NFL injury report: Week 9
ASSOCIATED PRESS
QB Vinny Testaverde, Carolina Panthers
Status: Questionable
Testaverde missed a third straight practice Friday with a right Achilles' tendon injury. David Carr is likely to start at quarterback for the Carolina Panthers at Tennessee on Sunday. The Panthers are 4-point underdogs.
QB Trent Edwards, Buffalo Bills
Status: Doubtful
Edwards is doubtful for Buffalo's game Sunday against Cincinnati after missing his third straight practice Friday because of a swollen right hand. Edwards would only be used as a backup with J.P. Losman expected to start. The Bills are set as 1-point home underdogs.
QB Steve McNair, Baltimore Ravens
Status: Probable
Since missing two starts and recuperating from back and groin injuries during Baltimore's bye week, McNair is preparing to start Monday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers for his first action since Oct. 7. The Ravens are 9-point underdogs at Pittsburgh.
LB Karlos Dansby, Arizona Cardinals
Status: Questionable
Dansby, considered the Cardinals' big-play linebacker, took part in limited practice on Thursday and said he might be able to play in another week while recovering from a left knee sprain. The Cardinals are 3 ½-point underdogs Sunday at Tampa Bay.
RBs Rudi Johnson and Kenny Watson, Cincinnati Bengals
Status: Questionable
Johnson missed most of the past four games with a pulled hamstring, but returned to practice this week and reported no problems. Watson returned to practice Thursday after recovering from a concussion. Coach Marvin Lewis won't say which one will start Sunday. The total is set at 43 ½.
DE Jarvis Moss, Denver Broncos
Status: Out
Moss, the 17th overall pick in the 2007 draft, broke his right shin in practice and will have surgery in the next few days. He will be out for three to four months. Denver is a 3-point underdog at Detroit.
WR Marvin Harrison, Indianapolis Colts
Status: Questionable
Colts doctors have told Pro Bowl receiver Marvin Harrison he can play, but coach Tony Dungy said Harrison is expected to be a game-time decision. The Colts are 6-point home underdogs to the Patriots Sunday.
WR Laveranues Coles, New York Jets
Status: Doubtful
Coles was listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against Washington because of a concussion, jeopardizing a streak in which he has started every game since 2001. The Jets are 3 ½-point underdogs.
QB Matt Schaub, Houston Texans
Status: Out
Schaub will not start Sunday's game after suffering a concussion from a helmet-to-helmet hit last week in San Diego. With Schaub out, the Texans will go with Sage Rosenfels against Oakland as 3-point road dogs.
RB Reggie Bush, New Orleans Saints
Status: Probable
Bush returned to practice Wednesday after leaving last Sunday's win over San Francisco with bruised ribs. The Saints host the Jaguars as 3 ½-point favorites.
DE Charles Grant, New Orleans Saints
Status: Questionable
Grant sprained his right ankle Sunday. He returned to the game, but said his ankle swelled up during the flight home that night. Grant has never missed a game and said he expected that trend to continue.
QB Matt Hasselbeck, Seattle Seahawks
Status: Probable
Hasselbeck and the Seahawks said he'll be ready to start after straining his right oblique muscle in a win over St. Louis on Oct. 21. Seattle is listed at +1 ½ at Cleveland.
WR Deion Branch, Seattle Seahawks
Status: Questionable
Branch was supposed to be back by now from a sprained right foot that has caused him to miss the past two games, but coach Mike Holmgren said Branch has a 50 percent chance of playing Sunday.
QB Tarvaris Jackson, Minnesota Vikings
Status: Questionable
Jackson suffered a small break on the index finger of his throwing hand on Oct. 21 at Dallas and didn't play last Sunday. He is in line to return against San Diego after reporting no problems in Wednesday's practice. The Vikings are 7-point home underdogs.
CB Antoine Winfield, Minnesota Vikings
Status: Questionable
Winfield was listed as questionable because of a hamstring injury that first flared up against Philadelphia last week and was tweaked during practice. He did not practice on Thursday or Friday, but coach Brad Childress was holding out hope that he will be in the lineup.
