NFL poolies' cheat sheet: Week 13
Covers.com
Atlanta at St. Louis
Why Falcons cover: Are 4-1 ATS on the road. Rams are 0-5 ATS at home this season. Warrick Dunn has six TDs and averages 4.9 yards per carry for his career against St. Louis. Marc Bulger questionable with a concussion meaning Gus Frerotte would start at QB for St. Louis.
Why Rams cover: Have covered two of last three games, both wins. Home team is 4-0 ATS in the last four meetings, winning each game. Steven Jackson gets to face the NFC’s second-worst rush defense.
Total (40½): Over is 11-4 in the last 15 meetings.
Buffalo at Washington
Why Bills cover: Have covered in five straight meetings. Trent Edwards, who is 3-1 as a starter, will quarterback the Bills. Redskins are 1-5-2 ATS in their last eight home games and 1-5 ATS in their last six games overall.
Why Redskins cover: Will want to win for murdered teammate Sean Taylor. Jason Campbell has thrown for 864 yards and six TDs in his last three games. Bills are 1-4-1 ATS in their last six road games.
Total (37): Over is 5-1 in Redskins’ last six games.
Detroit at Minnesota
Why Lions cover: Beat Vikings 20-17 on Sept. 20 as 3-point favorites. Lead the NFL with 31 takeaways. Have league’s ninth-ranked rush defense.
Why Vikings cover: Get league’s leading rusher Adrian Peterson back from a knee injury. Jon Kitna has thrown seven INTs and only three TDs in three career games against Minnesota. Lions are 0-4-1 ATS in their last five meetings.
Total (44½): Over is 4-0 in Vikings’ last four home games and 4-1 in their last five games overall.
Houston at Tennessee
Why Texans cover: Road team is 4-1 ATS in their last five meetings. Underdog is 7-1 ATS in their last eight meetings. Since Week 10 Titans have allowed an average of 149 yards rushing per game.
Why Titans cover: Could have DT Albert Haynesworth back from a hamstring injury. Texans are 1-4 ATS in their last five meetings. Houston leads the NFL with 29 turnovers.
Total (43): Over is 5-1 in the last six meetings.
Jacksonville at Indianapolis
Why Jaguars cover: Are 4-1 ATS in their last five road games and 4-1 ATS in their last five games overall. Have AFC’s second-best rushing attack. Held Peyton Manning to 54-percent completion rate, four touchdowns and three interceptions in their last five meetings. In three career games against Indy, Maurice Jones-Drew has 321 yards rushing and four TDs.
Why Colts cover: Are 6-1 ATS in their last seven home games. Have NFL’s second-best defense, holding opponents to 15.6 points per game. Won four of last five meetings and last two in Indianapolis.
Total: (45): Under is 4-1 in the last five meetings in Indianapolis.
N.Y. Jets at Miami
Why Jets cover: Have won six of last seven meetings. Are 18-4-2 ATS in last 24 meetings and 4-0 ATS in last four meetings in Miami. Dolphins could be down to fourth-string running back Patrick Cobbs with Ricky Williams and Jesse Chatman both suffering injuries last week. Thomas Jones has rushed for 179 yards in two career games against Miami.
Why Dolphins cover: Holding opponents to 11.5 points per game in their last four contests. Could be the team’s best chance to avoid going winless for the season. Favorite is 7-3-1 ATS in the last 11 meetings.
Total (38): Under is 5-2 in the last seven meetings in Miami.
San Diego at Kansas City
Why Chargers cover: LaDainian Tomlinson has rushed for 513 yards and scored four TDs in his last five games against Kansas City. Chiefs are 1-4-1 ATS at home. Both Chiefs QBs are banged up. K.C. has lost three straight at Arrowhead Stadium and four of its last five.
Why Chiefs cover: Kolby Smith rushed for 150 yards and two touchdowns in his first start last week. Home team is 5-1 ATS in their last six meetings. San Diego has lost four of five games on the road this season. Underdog is 9-3-1 ATS in their last 13 meetings. Chargers are 2-7-1 ATS in their last 10 meetings in Kansas City.
Total (37½): Over is 4-0 in Chiefs’ last four home games and 4-0-1 in Chargers’ last five road games.
Seattle at Philadelphia
Why Seahawks cover: Are the league’s least penalized team. Have averaged 98.7 rushing yards per game since Maurice Morris replaced the injured Shaun Alexander. Road team is 4-0 ATS in their last four meetings. Donovan McNabb still bothered by thumb and ankle injuries and might not play.
Why Eagles cover: Have covered in three straight games and five of last seven. Lost to New England by three points last week after being pegged as 22-point underdogs. Favorite is 4-0 ATS in their last four meetings.
Total (42): Over is 4-1 in Eagles’ last five games overall.
San Francisco at Carolina
Why 49ers cover: Frank Gore may finally be healthy. He compiled 214 yards and two scores last week. Panthers have lost seven straight home games and haven’t covered at home this season. Carolina has only managed 50 points in its last five games.
Why Panthers cover: The 49ers are 1-9 ATS in their last 10 meetings between these two teams, and 0-4 ATS in their last four games in Carolina. San Francisco has been outscored by 60 points on the road this season. Vinny Testaverde will start at QB if healthy.
Total (35½): Over is 10-2 in the last 12 meetings and 4-1 in the last five games in Carolina.
Cleveland at Arizona
Why Browns cover: Are 4-1 ATS in their last five road games and 6-0 ATS in their last six games overall. Have best return game in the NFL. Cardinals are the league’s most penalized team and have committed 11 more than the next closest club. Jamal Lewis has been on fire, and has rushed for 257 yards in two career game against Arizona. Cardinals will be without Pro Bowl safety Adrian Wilson who is out for the season with a heel injury.
Why Cardinals cover: Are averaging 32.3 points over their last three games. Kurt Warner has passed for 489 yards and scored four touchdowns in two career games versus Cleveland.
Total (51½): Over is 9-1-1 in Browns’ last 11 games and 4-1 in Cardinals’ last five games.
Denver at Oakland
Why Broncos cover: Have won five straight meetings and four in a row at Oakland. Own AFC’s fourth-best offense. Road team is 6-2 ATS in the last eight meetings.
Why Raiders cover: Justin Fargas has rushed for 384 yards and two TDs in four games since becoming the starting running back. Denver running backs Travis Henry, Andre Hall and Selvin Young are all banged up.
Total (41½): Under is 9-3 in the last 12 meetings and 4-1 in the last five games in Oakland.
N.Y. Giants at Chicago
Why Giants cover: Road team is 4-0 ATS in their last four meetings. Bears starting running back Cedric Benson was lost for the season after injuring his ankle last week. Chicago is 1-4 ATS at home.
Why Bears cover: Have won four of the last five meetings. Devin Hester changes opponents’ kicking games. Defense held Eli Manning to 121 yards passing and picked him off twice in their last meeting. Giants are averaging 16.5 points per game over their last four after scoring 26.7 in their first seven.
Total (42½): Under is 4-0 in Giants’ last four road games.
Tampa Bay at New Orleans
Why Buccaneers cover: Have NFC’s top-rated pass defense. Are 4-1 ATS in their last five meetings with the Saints and 4-0 ATS in their last four games in New Orleans. Underdog is 8-3 ATS in their last 11 meetings. Road team is 7-2 ATS in their last nine meetings. Saints have the worst field-goal percentage in the NFL at 53.3 percent.
