FOOTBALL NEWS AND NOTES

Buffalo safety Donte Whitner, the 8th player taken at the 2006 draft and one of the top rookies in the league this fall, faces a harassment charge after an alleged domestic dispute with his girlfriend. Whitner was arraigned on the violation and released on his own recognizance last weekend after he was arrested when police went to his home in response to a fight with a woman.....


Detroit has placed RB Brian Calhoun, the Lions third round pick at the 2006 draft, on injured reserve with a knee injury. Calhoun had played sparingly to date in his rookie season totaling just 19 yards rushing on 7 carries. The Lions, who would have the second pick overall were the 2007 draft held today, also placed DE James Hall on IR.....


Week Ten Practice Reports

Friday November 10, 2006

Sunday

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (5-3) AT MIAMI DOLPHINS (2-6) 1:00 PM EST

CHIEFS

Starting QB Trent Green (head-out) is just doing some limited throwing as he did last week but hasn't gotten cleared to practice yet. Backup QB Damon Huard will continue to start for him and could keep the job the rest of the way if they keep on winning.

Starting ORT Kevin Sampson (foot-questionable) missed practice again Friday and was downgraded to out with backup OT Kyle Turley starting for him again.

Starting G Brian Waters (knee) is expected to miss at least a few weeks with backup OL Chris Bober likely starting for him.

Starting DE Tamba Hali (hip-probable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start.

Starting SLB Derrick Johnson (ankle-questionable) missed practice again Friday was downgraded to out with backup LB Keyaron Fox starting for him.

Starting FS Greg Wesley (shoulder-questionable) practiced again Friday but they want to see how he responds to practicing before giving him the green light to start on Sunday.

Starting SS Sammy Knight (ankle) was added to the injury report as probable Friday after getting hurt at the end of practice but he should be able to start.

DOLPHINS

QB Daunte Culpepper (knee-doubtful) still isn't practicing while he rehabs his surgically repaired knee. Head coach Nick Saban strongly denied a broadcast report about backup QB Cleo Lemon starting this week's game. Veteran QB Joey Harrington remains the starter. Lemon, who has a strong arm and is well thought of by some teams around the league, could get some playing time once the team is officially out of the playoff race.

Backup DEDavid Bowens (hamstring) didn't practice Friday and was added to the injury report as questionable.


HOUSTON TEXANS (2-6) AT JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (5-3) 1:00 PM EST

TEXANS

The club released backup WR/KR Edell Shepherd and signed WR Derrick Lewis off of the practice squad to replace him.

Backup C Drew Hodgdon (back-probable) practiced again Friday and is expected to be available for the game.

Starting OLT Ephraim Salaam (ankle-probable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start.

Starting DE Mario Williams (foot-probable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start. Starting DE Anthony Weaver (knee) was added to the injury report as probable Friday but he practiced and is expected to start.

Backup DT Lional Dalton (ankle) missed practice again Thursday and remains questionable to play.

Backup MLB DaShon Polk (knee) is out.

JAGUARS

The Jaguars still include a season-high 18 players listed on their injury report, although most are expected to play.

Backup QB David Garrard keep the starting job for the foreseeable future. Former starter Byron Leftwich (left ankle-questionable) was downgraded from probable Friday when he was unable even to take any scout team reps.

#3 QB Quinn Gray has backed up Garrard the last two weeks. As we've noted a few times this week, we're told the only way Garrard won't start the rest of the season is if he puts a string of bad games together.

Starting DT Marcus Stroud (right ankle) was downgraded to out from doubtful on Friday. He injured the ankle originally before the season opener, and didn't practice this week, He'll miss his fifth straight game.

Veteran DL Rob Meier, who started the first four games at DE for Reggie Hayward (IR), is now back inside starting in Stroud's place, and backup DE Bobby McCray (hip-probable) starts for Meier. McCray is one of seven players listed as probable but practiced fully each day this week.

Listed as doubtful are starting FB Derrick Wimbush (ankle), backup OL Stockar McDougle (ankle), and backup LB Jorge Cordova (hamstring). None practiced this week.

Wimbush missed last Sunday's game, McDougle will likely miss his fourth straight game this Sunday vs. the Texans and Cordova pulled his hamstring last Sunday. The Jaguars activated FB Rich Alexis off the practice squad last week, but the team also went with a lot of one-back/two tight end formations.

Three starting defenders - SS Donovin Darius (knee), CB Rashean Mathis (hamstring), and DT John Henderson (hamstring) - plus dime back Terry Cousin (groin) and starting TE George Wrighster (back) - are questionable. Darius missed practice Wednesday and Thursday but returned for a full day on Friday. Backup S Gerald Sensabaugh is Darius' backup. Mathis and Henderson worked fully Thursday and Friday after sitting out the previous day's session and are expected to start, as is Darius. Mathis and Henderson both tweaked their respective hamstrings in last week's win and came out after the score became lopsided.

Cousin has missed the last two games but practiced each day this week, while Wrighster was downgraded from probable Friday despite practicing. He was added to the injury report as probable on Thursday when he sat out practice.

Rookie first-rounder Marcedes Lewis has been working his way more into the offense as the season has progressed and veteran Kyle Brady is still an above-average blocker.

Starters RB Fred Taylor (groin), MLB Daryl Smith (hip), rookie WLBClint Ingram (shoulder) and CB Brian Williams (thigh) are five of the six other players listed as probable. All practiced each day this week and Ingram, Smith, and Williams were all added to the injury report Thursday. All are expected to start.

