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Stephania Bell

  (11:06 AM)

Good morning Sports Nation! Welcome to the Injury Chat - lots if news around the league so let's get to your questions...

Jasper (Washington DC)

I see that McGahee is not list on the injury report for this week. Does that mean that he is 100% healthy?

Stephania Bell

  (11:08 AM)

Hi Jasper: Well, I rarely like using the term "100%" - b/c it's all relative, but I expect him to play. Honestly, I think his knee has been ready for two weeks - but he was having some challenges in Baltimore, didn't show up for any offseason workouts, a little rusty, not knowing playbook - I think that's why he was held out. He will still share carries.

aaron (state college)

What's up with Deuce McAllister? I like Pierre's matchup, but would feel more comfortable if I knew Deuce's story.

Stephania Bell

  (11:09 AM)

Hi Aaron: I think the Saints have just wanted to protect Deuce. You know he's got two recovering knees. He can play - we saw it in the rpeseason, but they will limit his time. I do think he could have use at the goal line but it will be very situational. Thomas likely gets more action with Deuce spotting here and there, at least for now.

Joe (SF)

Hey Stephania, it seems like turf toe is contagious right now. How long will turf toe keep LT and McFadden limited? Is this an all season long injury or something they can play through AND be effective? Go Niners!

Stephania Bell

  (11:12 AM)

Hi Joe in my favorite city: It is a virus right now -- the toe thing. This is so hard to predict b/c it all depends on the degree of severity which is highly variable. Without seeing the guys, impossible to say and we rely on what we see them doing. DUring the season, that means not much until SUnday b/c they want to rest it as much as possible until gametime. I thin MCFadden's case sounds more mild, he was working about 70% yesterday but wearing the protective steel plate in the shoe. This will limit his mobility which helps with pain, not productivity. Unfortunately with LT, until he shows us he's healthy, he's a gamble.

Andy (PA)

Any details on the foot injury to Galloway? Every report seems vague as to how long he will be out.

Stephania Bell

  (11:13 AM)

Hi Andy: The reports are indeed vague. Just hearing foot sprain. The fact he wasn't putting weight on it early in the week had me thinking he would not play this week. But we really don't know how long right now. Have to see what he can do earl;y next week - no other clues from the team.

Zack (Albany, NY)

13 minutes in and now AP question. how worried are you about him. hammy's tend to linger and/or get worse don't they?

Stephania Bell

  (11:15 AM)

HI Zack: Well, thanks for asking. Yes, always a worry with the runner that they will linger. So you have to be at least a little concerned. Here's what else I don't like. PRacticed some Weds, not at all Thurs. He may be a gtd, need to see what he does today. If still limited today I will be more concerned headed into SUnday.

Tom (Chicago)

Is Big Ben's shoulder a season long concern? I'm actually a Santonio Holmes owner and I'm worried Ben won't throw much this year!

Stephania Bell

  (11:16 AM)

Hi Tom: I don't think so - part of itmay depend on howwell protected he is. THe more he hits the ground on the shoulder, the more risk to make it worse. If he stays upright and they can mix up the throwing/running plays, I'm not worried, especially given his performance Sunday.

Stan

How long will Colston be out for?

Stephania Bell

  (11:16 AM)

4-6 weeks and on the long side of that. Cast for at least 4 then needs to get range and strength back enough to control ball.

Jim (Kansas City)

How bad is Maroney's shoulder injury? Id like to drop the guy and am waiting for an excuse. The fact that he's in a 4 man committee isnt enough to justify dropping a 5th round pick. A serious injury is another story.

Stephania Bell

  (11:18 AM)

Sorry Jim: It's the Patriots we're talking about here. We don't get any good information. I have always been concerned about Maroney's on again/off again performance and injuries. Rumors are floating of separated shoulder, but who knows for sure. I certainly don't expect him to do much this week.

Adam (Dallas)

Any word on Ryan Grant? The late Sunday start has me worried that I won't have a replacement if he doesn't go. Thanks!

Stephania Bell

  (11:20 AM)

Hi Adam: Well, the team expects him to play - and he has played so far this year, but he's been limited as the hamstring heals. I think overall he is improved, but is likely to be limited for another week or so, and then barring a setback should start to increase his practice and his playing time.