Why Saints cover: Drew Brees has thrown for 965 yards and seven TDs in four career games against Tampa Bay. Buccaneers could be without Jeff Garcia which means either Luke McCown or Bruce Gradkowski would start at quarterback. A win would move them one game behind the Bucs for the division lead.
Total (42): Over is 4-0 in the last four meetings.
Cincinnati at Pittsburgh
Why Bengals cover: Have won three of their last four at Heinz Field. Are 4-1 ATS in their last five meetings in Pittsburgh. Rudi Johnson starting to get healthy. Road team is 10-1-1 ATS in their last 12 meetings and has won seven straight. Steelers have failed to cover in three straight contests.
Why Steelers cover: Could get star safety Troy Polamalu back from a knee injury. Holding opponents to nine points per game at home. Bengals are 2-5-1 ATS in their last eight meetings.
Total (45): Over is 5-0 in the last five meetings in Pittsburgh.
New England at Baltimore
Why Patriots cover: Will want to rebound from a near loss to Philadelphia last week as 22-point favorites. Adalius Thomas will face his former team for the first time. Ravens have lost five straight and are 1-11 ATS in their last 12 games overall.
Why Ravens cover: Could learn from Philadelphia’s success against New England last week. Patriots lost key linebacker Roosevelt Colvin for the season last week. Home team has won five of the last six meetings. Held Tom Brady to 172 yards and no touchdowns in their last meeting.
Total (51½): Over is 14-3 in Patriots’ last 17 games and 6-1 in Ravens’ last seven Monday games.
Feeley likely to start second straight game
Donovan McNabb's chances of playing tomorrow in the Eagles-Seahawks game continue to look as bleak as the weather forecast.
The banged-up Eagles quarterback, now listed as doubtful but not yet ruled out by coach Andy Reid for the 1 p.m. meeting at Lincoln Financial Field, sat out practice again yesterday at the NovaCare Complex. Backup A.J. Feeley took all the snaps with the first team.
McNabb, recovering from a sprained right ankle, "has had two good workouts, but we're just not quite there," Reid said.
As he has twice this week, McNabb worked out on his own after the Eagles' crisp practice session.
Reid said McNabb, who also has an injured thumb, has not yet displayed the kind of lateral mobility he would need to avoid Seattle's speedy pass-rushers.
"His ability to push off, right or left, and be able to make sure that he keeps himself in a safe position when he wants to, until he has that, he can't go out there," Reid said.
And, though the coach did not make any such connection, there appeared to be several other reasons Feeley almost certainly will make his second consecutive start: snow, sleet, spanking new sod, and potentially sullen supporters.
The mix of snow, sleet and rain that's expected during the game could make the footing treacherous, especially for a quarterback recuperating from an ankle injury.
Then there's the untested new turf the Eagles installed at the Linc this week.
"It should be just a phenomenal playing surface," Reid said yesterday. ". . . We'll probably sneak over there tomorrow and work on it for our walk-through."
Finally, there's the issue of how Eagles fans might react to a struggling McNabb. They have booed the enigmatic quarterback in recent games, and Feeley's strong performance Sunday night in the surprisingly close loss to New England has put much of the city in the backup's corner.
"Last week, I kind of prepared to be the guy until I was told differently," Feeley said. "And that's how I'm preparing this week."
He said the word on his status for tomorrow "could come 30 seconds before the game, or it could come 30 seconds from now."
In 2002, with McNabb and backup Koy Detmer hurt, Feeley quarterbacked the Eagles to a 27-20 win at Seattle. He threw touchdowns to James Thrash and Todd Pinkston, completing 21 of 35 passes for 190 yards with one interception.
"I'd like to consider myself a better quarterback," Feeley said. "Back then, I was a second-year guy, and now I'm a seventh-year guy. I'm a little older, a little wiser."
Running back Brian Westbrook said he saw the same thing in Feeley last week and during yesterday's practice.
"He's improved," Westbrook said. "He's a better leader, a better quarterback. He's completing the ball a lot more efficiently, a lot more often. He's been doing a good job of commanding this offense. That's what you want from your backup. That's what you want from your starter, as well."
Notes. Westbrook, who has a sore knee, worked out yesterday for the first time this week. "I'll see how the knee feels," he said. "It felt a little better today." . . . Defensive tackle Brodrick Bunkley (hamstring) took several snaps with the first-team defense. . . . Safety Quintin Mikell (knee) was the only Eagle other than McNabb to sit out yesterday's workout. He also is listed as doubtful for the Seahawks. . . . Reid said he had not spent any time this week worrying about whether the Eagles might suffer a letdown after the emotional loss to the Patriots. "You don't have any time to worry about yesterday or tomorrow," he said. "It's about what you do today and getting it perfect."
phillynews.com.
Steelers preparing for snow
Sunday night's forecast for the Steelers-Cincinnati Bengals clash at Heinz Field?
Wet, but perhaps not so wild.
With the National Weather Service forecasting rain turning to snow, the condition of the playing field again becomes the big story for the Steelers' nationally televised game against the Bengals.
Since Monday night's debacle, when rain turned a newly resodded Heinz Field into mush, the Steelers have turned their attention to fixing the problem.
Steelers spokesman Dave Lockett said Friday the team spent the week drying out the waterlogged field.
"We're continuing our preparations to ensure the field is in the best possible condition for Sunday,'' Lockett said.
Lockett said the new field that was laid over the existing one after the South Florida-Pitt game Saturday wasn't replaced following the Monday night contest. He added workers may have moved some of the sod around, but no new strips of turf were added to the field.
The National Football League is working with the Steelers to help prepare Heinz Field for the second nationally televised game in seven days.
Earlier this week, team president Art Rooney II said the problem occurred when heavy rain overwhelmed tarps covering the field.
The National Weather Service recorded 1.31 inches of rain at Pittsburgh International Airport on Monday.
Leaky seams in the tarp caused rain to pool in areas around the goal line, midfield and the 25-yard line, resulting in players on both teams slogging through water and mud.
Extra tarps were used to cover areas where the leaks occured.
"I think by Sunday (the field) will be in great shape," Rooney said.
Bengals coach Marvin Lewis altered his practice schedule this week to prepare for playing at Heinz Field.
Instead of practicing the last two days on FieldTurf at Paul Brown Stadium, the Bengals moved to their practice facility, which has a grass field.
"You definitely have to put in longer cleats. You saw that stuff on Monday night," Bengals running back Rudi Johnson said. "We'll see. It's cool. It'll be fun. I won't be worried about the field at all."
Steelers guard Alan Faneca is prepared for anything.
When told the weather for Sunday night could include rain and snow, Faneca smiled.