Backup DE Marcellus Wiley (groin) is also listed as probable and he, too, practiced each day this week. He missed a month of action earlier in the season but has played the last two weeks.


SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (6-2) AT CINCINNATI BENGALS (4-4) 1:00 PM EST

CHARGERS

Backup WR Vincent Jackson (leg-probable) practiced again Friday and is expected to play.

Starting DE Igor Olshansky (personal) was removed from the injury report after practicing Friday. With starting DE Luis Castillo (ankle) being downgraded to out on Friday, look Olshansky to start opposite DE Jacques Cesaire on Sunday. Backup DE Derrick Robinson (foot-questionable) returned to practice Friday and should be able to play.

Starting OLB Shaun Phillips (calf-questionable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start.

Starting FS Marlon McCree (calf-questionable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start. Backup S Bhawoh Jue (knee-probable) practiced again Friday and is expected to play.

BENGALS

Starting RB Rudi Johnson (thigh-probable) returned to practice Friday and is expected to start.

#1 WR Chad Johnson complained after last week’s game about not getting the ball enough but it’s not as if the Bengals aren’t trying. Starting QB Carson Palmer has thrown to Johnson 69 times, completing 40 passes and drawing four penalties. Johnson is eight catches behind his eight-game total last season but he’s got 234 fewer yards. Palmer and Johnson have connected on just three of 17 deep (plus-20 yards) pass attempts this season. Johnson had 16 catches of 20 or more yards last season, including 11 of 30 or more yards.

Starting TE Reggie Kelly (back-probable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start.

Starting C Rich Braham (knee) remains out with backup C Eric Ghiaciuc starting again for him.

Starting OLT Levi Jones (knee) remains out with backup OL Andrew Whitworth starting again for him.

Starting ORT Willie Anderson (probable-shoulder) returned to practice Friday and is expected to start.

Starting DT Sam Adams (probable-knee) practiced again Friday and is expected to start.

Starting MLB Brian Simmons (doubtful-neck) and backup S Kevin Kaesviharn (knee-doubtful) missed practice again Friday and aren't expected to play.

Rookie MLB Ahmad Brooks starts for Simmons again and could keep the job once Simmons is healthy.

Starting CB Tory James (knee-probable) practiced again Friday but the team may move first-round pick CB Johnathan Joseph into the starting lineup over him on Sunday.


CLEVELAND BROWNS (2-6) AT ATLANTA FALCONS (5-3) 1:00 PM EST

BROWNS

Starting QB Charlie Frye (thumb) practiced again Friday and is expected to start and was upgraded to probable.

Starting WR Joe Jurevicius (back-questionable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start. #3 WR/PR Dennis Northcutt (back) practiced again Friday and is expected to play.

Starting TE Kellen Winslow (knee-questionable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start.

Starting ORT Ryan Tucker (illness-questionable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start. Backup OT Kelly Butler (wrist) practiced again Friday and is expected to be available and was upgraded to probable.

Starting LG Joe Andruzzi (knee-questionable) returned to practice Friday and is expected to start. He's on a limited practice schedule in order to get him ready to play. Starting LG Cosey Coleman (knee-questionable) returned to practice Friday and is expected to start. Backup OL Lennie Friedman is still expected to see some snaps for either player in the game.

Starting DE Orpheus Roye (hamstring-questionable) was limited again Friday but the feeling is he'll be able to still start.

“I’ve felt pretty good. We’re going to give me one more day to go out there and just keep it warm. I’ll be ready to go," he said Friday.

Roye was inactive last week.

“I probably could have played, but I didn’t want to risk injury. This was just an extra week to get it stronger will let me go out there and play this weekend.”

Backup DL Nick Eason would start again for him if needed.

Starting OLB Willie McGinest (ankle-questionable) returned to practice Friday and is expected to start. Backup OLB Matt Stewart (head-questionable) practiced Friday and is expected to play.

Starting ILB D'Qwell Jackson (ankle) was limited on Friday and was added to the injury report as probable but he's still expected to start. Backup ILB Leon Williams (ankle-questionable) didn't practice Friday and likely won't be able to play.

Starting CB Daven Holly (illness-questionable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start. Starting CB Leigh Bodden (ankle) missed practice again Friday and was downgraded to out. The team is expected to start backup CBRalph Brown for him. Rookie CB Jereme Perry (ankle-questionable) was limited again Friday but he should be able to play. He'll also in be the mix for playing time with Bodden out.

FALCONS

Their depleted secondary got some good news Friday as rookie CB Jimmy Williams (ankle) returned to practice after missing Thursday's session with a sprained ankle suffered earlier in the day in special teams drills. Williams will be called upon to start for CB Jason Webster (torn groin muscle-out), who will miss at least a month of action.

The other starting CB, DeAngelo Hall (hamstring-questionable) sat out practice Friday for the second straight day. If Hall can't play, backup CB Omare Lowe would likely start and backup CB/KR/PR Allen Rossum would assume the nickel role as he did last Sunday in Detroit with backup DB Kevin Mathis (IR-neck) having gone down on the opening kickoff. He also will continue in his roles as the team's punt and kickoff return man.

Besides Mathis, the team also placed starting RG Kynan Forney (right shoulder) on IR. His shoulder popped out of socket three times in the last month and his play was suffering too much to keep him on the field.

