Stephania Bell

  (3:03 PM)

Hi gang: Welcome to our Friday injury chat. I will be with you until 3:30, then I an going to film The Hot List today - but AJ Mass will kindly step in and take over at 3:30. So let's get chatting...

John (Miami)

Good news on Rudi? Has he practiced today? What about Watson? Gimme all the Bengals gossip I can handle...

Stephania Bell

  (3:05 PM)

Hi John: Here is your Bengals gossip. Johnson has practiced all week and looks good to go. Watson, held out Weds after sustaining a concussion late Sunday, was able to fully return Thursday. They both are expected to play andsplit carries - but no one knows how the division will break down. Johnson has to show that he can endure a full game's worth of work - they may lean heavier on Watson for a game or so - but recognize, when you knwo going in that it's a splitter situation, you take a risk starting either guy.

Austin, NY, NY

Any inceased chance that Henry has to leave game early or loses reps becasue of rib injury?

Stephania Bell

  (3:06 PM)

Hi Austin: Yes, and yes. But having said that, he has practiced fully and looks good. He also plays for Shanahan - you need to add that to your list of risk factors. That might be the bigger risk than re-injury.

Melissa, Parma, OH

Stephania, please help. The Boston Globe reported that Ben Watson wasn't at the media portion of practice today. I was really counting on using him. Did he suffer a setback? Do you think he still plays Sunday? Thanks sis!

Stephania Bell

  (3:08 PM)

Hey Melissa: Yes, I was surprised by his absence also after he had been practicing (limited) earlier in the week. No reported setback - but not exactly a sign of encouragement. Kyle Brady has been effective - I think it could be another week for him - but as always, if I get an update I'll put it in the Sat blog.

DJ (NJ)

I see that Harrison is cleared to play but did not practice. How do you see this playing out on Sunday?

Stephania Bell

  (3:09 PM)

Hi DJ; This is the one everyone wants to know. They are going to gather round and discuss the risk/benefit situation for Harrison. The fact that they are still discussing that concerns me enough that I think he is a risky play. Meaning even if he plays, it is almost certainly going to be on a limited basis. Overall he's improving. But Dungy wants him in December/Jan, not necessarily now.

Nick (Orlando, FL)

With all reports indicating that DJ Hackett is fully healthy, and Deion Branch not looking that way, am I nuts for considering starting Hackett over Driver this week? Go Canes!

Stephania Bell

  (3:10 PM)

Hey Nick: Do you think the Canes can beat BC? I know, it's not such a good year to ask that question. Yes, start Hackett - he apparently looks really good in practice - and they face the Browns.

Geoff (Mass)

Hey Niners fan, I know your dying to give a Gore update... it's OK let it out...

Stephania Bell

  (3:11 PM)

Hi Geoff: Is it that obvious? Apparently Nolan's game plan this week calls for a lot of giving the ball to Gore. So although I know his ankle is not 100%, I do expect him to play through it as he always does, and to have a good game (OK - i said that last week, but I really think he will this week.)

Steve(Boston)

Stephania,(last name should be "bella"), after his bye do you see Andre Johnson returning to a top 10 Wr? Grazie

Stephania Bell

  (3:13 PM)

Hi Steve: I do think Johnson has that capacity. And for all of the frustration around how long it has taken to get him back, it is the waiting that I think allows him to get back to that status. It may be rough his first time out there (which I think will be next week, although it is possible he could see minimal action this week) but give him a week or two under his belt.

jeremy(ohio)

will Branch play then or not?

Stephania Bell

  (3:13 PM)

Holmgren gave him a 50/50 shot, but judging from his limitation, I would say it's unlikely.

Boise Bee

Stephania, any clue whether Curry plays this weekend?

Stephania Bell

  (3:14 PM)

Boise: No official word, but although Curry has been limited in practice, he says he will go - and he is a good option with McCown back.

Igor nyc

What's the latest on Todd Heap?

Stephania Bell

  (3:15 PM)

Igor: Heap has practiced each day -and today was in shoulder pads, making it look more and more like he will. Status not out before I signed on here, but I expect him to be probable and with the Monday night game, I expect him to go.

