Friday, October 7

Peyton Hillis looking for a trade?

It's not likely the Browns will trade him, but crazier things have happened. Even if it's just a leverage play by Hillis' agent, the Browns might do some leveraging of their own and continue to increase Hardesty's workload.

Thursday, October 6

Vincent Jackson misses practice again

Chargers receiver Vincent Jackson was held out of practice again today with a leg strain. It's looking increasingly like Jackson might be a game-time call this weekend.

Dolphins sign Rosenfels to replace Henne

Garrard, Delhomme, Edwards, Croyle...none was a match for the mighty Sage Rosenfels.

The Dolphins signed Rosenfels on Thursday in the wake of news that opening-day starting QB Chad Henne would miss the remainder of the season after undergoing surgery on a separated left shoulder.

Backup Matt Moore, who took over last Sunday following Henne's injury, will likely remain as the starter when the Dolphins return to action in week 6.


Mendenhall unable to practice Thursday

Rashard Mendenhall missed another day of practice Thursday with a hamstring strain. The back's status is still up the air for Sunday's game against Tennessee.

If Mendenhall can't go, Isaac Redman will shoulder the load for the Steelers.

Big Ben to play on Sunday

Ben Roethlisberger practiced fully today and will play Sunday against the Titans. Roethlisberger sprained his foot last weekend.

Dez Bryant at 85 percent

Dez Bryant says he's about 85 percent healthy right now, recovering from a deep thigh bruise. Conditioning issues stemming from the bruise have limited Bryant's second-half effectiveness this season.

Bryant added that he expects to be back at 100 percent by next week.

Brandon Jacobs still not practicing

Brandon Jacobs was held out of practice again today. The running back is still dealing with swelling in his knees. There's been no definitive word on his status for this weekend's game.

Giants OC: Manningham still starter

Giants offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride confirmed that Mario Manningham will continue to start opposite Hakeem Nicks.

Manningham was briefly demoted last Sunday after experiencing some communication issues with Eli Manning early in the game. Victor Cruz took his place in two-receiver sets. While Manningham is back in the starting lineup, Cruz should still see his fair share of looks.

Mathews in line for increased workload

Ryan Mathews has had to earn his way into the heavy share of the workload split with fellow Chargers RB Mike Tolbert. His strong play early in the season has paid off.

Coach Norv Turner said he'd like to get Mathews 24 to 25 touches each game going forward. Already one of fantasy's top backs, Mathews will likely become even more valuable. Of course, that will come at the expense of Tolbert.

Aaron Hernandez back at practice

Looks like a good chance the gifted young TE will be play on Sunday, which would benefit both Hernandez and Brady owners, but hurt Gronkowski who saw an increase in touches while Hernandez recovered from his minor knee injury.

Manning thinks he'll play this year

For those that are doing well in their leagues and like to plan ahead, it wouldn't hurt to keep Peyton Manning on your bench in hopes that he's back in time for the fantasy playoffs. Fully healed plus a below average Colts' defense could lead to some big numbers for a patient Peyton owner.

Chad Henne to have season-ending surgery

Sources say QB Chad Henne has chosen to have season-ending surgery on his left shoulder. Henne separated the shoulder last Sunday against the Chargers.

Matt Moore filled in for Henne following his injury. The Dolphins have also worked out a veritable "who's who" of washouts, including David Garrard, Jake Delhomme, Brodie Croyle, and Trent Edwards. Any new quarterback would have the benefit of a bye week to learn the offense.

For Dolphins fans: Andrew Luck plays Colorado at home on Saturday evening. Tune in.

Wednesday, October 5

Chargers' Jackson nursing hamstring strain

San Diego wide receiver Vincent Jackson was held out of practice Wednesday with a hamstring strain. Jackson suffered the injury in week 4, and may not be full strength for Sunday's game against the Broncos.

Jackson owners will be disappointed if the star receiver isn't 100%, since Denver's secondary has been one of the league's worst this season--albeit mostly without top cornerback Champ Bailey.

Payton says Colston's role to increase

Saints coach Sean Payton called Marques Colston "fully healthy" for the first time since the receiver broke his collarbone in the season opener, and said his role would increase.