Backup OL Tyson Clabo, who has started two of the past three games, will move into Forney's slot. Backup OL P.J. Alexander, who has made his first two NFL starts the last two weeks, will start at LG Sunday for Matt Lehr, whose four-game suspension ends after Sunday's game.

To replace Forney and Mathis on the roster, the team signed veteran free agent SLance Schulters and signed RB Marlion Jackson from their practice squad. Jackson may even be active Sunday, with rookie RB Jerious Norwood (questionable) unable to practice this week due to a grade-1 MCL sprain suffered in Detroit. He'll likely be inactive Sunday since he didn't practice all week.

Six other players are listed as questionable, but all of them practiced Thursday and Friday after sitting out Wednesday's session.

That group includes five starters - TE Alge Crumpler (ankle), DT Grady Jackson (knee), ORT Todd Weiner (knee), WR Ashley Lelie (groin) and MLB Ed Hartwell (knees) - in addition to backup FB Fred McCray (knee).

Hartwell is unlikely to play until he re-gains more effective lateral movement, stemming from late-August scopes on both knees. He played two games in a row but didn't show that he was completely healthy.

Crumpler is expected to start.

And with Hartwell out again, starting WLB Keith Brooking has moved back into the middle and backup LB Demorrio Williams starts at WLB

Jackson's knee is a chronic condition that isn't serious enough to force the veteran to miss any game-time. With his age and weight, Jackson is likely to continue to receive a day or two off from practice as the season wears on.

McCrary has also missed a day or two of practice in recent weeks but is available for game-action.

Starting RDE John Abraham remains out and is expected to miss least a few more weeks, but he is progressing in his recovery from surgery Oct. 24 to repair a tear in a lower abdominal muscle.

Abraham has played in only parts of two games this year and opted for surgery after the injury wasn't showing dramatic improvement.

In his absence, second-year DE Chauncey Davis continues to start and play predominantly on the left side on rushing downs. Starting DE Patrick Kerney has been moving to the right side when Davis in on the field and staying on the left in passing situations.


BALTIMORE RAVENS (6-2) AT TENNESSEE TITANS (2-6) 1:00 PM EST

RAVENS

Backup WR Clarence Moore (abdomen) was added to the injury report as questionable on Friday.

Starting TE Todd Heap (ankle-questionable) practiced Friday and is expected to start.

Starting DT Kelly Gregg (wrist-probable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start.

Starting MLB Ray Lewis (back-questionable) missed practice again Friday and his status now is considered a game-time decision. The team is preparing for backup MLB Mike Smith to start since Lewis didn't practice all week.

Starting SLB Adalius Thomas (neck-probable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start.

Starting FS Ed Reed (neck-questionable) did limited work on Friday but the team believes he'll be able to start.

Backup CB Corey Ivy (abdomen-questionable) did limited work this week but probably will be held out of Sunday's game.

TITANS

Veteran DE Antwan Odom (right knee-out) had his knee scoped Thursday and will miss several more weeks. He was injured in the third quarter Oct. 29, but this injury isn't related to the one on the same knee that forced him to miss the first three games of the campaign.

The Titans believe this is the week starting WR David Givens (thumb-questionable) returns to action after missing the last four games. He's practiced for the last two weeks, but simply wasn't ready to catch the ball in game-action. Backup WR Brandon Jones has started for Givens.

Also questionable is starting SLB David Thornton (shoulder), who saw limited snaps vs. the Jaguars, only playing in nickel and dime situations. He rested Wednesday, but returned for full days of work Thursday and Friday, although Thornton has acknowledged that the injury, a torn tendon in his right rotator cuff, will likely bother him the rest of the season and may require surgery.

With Thornton out in the base defense last week, starting MLB Peter Sirmonmoved to Thornton's spot and rookie LB Stephen Tulloch went in at MLB, a shift that likely will occur at least part of the game this week as well.

#3 WR/KR Bobby Wade (separated left shoulder-questionable) is again listed this week. He was injured Oct. 29 but played in his usual roles last week despite getting minimal practice time leading up to the game. He did practice each day this week with the main issue with him being pain tolerance moving forward.

Starting RG Benji Olson (back-questionable) was added to the injury report on Thursday when he missed practice. The injury isn't expected to force him to miss any game-action, but he also rested Friday. Backup Eugene Amano took Olson's reps the last two days and would start for him if Olson is unable to go vs. the Ravens.

Recently signed free agents TE Ben Hartsock (hamstring-questionable) and DE DeQuincy Scott (foot-questionable) are again both listed as questionable, but Scott practiced with his new teammates for the first time each day this week and could be active Sunday. Hartsock still hasn't begun practicing.

Rounding out the injury report are backups FB/TE Casey Cramer (concussion-questionable) and LB Rob Reynolds (quadriceps-questionable). Neither practiced this week. Reynolds was inactive Sunday while Cramer suffered his concussion vs. the Jaguars.

Starting SS Chris Hope was slowed by a virus earlier in the week but is expected at full-strength Sunday and will start and isn't listed on the injury report.


BUFFALO BILLS (3-5) AT INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (8-0) 1:00 PM EST

BILLS

Starting RB Willis McGahee (ribs) is out for several weeks (at least four and probably more) with backup RB Anthony Thomas starting for him. #3 RB Shaun Williams will back him up. The team doesn't have a third healthy back on their active roster.