"Bring on the slop," he said.
tribweb.com
WEEK 13 INJURY REPORT
Arizona Cardinals
INJURY REPORT
Out: DT Ross Kolodziej (quadricep), S Adrian Wilson (heel)
Doubtful: S Aaron Francisco (calf), WR Jerheme Urban (heel)
Questionable: WR Larry Fitzgerald (groin)
Probable: QB Kurt Warner (left elbow)
PRACTICE REPORT
Out (Definitely Will Not Play)
Wednesday: DT Ross Kolodziej (quadricep), S Adrian Wilson (heel)
Thursday: DT Ross Kolodziej (quadricep), S Adrian Wilson (heel)
Friday: DT Ross Kolodziej (quadricep), S Adrian Wilson (heel)
Did Not Participate In Practice
Wednesday: S Aaron Francisco (calf), WR Jerheme Urban (heel)
Thursday: S Aaron Francisco (calf), WR Jerheme Urban (heel)
Friday: S Aaron Francisco (calf), WR Jerheme Urban (heel)
Limited Participation In Practice
Wednesday: WR Larry Fitzgerald (groin)
Thursday: WR Larry Fitzgerald (groin)
Friday: WR Larry Fitzgerald (groin)
Full Participation In Practice
Wednesday: QB Kurt Warner (left elbow)
Thursday: QB Kurt Warner (left elbow)
Friday: QB Kurt Warner (left elbow)
Atlanta Falcons
INJURY REPORT
Questionable: QB Byron Leftwich (tailbone)
Probable: LB Michael Boley (elbow), TE Alge Crumpler (foot)
PRACTICE REPORT
Did Not Participate In Practice
Wednesday: T Todd Weiner (knee)
Limited Participation In Practice
Wednesday: LB Michael Boley (elbow), TE Alge Crumpler (foot), CB DeAngelo Hall (ankle), WR Joe Horn (hamstring, foot), QB Byron Leftwich (tailbone)
Thursday: TE Alge Crumpler (team decision), QB Byron Leftwich (tailbone)
Friday: TE Alge Crumpler (foot), QB Byron Leftwich (tailbone)
Full Participation In Practice
Thursday: LB Michael Boley (elbow)
Friday: LB Michael Boley (elbow)
Baltimore Ravens
INJURY REPORT
Out: QB Steve McNair (left shoulder), WR Demetrius Williams (ankle)
Questionable: TE Todd Heap (thigh), CB Chris McAlister (knee), S Gerome Sapp (thigh)
Probable: DT Justin Bannan (ankle), T Jared Gaither (illness), LB Jarret Johnson (thumb), RB Willis McGahee (ankle), LB Gary Stills (knee), TE Daniel Wilcox (foot)
PRACTICE REPORT
Wednesday: Team did not practice
Out (Definitely Will Not Play)
Thursday: QB Steve McNair (left shoulder), WR Demetrius Williams (ankle)
Friday: QB Steve McNair (left shoulder), WR Demetrius Williams (ankle)
Did Not Participate In Practice
Thursday: T Jared Gaither (illness)
Friday: T Jared Gaither (illness), TE Todd Heap (thigh), CB Chris McAlister (knee)
Limited Participation In Practice
Thursday: DT Justin Bannan (ankle), TE Todd Heap (thigh), LB Jarret Johnson (thumb), CB Chris McAlister (knee), RB Willis McGahee (ankle), LB Gary Stills (knee), TE Daniel Wilcox (foot)
Friday: DT Justin Bannan (ankle), S Gerome Sapp (thigh)
Full Participation In Practice
Thursday: S Gerome Sapp (thigh)
Friday: LB Jarret Johnson (thumb), RB Willis McGahee (ankle), LB Gary Stills (knee), TE Daniel Wilcox (foot)
Buffalo Bills
INJURY REPORT
Out: CB Jerametrius Butler (calf), DE Chris Kelsay (ankle), RB Marshawn Lynch (ankle), RB Anthony Thomas (calf), LB Coy Wire (neck)
Probable: DT Larry Tripplett (abdomen)
PRACTICE REPORT
Did Not Participate In Practice
Wednesday: CB Jerametrius Butler (calf), DE Ryan Denney (foot), LB Mario Haggan (illness), DE Chris Kelsay (ankle), RB Marshawn Lynch (ankle), WR Roscoe Parrish (illness), TE Robert Royal (ankle), S Bryan Scott (illness), RB Anthony Thomas (calf), S Donte Whitner (player decision), LB Coy Wire (neck)
Thursday: CB Jerametrius Butler (calf), DE Chris Kelsay (ankle), RB Marshawn Lynch (ankle), RB Anthony Thomas (calf), LB Coy Wire (neck)
Friday: CB Jerametrius Butler (calf), DE Chris Kelsay (ankle), RB Anthony Thomas (calf), LB Coy Wire (neck)
Limited Participation In Practice
Wednesday: DT Larry Tripplett (abdomen)
Thursday: DT Larry Tripplett (abdomen)
Friday: RB Marshawn Lynch (ankle)
Full Participation In Practice
Friday: DT Larry Tripplett (abdomen)
Carolina Panthers
INJURY REPORT
Doubtful: WR Dwayne Jarrett (knee)
Probable: CB Chris Gamble (thumb), DE Mike Rucker (illness), QB Vinny Testaverde (back)
PRACTICE REPORT
Did Not Participate In Practice
Wednesday: WR Dwayne Jarrett (knee), DE Mike Rucker (illness)
Thursday: WR Dwayne Jarrett (knee)
Friday: WR Dwayne Jarrett (knee)
Full Participation In Practice
Wednesday: CB Chris Gamble (thumb), QB Vinny Testaverde (back)
Thursday: CB Chris Gamble (thumb), DE Mike Rucker (illness), QB Vinny Testaverde (back)
Friday: CB Chris Gamble (thumb), DE Mike Rucker (illness), QB Vinny Testaverde (back)
Chicago Bears
INJURY REPORT
Out: RB Cedric Benson (ankle)
Probable: LB Lance Briggs (hamstring), DT Tommie Harris (knee), KR Devin Hester (foot), T Fred Miller (ankle), CB Nathan Vasher (groin)
PRACTICE REPORT
Out (Definitely Will Not Play)
Wednesday: RB Cedric Benson (ankle)
Thursday: RB Cedric Benson (ankle)
Friday: RB Cedric Benson (ankle)
Did Not Participate In Practice
Wednesday: LB Lance Briggs (hamstring), DT Tommie Harris (knee), KR Devin Hester (foot), T Fred Miller (ankle)
Thursday: T Fred Miller (ankle)
Friday: DT Tommie Harris (knee), T Fred Miller (ankle)
Limited Participation In Practice
Wednesday: CB Nathan Vasher (groin)
Thursday: LB Lance Briggs (hamstring), DT Tommie Harris (knee), KR Devin Hester (foot), CB Nathan Vasher (groin)
Friday: LB Lance Briggs (hamstring), KR Devin Hester (foot), CB Nathan Vasher (groin)
Cincinnati Bengals
INJURY REPORT
Out: T Willie Anderson (knee)
Probable: WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh (back), S Dexter Jackson (wrist), WR Chad Johnson (knee), LB Landon Johnson (back), S Nedu Ndukwe (Achilles), CB Deltha O'Neal (knee), DT John Thornton (knee), RB Kenny Watson (hip)
PRACTICE REPORT
Did Not Participate In Practice
Wednesday: WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh (back), CB Deltha O'Neal (knee)
