NFL Player News

Friday, November 20

• 11/20/09 - 1:02PM ETReggie Bush : (Knee) Could Miss Sunday's Game

  Bush (knee) did not practice again on Friday and is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against Tampa Bay, the New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

  Coach Sean Payton said that Bush knows the offense well enough to play without practicing all week, but also cautioned that he doesn't want to risk a setback. Because New Orleans plays in the early wave of games on Sunday, we'll have official word on Bush's status Sunday morning. At this point, we're not overly optimistic.

• 11/20/09 - 12:55PM ETBernard Berrian : (Hamstring) Listed as Questionable

  Berrian (hamstring) is listed as questionable this week against Seattle, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

  Berrian was able to play last week and the hamstring didn't appear to be an issue so the questionable tag is a bit of a surprise. Watch his status before kickoff if you're considering him for your lineup.

• 11/20/09 - 12:47PM ETRoddy White : (Knee) Listed as Questionable

  White (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Giants, the New York Daily News' Ralph Vacchiano reports.

  The questionable tag has become a weekly trend for White, but he's played the last two weeks and we aren't overly concerned about his Week 11 status. We don't want you to get burned, however, so check back Sunday morning to verify White's availability.

• 11/20/09 - 12:32PM ETMichael Turner : (Ankle) Listed as Doubtful

  Turner (ankle) is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Giants, the New York Daily News' Ralph Vacchiano reports.

  Atlanta hasn't officially ruled Turner out, but there is almost no chance that he plays Sunday. The majority of the carries should fall to Jason Snelling, although Jerious Norwood (hip) could be a factor as well. With no timetable set for his return, this may not be the only game Turner misses.

• 11/20/09 - 12:04PM ETTodd Heap : (Chest) Game-Time Decision

  Heap (chest) is a game-time decision for Sunday's game against the Colts, the Baltimore Sun reports. "ItÂ’s going to be sore. ThatÂ’s the biggest thing," Heap said Friday. "IÂ’ve been battling all week. So, weÂ’ll see how it goes on Sunday."

  Heap has had something of a renaissance this season, with 349 yards (good for 14th in the league) and two TDs in nine games to date, but you can probably find a less risky option this week. Either way, his status will be known prior to the first wave of kickoffs Sunday.

• 11/20/09 - 11:38AM ETKyle Orton : (Ankle) Game-Time Decision Sunday

  Orton (sprained left ankle) missed his third consecutive practice Friday, the Denver Post reports. Coach Josh McDaniels says that Orton's availability for Sunday's game against San Diego will be a game-time decision.

  McDaniels says that Orton will be put through a workout before Sunday's game and how he performs at that time will determine whether he plays or not. Given the fact that the Broncos play during the second wave of games Sunday, Orton probably isn't worth the risk, even in deep leagues, unless you have his backup Chris Simms handy for a last-minute plug-in.

• 11/20/09 - 11:21AM ETBrian Westbrook : Out Three More Weeks

  Coach Andy Reid has confirmed that Westbrook (concussion) who was already ruled out this week, will also be out for next week's tilt against the Redskins and likely the next game at Atlanta as well, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports. "I think the doctors want to see how he does after two weeks, what kind of symptoms he has," Reid said. "And then they'll just go back through and evaluate him after that, two to three weeks. We'll just see how he feels after that."

  The good news here is that we are talking in terms of weeks and not months, but a best-case scenario for Westbrook remains a return for the stretch run, though there are enough variables in play here for that not to be a lock.

• 11/20/09 - 10:15AM ETLaveranues Coles : Probable For Sunday Against Raiders

  Coles (head) practiced fully Friday and is listed as probable for Sunday's game against the Raiders, the Bengals' official site reports.

  It looks safe to roll with Coles, who has 11 catches over his last two games, as you normally would.

• 11/20/09 - 10:07AM ETCedric Benson : Doubtful to Play on Sunday

  Benson (hip) is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Raiders, the Bengals' official site reports.

  Benson has called himself a game-time decision, but the doubtful tag suggests that he will very likely be out Sunday. Look for Bernard Scott to start Sunday, with Brian Leonard and newcomer Larry Johnson in the mix as well.

• 11/20/09 - 9:27AM ETJosh Cribbs : Expected to Play on Sunday

  Coach Eric Mangini expects Cribbs (neck) to play against the Lions on Sunday, the Associated Press reports.

