Week 7 Players in the News

*** Saturday Update *** QB Byron Leftwich (JAX) has an injured left ankle. It improved on Saturday, but the quarterback is still listed as questionable for Jacksonville's game against the Houston Texans this weekend. Leftwich missed practice Friday, wore a protective boot and then had an MRI. Results came back negative. He will travel with the team but will be a game-time decision. David Garrard will start if Leftwich can’t go. Check the Sunday Updates on the Footballguys website as we'll have official word for you about an hour prior to kickoff.

*** Saturday Update *** QB Trent Green (KC) has been cleared to practice. Green will begin seven-on-seven and nine-on-seven team work when the club resumes full workouts Wednesday. GM Carl Peterson said late Friday that the green light was given after an evaluation by a couple of neurologists and team doctor Jon Browne. Peterson also noted that Green's replacement QB Damon Huard will still take the majority of the snaps in practice next week. “We’re still anticipating Damon to be the starter for the next week (against Seattle),” he said. “But we’ll see how fast Trent comes along."

*** Saturday Update *** QB Daunte Culpepper (MIA) HC Nick Saban stated that it is still open-ended on when Daunte Culpepper will be ready to return to action. He said Culpepper is "sore" from a rehabilitation program designed to accelerate his ongoing recovery from last October's knee surgery. "We're trying to get the soreness out so he can do a little bit more football-related stuff," Saban said. When asked whether there was a timetable for Culpepper's return, Saban said, "He doesn't have one until he feels like he's 100 percent [healthy] and can move effectively."

Running Back

*** Saturday Update *** RB Jerious Norwood (ATL) likely will see an increased workload against Pittsburgh on Sunday. "He may come up a little bigger this week because he matches speed for speed," RB coach Ollie Wilson said. "They are a fast defense, and I think J-Rock [Norwood] will have a chance to do that and match that up." OC Greg Knapp agrees "They blitz probably 50 percent of the time if not more," Knapp said. "That's their style. That's their M.O." Norwood could slow down some of the exotic blitzes with some quick-hitting runs and receptions.

*** Saturday Update *** RB Ahman Green (GB) is expected to play for the first time since Week 3 after missing two games with hamstring troubles. "He looks good. I think he's cutting it loose," Head Coach Mike McCarthy said. "You can see the burst is there. We're going to give him as much as he can handle on first and second down." However, based on his health and conditioning, and the expected heat and humidity in South Florida, Green may have his carries limited somewhat in his first game back.

*** Saturday Update *** RB Vernand Morency (GB) Since joining the Packers, Morency has been the second option on the kick return unit alongside Koren Robinson. But with Robinson out, Morency now moves into the primary spot and will be the No. 1 kick returner on Sunday. RB Noah Herron also available for the duty.

*** Saturday Update *** RB Fred Taylor (JAX) says he may retire if the team is unwilling to restructure Taylor's incentive-laden contract, which has two years remaining. "It's crossed my mind, the more and more things are taken away from me, like playing time," Taylor said. "You exert so much energy into one cause and it's not reciprocated. It's like putting money into an ATM machine. You keep putting money in, but every time you use your card, it says insufficient funds. At some point, you're going to quit putting money into it."

"Let me say that I'm fine with the rotation system," Taylor said. "But I've got incentives [in my contract]. How can I reach them when you're cutting my playing time? I start thinking about little things like that when I see other guys around the league with the same numbers as me, but they don't have to earn their money through incentives."

"We're just asking to turn the incentives into real money," Taylor said. "It's killing me. That makes me think of wanting to be traded or to retire. It's one or the other. I guarantee that if Greg [Jones, who suffered a season-ending injury] was here, I would've been on the [trading] block."

Wide Receiver

*** Saturday Update *** WR Terrell Owens (DAL) and passing game coordinator Todd Haley are both going to move on after their shouting match. During his weekly radio show, Owens said that "we talked again this week and cleared the air, and we're going to move on."

*** Saturday Update *** WR Chad Jackson (NE) For the first time all season, Chad Jackson’s name isn’t on the injury report. HC Bill Belichick said Jackson is not limited to certain formations or sets. He’s available for anything in the playbook, a step forward from earlier in the season. “He’s a hard-working guy,” Troy Brown said. “He’s always in the weight room or running his routes. He’s trying to do the right thing to take care of his body now. He’s realizing that’s how you stay on the field, by taking care of your body.”

Tight End

*** Saturday Update *** TE Daniel Graham (NE) will be out for Sunday's game according to the Boston Globe.

Kicker

Offensive Line

*** Saturday Update *** OL Cleveland Browns (CLE) LT Ryan Tucker was downgraded Friday from probable to questionable for Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos due to an illness. He was added to the injury report Thursday.

Defensive Line

*** Saturday Update *** DL Rod Coleman (ATL) In a move that strongly suggests Rod Coleman (toe) won't play Sunday against the Steelers, the Falcons activated rookie defensive tackle Tommy Jackson on Saturday. Jackson likely would back up starter Grady Jackson at nose tackle. Backup nose tackle Darrell Shropshire would then rotate with Jonathan Babineaux at the other defensive tackle spot should Coleman not play. If Coleman does play, it's expected to be on a limited basis. Atlanta waived rookie linebacker Brandon Jamison to clear space for Jackson.

*** Saturday Update *** DL Corey Simon (IND) The NFL Players Association has filed a grievance with the league on behalf of Corey Simon. The grievance was filed with the NFL Management Council. It is in response to the Colts’ decision to place Simon on the non-football illness/injury list with an undisclosed illness. Not only did that end Simon’s season, it allowed the organization to stop payment on the remainder of his 2006 base salary, which is $1.9 million.

Linebacker

Defensive Back

*** Saturday Update *** DB Christian Morton (CAR) has been elevated from the practice squad to replace CB Reggie Howard, who is away from the team for personal reasons.

*** Saturday Update *** DB Charles Woodson (GB) returned to practice on Friday for the first time since injuring his leg two weeks ago. HC Mike McCarthy said he's "hopeful" Woodson will be able to play Sunday. If Woodson plays, McCarthy said it would be a game-time decision whether to use him as the No. 1 punt returner, or whether he'd just play corner. If Woodson does not return punts then rookie WR Greg Jennings will handle the job of PR. "I'm very comfortable catching punts," Jennings said. "I've done it pretty much at every level, so I'm used to doing it in games. I did it in the preseason a couple times. It's all about catching the ball and making some guys miss." HC Mike McCarthy has shown no reservations about playing starters in key roles on special teams, and that approach wouldn't change with Jennings.

General Team News

*** Saturday Update *** TM Arizona Cardinals (ARI) Former Cardinals OC Keith Rowen was relieved of his duties Tuesday in wake of the team's collapse in the game against the Bears. Rowen was informed that after his demotion he was to stay on as an offensive assistant until the end of the season. In his grievance, Rowen is contesting whether the Cardinals have the right to require him to remain on staff as a reassigned offensive assistant, given that head coach Dennis Green and the club initially gave no indication Rowen would stay on with the organization.

All the news

Quarterback

*** Thursday Update *** QB Michael Vick (ATL) practiced on Thursday and is expected to play this weekend.

QB Steve McNair (BAL) is expected to make his next start after sustaining a concussion and a neck sprain on Sunday. "He's groggy," HC Brian Billick said. "I think it was the jerking of the neck that caused the mild concussion. There is no reason to believe that he won't be available for us two weeks from now when we go to New Orleans."

