December 7th Injury Report

Quarterbacks
- Eagles quarterback Michael Vick (ribs) practiced on Wednesday and fully expects to start this week against the Dolphins.
- Waiver by Houston on Tuesday, Kellen Clemens was claimed by the Rams, who are struggling to find a quarterback for their Monday Night showdown against the Seahawks. Both Sam Bradford (ankle) and AJ Feeley (finger) did not practice on Wednesday and are not expected to play this week.
- Chiefs quarterback Kyle Orton was limited in practice on Wednesday after suffering a dislocated finger in Sunday's game against the Bears. If Orton were unable to play, Tyler Palko would make his fourth consecutive start for the Chiefs under center.
- Rex Grossman (shoulder) was a full participant on Wednesday, and will probably be off of the injury list before Sunday's game.
- Josh Freeman did some light throwing on Wednesday, but is still considered to be day-to-day, according to the Bucs' official site.


Running Backs
- Browns running back Peyton Hillis (hip) was in practice for the second straight day, and he is expected to play on Thursday. He is listed as questionable.
- Adrian Peterson says that his ankle is 70 percent. He also said that he wants to play this week, but according to ESPN's John Clayton, he is not "expected" to play. Peterson did not practice on Wednesday.
- James Starks (ankle) did not practice on Wednesday. I did not rank Starks, and I do not expect him to play. Mike McCarthy said that he will be "challenged" to practice this week.
- Saints rookie running back Mark Ingram did not practice on Wednesday because of a turf toe injury. It is not expected to be serious, but practices later in the week will reveal more about the injury.
- Willis McGahee (knee) did not practice today, but his status for Sunday is not in danger.
- Kevin Smith, who reaggravated his ankle injury in week 13, did not practice on Wednesday.
- Patriots running backs Shane Vereen and Stevan Ridley missed practice time on Wednesday. Ridley's absence was not injury related, and Vereen has a hamstring injury and was limited in practice today. Other than those two, Danny Woodhead has an abdomen injury and was limited in practice.


Wide Receivers
- Jeremy Maclin (hamstring) was back at Eagles practice today for the first time in about two weeks. He expects to play this week, and barring any setbacks, he will play and start.
- Cowboys wide receiver Miles Austin is expected to play this week against the Giants after practicing for the first time in over a month on Wednesday. However, Laurent Robsinon (shoulder) did not practice. It should be nothing to worry about as Robinson finished the game on Sunday and the Cowboys tend to be on the cautious side on Wednesday. I think you can expect Robinson back in practice Thursday, and Friday at the latest.
- Giants wide receiver Mario Manningham (knee) was limited in practice on Wednesday, according to Mike Garafolo on Twitter. On the other hand, Hakeem Nicks was taken off of the injury list today.
- 49ers wide receiver Braylon Edwards was limited in practice on Wednesday. Edwards did not play against the Rams in week 13.
- Both Roddy White (shoulder) and Julio Jones (hamstring) were limited at Wednesday's practice. Both are expected to play.
- Raiders wide receiver Denarius Moore did not practice as his foot injury continues to hang around. His status is in doubt for Sunday. As for Jacoby Ford, he also did not practice, but he is hopeful that he will take part in practice sometime this week. If he does not practice tomorrow, then it is likely that he will miss Sunday's game, as the sore foot continues to nag at him.


Tight Ends
- Colts TE Dallas Clark (leg) practiced in full on Wednesday, according to Jim Irsay's on Twitter.
- Panthers tight end Greg Olsen (knee) did not practice Wednesday according to the team's official site.
- Vikings TE Visanthe Shiancoe was a limited participant in practice with a hand injury.


Defense/Others
- Steelers linebacker Lamarr Woodley is unlikely to play Thursday night against the Browns. Woodley re-injured his hamstring in week 13. He missed practice for the second straight day.
- Both Dominqiue Rodgers-Cromartie and Nnamdi Asomugha practiced fully today, and both expect to play on Sunday.
- Giants corner back Kenny Phillips (sprained MCL) did some work on the side in practice today, but did not practice with the team.
- Giants center David Baas' "headaches" are much more severe than first thought, and he went in to get more tests on his head today and will continue to get them throughout the week according to Melissa Stark.
- Packers linebackers AJ Hawk and Desmond Bishop, both with calf injuries, sat out practice today and did not play in week 13. However, Charles Woodson (concussion) did practice today in limited fashion.
- Broncos rookie linebacker practiced on Wednesday with a  cast on his hand. Miller did not play in week 13, a 35-32 win by the Broncos.
- Lions corner back Chris Houston did not practice on Wednesday. He also did not play in week 13 after injuring his knee on Thanksgiving against the Packers. Other than Houston, Nick Fairley was seen in a boot on Wednesday and did not practice. More updates to come later in the week.