Backup WR Josh Reed (kidney) is out with a bruised kidney. Head coach Dick Jauron said backup WRs Roscoe Parrish, Andre Davis, andSam Aiken (probable-hamstring) will all be factors in filling the void. Aiken is clearly the most physical of the three and is expected to take Reed's blocking role in the run game. Aiken practiced all week and is expected to play after missing last week's game.

Backup C Duke Preston (questionable-ankle) returned to practice Friday and is expected to be available for the game.

COLTS

Rookie RB Joseph Addai (wrist-questionable) practiced again Friday and is expected to play.

#3 WR Brandon Stokley (knee-questionable) missed practice again Friday and isn't expected to play.

Backup TE Ben Utecht (lower back) was upgraded to probable after practicing Friday expected to play.

Starting ORT Ryan Diem (calf-questionable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start.

Backup G Ryan Lilja (knee-questionable) practiced again Friday and is expected to play.

Starting DT Montae Reagor (head) is out for several more weeks with backup DT Anthony McFarland starting for him. Backup DT Darrell Reid (broken finger-questionable) practiced Friday and probably will be able to play.

Starting DE Robert Mathis (knee-questionable) returned to practice Friday and is expected to start.

Starting MLB Gary Brackett (hamstring strain-questionable) missed practice again Friday and isn't expected to play. Backup MLB Rob Morris (hamstring-questionable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start for Brackett.

"Rob will do fine. We've won a ton of games with Rob Morris playing and he'll do great. He's the least of our worries," head coach Tony Dungy said Friday.

Backup LB Keith O'Neil (ankle-questionable) missed practice again Friday and isn't expected to play. He's mostly a special teams player. Backup LB Rocky Boiman (concussion) practiced again Friday and was upgraded to probable and is expected to play.

Starting FS Bob Sanders (knee) missed practice again Friday and remains questionable to play.

"What we've talked about is if he's feeling good and ready to go and running well and (secondary coach) Alan (Williams) is satisfied and (director of rehabilitation) Erin (Barill) is satisfied, then he'll go," Dungy said after Friday's practice. "He went through all the walkthroughs, he knows what he's doing. He hasn't had the practice time, but we'll see how he is."

Backup CB/S Marlin Jackson would likely start if he can't play. But if Sanders feels he can play, even without practicing, he'll play.

"That's what I told him. I said if you feel like you felt going to New England, then we want you to play. But I don't want you to play if you're just feeling good," Dungy added. "Hopefully he gets through it and plays and it's a little stronger every week. But we'd like to keep him out rather than having him doing this every week."

Sanders wants to play.

"We're just taking it a day at a time. Right now it's still kind of early to decide whether I'm going to play or not. I really don't know yet. I feel pretty good. I just don't want to beat myself up during the week right now and not be able to play on Sunday."

Backup DB Matt Giordano (calf-questionable) missed practice all week and isn't expected to play.


WASHINGTON REDSKINS (3-5) AT PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (4-4) 1:00 PM EST

REDSKINS

Starting WR Santana Moss (hamstring) practiced again Friday and was upgraded from questionable to probable. They'll want to make sure he doesn't have a setback before the game before giving him the green light.

"He will work out Sunday morning and make a decision then," head coach Joe Gibbs said following Friday's workout. "He looked good today. He has upped it every day. I talked to him for a while this morning. I think he feels good. I thought he looked fine.

"I felt like this week would not go as well as it did. He did gradually more every day. He upped it every day. We will see how he feels on game day."

Moss, who leads the offense with 28 receptions for 435 yards and three touchdowns, participated fully in Thursday's practice after being limited Wednesday. Moss did not play against Dallas last week. He strained his left hamstring in the Oct. 22 loss at Indianapolis.

#3 WR Antwaan Randle El would start again or would share time with him if needed.

Starting WR Brandon Lloyd (hamstring-probable) returned to practice Friday after sitting out Thursday's practice with a groin injury. He is expected to start.

Elsewhere on the injury front, backup WR David Patten (hamstring-probable) practiced again Friday and should be able to play. He was an inactive last week.

Backup TE Christian Fauria (ankle) practiced Friday and was upgraded to probable after missing the previous two days. Fauria was in a walking boot prior to Friday.

"He took pretty much full work. I was surprised that he was able to do that much. He said he wanted to get a good feel for it. He took most of his work. There were a few things in there that he didn't do, but he looked pretty good," Gibbs said.

Starting TE Chris Cooley (shoulder-probable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start.

Starting ORT Jon Jansen (calf-probable) practiced for a second straight day and is expected to start on Sunday.

Starting RCB Carlos Rogers (thumb-probable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start.

Starting LCB Shawn Springs was given the day off, Gibbs said.

"We held Shawn today mainly just to give him a day's rest. There is nothing wrong," Gibbs said.

EAGLES

On the health front, the Eagles had full participation in practice this week of every player on their active roster, including starting WR Donte' Stallworth (hamstring) and nickel CB Rod Hood (heel), who missed significant time during the first half of the season.

"They've done a nice job and they look like they are healthy and ready to go," head coach Andy Reid said. "I think most of the guys that were nicked up a little bit, they are feeling better this week and they should be fine."

Stallworth should be back in the starting lineup alongside starting WR Reggie Brown. Stallworth missed four games with a hamstring injury.

The bye week allowed a number of players to heal a variety of bumps and bruises.

