Broncos: Walker back at practice, may play Sunday
Broncos wide receiver Javon Walker returned to the practice field on Wednesday, and may be healthy enough to play on Sunday in Soldier Field. Walker has missed eight games straight with an injured right knee. Coach Mike Shanahan told reporters, "If there are no setbacks, he should be ready to go."
Saints: Bush will be ready for Sunday
Saints running back Reggie Bush sat out of parts of Wednesday's practice, but is probable for Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers. Bush has been sidelined with a bruised shin and a nagging ankle injury. According to coach Sean Payton, "It's something we'll be able to work through."
Seahawks: Alexander out again
Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren announced on Wednesday that starting running back Shaun Alexander will miss this Sunday's game against the Rams. Alexander has missed the last two games with a sprained knee. Holmgren also stated that Alexander would not be able to play until he makes it through a full week of practice.
Steelers: Holmes unlikely for Monday
Santonio Holmes (ankle) is unlikely to play Monday against Miami. For now, the Steelers are listing him as doubtful.
Tennessee Titans add former Oakland receiver Mike Williams
November 22, 2007
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -The Tennessee Titans added wide receiver Mike Williams to the roster and he joined them in time for practice Thursday.
This is the third NFL team for Williams, the 10th pick in the 2005 draft by Detroit. The Lions traded Williams to Oakland earlier this season, but the Raiders released him Oct. 30, two days after Williams dropped a late third-down pass in a loss to Tennessee.
The Titans are familiar with Williams because of offensive coordinator Norm Chow, who coached him at Southern California.
The Titans have needed help at receiver all season. They lost out to New England in a free agency chase for Donte' Stallworth, and they had at least four dropped passes in Monday night's 34-20 loss to Denver.
The Titans had two roster spots open after releasing linebacker LeVar Woods last week, and rookie running back Chris Henry started serving his four game suspension Wednesday.
The Titans signed Chris Barclay off Cleveland's practice squad for the final roster spot.
Steve Smith expected to make return against Saints
CHARLOTTE — Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith returned to the practice field Wednesday and is expected to start this week against the New Orleans Saints.
Smith missed last week’s game with a shin injury, but participated in all of Wednesday’s practice.
“I’m getting better,” Smith said. “Sore a little bit, nicked up. If I’m able to go, I’ll go. If I’m not able to go, I can’t go.”
Clearly, coach John Fox is counting on Smith this week in a must-win game.
“I think he was close last week,” Fox said. “But going in with the (limited) numbers of receivers you do and if all of a sudden a guy gets out there and he can’t go during the course of a game, you can’t say, ‘Whoops, we want to bring this guy up now.’ So I think he did what he thought was best for the team. Thankfully we got him back this week.”
www.gastongazette.com
Hardwick might return against Ravens
It appears this will be the week Nick Hardwick returns to the Chargers' starting lineup.
The Pro Bowl center yesterday went through his most extensive practice since suffering a sprained foot Oct. 14 against Oakland. His reps were limited, but “he moved around pretty good,” coach Norv Turner said.
Assuming Hardwick feels OK today, the plan is to increase his practice time and, the Chargers hope, have him play Sunday against Baltimore at Qualcomm Stadium.
“I'm optimistic,” Turner said, “but until we see how he feels (today), I'll just hold off a little bit.”
Quarterback Philip Rivers said veteran Cory Withrow did “a nice job” in place of Hardwick. But it's a rare team that doesn't miss a Pro Bowl player.
Added Rivers: “(Hardwick) brings more than his ability to block to the position. He brings an excitement, a toughness, a meanness to the team. When he's out there it seems to raise the level of everybody around him. I didn't talk to him much after practice, but I think he felt pretty good. That was a good sign. It'll be good to have him back out there.”