*** Wednesday Update *** QB Anthony Wright (CIN) did not practice on Wednesday and will not play this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** QB Brett Favre (GB) had some criticism regarding the NFL's suspension of WR Koren Robinson during his Wednesday press conference. "I don't like the way the league has, in my mind, turned their back on him," Favre said. "I'm not against banning him for the year. I'd love for him to play, but to boot him out, clean his locker out and say you can't have no contact with this team?" Favre has first-hand experience with the NFL's substance abuse program from his battle with an addiction to painkillers in 1996.

*** Friday Update *** QB Byron Leftwich (JAX) HC Jack Del Rio said Byron Leftwich was favoring a sore left ankle when he arrived Friday. The injury is thought to have occurred in Thursday's practice. “He didn't practice today. He'll get an MRI this afternoon. He came in today and it was swollen and sore,” Del Rio said following Friday's practice. Leftwich was added to the injury report as questionable for Sunday's game in Houston.

*** Wednesday Update *** QB Trent Green (KC) did not practice on Wednesday and will not play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** QB Daunte Culpepper (MIA) Former Dolphins’ HC Jimmy Johnson made a pretty bold statement on a Miami radio station in regards to Daunte Culpepper's future. "I don't see him ever playing at the level he played at a couple years ago, when he was up for maybe MVP of the league," Johnson said. "I just don't think with the injury that he had to try to overcome, I don't know that he'll ever be able to play at that level again. ...It's not his explosiveness, it's his decision-making. ... He is not ready to release the football, doesn't seem like he knows where to throw the football."

*** Wednesday Update *** QB Daunte Culpepper (MIA) did not practice on Wednesday and will continue as the team’s third QB this weekend.

QB Joey Harrington (MIA) looks like he'll get another start this week. Daunte Culpepper has begun a rehab program designed to increase his quickness and mobility. The team has not set a time table for Culpepper's return.

*** Friday Update *** QB Tarvaris Jackson (MIN) practiced on Friday and is expected to be available to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** QB Tarvaris Jackson (MIN) practiced on Thursday and is expected to be available to play this weekend.

QB Tarvaris Jackson (MIN) returned to practice on Monday after missing time recovering from knee surgery.

*** Wednesday Update *** QB Tom Brady (NE) practiced on Wednesday and will start as normal this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** QB Chad Pennington (NYJ) practiced on Friday and will start this weekend as normal.

*** Thursday Update *** QB Chad Pennington (NYJ) practiced on Thursday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** QB Chad Pennington (NYJ) practiced on Wednesday and will start as normal this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** QB Aaron Brooks (OAK) HC Art Shell said Thursday Aaron Brooks (pectoral muscle) has a chance of making his return against the Steelers on Oct. 29.

*** Thursday Update *** QB Aaron Brooks (OAK) is officially taking longer than expected to recover from injury. He strained a pectoral muscle in his chest in the game against the Ravens on Sept. 17 and was slated to miss two to four weeks. This marks his fifth week, if he's out. Brooks did not practice Wednesday and is questionable for Sunday's game with Arizona. "He's a little closer than he was last week, but I don't think he'll be ready to go this week," HC Shell said. Andrew Walter is preparing to start for the fourth straight game.

*** Wednesday Update *** QB Aaron Brooks (OAK) did not practice on Wednesday and will not play this weekend.

QB Andrew Walter (OAK) will get another start this week as Aaron Brooks still isn't ready to return from his chest / shoulder injury.

*** Wednesday Update *** QB Billy Volek (SD) HC Marty Schottenheimer announced Wednesday that Billy Volek had been promoted to the second QB on the depth chart. Volek had been the team's third QB since the Chargers acquired him from the Tennessee Titans in a trade earlier this year. "He made very good progress," Schottenheimer said. "He's reached a point where we're comfortable in trusting in him a large portion of this offense. Now is the time to do it."

*** Friday Update *** QB Luke McCown (TB) HC Jon Gruden said on Friday that the team does not plan to activate QB Luke McCown from the PUP List prior to Sunday’s game. McCown just finished his first week of practice with the team.

QB Luke McCown (TB) began the season listed as physically unable to perform because of an ACL tear in his right knee but is eligible to practice this week. From the time McCown begins practicing, the team has 21 days to evaluate him. "We will probably put him out there on Wednesday and start that 21-day window of observation to see where he is before we make a decision," HC Jon Gruden said.

*** Wednesday Update *** QB Chris Simms (TB) remains out after his splenectomy.

QB Mark Brunell (WAS) had a toenail ripped off during Week 6 when a defender stepped on hid right foot. However, Brunell says he is fine and does not expect to miss much/any action as a result of the injury. HC Joe Gibbs said this week that Brunell will continue as the team’s starting QB.

Running Back

*** Thursday Update *** RB Marcel Shipp (ARI) practiced on Thursday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** RB Warrick Dunn (ATL) wants to be more involved in their dormant passing attack. The Falcons lead the league in rushing at 232 yards a game; they are last in passing at 114 yards a game. Dunn, whose run for 511 yards, has only four receptions for 22 yards. In his first five seasons in Tampa Bay, Dunn averaged 51.8 receptions. In two seasons in the Reeves/ Phillips regime, he averaged 43.5 passes. He's caught 29 passes in each of the last two seasons in Knapp's scheme and with just four catches through five games, he's on pace to catch a career-low 17 passes. Most teams use running backs as outlet receivers. The Falcons' outlet is QB Michael Vick running.

*** Friday Update *** RB Willis McGahee (BUF) The Bills aim to get RB Willis McGahee more involved in the offense. "We'd like to get him anywhere from 20 to 30 touches a game, run and pass, that's what our goal is," HC Dick Jauron said of his workhorse. The Bills have not been able to get McGahee in the flow of the game the past two weeks. McGahee had a 136-yard day in the close loss at New England last season. He gained 70 yards on 20 carries at Foxborough in the 2006 season opener. McGahee still leads the AFC in rushing with 505 yards and is seventh in the league in touches per game.

*** Thursday Update *** RB DeAngelo Williams (CAR) did not practice on Thursday and is not expected to play this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** RB DeAngelo Williams (CAR) did not practice on Wednesday and is not expected to play this weekend.

RB DeAngelo Williams (CAR) will miss another week with his ankle injury. Some have hinted he could miss a month. He suffered a sprained right ankle on his only carry in the Panthers' 20-12 win over Cleveland on Oct. 8. Sources said that HC John Fox let that slip out in a meeting. When asked Tuesday for an update on Williams, Fox said: "He got his cast off."

*** Friday Update *** RB Chris Perry (CIN) The Bengals activated RB Chris Perry from the PUP list today. He will play this weekend vs. Carolina.

*** Wednesday Update *** RB Chris Perry (CIN) was removed from the PUP list Wednesday. Perry practiced with the team Wednesday afternoon but is listed as questionable on the team's injury report.

RB Chris Perry (CIN) is eligible to be brought off the PUP list this week. "Chris Perry has a chance to be cleared for action Wednesday," HC Marvin Lewis said on Monday.

*** Friday Update *** RB Reuben Droughns (CLE) "I'm healthier now and really excited about this game. We hope to get something going now," RB Reuben Droughns said. At this point last season, Droughns started to emerge as the focal point of the offense. His first 100-yard game came in Game 6 and began a streak of five games in which he rushed for 537 yards. HC Romeo Crennel knows that if the Browns are going to do anything on offense, it will be Droughns who does the jump-starting.