Colston owners are surely pleased, but the wideout's presence may decrease looks for Lance Moore, Robert Meachem, and breakout tight end Jimmy Graham.

Woodhead, Hernandez miss Pats practice

Aaron Hernandez is still a question mark for New England's game this Sunday. He warmed up before practice today, but was again held out of drills.

Danny Woodhead also missed practice, and is nursing an ankle injury. Neither player has been ruled out for week 5.

Dolphins try out two more QBs

Things aren't looking good for Chad Henne's future as the Dolphins worked out two more quarterbacks, Trent Edwards and Brodie Croyle. At this rate, it's only a matter of time before Dan Marino gets a chance.

Mendenhall won't practice Wednesday

Steelers RB Rashard Mendenhall won't practice on Wednesday, but the team is hopeful he can practice on Thursday. Mendenhall hasn't yet been ruled out of Sunday's game, and it's looking like this could be a dreaded game-time decision.

Steelers resign LT Max Starks

The Steelers have officially resigned former starting LT Max Starks to bolster a porous offensive line.

The addition of Starks can only help battered QB Ben Roethlisberger, and will hopefully allow Rashard Mendenhall, Isaac Redman, and Mewelde Moore create more running room.

Brandon Jacobs dealing with knee swelling

Giants RB Brandon Jacobs is dealing with swelling in his knees, according to coach Tom Coughlin. No decision has been made about his status for Sunday's game against Seattle, but Coughlin added that Jacobs was expected to practice today.

If Jacobs were limited, that could increase Ahmad Bradshaw's role. The Seahawks have been one of the better run defenses so far this young season.

Daniel Thomas ready for week 6

Dolphins RB Daniel Thomas says he'll be ready to go in week 6, following the team's bye week this Sunday. Reggie Bush owners hoping for a longer-term absence will be back to dealing with a timeshare.

Dolphins inquire on Garrard, Delhomme

On the heels of Chad Henne's potentially season-ending shoulder injury, the Miami Dolphins have reached out to veteran free agent QBs David Garrard and Jake Delhomme.

Both quarterbacks are reportedly mulling their options, and it's unclear whether either would start in place of Matt Moore or act as a backup. Of course, Garrard was released just weeks before the season by a Jaguars team featuring Luke McCown and Blaine Gabbert as backups, and Delhomme has thrown 25 interceptions and just ten touchdowns in his last 16 games.

Dolphins fans may want to check out Stanford's Andrew Luck, leading the Cardinal at home against Colorado on Saturday night.

Tuesday, October 4

Colts expected to stick with Painter

Kerry Collins may have taken his last NFL snap...again. The Colts are expected to stick with Curtis Painter at QB after a fairly effective start against the Buccaneers on Monday night.

Painter was only 13-of-30 on the night, but tallied 281 yards passing and two touchdowns against only one turnover. Pierre Garcon could be the biggest beneficiary, as he scored two long touchdowns with Painter at the helm.

Andre Johnson to miss 2-3 weeks

Breathe, Andre Johnson owners. The star wideout will likely miss 2-3 weeks after undergoing a procedure designed to speed his recovery from a hamstring injury.

Texans coach Gary Kubiak has said Jacoby Jones would start in Johnson's place.

Fox says McGahee is Broncos' guy

Denver coach John Fox called Willis McGahee "our guy," after the veteran back tallied two 100-yard games in the last three weeks.

McGahee will start against San Diego on Sunday and has likely earned the bulk of the carries at the expense of Knowshon Moreno, who has been far less effective this season while battling a hamstring injury he sustained in the season opener.

Looks like Isaac Redman to start week 5

With both Rashard Mendenhall and Mewelde Moore injured, Redman could be in for a lot of carries. He's a must-add for Mendenhall owners and just about everyone else for that matter.

Benson's suspension delayed at least a week

For all of the stupid stuff that's happened in his life, I have to say Cedric has played this suspension pretty well. He'll be out there in week 5 and possibly beyond.