WRs Bobby Wade and Troy Williamson, Minnesota Vikings
Status: Questionable
Wade has a knee injury and Williamson has been out all week following the death of his grandmother.
LB Marcus Washington, Washington Redskins
Status: Questionable
Washington has been limited in practice with a hamstring injury. He missed two games with the injury before playing in last week's loss to New England. However, Washington felt sore following Thursday's practice. The Redskins are favored by 3 ½ points at the Jets.
RB LenDale White, Tennessee Titans
Status: Probable
White sat out practice Friday because of a toe problem, but coach Jeff Fisher said he should be available for Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers.
Jaguars players Durant, Collier arrested, left off travel squad
November 3, 2007
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) -Jaguars rookie linebacker Justin Durant and second-year offensive tackle Richard Collier were arrested in separate incidents early Saturday, and neither made the trip to New Orleans.
Jacksonville police arrested Collier for driving under the influence, and Durant was charged with resisting arrest without violence.
The Jaguars placed Collier on the reserve/suspended list Saturday. The team said Collier and Durant didn't travel for Sunday's game against the Saints.
Tight end Isaac Smolko was activated from the practice squad to replace Collier.
The team declined further comment.
At 4 p.m. Saturday, Collier remained in custody, according to Duval County jail officials. Durant was released earlier in the day on $2,500 bail.
Collier has been inactive every game this season. Durant, a second-round pick from Hampton, played in six games with two starts and has 13 tackles.
The Jaguars have had eight players arrested since January 2006.
Sunday's Tip Sheet
VegasInsider.com
**Redskins at Jets**
-Caesars Palace opened Washington as a 3 ½-point road ‘chalk’ over New York, with the total set at 35 ½. FOX Sports starts coverage of this contest beginning at 1:00 p.m. ET.
-Washington (4-3 straight up, 2-3 against the spread) has alternated SU wins and losses its last six games after getting routed by New England last weekend as a 15 ½-point road underdog, 52-7. The combined 59 points toppled the 46 ½-point closing total, helping the ‘over’ cash the second week in a row after going ‘under’ the first five games.
-Quarterback Jason Campbell was 21-of-36 passing for 197 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Running back Clinton Portis had 11 carries for 27 yards, while Santana Moss caught six passes for 41 yards in the setback.
-New York (1-7 SU, 1-6 ATS) is currently mired in a five-game SU and ATS losing skid after falling to Buffalo last weekend as a three-point home ‘chalk,’ 13-3. The combined 16 points never seriously threatened the 38-point closing total.
-Quarterback Chad Pennington completed 13-of-20 passes for 106 yards, but was replaced by Kellen Clemens who was 5-of-12 passing for 67 yards with a pair of interceptions. Thomas Jones enjoyed a solid effort with 16 carries for 70 yards, while catching five passes for 34 yards.
-The Redskins toppled the Jets during the last encounter back in 2003 as a three-point home favorite, 16-13. The combined 29 points went ‘under’ the 40-point closing total.
-Washington running back Clinton Portis (hand) and running back Rock Cartwright (quad) are ‘probable’ versus the Jets, while defensive back Fred Smoot (hamstring), tight end Todd Yoder (ankle), center Mike Pucillo (back) and offensive tackle Stephon Heyer (hamstring) are ‘questionable.’
-New York is expected to start quarterback Kellen Clemens in this contest, while wide receiver Laveranues Coles is ‘questionable’ due to a concussion.
**Packers at Chiefs**
-Caesars Palace lists Kansas City as a 2 ½-point home favorite over Green Bay, with the total set at 37 ½. FOX Sports will provide coverage of this game starting at 1:00 p.m. ET.
-Green Bay (6-1 SU, 5-1 ATS) takes the field for the first time since topping Denver in overtime on Monday Night Football as a three-point road underdog, 19-13. The combined 32 points failed to eclipse the 43 ½-point closing total, helping the ‘under’ cash the second game in a row.
