Stephania Bell

  (11:01 AM)

Good morning everyone: My, oh my, the injuries continue to plague all NFL teams and fantasy owners. Welcome - and let's get to your questions!

Tim (KC)

Hey Stephania... I am sure that you are going to get a lot of questions on both these players, so I will help you get them out of the way... can you update the status of both Brandon Jacobs and Marshawn Lynch for Sunday's games... thanks

Stephania Bell

  (11:04 AM)

Hey Tim: Thanks for the assist. You're right - many people want to know. So - Brandon Jacobs has been limited in practice, but is expected to return. They need him with Ward out for the season. Lynch has been working his way back and they are very positive on how he looks. I expect he will play - the question is how much time he shares with Fred Jackson. I think he gets as much work as he can handle, but if the ankle starts to act up, they'll pull him back.

vince (cleveland)

reports (other site/Newark paper) say cotchery may still play sunday or at least this season, any truth

Stephania Bell

  (11:06 AM)

Hi VInce: Yes - I've seen them too. It seemed very unlikely at first - but now Mangini says he refuses to rule Cotchery out for the season. If he played, it would have to be splinted. I certainly do not expect him to play this week. In acouple weeks, maybe(?) - but this will be tough as a receiver to play with a splint and a painful finger. I'm sure this will be one of those week to week evaluations - and I wouldn't count on him.

Eic (DC)

Hey Stephanie!!! I dropped my Lynch question since it was just asked but what are your thoughts on Lendale White this week? Saw Fishers comments and heard he took a full workload yesterday.....Thanks!!

Stephania Bell

  (11:08 AM)

Hi there - Lendale White is expected to play. I'm a bit concerned that the finger will make him more of a fumble risk, but if you know that going in, you can decide how you feel about it. I expect he will get the majority of the carries if he plays.

Brian (Annapolis)

Keeping up Tim's theme of broad questions, Whats the situation with Arizonas WRs this week?

Stephania Bell

  (11:11 AM)

Hi Brian: I like it - two answers for the price of one. Boldin had a dislocated toe and they have been trying to outfit him with some type of orthotic insert for his shoe that would allow him to run without crazy pain. that hasn't happened yet and as a result, he hasn't practiced. Boldin says he likes to practice before he plays, so unless he is able to go today (and it's not looking likely), he will not play. Fitzgerald sat out last week with the groin, but has been practicing on a limited basis. he's a gametime decision, I expect he'll try to play. I don't think he'll be 100 percent, but if Boldin's out, he remains a top target for Warner.

Eddie (Hoboken, NJ)

Hiya Stephania!! Love your work and thanks! Jesse Chatman? How is he looking? I have to start 3 this week between Chatman, Barber, Alexander, Grant and Graham. What's your advice?

Stephania Bell

  (11:13 AM)

Hi Eddie: Chatman - not looking so good. Ankle has continued to be a problem and he has not practiced all week. It is sounding as if he will not play, meaning Samkon Gado would get the start. I like Grant as the Packers can run on the Raiders. Then Grant and Graham - Alexander continues to disappoint.

Mike (Nashville)

Any chance Todd Heap becomes relevant here at the end of our fantasy seasons, or is it time to drop him for more roster flexibility?

Stephania Bell

  (11:14 AM)

Mike - Time to move on. He may play - but he has had so many problems with the hamstring that he will remain a risk throughout the season.

Eric (Ohio)

Any word on Santonio? How effective will he be if he plays?

Stephania Bell

  (11:16 AM)

Hi Eric: Well, he's not on the injury report which is always a good sign. The high ankles are always a bit risky the first time back; we have seen a couple athletes come back only to get re-injured (Pittman, Hackett) - but with him fully practicing, you have to assume that he is doing everything and will play his regular role.

Lisa (Scottsdale)

Hey SB! What are the odds Bulger takes every snap this weekend? Who would you trust more this week, him or McNabb?

Stephania Bell

  (11:19 AM)

Lisa: That's like asking me to pick my poison. Hard to trust either one completely. Both appear likely to start although neither is confirmed. McNabb will probably be limited in his mobility because of the ankle. Bulger is one good hit away from being knocked out. I would probably go with McNabb only because he felt like he could go last week and he's had a little more rest - and he's got a better offensive line (when they play well).

Mike (St. Pete, FL)

What's the latest on Favre?

Stephania Bell

  (11:20 AM)

Hi Mike: Favre took about 70% of first team reps and threw a lot in Thursday practice. Expect him to keep the streak alive.

Adam (NJ)

I'll keep it simple: what about Laveranues?

Stephania Bell

  (11:20 AM)

Simple back: GTD, still limited by the ankle, but expect him to play.