Starting RB Brian Westbrook (knee/ankle-probable) is expected to shoulder much of the load in the backfield. Westbrook suffered an ankle injury in the loss to Jacksonville right before the bye week, but it doesn't appear to be limiting him in anyway. He is expected to start. Meanwhile, his sore knee is feeling as good as it has since early in the season. Westbrook ranks 7th in NFL with 901 scrimmage yards (500 rush, 401 rec.).

Starting CB Lito Sheppard (hand/ankle-probable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start alongside starting CB Sheldon Brown.

Up front, starting DT Mike Patterson (hand-probable) had surgery during the bye week to repair a broken hand he sustained in the Jaguar game.

Meanwhile, Reid would not say whether veteran CB William James (formerlyWill Peterson), added to the roster last week, will suit up Sunday.

"I'll just make that decision," Reid said. "You obviously don't want to put him in a bad situation where he is not comfortable with what is going on around him. He's done a nice job this week and I'll go evaluate the film that he had today and I'll meet with (defensive coordinator) Jim (Johnson) and we'll go from there."

One of five cornerbacks on the roster, James hasn't played in a game since the second week of the '05 season.


GREEN BAY PACKERS (3-5) AT MINNESOTA VIKINGS (4-4) 1:00 PM EST

PACKERS

Starting RB Ahman Green (knee-probable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start. Backup RB Vernand Morency (back-doubtful) missed practice again Friday and isn't expected to play. #3 RB Noah Herron fills in for him again.

Starting FB Brandon Miree (elbow-doubtful) missed practice again Friday and isn't expected to play. Backup FB William Henderson starts again for him.

Starting WR Greg Jennings (questionable-ankle) participated in part of Friday's practice. His status will be decided after Sunday's pre-game warmup.

"I just felt it was smart (for Jennings to stop practicing)," head coach Mike McCarthy said after Friday's practice. "I saw what I needed to see. He felt better than when he started, so we're just being smart. He did team stuff; he just didn't do it all."

Starting TE Bubba Franks (wrist-probable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start.

Starting OLT Chad Clifton (knee/elbow-probable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start.

Backup DT Cullen Jenkins was added to the injury report on Friday as probable due to an ankle injury and missed practice but is expected to play.

"He was sore, so we rested him today," McCarthy said. "But I fully anticipate him going. It was clearly precautionary and came up last minute before practice."

Backup DT Johnny Jolly (ankle-probable) practiced Friday and is expected to be available for the game.

Starting CB Charles Woodson (questionable-knee) returned to practice Friday and is expected to start.

Starting S Nick Collins (probable-kidney) practiced again Friday and is expected to start.

VIKINGS

Starting RB Chester Taylor (calf) practiced some Friday and was upgraded to probable and is expected to start.

Starting FB Tony Richardson (broken thumb) and was upgraded to probable and is expected to start.

#3 Marcus Robinson (lower back) missed practice again Friday and was downgraded to out.

Starting C Matt Birk (neck-probable) practiced some again Friday and is expected to start.

Starting DT Pat Williams (knee-questionable) practiced some again Friday and is expected to start. Starting DT Kevin Williams (ankle-probable) practiced some again Friday and is expected to start.

Starting DE Darrion Scott (ankle) was limited again Friday and remains questionable to play. Backup DE Ray Edwards would start if he can't play.

Starting MLB Napoleon Harris (wrist) was downgraded to out on Friday after not practicing with backup LB Dontarrious Thomas starting again for him again.

Starting CB Fred Smoot's (death in family) status remains up in the air. Head coach Brad Childress said he did not anticipate him returning in time for the team meeting Saturday, since
Smoot's brother's funeral is some time on Saturday. Still, if Smoot can get there some time before the game, they'd like him to start because rookie CB Cedric Griffin is untested. Griffin is an emerging play but I'm sure they'd like to have a veteran to contend with QB Brett Favre.


NEW YORK JETS (4-4) AT NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (6-2) 1:00 PM EST

JETS

Starting QB Chad Pennington (calf-probable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start. Backup QB Patrick Ramsey (thigh-probable) practiced all week and is expected to be available for the game.

Starting FB B.J. Askew (questionable-foot) was limited again Friday but is still expected to start.

Veteran RB Kevan Barlow (calf-probable) practiced again Friday and is expected to play. Backup RB Cedric Houston (knee-questionable) was limited again Friday but the feeling is he'll be able to play.

Starting WR Laveranues Coles (questionable-calf) saw limited practice time again Friday but is expected to start. Backup WR Justin McCareins (questionable-foot) and backup WR/PR Tim Dwight (questionable-thigh) saw limited practice time again Friday. McCareins's status is considered a game-time decision. Dwight is expected to play.

Starting G Pete Kendall (knee-probable) practiced all week and is expected to start.

Backup C Trey Teague (broken ankle) was placed on IR earlier this week.

Backup OLB Matt Chatham (knee-probable) practiced all week and is expected to play.

Veteran CB David Barrett (questionable-hip) saw limited practice time this week and his status is considered a game-time decision. Starting CB Andre Dyson (ankle-probable) practiced all week and is expected to start.

PATRIOTS

Starting QB Tom Brady (right shoulder-probable) practiced again Friday and will start.

Rookie RB Laurence Maroney (ankle-questionable) practiced again Friday and is expected to play.

Starting TE Daniel Graham (ankle) practiced Friday but remains questionable to play.

Starting RG Steve Neal (shoulder) practiced Friday but remains questionable to play. Backup OL Billy Yates started the last two games in his place. Backup OL Russ Hochstein (knee) practiced again Friday but remains questionable to play.