-Veteran signal caller Brett Favre was 21-of-27 passing for 331 yards with two touchdowns, throwing the game winner on the first play of overtime. Running back Ryan Grant ran 22 times for 104 yards in the triumph, while wideout Greg Jennings caught six passes for 141 yards with a score.
-Kansas City (4-3 SU, 4-2 ATS) has won back-to-back games SU and ATS after holding off Oakland two weeks ago as a 2 ½-point road favorite, 12-10. The combined 22 points never seriously threatened the 37 ½-point closing total, helping the ‘under’ improve to 5-2. The Chiefs are coming off their bye week for this contest.
-Quarterback Damon Huard completed 16-of-31 passes for 177 yards with an interception, while Larry Johnson paced the ground game with 24 carries for 112 yards and a score.
-The Packers beat the Chiefs in overtime during the last encounter back in 2003 as a 2 ½-point home favorite, 40-34. The combined 74 points soared ‘over’ the 47-point closing total.
-Green Bay free safety Nick Collins (knee), defensive tackle Ryan Pickett (knee), offensive guard Junius Coston (ankle), defensive tackle Johnny Jolly (undisclosed), wide receiver Koren Robinson (knee), fullback Korey Hall (neck) and center Scott Wells (pneumonia) are ‘questionable’ versus the Chiefs, while tight end Bubba Franks (knee) is ‘out.’
-Kansas City wide receiver Eddie Kennison (hamstring) is ‘probable’ against the Packers, while offensive tackle Kyle Turley (ankle) and linebacker Keyaron Fox (hamstring) are ‘questionable.’
**Seahawks at Browns**
-Caesars Palace installed Cleveland as a one-point home ‘chalk’ over Seattle, with the total set at 46 ½. FOX Sports will start its coverage of this contest beginning at 4:05 p.m. ET.
-Seattle (4-3 SU, 3-3 ATS) cruised past St. Louis two weeks ago as an 8 ½-point home favorite, 33-6, while the combined 39 points slithered ‘under’ the 39 ½-point closing total. The ‘under’ is 5-2 for the Seahawks this season. Seattle enters this contest coming off its bye week.
-Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck completed 18-of-35 passes for 195 yards with two touchdowns and an interception, while running back Shaun Alexander ran 19 times for 47 yards. Bobby Engram caught six passes for 73 yards, and Will Heller had three receptions for 18 yards with a pair of scores.
-Cleveland (4-3 SU, 5-2 ATS) has recorded consecutive SU and ATS victories after beating St. Louis last weekend as a three-point road ‘chalk,’ 27-20. The combined 47 points slithered ‘over’ the 46 ½-point closing total, helping the ‘over’ improve to 6-0-1.
-Quarterback Derek Anderson was 18-of-25 passing for 248 yards with three touchdowns, while Jamal Lewis had 17 carries for 61 yards. Wideout Braylon Edwards enjoyed a monster game with eight receptions for 117 yards with two scores.
-The Seahawks throttled the Browns during the last meeting back in 2003 as a 6 ½-point home favorite, 34-7. The combined 41 points slithered ‘under’ the 41 ½-point closing total.
-Seattle quarterback Matt Hasselbeck (oblique), wide receiver Deion Branch (foot) and wide receiver D.J. Hackett (ankle) are ‘probable’ versus the Browns, while offensive tackle Walter Jones (shoulder) and defensive tackle Rocky Bernard (groin) are ‘questionable.’ Tight end Marcus Pollard is expected to miss this game due to a knee injury.
-Cleveland running back Jamal Lewis (foot) is ‘probable’ against the Seahawks, while fullback Lawrence Vickers (concussion), linebacker D’Qwell Jackson (ankle), defensive end Orpheus Roye (knee) and linebacker Kris Griffin (Achilles) are ‘questionable.’
**Texans at Raiders**
-Caesars Palace opened Oakland as a three-point home favorite over Houston, with the total listed at 41 ½. CBS Sports will begin coverage of this matchup at 4:15 p.m. ET.
-Houston (3-5 SU and ATS) has dropped three games in a row SU and five consecutive outings ATS after falling to San Diego last weekend as a 9 ½-point road underdog, 35-10. The combined 45 points landed directly on the closing total.
