Stephania Bell

  (11:03 AM)

Good morning everyone! Well, if you're here you're likely in some very important playoff match - congratulations to you! The injuries, even the minor ones, matter this week as many teams are resting guys who wouldn't rest in Week 5, for instance. So let's get to what we're hearing about the injuries headed into Week 17.

DJ Baltimore, MD

Antonio Gates has been nursing a bad back in recent weeks and his stats (or lack there of) has shown that something is wrong. How bad is it? Do you think he'll sit out this game?

Stephania Bell

  (11:04 AM)

Hi DJ: Congratulations on being the first post of the day! You're right in that Gates stats have not been great. The back was bad for a couple of weeks but now it appears to be much better. He may not have a stellar game this week, but he is still a solid tight end.

Charlie, Annapolis

What's the latest on Aaron Stecker?

Stephania Bell

  (11:06 AM)

Hi Charlie: Stecker is dealing iwth a case of turf toe (never good). He did not practice Weds or Thurs and is questionable at this point for the weekend. Pierre Thomas is likely to get the majority of the carries since Bush is really unlikely to play as well.

Tom, Buffalo

Good morning Stephania. Can I count on Colston on Sunday?

Stephania Bell

  (11:07 AM)

Colston is not on the injury report so I definitely expect him in on Sunday - and in good shape since he hasn't missed any practice.

Tom, Pittsburgh

Stephania, They say Colston is going to play, is he a safe play or should I look at Patten, or say Issac Bruce. The whole spitting blood thing concerns me especially in the cold. thanks

Stephania Bell

  (11:10 AM)

Hi Tom: As a follow to the last post - and I think it is reasonable to be concerned about that - but spitting blood can vary from something totally minor to much more serious. If he were not medically clear, they would not allow him the opportunity to potentially get hit in practice. I think his up and down back is more of a concern to me in the cold, but given that they are playing for their playoff life, I think that will win out.

Chris (NYC)

Great work throughout the year, Stephania. What's Rudi's status this week? I need to pick between him & Chatman as my flex for the 'ship. Also, is Jennings going to play? Thanks!

Stephania Bell

  (11:12 AM)

Hi Chris: Thanks very much. Johnson hasn't practiced yet this week making his status look not so good. Chatman is not on the injury report and I expect him to play - but I think the Dolphins will rotate players as Parcells examines the personnel. Jennings does NOT look like he'll play. Now his ankle sprain was reported as minor, and I think it may well be, but he has not yet practiced this week and they may be conservative to protect him. Looks like James Jones may start in Green Bay.

Javier (Lodi CA)

Stephania, any more news on Shaun Hill for Sunday? If Weinke gets the start, would you think that makes the Browns D a sneaky sleeper play, or am I just over analyzing things?

Stephania Bell

  (11:14 AM)

Hi Javier: My sources are telling me that Hill is really banged up and not looking good. May be a game time decision but Weinke has been taking all the snaps in practice. I still think there are better defensive units out there for this week than the Browns who are generally poor, even if the Niners offense helps them out.

Ric (Memphis)

Stephania, whats the status on T.O. this week? good to go?

Stephania Bell

  (11:15 AM)

Hi Ric: No, no, T.O. is out - goal is first playoff game - maybe - for him. But no T.O. this week.

Steve (Phoenix,AZ)

I've heard the term "high ankle sprain" quite a bit lately. Could you explain what this means versus a normal ankle sprain. And what does this mean for TO's injury?

Stephania Bell

  (11:18 AM)

Hi Steve: As a follow, yes T.O. has a high ankle sprain - meaning the ligaments at the top of the ankle (basically where the leg and ankle meet) are injured. Traditional ankle sprains are lower down, more often on the outer side, where the ligaments connect the ankle to the foot. The problem with the high ankle sprain is that every time you take a step, it puts strain on the ligament that is injured (which is why they put players in a boot, to minimize that stress). Many times there is a fracture of the fibula with the sprain. Now, T.O. reportedly had no fracture and it was not a super serious high ankle sprain, so with rest, time, he should heal well - normally we say 4-6 weeks, but 3 is potentially reasonable if he heals quickly, which he has done in the past.

Dale (Philly)

Good morning, Stephania! If the Giants do decide to play all starters against the Pats, will that include Plaxico?

Stephania Bell

  (11:19 AM)

Hi Dale: It sounds like the Giants will at least start their starters. Including Plaxico who practiced for this week for only the third time this season and who says the ankle is feeling pretty good right now. Definitely expect Plaxico in the game.

Ric (Memphis)

Im hearing Marvin Harrison might play vs the Titans, do you expect much out of him or will he just be warming up for the playoffs?

