November 30th Injury Report

By Christian Hardy


Quarterbacks

- Jay Cutler said that he could be very well done for the season. He has pins and screws in his thumb that could be removed in anywhere from 3-10 weeks. He said that he will likely miss the remainder of the season. This means that Caleb Hanie will replace Cutler as the starting quarterback for the last five weeks of this season.
- Kevin Kolb took all of the first team reps at practice today and he plans to start against the Cowboys on Sunday. John Skelton has started the last four games for the Cardinals (3-1), while Kolb has recovered from a turf toe/right foot injury.
- Michael Vick (ribs) threw the ball some in practice today, but was never able to put a helmet on. He was ruled out by head coach Andy Reid earlier today. Vince Young will get his third straight start.
- Chiefs head coach Todd Haley said that Tyler Palko will start one more game at quarterback for the Chiefs while Kyle Orton continues to learn the Chiefs' offense.


Running Backs
- Montario Hardesty did not practice today, Peyton Hillis did practice. I do not expect Hardesty today, and I did not rank him.
- Lions RB Kevin Smith (ankle) did not practice today. It is unlikely that he returns to the field this week.
- Lesean McCoy (sprained toe) has been limited in practice all week and is officially listed as questionable for Thursday Night's game. Both Dion Lewis and Ronnie Brown would split carries if McCoy were to miss Thursday's game.
- Michael Turner miss practice with a groin injuries. He has had some groin injuries in the past.
- Ahmad Bradshaw is unlikely to play in week 13.
- Raiders RB Darren McFadden (foot) did not practice today. It is clear that the Raiders are going to hold him out until he is 100 percent, especially the way that their offense has been operating without him. McFadden can be considered "doubtful" for this week, as of now.
- Willis McGahee (illness) did not practice today, per Lindsay Jones.
- Adrian Peterson is not expected to play this week. He did not practice on Wednesday. Looks like Toby Gerhart will make his second consecutive start.


Wide Receivers
- According to head coach Pete Carrol, the team will place Sidney Rice (head injury) on IR. He was already ruled out for week 13, but earlier today in a press conference, Carrol said that Rice will miss the rest of the season. Doug Baldwin, Ben Obomanu and Mike Williams will take over at the wide out position. If I am picking one for my fantasy team, it is Doug Baldwin.Tough break for Rice, who has been through multiple tough injuries in his career.

- Stevie Johnson was fined $10,000 for his illegal celebration.
- Jeremy Maclin (hamstring) was ruled out for Thursday's game. This will be his third consecutive game that he has missed.
- Jaguars WR Jason Hill was waived by the team today. Hill has been speratic in his career, but has never lived up to his draft value as a third round pick by the 49ers. Only eight touchdowns in his first four season (including 2011) and he has been very disappointing this season for the Jaguars, who desperately need a playmaker who catches the ball.
- Victor Cruz was listed on the injury report today with a hip injury. Should be nothing serious, and I fully expect him to play this week. The injury is expected to "slow him down for a day", but he should be fine for this coming week.
- Jerome Simpson did not practice on Wednesday.
- Mario Manningham has some sweling in his knee. His status for Sunday is up in the air.
- Cowboys WR Miles Austin, who has missed all of November with a hamstring injury, did not practice today. Jerry Jones insists that he will play this week, but if I had to guess, I would say he is a no-go for Sunday against the Cardinals. Looks like both Laurent Robinson and Dez Bryant will stay top 20 wide receivers for at least one more week.
- Denarius Moore did not practice today, and nor did Jacoby Ford. However, Ford did do some light jogging on the side, and I think it is likely that he plays this week.


Tight Ends
- Colts TE Dallas Clark (leg) did not practice today.
- Titans TE Jared Cook (concussion) did not practice today.


