Buzzmaster

  (11:08 AM)

Stephania will be with you all momentarily. Keep those questions coming!

Stephania Bell

  (11:11 AM)

Hi everyone! Sorry for the late arrival - let's get to your questions!!!

Riaz, OH

Stephania, Hi! How is it looking for Brian Westbrook? Is it a case of him just resting or should I pick up Buckhalter? Thanks!!

Stephania Bell

  (11:12 AM)

Hi Riaz: So far it sounds like the usual rest during the week scenario for Westbrook. No reason yet to think that he won't play.

Flip (Ft Lonesome Fl)

STEPHANIA Oh Guru of the BooBoo: Seems to me like AP is back awful early from the injury. How effective can he be and how much risk of further injury does he have especially playing on hard dome turf

Stephania Bell

  (11:15 AM)

Flip - pretty funny...I agree that this is an early return for this type of injury. Given the original grade, and the big concern, which is fear of re-injury and, even worse, additional injury, I expected 4-6 weeks. But that being said, they have done a repeat MRI on Peterson and say the ligament is healing extremely well, and they have brought him along gradually. It sounds as if they still expect him to play, but he will wear a brace and if he does play, I am sure they will limit his touches. The turf is always a concern - but I worry about it more for rotary stresses - and also for direct contact hits. Don't know that it will be a huge factor for him.

Mark. LA

Stephania, I enjoy your updates on TV Sunday Mornings.Is Wes Welker going to play? I heard he has a undisclosed injury. I just need to know if I should plug in Branch instead. Thanks

Stephania Bell

  (11:17 AM)

Hi Mark - Thanks for watching. Welker was listed as a "team decision" on the injury reports - which often menas a head injury - but the Patriots listed Vrabel as a team decision a couple weeks ago and he had a shoulder problem, so can not be too sure. That said, these are not often things that keep them out of games - more just a reason to limit practice. So I still expect Welker to play right now.

Josh (KY)

Hi Steph! What can you tell me about Javon Walker? Will he see a full workload or will he again be limited on the field?

Stephania Bell

  (11:18 AM)

Hi Josh: All signs are that the Broncos plan to increase Walker's workload this week. They wanted to get him on the field to test his leg and see how he did, without overloading him - but they say he looks better in practice this week.

ro (NYC)

SB: Are the Jets going into the MIA game without both starting WRs?

Stephania Bell

  (11:21 AM)

It's a possibility. Coles is still limited by the high ankle sprain. He is practicing some - but whether they think the ankle can hold up in a game is to be determined - meaning game time decision. Cotchery injured his finger Monday but the Jets aren't telling us how severely. The fact that he hasn't practiced at all isn't a good sign. I would not count on Cotchery - and wait if you can on Coles (with a backup ready).

PT (Franklin, NC)

Is Culpepper going to be ready with his apparent thigh issue aggravating him, and if not does this mean that we will finally get to see Jamarcus Russell?

Stephania Bell

  (11:22 AM)

PT: I still think Culpepper plays, but I also think you will see Jamarcus Russell - maybe not a lot, but I would bet that we are going to see him.

Brad(NM)

Hey Steph...are the Bills really going to have to rely on a guy named Fred Jackson?

Stephania Bell

  (11:24 AM)

Hi Brad: Yes, they are. Lynch is still out with the high ankle sprain and it seems that Anthony Thomas has torn a muscle and has a lot of pain and swelling - not conducive to playing football. So Fred Jackson is the guy in Buffalo, at least for this week.

Jeff, St.Louis

Stephania, PLEASE HELP!! Which running back is healthy? Selvin Young or Henry? Don't know who to play.

Stephania Bell

  (11:26 AM)

Jeff: If only it were easy. The good news is that both Young and Henry appear healthy and ready to play (or not good news b/c it likely means a rotation at RB) - BUT, Henry's appeal decision is expected to be announced today - which could change the picture. We at least know that Hall is out. But, my expectation is that Henry will start, barring any negative outcome from his appeal.

paul (richmond)

Santonio go or no go at this time. also any reason to have concerns about Braylon's hamstring

Stephania Bell

  (11:29 AM)

Paul: As of right now, it appears that Holmes will not play. He has a high ankle sprain and has not been able to test it in practice. The Steelers said they would wait to see what he could do in practice today, but given how limited he has been this late in the week, it doesn't look good. Edwards has not been practicing, but it sounds as if the Browns are proactively resting him in the hopes that he can play Sunday. Crennel has said that he expects him to play. Always a bit of a concern with a recent hamstring strain, but probably a worthwhile risk, unless he is downgraded after today's session.

Jerry (new orleans)

Whats the status on Brandon Jacobs?

Stephania Bell

  (11:30 AM)

No official status yet (that will come this afternoon) - but with him being limited in practice this week and Ward looking likely to come back, it does not appear he will go.

Joel (MD)

Stephania, what's the latest on Chatman?