Starting DEs Richard Seymour (elbow-questionable) Ty Warren (wrist-questionable) practiced again Friday and are expected to start.

Starting CB Ellis Hobbs (wrist-questionable) practiced Friday and is expected to start.

Starting SS Rodney Harrison (shoulder-out) should miss at least the next four games. Backup CB Chad Scott replaced him during last week's. Starting FS Eugene Wilson (hamstring-questionable) practiced again Friday. If he can play, they can move backup S Artrell Hawkins into Harrison's spot.

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (3-5) AT DETROIT LIONS (2-6) 1:00 PM EST

49ERS

Starting TE Vernon Davis (leg-doubtful) has been running but missed practice all week and isn't expected to play.. Look for backup TE Eric Johnson to start again for him.

On defense, backup S Chad Williams (quadriceps-probable) practiced again Friday and should be available this weekend after missing last week's game.

Starting CB Walt Harris (hip) practiced Friday and was upgraded from questionable to probable. Look for him to start Sunday. Harris suffered a hip contusion in the win over Minnesota. Nickel CB Sammy Davis would start if needed.

LIONS

Starting DT Shaun Cody (dislocated toe-questionable) didn't do any team drills this week, but got in some individual work, although it's still likely he'll miss at least another game. He's missed the last three contests and was projected to be sidelined 4-6 weeks at the time of his injury.

"We're going to wait until Sunday, see how he's doing," said head coach Rod Marinelli of Cody. "I think he's average right now, but we'll see."

Also up front, the other starting tackle, Shaun Rogers, remains under suspension until Thanksgiving. Backup DT Marcus Bell now starts alongside starting DE Cory Redding, who has moved inside. With Redding inside, backup DE Kalimba Edwards starts for Redding.

Edwards' production level (two sacks) has been questioned after he received a lucrative long-term contract in the off-season.

"I feel really good about him," said Marinelli. "I call him close, but no cigars. He's been draping off that guy a few times, so we need him to play big and I believe he's going to do that."

Rogers had his knee scoped after being suspended, so when he returns to the team on Nov. 20, he'll be evaluated. His status is unknown until then and the Lions play three days later on Thanksgiving Day.

Backups OL Blaine Saipaia (chest-questionable) and FB Sean McHugh (knee-questionable) both missed practice each day this week. McHugh made his first career start last week for starting FB Cory Schlesinger (hamstring), who is back practicing at full-speed this week and should be in the lineup Sunday.

Starting ORT Rex Tucker (knee) was removed from the injury report on Friday when he re-joined practice. He was added as probable Thursday when he rested his knee. He practiced fully Wednesday and had missed most of the season until returning to the starting lineup last week. Veteran OL Barry Stokes, who is now starting at RG for Damien Woody (foot-IR), started predominantly for Tucker while he was out.


DENVER BRONCOS (6-2) AT OAKLAND RAIDERS (2-6) 4:05 PM EST

BRONCOS

Starting RB Tatum Bell (turf toes-probable) practiced again Friday and was upgraded to probable and the feeling is that he'll be able to play this week. He was listed as probable last week but didn't play but that actually helped him as his feet are feeling better this week. The plan is to work him out before Sunday's game to determine his final status. Rookie RB Mike Bell, whether Tatum Bell plays or not, should receive at least half of the carries. #3 RB Cedric Cobbs (ankle-probable) practiced again Friday and is expected to be available for the game. If Tatum Bell is active for the game, they'll likely have Cobbs inactive with backup FB Cecil Sapp acting as the third RB.

Starting FB Kyle Johnson (ankle) practiced again Friday and is expected to start and was upgraded to probable.

Starting WR Rod Smith (shoulder separation) practiced again Friday and is expected to start and was upgraded to probable.

Starting DT Gerard Warren (toe-probable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start.

Starting DE Ebenezer Ekuban (thigh) missed practice again Friday and was downgraded to doubtful. Look for backup DE John Engleberger to start for him. DE Patrick Chukwurah (hamstring-doubtful) missed practice again Friday and isn't expected to play.

Starting WLB Ian Gold (hamstring) missed practice again Friday and was downgraded to doubtful and isn't expected to play. Backup LB Nate Webster will likely start for him.

Starting MLB Al Wilson (concussion) practiced again Friday and is expected to start and was upgraded to probable.

Starting CB Darrent Williams (shoulder) practiced again Friday and is expected to start and was upgraded to probable.

Starting FS John Lynch (concussion) practiced again Friday and is expected to start and was upgraded to probable.

Starting SS Nick Ferguson (concussion) practiced again Friday and is expected to start and was upgraded to probable.

Backup S Sam Brandon (knee) will miss the rest of the season.

RAIDERS

Starting QB Aaron Brooks (right shoulder-questionable) could dress for the game but backup QB Andrew Walter remains the starter.

Starting RB LaMont Jordan (back-probable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start. Backup RB Justin Fargas (shoulder-probable) practiced again Friday and is expected to play.

Starting FB Zack Crockett (knee-questionable) practiced Friday and is expected to start.

Starting G Barry Sims (abdomen-questionable) missed practice again Friday and isn't expected to play with backup OL Corey Hulsey starting again for him.

Starting OLT Robert Gallery (groin) was added to the injury report as probable on Friday but is still expected to start.

Starting SS Michael Huff (concussion-probable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start.


ST. LOUIS RAMS (4-4) AT SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (5-3) 4:15 PM EST

RAMS

Starting WLB Pisa Tinoisamoa (hand-questionable) has missed two games with a broken hand but he practiced all week and will return to the starting lineup.