Withrow wasn't the only backup lineman to see action against Jacksonville. Jeromey Clary, who started at right tackle earlier this year at Green Bay, got some time at guard and tackle in place of Mike Goff and Shane Olivea. Turner said he was just getting Clary some work while giving Goff and Olivea a break. There are no plans to start Clary, Turner said.
www.signonsandiego.com
Faulk OK after concussion; may play Sunday
FOXBORO — New England Patriots’ running back Kevin Faulk was back at practice yesterday, three days after suffering a first-half concussion against the Buffalo Bills.
Yesterday, Faulk said he didn’t know if he’d play this week against the Eagles, but that he wanted to be out on the field with his teammates as they try to up their record to 11-0.
If he isn’t given the green light to play, however, Faulk won’t be upset: “You can’t be mad about it because it’s your health.”
When the Patriots released their participation/injury report yesterday, Faulk was not listed.
Faulk has been through numerous tests since suffering the concussion, he said, including at halftime, after the game, and in the days since. The veteran running back said he has passed each one.
He told reporters that he remembers the game in Buffalo, and can recall what happened immediately before he got hit by Bills safety Donte Whitner.
With more and more retired players speaking out about the effects that multiple concussions have had on them, the NFL held a “concussion summit” in the off-season and implement an anonymous “whistle-blower” system to report when doctors are pressured to clear players who may not be ready to return to the field, and for players to report when they feel they’re being pressured to play.
Faulk indicated that the tests he’s undergone after this concussion are different than in the past.
“People don’t know the process we go through now after a concussion, especially because of former players,” he said.
According to a news release from the NFL in August, players should be “completely asymptomatic and have normal neurological test results before returning to play,” and a pamphlet distributed to players and their families tries to emphasize that a concussion should not be called a “ding” and that players should tell team medical staff immediately if they feel they have suffered a concussion.
Maroney denies having foot injury
Faulk’s runningback teammate, Laurence Maroney, said more than once yesterday that he does not have a foot injury (as was announced during the Bills’ game) and expects to be ready to go against the Eagles.
The second-year back had only six carries for 19 yards in Buffalo, all in the first half, including his first touchdown of the season, a six-yard run up the middle on New England’s first possession.
Last week, Maroney revealed that the Patriots’ coaching staff wants him to change his running style a bit, getting his pads lower and being content to pick up a four- or five-yard gain. Maroney has tried to do that, he said, but also wants to hold onto the running style that made him into a first-round draft pick.
Moss player of week again
Randy Moss was named the AFC Offensive Player of the Week yesterday for the second consecutive week.
Moss had 10 catches for 128 yards and four first-half touchdowns in New England’s 56-10 win in Buffalo on Sunday. His four TDs were a single-game franchise record and pushed his season total to 16, which is a single-season franchise record.
Moss was also honored after the Pats’ win in Indianapolis two weeks ago. New England had its bye in between the Colts and Bills games.
It is Moss’ sixth such honor in his 10-year career and the seventh time this season that a New England player has been named player of the week on offense, defense or special teams.
Quick kicks
Linebacker Eric Alexander (knee) was on the practice field for the first time since the week before the Cowboys game yesterday, and safety Eugene Wilson (ankle) returned as well. However, Adalius Thomas and Jarvis Green were not spotted during the media-access period. … The Patriots’ participation/injury report said Thomas (team decision) and Green (ankle) did not practice. Tom Brady (right shoulder), Stephen Neal (shoulder) and Wilson had limited participation. Donovan McNabb (ankle, thumb) did not practice for the Eagles, highlighting their list. … Bam Childress, Pierre Woods, Tim Mixon and Santonio Thomas were wearing black jerseys, honoring them as practice players of the week.
www.projo.com
Lynch has high ankle sprain
It looks like the Buffalo Bills will be without rookie running back Marshawn Lynch for a second straight game. Coach Dick Jauron finally confirmed that Lynch has a high left ankle sprain. That injury sidelined linebacker Keith Ellison for the first four games of this season and put cornerback Ashton Youboty on the shelf for five games. It’s not known if Lynch’s sprain is as severe.
Lynch wasn’t in attendance during the first 15 minutes of practice Wednesday, when members of the media were present, though he was spotted in the training room.