Nick (Royal Oak, MI)

Stephania, can you go into more detail on the LT injury! It's huge because it's a MNF game, theres no chance to plug in someone else not named Darren Sproles.

Stephania Bell

  (11:23 AM)

Hi Nick: Several of you asking for this. LT jammed his toe WEeek 1, resulting in a turf toe like injury (basically that is a sprain of the big toe, where it meets the ball of the foot). B/c there is so much motion required at the big toe to push off and so much weight over a small surface area, it hurts like you-know-what when an athlete is injured there and he simply can't push off, pivot, cut as normal. THey try to treat it with rest and some modalities (ice, ultrasound, etc) and will put a steel plate in to reinforce the cleat to help limit toe movement. That helps with pain, but if you limit the motion the guy can't be that effective. It really comes down to pain, and until we see LT perform, we have no idea whether he plays a couple series and then has to sit (like last weekend) or whether he can tolerate it enough to push through. No way around it - it is a gamble for Monday night. I am willing to be the's not100%, but what that translates into is anyone's guess.

DJ (Myrtle Beach)

Is Antonia Gates' toe keeping him from staying as a top tier TE so far? Is it worth starting Sheffler over him? (I'm starting Cutler)

Stephania Bell

  (11:24 AM)

Hi DJ; Gates toe is about what we expected. Stiull uncomfortable. Limiting him some but he is on the field and contributing, although not at the level he has in the past. Should get better in the second half of the season. Scheffler looks great though and I think will continue to be a top target for Cutler.

Dan (Philadelphia)

Reggie Brown is going to return to action this weekend but is his hamstring still bothering him? Will he be at full strength for the game?

Stephania Bell

  (11:25 AM)

Hi Dan: Great question. I do not expect him at full strength and I doubt the Eagles do either. It will be nice to have him as an option but they won't overload him out of the gate. Expect him tobe active but not start, and probably see controlled action.

michael (austin, tx)

Any word on Frank Gore? He had limited carries in the 2nd half, was reportedly limping around Sunday and Monday...then misses practice on Wednesday (but not Thursday).

Stephania Bell

  (11:27 AM)

Hi Michael: Gore is fine. Out of practice Weds not b/c of injury. He is tough, will be starting SUnday.

Jim (Dallas)

What is the deal with MJD's injury situation? Could Freddie Taylor actually be a good play?

Stephania Bell

  (11:28 AM)

Hi Jim: He's got this sort of nagging ankle issue. They're limiting him in practice to rest it a bit but expect him to play Sunday. That being said, I could see them shifting more action to Fred Taylor.

SprungOnSports (Long Island)

Should we be worrying about Jason Witten's shoulder separation?

Stephania Bell

  (11:29 AM)

Hi SPrung: Nope. You saw how good he looked Monday night with most of his strong plays coming after he hurt himself. He is expected to play vs GB.

Joe (Philly)

Any word on Ronnie Browns knee?...He seems to be progressing nicely

Stephania Bell

  (11:30 AM)

Joe: I actually hear he's doing better and better each week and should continue to increase his carries. Problem is running game has not gotten going, period, so not great value there now.

Eagles (Philadelphia)

Any word on Kevin Curtis? They said they hoped to get him back before the bye, but no new news. Any inside info?

Stephania Bell

  (11:31 AM)

No other news to offer. I still say after the bye.

vinny (montreal)

I was wondering about the status of jamal lewis? and i know jason has been prctising but could you see him at 100% sunday?

Stephania Bell

  (11:32 AM)

Vinny: Lewis is off the injury report and I expect him to be fine. Jason???

Jim (rochester, NY)

What is the word on Dallas Clark

Stephania Bell

  (11:33 AM)

Hi Jim: Practiced fully Weds and Thursday. Hopes to start - that will be determined after today's practice. He had no structural injury so this is a pain/performance issue. I would say if he amnaged a full week of practice with no problems, I'm not worried about his ability to deliver Sunday.

Tiger Fan (Princeton)

Go Tigers! What do you think of our alma mater's chances at an Ivy League title this year?