Thursday: T Willie Anderson (knee), WR Chad Johnson (knee)
Friday: T Willie Anderson (knee)
Limited Participation In Practice
Wednesday: T Willie Anderson (knee)
Thursday: LB Landon Johnson (back), RB Kenny Watson (hip)
Full Participation In Practice
Wednesday: S Dexter Jackson (wrist), S Nedu Ndukwe (Achilles), DT John Thornton (knee)
Thursday: WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh (back), S Dexter Jackson (wrist), S Nedu Ndukwe (Achilles), CB Deltha O'Neal (knee), DT John Thornton (knee)
Friday: WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh (back), S Dexter Jackson (wrist), WR Chad Johnson (knee), LB Landon Johnson (back), S Nedu Ndukwe (Achilles), CB Deltha O'Neal (knee), DT John Thornton (knee), RB Kenny Watson (hip)
Cleveland Browns
INJURY REPORT
Doubtful: DT Ethan Kelley (knee), CB Eric Wright (knee)
Questionable: WR Braylon Edwards (hamstring), LB Antwan Peek (knee), DE Orpheus Roye (knee)
Probable: TE Steve Heiden (ankle), T Kevin Shaffer (knee), DE Robaire Smith (knee)
PRACTICE REPORT
Did Not Participate In Practice
Wednesday: WR Braylon Edwards (hamstring), DT Ethan Kelley (knee), DE Orpheus Roye (knee), T Kevin Shaffer (knee), DE Robaire Smith (knee), CB Eric Wright (knee)
Thursday: WR Braylon Edwards (hamstring), DT Ethan Kelley (knee), DE Orpheus Roye (knee), CB Eric Wright (knee)
Friday: DT Ethan Kelley (knee)
Limited Participation In Practice
Wednesday: LB Antwan Peek (knee)
Thursday: LB Antwan Peek (knee), T Kevin Shaffer (knee), DE Robaire Smith (knee)
Friday: WR Braylon Edwards (hamstring), TE Steve Heiden (ankle), LB Antwan Peek (knee), DE Orpheus Roye (knee), CB Eric Wright (knee)
Full Participation In Practice
Friday: T Kevin Shaffer (knee), DE Robaire Smith (knee)
Denver Broncos
INJURY REPORT
Out: RB Andre Hall (ankle)
Questionable: WR Glenn Martinez (ankle), WR Javon Walker (knee)
Probable: DE John Engelberger (shoulder), RB Travis Henry (knee), S John Lynch (ribs), P Todd Sauerbrun (left hamstring), RB Paul Smith (calf), WR Brandon Stokley (knee), RB Selvin Young (knee)
PRACTICE REPORT
Did Not Participate In Practice
Wednesday: DT Sam Adams (team decision), RB Andre Hall (ankle), WR Brandon Stokley (knee)
Thursday: RB Andre Hall (ankle)
Friday: RB Andre Hall (ankle)
Limited Participation In Practice
Wednesday: WR Javon Walker (knee)
Full Participation In Practice
Wednesday: DE John Engelberger (shoulder), RB Travis Henry (knee), S John Lynch (ribs), WR Glenn Martinez (ankle), P Todd Sauerbrun (left hamstring), RB Paul Smith (calf), RB Selvin Young (knee)
Thursday: DT Sam Adams (team decision), DE John Engelberger (shoulder), RB Travis Henry (knee), S John Lynch (ribs), WR Glenn Martinez (ankle), P Todd Sauerbrun (left hamstring), RB Paul Smith (calf), WR Brandon Stokley (knee), WR Javon Walker (knee), RB Selvin Young (knee)
Friday: DE John Engelberger (shoulder), RB Travis Henry (knee), S John Lynch (ribs), WR Glenn Martinez (ankle), P Todd Sauerbrun (left hamstring), RB Paul Smith (calf), WR Brandon Stokley (knee), WR Javon Walker (knee), RB Selvin Young (knee)
Detroit Lions
INJURY REPORT
Out: DE Ikaika Alama-Francis (hamstring)
PRACTICE REPORT
Did Not Participate In Practice
Wednesday: DE Ikaika Alama-Francis (hamstring)
Thursday: DE Ikaika Alama-Francis (hamstring)
Friday: DE Ikaika Alama-Francis (hamstring)
Houston Texans
INJURY REPORT
Out: RB Ahman Green (knee)
Doubtful: CB Dexter Wynn (thigh)
Questionable: LB Danny Clark (groin)
Probable: K Kris Brown (left foot), DE Earl Cochran (illness), WR Andre Johnson (knee), DE Ndukwe Kalu (knee), G Chester Pitts (knee)
PRACTICE REPORT
Did Not Participate In Practice
Wednesday: LB Danny Clark (groin), RB Ahman Green (knee), T Ephraim Salaam (team decision), CB Dexter Wynn (thigh)
Thursday: LB Danny Clark (groin), DT Travis Johnson (personal), DE Ndukwe Kalu (knee), G Chester Pitts (knee), CB Dexter Wynn (thigh)
Friday: CB Dexter Wynn (thigh)
Limited Participation In Practice
Wednesday: K Kris Brown (left foot), WR Andre Johnson (knee), G Chester Pitts (knee)
Thursday: RB Ahman Green (knee), WR Andre Johnson (knee)
Friday: LB Danny Clark (groin), DE Earl Cochran (illness), RB Ahman Green (knee), WR Andre Johnson (knee)
Full Participation In Practice
Thursday: K Kris Brown (left foot)
Friday: K Kris Brown (left foot), DE Ndukwe Kalu (knee), G Chester Pitts (knee)
Indianapolis Colts
INJURY REPORT
Out: T Daniel Federkeil (concussion)
Questionable: T Ryan Diem (ankle), WR Marvin Harrison (knee), CB Tim Jennings (upper leg)
Probable: LB Gary Brackett (illness), T Charlie Johnson (hamstring), TE Ben Utecht (groin)
PRACTICE REPORT
Out (Definitely Will Not Play)
Thursday: CB Daymeion Hughes (shoulder)
Friday: CB Daymeion Hughes (shoulder)
Did Not Participate In Practice
Wednesday: T Ryan Diem (ankle), T Daniel Federkeil (concussion), WR Marvin Harrison (knee), CB Daymeion Hughes (shoulder), CB Tim Jennings (upper leg), T Charlie Johnson (hamstring), CB Bob Sanders (team decision), TE Ben Utecht (groin)
Thursday: LB Gary Brackett (illness), T Ryan Diem (ankle), T Daniel Federkeil (concussion), WR Marvin Harrison (knee), LB Freddy Keiaho (illness), CB Bob Sanders (team decision)
Friday: RB Joseph Addai (team decision), T Ryan Diem (ankle), T Daniel Federkeil (concussion), WR Marvin Harrison (knee), CB Tim Jennings (upper leg)
Full Participation In Practice
Thursday: CB Tim Jennings (upper leg), T Charlie Johnson (hamstring), TE Ben Utecht (groin)
Friday: LB Gary Brackett (illness), T Charlie Johnson (hamstring), LB Freddy Keiaho (illness), CB Bob Sanders (team decision), TE Ben Utecht (groin)
Jacksonville Jaguars
INJURY REPORT
Out: LB Mike Peterson (hand)
Questionable: WR John Broussard (ankle)
Probable: RB Greg Jones (knee), WR Dennis Northcutt (foot)