December 5th and 6th Injury Report

Quarterbacks
- Michael Vick practiced fully on Monday and is expected to play on Sunday against the Dolphins.

- After many rumors that were bouncing around, the Bears have no interest in Brett Favre, according to ESPN's Ed Warder.

- The Rams quarterback Sam Bradford aggravated his ankle injury before week 13. The injury is in almost as bad of shape as it was after he suffered an ankle sprain in Week 6. Rams head coach Steve Spagnuolo said that Bradford's ankle injury will not be fully healed until the offseason. Not only is Bradford hurt,  but backup quarterback AJ Feeley has a fracture in his right thumb, and his status is "in doubt" for Monday Night Football against the Seahawks. If both Bradford and Feeley were unable to play this Sunday, Tom Brandstater would likely be the started, barring any signings or an activation from the practice squad.

- Shortly after Kellen Clemens was waived by the Texans on Tuesday; Jeff Garcia, who worked out for the Texans in week 11 and week 12, was signed by the team to become the backup quarterback to rookie quarterback TJ Yates.


Running Backs
- According to Vikings head coach Leslie Frasier, Adrian Peterson is close to returning.

- Peyton Hillis (hip) participated in team drills in practice on Tuesday, and is expected to play against the Steelers on Thursday.

- As you probably already know, Matt Forte has no ACL damage, but does have a sprained MCL. Forte will likely miss anywhere from 2-4 weeks, but could miss up to six, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The sprain in a grade two sprain. Marion Barber will start, but it is expected to split carries with Kahlil Bell.


Wide Receivers
- Andre Johnson is day to day with a hamstring injury. More on Johnson later in the week.

- Jeremy Maclin (hamstring) expects to return to practice on Wednesday to test his hamstring. He is hopeful that he will play this week.

- Broncos wide receiver Eddie Royal suffered a concussion on Sunday against the Vikings on punt return duties.

- Miles Austin is expected to play this week, barring any setback, on Sunday Night Football against the Giants. Both Laurent Robison and Austin are wide receiver two options this week.


Tight Ends
- The NFL announced that Redskins tight end Fred Davis will be suspended for four games, meaning that he will miss the remainder of the 2011 season. Davis has failed three tests for marijuana, and if he were to violate the league's substance policy again, then he would serve a one year suspension. The Redskins starting tight end Chris Cooley was placed on injured reserve earlier this year.


Defense/Others
- Colts cornerback Jerraud Powers dislocated his left elbow and will miss the remainder of the season.

- The Falcons have already ruled out cornerback Brent Grimes against the Panthers.

- Chris Hoke's career could come to an end after neck surgery.

- Patrick Willis is expected to miss one game with a hamstring injury. Larry Grant is likely to start in his place.

- The Ravens LB Ray Lewis is expected to be back in week 15, after missing the last two weeks with a toe injury,

Injury Report for November 29th

By Christian Hardy


Quarterbacks
- Vince Young looks like he is on track to start again. Michael Vick, battling a rib injury, did not practice for his second straight day. Since they (the Eagles) have a short week, it is almost certain that Vick will not start on Thursday.
- Dan Orlovsky,  a member of the 2008 Lions team that went 0-16, has replaced Curtis Painter as the starter of the Indianapolis Colts (0-11). This is a sorry franchise right now, and I can guarantee you that we will see Painter on the field again. A couple other notes: Orlovsky will be the third starting quarterback for the Colts this year, none of which were named Peyton Manning. Certainly no fantasy value on this entire Colts team, unless there is an amazing matchup.
- Matt Leinart was officially placed on IR by the Houston Texans to make space on the roster for 36-year-old Jake Delhomme. Delhomme and Kellen Clemens will serve as the backup to rookie quarterback TJ Yates.
- Josh Freeman suffered a cut on the outside of his right thumb at a local shooting range on Halloween day. He got five stitches on the outside of his right thumb (throwing hand). The Buccaneers say that it has not affected his grip on the ball.