Ben (Jacksonville)

Go Niners, Whats up with Hasselbecks injury, it kind of just appeared. I know he will start, but could it limit him?

Stephania Bell

  (3:17 PM)

Ben: Hasselbeck strained his oblique muscle (large diagonal abdominal muscle) - usually see this in pitchers. It hurt him to throw earlier in the week, but he has been able to practice later in the week, throw normally, etc. It could be a factor in a long game, as the muscle fatigues and/or if he takes a lot of hits on top of his throwing. But I don't see it being enough of a threat to not start him.

Mitch , New york, NY

I have never seen any of my questions posted so i'm not sure if it works for me. But you are the one that can help me, whats your thoughts on S jackson? Is he worth trading for I can trade away a wr to get him. I just want to know if he's worth the risk?

Stephania Bell

  (3:19 PM)

Hi Mitch: It works. I think if you can make a good trade for Jackson you could get a good deal. Of course there's a little risk involved - if it was obvious you wouldn't get the trade. But, I think the back is being made to be more of an issue than what it is. the groin is certainly improved if not 100%. Now that he will have a couple more weeks under his belt, I think he'll be in pretty good shape and should continue to improve over the next 3 weeks.

Alex (Philadelphia)

Is LaMont Jordan on the injury report for this week? If not does that mean he's 100%?

Stephania Bell

  (3:23 PM)

Alex: you are asking a really good question, b/c it seems as if a player is not on the report, they should be 100%, right? Not necessarily. The reports reflect practice activity and in a case like Jordan's (who incidentally does NOT appear on the report this week), he has this chronic back issue that makes him never really 100% in my mind. But he can go some weeks with full practice, then other weeks he is really limited. you can assume that he will play, but what you don't know is how close that back is to acting up again.

Bo(Buckhannon,WV)

Hi Stephania, What time do you post your injury blog? Need some good news on Ben Watson. Thanks

Stephania Bell

  (3:23 PM)

Usually Saturday night. Comes out around 8 p.m. or so.

mike-miami

what is the deal with vince young's injury? would you trade him for clemens in a 2qb league?

Stephania Bell

  (3:25 PM)

Young is still on the report b/c of his quad, but he is listed as afull participant in practice, meaning they expect him to start. If you saw him last week during the game, he gimped around a bit as if the thigh was bothering him. I think you take Clemens. More fantasy upside.

Todd (Tucson)

Will Warner be under center for the Cards?

Stephania Bell

  (3:25 PM)

All signs point to yes.

Franco Hoboken

Santonio good to go Monday Night? Reported to have injured his quad this week in practice.

Stephania Bell

  (3:27 PM)

Hi Franco: he had a quad contusion (bruise) so they kept him out Weds - but he was back Thurs and is fully expected to play Monday (this is minor as these injuries go)

Nick (C-ville, VA)

Hi Stephania. Your chat is always informative. Any news on Owen Daniels' ankle?

Stephania Bell

  (3:29 PM)

Hi Nick: thanks for coming. Owen Daniels tweaked his ankle last week, was kept out of practice on Weds, but then practiced Thurs and Kubiak thought he looked good enough to say he expected him to play. Good idea to check back tomorrow - but it sounds as if he's a go.

Edward (Metairie, La)

What is the status of Jamal Lewis?....PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Stephania Bell

  (3:30 PM)

Edward - So desperate...Full practice this week. Expect him to start.

Jason (Orlando)

Just thought i'd let you know that the Noles are playing BC, not the Canes....

Stephania Bell

  (3:30 PM)

I know, not THIS week....

Stephania Bell

  (3:31 PM)

OK gang - sorry I couldn't get to them all. I will try to address other player injury concerns in my last blog of the week. Thanks to AJ for jumping in.

AJ Mass

  (3:32 PM)

Thank you Stephania... I'll do my best gang, but I'm far from the injury guru that she is.

TROY(MN)

Is MJD good to go? I mean is he going to get more than 12 carries. Or is gore the healthier option?