  Cribbs was briefly hospitalized with a neck injury and possible concussion following a shot he took on the last play of Monday's game, but fortunately all the tests on him came back negative. Cribbs will still probably be listed as questionable Friday, but it looks like the Browns will have their secret weapon out there this weekend.

• 11/20/09 - 7:54AM ETSteve Smith : Finds End Zone in Loss to Dolphins

  Smith caught seven passes for 87 yards and a touchdown in Thursday's loss to Miami.

  Despite the lack of other wideouts around him to draw the attention of opposing defenses, Smith has quietly started to produce for his fantasy owners in recent weeks. Over the last four games, Smith is averaging 12 fantasy points per game with 18 catches for 241 yards and four touchdowns during that span.

• 11/20/09 - 7:45AM ETDeAngelo Williams : Tops 100-Yard Mark on Thursday

  Williams (knee) rushed for 122 yards on 13 carries and picked up a two-point conversion in Thursday's loss to Miami.

  The Panthers only handed the ball off 25 times, but Williams essentially shared the carries with Jonathan Stewart (12 carries, 43 yards). With extra rest, both backs should be able to rest their nagging injuries, perhaps returning the Carolina backfield to its regular 60-40 workload split favoring Williams in Week 12.

Thursday, November 19

• 11/19/09 - 4:03PM ETDeAngelo Williams : (Knee) Officially Active

  Williams (knee) is active for ThursdayÂ’s game against the Dolphins.

  Both Williams and Jonathan Stewart will play for the Panthers and both are safe to deploy, though Williams continues to get most of the work and is a much stronger option.

• 11/19/09 - 3:16PM ETCedric Benson : (Hip) Reportedly Unlikely to Play

  Benson (hip) is unlikely to play on Sunday against the Raiders after missing Thursday's practice, a league source told NFL.com reports.

  This seems like the prudent route for the Bengals. That said, this came from a league source, not the Bengals themselves, so check in Friday for what hopefully will be a more official verdict.

• 11/19/09 - 2:50PM ETRoddy White : (Knee) Limited Thursday

  White (knee) was a limited practice participant Thursday, the Falcons' official site reports.

  White has ended up on the injury report the past couple of weeks and played, and this week doesn't look like it will be any different. We'll let you know if that assessment changes.

• 11/19/09 - 2:17PM ETClinton Portis : Ruled Out for Week 11

  Coach Jim Zorn has ruled Portis (concussion) out for Sunday's game at Dallas, the Associated Press reports.

  As a result, Ladell Betts will start in Portis' place for the second consecutive week.

• 11/19/09 - 1:57PM ETReggie Bush : Misses Another Practice with Knee Swelling

  Bush missed another day of practice Thursday with some swelling in his left knee, the New Orleans Times-Picayune reports. "He got his treatment early in the week, and we're just trying to see if we can get it close to 100 percent right now," Coach Sean Payton said Thursday. "So we'll see where he's at tomorrow. Hopefully we can practice him tomorrow. At the same time, I don't want to set it back."

  As a result, there's starting to be some doubt that he will be a go for Sunday's game at Tampa Bay. More on the status of Bush, who has had issues with the same knee in the past, on Friday.

• 11/19/09 - 1:45PM ETAntonio Bryant : (Knee) Full Practice

  Bryant (knee) practiced fully Thursday, the St. Petersburg Times reports.

  That's definitely an encouraging sign that Bryant may play Sunday, but coach Raheem Morris said that a final decision on that front won't likely come until game-day.

• 11/19/09 - 1:09PM ETDeAngelo Williams : (Knee) Expected to Play

  Williams (knee) is expected to play Thursday against Miami, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.

  We expected this outcome even after Williams missed Wednesday's practice, so this shouldn't come as a surprise if you've been following Williams' player notes. Check back about an hour before kickoff for final confirmation, but both Williams and backfield mate Jonathan Stewart are expected to play against the Dolphins.

• 11/19/09 - 12:51PM ETKyle Orton : (Ankle) Status Still Questionable

  Though coach Josh McDaniels said that Orton (ankle) was feeling better, it was Chris Simms who was the one taking snaps during the portion of practice open to the media on Thursday, the Associated Press reports.

  Orton wants to tough it out this week against the Chargers, but we'll have to see what he is able to do Friday. Chances are, he'll end up with a legitimate "questionable" tag for Week 11's game.

