Stephania Bell

  (11:02 AM)

Good morning Sports Nation: Welcome to the Friday injury chat -as always, plenty to talk about. Waiver wires already busy. Let's get to your questions...

Sean (Philly)

Can I assume that Addai is starting? i haven't seen any updates on his "head" injury.

Stephania Bell

  (11:04 AM)

HI Sean: Several folks asking about Addai. He did not appear on the Colts injury report this week so assume he is good to go. Remember we heard from the Colts that he could have returned to the game but they opted to keep him out, so never did appear too serious. But Addai does get nicked up and make an early exit every so often it seems.

Shane, CT

Whats the latest on R. Grant?

Stephania Bell

  (11:06 AM)

Hi SHane: Grant's hamstring definitely a big question mark. The team was actually concerned about it on Monday and from the sidelines were reportedly shouting at him not to open it up - concern that he would suffer a setback. Still with soreness and limited in practice W, Th. They say they will have him test it today, then see how he feels tomorrow morning but he will likely appear as questionable as far as status. Could be gtd. Even if he plays he won't be 100% so there's some gamble, although he still performed decently Monday night. He does have a shorter week this week though having played Monday.

Dave (Toronto)

Any advice on what to do with Dallas Clark this week?

Stephania Bell

  (11:07 AM)

Dave: Sit him. Everything points to him not playing. GOod news is MRI was negative meaning nothing serious. But he has not practiced yet - and sounds as if he will not be playing.

Albert (Bristol)

what's the deal with marion barber for monday's game? thanks

Stephania Bell

  (11:08 AM)

ALbert: Barber has been practicing fully and feeling pretty good despite the rib cartilage injury. Murmurs in Dallas that maybe he won't even need rib padding - which I like for just being one less interference factor when handling the ball. Felix Jones may see a little bit extra though, just to offset Barber - but he's still a strong play.

Joe (Boston)

Any update on Chris Cooley and his quad? Did he practice Thursday?

Stephania Bell

  (11:09 AM)

Hi Joe: Cooley did practice Thursday on a limited basis. Sounds like the quad is still problematic, will depend on what he does today.

Stephen ( Chicago)

Is McFadden's shoulder ok?

Stephania Bell

  (11:11 AM)

Hi Stephen: McFadden raised some eyebrows when they said he was "getting his shoulder looked at" during the game. But he's not on the injury report from as early as Weds, so expect him to be fine.

joe (york)

your column said colston could be out longer than the predicted 4-6 week timeframe...why is this?

Stephania Bell

  (11:13 AM)

Hi Joe: Although the team has not confirmed, it sounds as if he tore the ulnar collateral ligament in his thumb, b/c histhumb got bent backwards (caught on a helmet apparently). The big issue for him is how important his grip is as a receiver. Using his hand to make catches and to be able to spread the thumb wide and have good grip strength to catch are critical, and although he amy be healed from the surgery, getting to that point as a reciever is likely to take longer than for another position player, and he can't function well in his role with any type of major splint. That's why I say it could, emphasis on could depending how he heals, take longer.

Alex (NY)

McGahee? Thanks.

Stephania Bell

  (11:15 AM)

Alex: Still limited in practice (I still think this is precautionary -not worried). Hopefully another week and he has learned the offense b etter. Plus the game is now on Monday giving him an extra day. I expect him to play, but Ray RIce will see plenty of action. Definitely sharing will be going on there this week.

Graham, GA

Assuming you are a medical doctor, based on your diagnosis, would you start: a) ryan grant or b) chris johnson?

Stephania Bell

  (11:16 AM)

Hi Graham: I'm a physical therapist. And you will find that I tend to favor the healthy guy. I like Chris Johnson, especially against the Bengals.

Chris (Toronto)

What is Gates status?

Stephania Bell

  (11:17 AM)

Hi Chris: Same as before Week 1, except we saw that he could perform quite well with the toe and have not heard that it set him back at all. THat being said, they are limiting his practice activity and he is also listed on the injury report with a sore hip. So maybe a little more banged up, but expected to play, probably a similar number of plays/targets this week.