Woodhead escapes major injury

Patriots RB Danny Woodhead has a sprained ankle, but no broken bone or torn knee ligaments. It's unclear what his status will be for week 5.

Woodhead's presence won't help clear up a crowded backfield in New England, where he's joined by BenJarvus Green-Ellis (The Law Firm, one of football's great nicknames) and promising rookie Stevan Ridley.

Dez Bryant's conditioning an issue

Dez Bryant has just two second-half catches this season, an issue that may be linked to conditioning problems. A thigh bruise has limited Bryant's workout ability, and he has yet to get fully into game shape.

Mendenhall not ruled out for week 5

ESPN's John Clayton reports that the Steelers won't rule out RB Rashard Mendenahll for Sunday's game against the Titans. Mendenhall left last Sunday's game with a hamstring injury.

It sounds like Mendenhall could be a game-time decision, so keep checking back for updates throughout the week.

Separated shoulder could end Henne's season

In a big blow to the already-underachieving Dolphins, team sources revealed that the separated shoulder QB Chad Henne suffered on Sunday could end his season. The team is currently waiting on a second opinion.

Matt Moore would take over for Henne as the Dolphins' starter. Moore played reasonably well against the Chargers after Henne went down, but this injury should boost Miami's chances in the Andrew Luck sweepstakes.

Coach thinks Roethlisberger will play

While Big Ben might be problem-prone (we all know his issues go beyond injuries), he's also one tough dude so Mike Tomlin predicting he'll play is to be expected.

On a separate, less fantasy-related Steelers' note, LB James Harrison somehow managed to break the orbital bone around his right eye and will be out for awhile. Sounds like Karma to me for all those illegal hits.

Monday, October 3

Michael Bush suffered late injury against Patriots

Raiders coach Hue Jackson reports that backup running back Michael Bush suffered a leg injury late in Oakland's loss to New England. If Bush were to miss time, it would increase the value of certified beast Darren McFadden. Bush has been seeing a significant amount of goal line work this season.

Eagles LT Peters could miss significant time

An already porous Eagles line may be getting worse. Starting left tackle Jason Peters, who left Philadelphia's game on Sunday with a leg injury, has a hamstring strain that may keep him out for next week and possibly beyond.

That doesn't bode well for Michael Vick, who is already often running for his life, or early season standout RB LeSean McCoy. Peters would be replaced by enormous backup tackle King Dunlap.

Kubiak says Johnson "Will miss some time."

Texans coach Gary Kubiak says star receiver Andre Johnson "will miss some time," but how much is unclear.

The extent of Johnson's hamstring injury still isn't known, and Kubiak refused to put a timeline on the recovery, saying it could be anything from a few days to several weeks.

Vikings sticking with McNabb as starter

Despite an 0-4 start, ESPN reports the Vikings are staying with McNabb at quarterback.

McNabb has looked mostly cooked over the last season and change, and with first-round pick Christian Ponder waiting in the wings, some have wondered whether a switch was in the offing. It looks like McNabb will be under center at least for the Vikings' next game against Arizona.

Chris Johnson gets his FB back

After his first 100 yard game, Johnson finally gets Ahmard Hall back from suspension. Things are definitely looking up, when you factor in that Hall's replacement graded out as the worst lead blocker in the NFL.

Tim Hightower suffered shoulder injury

Looks like all the Torain carries may have been for a reason. More to come on the injury, but that's a platoon I'd look to avoid.

Jets' Coach "back to ground game"

Not that Greene and Tomlinson have performed well, but it sounds like they'll be getting more opportunities which may hurt Sanchez.

Mendenhall's hamstring injury not serious

For now, it looks like Mendenhall will be able to play in week 5.

More carries for Hillis, says Coach

For those of you worried about Hardesty creeping into the rotation, it looks like Hillis' will return to his full work load after the bye week.

Michael Vick dislocated finger

It's on his throwing hand, but Andy Reid didn't even mention it during his post-game injury report so he should be good to go in Week 5. Hopefully he can stop getting hurt.

Ben Tate heard "small pop" during game

Hearing your groin pop is never a good thing, but sounds like Tate is day-to-day. Looks like Foster has taken back the reigns to the offense, so keep Tate on your bench until the next opportunity knocks.