*** Friday Update *** RB Cedric Cobbs (DEN) practiced on Friday but will be a game-time decision for this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** RB Cedric Cobbs (DEN) practiced on Thursday and was upgraded to questionable for this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** RB Cedric Cobbs (DEN) did not practice on Wednesday and is not expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** RB Kyle Johnson (DEN) was limited in Friday’s practice and will be a game-time decision for this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** RB Kyle Johnson (DEN) has a sprained ankle. However, it may not be as bad as originally thought, and he now has a chance of playing this week, according to HC Mike Shanahan. Initially it was reported Johnson had a high ankle sprain, but an MRI revealed the injury was less severe. Cecil Sapp would fill in for Johnson should he be unable to play.

RB Kyle Johnson (DEN) suffered a sprained right ankle on the second play of his week six game and did not return. Johnson is expected to undergo an MRI today. He was on crutches and said he didn't know what to expect on how long he'll be out.

*** Thursday Update *** RB Shawn Bryson (DET) was placed on injured reserve and is done for the season.

RB Shawn Bryson (DET) probably will require knee surgery, HC Rod Marinelli said Monday. Bryson was hurt during a kickoff return in the first quarter of Sunday’s game. He was taken off the field on a cart and did not return.

*** Thursday Update *** RB Kevin Jones (DET) practiced on Thursday and has been removed from the injury report. He will start as normal this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** RB Kevin Jones (DET) was rested on Wednesday but is still expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** RB Cory Schlesinger (DET) did not practice on Friday and will be a game-time decision for this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** RB Ahman Green (GB) is rested and apparently healthy. Everyone associated with the Packers' running game is looking forward to Sunday in Miami. "I'm just as anxious as when the season started because it was my first time to play football in a long time," Green said Thursday. "I just can't wait to get back out there, period." But by sitting out the last two games and taking off the bye week - "I needed it," Green said - he is "back feeling well" and believes he can recapture his old form. He practiced on Friday and was upgraded to probable for this weekend. He will start.

*** Thursday Update *** RB Ahman Green (GB) practiced in full for the third straight day and appears ready to come back from his hamstring pull that shelved him for two games. Provided he doesn't suffer any setbacks during practice today and Friday, he'll start and receive a good share of the carries. HC Mike McCarthy indicated that he would use caution concerning playing time with Green, who is listed as questionable.

*** Wednesday Update *** RB Ahman Green (GB) practiced on Wednesday but is listed as questionable for this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** RB William Henderson (GB) practiced on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** RB William Henderson (GB) practiced on Thursday but remains questionable for this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** RB Ron Dayne (HOU) spent the majority of practice time this week working with the scout team. He probably won't be activated this weekend. Meanwhile, Samkon Gado and Wali Lundy shared repetitions with the first team. "We're going to keep searching and keep looking," HC Gary Kubiak said. "You can't do that when you play three guys. We have not run the ball well. Samkon had just four or five carries last week. I've got to play him. I've got to see what he can do. And Wali deserves an opportunity to come in and play. So we're going to give them a chance."

*** Thursday Update *** RB Ron Dayne (HOU) looks to be the guy that's hurt most with Wali Lundy moving up and seeing more action. The team looks like they'll be using Lundy and Samkon Gado to handle the running back duties this week.

*** Friday Update *** RB Wali Lundy (HOU) The word now is that Lundy should see a lot of playing time and may even start Sunday. He'll work with Samkon Gado to carry the RB workload and the coaches will likely let the game flow dictate action as well as ride the hot hand with either RB. Ron Dayne looks to be the odd man out in the running back rotation.

*** Thursday Update *** RB Wali Lundy (HOU) has been running with the 1st-string and he will get some playing time this weekend according to HC Gary Kubiak. “Yeah, he’s going to play this week, there’s no secret there. We need to get him back in what we’re doing and he’s been working hard and I feel comfortable with what he’s doing mentally and he looked good at practice today so we’ll get him the ball.” Lundy had this to say regarding his benching: “Well, it was kind of good and bad. It was good to just sit back and watch what the defenses were doing, see how the game was played, sitting back. But as a competitor you always want to play and be out on the field.”

RB Wali Lundy (HOU) HC Gary Kubiak said on Monday that the team will look to get running back Wali Lundy more involved in the offense in coming weeks. "I think (RB) Wali (Lundy) can handle it. He’s not playing because I don’t think he can handle it. I think we had a couple of good guys that we needed to take a look at, but it is obvious right now that we have to give the kid a chance to come back and play some more. He’s been working hard, and he’ll get that opportunity," Kubiak said.

*** Friday Update *** RB Dominic Rhodes (IND) practiced again Friday and is expected to play. He's still listed as questionable.

*** Thursday Update *** RB Dominic Rhodes (IND) practiced on Wednesday and Thursday but remains questionable for this weekend. However, barring a setback, he is expected to play.

*** Wednesday Update *** RB Dominic Rhodes (IND) practiced on Wednesday but is listed as questionable for this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** RB Maurice Jones-Drew (JAX) practiced on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** RB Maurice Jones-Drew (JAX) practiced on Thursday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** RB Maurice Jones-Drew (JAX) practiced on Wednesday and is expected to play this weekend.

RB Maurice Jones-Drew (JAX) missed practice Monday with an undisclosed injury. He says he's fine and will practice Wednesday.

*** Friday Update *** RB Michael Bennett (KC) HC Herman Edwards said on Friday that Michael Bennett is healthy and will play vs. San Diego at Arrowhead on Sunday. "Bennett will play. I think he’s anxious and we are too. That gives Larry (Johnson) a breather so that it’s no so much on Larry, because it’s tough. It’s always good to have a change of pace runners."

*** Thursday Update *** RB Michael Bennett (KC) practiced Thursday but is listed as questionable. The team wants to see how he works tomorrow but Bennett vows to be ready Sunday.

*** Wednesday Update *** RB Michael Bennett (KC) practiced Wednesday and will be available to spell Larry Johnson against the Chargers this week. Bennett injured his hamstring after racing and losing to DL Brian Walters. “I shouldn’t have been doing it, and I got my punishment for it. I had to sit and watch. So no more stupid mistakes,” Bennett said. He practiced Thursday but is listed as questionable. The team wants to see how he works tomorrow but Bennett vows to be ready Sunday.

RB Ronnie Cruz (KC) HC Herman Edwards said FB Ronnie Cruz had surgery Monday for an unspecified knee injury and would miss the rest of the 2006 season. The Chiefs don’t have another true fullback. Edwards indicated that TE Kris Wilson would play at least some snaps at fullback Sunday. It's also possible the Chiefs might sign a veteran fullback.

*** Friday Update *** RB Kevin Faulk (NE) left practice early with a ankle injury and is now questionable for this weekend.

RB Patrick Pass (NE) HC Bill Belichick said Monday that Pass will not be removed from the team’s physically unable to perform list this week.

*** Wednesday Update *** RB Tiki Barber (NYG) has "pretty much" made up his mind on retiring at the end of the 2006 season. At a promotional book tour in Manhattan, Barber said he was leaning towards ending his career at the age of 31 and that nothing in particular had prompted his decision. “For the longest time, I thought I had to win a Super Bowl to define my career,” Barber said. “I would like to, but I don’t have to, because I can walk away knowing I did the best I could.” No official announcement has been made.

*** Thursday Update *** RB Brandon Jacobs (NYG) is enjoying a breakout season and feels ready to take over the starting role if RB Tiki Barber retires at the end of the year. "I am confident I'll be able to take over," Jacobs said. "I'd be stupid to say I don't know what I am doing or I'm not ready to take over. I am ready to take over. All these days and hours I have spent here getting better. That's why I know I am ready to take over." But Jacobs would prefer to back up Barber for another season. He wants to milk all of Barber's knowledge and store it before No. 21 heads off to a television career or in any of the many other areas that interests him.

