Stephania Bell

  (11:05 AM)

Happy Friday everyone and welcome to the Injury Chat! Hope you brought all your injury questions - here we go...

George (Stephania Mania)

hello there..any concerns about LT this weekend? I know he got in for 2 scores last week but that can wear down someone. thanks!

Stephania Bell

  (11:06 AM)

Hi George: Not concerned about LT. In fact I think he is doing much better, able to do quite a bit more and said he wasn't as sore afterward. He has a great history against the Raiders so...

Matt NYC

What is the status of Oakland's RB committee? Will Fargas play? Hows run DMC?

Stephania Bell

  (11:08 AM)

Hi Matt: No. Fargas is likely to be out until after the bye week. His gorin injury has kept him out of practice. McFadden returned to practice yesterday and is still not operating at full speed but is still expected to play. I don't see him at 100% but I do see him getting a lot of work.

Dan (St Paul MN)

Fred Taylor is on the report with a hand now, not a toe (Like last week). Obviously he did fine last week. Any concern(s) about either injury, or plans to limit his time coming from the Jags?

Stephania Bell

  (11:09 AM)

Hi Dan: Yes, the hand is a new thing but apparently not worrying the Jags too much as they seem to think it likely he'll play. He and MJD both a little banged up, both likely to see time.

Glenn (Atlanta)

Hi Stephania - What's the latest on Brian Westbrook's status?

Stephania Bell

  (11:11 AM)

Hi Glenn: If only we knew. He hasn't practiced -but we know that's a tease as he can not practice and then go full bore on Sunday. PRoblem is it's a night game and he will be a GTD - so you have to plan accordingly. If you have the luxury of waiting great, you know he will try to go if he can, but he may not be able to do it and you won't know until then.

Muldune (Linden, MI)

Hey Starphania! Great info as always! What's the word on Farve? How badly will this affect him sunday?

Stephania Bell

  (11:13 AM)

Muldune: He is limping around the practice field with his ankle but apparently moving a little better each day. You know he will go - but whether he can make the same plays on his feet is a question mark.

Roger (NM)

Will Lendale White's shoulder keep him out this week? I didn't hear anything about it until yesterday.

Stephania Bell

  (11:14 AM)

Hi ROger: He left practice a bit early Thursday but word is it's not too serious. I expect him to play but will definitely be keeping an eye on Friday practice reports.

Jeff

Don't hate me for trying to beat your Niners! But any word on David Patten? Should I drop him and pick up Robert Meachem? Thanks!

Stephania Bell

  (11:15 AM)

Jeff: I won't hold it against you. I'lleven answert your question. Patten still not practicing b/c of the groin. I think go and get Meachem if he's available.

Shawn

Hey Stephania... Gage is not on the injury report, has he practiced this week?

Stephania Bell

  (11:15 AM)

Shawn: I know - I was surprised b/c he was so limited last week. But him not on the report means full practice reps so this is a good sign for this weekend.

Gary (Greensboro, NC)

9ers question! Will Bryant Johnson be good to go this Sunday against the Saints? I always get worried when I see "hamstring" listed next to a player on the injury report.

Stephania Bell

  (11:17 AM)

Hi Gary: You are correct - be worried when you see hamstring on the report. Be especially worried when the same athlete was limited by the same strain in the preseason. Now it sounds like he'll play - but I would be worried that he's not operating at full throttle.

BCM (MPLS)

Any Colston news? I know you've been the person at ESPN who's been taking the over instead of the under...

Stephania Bell

  (11:18 AM)

BCM: Reports haven't exactly been flowing out of New Orleans as to his status, but I still think that he is a few weeks removed from returning.

Joe (San Antonio, Tx)

How is Ryan Grants hamstring? Is he healthy enough for a fantasy start?

Stephania Bell

  (11:20 AM)

Joe: I take the fact that he is off the report as a really good sign, meaning he is able to fully go in practice and they're not holding him back. Always want to see full speed performance before declaring "fully healed" but if he was on my roster I would feel confident starting him.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

Ms. Bell: With all of the concern about Westbrook there hasn't been much said about Donovan McNabb's chest injury. I'm hoping you can fill us in just a bit. If you wouldn't mind, I'd appreciate hearing what you've got on him. Thanks so much.

Stephania Bell

  (11:22 AM)

Hi J.B.: So polite. Nice manners - thank you. McNabb is definitely sore and consequently they've been resting him to allow as much healing as possible. He is expected to play. THe concern is whether he will be able to throw as hard and as deep as usual given the soreness - you saw his throwing affected during the second half of last week's game. I expect he'll do some practice today to test things out - but so far it looks as if he will play, just may not see him looking as sharp on the deep throws.

Mike ( Toms River, NJ)

So what's the deal with Adrian Peterson? He was quoted as saying his hamstring feels fine, but he has still been limited in practice. Any updates?