PRACTICE REPORT
Out (Definitely Will Not Play)
Wednesday: LB Mike Peterson (hand)
Thursday: LB Mike Peterson (hand)
Friday: LB Mike Peterson (hand)
Limited Participation In Practice
Wednesday: WR John Broussard (ankle), RB Greg Jones (knee), WR Dennis Northcutt (foot)
Thursday: WR John Broussard (ankle)
Full Participation In Practice
Thursday: RB Greg Jones (knee), WR Dennis Northcutt (foot)
Friday: WR John Broussard (ankle), RB Greg Jones (knee), WR Dennis Northcutt (foot)
Kansas City Chiefs
INJURY REPORT
Out: RB Larry Johnson (foot)
Questionable: QB Brodie Croyle (back), LB Keyaron Fox (back)
Probable: S Jarrad Page (illness), CB Patrick Surtain (shoulder), T Will Svitek (foot)
PRACTICE REPORT
Out (Definitely Will Not Play)
Wednesday: RB Larry Johnson (foot)
Thursday: RB Larry Johnson (foot)
Friday: RB Larry Johnson (foot)
Did Not Participate In Practice
Wednesday: QB Brodie Croyle (back), LB Keyaron Fox (back), S Jarrad Page (illness), CB Patrick Surtain (shoulder), S Greg Wesley (knee)
Thursday: QB Brodie Croyle (back), LB Keyaron Fox (back), WR Jeff Webb (illness)
Friday: QB Brodie Croyle (back), LB Keyaron Fox (back)
Limited Participation In Practice
Wednesday: T Will Svitek (foot)
Full Participation In Practice
Thursday: S Jarrad Page (illness), CB Patrick Surtain (shoulder), T Will Svitek (foot), S Greg Wesley (knee)
Friday: S Jarrad Page (illness), CB Patrick Surtain (shoulder), T Will Svitek (foot)
Miami Dolphins
INJURY REPORT
Out: LB Zach Thomas (migraine)
Questionable: DT Vonnie Holliday (ankle), DE Matt Roth (groin)
Probable: RB Jesse Chatman (ankle), LB Edmond Miles (ankle), DT Keith Traylor (ankle)
PRACTICE REPORT
Did Not Participate In Practice
Wednesday: DT Vonnie Holliday (ankle), LB Zach Thomas (migraine)
Thursday: DT Vonnie Holliday (ankle), LB Zach Thomas (migraine)
Friday: DT Vonnie Holliday (ankle), DE Matt Roth (groin), LB Zach Thomas (migraine)
Limited Participation In Practice
Wednesday: RB Jesse Chatman (ankle)
Thursday: RB Jesse Chatman (ankle), DE Matt Roth (groin)
Full Participation In Practice
Friday: RB Jesse Chatman (ankle), LB Edmond Miles (ankle), DT Keith Traylor (ankle)
Minnesota Vikings
INJURY REPORT
Out: S Tank Williams (knee)
Doubtful: WR Troy Williamson (concussion)
Questionable: LB Dontarrious Thomas (groin), CB Antoine Winfield (hamstring)
Probable: C Matt Birk (knee), RB Adrian Peterson (knee), RB Tony Richardson (knee), DE Kenechi Udeze (player decision)
PRACTICE REPORT
Did Not Participate In Practice
Wednesday: DE Kenechi Udeze (player decision), S Tank Williams (knee)
Thursday: S Tank Williams (knee), WR Troy Williamson (concussion)
Friday: LB Dontarrious Thomas (groin), DE Kenechi Udeze (player decision), S Tank Williams (knee), WR Troy Williamson (concussion)
Limited Participation In Practice
Wednesday: C Matt Birk (knee), RB Adrian Peterson (knee), RB Tony Richardson (knee), LB Dontarrious Thomas (groin), WR Troy Williamson (concussion), CB Antoine Winfield (hamstring)
Thursday: C Matt Birk (knee), RB Adrian Peterson (knee), RB Tony Richardson (knee), LB Dontarrious Thomas (groin), CB Antoine Winfield (hamstring)
Friday: RB Adrian Peterson (knee), RB Tony Richardson (knee), CB Antoine Winfield (hamstring)
Full Participation In Practice
Friday: C Matt Birk (knee)
New England Patriots
INJURY REPORT
Probable: QB Tom Brady (right shoulder)
PRACTICE REPORT
Out (Definitely Will Not Play)
Wednesday: LB Rosevelt Colvin (foot)
Did Not Participate In Practice
Wednesday: RB Kevin Faulk (thigh)
Thursday: RB Kevin Faulk (thigh)
Limited Participation In Practice
Wednesday: QB Tom Brady (right shoulder), CB Randall Gay (back), G Steve Neal (shoulder), WR Wes Welker (team decision)
Thursday: QB Tom Brady (right shoulder), WR Wes Welker (team decision)
Full Participation In Practice
Friday: QB Tom Brady (right shoulder)
New Orleans Saints
INJURY REPORT
Questionable: DT McKinley Boykin (knee), RB Pierre Thomas (kidney)
PRACTICE REPORT
Did Not Participate In Practice
Wednesday: DT McKinley Boykin (knee)
Thursday: DT McKinley Boykin (knee), RB Pierre Thomas (kidney)
Friday: RB Pierre Thomas (kidney)
Limited Participation In Practice
Wednesday: RB Reggie Bush (shin)
Friday: DT McKinley Boykin (knee)
Full Participation In Practice
Thursday: RB Reggie Bush (shin)
New York Giants
INJURY REPORT
Doubtful: RB Brandon Jacobs (hamstring), CB Aaron Ross (hamstring), S Gibril Wilson (knee)
Questionable: WR Plaxico Burress (ankle, knee), WR Steve Smith (hamstring)
Probable: LB Antonio Pierce (ankle), RB Derrick Ward (ankle, groin)
PRACTICE REPORT
Did Not Participate In Practice
Wednesday: WR Plaxico Burress (ankle, knee), LB Antonio Pierce (ankle), CB Aaron Ross (hamstring)
Thursday: WR Plaxico Burress (ankle, knee), LB Antonio Pierce (ankle), CB Aaron Ross (hamstring), S Gibril Wilson (knee)
Friday: WR Plaxico Burress (ankle, knee), RB Brandon Jacobs (hamstring), CB Aaron Ross (hamstring), S Gibril Wilson (knee)
Limited Participation In Practice
Wednesday: RB Brandon Jacobs (hamstring), WR Steve Smith (hamstring)
Thursday: RB Brandon Jacobs (hamstring), WR Steve Smith (hamstring)
Full Participation In Practice
Wednesday: RB Derrick Ward (ankle, groin)
Thursday: RB Derrick Ward (ankle, groin)
Friday: LB Antonio Pierce (ankle), WR Steve Smith (hamstring), RB Derrick Ward (ankle, groin)
New York Jets
INJURY REPORT
Out: WR Jerricho Cotchery (finger)
Questionable: CB David Barrett (hip), WR Laveranues Coles (ankle), TE James Dearth (foot), DT Dewayne Robertson (knee)
Probable: TE Chris Baker (back), WR Chris Davis (shoulder), TE Joe Kowalewski (shoulder), DE C.J. Mosley (shoulder), WR Brad Smith (back)
PRACTICE REPORT
Did Not Participate In Practice
Wednesday: WR Jerricho Cotchery (finger)
Thursday: WR Jerricho Cotchery (finger)