Brody (So. Cal)

Heard any new updates on Big Ben's shoulder and what is his status for the game Sunday Night?

Stephania Bell

  (11:19 AM)

Brody: Ben didn't practice Weds, limited Thursday. Sounds as if the team's general thought is that the shoulder was "sore", bruised but not serious, and that the rest would be more helpful than the practice. Still expected to play.

Darius (Minneapolis)

Not one person has given you a proper gretting yet so let me be the first. Happy Friday Stepahnia, I need to know the status of Laverneaus Coles for Sunday. Thanks

Stephania Bell

  (11:20 AM)

Hi Darius: Thank you so much - and Happy Friday to you! Coles is still dealing with a sore quad and was limited Weds and Thursday. I would expect him to play, and be a factor, but early on we thought COtchery might be Favre's bigger target and that played out Week 1. Expect it might again.

Jeremy (Miami)

Is the move to Monday going to help get Ahman Green in the game? Is Slaton a safe start. My alternative is Jamal Lewis against the Steelers.

Stephania Bell

  (11:22 AM)

Jeremy: Nope - it won't help him. I doubt he'll play as he has not practiced at all yet. If he does it will be very limited. Slaton will get more time, but the Texans were considering other running backs so there may end up being committee work there. Jamal Lewis no longer on the injury report so from that standpoint he's healthier.

Jay (NC)

Hey, I'm really banged up at running back (addai, lewis, mcgahee) also have sammy morris and c. taylor.. Who do I start with so many question marks? IS brandon Jackson worth picking up/starting if he's available??

Stephania Bell

  (11:23 AM)

Jay: Addai will play. Lewis will play. And I love Sammy Morris. I'm not sure that I would put Jackson in over any of those guys.

Charleston (Baltimore)

Hi Stephania - I was wondering about Randy Moss' back and what you think about him now that Brady is gone?

Stephania Bell

  (11:24 AM)

Hi Charleston: Moss was limited in practice with the tight back, but no doubt they are just saving him up for the weekend. Not too worried here - and he's still the top receiving threat on that team. Value maybe goes down a little without Brady, but not a lot, not yet.

Ronan (Ireland)

Hi Stephania: Your analysis of the Tom Brady injury on Monday's podcast was excellent. You correctly predicted both ACL and MCL tears due to the twisting motion at the point of impact. Do you think the Patriots star quarterback will be 100% for next season ?

Stephania Bell

  (11:26 AM)

Ronan: Thanks - Gotta post the Ireland e-mail. Absolutely one of my favorite places! I think he very well could be. It will be close - and even though he's not a RB, it still takes some time in the game to get confidence back in the leg, etc. So I expect him to look a little rusty, maybe be up and down the first season, all depending of course on how the rehab goes, but then he should be back to the Tom Brady we know and love.

Jamal (Virginia)

When do you expect Branch back for Seahawks, and how valuable do you think he will be?

Stephania Bell

  (11:28 AM)

Hi Jamal: I think Branch will not likely be back before October. I think it was a tease that we saw him in the preseason. He's only about 7.5 months out from ACL. Certainly with all the problems they've had, the last thing they want to do is bring him back too soon and lose him. Don't count on him until October. We'll keep monitoring his status.

Thomas (pittsburg)

I've heard rumors that LT might not play this week. any truth to that?

Stephania Bell

  (11:30 AM)

Thomas: I highly doubt that LT will sit out. There's definitely reason to be concerned any time a RB has a sprained big toe. He says it's sore, he did not practice at all yet this week, but he says he's practicing today and he'll be back. I will be watching closely as you should, not only to see if he practices today, but how he feels tomorrow after doing so.

Anthony (Dixon)

Hey Stephania! Anything on Ben Watson? I need a replacement for Clark this week, and it's either Watson or Heap. Thanks!

Stephania Bell

  (11:31 AM)

Hi Anthony: It ain't Watson. He has not practiced at all this week and I'm not confident. Heap had a sore back (did you seehow hard he landed on it during the game) but he has practiced fully all week and is expected to play.

chris, Ohio

Hey stephania, how long do you feel Bobby Engram will be out and Kevin Curtis thanks.