Running Backs
- Kevin Smith (ankle) did not practice today.


Wide Receivers
- Jeremy Maclin missed practice again on Tuesday. Much like Michael Vick, since it is a short week, Maclin will most likely not play. Look for Riley Cooper, and Jason Avant to get the majority of targets on Thursday. Andy Reid did say that DeSean Jackson will return to his starting role on Sunday. Hopefully this time, he can catch the ball.
- Another short week situation: Seahawks head coach Pete Carrol ruled out Sidney Rice with a concussion.
He is not officially out yet, but he is very unlikely to play.
- Broncos wide receiver Eddie Royal was in a boot on Monday after suffering a leg injury against the Chargers. We should know more about the injury and Royal's status on Wednesday.
- Vikings WR Michael Jenkins was placed on injured reserve.
- Cowboys WR Miles Austin is expected to return this week, according to Jerry Jones. Austin will be a huge game changer for the Cowboys, but will decrease the value (very little, in my opinion) Laurent Robinson and possibly increase the value of Dez Bryant. It really is a guess as to how the Cowboys' passing attack will work with Austin back, but that is just my guess, as a Cowboys fan.


Defense/Others
- Ndamukong Suh was suspended two game without pay on Tuesday for stomping on Packer OL Evan Dietrich-Smith. Suh was ejected in Thursday's game, but he also got this two game suspension from the NFL. However, after Roger Goodell and the NFLPA suggested that he appeal the ruling, he did appeal. If the appeal is rejected by the NFL, he will not be able to be with the team until December 12th. The NFL did say that they will get a ruling on the appeal before Sunday's game at New Orleans.
- Browns LB Scott Fujita was officially placed on injured reserve with a hand injury today. 2011 is his second season that he has been with the Browns.
- The Patriots released CB Phillip Rivers who played mainly in the slot in nickel and dime packages. More on NESN.com.
- DE Osi Umenyiora will miss significant time with an ankle injury that forced him to leave Monday night's game against the Saints. It is more serious that initially thought. When the injury first happened, his rutrn was probable, but just a quarter later he was ruled out of the game. Bad sign for the Giants, who need everyone healthy right now to have a chance at the playoffs.

- In other news, not related to injuries or depth charts; Jaguars head coach Jack Del Rio was fired early this morning and was replaced by defensive coordinator Mel Tucker. Tucker will serve as an interim head coach until other candidates come into the picture. Then, the Jaguars general manager  Gene Smith was given a three-year contract extension. He has been with the Jaguars since 1994. Finally, but most importantly, the Jaguars were sold for $760 Million. Wayne Weaver, former owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars, sold the team (pending NFL's approval) to Shahid Khan. Khan tried making a bid on the Rams in 2010 but failed to purchase the team. Khan is a Pakistan-born entrepreneur from Illinois who is the head of Flex-N-Gate Corporation. According to Forbes, the Jaguars are the cheapest team in the NFL at the $760 Million that they were purchased for. The team is expected to stay in Jacksonville, and Khan has full intent of keeping them in Florida.

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.

Crazy Gabey's Week 9 Pickups

By: Gabriel Harber

I know how to man up.   

Unlike a Cowboys defense or your favorite PeopleOfWalmart.com star’s pants, I know how to make adjustments.  When Miles Austin’s hamstring fell off against the Seahawks, I knew it would only be a matter of time before my prediction of Laurent Robinson being a bust from last week’s article was disproved.  It’s my proverbial half-time, and my advice to you is to snag this guy as quickly as you can.  A hamstring is a tricky, lingering injury and Austin has now had trouble with both legs this year so there’s no telling what the future holds.  Robinson looks pretty swell as the Cowboys number two for a few weeks.

This brings me to something very important that I’d like to discuss.  

No matter what you’ve previously done, don’t be afraid to make adjustments.  I’ve seen many owners make a bad move, or trade away someone only to have them go off for the rest of the season while the guy they received falls off the map.  Too often, these mistakes lead us to a place where we get down on ourselves and begin making more, even worse decisions.  Rarely is a team beyond repair, and if you play the wire carefully and stay in close communication with other owners and their wants/needs, then you will find that you can right the ship much easier than you ever thought possible.   