Friday: WR Jerricho Cotchery (finger)
Limited Participation In Practice
Wednesday: CB David Barrett (hip), WR Laveranues Coles (ankle), TE James Dearth (foot), DT Dewayne Robertson (knee)
Thursday: CB David Barrett (hip), WR Laveranues Coles (ankle), TE James Dearth (foot), DT Dewayne Robertson (knee)
Friday: CB David Barrett (hip), WR Laveranues Coles (ankle), TE James Dearth (foot), DT Dewayne Robertson (knee)
Full Participation In Practice
Wednesday: TE Chris Baker (back), WR Chris Davis (shoulder), TE Joe Kowalewski (shoulder), DT C.J. Mosley (shoulder), WR Brad Smith (back)
Thursday: TE Chris Baker (back), WR Chris Davis (shoulder), TE Joe Kowalewski (shoulder), DT C.J. Mosley (shoulder), WR Brad Smith (back)
Friday: TE Chris Baker (back), WR Chris Davis (shoulder), TE Joe Kowalewski (shoulder), DT C.J. Mosley (shoulder), WR Brad Smith (back)
Oakland Raiders
INJURY REPORT
Out: S Jarrod Cooper (knee)
Questionable: QB Daunte Culpepper (quadricep)
Probable: DE Derrick Burgess (Achilles), LB Isaiah Ekejiuba (ankle), C Jake Grove (knee), QB Josh McCown (left finger), S Stuart Schweigert (calf)
PRACTICE REPORT
Out (Definitely Will Not Play)
Wednesday: S Jarrod Cooper (knee)
Thursday: S Jarrod Cooper (knee)
Friday: S Jarrod Cooper (knee)
Did Not Participate In Practice
Wednesday: C Jeremy Newberry (team decision)
Friday: QB Daunte Culpepper (quadricep)
Limited Participation In Practice
Wednesday: DE Derrick Burgess (Achilles), LB Isaiah Ekejiuba (ankle)
Thursday: QB Daunte Culpepper (quadricep)
Full Participation In Practice
Wednesday: C Jake Grove (knee), S Stuart Schweigert (calf)
Thursday: DE Derrick Burgess (Achilles), LB Isaiah Ekejiuba (ankle), C Jake Grove (knee), S Stuart Schweigert (calf)
Friday: DE Derrick Burgess (Achilles), LB Isaiah Ekejiuba (ankle), C Jake Grove (knee), QB Josh McCown (left finger), S Stuart Schweigert (calf)
Philadelphia Eagles
INJURY REPORT
Doubtful: QB Donovan McNabb (ankle, right thumb), S Quintin Mikell (knee)
Questionable: DT Brodrick Bunkley (knee)
Probable: WR Kevin Curtis (thigh), CB William James (foot), WR Greg Lewis (chest), RB Brian Westbrook (knee)
PRACTICE REPORT
Did Not Participate In Practice
Wednesday: QB Donovan McNabb (ankle, right thumb), S Quintin Mikell (knee), RB Brian Westbrook (knee)
Thursday: QB Donovan McNabb (ankle, right thumb), S Quintin Mikell (knee), RB Brian Westbrook (knee)
Friday: QB Donovan McNabb (ankle, right thumb), S Quintin Mikell (knee)
Limited Participation In Practice
Wednesday: DT Brodrick Bunkley (knee)
Thursday: DT Brodrick Bunkley (knee)
Friday: DT Brodrick Bunkley (knee), WR Kevin Curtis (thigh)
Full Participation In Practice
Wednesday: CB William James (foot), WR Greg Lewis (chest)
Thursday: CB William James (foot), WR Greg Lewis (chest)
Friday: CB William James (foot), WR Greg Lewis (chest), RB Brian Westbrook (knee)
Pittsburgh Steelers
INJURY REPORT
Out: WR Santonio Holmes (ankle)
Doubtful: S Troy Polamalu (knee), T Marvel Smith (back)
Probable: CB Bryant McFadden (ankle)
PRACTICE REPORT
Did Not Participate In Practice
Wednesday: WR Santonio Holmes (ankle), RB Dan Kreider (knee), CB Bryant McFadden (ankle), S Troy Polamalu (knee), T Marvel Smith (back), WR Hines Ward (team decision)
Thursday: WR Santonio Holmes (ankle), S Troy Polamalu (knee), T Marvel Smith (back)
Friday: WR Santonio Holmes (ankle), T Marvel Smith (back)
Limited Participation In Practice
Friday: S Troy Polamalu (knee)
Full Participation In Practice
Thursday: CB Bryant McFadden (ankle), WR Hines Ward (team decision)
Friday: CB Bryant McFadden (ankle)
St. Louis Rams
INJURY REPORT
Out: CB Eric Bassey (knee), QB Marc Bulger (concussion), WR Dante Hall (ankle), DE James Hall (ankle)
Questionable: CB Fakhir Brown (back), C Brett Romberg (ankle)
Probable: C Andy McCollum (knee), S Hanik Milligan (hand), T Rob Petitti (illness)
PRACTICE REPORT
Out (Definitely Will Not Play)
Wednesday: CB Eric Bassey (knee)
Thursday: CB Eric Bassey (knee), QB Marc Bulger (concussion)
Friday: CB Eric Bassey (knee), QB Marc Bulger (concussion), WR Dante Hall (ankle), DE James Hall (ankle)
Did Not Participate In Practice
Wednesday: QB Marc Bulger (concussion), WR Dante Hall (ankle), DE James Hall (ankle), C Andy McCollum (knee)
Thursday: CB Fakhir Brown (back), WR Dante Hall (ankle), DE James Hall (ankle), C Brett Romberg (ankle)
Friday: T Rob Petitti (illness), C Brett Romberg (ankle)
Limited Participation In Practice
Wednesday: WR Drew Bennett (hamstring), CB Fakhir Brown (back), WR Torry Holt (knee), C Brett Romberg (ankle)
Thursday: C Andy McCollum (knee)
Friday: CB Fakhir Brown (back)
Full Participation In Practice
Wednesday: S Hanik Milligan (hand)
Thursday: S Hanik Milligan (hand)
Friday: C Andy McCollum (knee), S Hanik Milligan (hand)
San Diego Chargers
INJURY REPORT
Out: DE Luis Castillo (ankle)
Probable: LB Shawne Merriman (illness)
PRACTICE REPORT
Out (Definitely Will Not Play)
Wednesday: DE Luis Castillo (ankle)
Thursday: DE Luis Castillo (ankle)
Friday: DE Luis Castillo (ankle)
Did Not Participate In Practice
Wednesday: DT Jamal Williams (team decision)
Friday: LB Shawne Merriman (illness)
San Francisco 49ers
INJURY REPORT
Out: CB Marcus Hudson (knee), CB Shawntae Spencer (quadricep)
Doubtful: WR Jason Hill (groin), QB Alex Smith (right forearm, right shoulder)
Questionable: DT Aubrayo Franklin (calf)
Probable: RB Frank Gore (ankle), CB Walt Harris (calf), QB Shaun Hill (right finger), LB Derek Smith (groin), LB Jeff Ulbrich (ankle)
PRACTICE REPORT
Out (Definitely Will Not Play)
Wednesday: CB Marcus Hudson (knee), CB Shawntae Spencer (quadricep)
Thursday: CB Marcus Hudson (knee), CB Shawntae Spencer (quadricep)
Friday: CB Marcus Hudson (knee), CB Shawntae Spencer (quadricep)