Stephania Bell

  (11:21 AM)

Hi Ric: Harrison is likely just tuning up for the playoffs. He has missed 9 straight games so this would be a big deal. He did fully pracitce Thursday but we have to see if he has any setback from that. If not, then expect him to take the field for limited work. It may mean Manning stays in the game a bit longer to work on "timing" things with him though. But he would be a very risky fantasy play.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

Ms. Bell: Thanks for your work throughout this season. If you would not mind, can you give an update on the status of Brodie Croyle for Sunday?

Stephania Bell

  (11:24 AM)

Hi J.B. Thank you for reading! Croyle supposedly feeling better from the hand and has practiced fully Thursday - it will be a GTD whether he starts or plays from the bench according to Edwards b/c they want to see how his hand feels. Again - risky for fantasy b/c of the status.

Chris (Myrtle Beach)

Does Jacobs start this week? If so how many series are we likely to get from him?

Stephania Bell

  (11:27 AM)

Hi Chris: Yes, Jacobs starts this week. We are likely to see him in the game as long as it's relevant - which means, how long does it take the Pats to get so far ahead that the Giants pull their starters??

Jeff, Ottawa

Morning Stephania, How is Larry Fitzgerald is he back to his usual self?

Stephania Bell

  (11:28 AM)

Hi Jeff: I don't think he is back to his usual self. He is still battling the groin injury and although he is playing (but he is listed as quesitonable for this week), it appears once again that Boldin will get the majority of the work.

Kizzy (New York)

I am up against my boyfriend in the championship match, please help! Cleo Lemon or Shaun Hill? Jacobs, Bradshaw or Sproles?

Stephania Bell

  (11:29 AM)

Go Kizzy: Cleo Lemon for sure. Jacobs over Bradshaw (who is not practicing b/c of a cal injury) - but Sproles could be a good play depending what LT does. I think I still go with the guaranteed starter and workhorse Jacobs.

Donovan (Mansfield)

How is DJ Hackett's ankle?

Stephania Bell

  (11:30 AM)

Hi Donovan: Hackett's ankle reportedly much better and he is running, looking good in practtice. With Branch possibly out b/c his calf is bothering him, eexpect Hackett to be in and working this week.

Adeel(Baltimore, MD)

Is Kenton Keith starting this week? Or will they rest him as well?

Stephania Bell

  (11:32 AM)

It's a good question - I expect he'll play, perhaps start over Addai although that has not been stated for sure. But given any injury concerns with Addai, I don't think they want to risk Keith's health either. So I think his time will be limited and they'll go to someone like Lawton, etc

John (Gaithersburg, MD)

Hi Stephania. What's the latest on Andre Johnson and Frank Gore? Thanks!

Stephania Bell

  (11:34 AM)

Andre Johnson sat out a practice proactively but I expect him to play on Sunday. Gore also will play Sunday - still some nagging soreness in the ankle but he's their go-to guy.

Donnie (Kansas City)

What's happened to Michael Turner? I have LT and Darren Sproles, but am wondering what the situation is in San Diego... Who's going to get the playing time once they bench LT, and how much playing time will LT get?

Stephania Bell

  (11:37 AM)

Hi Donnie: Lot of people wondeirng the same thing about SD. Turner had a shoulder injury but is nowhere to be seen on the injury report this week which I take as a sign that he'll be available. I don't think LT plays for too long, especially since he recently had a little hamstring tweak and no one wants it to become a big one. I would expect Sproles to play more thanTurner, but you're still not likely getting a full game's worth.

Brian (LA)

Is Gore a better play over Lendale White or Jamal Lewis?

Stephania Bell

  (11:39 AM)

Brian: I would go with White. Titans need to win - meaning they will use their starters to try to get there. White has been the pounder for them and I think that continues. I think Lewis plays, but I think White has the better game. Niners, despite some of their shortcomings, have a good run defense.

Tom: (Athens, Ga)

Hey Stephanie, with Willie Parker done for the year, how much work will Najeh Davenport get this Sunday? Is it possible that the Steelers rest him as well?

Stephania Bell

  (11:41 AM)

Hi Tom: Davenport will be the guy in place of Parker - but it is conceivable that the Steelers try to protect him some, esp if they get ahead.

Sadihy (Venezuela)

Good morning Stephania, do you think Beck will start for the Fins or will it be Lemon?

Stephania Bell

  (11:42 AM)

Hello Sadihy in venezuela! Cam Cameorn has said that Lemon gives them the best chance to win and that that is who he is going with.

Kyle( Philadelphia)

Hi Stephania, Is L.J. Smith out for Sunday's game? If so, it is a sad ending for his tenure in Philly which never lived up to expectations.