“Pisa looks fine,” said head coach Scott Linehan after Friday's practice. “I think there’ll be no reason he won’t start based on all week. We got everything in and he looks just fine. Unless something changes between now and then, or in pregame warm-up or something like that, he’ll probably start the game. (Backup RB) Kay-Jay Harris will probably be active this week just so we have a third back. So he’ll be active on teams. We haven’t made a decision between (backup DE Tony) Bryant and (backup DE Brandon) Green. We’ll make that decision as a staff prior to Sunday. We’re still evaluating some of our personnel groups defensively. Both of them had a good week in practice though. All the other guys on the injury report were fine today, so they won’t be an issue.”

Backup S Jerome Carter (elbow), backup LB Isaiah Kacyvenski (hip) and starting DE Leonard Little (knee) all practiced again Friday and are listed as probable and will be available in their normal roles.

SEAHAWKS

Starting QB Matt Hasselbeck (knee-doubtful) did some limited work Friday (7-on-7) but won't play but he's on target for playing next week.

"We're thinking he can play next week. So this is a good start. The test for him will be how he feels tomorrow," head coach Mike Holmgren said after Friday's practice.

Backup QB Seneca Wallace will continue to start for him.

Starting RB Shaun Alexander (foot-doubtful) did some light running and cutting on Thursday and rested on Friday. Holmgren said Alexander came out of Thursday's brief workout well. Backup RB Maurice Morris continues to fill in.

Backup FB Josh Parry (foot) is out.

#3 WR Bobby Engram (illness-questionable) practiced some Friday but will be held out of Sunday's game. While there was some optimism that he would be ready to play next week, Holmgren couldn't say for sure Friday when exactly Engram will be able to play. Backup WR D.J. Hackett is filling in. #5 WRNate Burleson (foot-questionable) practiced Friday but his status will be decided on Sunday.

Starting ORT Sean Locklear (ankle-doubtful) missed practice again Friday and won't be able to play with backup OL Tom Ashworth filling in again.

Starting C Robbie Tobeck (elbow-probable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start.

Backup DT Marcus Tubbs (knee) is out.

Backup WLB D.D. Lewis (toe) is out.

Starting SS Jordan Babineaux (shoulder) was limited Friday and his status will be decided on Sunday. Former starting SS Michael Boulware would start if needed.


DALLAS COWBOYS (4-4) AT ARIZONA CARDINALS (1-7) 4:15 PM EST

COWBOYS

Starting WR Terry Glenn (quadriceps) pulled himself out of practice on Friday. We're told Glenn is having problems with the lining of his knee not a bone on bone problem as others suggest. The team is calling his status a game-time decision. If Glenn can't play, rookie WR Sam Hurd would likely open up the game as the starter but look for #3 WR Patrick Crayton to rotate with him.

Hurd was signed as an undrafted free agent and has good size but questionable hands. Crayton, while known as a possession receiver, is excellent with running after the catch and is headed for career highs this season in catches, yards, and TDs.

CARDINALS

Starting WR Larry Fitzgerald (hamstring-probable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start. The coaching staff will monitor him through out the game to see how he feels but the don't want to over work him in his first game back. He still should see more than half of the offensive snaps though.

#4 WR/PR Troy Walters (hand/wrist-probable) was limited in practice the last two days but is expected to play. Backup WR Bryant Johnson backs him up as a punt returner.

Starting FB Obafemi Ayanbadejo (fibula-doubtful) did limited work Friday but isn't expected to play. Backup FB A.J. Schable is expected to start for him.


NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (6-2) AT PITTSBURGH STEELERS (2-6) 4:15 PM EST

SAINTS

Rookie RB Reggie Bush (left ankle) is listed as probable, stemming from his aggravation of his sprained left ankle on Oct. 29. He practiced most of last week and was unhindered in the win over Tampa and also practiced fully this week.

Starting WR Joe Horn (groin) missed practice Wednesday, was able to practice Thursday, but was very limited on Friday and was downgraded to doubtful making it unlikely that he'll be able to play for the second straight week. Look for #3 WR Devery Henderson to fill in again for him with #3 WR Terrance Copper seeing a few snaps as well in Horn's place.

Starting OLT Jammal Brown (sprained left ankle-questionable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start..

Rookie OL Zach Strief (dislocated right ring finger-probable) made his first NFL appearance in starting for Brown. He dislocated his right ring finger two weeks ago but isn't listed this week.

Starting CB Fred Thomas (hamstring-questionable) missed practice all week. He spent two days last week listed as questionable as well but practiced each day last week. His status is considered a game day decision. Backup CB Jason Craft (concussion) is Thomas' backup. He sustained a concussion vs. Tampa Bay just before halftime and did not return but practiced fully this week and isn't listed on the injury report.

Backup TE Nate Lawrie (back-questionable) also missed practice each day this week and likely will miss his second straight game. He had moved up a place in the TE rotation since starting TE Ernie Conwell (right knee-out) was injured Oct. 15 vs. Philadelphia. Conwell underwent surgery three days later to repair a medial meniscus tear and was slated to miss 4-6 weeks. Backup TE Mark Campbell starts for him.

STEELERS

Starting ILB Larry Foote (ribs), backup RB Najeh Davenport (knee), starting OLB Clark Haggans (groin), backup WR Sean Morey (toe), starting SS Troy Polamalu (foot), starting CB Deshea Townsend (quadriceps) all are listed as probable and practiced again on Friday and are expected to be available in their normal roles for Sunday.