Flip(Ft Lonesome Fl)

Yes this is a real place. What's the word on Stokley, knee injuries are always a worry. Does he play and how effectivley

Stephania Bell

  (11:21 AM)

Hi Flip: Wow - is it really lonesome? Stokley does not look like he'll play - hasn't practiced all week. If something changes today, he might, but I would not be confident. He's had multiple knee problems in the past as well.

Lance (Pocahontas,IOWA)

BRRRR Hey stuck in a blizzard need help, What is up with Ahman Green? Also Galloway is Ok to go this week or should I go with driver or b marshall with Ward?

Stephania Bell

  (11:25 AM)

Hi Lance in Pocahontas (love that town name): Sorry for the blizzard. Green practiced more on Thursday but we have yet to hear how it affected him. In the past he has worsened the next day after increasing his activity. Even if he plays, which I think is not likely, it will probably be on a limited basis and I would not have a lot of confidence. Galloway was held out of practice based on a team decision. He should be fine to go.

Mike (Springfield,Ma)

Hi Stephania. It seems I picked up your curse losing McNabb,Garcia and Schaub in the last 3 weeks. Will McNabb or Garcia be effective this week? Thx

Stephania Bell

  (11:26 AM)

Hi Mike: No one should have to suffer the curse that I endured throughout the season - but it appears that it struck you. Garcia has been practicing more and is likely to start. I liek garcia if he goes better than McNabb.

Patricia (Milwaukee)

Hi Stephania! Plaxico Burress is hurt, right? He's been a shadow of himself lately ... do you think he's going to be limited the rest of the season?

Stephania Bell

  (11:28 AM)

Hi patricia: Yes, I do think it continues to be problematic for him - the ankle especially - but the knee was relatively minor and I think that that will improve as time goes on, barring another direct hit.

lee

I know this is playoff time for football, but can you give me your opinion on Lebron's sparined finger?...Do you think he'll be back soon or not?

Stephania Bell

  (11:31 AM)

Hi Lee: Yes, a lot of people wondering about Lebron as well. A sprained finger is not uncommon in basketball, and I think people thought it wouldn't be a big deal b/c it's his non-dominant hand, but obviously he still has to use that hand a lot. If there is significant swelling and stiffness, it will make that hand basically ineffective so they have to let it recover somewhat. Assuming it's a simple sprain (which is what we've been told), he should be back within the week.

J.R. (Cincy)

Anything new on Westbrook?

Stephania Bell

  (11:32 AM)

More of the same. Held out of practice this week to rest him for Sunday.

PT (Franklin, NC)

Yo Steph! Given the Marshawn Lynch situation would you go with Fred Jackson or Justin Fargas? Thanks!

Stephania Bell

  (11:33 AM)

PT: Fargas for sure - I don't think Jackson sees the ball enough.

Todd(Rochester, NY)

Hey Stephania! Whats the word on the Bronco's RBs?

Stephania Bell

  (11:35 AM)

Hi Todd: Isn't that the question of the year? The Broncos have the RB merry-go-round. Selvin Young hurt his elbow last week but has been fully practicing and is expected to be available. Henry will play - he told the media his knee was only about 80% (believeable given the injury he had) - but still expect him to start. What you don't know is who will play how much and in what situation.

Andy (CT)

Hey Steph - Any chance we see Marvin before the playoffs? Sadly I was a second from drafting Reggie Wayne with my #2 pick this year but went with "the guy who never gets hurt." Good call...

Stephania Bell

  (11:37 AM)

Sorry Andy: That would have been a good call any other year. Harrison jsut had some bad luck - and time starting to catch up. I don't think we'll see much, if anything. The Colts are saying that if he practices well today we could see him Sunday - but trust me, it will be on a limited basis - and then there's all the uncertainty about how he'd respond, etc. I don't think it's a safe play for at least this week and next.

Gabe (St Paul MN)

Adrian Peterson's return from injury has been as incredible as everything else he's done this season... Is there any good reason with one game down to think that he could still re-aggravate his knee?

Stephania Bell

  (11:39 AM)

Hi Gabe: Yes, AP has been super-impressive. Yes, the knee remains a bit of a risk. I epxect you'll still see him in a brace b/c the time frame is such that the ligament is still healing. I have a lot more confidence after seeing how he moved last week, especially laterally, and a re-injury would more likely come from a direct hit, as he's shown he can cut/sprint with confidence, but there is still a bit of a risk.

Scott,Ny

Any new news on Larry Johnson? Thanks

Stephania Bell

  (11:41 AM)

Hi Scott: Nope, not really. Lots of murmurs in Kansas City but nothing definiitve. He is probably doing some light work on his own - but the team declaring him out so early in the week tells me he is a ways out from returning. It is a guessing game right now, until he returns to team practice.

