Wow, Wednesday's piece generated a lot of conversation! I want to thank everyone who provided feedback and ideas to improve the blog. This segment is fluid and evolving, so I am trying to incorporate some additional elements that readers request, while still keeping the essence of the blog. In addition to the injury analysis, I will include a list of key fantasy players within each submission (emphasis on "key" to keep the blog to a reasonable length), what their injuries are (when known) and updated information as it comes available (such as test results). If nothing new is known at the time of submission, I will indicate that as well. Keep in mind that information is often updated by teams at various points throughout the day, which may include after that day's blog has been posted, so it may turn up in the next segment. With that, let's take a look at how Week 6 is shaping up.
Out
This is a list of key fantasy players, not including those who have been moved to Injured Reserve status, who are already officially listed as "Out" for Week 6 contests.
Michael Pittman, RB, Buccaneers: Count on seeing his name here for weeks to come (approximately six to eight), but at this point he is expected to potentially return late in the season after he recovers from a high ankle sprain.
Terry Glenn, WR, Cowboys: He hasn't yet played this season, so his presence on the list is no surprise. But there is some quiet news here. Glenn had arthroscopic surgery (his second within several months) to remove torn cartilage on Sept. 13. Originally his time frame to return after that procedure was estimated to be about four to five weeks (standard for this type of thing). Last week, team owner Jerry Jones was quoted on the team Web site as saying that Glenn was doing well and "aggressively doing everything he can rehabbing and fully expects to play." Dallas has a bye during Week 8, so look for Glenn to possibly make a return the following week if things continue to go well.
Steven Jackson, RB, Rams: Originally injured in Week 3, Jackson remains out with a groin injury. Early on we knew this was more serious than a mild strain and his absence thus far supports that. Bill Coats of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that Jackson did some light individual workouts this week, but suggests that Jackson may not return until after the Rams' bye week. That would put Jackson back in the lineup Nov. 11 (or Week 10). Again, we know Jackson is working hard to get back, but the larger the muscle tear, the higher the risk of reinjury if the athlete returns too soon, and any cutting maneuvers are dependent on healthy groin muscles. By now Jackson owners no doubt have secured a backup (Leonard if possible). You can plan on using that backup for the foreseeable future.
Dante' Hall, WR, Rams: Hall injured his ankle during last week's contest and will not play this weekend.
Deion Branch, WR, Seahawks: Branch has a sprained mid-foot and is expected to miss at least two games before the Seahawks have a bye. That gives him four weeks to rest. As the month deadline approaches we will check back and see how he is doing. Branch and teammate D.J. Hackett may be returning around the same time.
Andre Johnson, WR, Texans: Although not officially listed as "Out" on the injury report, Johnson, listed as "Doubtful," is still recovering from his sprained knee, has not yet participated in team practice and is very unlikely to play. According to the Texans' official site, Johnson has been running and his overall progress is encouraging. Coach Gary Kubiak is suggesting that we could see Johnson return as soon as next week.
And now for the question marks at every position
Running Backs
Brian Westbrook, Eagles: It's about time we had some good news in the running back department. The bye week was no doubt helpful in moving Westbrook along, in regard to his strained abdominal muscle. Westbrook was able to fully participate in practice all week (when's the last time we saw that?) and looks to be ready to go against the Jets this weekend.
Laurence Maroney, Patriots: Maroney was again listed as limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday. Maroney, who has been listed on the Patriots' injury report for the past two weeks with a groin ailment, has been running this week and participated in passing drills on Thursday, according to the Boston Globe. Consider these facts, however:
Maroney is just starting to test the groin and is not likely 100 percent since his practice activity is still being controlled. Sources tell me that his running was predominantly straight line running (as opposed to lateral cutting, which is more stressful on the groin).
Dallas has a decent run defense.
Sammy Morris has been playing exceptionally well in Maroney's absence.
Having both Maroney and Morris available, not to mention Kevin Faulk (who has practiced and should play despite leaving early with an ankle injury Sunday), definitely adds more depth to the Patriots' running game. Consequently, I expect Maroney to be worked back into action somewhat as a measure of returning him to game shape and to try to create more challenges for the Dallas defense. In the end, with Morris being so productive the past two weeks and Maroney just coming off injury, I believe Morris is still likely to see the majority of the action.
Rudi Johnson, Bengals: Johnson did not participate in practice on Wednesday or Thursday despite coming off a bye week of rest, adding fuel to the rumor that his hamstring injury may be more serious than it initially appeared. Remember, Johnson had not missed a game in three prior NFL seasons, and here he is about to miss his second this season. It is wise for the Bengals to allow Johnson the opportunity to fully recover before returning him to the front lines, especially if it means getting the old-school, hard-driving, earning-every-yard-the-hard-way Rudi back. For your fantasy rosters, all signs point to Kenny Watson getting the start again this week, but we will let you know if that changes.