Stephania Bell

  (11:34 AM)

Hi Joel: Chatman says he expects to play - and I think he will, but keep in mind that his ankle acted up on Monday as a result of the nasty conditions, and he has been limited in practice. If he can't perform well, he may see more limited action on Sunday.

Jason, Demver, CO

Stephania, You brought up an interesting point on Adrian Petersons injury. I own Chester Taylor but not A.P. Do you suggest I hang on to Taylor in the even that Peterson gets hurt (not rooting for that by the way) since he is coming back too soon?

Stephania Bell

  (11:36 AM)

Hi Jason: I say keep Taylor for now. First, I think Taylor sees more action this week. Then, there's the possibility, even if Peterson doesn't get hurt, that it "bothers" him and they decide to play Taylor moer. Lots of possible scenarios that would make me want to keep Taylor around.

Dio (Toronto)

Stephania, what is the latest on Brodie Croyle?

Stephania Bell

  (11:37 AM)

Hi Dio: Croyle still has a sore back and has not practiced. Herm Edwards made his situation sound doubtful - it will likely be Huard getting the start.

Manny (Denver, CO)

Is Burress still injured

Stephania Bell

  (11:38 AM)

Manny: Burress is dealing with a chronic nagging ankle, the result of a pretty severe sprain early in the season. As he plays, it gets aggravated from time to time and recently has been worse - and you've seen him be affected on the field. It will probably be up and down across the rest of the season.

Philippe (Bristol, CT)

Hi Stephanie, any news on Troy Polamalu... I am in an IDP league and really need to know... Thanks!

Stephania Bell

  (11:40 AM)

Philippe: Polamalu has just about confirmed that he will not play this weekend. The sprained knee is a bit better and he can run on it - but doesn't feel that he can do what he needs to do to play his position.

Eric (Tampa)

Stephania... not for nothing, but since there was a Thursday game a lot of rosters have locked already for the weekend. Why didn't you do this YESTERDAY??

Stephania Bell

  (11:41 AM)

Sorry Eric - the chats are set on Friday since the beginning of the season. I show up when they tell me to - but check the blogs - we try to give some earlier hints in the week, unfortunately the majority of the info doesn't come until late in the week.

Lee, NC

Do you see Marc Bulger missing time beyond Sunday?

Stephania Bell

  (11:43 AM)

Lee: Very very hard to say. Bulger's concussion is a good example of why it is improtant NOT to judge the severity of the injury by how the payer looks that day. Symptoms can worsen over the week, as they have with Bulger, and the timetable is really a "wait and see" to see how long it takes for them to completely subside.

Andrew (NY)

You can't tell me that people don't want to know about Andre Johnson. He is a stud, but is there cause for concern?

Stephania Bell

  (11:46 AM)

Hi Andrew: You're right. Lots of people want to know. Everyone notices that Johnson hasn't fully practiced this week. This seems to be a proactive resting move and the Texans have not made a big deal out of it (and they are usually pretty forthcoming when it comes to injuries) so I expect that we will see him on the field Sunday.

Bob Detroit

Stephania, I have to ask the obligatory Marvin Harrison question. Any updates on his status this week or for weeks 14-16? Thanks!

Stephania Bell

  (11:49 AM)

Bob: Yes, of course. The obligatory Harrison question is completely valid, especially since much has been hinted at about a potential week 13 return. However, he has not done much (no team practice) and even coach Dungy sounds less optimistic than he did earlier. His situation is such a day to day assessment that it makes projection hard - at this point though, for anyone trying to make fantasy playoffs, I would say hedge your bets elsewhere.

Mike (Maple Shade, NJ)

Stephania, what is the status of Ahman Green this week? Thanks!

Stephania Bell

  (11:49 AM)

Hi Mike: Not much change here. Green's status remains "iffy" at best. If he plays, it will likely be in a very limited role.

Scott (White Plains, NY)

A follow-up on Burress. I know he has the ankle sprain, but reports yesterday said that he now has issues with his knee that might make his "questionable" status this week different than prior weeks when he has been listed as "questionable" but expected to play. Have you heard anything about this?

Stephania Bell

  (11:52 AM)

Scott: Good point. The Giants have not said much specific about the knee, making it sound like a minor sprain of some sort, but nonetheless, it compounds the fact that he already has a weak ankle. His questionable status makes him very questionable this week.

Matt (Washington DC)

Are you hearing anything about when Terry Glen might be back. Its like hes not even on the team anymore - no updates or anything.

Stephania Bell

  (11:54 AM)

Hi Matt: The last time there was a detailed update on Glenn (which was a couple weeks ago), it sounded as if he might be trying to come back around the time of last week of the season or playoffs. Not enough for fantasy - but in time to contribute in some way to the end of Dallas' season.

David (LA, CA)

Playoffs are on the line! Given Bush's injury, would you starting him over Kolby Smith in a PPR league? Thanks!!