• 11/19/09 - 8:32AM ETChaz Schilens : Will Start This Week

  Schilens will start at wide receiver in Sunday's game against the Bengals, the Oakland Tribune reports.

  Schilens will replace Louis Murphy in the starting lineup. Schilens is essentially the Raiders' top receiving option, but it's probably best to leave him on your bench until new starting quarterback Bruce Gradkowski proves he can have some success.

• 11/19/09 - 7:41AM ETClinton Portis : Doubtful for Week 11

  Portis (concussion) did not practice Wednesday but worked out on his own earlier in the day to "get a little sweat going," the Washington Post reports. After the workout he experienced blurriness and he is "very doubtful" to play on Sunday.

  Portis is still feeling the effects from a Week 9 concussion, the second of his career (first one happened in college). He is not expected to play on Sunday. Ladell Betts will see the majority of touches in his place.

• 11/19/09 - 6:11AM ETKyle Orton : Hopes to Play Through Ankle Woes

  The Associated Press is reporting that Orton (ankle) has torn ligaments in his ankle, but remains optimistic to play in Sunday's game against San Diego, according to the Colorado Springs Gazette.

  Orton's injury is different than the ankle injury he suffered last season and he says the two are completely unrelated. The ankle has apparently improved over the course of the week, which is why Orton thinks he will be able to go on Sunday. While he certainly is not practicing fully, the team is leaving the door wide open for him to start against the Chargers.

• 11/19/09 - 12:51AM ETDanny Ware : Added Work on Tap

  Ware should see more work going forward as the team's third-down back, the Newark Star-Ledger reports.

  He's still third on the depth chart, but he'll see some action on passing downs and would be in line for a more significant role should Ahmad Bradshaw aggravate his ankle injury.

Wednesday, November 18

• 11/18/09 - 3:19PM ETJaMarcus Russell : Replaced by Gradkowski

  Bruce Gradkowski will replace Russell as the Raiders' starting quarterback, the Oakland Tribune reports.

  Coach Tom Cable says the plan is for Gradkowski to start the rest of the season, though with everything the Raiders have invested in Russell, we'd expect him to get another chance at some point despite how brutal he has been this season.

• 11/18/09 - 2:40PM ETKyle Orton : (Ankle) Optimistic About Playing Sunday

  Orton (ankle) did not practice during the team's early session on Wednesday, but is optimistic to play on Sunday, the Denver Post reports.

  Orton said he would try to participate in the afternoon activities, but it seems that the team will likely keep him out in order to rest his injured ankle and be as ready as possible for Sunday's game against San Diego.

• 11/18/09 - 2:36PM ETJerious Norwood : (Hip) Could Miss Another Game

  The Atlanta Journal-Constitution says Norwood "looks like a longshot" to play Sunday against the Giants. He did not practice Wednesday.

  Neither Norwood nor Michael Turner has been ruled out, but all signs seem to point to Jason Snelling as the primary runner this week. Norwood has missed the last four games with the hip injury.

• 11/18/09 - 2:33PM ETRonnie Brown : (Ankle) Placed on IR

  Brown (ankle) has been placed on injured reserve, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.

  At 4-5, the Dolphins' task of making a push for a Wild Card spot in the AFC just got much more difficult. Ricky Williams' value significantly increases the rest of the season as it's unlikely that he'll give up as any many carries to Lex Hilliard as he did while sharing the workload with Brown.

• 11/18/09 - 1:52PM ETRoddy White : (Knee) Misses Practice

  White (knee) did not practice Wednesday, the Falcons' official site reports.

  White has either been held out or limited the past two Wednesdays, but managed to play both times. Look for a similar situation to unfold this week.

• 11/18/09 - 12:53PM ETJulius Jones : (Bruised Lung) Officially Ruled Out

  Coach Jim Mora said Wednesday that Jones (bruised lung) will not play Sunday against Minnesota, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports.

  "He says he's feeling good, but he won't be available Sunday," Mora said. "Hopefully next week. We have to be careful though." Justin Forsett will start against the Vikings, with Louis Rankin serving as the top backup.

• 11/18/09 - 12:04PM ETReggie Bush : Misses Practice with Knee Injury

  Bush missed practice Wednesday with a knee injury, the New Orleans Times-Picayune's Jeff Duncan reports.