While Jauron hasn’t completely ruled out Lynch for Sunday’s contest at Jacksonville, he indicated Lynch’s chances of playing are doubtful.
“He wants to play. He still thinks he should have played last week,” Jauron said. “He’s just real sore. It’s the typical high ankle. We’re not particularly optimistic about this week, but once again he came so far so fast last week, further than we thought he would.”
Anthony Thomas will likely start again with Dwayne Wright and Fred Jackson serving as backups. The Bills clearly missed Lynch last Sunday against New England. They rushed for only 78 yards on 19 carries in the 56-10 loss.
Jauron is not sure how well the offense will adjust with Lynch out again.
“We’ve only been one game without him and that game got out of hand fast, so it’s hard to tell,” Jauron said. “There’s no way you’re not going to miss a player of his caliber. He’s really a good football player and he’s just going to get better. I have a lot of confidence in Dwayne and Anthony and Freddie, so we’ll see where it goes.”
• • •
The only other player to miss practice Wednesday was strong safety Donte Whitner, who suffered a blow to the head against New England. Linebacker Angelo Crowell (foot) and cornerbacks Terrence McGee (ankle) and Jerametrius Butler (calf) were limited in practice.
Whitner was hurt during a collision with Patriots running back Kevin Faulk in the second quarter. Faulk left the game with a concussion. Whitner played on, but was affected by the hit later in the contest.
“Donte, at some point in the game, didn’t have recollection of things that occurred afterward,” Jauron said.
The Bills didn’t say Whitner had a concussion, but they erred on the side of caution by holding him out. The team followed the same procedure the last couple of weeks after linebacker John DiGiorgio and tight end Robert Royal had mild concussions.
“Any blow to the head we take very seriously like we did with John and Robert,” Jauron said.
Whitner said after practice that he expects to play on Sunday.
• • •
The Jaguars will be without two of their best defensive players and perhaps a third.
Jacksonville is already missing Pro Bowl defensive tackle Marcus Stroud, who is serving a four-game suspension for violating the league’s steroid and related substances policy. Joining him on the sideline is middle linebacker and leading tackler Mike Peterson, who broke his hand in several places during last Sunday’s win over San Diego. Coach Jack Del Rio said Peterson will have surgery next week and is out indefinitely.
Meanwhile, Pro Bowl cornerback Rashean Mathis did not practice Wednesday and is questionable with a strained groin. The injury forced him to stay on the sidelines in the second half last week.
www.buffnews.com
Panthers CB Gamble doubtful, LB Davis questionable
November 23, 2007
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -Carolina Panthers cornerback Chris Gamble is doubtful for Sunday's game against New Orleans with a broken right thumb, while linebacker Thomas Davis is questionable after missing practice Friday with a foot injury.
Coach John Fox provided no details on Davis, who starts at outside linebacker. Davis practiced the previous two days.
Gamble was injured in last Sunday's loss at Green Bay. He underwent surgery on Tuesday, and Fox said there is a chance Gamble could play with a cast.
``He's feeling better each day. It's just a matter of some of the pain subsiding,'' Fox said. ``We've had guys play with casts before.''
If Gamble can't play, Richard Marshall would likely start.
Running back DeShaun Foster (toe) and defensive tackle Damione Lewis (shoulder) practiced for a second straight day Friday and are listed as probable.
McNabb doubtful to play Sunday
November 23, 2007
PHILADELPHIA (AP) -Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb is doubtful to start against New England after missing his third straight practice Friday because of a sprained ankle and injured thumb.
McNabb hurt the thumb on his throwing hand early against Miami last Sunday and left after injuring his ankle in the second quarter.
A.J. Feeley, who led the Eagles to a pair of touchdowns in a 17-7 win over the Dolphins, would start if McNabb can't play. A decision might not come until shortly before kickoff.
``He's gotten a little better each day, so that's a positive,'' coach Andy Reid said.
