Chambers (Mia) practiced on a limited basis on Friday. He may play, but will likely be WR #3. He remains a gametime decision. WR Oronde Gadsden (Mia) suffered a ruptured ligament in his wrist against Denver and is listed as questionable on the injury report. He needs surgery. If he has it now, he'll be out for the season. If he waits, he'll play with a brace and also risk further injury. Dedric Ward will start in his place. *** Friday Night Update - WR Oronde Gadsden (Mia) will not play this week. No decision has been made yet whether he will undergo season ending surgery on his wrist. *** Saturday Night Update - WR Oronde Gadsden (Mia) will have surgery on his wrist and is gone for the season. The team signed free agent WR Cris Carter to replace Gadsden. WR James McKnight (Mia) suffered a back bruise against Denver and is listed as probable on the injury report. McKnight will likely start this week for Chambers. *** Friday Night Update - WR James McKnight and Dedric Ward are expected to start at WR this week. The Dolphins will bring in the following WRs for workouts on Friday: Chris Jackson, Sean Dawkins, Chris Sanders, Reidel Anthony, and Chris Coleman. WRs they say do not interest them include Cris Carter and Albert Connell. *** Saturday Night Update - WR Cris Carter has agreed to terms with the Miami Dolphins. He is expected to replace the injured Oronde Gadsden in the lineup. WR Derrick Alexander (Min) may not start this week. Coach Mike Tice says he hasn't decided who will hold the #2 WR job, but he's leaning toward D'Wayne Bates this week. WR Donte Stallworth (NO) is still hobbled with a hamstring injury and is listed as doubtful on the injury report. However, he did run on Wednesday. *** Friday Night Update - WR Dante Stallworth (NO) was able to take some snaps with the first unit in Thursday's practice. His playing status will be a game time decision. WR Wayne Chrebet (NYJ) has been upgraded to probable on the injury report. *** Friday Night Update - WR Wayne Chrebet (NYJ) will start opposite of Laveranues Coles this weekend. WR Terrell Owens (SF) is suffering from writer's cramp, but is not listed on the injury report. WR JJ Stokes (SF) did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday and is listed as questionable on the injury report. He likely will not play this week. *** Friday Night Update - WR JJ Stokes (SF) was downgraded to doubtful and is not expected to play this week. Tai Streets will start again in his place. WR Darrell Jackson (Sea) is listed as questionable on the injury report. He did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday. *** Friday Night Update - WR Darrell Jackson (Sea) is expected to start on Sunday despite missing practices this week. WR Derrick Mason (Ten) may be able to return after this week's bye. WR Rod Gardner (Was) has been demoted to the team's 3rd WR (behind Derrius Thompson and Chris Doering). Kevin Lockett will be the #4 WR. Confused by the move? So is Gardner (who, by the way, is Washington's leading receiver this season). /*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/* Tight Ends in the News TE Todd Heap (Bal) has been upgraded to probable on the injury report and should play this weekend. TE Dave Moore (Buf) is listed as questionable on the injury report. He will likely be a game-time decision. *** Friday Night Update - TE Dave Moore (Buf) was able to practice on Thursday and is expected to play on Sunday. TE Wesley Walls (Car) is doubtful on the injury report. He didn't practice Wednesday but did see action on Thursday. Coach John Fox expects Walls to play this weekend. *** Friday Night Update - TE Wesley Walls (Car) was upgraded to probable on the injury report and is expected to start as usual. TE Fred Baxter (Chi) is questionable with an ankle injury. *** Friday Night Update - TE Fred Baxter (Chi) was upgraded to probable on the injury report and is expected to play this week. TE Mikhael Ricks (Det) suffered a groin injury against Minnesota and is questionable this week. He likely will not be on the field. *** Friday Night Update - TE Mikhael Ricks (Det) was unable to practice and remains very questionable to play this week. This will be a game-time decision. TE Bubba Franks (GB) did not practice Wednesday and is listed as probable on the injury report. *** Friday Night Update - TE Bubba Franks (GB) returned to practice and is expected to start as usual. TE Jeremy Shockey (NYG) may have ligament damage in his big toe. However, the team is saying it is turf toe, and they expect Shockey to be able to return after the Giants bye week. TE Stephen Alexander (SD) is listed as questionable on the injury report. He did not practice on Wednesday. TE Josh Norman (SD) suffered a calf injury against Kansas City and is out this week against Oakland. TE Itula Mili (Sea) is listed as questionable on the injury report. He was able to practice on Thursday. TE Jerramy Stevens (Sea) is listed as doubtful on the injury report. He is not expected to play. TE Frank Wycheck (Ten) suffered a neck sprain against Jacksonville and will rest during the Titans bye week. TE Zeron Flemister (Was) is probable on the injury report. /*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/* Place Kickers in the News PK Morten Andersen (KC) kicked last week but is still listed as probable with a hamstring on the injury report as he is still not 100%. Michael Husted will once again kick off for the Chiefs.