Did Not Participate In Practice
Wednesday: G Larry Allen (team decision), CB Walt Harris (team decision), WR Jason Hill (groin), LB Derek Smith (groin), LB Jeff Ulbrich (ankle), DT Bryant Young (team decision)
Thursday: CB Walt Harris (calf), LB Derek Smith (groin)
Limited Participation In Practice
Wednesday: DT Aubrayo Franklin (calf), RB Frank Gore (ankle), QB Shaun Hill (right finger), QB Alex Smith (right forearm, right shoulder)
Thursday: DT Aubrayo Franklin (calf), RB Frank Gore (ankle), WR Jason Hill (groin), QB Shaun Hill (right finger), QB Alex Smith (right forearm, right shoulder), LB Jeff Ulbrich (ankle)
Friday: DT Aubrayo Franklin (calf), CB Walt Harris (calf), WR Jason Hill (groin), QB Shaun Hill (right finger), QB Alex Smith (right forearm, right shoulder), LB Derek Smith (groin)
Full Participation In Practice
Friday: RB Frank Gore (ankle), LB Jeff Ulbrich (ankle)
Seattle Seahawks
INJURY REPORT
Out: WR D.J. Hackett (ankle), LB Will Herring (hamstring)
Questionable: DT Rocky Bernard (groin), S Mike Green (knee), LB Lofa Tatupu (oblique)
Probable: RB Shaun Alexander (knee), QB Matt Hasselbeck (hip), RB Maurice Morris (ankle), C Chris Spencer (shoulder), DE Darryl Tapp (shoulder), DT Craig Terrill (illness)
PRACTICE REPORT
Out (Definitely Will Not Play)
Wednesday: WR D.J. Hackett (ankle)
Thursday: WR D.J. Hackett (ankle)
Friday: WR D.J. Hackett (ankle), LB Will Herring (hamstring)
Did Not Participate In Practice
Wednesday: DT Rocky Bernard (groin), S Mike Green (knee), LB Will Herring (hamstring), LB Lofa Tatupu (oblique), DT Craig Terrill (illness)
Thursday: DT Rocky Bernard (groin), S Mike Green (knee), LB Will Herring (hamstring), LB Lofa Tatupu (oblique)
Limited Participation In Practice
Wednesday: RB Maurice Morris (ankle), C Chris Spencer (shoulder)
Full Participation In Practice
Wednesday: RB Shaun Alexander (knee), QB Matt Hasselbeck (hip), DE Darryl Tapp (shoulder)
Thursday: RB Shaun Alexander (knee), QB Matt Hasselbeck (hip), RB Maurice Morris (ankle), C Chris Spencer (shoulder), DE Darryl Tapp (shoulder), DT Craig Terrill (illness)
Friday: RB Shaun Alexander (knee), DT Rocky Bernard (groin), S Mike Green (knee), QB Matt Hasselbeck (hip), RB Maurice Morris (ankle), C Chris Spencer (shoulder), DE Darryl Tapp (shoulder), LB Lofa Tatupu (oblique), DT Craig Terrill (illness)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
INJURY REPORT
Questionable: RB B.J. Askew (ankle), DE Kevin Carter (groin), QB Jeff Garcia (back), CB Brian Kelly (ankle), RB Michael Pittman (ankle), DE Greg Spires (calf)
Probable: LB Barrett Ruud (knee)
PRACTICE REPORT
Did Not Participate In Practice
Wednesday: RB B.J. Askew (ankle), WR Joey Galloway (team decision), QB Jeff Garcia (back), RB Michael Pittman (ankle)
Thursday: RB B.J. Askew (ankle), QB Jeff Garcia (back)
Limited Participation In Practice
Wednesday: DE Kevin Carter (groin), CB Brian Kelly (ankle), LB Barrett Ruud (knee), DE Greg Spires (calf)
Thursday: DE Kevin Carter (groin), CB Brian Kelly (ankle), RB Michael Pittman (ankle), DE Greg Spires (calf)
Friday: RB B.J. Askew (ankle), DE Kevin Carter (groin), QB Jeff Garcia (back), CB Brian Kelly (ankle), RB Michael Pittman (ankle), DE Greg Spires (calf)
Full Participation In Practice
Thursday: LB Barrett Ruud (knee)
Friday: LB Barrett Ruud (knee)
Tennessee Titans
INJURY REPORT
Out: S Chris Hope (back)
Questionable: DT Albert Haynesworth (hamstring), DE Travis LaBoy (concussion), G Benji Olson (back)
Probable: DT Tony Brown (knee)
PRACTICE REPORT
Did Not Participate In Practice
Wednesday: DT Tony Brown (knee), S Chris Hope (back), G Benji Olson (back)
Thursday: DT Tony Brown (knee), DT Albert Haynesworth (hamstring), S Chris Hope (back), G Benji Olson (back)
Friday: S Chris Hope (back), DT Randy Starks (player decision)
Limited Participation In Practice
Wednesday: DT Albert Haynesworth (hamstring), DE Travis LaBoy (concussion)
Thursday: DE Travis LaBoy (concussion)
Friday: DT Albert Haynesworth (hamstring), DE Travis LaBoy (concussion), G Benji Olson (back)
Full Participation In Practice
Friday: DT Tony Brown (knee)
Washington Redskins
INJURY REPORT
Out: RB Mike Sellers (back), WR James Thrash (ankle)
Questionable: WR Antwaan Randle El (hamstring), G Randy Thomas (triceps)
Probable: DT Cornelius Griffin (foot), G Pete Kendall (ankle), WR Santana Moss (heel), RB Clinton Portis (back)
PRACTICE REPORT
Did Not Participate In Practice
Wednesday: DT Cornelius Griffin (foot), G Pete Kendall (ankle), RB Clinton Portis (back), RB Mike Sellers (back), WR James Thrash (ankle)
Thursday: DT Cornelius Griffin (foot), RB Mike Sellers (back), WR James Thrash (ankle)
Friday: RB Mike Sellers (back), WR James Thrash (ankle)
Limited Participation In Practice
Wednesday: WR Santana Moss (heel), WR Antwaan Randle El (hamstring)
Thursday: WR Santana Moss (heel), RB Clinton Portis (back), WR Antwaan Randle El (hamstring)
Friday: WR Antwaan Randle El (hamstring)
Full Participation In Practice
Wednesday: G Randy Thomas (triceps)
Thursday: G Pete Kendall (ankle), G Randy Thomas (triceps)
Friday: DT Cornelius Griffin (foot), G Pete Kendall (ankle), WR Santana Moss (heel), RB Clinton Portis (back), G Randy Thomas (triceps)
Testaverde ready to go against San Francisco
CHARLOTTE — Carolina Panthers quarterback Vinny Testaverde made it through the entire week of practice and appears ready to start Sunday’s game against the San Francisco 49ers.
But you can’t blame coach John Fox if he’s a little paranoid when it comes to talking about it.
When asked Friday if Testaverde seems to have improved, Fox chuckled and said: “Out of respect for our (quarterback) situation, I will wait and see. This is not being coy. This time last week I said Vinny looked good. And then there was Saturday.”