McNabb has started every game since returning ahead of schedule after a torn knee ligament ended his season early last year. Injuries ended his regular season three times in the past six years. The Eagles are 13-8 without him, including 1-1 in the playoffs last season.
The undefeated Patriots (10-0) are 22-point favorites against Philadelphia (5-5) on Sunday night.
McNair misses second straight week
November 23rd, 2007
Baltimore, MD (Sports Network) - Baltimore Ravens quarterback Steve McNair will miss his second straight week of action because of a shoulder injury.
McNair also missed last week's 33-30 overtime setback to Cleveland.
Kyle Boller is again expected to start for McNair. Boller completed 22-of-41 passes for 279 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions against the Browns.
Giants' Jacobs out for Sunday
November 23rd, 2007
East Rutherford, NJ (Sports Network) - New York Giants starting running back Brandon Jacobs missed practice again Friday and has been declared out for Sunday's home game against Minnesota due to a strained hamstring.
Jacobs, who suffered the injury in last Sunday's 16-10 win over the Detroit Lions, has run for 599 yards and two touchdowns in seven games this season. He also missed three games earlier this season with a knee injury.
Reuben Droughns is expected to start in the backfield. He has run for 176 yards and four touchdowns this season.
Derrick Ward, who filled in for Jacobs as the starter earlier this year, has missed the last three games with an ankle and groin injuries. Ward did go through limited practice again Friday, but is still listed as doubtful.
If Ward is also unable to go, Ahmad Bradshaw would also see time in the backfield with Droughns.
Browns CB Wright to miss Houston game
November 23rd, 2007
Berea, OH (Sports Network) - Cleveland Browns rookie cornerback Eric Wright will miss Sunday's home game against Houston due to a sprained right knee.
Wright suffered the injury early in this past Sunday's 33-30 overtime win at Baltimore.
Daven Holly is expected to replace Wright in the lineup.
Broncos' Henry doubtful against Bears
November 23rd, 2007
Denver, CO (Sports Network) - Denver Broncos running back Travis Henry is listed as doubtful on the team's injury report Friday for the game against the Chicago Bears on Sunday.
Henry missed the Broncos' 19-13 setback to the Packers on October 29 due to a rib injury. He returned the following week against Detroit, but missed the 27-11 victory at Kansas City and sat out last week's 34-20 win over Tennessee on Monday night because of a partially torn posterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.
His backup, Selvin Young, is questionable with a knee injury.
Henry has rushed for 580 yards and one touchdown this season and is currently battling with the NFL over the results of a failed drug test.
He reportedly tested positive for marijuana and if he is unsuccessful in an appeal, he faces a one-year suspension.
Broncos wide receiver Javon Walker (knee) is questionable for the game, while Bears cornerback Nathan Vasher (groin) is doubtful.
Bucs' Pittman doubtful for Redskins game
November 23rd, 2007
Tampa, FL (Sports Network) - Tampa Bay running back Michael Pittman is listed as doubtful for Sunday's home game versus the Washington Redskins due to an ankle injury.
Pittman sat out four games earlier this season due to a sprained ankle before returning for last Sunday's 31-7 win at Atlanta. He rushed 10 times for 44 yards in that game.
Nagging hamstring injury could keep Winfield from playing against Giants
The Vikings could be without cornerback Antoine Winfield for the third time in four games Sunday when they play the New York Giants.
The veteran sat out a second consecutive day of practice Thursday because of a hamstring injury that sidelined him for the second half of the Vikings' victory over Oakland last weekend. Winfield originally was injured Oct. 28 against Philadelphia and missed the next two games. He tried to return against the Raiders but was shut down after the first two quarters. Coach Brad Childress said Monday that Winfield had not suffered a setback, but it's clear the injury isn't progressing as well as had been hoped.
Winfield's projected status for the Giants game will be made official today when the Vikings issue an injury report following practice. If Winfield can't go, rookie Marcus McCauley would be in line to start at left corner for a pass defense that ranks last in the NFL.
Before this season, Winfield had not missed a game since late in 2004, when he sat out twice because of a sprained ankle.