*** Friday Update *** RB Kevan Barlow (NYJ) practiced on Friday and is expected to start this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** RB Kevan Barlow (NYJ) practiced on Thursday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** RB Kevan Barlow (NYJ) practiced on Wednesday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** RB Cedric Houston (NYJ) was limited in Friday’s practice and is not expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** RB Cedric Houston (NYJ) appears on the verge of returning from an injured left knee that has kept him sidelined the past two games. Jets players are not allowed to discuss their injuries and the team never fully disclosed Houston's exact diagnosis. He is listed as questionable for Sunday's home game against the Lions. But Houston indicated the Jets were relying on his own progress report. HC Eric Mangini said he was willing to continue his running back-by-committee approach. Houston partially participated in Thursday’s practice and remains questionable for this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** RB Curtis Martin (NYJ) In a 10-minute interview Thursday at his locker, RB Curtis Martin seemed conflicted on whether to resume his career. It's believed people in his inner circle are urging him to retire. The future Hall of Famer, 33, sounded like he knows the end is approaching. His longstanding philosophy with injuries is to play until he crosses the "stupidity" line. "I'm probably on that borderline of stupidity," said Martin. "I have to be honest with myself." Martin conceded he may never play again. He admitted, for the first time, that he's mulling retirement because of his surgically repaired right knee.

*** Thursday Update *** RB Curtis Martin (NYJ) appears as healthy as he's ever been and the competitive fire in him still burns. The fourth-leading rusher in NFL history just isn't sure if he'll ever get back on the field. Speaking publicly for the first time in more than a month, the New York Jets running back expressed his desire Thursday to resume his playing career and put his knee injury behind him. "I feel as though I've gotten better," said the 33-year-old Martin, looking fit and in his usual game shape. "I feel as though I'm running a little better. The one thing I was concerned about was making the cuts. Once you get out there, instincts take over. I haven't been put in that situation. I don't know how that'll turn out." Martin, sidelined with a right knee injury since the end of last season, was eligible to come off the PUP list Monday, but the team announced he'd remain on it until at least after the Jets' game at Cleveland on Oct. 29. "That's the hardest part about this deal for me is that I just can't will myself to do things right now," said Martin, wearing a fitted Yankees cap, green Jets sweat shirt and navy workout pants with white racing stripes. "I have to be smart, and that's what I'm trying to do," he said. "I'm trying to listen to the advice of the people who are around me, who know better than I know. For me, other people have my best interests and I have my best interests, but sometimes you need eyes outside of yours to see." Martin was noncommittal about being able to start practicing after the game at Cleveland. "'Definitely' isn't a word that I'm going to use," Martin said. "'Hopefully.' That's the word that I use."

RB Curtis Martin (NYJ) will remain on the PUP list for at least two more weeks, according to head coach Eric Mangini. "I think each week that we go here, we evaluate it and see where we are, and I think having two additional weeks here to continue moving with the process and look at it is going to be an asset," Mangini said.

RB Justin Fargas (OAK) HC Art Shell said on Monday that the dislocated shoulder suffered by running back Justin Fargas was not as serious as the team initially feared. Shell also said that Fargas may play in Week 7. "I'm not ruling it out," Shell said.

*** Friday Update *** RB LaMont Jordan (OAK) The Raiders' backfield is looking healthier. LaMont Jordan and backup Justin Fargas both returned to practice Thursday, and both are expected to play Sunday. Jordan is listed as probable on the injury report; Fargas is questionable but appears to have bounced back quickly.

*** Thursday Update *** RB LaMont Jordan (OAK) missed practice with back trouble Wednesday, and HC Art Shell hopes he gets better in a hurry. Jordan's "back tightened up on him" Tuesday night, Shell said. "We held him back. Hopefully, that will loosen up so he can go" today. The Raiders could be in big trouble if Jordan can't go. Backup RB Justin Fargas is questionable with a separated. RB Adimchinobe Echemandu could be activated from the practice squad.

*** Friday Update *** RB Reno Mahe (PHI) practiced on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** RB Brian Westbrook (PHI) practiced on Friday but was downgraded to questionable for this weekend. Even though Westbrook should play this weekend, this is very conflicting as a player that practices on Friday generally plays on Sunday. However, a player that is downgraded on Friday generally does not play on Sunday. Although Westbrook doesn't play by the "conventional wisdom" rules for the injury report. The team expects him to start Sunday. Check the Footballguys website for the definitive word Sunday morning.

*** Thursday Update *** RB Brian Westbrook (PHI) practiced partially Thursday but missed some sections of 11 on 11 work. He looks to be in about the same situation he was in last week with his knee.

*** Wednesday Update *** RB Brian Westbrook (PHI) practiced on Wednesday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** RB Dan Kreider (PIT) practiced on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

RB Shaun Alexander (SEA) Doctors had earlier warned that RB Shaun Alexander might be out until December, but they gave Alexander his best news yet. The bone he cracked on Sept. 24 showed "very, very great" healing in X-rays Monday, the player said. The team is now estimating he will miss two more weeks. "Now meeting with the doctors ... it's right on schedule, but they're going to be safe about it," Holmgren said. Now Alexander's preliminary scheduled return is Nov. 6 against the Raiders.

RB Madison Hedgecock (STL) broke his thumb on his first career NFL carry yesterday. Hedgecock said a helmet struck his thumb when he was hit for a 2 yard gain. He continued to play the rest of the game given that he was the Rams only available FB because Paul Smith was out after eye surgery. The Rams have a bye week, and Hedgecock believes he'll be ready to play when St. Louis visits San Diego.

*** Wednesday Update *** RB Chris Brown (TEN) HC Jeff Fisher said the team never seriously considered trading RB Chris Brown, despite requests by the player's agents. GM Floyd Reese said the Titans talked with several teams leading up to the deadline, but nothing serious developed involving Brown. "We haven't changed our stance on Chris since the beginning of training camp," Fisher said. "We feel it is important to have three solid backs on our roster and we do right now." Brown is a free agent at the end of the season.

*** Friday Update *** RB Mike Sellers (WAS) practiced on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

Wide Receiver

*** Thursday Update *** WR Larry Fitzgerald (ARI) injured his hamstring on Oct. 8, and he was projected to miss two to five weeks. It now looks like it will be closer to five weeks. Fitzgerald will not play Sunday against the Raiders, and he is not expected to play the following week at Green Bay. The week after is the Cardinals bye, which would give him an extra week to heal. It sets up his return for the Nov. 12 tilt against the Cowboys.

*** Wednesday Update *** WR Larry Fitzgerald (ARI) did not practice on Wednesday and is not expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** WR Roscoe Parrish (BUF) practiced Friday and could play Sunday when Buffalo hosts New England. HC Dick Jauron said he will be game-time decisions. Parrish had missed the previous two practices after tweaking his hamstring in last weekend's loss at Detroit.

*** Thursday Update *** WR Roscoe Parrish (BUF) did not practice on Thursday and remains questionable for this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** WR Chris Henry (CIN) Clermont County (Ohio) prosecutors have been granted a continuance in Chris Henry's trial that had been scheduled to begin on Thursday morning. The move allows the suspended Bengals receiver to avoid any further potential league sanctions for now. The trial is on charges stemming from Henry's arrest June 3 for speeding and operating a vehicle under the influence, and the new trial date is set for Nov. 27. Had the Thursday trial convened (and were Henry convicted of either charge or entered a guilty plea to a lesser charge), he would have been subject to additional league sanctions. He can still be suspended, fined, or both, once the charges from this incident are resolved.