Stephania Bell

  (11:25 AM)

Mike: THis is the whole "protect the player from himself" position that the Vikings are taking. THe good things are that AP came out of the game last week feeling fine. Not worse - and they controlled his activity. It is good that he feels "fine". If he was at all sore in limited practice (as he was last week) I'd be worried about what he could do on the weekend. They are trying to protect him from overdoing and then having a setback. It appears that he will be in good shape to go full speed this weekend. Chester Taylor a little limited with the foot so the ration of more AP, less CT is what I anticipate.

James (Frisco)

I'm hearing Willie Parker will be out week 5 also. How bad is that knee?

Stephania Bell

  (11:26 AM)

James: They really haven't told us anything other than sprained knee. With information that vague it is really hard to project. The fact that Tomlin called him "week-to-week" earlier this week made me a little more concerned though -as in, this looks like it could be more than a one week issue. The best thing to keep an eye on is when he starts to return to practice -so we will.

Brian Las Vegas

How is Willis McGahee looking for Sunday, or will he not be playing?

Stephania Bell

  (11:28 AM)

Brian: The Ravens' RB situation is a little unclear. McGahee had that cut on his eyelid and has been limited as a result. McClain is a little banged up himself. The good news is that the game is Monday. I don't see mcGahee sitting it out, but it's hard to project how much he'll be playing at this point. They do plan to stick with some type of committee approach though so be forewarned.

David (Stockholm, Sweden)

Hello Starphania! How is Ryan Torain coming along? Any idea when he's likely to come back?

Stephania Bell

  (11:30 AM)

David: Thanks for bringing some international flavor to the group. Torain said recently that he will take the full 3 months to return, so the timing looks like he could be back after the Broncos bye week (which is Week 7). So keep an eye on the timeline and go out and get him if he's available. This kid is talented.

Hylton (Washington DC)

What is Stallworth's status? Is he a good this week? And if he is set to play, will he be 100% or will they be careful with him. Thanks Stephania

Stephania Bell

  (11:32 AM)

Hylton: It looks as if Stallworth may make his season debut this week. But I would not declare him 100%. I absolutely think you're right, if he returns it is in a controlled, limited basis - and it may be worth watching from a distance to make sure he can perform without a setback.

Riaz, OH

Stephania, I heard Jonathan Stewart has a foot injury. Is this minor? I plan on starting him against Atlanta. Thanks a million!

Stephania Bell

  (11:34 AM)

Riaz: Sounds as if they are just protecting him somewhat but expect him to play full bore this weekend.

Roger(Jax. FL)

good morning Ms Bell I have a question about Mr. 85. Do you think his poor play is due to his shoulder or his attitude?

Stephania Bell

  (11:35 AM)

Roger: Where to begin with this one. I think the Bengals as a whole have a number of issues. I still think across the season TJ Housh gets more catches and is more consistent and Chad gets a few big play games. I would not be surprised if Chad has a big game this week in the Ohio bowl. And although I don't think his shoulder is perfect, I don't think it's to blame here.

Linda Chicago

Hi Stephania, Worried about MJD's ankle. Should I start MJD this week, or start Slaton in his place. Also have T.Jones.

Stephania Bell

  (11:38 AM)

Hi Linda: Love to see a woman here in the Sports Nation chat... The team is taking the Westbrook approach. Rest MJD during the week and play him on the weekend. I expect him to play, but split. Steve Slaton is the outright starter for the Texans. Jags have a tough D. Interesting call - I would make your choice based on matchup though, not his ankle. He is playing through it.

Tom (Hackensack)

Even if westbrook plays...do you start buckhalter? i know you preach "playing the healthy player"

Stephania Bell

  (11:40 AM)

Hi Tom: I see you're listening. Problem is, we really don't know whether Buckhalter has any value until we know if Westbrook plays. If you can wait until Sunday night and have them both, the choice is easy. But if you have to decide early, I would try to find another option. This one will literally come down to gametime and as much as Westbrook plays through, if he is severley limited, he won't go. He knows when to rest it - and then if you gambled, you're out of lcuk.

Matt (NY,NY)

I give up you don't want to answer my Mcnabb question. Its okay. I tried my hardest and I know you get thousands of messages thrown at you. I hope that you at least mention him before game time Sunday. I love you. Thank you and good day.

Stephania Bell

  (11:41 AM)

Now Matt. Don't be upset. And I did answer about McNabb earlier so catch it in the chat wrap - but since so many are asking again, we do expect him to play, but he will be sore - may affect the deep ball.

Lara (AZ)

Did Gore just get a day off for rest this week or is there an injury concern?

Stephania Bell

  (11:43 AM)

Lara: He is listed as not participating Weds with a "non-injury" reason - that often means coaches decision to rest. But more improtantly, he was not on the report Thursday so it means he was back in full practice

TJ (Collegedale, TN)

Hey Stephania, is Antonio Gates toe and hip injury going to be lagging on for the rest of this season or will we start to see him get healthier and stronger as the season goes on.