Even if you are out of it for this season, set a goal for yourself and focus on achieving it.  Practice is always good (unless you’re Allen Iverson) and you never know when a situation will happen again, only maybe next time it will be when you’re 7-4 and fighting for a playoff spot.

The Pick Ups

Laurent Robinson:  See above.

Antonio Brown:  This guy has been here for a few weeks but I’m including him because if he’s on your wire you need to stop reading this and go submit your claim now!  The Steelers passing attack has turned into one of the NFL’s premier units and Brown’s emergence has been a major reason why.

Roy Helu:  It looks like Shanahan finally sees what us fantasy football owners have known all along.  A whopping fourteen receptions on seventeen targets shows the game plan was definitely tailor made to Helu, and he delivered in a big way.  He becomes an instant low end RB2 and a solid flex play until we get Shanahaniganed.

Matt Moore:  Moore had been flirting with not being as bad as we thought he was (don’t worry, she’s not into him) for the past couple weeks, and Sunday was sort of a mini breakout session for the embattled veteran.  I wouldn’t expect that sort of production every week, but ten to fifteen points is reasonable from a suddenly awakened Dolphins offense that only stands to improve once Daniel Thomas returns to full health.

Jake Ballard:  Anyone who watched this guy play has to be scratching their heads at the production he’s 

exhibited thus far this season.  With more lumbering than running, Ballard has been quietly solidifying himself as a solid tight end play with significant upside in a fast paced Giants offense.  At this point in the season, he’s probably the best bet to salvage the likes of Dallas Clark or Vernon Davis owners.

Joshua Cribbs:  With Mohamed Massaquoi feeling woozy, Cribbs provided his second strong effort in a row.  He won’t give you consistency, but he has home run potential written all over him that can post fifteen points any time he sees enough snaps.  If your league has return yardage he becomes a very appealing option.

Steve Breaston:  Breaston was featured here a few weeks ago, so I won’t beat a dead horse (you would call PETA anyways).  It’s tough to predict Kansas City’s offense from week to week, but the numbers show that Cassel is looking his way.  If nothing else, his contract assures that he’ll continue to be a featured part of the offense and the Chiefs remaining schedule is a cakewalk of secondaries.

Torrey Smith:  The young man has all the talent in the world, and if he ever drops the pass dropping (see what I did there) he’s got future WR1 written all over him.  Sunday’s game winning touchdown was a big step for Smith and the second week in a row he’s come through in the clutch.  As his teammates continue to rally around him, I believe he’s poised for a huge second half.

Denarius Moore/Jacoby Ford:  As Carson Palmer experiences a renaissance, the playmakers for the Raiders should begin to shine as well.  Moore was targeted a ridiculous twelve times and Ford made the most of his looks with a touchdown and a twenty one yard per catch average.  Both are of course gambles, but Palmer should only get better and Oakland seems dedicated to involving the young duo on offense. (Note: Darrius Heyward-Bey was benched in this game, so that will be a situation you might want to keep an eye on.)

Chris Ogbonnaya:  Peyton Hillis and Montario Hardesty have already been ruled out of next week’s contest with the Rams, which makes Ogbonnaya the default workhouse against a sloppy St. Louis run defense.  I would temper expectations here, but if you’re banged up and need a spot start, then you might be able to scratch out enough points to make it worthwhile.

Earl Bennett:  Fully healthy (obviously), Bennett looked extremely impressive in Monday night’s win.  Showing exceptional rapport with Cutler, it’s obvious that he’s in no danger of losing his job to Sanzenbacher yet (though he would definitely lose the coolest name contest.)  Proceed with caution as it’s only a one game sample size, but if you’re lacking wide receiver depth you could do much worse than taking a flier on Bennett.

With many of you fighting tooth and nail for those last few playoff spots, it’s easy to kick yourself for making mistakes and for things that happen outside your control, just remember to stay calm and not allow the situation to compound itself.  If you focus on the negative you’ll be too wrapped up to notice the opportunities to turn it all around.  Thanks for reading and stay positive! 

Have a question? Ask Gabe on Twitter (@CrazyGabey).