AJ Mass

  (3:33 PM)

My feeling is that MJD will be worth starting. Although Del Rio says he'll let Gray throw the ball more, I doubt it. Taylor and MJD and even Toefield will get a lot of carries each.

Mike (SD)

AJ, what's up dude? Sit Bush, Gore, or K. Jones this week?

AJ Mass

  (3:34 PM)

I'd sit Gore. Bush certainly does worry me in re: durability. But Gore is crippled by something far worse than injury: poor O-line with a lame QB.

Todd (Philly)

Hey AJ...Welcome aboard! Have to pick between Lamont Jordan and Echemandu this week. Thoughts?

AJ Mass

  (3:36 PM)

Green practiced - but not much. Echemandu practiced - but not much. Dayne practiced - but not much. My guess is that Echemandu will get most yards of the three, but I'd start Jordan in th ehopes that McCown's return gives him enough support to have room to run.

Raul (San Diego)

Would you take a zero in order not to have to drop a player? I need a TE but don't want to drop Evans or C. Henry(RB).

AJ Mass

  (3:37 PM)

For shame, Raul. I wish people would be more prudent with their bye weeks - however, if there is no penalty for starting a bye week player, it's not worth it to drop a guy for a one week fill-in.

RICKY (VA)

Welcome AJ, Hackett or Colston

AJ Mass

  (3:38 PM)

Looks like Hackett will go and Branch will not. That's why I'd lean to DJ.

Joe (San Diego)

How much longer can we get WR2 production out of Stokley? Would you start him or James Jones this week? Thanks!

AJ Mass

  (3:40 PM)

As long as there's no Walker... and assuming Marshall doesn't get the boot. He's a mini-Wes Welker. I'd start him this week over Jones.

Kevin (TX)

With hasselbeck's oblique injury, should I start McNabbin stead?

AJ Mass

  (3:41 PM)

I'd start McNabb, but I'd say that w/out the injury as well. If Branch was coming back, too, I'd consider Matt against that Cleve D, even with the soreness.

Tom (Hackensack)

AJ, pick 1 to bench out of fitz, driver, colston and welker.

AJ Mass

  (3:41 PM)

I bench Driver. He's not getting the looks that Jennings and Jones is.

todd-dc

pick 2...edge, peterson, k.jones.

AJ Mass

  (3:42 PM)

I'd consider sitting AP. I know it's not popular, but I thin SD does it's best on defense to let AP know he's no LDT.

Mark (Chicago)

AJ - Doesn't your answer for Raul kind of depend on the circumstance a little too much to be as cut and dried as you make it sound? What if he's fighting for his playoff life, is Chris Henry really important enough to risk losing a week by 5 points because you just took a zero? I know I would hate to see my season go down the drain for making the decision to take a zero. You don't know who is available at TE, if Henry is his 3rd RB or 7th RB, If he will be able to pick him again next week, size of the league, I can go on. I just think that's pretty cavalier advice to give someone.

AJ Mass

  (3:46 PM)

Agreed Mark, but every question has millions of facets. "Should I start X or Y?" "Should I trade X for Y?" There's a million factors that enter into the decision. I can only go on what info I am given - and "life or death game" wasn't included. The fact that he really wanted to keep these guys led me to believe it wasn't that urgent for him to win.

Tom (Orange County CA )

We voted a rule into our league a few years ago, Start a player on a BYE, You get fined $25.

AJ Mass

  (3:47 PM)

I agree you should have to use your roster and not simply tank a spot. That's an excellent kind of rule to have in place. In my league, it's a 10 point penalty.

jim (boston)

This isn't my real name, but I figure you won't let two Marks from Chicago ask questions. Should I trade Tom Brady for AP and Randy Moss? I have Favre as a backup.

AJ Mass

  (3:49 PM)

Here's a perfect example of the "millions of facets". Who are his current RBs and WRs? That's information that can help the answer, but this is a speedy chat, not a 1-hour individualized session. Short answer is that it probably bolsters you in two positions without crippling you at QB. Check out my Commish's Court on Monday- your question will be very relevant to what I'm writing.