Stephania Bell

  (11:34 AM)

Hi Fellow Tiger Fan: Always hopeful, not necessarily confident. But always hopeful...

Scott (Chicago, IL)

Any word about possible injury to LJ? He's looked so slow, I'm starting to wonder and thinking about picking up Charles if LJ is 'hiding' an injury. He can't have fallen off the cliff this early in his career, can he?

Stephania Bell

  (11:36 AM)

Hi Scott: No, no word of injury. I think it's a combo thing. Lots of work in the past, maybe dropping off, combined with weak offensive line and no real balanced passing attack (not to mention 3 QBs in 3 weeks).

Matt Portland ME

How is Braylon Edwards shoulder...will he be good to go this week

Stephania Bell

  (11:37 AM)

Hi Matt: No specifics on the "shoulder' that has limited him in practice but all reports indicate that it's minor. He's expected to start.

Andy (FL)

Do you think Michael Turner will be slowed down or limited at all, causing Norwood to have a big day against the chiefs?

Stephania Bell

  (11:38 AM)

Andy: Nope. THe ankle sprain was apparently very minor. TUrner siad it was just a little sore and he is off the injury report.

Chris (Eatonton, GA)

hey stephania, big fan of yours! i was wondering is there an update on the status of Justin Gage's groin injury?

Stephania Bell

  (11:41 AM)

Hi CHris: Thanks! Gage hasn't practiced but after last week's game he said he did not think it was serious. The rest is not surprising, but he's one I want to see what he does today. If he goes full practice, then I'm more confident, if limited, then I expect him to be limited Sunday.

David Cincinnati, OH

I guess the way to get answered is to shower you with compliments?

Stephania Bell

  (11:41 AM)

Worth a try. Insults definitely don't help :)

Ron (Austin, TX)

Can you give me an update on Justin Fargas' injury? How long is he expected to be out?

Stephania Bell

  (11:43 AM)

Ron: He won't even officially say he's out for this week - but basically it's pretty apparent he won't play. MRI showed a groin strain. Oakland Tribune saying a few weeks. THe way he looked after he got hurt suggested that it was more serious. Remember SJax last year was several weeks - that's what I would plan on, then hope for a sooner recovery, but it did not look good.

Jennifer (Newark, NJ)

Hi Stephania. With Maroney's injury and his not having participated in practice yet this week, would you start S. Morris? It is either him, LT or McGahee and I'm torn.

Stephania Bell

  (11:44 AM)

Jennifer: This is a great question - and a very tough answer. We were talking this morning on the podcast about it. It is so hard to imagine sitting LT knowing that he is saying that he is feeling better, he has an extra day and they are 0-2. Morris I believe gets the bulk of the work in NE. Forget McGahee except for flex until the team shows they are willing to play him. It is definitely a gamble - and I paid for it last week, but I still give LT the nod.

Frank (SF, CA)

Stephania - good morning. Any word on Donte Stallworth?

Stephania Bell

  (11:46 AM)

Hi Frank: The quad appears to be bothering him a fair amount and he could be questionable to play this weekend. I'd stay away.

Kelly (AZ)

Hi Stephania! Haven't heard much about your team - last year, they were cursed with injury. How's this year shaping up so far for you?

Stephania Bell

  (11:46 AM)

Kelly: Well, I was feelong pretty good....but I have LT on one team and AP on the other. You tell me, is the curse still in play?

Mike (Fl)

Do you post an update after Friday practices on ESPN.com? This would be very helpful!

Stephania Bell

  (11:47 AM)

Yes MIke: Saturday injury blog follows late news and practice reports - and I do a chat at 10 am SUnday with my latest reports from sources around the league. THanks for asking.

David Cincinnati, OH

Ok, I'll give it a try. Stephania, for the next 15 minutes, you are the love of my life! Who would you start at flex for this upcoming weekend (I have solid RB1 and RB2)...Ryan Grant, Brandon Jackson, Chester Taylor or Darren Sproles?