Starting C Jeff Hartings (knee) missed practice again Friday and was downgraded to out. Backup C Chukky Okobi starts for him again.

Starting ILB James Farrior (groin) returned to practice Friday and is expected to start and was upgraded to probable. Backup ILB Rian Wallace would likely start if needed. Backup ILB Clint Kriewaldt (back) was downgraded to out from doubtful.

Backup OLB James Harrison (ankle) remains out.


CHICAGO BEARS (7-1) AT NEW YORK GIANTS (6-2) 8:15 PM EST

BEARS

The injury news has gotten more positive as the week progressed at Halas Hall. Starting MLB Brian Urlacher (sprained left big toe-questionable) practiced Friday for the first time this week and appears on track to start Sunday night if no additional setbacks occur. Head coach Lovie Smith remained as non-committal Friday as he's been throughout the week.

"Does that ensure he's a go. No, it just means he practiced today. So I can stay right in the middle of the pack, he was OK today."

If Urlacher can't play, or needs to be spelled, it's likely the team would move starting SLB Hunter Hillenmeyer into the middle and backup LB Rod Wilson could go in at strong-side.

Starting WR/KR Bernard Berrian (bruised ribs) was confined to mostly running on Friday, which he couldn't do at the beginning of the practice week, and he was upgraded from doubtful to questionable. Though Friday's session didn't include contact, it's a positive sign that Berrian was upgraded and that he has reported less pain and discomfort each day this week, but is still a long shot to be active.

"Improvement is being made, but it would take a lot for him to play," said Smith.

On Monday it was estimated that Berrian could miss up to a month, but his rapid recovery has made an earlier return seem possible.

His presence is a key to the Bears' vertical passing game that has been so successful this year.

If Berrian can't play, #3 WR Rashied Davis would see time in Berrian's spot along with backup WRs Mark Bradley and Justin Gage. There's been no indication yet who exactly would start if Berrian can't play.

Starting WR Muhsin Muhammad (knee) was listed as probable Wednesday, but was removed from the injury report Thursday after practicing for a second straight day and is expected to start. He also practiced fully Friday.

Dime back Dante Wesley (bruised left knee and thigh) didn't practice this week and officially remains questionable to play..

Backup FS Chris Harris (quadriceps) has missed the last five games, but should be available this week. He re-joined practice last Friday.

"It's been very frustrating not to get out there on the field, especially with the team having the success and not actually really being able to be a part of it," said Harris. "I have to try to stay within myself and try not to do too much. But I'm excited to get back on the field and hope that my play will show it."

GIANTS

Starting FB Jim Finn (knee-probable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start.

Backup WR Sinorice Moss (quadriceps-questionable) practiced again Friday.

"He’s working at it, he’s working at it (returning to playing). He practiced two days this week. He’s improved each time he’s practiced," head coach Tom Coughlin said after Friday's practice.

Starting WR Plaxico Burress (back spasms-questionable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start unless he has a setback before the game. He was moving well during and after practice.

Starting WR Amani Toomer (knee) hasn't been placed on IR yet but will miss the rest of the season with #3 WR Tim Carter expected to start for him.

Defensively, starting DE Michael Strahan (foot) is out two to eight weeks although he's moving around well. Since backup DE Justin Tuck (foot-questionable) missed practice all week and likely won't play, it's likely that backup DE Adrian Awasom will make his first pro start. He was signed off of the practice squad recently. Starting DE Osi Umenyiora (hip flexor-doubtful) missed practice all week so rookie DE Mathias Kiwanuka makes his third start in place of Umenyiora.

Starting SLB Carlos Emmons (groin-questionable) returned to practice Friday and should be able to start. Backup SLB Reggie Torbor worked in his spot previously.

Starting WLB Brandon Short (quadriceps-questionable) missed his third straight practice on Friday and isn't expected to play. Rookie WLB Gerris Wilkinson should start again for him.

Starting CB Sam Madison (hamstring-questionable) practiced again Friday and is expected to start.


Monday

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (2-6) AT CAROLINA PANTHERS (4-4) 8:35 PM EST

BUCCANEERS

Backup RB/KR Michael Pittman (shoulder-questionable) returned to practice Friday after missing Thursday's workout.

"He's still a little bit questionable for the game," head coach Jon Gruden said after Friday's practice.

Starting DT Ellis Wyms (ankle-questionable), starting DE Simeon Rice (shoulder-questionable), starting MLB Shelton Quarles (knee-questionable), and starting LCB Juran Bolden (hip-questionable) all missed practice for a second straight day.

All four have been able to play through their injuries. Fortunately, the team still has one more practice left.

Said Gruden when asked about Rice's condition: "He's struggling with this injury, but he's finding a way to play. We hoped to get him on the practice field, but he's a sore man."

Backup DT Jon Bradley worked in place of Wyms in practice and is available if needed. Backup DE Dewayne White is an option at end. Backup LB Barrett Ruud is the backup to Quarles.

PANTHERS

Former starting C Justin Hartwig (groin-doubtful) missed practice again Friday and isn't expected to play.

Backup DT Jordan Carstens (chest) is out for several weeks.

Starting CB Ken Lucas (groin-questionable) practiced again Friday and should be able to play but rookie CB Richard Marshall may start for him since Lucas isn't 100 percent.