Jay (STL)

I know it's been touched on, but given the injury situations in Cincinatti and Denver, would I be better off starting Ryan Grant or Thomas Jones ahead of the Denver RBs or Kenny Watson due to the uncertainty?

AJ Mass

  (3:51 PM)

I don't think Henry's injury comes too much into play, so I'd rather start him. Grant has proven zero to me yet and Jones faces a whole new QB - timing and game-plan will be different. I'd go with Henry unless I hear he's NOT going.

dan(Minn)

You said, "...and assuming Marshall doesn;t get the boot." What does that mean?

AJ Mass

  (3:52 PM)

DUI legal problems could result in a suspension down the line.

Jimmy (Topeka)

What reason do you have to be worried about Reggie Bush? Could you please explain?

AJ Mass

  (3:53 PM)

He hurt his ribs last week and several times already this year has been dinged up. I don't trust him to get through the rest of the season sans injury given the increase in workload.

Jim (NY)

AJ who cares about their questions. JK Who should I play, Warner or Young?

AJ Mass

  (3:54 PM)

6 passes under 50 yards. You want more of that? Warner is the pick. Yes, he likely will get sacked second play of the game and then you get 0. I'd still take it.

AJ Mass

  (3:54 PM)

Speed round time... I'll try and answer a few quickly and tersely before I go.

Nathan-CLE

Whats up with L.Coles and if he is out does that boost Cotchery's value?

AJ Mass

  (3:55 PM)

Coles may miss the game. It does boost Cotchery, but not enough for me to recommend him.

Matt (Indy)

warner or losman?

AJ Mass

  (3:55 PM)

Warner

TJ (Birmingham)

Hilliard, Randle-el, Stokely or James Jones? Pick 1

AJ Mass

  (3:56 PM)

Me likey Ike-y.

Toby (TX)

bench 1: parker, mcgahee, MBIII

AJ Mass

  (3:56 PM)

Triple sticks.

Nathan (San Jose, CA)

Defense question! Washington or Green Bay this week and for the rest of the year?

AJ Mass

  (3:56 PM)

This week - Washington. Rest of year, GB.

Lindsey (SC)

James Jones or Derick Mason?

AJ Mass

  (3:57 PM)

Mason if ppr, otherwise Jones.

Mikey (Chicago)

Lightning round: Foster or Young?

AJ Mass

  (3:57 PM)

Foster.

Camilo (Bako Ca)

L. White or T. Henry? Stallworth, Crayton, or D. Patten?

AJ Mass

  (3:57 PM)

Henry as long as he's not declared "out". Crayton.

Mark (boston)

trade Harrison away for Chatman?

AJ Mass

  (3:58 PM)

I think that's very extreme.

Ryan (PA)

If Andre Johnson plays do you like him better then Curtis or Ward this week?

AJ Mass

  (3:58 PM)

Not this week.

Harvey (Deleware)

Whats the latest on Alge Crumpler?

AJ Mass

  (3:58 PM)

Likely to sit. He's hurting bad.

jason - orlando

Pick 1 - Stokley, Curry, or Hackett

AJ Mass

  (3:59 PM)

I like Hackett to return with a bang.

Patrick (DE)

Any news on Deion Branch coming back?

AJ Mass

  (3:59 PM)

Looks like it's one more week.

Spyde (CA )

AJ, Please pick 1... Chambers, Cotchery or D.Patten. Thanks for your insight.

AJ Mass

  (3:59 PM)

I 'd take chance on Chambers.

Joe (Brooklyn)

Echemandu or hilliard for flex?

AJ Mass

  (4:00 PM)

Ike.

Henry (KY)

Marshall, Jennings or Rudi for a flex?

AJ Mass

  (4:00 PM)

Rudi will play, but how much? I go Marshall slightly over Jennings. Time for one more...

Tim Morgantown WV

Anderson OR Romo ?

AJ Mass

  (4:01 PM)

Derek gets my call... and that;s my final answer, Regis. Thanks to everyone who showed up. Thanks to Stephania for asking me to give her a hand. We'll both be back on Sunday morning - she at 10, me at 12, Scott Engel in the middle at 11. See you then!