Stephania Bell

  (11:32 AM)

Hi Chris: Engram was originally projected about 6 weeks so would place him October. Curtis reportedly doing very well. Sounds like they are targeting first week of October but don't be surprised if that gets pushed back a week.

Riaz, OH

As a Julius Jones owner, I am interested in how long Maurice Morris will be out? Not that I want him to be hurt, but do you know how long he is going to be sidelined? Thanks!

Stephania Bell

  (11:33 AM)

Hi Riaz: The Seahawks originally reported that he would miss at least two games. They have a bye week after that so I would say after the bye.

SprungOnSports (Long Island)

Will Javon Walker be back on Sunday helping out that awful Raiders passing game?

Stephania Bell

  (11:34 AM)

Sprung: DOn't know if he'll help, but it sounds as if the Raiders now think he's past the hamstring strain enough to be able to make his debut Sunday.

Chris (Toronto)

I heard that Jeff Saturday might play this week. Are you hearing anything? If so, how will it affect the Colts O?

Stephania Bell

  (11:35 AM)

Chris: It looks as if he might -a lthough the Colts haven't gone that far yet. But he has practiced fully all week and says he feels better than he though he would at this point. This would be great news for Manning.

Chuck (Buffalo, NY)

Hello Stephania. I was wondering if you have any wisdom to impart about Deuce McAllister's knee?

Stephania Bell

  (11:36 AM)

Hi Chuck: Only that I was a little surprised that he didn't make it into the game, but it sounds as if the Saints just want to be very smart about bringing him back, given the surgeries on both knees and they want him for the long haul. I do expect he gets in the game this week, but they will control his use. He may be a goal line guy so he may earn some scoring points, but his time will definitely be controlled.

Bryan (Fairfax)

Most reports say two to four weeks for Vince Young. Is there any way he could return sooner?

Stephania Bell

  (11:38 AM)

Hi Bryan: Well, he won't play this week, making next week two weeks so can't really come back sooner. I would think he'll be more towards the four, for a number of reasons, not just limited to the knee -and it may depend on Collins' performance too.

Bob (ATL)

Stephania - How do you perceive Kobe Bryant not opting for surgery on his hand? Can he continue to play through?

Stephania Bell

  (11:40 AM)

Hey Bob - Ooog - a basketball question. He should be fine. He's certainly shown he can play - and he may not be any worse off without it. I wrote up a bigger piece on his situation in our NBA draft kit so if you'd like more detail, please go check it out...

Kirkland

Have you been following the Haynesworth concussion story? It seems like he played with it last Sunday, and he says he is going to play again this week? Short term effects on his performance? Long term effects?

Stephania Bell

  (11:43 AM)

Hi Kirkland: Great question. Sometimes in the game, if a player does not indicate that they are having certain symptoms, it may not be known to the staff. It sounds as if that was the case here. Certainly when there is a known concussion, the medical staff puts the player through a battery of tests, and in most case will not allow him back in. Haynesworth has not practiced yet thi week, so we ar ekeeping an eye on whether he is cleared to return Friday. He may want to play, but he will have to pass some very specific tests to be cleared -b/c risks would go up significantly if he were to play while still experiencing symptoms.

Steve (Phoenix)

Can you update Rosario's injury? I need a replacement for Clark and it's between him and Scaife.

Stephania Bell

  (11:44 AM)

Steve: Sounds as if Rosario had a foot sprain but that it was mild. He did not practice Weds, but did on Thurs (limited). I would say let's see what he does today. If he's at full speed then I'm not worried.

K.O. (Los Angeles, CA)

I thought a separated shoulder was a month max of not being active; why is Alex Smith out for the season because of this? Was it a grade V?

Stephania Bell

  (11:46 AM)

K.O. Good question. Actually the thing ending Smith's season is that he has a fracture on the scapula (shoulder blade) near where the reconstruction for his separated shoulder was done. The recommendation is surgery to address this latest (and really bizarre -this is not common) setback and that's why his season (and perhaps his tenure with the 49ers) is done.