Defense/Others
- Ndamukong Suh's appeal hearing will be tomorrow at 3 PM EST, according to NFL Network's Jason La Canfora. His initial suspension was two games without pay for his outburst against the Packers.
- Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (ankle) was ruled out for Thursday's game. He has been in and out of practice in the last two weeks, but has not yet had a full practice. Nnamdi Asomugha (knee) will be a game-time decision tomorrow and is listed as questionable.
- Packers linebackers Desmond Bishop and AJ Hawk, who both suffered calf injuries in Thursday's game against the Lions, did not practice today, will not practice Thursday, and will both be evaluated on Friday. In terms of Erik Walden who was arrested on charges of suspicion of domestic violence over the weekend, is expected to play this week according to head coach Mike McCarthy. This, all according to NFL Network's Michelle Beisner.

- Falcons' top corner Brent Grimes has been ruled out for week 13 already. It's a good thing for both TJ Yates and the rest of the Houston Texans pass game. The corners behind Grimes (Dominique Franks and Dunta Robinson) shouldn't even be able to compete with Andre Johnson this weekend.
- Osi Umenyiora is not expected to play against the Packers this week. Other than Umenyiora, OT Will Beatty was placed on Injured Reserve. Beatty underwent surgery on the retina of his right eye and is unable to return to the playing field this year. Huge blow for a Giants team that is reeling right now.
- The Chargers placed OT Marcus McNeil on injured reserve and claimed Jared Gaither who was cut by the Chiefs on Tuesday morning.
- Ray Lewis (turf toe) was the only Raven who did not participate in practice today.

Fantasy Advice
- With Sidney Rice now out for the season, Doug Baldwin is a sure pickup. Tarvaris Jackson hasn't been awful this year, and Baldwin has been a factor of this offense at times in this season. This week, taking on the depleted Eagles' secondary, he is a high-end flex option. Also look for Zach Miller to possible get in the mix with Rice out for the year.
- I don't expect Kevin Smith to play this week with an ankle sprain. The Saints defense (who go up against the Lions this week) has let up big fantasy games to running backs before, but I don't think either Maurice Morris or Keiland Williams are worth a play this week in a standard ten-team league.
- Even if Lesean McCoy were to sit out week 13 (which is unlikely), Ronnie Brown and Dion Lewis aren't even worth a roster spot. If I had to pick one, it would be Brown who I would play this week against the Seahawks. Seahawks have a  very underrated run defense that allows just over three yards per carry. Don't like Brown or Lewis this week.
- Jason Hill being cut has no fantasy value to me. It might up Marcedes Lewis' value, but he has also been a disappointment this year.
- I do not expect Darren McFadden to play and did not rank him.
- Toby Gerhart against the Broncos would be a real nice play if Adrian Peterson sits out again. The Broncos allow just over 15 points per game to opposing running backs. 15 isn't all that much, but when Gerhart is getting almost every touch out of the backfield, you can't go wrong.

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.

Injury Report for November 26th

By Christian Hardy


Quarterbacks
- Kyle Orton did practice with the team on Saturday, but he will be listed as the third quarterback on the Chiefs depth chart on Sunday. As I said in yesterday's injury report, Tyler Palko will be the starter.
- According to Reuben Frank of CSNPhilly.com, Vince Young was told that he will be the starter against the Patriots on Sunday.


Running Backs
- No surprise here, but Adrian Peterson was ruled out for week 12 with his ankle sprain. Leslie Frazier is hopeful that he can return for week 13 against the Denver Broncos. However, for this week against the Falcons, Toby Gerhart will start. He is not a great fantasy option, as the Falcons have allowed just one one hundred yard rusher in the 2011 season. I think you could do better than Gerhart in your fantasy lineup.
- Ahmad Bradshaw, who has not practiced all week long, was ruled out for Monday night's game against the Saints in New Orleans. This will be his fourth consecutive game that he has been ruled out of, and Brandon Jacobs will start in his place.