Kyle(Las Vegas)

I'm a 49er fan! How do you think Gore will do this week against a tough run defense? I'm not deep at runningback and will probably have to start him or Chester Taylor. What would you do?

Stephania Bell

  (11:43 AM)

Kyle: I feel for you. Loyalty to the 49ers does not help in fantasy this year. As much as I love Gore, I think the Min defense is not a good match for him - and I expect the Vikings to continue to use Taylor along with Peterson. I'd go with Taylor.

Nate Dogg (Chicago)

How healthy is Haynesworth? He didn't seem to have much impact against the Texans last week, do you think the Tenn D will return to its run stuffing ways in the FF playoffs?

Stephania Bell

  (11:47 AM)

Nate - Haynesworth is healthier, but not 100%. I was surprised he wasn't more of a factor against the Texans - but I think that's why the Titans rested him more this week. Watch to see if he practices today which will give a clue as to how he looks - if no setback, then give him another week to be solid.

Joe ( NJ)

Is DJ Hackett worth holding onto? My playoffs end in week 16. Don't you think they'd just rest him? Thanks!

Stephania Bell

  (11:49 AM)

Hmmm. The team is saying they expect he could return in Week 15 - but I'd want to see what he could do in practice before I believed it. I think if he returns, it's not for another two weeks, so a bit of a gamble to hang onto him, given your timeframe.

Brad (San Antonio)

Does Javon Walker get back to early early season form this weekend?

Stephania Bell

  (11:51 AM)

Hi Brad: I don't think quite yet. It's funny. He looked so good in practice before he came back - but has not been able to hit it in the games, definitely lacking speed and definitely sore. I think he'll get it back - maybe not in time to help you (but I do expect him to play this wk-end0

John (Voorhees, NJ)

Will your mother be starting by the time the season ends?

Stephania Bell

  (11:54 AM)

Sadly John, she might - but then she'd get injured too.

K.C. (New Jersey)

My WRs were good all year, but injuries are really taking there toll. I am assuming Boldin is out. In a PPR do you think the injuries to Plax warrant sitting him and playing Furrey and Bowe?

Stephania Bell

  (11:55 AM)

Hi K.C. I do. Furrey is expected to see more action this week. Bowe I think makes a good start. Plax is not himself and Boldin likely out.

Cheated Fan (Time Warner)

Can you tell me what happened with Chris Cooley? I saw he came back, just wondering if you knew anything, thanks!

Stephania Bell

  (11:56 AM)

Cheated - You feel like many others do. No word on Cooley - jsut that it was a leg injury - but since he came back, there wasn't much offered after the fact. We'll have to wait to see if it shows up in practice this week.

Jon (Kansas City, KS)

Willie Parker or Brandon Jacobs this weekend?

Stephania Bell

  (11:59 AM)

Probably Parker. Jacobs is likely to start - but I do always have a concern about a first return back from a hamstring strain. If Jacobs was one of my starters and I had no really good options, I would start him and hope for the best, b/c if he holds up, he'll get the majority of the work. But parker is taking the rubber sleeves off, and I'd go with him. (I know, it's the Patriots, but I would.)

John, Green Bay

Hi Stephania! Is Campbell done for the year? Thanks

Stephania Bell

  (12:01 PM)

John: That would be my guess - dislocated patella, needs to be immobilized for about 3-4 weeks, then get range of motion and strength back - I'd say you're looking at a 6 week return if no setbacks

Colby (Spencer, MA)

New question. Stephania, thanks for the info. What is the news on Foster? Is there a chance he doesn't play this week?

Stephania Bell

  (12:03 PM)

Hi Colby: Right now it appears Foster will play. He took a blow to the head last week but they're not calling it a concussion - which doesn't tell us much - but they did hold him out of rpactice. If he practices today, and I expect he will, then he will play.

Madhu, Manchester, CT

What about Rex Grossman? Is he done for the year?

Stephania Bell

  (12:03 PM)

Madhu: Not enough info out from the team yet to make the call - but between the blow he took, and how he looked coming off the field, it doens't look great.

eric san fran

Hi Stephania, whats the deal with Lee Evans, heard he missed some practice this week. I need to start 2 of these 3: Evans, Steve Smith, Bryant Johnson. GO NINERS!!!!

Stephania Bell

  (12:06 PM)

hi Eric: Evans missed practice b/c of a stomach virus - which hopefully he should be over before Sunday. RIght now he is expected to play - and I like the matchup. I would take him and Johnson who should get more work if Boldin's out (which is not official but looking that way).

Stephania Bell

  (12:07 PM)

OK gang - I have to leave now. I'm so sorry to leave with all the good questions. Just a reminder that I will post my blog later today - and hopefully some of these other questions will be answered and some palyer status will be updated. Also, remember to check back Sunday morning!! Good luck to everyone!