Ben (Charlotte)

This really isn't fantasy, but what's the latest on Beanie Wells? Will we see him tomorrow?

Stephania Bell

  (11:48 AM)

Ben: Why not throw a college player in here? It sounded as if Wells status was a big concern when Tressel called him doubtful. Later that statement was clarified to mean that he would have been doubtful if the game were played that day. I believe his toe is sore (we never have been told exactly what the injury was), but I doubt there is any way he sits this one out. I expect him to play - but how effective and whether he can last, those will be the big questions.

Dan (Baltimore)

Eddie royal ok?? he has practiced but will they rush him with marshall coming back this week?

Stephania Bell

  (11:49 AM)

Hi Dan: I think he's OK since he was a full go in practice as early as Weds. Sounds like a minor ankle sprain. WIth Marshall back though, I think his touches may go down.

Sean (LA)

Stephania, can you please update the status of my sleeper draft selection of Jerry Porter?

Stephania Bell

  (11:51 AM)

Hi Sean: Well, Porter's about to make his entrance. COming off the surgery to address a torn hamstring tendon, he did not play last week. But he has practiced fully all week this week and they expect him to go. He may actually be a good play b/c their running game is likely to suffer with their o-line as banged up as it is.

James, Ca

Stephania, Any word on Braylon Edwards this week, he is a go right? If he can go how effective will he be against that Pitt D?

Stephania Bell

  (11:53 AM)

Hi James: Braylon is no longer even on the injury report so expect him to go and hopefully have a solid game. Yes, it's Pittsburgh but I think he can have some big plays against them.

Kyle (Columbia)

Stephania, it sounds like Matthew Berry and Nate Ravitz have come down with an acute case of selfcongratulitis. Symptoms: constantly and uncontrollably patting one's self on the back. Is there any hope for them?

Stephania Bell

  (11:53 AM)

Kyle: THat's so funny - I just had to post it - and I fully intend to pass it along ot them. And no, there's no cure. Trust me.

Tony (Forest Hills, NY)

What's your opinion about Torain? Is there a chance of a return ahead of his current end of Oct outlook?

Stephania Bell

  (11:56 AM)

Hi Tony: It's still too early to make that projection. I like that you're asking about him, b/c when he's ready, I think he is going to be awesome. But after ligament injury and dislocation, so much of how his elbow turns out depends on rehab, (getting the stiffness out, strength back, etc) that he has to get a little further along timewise before we could accurately project that.

Ryan (PA)

DEVON HESTER? Return yards count. Is he going to be back there returning kicks and running some routes for the Bears tomorrow?

Stephania Bell

  (11:57 AM)

Ryan: It sounds as if his foot thing is not a big deal. Expect him to do his Hester-like tricks.

Dan (DC)

Sorry for 2 Colston questions in one chat, but my friend insists he heard Schlereth say that colston would miss the ENTIRE season. Is this correct?

Stephania Bell

  (11:58 AM)

Hi Dan: Unless he's heard something I haven't - but I would not say based on the info that I have that he's done for the season.

Sean (Hoboken)

Laverneous Coles? What can we expect? Also, thoughts on Ronnie Brown too. Thanks.

Stephania Bell

  (11:59 AM)

Hi Sean: DId Coles earlier(see chat wrap). But Brown looked good during his action week one. He's actually off the injury report and although I think Miami continues in a time share, I expect Brown to get increasingly more work over the next few weeks, especially if he continues to perform well.

Mike (Chicago)

Baseball to get to the CHAMPIONSHIP! Will Josh Hamilton be playing today?

Stephania Bell

  (12:00 PM)

OK Mike: Had to give baseball some love. I'm hearing that despite the bruised foot Hamilton is expected back in the lineup today - this is what I'm hearing....

Stephania Bell

  (12:01 PM)

OK gang: That's it for me. I have to run. Still have lineup questions? Erik Kuselias is here at 3 pm EST. Also our fantasy tean chats with you Sunday morning leading up to kickoff....so come back and visit. Good luck in Week 2!!!