While Winfield rested Thursday, rookie running back Adrian Peterson again was able to do limited work as he attempts to return from the slightly torn lateral collateral ligament he suffered in his right knee on Nov. 11 at Green Bay. Although Childress would not dismiss Peterson's possible return Sunday, it's more likely the 1,000-yard rusher will be back Dec. 2 against Detroit.
The other two Vikings listed on the injury report -- fullback Tony Richardson (MCL sprain) and special-teams player Eric Frampton (groin) -- both did limited work on Thursday. Richardson had been held out a day earlier.
A Giant problem
The Giants appear likely to start No. 3 running back Reuben Droughns against the Vikings' top-ranked rushing defense. Brandon Jacobs and Derrick Ward, the Giants' top two options, are nursing injuries.
Jacobs (hamstring) did not practice for a second consecutive day Thursday, and Ward (ankle/groin) has been limited this week. That means rookie Ahmad Bradshaw also could see time.
New York acquired Droughns from Cleveland in March, but he has seen limited playing time, rushing for 176 yards on 52 carries with four touchdowns. He has been used primarily in goal-line and short-yardage situations.
Jacobs, who was injured last Sunday against Detroit, leads New York with 599 yards rushing on 115 carries and two touchdowns. Ward has 448 yards on 101 attempts and two scores. He has missed the past three games.
www.startribune.com
Dolphins' Thomas ruled out for Monday night
November 23, 2007
Associated Press
DAVIE, Fla. (AP) -- Miami Dolphins middle linebacker Zach Thomas has been ruled out for his fourth consecutive game and will not play at Pittsburgh on Monday night.
Coach Cam Cameron also said defensive end Matt Roth (groin) and running back Jesse Chatman (ankle) were day to day.
Since Thomas suffered a concussion in September, the seven-time Pro Bowl player has missed five games. Thomas, 34, has said he hopes to return to the winless Dolphins sometime this season.
Thomas missed two games in September. In October, he was involved in a car crash after a loss to the New England Patriots. He suffered whiplash and recurring migraines.
"It's just something we have to deal with," Cameron said. "I don't really look at it any other way. I know he's doing everything he can to stay in the condition if, in fact, he gets to the point where he can come back. He's in the meetings, he's involved in the practice and all those things. Just like I told him, let's not get ahead of ourselves."
Cameron said Thomas was, "doing everything but practicing." Thomas did not speak with reporters.
"The status -- it has not changed -- with migraines, those kinds of things," Cameron said. "I think he's made it clear where he stands and we are on the same page."
Although Chatman had a noticeable limp during Friday's practice, Cameron said he was not ready to completely rule out the running back who has averaged 91.6 yards rushing per game.
"It could come a long way by tomorrow," Cameron said. "We've got a significant practice tomorrow and a walkthrough on Sunday. So we've still got some time."
Cameron would not commit to starting running back Ricky Williams, who recently returned to the Dolphins after serving a 11/2-year suspension, if Chatman could not play Monday.
"He had another practice that was solid and we'll wait and see what tomorrow brings," Cameron said. "Now he's had consecutive practices. We don't have to make any decisions today. We don't have to make any decisions tomorrow. We'll just continue to take it one day at a time, see how he feels as the week goes along, then we'll make a decision, probably a game-time decision."
Williams has tested positive for marijuana at least four times since Miami acquired him in 2002. He rushed for 3,225 yards in the 2002-03 seasons after being traded to the Dolphins. Williams retired in 2004, but returned to the Dolphins in 2005, when he ran for 743 yards alternating with Ronnie Brown, who is out for the season with a torn knee ligament.
"I'm going to err on the side of caution because it's easy, in these cases, to get ahead of yourself," Cameron said. "So why do that? Again, (Williams) had a solid practice and we'll see how it goes tomorrow."
Williams said he would be ready to play with last-minute notice, if necessary.
"We're professionals here," Williams said. "We're paid to get ready to play and that's my job."