Stephania Bell

  (11:43 AM)

Kyle: Sadly, yes it appears that way. He did not practice Weds or Thursday and although not official, he has too many injuries to expect to see him in there.

jim (kansas city)

do i go with colston or roddy white, both have been knicked

Stephania Bell

  (11:45 AM)

Hi Jim: Roddy White not recently as nicked upas Colston. I expect White to have a good game BUT the Saints are playing for it all and are likely to go to the air. I like Colston.

kyle (California)

Hi Stephania. I own both Lynch and Jacobs. Jacobs went off last week so i'm tempted to play him. But is Lynch a safer play due to Jacobs facing the Pats?

Stephania Bell

  (11:48 AM)

I think Lynch has a decent game. They may be close on fantasy points though. I expect Jacobs to maybe get 70-80 yards and a score. Lynch maybe similar in total points. Toss-up. I always like the hungry team, so I like Jacobs.

dan clinton mass

anything on Ben Watson coach Bill isn't talking Steph

Stephania Bell

  (11:49 AM)

You're right Dan - which is nothing new. So we look at what they do - and Watson has done next to nothing. Team didn't practice Weds so we need to see what he does today - but if he stays limited, then I would not expect much if anything.

Jerry (Trenton, New Jersey)

Should I put in the Titans defense against the Colts, or the Patriots defense against the Giants?

Stephania Bell

  (11:50 AM)

Call me crazy - but I like the Titans D. Colts resting many of their starters, Titans dying to win and Haynesworth playing.

craig (kc)

Jerricho Cotchery has the finger prob do i start roddy white over him?

Stephania Bell

  (11:50 AM)

Cotchery has been playing really well, outfitted with a splint for his hand and with Coles out, seeing the ball a lot. I like Cotchery.

brandon (DC)

Do you have any idea whether richard Seymour has been deemed fully recovered from the injury that put him on PUP at the beginning of the season? Many in New England are saying he isn't anything close to what he used to be. Thanks

Stephania Bell

  (11:55 AM)

Hi Brandon: Even Seymour syas he is not yet 100% since having the knee surgery. It is unclear exactly what was done (at the time they talked about cleaning up old damage as well as new damage) - but this type of clean-up usually means cartialge damage, maybe meniscal tears, etc - but he probably needs the complete off-season to get the rest he needs and then re-condition. It's not to say he can't get back to being that guy - and he is still contributing, which is why they activated him - he's just not the Seymour everyone knows.

Mike (Colombia)

Stephania, quick question about Winslow, what's his status?

Stephania Bell

  (11:55 AM)

Winslow is resting during the week but is expected to play this weekend and should be fine.

Adeel(Baltimore, MD)

Lawton??? I thought Clifton Dawson would get the nod.

Stephania Bell

  (11:56 AM)

Probably Dawson - with Lawton getting some action as well.

Zach (Knob Noster)

When is Larry Johnson gonna be back?

Stephania Bell

  (11:57 AM)

All we know right now is not this year. Midfoot injuries are long rehabs - and so far they say no surgery for him. Off-season should give him plenty of time to rest, heal assuming no more setbacks - but he can't repeatedly set it back - or he will run the risk of being chronically injured next year.

Joseph (NY)

Was reading the chat earlier and was just trying to figure out if you thought Hackett was a good play this weekend. Thanks!

Stephania Bell

  (11:58 AM)

I think he's a decent flex play - the Seahawks plan to spread things around and rest a bunch of their starters. I think they want to get Hackett back on the field pre-playoffs, so he will see action, but probably in a flex or No. 3 receiver kind of way.

Rob in MD

Looks like Big Ben probably won't play...so bench Santonio for Patten?

Stephania Bell

  (11:59 AM)

Rob: Like Patten as a better play.

Mike (Jacksonville)

L.White fighting for playoffs with team, but is he a better pick over S. Jackson or K. Watson??

Stephania Bell

  (11:59 AM)

Watson's my favorite - no one to steal carries and a favorable matchup.

dave (nj)

stephania please help a reggie wayne owner,can you offer some advice on who to pick up..reggie williams,gaffney,kevin walter are available

Stephania Bell

  (12:01 PM)

Gaffney has been solid for the Patriots the last few weeks. That's my favorite.

Jaer ((Mobiile, AL))

do u start aaron stecker or najeh davenport this week? their both pretty average, and I don't know who i should play

Stephania Bell

  (12:02 PM)

Davenport . Stecker may not even play with the turf toe.

Oz (DC)

With Michael Jenkins hurting, how is Laurent Robinson looking? He might be a good play against a Seahawks team with nothing to play for.

Stephania Bell

  (12:03 PM)

Have to agree. Jenkins has not practiced yet this week with the quad injury.

Stephania Bell

  (12:04 PM)

OK everyone - time for me to check out of the chat. thanks for coming - good luck in Week 17!! Don't forget to stop by the Sunday pre-game chats. I will keep the chats going on Fridays. We will talk some basketball, pre-season baseball, and, of course, we will look throughout the offseason at what is happening in football. Thanks for a great fantasy football season and Happy New Year!!!