Jamal Lewis, Browns: Since Lewis has been wearing a protective boot, it is no surprise that he did not participate in practice at all on Wednesday or Thursday. According to the Cleveland Plain-Dealer, Lewis complained of pain underneath his foot after the game Sunday. Most often, pain on the sole of the foot is associated with the plantar fascia, the broad band of connective tissue that helps form the infrastructure of the arch of the foot. Every time we take a step, the fascia is placed on maximum tension, stretching it from one attachment point at the heel to its other attachment at the base of the metatarsals (the bones that form the ball of the foot). Acute strains can cause the fascia to become painful, and when inflammation is present, the condition is called plantar fasciitis. A boot with a supportive heel results in less stretching of the fascia during walking, allowing the tissue to rest while decreasing pain. For now, Lewis' injury is simply being referred to as a "strained right foot" on the Browns' Web site. Lewis is expected to be a game-time decision, but it appears at this point he should not be counted on to contribute to your fantasy team points this week. Jason Wright would be likely to get the start in his place, but we will check back on Saturday to see if there is any further news.
Ahman Green, Texans: On Tuesday we said the news on Green looked good. On Wednesday the news got even better. Green was able to run at full speed during practice and was notably absent from this week's injury reports. According to the Texans' Web site, Green is still experiencing some soreness in the knee and needs to work himself back to game shape. As the week progresses, Green will add cutting and harder running to his repertoire. Barring any setbacks he looks as if he will start on Sunday, but the Texans will face a tough run defense in the Jaguars, so temper expectations for Green's return.
LaMont Jordan, Raiders: Jordan's on-again, off-again back problems did not disappear during the bye week. Although Jordan said he feels better, he has been limited in practice this week and remains a very iffy start for Sunday. According to the San Jose Mercury News, Jordan received a pain-relieving injection into his back and will try to increase his practice activity Friday. With Jordan describing the pain as "the worst it's been in years" and his condition as less than 100 percent, it sounds as if Fargas will get the majority of the work this weekend. The Raiders also have Dominic Rhodes returning from suspension, since as he is just returning to football, he is likely to have less of a presence initially.
Fred Taylor, Jaguars: The Jaguars quietly listed Fred Taylor on their Thursday practice report as being limited (groin) but there has been no other information revealed. Nagging muscle strains are always a concern with Taylor, but there is no reason to worry about this
yet. We will check back after Friday practice.
Derrick Ward, Giants: Ward tweaked his ankle again last week according to a Newsday report, but does not appear to have suffered a serious setback. Ward did sit out Thursday's practice and looks to be in no danger of missing Monday night. Having said that, teammate Brandon Jacobs saw the majority of the work last week, and likely will again. Jacobs' knee sure looked good on Sunday, didn't it?
Vernand Morency and Brandon Jackson, Packers: Off. On. Off. On. So goes the state of Vernand Morency's knee condition. Morency was held out of practice on Thursday after practicing in a limited fashion on Wednesday, and it is unclear whether this was a proactive decision to keep his knee from flaring up, or a reactive decision because his knee was more sore. Either way, you should not be depending on Morency at this point. Meanwhile, Brandon Jackson is back in practice and off the injury report this week. He had been dealing with a shin injury, but looks as if he will play this weekend, alongside teammate DeShawn Wynn. No matter how you look at it, this is a committee approach, born perhaps more out of necessity than strategy, but still hindering your fantasy team.
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
Antwaan Randle El and Santana Moss, Redskins: Despite his earlier proclamations that he would play, Randle El has not practiced yet this week and does not appear to be a lock to play against the Packers this weekend. He is nursing a sore hamstring that forced him to leave during the second half of Sunday's contest. According to the Washington Post, Randle El did do some light jogging on the side, but we will need to wait and see what he does in practice Friday to get a better idea of his availability for Sunday. Meanwhile, his teammate Santana Moss appears to be much improved from his groin strain and was able to fully participate in practice on Wednesday and Thursday. His activity suggests that he will start on Sunday against Green Bay.
Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce, Rams: Not to worry, Holt fantasy owners. Holt took Wednesday off to rest his knee, the one that he had surgery on during the offseason. During the preseason we talked about how the Rams would likely need to give Holt some days off intermittently to rest his knee, and this should be considered a normal part of his routine. Holt fully practiced Thursday and is expected to play. Teammate Isaac Bruce, however, is not looking so good, missing practice all week with a hamstring strain. Expect Drew Bennett to see more action as a result.
Jacoby Jones, Texans: Another bit of good news here for the Texans. Jones is progressing in his healing from a separated shoulder and has steadily increased his practice activity throughout the week. Kubiak indicated in a news conference (now posted on the Texans' Web site) that he will use Jones as a punt returner and as a backup wide receiver. Most importantly, Kubiak insisted that Jones would only be eligible to play if the team was confident he could absorb hits on that shoulder. Although official practice reports indicate that Jones was limited in practice this week, his overall activity increased from Wednesday to Thursday, raising Kubiak's confidence in his readiness.