*** Thursday Update *** WR Chris Henry (CIN) will sit again this weekend serving the second game of a two-week suspension. He will eligible to play on October 29th against the Falcons.

*** Friday Update *** WR Chad Johnson (CIN) practiced on Friday and will play this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** WR Chad Johnson (CIN) questioned the team's play calling saying, "We have to call it and they have to trust us as receivers. The quarterback has to trust his receivers to make the plays for him, regardless of what they line up in. We can't allow teams to dictate what we can do. We need to start dictating what we want to do." Johnson would like to see more deep passes, regardless of how defenses are covering the receivers. HC Marvin Lewis didn't agree with Johnson's assessment saying, "I think we would all like to make sure we continue to be aggressive, and I think that's all he's speaking to. But we're not going to be careless or foolish."

*** Friday Update *** WR Tab Perry (CIN) has been placed on the injured reserve list and will miss the remainder of the season. The Bengals added WR Glenn Holt to take Perry’s spot on the roster.

*** Wednesday Update *** WR Kelley Washington (CIN) did not practice on Wednesday and will not play this weekend.

WR Kelley Washington (CIN) is the latest Bengals' receiver to be knocked out of commission. He suffered a hamstring injury Sunday at Tampa Bay and is being ruled out for the Carolina game Sunday at home. Washington's absence will leave the Bengals with just three healthy, veterans: Chad Johnson, T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Antonio Chatman. Rookie Reggie McNeal, who was the team's emergency third quarterback last week, could be the No. 4 receiver. Or it's a role RB Chris Perry, an excellent pass receiver, could fill if he returns from the PUP list as expected.

*** Friday Update *** WR Joe Jurevicius (CLE) will likely be in the starting lineup Sunday against the Broncos. WR Dennis Northcutt missed practice Wednesday and was limited Thursday with a rib injury, which moved Jurevicius up to the first team. "The odds are pretty good that he'll play and be a starter," HC Romeo Crennel said.

*** Friday Update *** WR Dennis Northcutt (CLE) was not able to practice fully Friday and is looking like he won't play Sunday.

*** Wednesday Update *** WR Dennis Northcutt (CLE) HC Romeo Crennel is not optimistic that Dennis Northcutt (ribs) will be ready to play this week. KR Joshua Cribbs will likely also handle punt returns if Northcutt doesn't play.

*** Wednesday Update *** WR Terrell Owens (DAL) feels like he's a part of the offense now, but he'd like to get involved earlier in game. During last week's three TD performance, Owens had only one reception for 19 yards in the first half. "For me, the game is getting boring, you know?" he said, laughing. "In the first half of the last two ballgames, I'm not in the ballgame. That's not to say I'm not working hard. I'm not sure what the case may be."

*** Wednesday Update *** WR Robert Ferguson (GB) did not practice on Wednesday and will not play this weekend.

WR Robert Ferguson (GB) has been diagnosed with a trepidant Lisfranc injury to his right foot and conceivably could miss the rest of the season. Ferguson got the news Monday. Besides Ferguson, the Packers only have four receivers on the roster. But with Koren Robinson receiving a one-year NFL suspension for his off-the-field conduct, the team might place Ferguson on injured reserve and add another wideout. The Lisfranc joint, where the metatarsal bones attach to the rest of the foot, is a complicated joint involving numerous bones.

WR Koren Robinson (GB) suspended without pay for a minimum of one year for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy. The league's action came hours after Robinson pleaded not guilty to charges of drunken driving and fleeing police stemming from a high-speed chase in August.

*** Thursday Update *** WR Aaron Moorehead (IND) practiced on Wednesday and Thursday but remains questionable for this weekend. However, barring a setback, he is expected to play.

*** Friday Update *** WR Brandon Stokley (IND) will not play this weekend.

WR Brandon Stokley (IND) won't be playing this weekend. Stokley sprained the posterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in the Oct. 8 win over Tennessee. "I don't really have a timetable on it," Stokley said. "I definitely won't be able to play this week. We'll just take it week-by-week and see how it does." The team may consider signing free-agent WR Ricky Proehl.

*** Thursday Update *** WR Terrence Wilkins (IND) practiced on Wednesday and Thursday but remains questionable for this weekend. However, barring a setback, he is expected to play.

*** Friday Update *** WR Matt Jones (JAX) will not play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** WR Matt Jones (JAX) did not practice on Thursday and is not expected to play this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** WR Matt Jones (JAX) still isn't sure that he'll be ready for this Sunday's game. "I don't want to rush it and hurt it again. It's not like I broke anything and I'm gone for the season. I want to be out there playing and stuff,'' he said. HC Jack Del Rio said on Wednesday that WR Matt Jones will be designated as doubtful on the weekly injury report and would not practice on Wednesday.

*** Friday Update *** WR Reggie Williams (JAX) practiced on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** WR Reggie Williams (JAX) practiced on Thursday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** WR Reggie Williams (JAX) practiced on Wednesday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** WR Dante Hall (KC) HC Herm Edwards on Dante Hall's practice this week: "Yeah, caught punts, ran kickoffs, played special teams. Looked good. Practiced. Moved around very well. That was the whole issue with him last week. I was really nervous 'cause he practiced and I was worried about him getting hit again and all of a sudden then he's out another two weeks. This gave him another week of rest and he has come around quite nicely to play in this game."

*** Friday Update *** WR Marty Booker (MIA) practiced on Friday and remains listed as questionable but he is expected to start according to several sources.

*** Thursday Update *** WR Marty Booker (MIA) practiced on Thursday but remains questionable for this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** WR Marty Booker (MIA) practiced on Wednesday but is listed as questionable for this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** WR Marcus Vick (MIA) HC Nick Saban on Marcus Vick's role: "He also gives us a little depth at punt return, not that we'll utilize him in any other ways immediately. There are things that he can do on special teams and other areas that give us a little bit more flexibility, especially with some of the injuries that we have right now."

*** Friday Update *** WR Wes Welker (MIA) HC Nick Saban on WR Wes Welker's mystery injury: "He got kicked in the calf in the game [against the Jets]. It really wasn't an issue until it got some swelling in it. It's more of a bruise than anything else. I think getting that swelling down will enable him to do what he needs to do." Welker returned to practice this week and should play this Sunday.

*** Thursday Update *** WR Wes Welker (MIA) followed through with his plan to practice Thursday and made it through pain free. Welker was kicked in the calf last week against the Jets He remains questionable for this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** WR Amani Toomer (NYG) partially participated in Thursday’s practice and was added to the injury report with a sore calf. He is expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** WR Laveranues Coles (NYJ) did not practice fully Friday but is still expected to start Sunday.

*** Thursday Update *** WR Laveranues Coles (NYJ) partially participated in Thursday’s practice and remains questionable for this weekend. However, barring a setback, he is expected to play.

*** Wednesday Update *** WR Laveranues Coles (NYJ) partially participated in Wednesday’s practice but is still expected to play this weekend.

WR Laveranues Coles (NYJ) If you watched the game, you heard the announcers talking about Coles' right hand being so swollen that he was unable to shake hands with the broadcast crew last week. Yet he still played through the injury.

*** Friday Update *** WR Brad Smith (NYJ) practiced on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** WR Brad Smith (NYJ) practiced on Thursday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** WR Jerry Porter (OAK) The trade deadline came and went Tuesday, and the winless Raiders' roster stayed the same. Disgruntled WR Jerry Porter is still with the team, whether he likes it or not. His agent tried to work a deal to get Porter out of Oakland, but could find no takers. The Raiders wanted Porter to return $4 million in signing bonuses and for another team to offer a comparable player.