Stephania Bell

  (11:49 AM)

All right David: I see you've come around. Too concerned about the Grant/Jackson split. Don't like anything Minnesota with the QB switch. I like Darren Sproles - his stock is hot right now and I think they let him continue to go with it. Even if LT plays.

Warren(SF, CA)

Hello Stefania, great work each week. What is going on with Braylon Edwards. He is not productive at all to this point.

Stephania Bell

  (11:51 AM)

Warren: I don't think it is b/c he is hurt now. But the time missed preseason b/c of the foot injury (he was cleated) and then the rough go for Derek Anderson and his concussion and just all around poor Browns play, it all comes together. I do think he is about to start turning it around.

Ben (Charlotte)

Beanie Wells- turf toe?

Stephania Bell

  (11:51 AM)

Ben: No one is saying. In fact, it was denied at one point - by his mother, so who knows. But he's not playing yet again - just a testament to how hard it is to come back from toe/foot injuries.

Carlo (FL)

Dumb kicker question: I have Carney, but is Tynes going to handle kicking for the G-Men this weekend? Thanks.

Stephania Bell

  (11:53 AM)

Carlo: Good for you for being brave enough to ask the kicker question. You know other people want to know this (I think). ANyway, Tynes is doing some practice, but is still doubtful. Expect Carney to play.

Steve (Chicago)

Hi Steph..any idea what is really wrong with Devin Hester, and how that will impact him this week and going forward? My league counts return yards so he's been a safe WR3.

Stephania Bell

  (11:56 AM)

Steve: All the descriptions (he felt a "pop", the amount of pain, etc) sound like torn rib cartilage and I do not expect him to play. He hasn't been able to do hardly anything and that's just running around, catching the ball. If it hurts to do that, it's going to hurt unbleievably to take contact. Yes, he can get some pain killer, but he is still likely to be pretty ineffective if it's still hurting. I doubt he'll play. If he does something in practice they may activate him, but I'd still expect very little. Also, it can get worse if he goes back too quickly. So I would hold out for next week. Another week can do wonders for this type of thing.

Jeff (Vegas)

Stephania - What's your feeling on the Seattle WRs apparently coming back after the bye week (Branch and Engram)? Who is more likely to actually be on the field week 5? Thanks.

Stephania Bell

  (11:57 AM)

Hi Jeff in Sin City: I think Engram is more likely. Branch is doing well but still ealry from an ACL reconstruction. Even if he comes back Week 5, I think they control his game activity. Engram has reportedly a minor sprain and assuming no setbacks between now and then, I would see him getting back into his role more quickly,.

Joe (NJ)

Stephania, what is the deal with Bernard Berrian? I've heard a nagging injury all year and also that he's just fine. Is there anything wrong with him or does he just stink?!

Stephania Bell

  (11:59 AM)

Joe: He has a toe problem too -yet another toe factoring here. He had this problem in the preseason and it has not gotten better. In fact, there are some rumors that it is worse - and I think it acocunts for his eprformance (at least in part) so far. I'm not sure how it plays out from here but I don't like how it's impacting him so far.

Adam (SF, CA)

Star-fania, Looking for an update on Coles... is this leg thing ever going to clear up and drop that Q from his status?

Stephania Bell

  (12:01 PM)

Hi Adam: Really, the Jets are kind of like the Patriots when it comes to injury info. All we know is that he has a strained quad and that it is still keeping him limited in practice. It's just like a hamstring strain in how it's managed. Limit him during the week and then allow him to play but control the time. I think it has made it more difficult for him to get into a groove with Favre and I don't see it changing in the next couple weeks.

Carl G (Youngstown)

Stephania I realize that it's football season but its also baseball season too. Would you be so kind to answer a baseball question as you havent answered one yet. Ben Sheets?????Whats the latest?

Stephania Bell

  (12:04 PM)

OK Carl: SOme love to baseball. Not good news on Sheets as he relates the forearm tightness to his elbow. He's considered day to day with both remaining starts in question. As is the Brewers future.

Stephania Bell

  (12:05 PM)

OK everyone - I am getting the hook. Thanks so much for coming. Check back at 3 pm when Erik Kuselias can answer your lineup questions. And Dan, I like Morris. Good luck this weekend everyone!