  Bush tweaked his knee during last Sunday's win over the Rams and played with a sleeve on his leg in the second half. Coach Sean Payton indicated the injury isn't serious and that Wednesday's absence was more of a maintenance day than anything else. There's no reason for Bush owners to worry at this point.

• 11/18/09 - 10:56AM ETRyan Fitzpatrick : Gets the Start This Week

  Fitzpatrick has been confirmed as this week's starter by interim coach Perry Fewell, BuffaloBills.com reports.

  Given that he threw for 123 yards and 117 in his last two starts, and that the Bills will run some Wildcat plays, and that his offensive line is a mess, we don't recommend putting too much faith in Fitzpatrick even though he's the starter.

• 11/18/09 - 10:46AM ETDeAngelo Williams : Listed as Questionable

  Williams (knee) was held out of Wednesday's practice and is officially listed as questionable for Thursday's game against the Dolphins, Darin Gantt of the Rock Hill Herald reports.

  A couple of things to consider. First, the Panthers have been very liberal with the questionable tag this season. Second, Williams wasn't mentioned as a non-participant in practice earlier in the week. Third, Williams played in Week 10 after carrying a questionable tag and missing practice on Friday. Finally, the Panthers may have been extra cautious with him on Wednesday because of rainy conditions during practice. We think he'll be able to play on Thursday night, but you'll want to check back about an hour before kickoff just to be certain.

• 11/18/09 - 10:30AM ETFred Jackson : Wildcat Time?

  The Bills plan to continue running the Wildcat offense -- where Jackson is the primary ball handler -- after having some success with it last week, BuffaloBills.com reports. Jackson threw a touchdown pass to Lee Evans in the loss.

  It'll be interesting to see if interim coach Perry Fewell uses Jackson more than Dick Jauron had been, as Marshawn Lynch continues to get a bigger share of the carries. Jackson is one of the league's better No. 2 backs because he's in a timeshare and gets on the field in return situations and Wildcat formations, but his value is still nowhere near what it was when Lynch was on suspension.

• 11/18/09 - 10:19AM ETMichael Turner : Won't Rule Himself Out

  Turner, who suffered a high ankle sprain last weekend, has not ruled himself out for Sunday's game against the Giants, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. "I don't have a time-frame on the injury," Turner said Wednesday. "I'm not going to count myself out right now. It's only Wednesday. I'm going to take a couple of days. Later on in the week, I ‘ll know for sure if I'll be able to play or not."

  While it's nice that Turner hasn't ruled himself out, the "I don't have a time-frame" comment probably holds more water at this point. If Turner is unable to go Sunday, Jason Snelling would be in line for an expanded role, plus Jerious Norwood could provide a boost with his possible return this week.

• 11/18/09 - 10:06AM ETCedric Benson : Won't Practice Wednesday

  Benson (hip abductor strain) won't practice on Wednesday, Bengals.com reports.

  Benson reiterated that he doesn't think that the injury is serious. That doesn't help us determine how likely it is he'll play this week, however.

• 11/18/09 - 9:25AM ETMark Bradley : Could See Expanded Role

  Bradley could have an expanded role in the Chiefs' offense during Dwayne Bowe's four-game suspension for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing substances.

  Since Week 3, Bradley hasn't scored a touchdown or topped 35 yards receiving in a game. The increased targets in Bowe's absence should help, but you're probably better off grabbing a receiver who plays in a more prolific passing offense.

• 11/18/09 - 9:16AM ETChris Chambers : Opportunity Knocks

  Dwayne Bowe's four-game suspension for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing substances could make Chambers the team's No. 1 receiver for the next month.

  Chambers signed with the Chiefs just two weeks ago, but in that time has caught six passes for 130 yards and two touchdowns, and now finds himself atop the depth chart. He'll be the beneficiary of increased targets from Matt Cassel, but will no longer have the luxury of playing opposite Bowe, who commanded increased attention from the defense. Chambers is still probably only a decent starting option in leagues that start three receivers.

• 11/18/09 - 8:32AM ETJoe Klopfenstein : Signed by Bills

  The Bills signed Klopfenstein on Tuesday after TE Derek Fine was diagnosed with a torn meniscus in his knee and placed on IR, BuffaloBills.com reports.

  Klopfenstein is a fine blocker with a great last name, but with just 33 catches in 48 career games, he's not going to produce much in an offense that's known for its struggles.