WR Jerry Porter (OAK) The NFL Players Association has appealed the team-imposed four-game suspension of Oakland Raiders wide receiver Jerry Porter. The appeal would be heard by an independent arbitrator if the suspension is not withdrawn by the team. "We believe that a four-game suspension is far too excessive at this point," NFLPA spokesman Carl Francis said.

*** Friday Update *** WR Reggie Brown (PHI) practiced on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** WR Reggie Brown (PHI) practiced on Wednesday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** WR Donte Stallworth (PHI) practiced Friday but admits he's still not 100 percent. After practice, Stallworth said he felt good but termed himself as a game-time decision for Sunday's game in Tampa. He is officially listed as questionable. "Honestly, I'm not 100 percent, nor was I against Green Bay," Stallworth said. "The last thing I want to do is go out and re-injure it again and be down for another three or four weeks. But at the same, I miss playing."

*** Thursday Update *** WR Donte Stallworth (PHI) practiced partially Thursday but missed some sections of 11 on 11 work. He's getting closer to returning but still has a little ways to go. Let's watch closely what he's able to do Friday.

*** Wednesday Update *** WR Donte Stallworth (PHI) did not practice on Wednesday and is questionable for this weekend.

WR Donte Stallworth (PHI) missed a game he very much wanted to play in Sunday against his former team. So you know it's a significant injury. He'll try to see what he can do on the practice field this week but we're concerned.

*** Friday Update *** WR Willie Reid (PIT) did not practice on Friday and will not play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** WR Willie Reid (PIT) did not practice on Thursday and is not expected to play this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** WR Willie Reid (PIT) did not practice on Wednesday and is not expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** WR Vincent Jackson (SD) partially participated in Friday’s practice but is not expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** WR Vincent Jackson (SD) left practice early yesterday with an adductor strain and is listed as questionable for this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** WR Bobby Engram (SEA) did not practice on Wednesday and will not play this weekend.

WR Bobby Engram (SEA) HC Mike Holmgren said on Monday that he is hopeful that wide receiver Bobby Engram will be able to return to the field in two weeks. "He is feeling better. The medicine they have given him has really helped. Unlikely that we will have him this week, but I'm hopeful that he can play against Kansas City. It's a little early to have a definitive answer, but I feel it's going to be sooner rather than later," Holmgren said.

*** Friday Update *** WR Mark Jones (TB) practiced on Friday but looks like a game-time decision for this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** WR Maurice Stovall (TB) did not practice on Friday and is at best a game-time decision for this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** WR David Givens (TEN) is expected to return from a thumb injury for the team's Week 8 game.

*** Thursday Update *** WR David Givens (TEN) Despite breaking his hand and partially tearing a ligament in his thumb, Titans David Givens is considering a return for Tennessee's next game against Houston. Givens will have a pin removed and said he will likely have medical approval to play. “It’ll definitely be day-to-day; I’m looking forward to playing this next game,” Givens said.

WR David Givens (TEN) will not practice with the team this week, but could return to practice next week in preparation for an October 29 game against the Houston Texans.

*** Wednesday Update *** WR Roydell Williams (TEN) had surgery to have a pin placed in his broken finger and is probably out 2-3 weeks. Williams was injured against the Washington Redskins this past Sunday.

*** Friday Update *** WR David Patten (WAS) practiced on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

Tight End

*** Friday Update *** TE Kellen Winslow Jr (CLE) practiced all week and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** TE Kellen Winslow Jr (CLE) practiced on Thursday but remains questionable for this weekend. Barring a setback, he is expected to play.

*** Wednesday Update *** TE Kellen Winslow Jr (CLE) practiced on Wednesday and is expected to play this weekend.

TE Kellen Winslow Jr (CLE) attended the funeral for his younger brother, Justin K.B. Winslow, who died suddenly last week in Kansas City, Mo. He was 23. The son of Hall of Fame tight end Kellen Winslow Sr. was found unconscious on Oct. 12 by his mother, Dawnn Wimes O'Bannon. According to a statement released by the family, he was unresponsive with a weak pulse. Justin Winslow was taken by ambulance to a hospital but couldn't be revived and died. A family spokeswoman said the cause of death would not be known until toxicology tests are completed.

*** Friday Update *** TE Tony Scheffler (DEN) was excused from Friday’s practice to attend a funeral.

*** Thursday Update *** TE Ben Utecht (IND) practiced on Thursday but remains questionable for this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** TE Marcedes Lewis (JAX) "I'm back and ready to roll," said Marcedes Lewis, who had two catches in the first five games after suffering a high ankle sprain in the first preseason game in Miami on Aug. 12. A high ankle sprain, often takes longer to heal than a broken ankle, so it's not surprising that Lewis has spent two months recovering. Lewis said he's still not 100 percent, but he's not on the injury report for the Houston game Sunday. "I think he's healthy, and he's talented, and we'll continue to look for ways to utilize the weapons we have. He's certainly one of them," HC Jack Del Rio said.

*** Saturday Update *** TE Daniel Graham (NE) will be out for Sunday's game according to the Boston Globe.

*** Friday Update *** TE Daniel Graham (NE) practiced on Friday but remains questionable for this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** TE Ernie Conwell (NO) will miss several weeks after suffering a knee injury against the Seahawks. He had surgery yesterday to repair a medial meniscus tear.

*** Friday Update *** TE L.J. Smith (PHI) practiced on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** TE L.J. Smith (PHI) practiced on Wednesday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** TE Jerramy Stevens (SEA) is not on the team’s injury report and is expected to play this weekend. Of course he was expected to play last week but didn’t, so his participation is not exactly a lock right now.

*** Thursday Update *** TE Dominique Byrd (STL) was just happy to see the field last week when he caught a five yard pass from QB Marc Bulger. But he's also looking forward to more opportunities. "Nothing is given, and nothing's easy. I just look forward to the next opportunity that I get," Byrd said. He may get more playing time elsewhere as he's been practicing at FB due to the eye injury to Paul Smith.

Kicker

*** Thursday Update *** PK Adam Vinatieri (IND) practiced on Wednesday and Thursday but remains questionable for this weekend. However, barring a setback, he is expected to play.

*** Wednesday Update *** PK Adam Vinatieri (IND) practiced on Wednesday but is listed as questionable for this weekend.

PK Adam Vinatieri (IND) is pretty confident that he'll kick this week against Washington, "The last couple of weeks we tried to get back and we weren't quite ready, but everything's progressing along all right. I think I should be ready."

Offensive Line

*** Thursday Update *** OL Arizona Cardinals (ARI) G Milford Brown did not practice on Thursday and is not expected to play this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** OL Arizona Cardinals (ARI) G Milford Brown did not practice on Wednesday and is not expected to play this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** OL Atlanta Falcons (ATL) The Falcons offensive line lost starting guard Matt Lehr on Tuesday to a four-game suspension by the NFL for violating the league's substance abuse policy. Lehr is the first Atlanta player to be suspended due to an infraction of the policy since 2002, when cornerback Ray Buchanan drew a four-game suspension after he tested positive for anabolic steroids. The NFL, in keeping with its policy, did not reveal the type of substance found in Lehr's drug test. Lehr, 27, will be eligible to return to the Falcons' active roster on Nov. 13. "Obviously, we are disappointed, but the NFL's policies are very clear that all NFL players are responsible for what goes into their bodies - regardless of the source," coach Jim Mora said in a statement. "We have options to replace Matt over the next four weeks that we are very comfortable with."

