November 28th Injury Report

By Christian Hardy

Quarterbacks

- According to Chiefs' head coach Todd Haley, rather than rushing Kyle Orton into a starting role, Tyler Palko (who has turned the ball over seven times in two games as a starter) will be under center for at least one more game. According to Jason La Canfora, it would not be a surprise if we saw Orton go under center at some time in week 13.

- Michael Vick did not go through the Eeagles' walkthrough today. The Eagles play against the Seahawks on Thursday, so Tuesday becomes his last chance to practice. If Michael Vick were to miss this game, Vince Young would start his third consecutive game.

- Texans; head coach Gary Kubiak confirmed that Matt Leinart has a fractured collarbone and is done for the season. TJ Yates, rookie from North Carolina, will take the place as the starter for now. They will also go forward with Kellen Clemens as a backup, and they will sign a quarterback later in the week. Quarterbacks that are in the talks of that last spot: Brett Favre, Jeff Garcia (front runner), Sage Rosenfels, and Brodie Croyle.
- Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt said that he is "optimistic" that Kevin Kolb will return in week 13. According to ProFootballTalk, Kolb will return as the starter, rather than John Skelton, who is 3-0 as the starting quarterback of this team.
- According to head coach Jack Del Rio, Blaine Gabbert will remain the starting quarterback of the Jaguars despite being benched in favor of Luke McCown. McCown failed to take the Jaguars down the field, for a chance to take his team to overtime. Either way, the Jaguars are one of the worst teams in the NFL, and without their defense, they would be awfully close to the worst.

Running Backs

- According to Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan, Roy Helu will  be the Redskins' running back, "for sure." He also said that "..he was ready", among other positive things that he said about Helu. It looks like there will be no more Shanahanigans here, but don't count out Ryan Torain (or Evan Royster for that matter) until Helu does it twice in a row.
- Darren McFadden had a light practice on Monday. He did some running and some cuts on his injured foot. His status for week 13 is unknown. We do know that he will not return until he is 100 percent. Until then, it will be Michael Bush behind the line carrying the rock.

Wide Receivers

- Jeremy Maclin was not at the Eagles' walkthrough on Monday.
- Miles Austin, who is questionable for week 13, missed Monday's walkthough.
- Giants WR Mario Manningham is inactive for Monday Night Football against the Saints.
- Rams WR Danario Alexander is close to a return. He will be fighting for carries with Brandon Gibson.

Tight Ends

Defense/Others
- According to Gery Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Troy Polamalu, who suffered 'concussion-like' symptoms Sunday night, will be 'fine' for week 13.
- Nnamdi Asomugha did not participate in the Eagles' walkthrough on Monday.
- Sam Baker made his return on Sunday, but it didn't end pretty. Baker didn't finish this game, because in the game against the Vikings on Sunday.
- Browns line backer Scott Fujita has chosen to undergo surgery to repair his broken right hand. His season could very well be over.

Week 12 Pickups

By Gabriel Harber

I trust everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner, and that you made it through visiting with your in-laws without any Ndamukong Suh type incidents.  It was a great holiday for football as the Cowboys once it again made a winnable game unbearably nail-biting, Coach Harbaugh took home a victory, and the Packers smacked that ass once more.  Most of you are heading into the playoffs soon and this weekend could be pivotal for your inclusion or seeding.  Fortunately we’ve got some additions that are good for what ails ya.

The Pick Ups

Kyle Orton:  The artist formerly known as Neckbeard gets a second second (that’d be a third) chance in Kansas City and falls into a situation with some natural receiving talent.  Dwayne Bowe, Jon Baldwin, and Steve Breaston should all contribute to an offense that looks to be exponentially more effective than they’ve been the last three weeks.  I’m sure many owners dumped Orton when he was benched in week five, and rarely do you find a guy with QB1 potential on the wire right in time for the playoffs.

 Steve Breaston:  His value is directly tied to how Orton performs, but with Matt Cassel (and even Tyler Palko at times), Breaston has excelled.  He’s one of the more underrated receivers in the NFL dating back to his days in Arizona.  If you can snag him before he resumes producing you could end up with a solid WR3 for the rest of the season.  Because of shear yardage production I have to believe he finds the endzone at least a few more times.

Caleb Hanie:  He couldn’t make it happen on the field, but from a fantasy perspective he certainly got the job done.  His three interceptions and sacks were offset by two touchdowns and 50 rushing yards, while he also passed for 254 yards totaling 16.16 points.  I wouldn’t expect him to find as much success through the air every week, but I have to believe he’ll get some check down TD’s to Matt Forte and Marion Barber, as well as cut down on the turnovers as he gets more reps with the first team.  All in all, I’m buying here if I need quarterback help.

Roy Helu: 

• Fact: Helu totaled 164 yards and a touchdown on 30 touches.
• Fact: Shanahan came out and said that Helu will make an excellent #2 running back heading into the future.
• Fact: Shanahan also said that he finally thought Helu was ready for a starter’s workload.

If you have any idea what to make of any of this please let me know.  I just know Helu must be owned if he’s getting touches.

CJ Spiller:  At least we have good old Chan Gailey who, staying true to his word, featured Spiller heavily.  Though he was far from effective, the Bills were also playing against a Jets defense that was backed into a corner with their season on the line.  If you have the roster spot available I would definitely pick up Spiller, especially in PPR leagues. Like I said previously, if he is getting touches then he should be owned.

Jason Avant/Riley Cooper:  The Eagles have a short week which means they may be rolling with the same offensive unit as Sunday’s game against the Patriots, most likely.  Cooper and Avant both played well enough to be owned as long as they’re seeing time and targets, and with Vince Young continuing behind center and playing for a contract I have to believe he’ll be showing the world what he can do.  Avant is the safer pick.

Marcel Reece:  Relegated to a makeshift receiving corps, Carson Palmer’s favorite target on Sunday was fullback Marcel Reece.  Reece, who was a wideout in college, shined in his expanded role and may be in line for a repeat performance given the battered and bruised state of Oakland’s offense.

Greg Little:  After weeks of teasing us as one of the highest targeted receivers in the league, Little finally found the endzone, rewarding owners who’ve stuck with him.  Peyton Hillis was back and added another dimension to the offense that the Browns had been sorely missing, opening the passing game up for Colt McCoy and company.  If you’re in a PPR league I would gobble Little up like Grandma’s leftovers.

I’ll see you back here next week!  Until then, be sure to shoot me any questions you might have on Twitter.