-Sage Rosenfels stepped in for the injured Matt Schaub and completed 17-of-27 passes for 176 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions. The Texans were never in the contest after entering halftime on the short end of a 35-3 score.
-Oakland (2-5 SU, 3-4 ATS) is currently mired in a three-game SU losing streak after Sunday’s setback to Tennessee as a seven-point road underdog, 13-9. The combined 22 points never seriously threatened the 39 ½-point closing total, enabling the ‘under’ to cash the third game in a row.
-Signal caller Dante Culpepper completed 15-of-32 passes for 167 yards with an interception, while Justin Fargas had 12 carries for 61 yards in the setback.
-The Texans are 2-0 SU and ATS the previous two encounters with the Raiders after prevailing last year as a three-point road underdog, 23-14. The combined 37 points eclipsed the 35 1/2-point closing total, helping the ‘over’ improve to 2-0 between these teams.
-Houston quarterback Matt Schaub (concussion) is ‘doubtful’ for this contest, so Sage Rosenfels is expected to start. Wide receiver Andre Johnson (knee) and tight end Owen Daniels (ankle) are ‘probable’ against the Raiders, while center Mike Flanagan (concussion), running back Ahman Green (knee), running back Adimchinobe Echemandu (hamstring) and offensive guard Kasey Studdard (groin) are ‘questionable.’
-Oakland quarterback Josh McCown (toe) is expected to start, while offensive tackle Cornell Green (knee) is ‘probable.’ Linebacker Sam Williams (shoulder) and wide receiver Ronald Curry (foot) are ‘questionable,’ while defensive tackle Gerard Warren (quad) is ‘doubtful.’
Early Game Tip Sheet
VegasInsider.com
**Bengals at Bills**
Most sportsbooks have listed Cincinnati (2-5 straight up, 3-4 against the spread) as a scant one-point road “chalk” with the total coming in at 43 ½. Bettors can back the Bills to win outright at minus 105 (risk $105 to win $100).
The Bengals will be thinking about last week’s 24-13 home defeat as four-point underdogs to Pittsburgh for a while. Down 14-3 in the first half, Cincinnati had a fourth-and-one from the two-yard line with just over two minutes remaining. Instead of going for the touchdown, Marvin Lewis kicked the field goal and put his team in a funk for the rest of the game. Carson Palmer did his best to keep Cincy in it for the most part, completing 23 of 31 passes for 205 yards and a touchdown.
Buffalo (3-4 SU, 5-2 ATS) is coming off of their second of the year against the Jets as a three-point road ‘dog, 13-3. What was more impressive is the fact that signal caller J.P. Losman came in to complete three of five passes for 113 yards and the game’s lone touchdown.
The odds are pretty good that Losman will be starting this Sunday as Trent Edwards (wrist) hasn’t practiced this week and is listed as “day-to-day.”
The Bills are 4-7 SU and 6-5 ATS in their last 11 home games where they were single-digit underdogs.
Cincinnati is 0-3 SU and 1-2 ATS away from Paul Brown Stadium this season. The ‘over’ is 2-1 in that same stretch.
Buffalo has seen the ‘under’ go 3-1 at home in 2007.
You can watch this game on CBS, starting at 1:00 pm EST.
**Broncos at Lions**
The sportsbooks have installed Detroit (5-2 SU, 4-2-1 ATS) as a three-point home favorite this Sunday with a total of 46. The betting public can back the Broncos on the money line at the standard number of plus 130 (bet $100 to win $130).
The Lions are halfway to bringing Jon Kitna’s prophecy into a reality after beating Chicago as six-point road canines, 16-7. Kitna completed 24 of 35 passes for 268 yards. But the real story in the backfield was Kevin Jones. The veteran from Virginia Tech rushed 23 times for 105 yards and the match’s only touchdown. It was the first time that Jones has rushed for more than 100 yards in five contests in 2007.