That’s when Testaverde, after a week of working with the first team in practice, woke up with a stiff back. Although trainers and chiropractors worked to alleviate the problem, they couldn’t get Testaverde ready for Sunday’s important game against New Orleans. The Panthers were forced to go with David Carr and struggled again on offense, losing 31-6 at home.
Just in case the Panthers have a similar setback this week, Fox has listed Testaverde as probable for Sunday in what may represent Carolina’s best chance to snap a winless streak at home that is going on 13 months.
Testaverde, however, didn’t show any signs of a relapse on Friday.
“Our hopes are high,” Fox said with a cautious laugh.
Testaverde believes the spasms and muscle pull in his lower back last week were related to the boot he’s been wearing to protect his strained right Achilles.
“All of that walking in a boot kept me from putting any pressure on that foot, and I was compensating,” Testaverde said. “It kind of throws your back out of whack after a while of walking like that for a couple of weeks. I think it led to the back problems … back spasms and a pulled muscle in my back. It happens. So I’ve just continued to get treatment and do the things I’ve been doing all along and tried to walk as normal as possible.”
He said the Achilles continues to be a nagging problem, but it hasn’t flared up.
He’s tried to pace himself this week so as not to have any more problems, but the reality is the Panthers will be holding their breath until Sunday morning.
Those are the breaks when you are counting on a 44-year-old quarterback.
“I go into practice and try to take the reps I feel I need,” Testaverde said. “I try not to overdo it and stay as close to 100 percent as possible for the games. There’s a fine line there. You don’t want to do too little and not get your work done, and you don’t want to do too much and hurt yourself. I think that’s good for Matt now, because he can go in there and get some reps where normally a backup guy wouldn’t get that many.”
As a team, the Panthers come into this week’s game fairly healthy.
They will get starting cornerback Chris Gamble back and the only player who may miss the game is No. 4 receiver Dwayne Jarrett, who is doubtful with a knee injury.
gastongazette.com
Raiders: Russell looking at game action?
JaMarcus Russell is expected to be the No. 2 quarterback this week and will likely see some game action, according to the Oakland Tribune. Josh McCown is the probable starter, as Daunte Culpepper is dealing with a sore quad.
Vikings: Concussion should sideline Williamson
Troy Williamson was held out of practice Friday for the second straight day. He is not expected to play Sunday, according to the St. Paul Pioneer Press.
Redskins: Randle El iffy due to hammy
Antwaan Randle El was able to take part in his third straight practice on Friday. However, he remained limited by his nagging hamstring injury and could miss Sunday's game, according to the Washington Post
Cardinals: Fitzgerald may be a game-time call
Larry Fitzgerald has done only a little in practice this week and is listed as questionable due to his sore groin, according to the Arizona Republic.
National Football League Weather
Sunday, December 2nd
Buffalo Bills at Washington Redskins, 1:00 p.m.
Partly Cloudy Partly cloudy with a 30-percent chance of rain. Winds blowing from the Southeast at 5-10 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Around 50.
Houston Texans at Tennessee Titans, 1:00 p.m.
Partly Cloudy Partly cloudy with a 40-percent chance of rain. Winds blowing from the Southwest at 10-20 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Around 70.
New York Jets at Miami Dolphins, 1:00 p.m.
Sunny Sunny. Winds blowing from the East at 5-10 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Around 80.
San Diego Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs, 1:00 p.m.
Partly Cloudy Partly cloudy. Winds blowing from the Northwest at 10-20 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Around 45.
Seattle Seahawks at Philadelphia Eagles, 1:00 p.m.
Mostly Cloudy Mostly cloudy with a 40-percent chance of snow. Winds blowing from the Southeast at 5-10 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Around 40.
San Francisco 49ers at Carolina Panthers, 1:00 p.m.
Mostly Cloudy Mostly cloudy. Winds blowing from the South at 5-10 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Around 60.
Cleveland Browns at Arizona Cardinals, 4:05 p.m.
Sunny Sunny. Winds blowing from the Northwest at 5-10 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Around 65.
Denver Broncos at Oakland Raiders, 4:05 p.m.
Mostly Cloudy Mostly cloudy. Winds blowing from the South at 5-15 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Around 60.
New York Giants at Chicago Bears, 4:15 p.m.
Mostly Cloudy Mostly cloudy with a 40-percent chance of rain. Winds blowing from the Southwest at 5-15 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Around 50.
Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers, 8:15 p.m.
Mostly Cloudy Mostly cloudy with a 60-percent chance of rain. Winds blowing from the Southwest at 5-15 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Around 40.
Injured McNabb out for Eagles' game against Seahawks
December 2, 2007
PHILADELPHIA (AP) -Donovan McNabb was inactive for the Eagles' game against Seattle on Sunday because of a sprained ankle and injured thumb.
A.J. Feeley got his second consecutive start. Feeley is coming off a strong outing in a 31-28 loss to New England in which he had career bests in completions (27) and yards passing (345) and threw for three touchdowns. But he also had three interceptions, including one that was returned for a score.
McNabb has been sidelined since spraining his right ankle and injuring his thumb in a win over the Miami Dolphins on Nov. 18.
Since leading the Eagles to the Super Bowl three years ago, McNabb hasn't played a full season. He missed the final seven games in 2005 with a sports hernia and sat out the last eight games, including playoffs, last season with a torn knee ligament.
Overall, the Eagles are 14-9 in games McNabb has missed because of injury since he became the starter in Week 10 of his rookie year in 1999.
The Eagles also played without strong safety Quintin Mikell (knee) and defensive tackle Brodrick Bunkley (knee).
Struggling Panthers QB Carr demoted to 3rd string
December 2, 2007
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -Struggling David Carr was demoted to the No. 3 quarterback for the Carolina Panthers on Sunday against San Francisco.
Vinny Testaverde was the starter, and undrafted rookie Matt Moore was listed as the backup. Carr was the emergency No. 3 quarterback.
The 44-year-old Testaverde returned after missing last Sunday's loss to New Orleans with a sore back. Carr started in his place against the Saints, and was 10-of-22 for 95 yards and two interceptions before being replaced by Moore early in the fourth quarter.
The demotion comes after Carr signed a two-year, $6 million free-agent deal with Carolina in the offseason following a five-year stint as the starter in Houston. But when original starter Jake Delhomme was lost to a season-ending elbow injury in Week 3, Carr has thrown three touchdown passes, five interceptions and has a passer rating of 58.3.
Receiver Dwayne Jarrett (knee) was among the inactive players for Carolina Sunday.
For the 49ers, receiver Jason Hill (groin) did not dress.
Colts: Hagler returning
The Colts' starting linebacker corps will be intact on Sunday for the first time since October 22nd, with Tyjuan Hagler returning from a pinched nerve in his neck after missing four straight games, ESPN.com reported.
Vikings: Winfield inactive
The Vikings will be without cornerback Antoine Winfield for the fourth time in five games. He is still nursing a hamstring injury.
Titans: Haynesworth good to go
Titans defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth is active for Sunday's game against the Texans. He missed the previous three games due to a sore hamstring.
Seahawks: No-go for Hackett
As expected, D.J. Hackett's ankle injury will keep him out of action on Sunday. He is officially listed as inactive.