*** Friday Update *** OL Buffalo Bills (BUF) C Melvin Fowler practiced on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

G Tutan Reyes practiced on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** OL Carolina Panthers (CAR) HC John Fox was non-committal in his response when asked when and/or if Justin Hartwig would return to the starting lineup after recovering from an injured groin in Week 1. Hartwig, who signed a five year deal as a free agent this summer, has watched the Panthers makeshift line, including his replacement Geoff Hangartner, improve each week. Carolina gained 414 total yards against the Ravens last Sunday. "I think Geoff Hangartner has stepped in at the center position and done an excellent job. (Hartwig's) a guy that we're getting back into football condition," Fox said.

*** Wednesday Update *** OL Cincinnati Bengals (CIN) C Rich Braham did not practice on Wednesday and will not play this weekend.

T Levi Jones did not practice on Wednesday and will not play this weekend.

OL Cincinnati Bengals (CIN) It looks like the Bengals will not have OT Levi Jones for awhile (he has been ruled out for week seven. “A big part of what we do is running the football and giving Carson time to throw the ball down the field, and we haven’t been able to do either," said RB Rudi Johnson. And all that hinges on the offensive line, where injuries have taken it from one of the best in the NFL to a rehab project, shuffling in a different lineup every week. Last year, the same five starters lined up for 14 of the 16 games. This year, there have been four different combinations in five games. Rookie Andrew Whitworth will get the start replacing Jones.

*** Friday Update *** OL Detroit Lions (DET) T Rex Tucker did not practice on Friday and is not expected to play this weekend.

G Ross Verba did not practice on Friday and is not expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** OL Houston Texans (HOU) T Zach Wiegert will be a game-time decision after he tried to return to practice Thursday but had to leave after his knee started bothering him again. He sprained his knee in the Cowboys game. The Texans have been giving OT Brad Bedell a number of repetitions with the first team. OT Eric Winston is also an option.

*** Thursday Update *** OL Indianapolis Colts (IND) G Ryan Lilja practiced on Wednesday and Thursday but remains questionable for this weekend. However, barring a setback, he is expected to play.

C Jeff Saturday practiced on Wednesday and Thursday but remains questionable for this weekend. However, barring a setback, he is expected to play.

*** Friday Update *** OL Jacksonville Jaguars (JAX) T Stockar McDougle did not practice on Friday and will not play this weekend.

G Chris Naeole practiced on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** OL Jacksonville Jaguars (JAX) T Stockar McDougle did not practice on Thursday and is not expected to play this weekend.

G Chris Naeole practiced on Thursday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** OL Jacksonville Jaguars (JAX) T Stockar McDougle did not practice on Wednesday and is not expected to play this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** OL Kansas City Chiefs (KC) T John Welbourn will join the team next week for practice, a source said Tuesday. Welbourn retired unexpectedly last summer then was suspended for six weeks for violating the league’s drug policy. He also sat for four games at the start of 2005 for steroid use. Welbourn will work out for the Chiefs Oct. 23, and the club will have a two-week commissioner’s exemption to determine his physical status. He was steady at right tackle last year and would be a welcome addition, assuming he’s stayed in football shape.

T Will Svitek did not practice on Wednesday and will not play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** OL New England Patriots (NE) G Russ Hochstein did not practice on Friday and is not expected to play this weekend.

C Nick Kaczur did not practice on Friday and is not expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** OL New York Jets (NYJ) T Anthony Clement practiced on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

G Pete Kendall practiced on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

G Trey Teague was limited in Friday’s practice and remains questionable for this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** OL New York Jets (NYJ) T Anthony Clement practiced on Thursday and is expected to play this weekend.

G Pete Kendall practiced on Thursday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** OL Philadelphia Eagles (PHI) G Shawn Andrews practiced on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

G Todd Herremans practiced on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

LT Tra Thomas practiced Friday for a second consecutive day after being sidelined Wednesday due to back spasms. He has been upgraded to probable for Sunday's game in Tampa.

*** Friday Update *** OL Pittsburgh Steelers (PIT) C Jeff Hartings practiced on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

G Kendall Simmons practiced on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** OL Pittsburgh Steelers (PIT) C Jeff Hartings practiced on Thursday and is expected to play this weekend.

G Kendall Simmons practiced on Thursday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** OL San Diego Chargers (SD) T Marcus McNeil practiced on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** OL San Diego Chargers (SD) LT Marcus McNeill had surgery yesterday to place a pin in his broken right hand but is not expected to miss any practice time or a game. McNeill broke the hand against Pittsburgh on Oct. 8 but played Sunday. He had surgery in August to put a pin in his broken left hand.

Meanwhile, it seems likely that left tackle Roman Oben will not return to practice for another few weeks. While Oben, on the PUP list following offseason foot surgeries, is healthy enough to practice, the Chargers don't have to make a move with Oben until Nov. 7. At that point, they have a 21-day window wherein he can practice but not be activated. McNeill is playing well, and the Chargers believe in backup Corey Lekkerkerker. Should one of them get injured, Oben's return could be accelerated.

Finally, RT Shane Olivea, who sat out the second half Sunday at San Francisco with a sprained knee, is expected to play at Kansas City.

*** Wednesday Update *** OL Seattle Seahawks (SEA) G Floyd Womack did not practice on Wednesday and will not play this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** OL San Francisco 49ers (SF) LT Jonas Jennings and LG Larry Allen are expected to be back for the Oct. 29 Chicago game. OL Adam Snyder has been filling in for them while they have been injured. HC Mike Nolan said Snyder would compete with Jennings and RT Kwame Harris to remain in the lineup.

*** Friday Update *** OL Washington Redskins (WAS) G Derrick Dockery practiced on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

Defensive Line

*** Thursday Update *** DL Kendrick Clancy (ARI) did not practice on Thursday and is not expected to play this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** DL Kendrick Clancy (ARI) did not practice on Wednesday and is not expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** DL John Abraham (ATL) did not practice on Thursday.

*** Thursday Update *** DL Grady Jackson (ATL) practiced on Thursday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** DL Patrick Kerney (ATL) did not practice on Thursday.

*** Thursday Update *** DL Al Wallace (CAR) practiced on Thursday but remains questionable for this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** DL Jason Hatcher (DAL) did not practice on Wednesday and is not expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** DL Shaun Cody (DET) did not practice on Friday and will not play this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** DL Shaun Cody (DET) did not practice on Wednesday and will not play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** DL Shaun Rogers (DET) had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee Wednesday. HC Rod Marinelli said Thursday he expects Rogers' recovery from a partially torn meniscus to be about three weeks and believes Rogers will return by Nov. 20, when his suspension is over.

*** Wednesday Update *** DL Shaun Rogers (DET) made an honest mistake in taking an appetite suppressant, and he will use his time away from the Lions to take care of his knee injury, his agent, Kennard McGuire, said Tuesday night. Rogers suffered from sleep apnea before having his tonsils removed while sidelined with a shoulder injury during training camp. He had trouble sleeping, and that led to him oversleeping the day of a game last season. It also led to him eating late at night. Rogers, who is listed at 340 pounds, was worried about his weight.

DL Shaun Rogers (DET) will be suspended four games for violating the league's substance abuse policy.

*** Friday Update *** DL Cullen Jenkins (GB) did not practice on Friday and will not play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** DL Cullen Jenkins (GB) did not practice on Thursday and is not expected to play this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** DL Cullen Jenkins (GB) did not practice on Wednesday and is not expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** DL Jason Babin (HOU) left practice early Thursday with back spasms. The Texans are unsure of his status for Sunday.