Stephania Bell

  (11:44 AM)

TJ: I think the toe is still a work in progress. But the good enws is that Gates is reporting that it is really starting to feel better - and I think as a result you will start to see him integrated more. The hip was more of a soreness issue after getting bumped around and banged up a bit, not a long term thing. I do think his performance improves as the season goes on.

Lonnie (Dallas)

I'm hearing Shockey's injury is not as bad as thought and he could actually make it back in 3 weeks. Any inside info?

Stephania Bell

  (11:47 AM)

Lonnie: I know the timetable they gave had an incredibly short window (as his earliest possible return date), but I have to tell you that I'd be very surprised post-surgery if he comes back before four weeks earliest. Look at Kevin Curtis in Philly who had the same surgery and is reportedly doing very well, ahead of schedule even, but I have always maintained that he would not be back before October (and I think his soonest return could be next week). So expect with Shockey more on the 4+ week side.

Ryan (newport beach, ca)

Whats the latest with Joey Galloway. The Bucs have been quiet about it. Is there any timetable for return?

Stephania Bell

  (11:49 AM)

Hi Ryan: Really haven't ehard too much either - but the big clue is that he's still not in practice. Not a good sign. I would be very surprised if he suits up and even then, doubt full strength. No timetable from the team.

Marshall Mather (Livonia, MI)

Do you have any info on Kitna(KNEE)? I hear he could be out and Stanton is in. Any truth to this?

Stephania Bell

  (11:51 AM)

Marshall: When a team has a bye, they really don't have to report in on injuries, so they don't. No official word of a change or update yet. We will keep watching but won't likely know anything until next week. Always good to plan on a backup when you hear knee sprain.

Matt (Indy)

SB - Do you think Dallas Clark will be close to 100% when the Colts come off of the bye week? He's available in my league and I'm considering trading Gates to improve my roster. THANK YOU.

Stephania Bell

  (11:52 AM)

Matt: I think so. He was in better shpae with his knee heading into last week, then took a bump on the head. Both should be much better with the additional week of rest. I think he's a good pickup.

Joe (NY)

Do you think Engram is a go for week 5?

Stephania Bell

  (11:54 AM)

Joe: All signs point to yes.

Tim (Latrobe, PA)

What's up with SJax? He 100%??? Thanks in advance.

Stephania Bell

  (11:56 AM)

Tim: He has been held to limited practice reps this week b/c of a sore groin. Always a concern with a RB, especially when a similar injury kept him down for a few weeks last eyar. Now this one does not sound serious, but even if mild, it could affect his game. And the Rams have struggled as it is. I'm definitely keeping my eye on it.

Jim (Naples, FL)

Good morning. What's the new on LJ Smith in Philly? Even if healthy is Miller a better play? Thanks

Stephania Bell

  (11:57 AM)

Hi Jim: The fact that he hasn't practiced is a bigger concern here- and it's his back. Sounds as if it's really bothering him. Nothing definite, but I would look elsewhere for tight end help. Sounds like you already have.

David(NY)

will Hester at least return kicks Sunday?

Stephania Bell

  (11:58 AM)

David: Iffy. He jsut returned to practice on a limited basis yesterday. I think we'll learn a lot based on what he does today. Too tough to call just yet.

gina (KC)

how is coles looking with his thigh? is "questionable" really right?

Stephania Bell

  (11:59 AM)

Gina: He's been listed that way but continues to play. I think he is being held to limited practice to help protect his quad which is not 100%, but he is well enough to play.

Glenn (NJ)

Will we get to see Reggie Brown take flight this week, really get playing time and make a contribution?

Stephania Bell

  (12:02 PM)

Glenn: Well, the good news is that he's not on the injury report at all, meaning he's not being held back at all in practice, so clearly he's much improved. Although he was active last week, he didn't do much but that wasn't a huge surprise given that he missed most of the preseason and all of the season so far. I do think he gets worked into the offense more this week, and increasingly so over the next few weeks. His game may be affected though by how well Donovan can throw.

Marc (PA)

Any word on Felix Jones. I read some place that he tweaked his knee and is questionable. Thanks

Stephania Bell

  (12:03 PM)

Marc: Nothing official. We'll see if anything crops up today.

Ted (SLC)

Is Branch getting close?

Stephania Bell

  (12:05 PM)

Ted: Yes, it sounds that way. May come back with Engram in Week 5 but I think they will limit his playing time initially. Give hima few weeks to see how he fares in the game. Still fresh from the ACL reconstruction.

Stephania Bell

  (12:06 PM)

OK everyone - I'm past my time. Thanks so much for coming. Come back at 3 if you have lineup questions and Erik Kuselias will be here. COme back SUnday morning and chat with me at 10 and our Answer Guy experts after that. Good luck in Week 4!!!!