Denver (3-4 SU, 1-6 ATS) will be on short rest this week after dropping its Monday night matchup against the Packers as a three-point home “chalk” in overtime, 19-13. It was the second straight season that the Broncos lost a game at Invesco Field in extra time.
Denver owns the recent series against the Lions, going 3-1 SU and 2-2 ATS in the past four regular season meetings.
The Lions are 3-6 SU and ATS when favored at home against an AFC opponent in the regular season in their last nine games.
CBS will be showing this game, starting at 1:00 pm EST.
**Jaguars at Saints**
The sportsbooks have made New Orleans (3-4 SU, 2-5 ATS) a 3 ½-point home favorite with the total staying steady at 40. You can get a little value for your money by taking the Jags to win outright at plus 160 (best $100 to win $160).
The Saints are starting to show a few signs of the team we saw last year that went to the NFC title game by romping over San Francisco as 2 ½-point road favorites, 31-10. Drew Brees was sharp for New Orleans, completing 79 percent (31 of 39) of his passes for 336 yards and four touchdowns. That brings Brees almost even with his 10 interceptions for the year.
Jacksonville (5-2 SU, 4-3 ATS) bounced back nicely on short rest as a four-point road underdog to the Buccaneers, 24-23. Quinn Gray was good in the way that he didn’t put his team in a place to lose last Sunday, connecting on seven of 16 passes for 100 yards and a score. It’s even more impressive that the Jags were outgained, 385-219.
The Jaguars own the overall record against New Orleans, going 2-1 SU and ATS in three meetings. However, the home team has won each game.
The Saints are 4-6 SU and 3-6-1 ATS when they’re favored at home against a team from the AFC since 2001.
Kickoff for this game is at 1:00 pm, with CBS broadcasting the game regionally.
**Cardinals at Buccaneers**
The Bucs was left wondering how they could have lost to the Jacksonville last week as four-point home favorites, 24-23. Tampa Bay (4-4 SU, 4-4 ATS) can look no further than its inability to stop the run, giving up 133 rushing yards. But more importantly, the Jags picked up six first downs on the ground. It was the Buccaneers second loss to an AFC opponent this season.
Arizona (3-4 SU, 5-2 ATS) enjoyed a week off following its loss to the Redskins as an eight-point road pup, 21-19. The Cards probably feel like this is a broken record, but Neil Rackers missed a potential game-winning field goal for the second time in as many seasons, this one from 55 yards out.
Kurt Warner had a good outing for the Cardinals, completing 27 of 41 passes for 282 yards with a pair of touchdowns. Warner now has a 2:1 touchdown to interception ratio for the season, which is a lot better than most would have thought by now.
Tampa Bay is currently listed as a 3 ½-point home “chalk” with the total bouncing between 38 and 29. Bettors can back Arizona on the money line at plus 170 (risk $100 to win $170).
The home team in this series has gone 6-4 SU and 4-6 ATS. The ‘under’ is 6-4 in the last 10 meetings.
Arizona is 4-1 SU and 3-2 ATS when coming off of a bye week in the last five years.
The Bucs are 5-2 SU and ATS in games just before their off week in the past seven years.
FOX is handling the broadcast of this match that begins at 1:00 pm EST.
Vikings' Antoine Winfield, Bobby Wade and Troy Williamson questionable vs. Chargers
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) -As if things haven't been tough enough for the Minnesota Vikings' secondary this season, they may have to play Sunday against San Diego without their best cornerback.
Antoine Winfield was listed as questionable because of a hamstring injury that first flared up against Philadelphia last week and was tweaked during practice this week. Winfield did not practice on Thursday or Friday, but coach Brad Childress was holding out hope that he will be in the lineup against the Chargers.
``I don't put anything by Antoine because he is the same guy that I didn't think was going to play last year and made it to Sunday,'' Childress said. ``But he is questionable.''
Quarterback Tarvaris Jackson was listed as probable after missing last week due to a broken right index finger. He likely will be back in the lineup against the Chargers.
Winfield was bothered late in the year by a quad injury last season, but he played through that pain and is considered one of the toughest players on the team.