Andre Johnson may be out a few weeks

Sounds like Johnson will definitely be out week 5 and we'll wait to see if it's even longer. In the mean time, more carries for Foster.

Roethlisberger's left foot sprained, not broken

ESPN's Chris Mortensen reports that Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger has a sprained left foot, but no break in the bone as was initially feared.

Kyle Orton to remain Broncos' starting QB

After Sunday's loss to the Packers, Broncos coach John Fox confirmed Orton is still the starter

Shanahan refuses to commit to starting RB

Despite Ryan Torain's big day against the Rams, Redskins coach Mike Shanahan refused to commit to favoring any one running back.

The Washington Post reports that Shanahan said, "All three guys can play. All guys have a strength, and we'll play the hot guy."

Jacoby Jones to fill in for injured Andre Johnson

ESPN reports that Jacoby Jones would take Andre Johnson's place in the Texans' wide receiver rotation if Johnson misses time. Johnson left Sunday's game against Pittsburgh with what's being described as a hamstring injury. Johnson had an MRI on Sunday night.

Veteran Bryant Johnson would also likely become more involved in the rotation.

Ryan Grant "good to go" for Falcons next week

Packers RB Ryan Grant, dealing with a bruised kidney, says he'll be "good to go" for Green Bay's divisional round rematch against the Falcons next weekend.

Mario Manningham demoted during win over Cards

Rotoworld reports that Giants receiver Mario Manningham was removed from standard two-wideout sets against the Cardinals, replaced by early-season breakout Victor Cruz. Manningham apparently upset quarterback Eli Manning by running several incorrect routes early in the game.

Vincent Jackson day-to-day with leg strain

Chargers wideout Vincent Jackson briefly left San Diego's win over the Dolphins with what Chargers coach Norv Turner characterized as a leg strain. He is listed as day-to-day.

Mike Williams (SEA) suffers concussion

Before he left, Williams had three catches for 36 yards and a TD against Atlanta.

Sunday, October 2

Chad Henne injures non-throwing shoulder

Matt Moore took over for Miami in his place

Rashard Mendenhall injures hamstring

Left game in 4th quarter, didn't return

Ben Roethlisberger injures left foot

CBSSportsline reports that Pittsburgh's Ben Roethlisberger suffered an injury to his left foot late in the loss to Houston.

Ben Tate injures groin

Ben Tate sat out second half due to injury, while Arian Foster ran for 155 yards and a touchdown on 30 carries.

Andre Johnson injures hamstring

Left the game in the second quarter and didn't return

Texans' entire offense available

Per Texan's official Twitter feed: RBs Arian Foster and Ben Tate, WRs Andre Johnson, Jacoby Jones and Kevin Walter, as well as TE Joel Dressen active against Steelers (all listed as probable on injury report)

Brown's players all active against Titans

Per Brown's official Twitter feed: Peyton Hillis, Mohamed Massaquoi, and Joshua Cribbs all active in Week 4

Stafford, Johnson both active in Week 4

Per the Lion's official Twitter feed

Steeler's WRs both active in Week 4

Per Steelers Digest: Mike Wallace and Hines Ward will both play in Week 4

Rams players active in Week 4, except Amendola

Per St. Louis Rams' official Twitter feed: Steven Jackson, Cadillac Williams, Sam Bradford are active while Danny Amendola will sit

Adrian Peterson active in Week 4

Per the Vikings' official Twitter feed

Eagles players all active in Week 4

Per Dan Graziano of ESPN's NFC East Blog: Michael Vick, Jeremy Maclin, and Steve Smith all active

Marques Colston active in Week 4

Per Saints' official Twitter feed

Kendall Hunter to start, Frank Gore will play

Per Albert Breer of NFL Network

All Cowboys except Miles Austin active

Per the Cowboy's official Twitter feed: QB Tony Romo, RBs Felix Jones and Marion Barber, and WR Dez Bryant active against Lions, Miles Austin is out

Marcedes Lewis active in Week 4

Daniel Thomas ruled out for Week 4