Some big names are back. Are they worth playing?

	Trent Green will have to stay nimble behind K.C.'s patchwork line if he hopes to avoid a return trip to the inactive list this Sunday. Brian Bahr/Getty Images

By Bob Harris, Special to SI.com, FootballDiehards

Lots of big name stars are returning from lengthy absences this weekend. Others are trying to rebound from minor setbacks or to successfully play through nagging injuries. Others simply have been struggling.

So today -- in celebration of former NFL (and fantasy) great Emmitt Smith's outstanding showing Wednesday night -- we'll play our own version of Dancing with the Stars, with a list of those fitting the descriptions outlined above. Let the homage begin:

Returning Stars

Trent Green, QB, Kansas City Chiefs

Herman Edwards announced Wednesday that Green will start Sunday against Oakland, 10 weeks after a brutal blow to the head knocked him unconscious and left him with a severe concussion. Damon Huard, who went 5-3 as the starter, moves back to the bench -- perhaps at a good time. For him.

The reality is Green steps into a tough situation. Pro Bowl tight end Tony Gonzalez, the team's leading receiver, is listed as doubtful with a sprained left shoulder and won't play.

Green also will be working behind a patchwork offensive line. Pro Bowl left guard Brian Waters will be out with a knee injury and right tackle Kevin Sampson is sidelined with a bad foot. With Chris Bober starting for Waters last week at Miami and Kyle Turley in for Sampson, Huard was sacked three times and knocked to the ground on four other plays while passing for only 201 yards in a 13-10 loss.

Dance with this star? Not this week. And if the Broncos' defense gets healthy between now and next Thursday, I'd leave Green off my card then, too.

Shaun Alexander, RB, Seattle Seahawks

Alexander ran 11 plays with Seattle's first-team offense Wednesday for the first time in seven weeks since breaking his left foot. He ran at less than full speed but showed no signs of any pain in a foot that remains cracked, according to X-rays taken this week.

Even though it's starting to look very much like Alexander will play this week, the Seahawks know they can't ride him the way they normally do. In fact, head coach Mike Holmgren went out of his way Wednesday to stress that the team will be cautious with the number of carries it gives Alexander, should he return to the lineup.

Dance With This Star? If you're in a bind, sure. As long as you realize that Holmgren plans to limit Alexander's workload -- perhaps giving him 15-20 touches -- use him as needed.