*** Thursday Update *** DL Jason Babin (HOU) left Thursday’s practice early with a back injury and was added to the injury report as probable for this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** DL Antwan Peek (HOU) practiced on Thursday but remains questionable for this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** DL Dwight Freeney (IND) practiced on Wednesday and Thursday but remains questionable for this weekend. However, barring a setback, he is expected to play.

*** Wednesday Update *** DL Dwight Freeney (IND) practiced on Wednesday but is listed as questionable for this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** DL Dan Klecko (IND) practiced on Wednesday and Thursday but remains questionable for this weekend. However, barring a setback, he is expected to play.

*** Thursday Update *** DL Ryan LaCasse (IND) practiced on Wednesday and Thursday but remains questionable for this weekend. However, barring a setback, he is expected to play.

*** Thursday Update *** DL Robert Mathis (IND) practiced on Wednesday and Thursday but remains questionable for this weekend. However, barring a setback, he is expected to play.

*** Friday Update *** DL Anthony McFarland (IND) had a smooth first practice as a member of the Colts Thursday, which means that he should see plenty of playing time Sunday against the Redskins. “He did fine today. Just trying to get to know his teammates and little nuances in how we do. He looked good and ran well and got in there and practiced and looked right at home,” Indianapolis HC Tony Dungy said Thursday. “I think he’s going to be one of our rotational defensive lineman. He’s been playing about 50 plays a game [with the Buccaneers] and I’m sure he could 40 to 50 [plays] for us without much problem. We’ll see how the game develops, but he’ll be in there rotating and playing a series in and out I would think.”

*** Thursday Update *** DL Montae Reagor (IND) practiced on Thursday but remains questionable for this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** DL Darrell Reid (IND) practiced on Wednesday and Thursday but remains questionable for this weekend. However, barring a setback, he is expected to play.

*** Friday Update *** DL Marcus Stroud (JAX) will not play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** DL Marcus Stroud (JAX) did not practice on Thursday and is not expected to play this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** DL Marcus Stroud (JAX) did not practice on Wednesday and is not expected to play this weekend.

DL Marcus Stroud (JAX) doesn't want to experience the feeling of watching the team from the sidelines again. "It was difficult," Stroud said after he sat out the team's 41-0 victory over the New York Jets on Oct. 8. "It was something that had to be done for the good of the team. The coaches felt like me sitting out and giving me an extra week to get healthy would be beneficial for the team, and I was all for it."

*** Friday Update *** DL Marcellus Wiley (JAX) practiced on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** DL Marcellus Wiley (JAX) practiced on Thursday but remains questionable for this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** DL Kevin Carter (MIA) practiced on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** DL Michael Strahan (NYG) has no plans for retirement after he was asked his reaction to teammate RB Tiki Barber's comments that he could retire at season's end. Despite only one sack this season, Strahan still draws two sometimes three blockers and his QB pressures are still there. "I don't know, I haven't thought much about that. I feel great. As long as I continue to feel great, I'll continue to go out there and play," Strahan said.

*** Friday Update *** DL Dave Ball (NYJ) practiced on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** DL Dave Ball (NYJ) practiced on Thursday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** DL Kimo von Oelhoffen (NYJ) practiced on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** DL Kimo von Oelhoffen (NYJ) practiced on Thursday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** DL Grant Irons (OAK) did not practice on Wednesday and will not play this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** DL Warren Sapp (OAK) isn't a happy person. After being part of a winning team while playing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sapp is having trouble dealing with the Raiders winless ways. "It's probably the worst time in my life right now. We aren't going to win many with three points, but we are just going to keep plugging along," Sapp said. "It's about pride, now, more than anything. We haven't won a game. We can't hang our hat on anything. You have to go out and play. I know for myself I am, because I love this game."

*** Friday Update *** DL Darren Howard (PHI) partially participated in Friday’s practice and will be a game-time decision for this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** DL Igor Olshansky (SD) suffered a torn meniscus in his knee last week at San Francisco and had surgery Wednesday that will sideline him three to four weeks. Olshansky also suffered a second-degree sprain of his MCL on the third play from scrimmage in the season opener. DE Jacques Cesaire will start in Olshansky's place at Kansas City.

*** Wednesday Update *** DL Igor Olshansky (SD) did not practice on Wednesday and will not play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** DL Joe Tafoya (SEA) practiced on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

Linebacker

*** Thursday Update *** LB James Darling (ARI) practiced on Thursday but remains questionable for this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** LB Edgerton Hartwell (ATL) will start at middle linebacker for Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Hartwell's return means Keith Brooking will return to his natural position, weakside linebacker. Michael Boley will remain the starter at strongside linebacker. "A couple times today when I broke the huddle, I saw Jim [Mora] laughing at me because he saw I was lining up kind of slow. I was going to line up at [middle linebacker]," said Brooking. "I have a history at this position, so I'm very comfortable with what I have to do."

*** Wednesday Update *** LB Josh Stamer (BUF) did not practice on Wednesday and will not play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** LB Thomas Davis (CAR) returned to practice Friday, although he remains listed as questionable. Davis suffered bruised ribs in last Sunday's game. He is now considered likely to play this Sunday vs. Cincinnati.

*** Thursday Update *** LB Thomas Davis (CAR) did not practice on Thursday and remains questionable for this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** LB Alex Lewis (DET) was limited in Friday’s practice and will be a game-time decision for this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** LB Abdul Hodge (GB) did not practice on Thursday and is not expected to play this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** LB Abdul Hodge (GB) did not practice on Wednesday and is not expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** LB Ben Taylor (GB) did not practice on Friday and is not expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** LB Ben Taylor (GB) did not practice on Thursday and is not expected to play this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** LB Ben Taylor (GB) did not practice on Wednesday and is not expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** LB Rocky Boiman (IND) practiced on Wednesday and Thursday but remains questionable for this weekend. However, barring a setback, he is expected to play.

*** Thursday Update *** LB Gilbert Gardner (IND) practiced on Wednesday and Thursday but remains questionable for this weekend. However, barring a setback, he is expected to play.

*** Wednesday Update *** LB Gilbert Gardner (IND) practiced on Wednesday but is listed as questionable for this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** LB Rich Scanlon (KC) did not practice on Wednesday and will not play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** LB Ben Leber (MIN) practiced on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** LB Ben Leber (MIN) practiced on Thursday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** LB Don Davis (NE) left practice early with a ankle injury and is now questionable for this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** LB Matt Chatham (NYJ) practiced on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** LB Matt Chatham (NYJ) practiced on Thursday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** LB Shawn Barber (PHI) practiced on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** LB Matthew McCoy (PHI) practiced on Friday and is expected to play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** LB James Harrison (PIT) did not practice on Friday and will not play this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** LB James Harrison (PIT) did not practice on Wednesday and will not play this weekend.

*** Friday Update *** LB Joey Porter (PIT) did not practice on Friday and is not expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** LB Joey Porter (PIT) did not practice on Thursday and is not expected to play this weekend.

*** Wednesday Update *** LB Joey Porter (PIT) is doubtful with a hamstring injury for this week's game at Atlanta. Rookie LB Arnold Harrison will get his second start and veteran LB Chad Brown will see time on third down passing situations.

LB Joey Porter (PIT) will be listed as doubtful for this week with a hamstring according to coach Bill Cowher.

*** Friday Update *** LB D.D. Lewis (SEA) did not practice on Friday and is not expected to play this weekend.

*** Thursday Update *** LB Parys Haralson (SF) will see more time as a situational pass rusher according to HC Mike Nolan. Haralson suffered a foot sprain during the preseason and only recently was assigned to the special teams unit. Nolan said Haralson has shown promise as a pass rusher and that it is important to find ways to spell fel