Wide Receivers
- Legedu Naanee has not practiced all week with an ankle injury, and he is listed as questionable. He is not likely to play. If Naanee is indeed out, then Brandon LaFell would become a nice flex play against the weak secondary of the Colts.
- More Giants news: Mario Manningham did not practice today and has not practiced all week with a knee injury. He expects to play, but people close to the situation do not think he will play. Since the Giants play on Monday night, you definitely need to stay away from Manningham. He will not be in my updated rankings.
- Patriots wide receiver Chad Ochocinco has a hamstring injury and will not play this weekend against the Eagles.
- Giants wide receiver Michael Clayton tore his meniscus. That will require surgery, which means that he will miss the remainder of the season. Tough break for a guy that, many have said, has shown some bright spots. Clayton was drafted in the first round of the 2004 draft. Tough break.


Tight Ends




Defense/Others

Injury Report for THANKSGIVING!

By: Christian Hardy

Quarterbacks
- Michael Vick (ribs) watched the first half practice from the sidelines, then left the practice field for the second half of practice. He is very doubtful to play on Sunday. It looks as if Vince Young will get his second consecutive start.
- Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck will forgo his senior season and enter the 2012 NFL draft, according to Yahoo Sports.
- Titans quarterback Matthew Hasselbeck practiced today and is expected to start.

Running Backs

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

- Kevin Smith will start for the Lions.
- James Starks is active for the Packers.
- Lions RB Kevin Smith left the game with an apparent head injury and went to the sideline. The trainers were later looking at him ankle. He was seen carted off the sideline in the second quarter and later seen in the locker room with his shoe off and ice taped on his ankle. FOX's Jimmie Johnson said a trainer told him that his return is "doubtful". UPDATE: Smith has a serious high ankle sprain and will miss the remainder of this game and will most likely miss "several weeks". I have also heard "at least two weeks" on the timetable for Smith.
- Ryan Matthews knee did not practice for the second consecutive day.
- Adrian Peterson did not practice. I am trying to find if the boot came off, like it was supposed to today. Stay Tuned. He has not officially been ruled out yet. Keyword: Yet.
- Darren McFadden did not practice.

Wide Receivers
- Your Eagles wide receivers update: Desean Jackson was limited (but almost full) in practice, and Jeremy Maclin watched from the sideline. It is thought that Maclin suffered a setback, and the hamstring is now a bigger problem than the shoulder. He also does not seem very optimistic about playing, according to multiple sources.
- Greg Jennings is active for the Packers.
- Denarius Moore was out of a walking boot and on the practice field on Thursday. He did not practice and did not have his helmet.
- AJ Green was upgraded to full practice on Thursday and he expects to play.
- Andre Johnson (hamstring) was a full participant in practice.
- Julio Jones (hamstring) practiced today and he expects to play.
- Redskins WR Santana Moss did practice, and is expected to play.

Tight Ends
- Owen Daniels (knee) practiced and is expected to play.
- Visanthe Shiancoe and Kyle Rudolph did not practice.

Defense/Special Teams
- Eagles CB Nnamdi Asomugha was seen carted off the field at Eagles practice, according to multiple sources. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie has been missing time with a high ankle sprain, so it is likely that the only member of "the big three" that we will see will be Asante Samuel. UPDATE: Asomugha's injury is not serious and he should return this week.
- Ray Lewis will be a game-time decision for the Ravens against the 49ers. The decision will ultimately come down to warmups and how he feels. UPDATE: Lewis is inactive with a toe injury. He said "there is still a lot of pain down there" before the game.
- Cowboys S Gerald Sensabaugh is active and will start against the Dolphins.
- Lions DT Ndamukong Suh was ejected from the game after receiving an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. If you weren't watching and want to see exactly what happpened, then I will post a link to YouTube later on.
- Lions CB Chris Houston will miss the remainder of the game against the Packers with a knee injury.
- Packers LB AJ Hawk left the game with a calf injury. He was later ruled out of the game.