Winfield said this is the first time in his career that he has had a hamstring injury and that his status would be a ``gametime decision.''
``It's tough dealing with a hamstring injury,'' Winfield said. ``You never know. I'm just going to try to get treatment and see how it goes.''
The Vikings need all the help they can get in the secondary these days. They are dead last in pass defense and face a Chargers offense that has improved in recent weeks, especially since the addition of receiver Chris Chambers.
If Winfield can't go, rookie Marcus McCauley will be back in the mix after being demoted a week ago.
Receivers Bobby Wade and Troy Williamson are also questionable for the game. Wade has a knee injury and Williamson has been out all week following the death of his grandmother.
Wade has been the slot receiver all season long. If he cannot play, rookie Aundrae Allison could get his first work on offense. Sidney Rice and Robert Ferguson may also rotate through that position.
Right tackle Ryan Cook (shoulder), defensive end Erasmus James (shoulder), safety Dwight Smith (hamstring), defensive end Brian Robison (illness) and special teamer Vinny Ciurciu (ankle) all were listed as probable.
Harrison, others might sit
November 3, 2007
Pro Bowl wide receiver Marvin Harrison has been cleared to play Sunday against New England, but the final decision probably will be based on what's best in the long term.
"If it was a playoff game, he'd definitely be playing," Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy said Friday. "We want him to be ready coming down the stretch. If the doctors say we really have a much better chance of him being healthy down the stretch by sitting out, then we'll sit him out."
The status of three other starters, left tackle Tony Ugoh (neck) and linebackers Tyjuan Hagler (neck) and Freddy Keiaho (ear) probably will be game-time decisions, Dungy said. All were limited practice participants Friday.
Aside from the first 10 minutes, practice was closed to media this week, but rookie wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez said he took most of Harrison's reps.
Harrison has missed two of the past three games with what the Colts have described as a bruised left knee. He was held out of practice all week. Dungy said Harrison wants to play but the decision will be based on a consensus of Harrison, team physicians and the coaching staff.
Late Friday afternoon, the Colts issued a statement rebutting an ESPN report that Harrison is suffering knee pain that is likely to persist the remainder of the season and perhaps for the rest of his career.
The Colts' statement said the club has "received no medical opinion that comes close to validating the report."
www.indystar.com
BEHIND THE LINES
Colts-Patriots game fires up oddsmakers' imaginations
November 4, 2007
Regular-season NFL games such as today's matchup between New England and Indianapolis do not come along every year. That's why oddsmakers have put together so many creative proposition bets for the game.
Here are several interesting wagers listed at Bodoglife.com:
What percentage of American households will tune in to watch the Colts-Patriots Game? Over/21.5% or Under/21.5%.
Will the Patriots score on their opening drive? Yes -130; No -110.
Total team points -- Patriots? Over 31.5/ -120; Under 31.5/ -110. Colts? Over 26.5/ -120; Under 26.5/ -110.
Exact margin of victory -- New England by: 1-3 points (7-2 odds), 4-6 (3-1), 7-10 (5-1), 11-13 (7-1), 14-17 (11-1), 18-21 (15-1), 22 or more (9-1). Indianapolis by 1-3 (3-1), 4-6 (4-1), 7-10 (5-1), 11-13 (7-1), 14-17 (12-1), 18-21 (15-1), 22 or more (8-1).
How many yards passing will Peyton Manning have? Over 278.5/ -120; Under278.5/ -110.
How many yards passing will Tom Brady have? Over 280.5/ -120; Under 280.5/ -110.
Who will throw the first touchdown pass? Brady -125; Manning -105.
Who will throw the first interception? Brady -115; Manning -115.
How many yards receiving will Randy Moss have? Over 85.5/ -115; Under 85.5/ -115.
The Patriots, 5 1/2 -point favorites over the Colts, have received 67% of the bets against the spread this week, according to theSpread.com's betting trend.
The most lopsided wagered NFL game of the weekend? Washington, a 3 1/2 -point favorite, at the New York Jets. The Redskins have received 95% of the bets, according to theSpread.com.
www.latimes.com