Stephania Bell

  (11:56 AM)

David: Bush looks much better in practice this week, (the shin bruise last week ended up limiting his action in the game) so I don't think he will be limited this week. The PPR makes Bush attractive b/c he catches so many passes, whereas Smith has only caught 1-3/game, even in his outstanding outing. But I think Smith gets you more yards on the ground. So depends on how your scoring works.

Jon (DC)

Is Favre going to be back next week? Should I pick up Aaron Rodgers as security?

Stephania Bell

  (11:59 AM)

Hi Jon: Many people interested in Favre's status. It's always good to have the backup. Favre separated his non-throwing shoulder. That was the minor injury. He also took a helmet to the forearm and it hit him right where the ulnar nerve sits close to the skin. you know the feeling when you hit your funny bone? The electric zing is really the ulnar nerve getting whacked. Now imagine that with a helmet. Painful. The ulnar nerve goes to the 4th and 5th fingers, so when he took the hit, his fingers were tingling and he couldn't grip the ball. Now Favre had a similar injury last year and came back the following week. No way of knowing what the severity of this time is compared to last, but the fact that he has four extra days should help. It's basically a matter of swelling coming down and feeling/strength coming back. Given his track record and the way he talked last night, i would expect to see him back next week.

ryan (philly)

forget mcnabbs thumb and ankle, when is his knee going to be 100 percent again???

Stephania Bell

  (12:01 PM)

Hi Ryan: At times his knee has looked like his old one, other times it has looked like he can't move the way he used to. The ups and downs are not atypical of coming back from this major surgery. After this season is under his belt, and with another off-season to rest and condition, I think McNabb will look a lot better (as in more confident) on the knee next year.

John (Philadelphia)

Whats the deal with Todd Heap this week? Should I prepare to start another TE in his place for the umpteenth week in a row?

Stephania Bell

  (12:03 PM)

Yes John, for the umpteenth week. I would suggest getting another tight end, b/c although Heap practice Thursday (which is a good sign), he is not likely to come back this week, and he has aggravated the hamstring twice this year when trying to return. Doesn't make me confident that it will truly resolve before the season is out.

Frank (San Fran)

Hi Stephania! I'm considering using Warner over Brees this week in a must-win game, but I am worried about Warner's injuries either limiting him or causing him to leave the game early. Do you think I should play him or stick with Brees? Thanks!

Stephania Bell

  (12:04 PM)

I think Warner has shown now that he sticks it out with these injuries. He's banged up but still throwing the heck out of the ball and getting a lot of fantasy points. I might stick with Warner.

Ben (SF)

What's up with Larry Fitzgerald?

Stephania Bell

  (12:06 PM)

Hi Ben: Hopefully, nothing much. Fitzgerald has had a sore groin that has kept him limited in practice all week, but he is expected to do more in practice today, and so far, no word from the Cardinals that this should affect his Sunday status. Still important to keep an eye on him for gametime, but I expect him to play.

Peter (Quahog, RI)

Is LJ coming back this season?

Stephania Bell

  (12:08 PM)

Peter: Confusing information coming out here as supposedly he has run on it, but the Chiefs, citing Johnson's request, have not given any more information other than that they are evaluating him from week to week. Based on the fact that he is not in a cast, not having surgery and not on IR, I expect that they think he will return near the end of the season - but there's nothing solid to go on yet.

John, The Woodlands, Tx

I have Galloway as a must play, but is Garcia the QB?

Stephania Bell

  (12:09 PM)

Hi John: Not looking like it right now - unless there's a dramatic change in practice today. garcia has a bruised back and couldn't throw the ball at all b/c of pain on Tuesday. He is reportedly moving around better but still hasn't practiced. McCown is likely to start in his place.

Gray, Orange, Va.

Hi Stephania, I enjoy your chats! I am in a return yardage league so I use Dante Hall a lot, I read somewhere he is "iffy" again with that high ankle sprain, any word on him? Thanks very much!

Stephania Bell

  (12:11 PM)

Hi Gray: Nothing specific. I think he will be contending with some discomfort in the ankle for the rest of the year, but I still expect him to play.

Mike (Fresno)

Do you think Anquan Boldin has completely recovered from his hip injury or is it something he will have to deal with the rest of the season?

Stephania Bell

  (12:12 PM)

Hi Mike: Boldin is certainly playing better - but I don't think the hip is fully recovered. He still gets less looks than he used to and is overall being used somehwat less, specifically with the hip in mind. Probably needs the offseason rest to fully recover.

Stephania Bell

  (12:14 PM)

OK everyone - thanks so much for coming. I tried to stay a little longer to make up for being tardy. I really appreciate all of your excellent questions and I wish everyone luck as you try to make the playoffs in your fantasy leagues!! Be sure to check back with our Sunday morning chats and check our inactive update list on Sundays before the games!