Bernard Berrian, Bears: Bummer. Just wanted to put another "B" there. Berrian injured his toe enough that it kept him out of practice so far this week. Although Berrian couldn't push off with the toe when he originally injured it, his MRI was negative according to the Chicago Sun-Times. The Bears have been resting him in the hopes of having him back for Sunday's contest against the Vikings. Check back after Friday practices.
Anquan Boldin, Cardinals: This bruised hip issue does seem to be lingering longer than initially expected, but once again, Boldin has not practiced all week and does not look like he will play this weekend. Boldin rated himself as "80 percent" according to the Arizona Republic and has definitely expressed a concern about potential reinjury, which would further extend his down time. It appears best to wait on Boldin until he exhibits confidence that his hip is ready to go.
Laveranues Coles and Justin McCareins, Jets: Coles has a banged-up knee, McCareins has a banged-up ankle. There has been no further injury specifics given on these two receivers, and they both have been practicing on a limited basis. Knowing Coles and his style of play, this is not surprising, because he is a tough receiver who gets roughed up on a regular basis, yet manages to gut it out and play from week to week. McCareins is probably not on your fantasy roster, but just in case, he too appears to be mainly suffering from bumps and bruises. Both are expected to be available this week.
Brandon Jones, Titans: Jones is the leading receiver on the Titans, so there is definitely concern when he misses two straight practices. Jones is on the injury report with a knee injury, but no specifics have been given. On a positive note, coach Jeff Fisher said he expects Jones to practice Friday, so we should know more about his status then.
Greg Jennings, Packers: At least it's not his hamstring! Jennings was limited in practice on Thursday due to a shoulder injury (no specifics given) that he sustained last week. In an AP report, Jennings categorized his condition as "fine" while coach Mike McCarthy said that what Jennings does in practice Friday will determine what he does on Sunday.
Donte' Stallworth, Patriots: Stallworth is listed on the Patriots' injury report with a knee problem, but he has been practicing on a limited basis. If you have Stallworth on your fantasy team, you know that this is par for the course. Expect him to play unless something major develops.
Vincent Jackson, Chargers: Jackson apparently injured his shoulder during last week's game (no injury specifics given). He sat out practice Wednesday but participated fully on Thursday, suggesting there is nothing to really concern ourselves with here.
Joe Jurevicius, Browns: Jurevicius injured his right knee during last week's game (no injury specifics given) and according to the Browns' site has been undergoing treatment this week. Jurevicius has been participating in practice on a limited basis. All we have to go on is what he is doing in practice, so we'll have to wait until after Friday's practice to get a better idea of whether or not he'll play.
Kellen Winslow, Browns: That's Winslow for you, still recovering from a shoulder subluxation a few weeks ago but still playing and still productive. The Browns wisely continue to limit him in practice to allow his shoulder some rest for game days. Winslow remains one of the Browns' best receiving options.
Todd Heap, Ravens: Those nagging hamstrings. Here is a guy who, despite multiple injuries, manages to play most weeks, but the mighty hamstring strain kept him sidelined Sunday. Heap remained limited in practice this week but told the Baltimore Sun that he feels "it's been improving every day, which is a good sign." Check back after Friday's practice, but it appears that Heap will give it a go this weekend.
L.J. Smith, Eagles: Smith participated fully in practice this week, an encouraging sign for the Eagles. Smith had struggled with a groin injury earlier in the season, then underwent a minor surgical procedure to release some swelling and scar tissue in the injured area. He has been steadily rehabbing his way back toward the lineup, and it appears that he could play this weekend. Check back after Friday practice reports to be sure.
Quarterbacks
Marc Bulger, QB, Rams: As my friend Matthew Berry, the TMR, says, "Get ready to ride the Gus Bus again." Bulger has been taking advantage of the rest time to heal, but according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Bulger is a week away from Scott Linehan even considering him as a starter.
David Carr, QB, Panthers: His back is still bothering him and he hasn't practiced this week. What more do you need to know? It's either Testaverde or Moore, if you need a fantasy quarterback that badly.
Damon Huard, Chiefs: Huard's contusion has healed rapidly. He was able to fully participate in practice Thursday and has gone from being reported as potentially out for Week 6 to starting Week 6, all within a matter of days. His full practice activity and his ability to demonstrate that he can throw suggest that the shoulder should not give him any trouble this weekend.
Josh McCown, Raiders: McCown is still in a protective boot for his foot. Although the San Francisco Chronicle reports that he has been able to throw some on the side, he is not expected to play this week.
That's it for now. Check back on Saturday for any late updates and be sure to look at our inactives posted in real time on ESPN.com on Sunday morning.