THanksgiving day EXPECTATIONS
I'm expecting lots of turkey, dressing and family time. Hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving and safe travels to and from wherever you may be headed today.
No game time decisions of note in today's games, but there are two running backs with nagging injuries which could limit their performance.
marshawn lynch | back | probable
I think more was made of Lynch's back spasms last week than needed to be. It's a known issue and will sometimes cost Lynch a series or two. But I don't think Lynch was ever in danger of missing an entire half or having his day end early last week. Lynch was back to a full Wednesday practice, alleviating any concerns the short week will limit his workload. And this is San Francisco week -- Lynch will play through just about anything.
Fantasy expectation: Use Lynch as you normally would.
reggie bush | ankle/back | questionable
Bush was held out of last week's game specifically to keep him healthy for today's game. He managed three consecutive practices this week and though he now has a back issue listed on top of the ankle sprain, he's expected to play through a questionable tag.
Fantasy expectation: Bush will likely be active today, but with Joique Bell and Theo Riddick healthy, Bush may have trouble getting more than 10-12 touches. And the risk of another aggravation is still there. Consider Bush a flex play only today.
Roddy White (knee - DNP), Jerick McKinnon (back - DNP), Austin Seferian-Jenkins (back - DNP), Cordarrelle Patterson (knee - DNP), and Kenny Britt (back - DNP) are on the list of players I'll be tracking as the week progresses. As of now, all three are expected to play.
Let's lead with some good news this week. Both Ryan Mathews (shoulder) and Odell Beckham (back) missed multiple series before returning last week. Both fully practiced on Wednesday and look to be in line to play without a serious injury concern. The news is also finally positive on Jordan Cameron. After a limited Friday practice last week, Cameron was back on the practice field again on Wednesday. If he shows no symptoms after Thursday's practice, he could be sent to the independent neurologist for clearance on Friday.
ARIAN FOSTER | GROIN | LIMITED
Foster was limited on Wednesday, but this limited practice session feels much different than last week's. Bill O'Brien sounded much more optimistic today about Foster's likely availability this week, noting Foster moved well in practice. It's now been over three weeks since the groin strain, which is in the target window of expectation for a return from a mid grade strain. Like last week, however, Thursday's practice will be key. If he's back on the practice field for a consecutive session on Thursday, it means he's responded well and can be expected to be part of the game plan. If he sits on Thursday, expect Foster to be out at least one more week.
larry fitzgerald | knee | dnp
Like last week, I give Fitzgerald only a slim chance or returning to play in Week 13. He was seen in shorts and wearing a brace today, which means Fitzgerald or the medical staff (or both) still feel some looseness in the knee joint. Fitzgerald is highly unlikely to play in a brace and won't start conditioning until the brace isn't necessary. Unless Fitzgerald begins conditioning by the end of this week, consider him questionable for Week 14, too.
julius thomas | ankle | dnp
I'm starting to get nervous that we were sold an incomplete story from multiple sources last week. Thomas didn't have to practice on Wednesday to play this week, but we're now ten days after his ankle sprain. If it is a low ankle sprain, it's worth wondering if there was some structural issues seen on the MRI and Thomas will need more time for the ligaments to heal. If not, we know how difficult a high ankle sprain can be for a bigger skill position player. Hopefully, Thomas will practice on Thursday and lay those fears to rest. Otherwise, start considering another hedge on your roster with Thomas playing in the Sunday night game this week.
dwayne allen | ankle | DNP
The Colts haven't confirmed the diagnosis, but I think Allen's ankle injury is a high ankle sprain. Chuck Pagano called Allen day to day in his Wednesday press conference, which leaves open the possibility of Allen returning to practice by the end of the week and playing. If Allen does have a high ankle sprain, that's going to be a tough ask. But we'll know his status with more certain by Friday afternoon.
latavius murray | concussion | limited
Murray has already been cleared for exercise and should be good for football-related activity on Thursday. Unless there's news of a setback, I expect Murray will clear all stages of the return to play protocol and be ready to play this week.
jordan reed | hamstring | limited
It's a good sign Reed is back practicing on Wednesday. It's not yet clear whether he's testing his strain to see how well it responds on Thursday morning or if he's already close to a full recovery. That question will be answered by his Thursday participation. If he's back on the field, he has a strong chance of returning this week. If he misses Thursday practice, Week 14 is his earliest return date.
Follow on Twitter @JeneBramel for breaking injury news, updates and analysis. Check back Sunday morning for my expectations on all of this week's game-time injury decisions.