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Stephania Bell

  (11:04 AM)

Happy Friday everyone - or is it? I guess it depends on how your fantasy roster is shaping up injury wise...Let's see what you're asking today...

Dan from Seattle, WA

Chances Westbrook Plays? Him or Buckhalter...Chances McFadden plays, I have Fargas thats why...Also, is McGahee 100%?

Stephania Bell

  (11:07 AM)

Hi Dan: You were the first question so I am giving you the first response. But you only get one today so I can choose a couple other folks. I think Westbrook's chances are less this week than they were last week. I know the Eagles need him, I know he is a guy who wants to be on the field, but he is not a guy who wants to be out there when he can't be Brian Westbrook. Has not done anything in practice. If he goes today, then I up it to a maybe, but with him still hurting with sneezing, twisting, sudden moves (all, except sneezing required to play), then it doesn't look so good. Expect him to be a gtd again this week. Buckhalter likely gets more work.

Bra (NY, NY)

While we're on the Eagles, Reggie Brown, is his groin going to hold up, if so, worth a start (over Lance Moore) on a bye week for Bowe?

Stephania Bell

  (11:10 AM)

Bra: Got to tell you, I don't like all the soft tissue injuries Brown has dealt with this year. Achilles limits him all preseason, then the hammie, now this. No practice Thurs. Hmmm. Not clear how serious this is yet and whether he'll play, I'd wait for practice report Friday. If out today, then Moore for sure. If limtied today, I lean towards Moore still. If full today, then I deem it minor, precautionary, sounds like he starts and plays.

Jim (El Paso, TX)

Good morning, Stephania! If Colston does indeed play, do you see him as being limited or would they definitely hold him out if his thumb would create an issue with catching certain passes? Thanks so much for your help!

Stephania Bell

  (11:12 AM)

Hi polite Jim: I think they may keep him out since they were really targeting a later return date originallly anyway (Colston was hoping for 10/26 in London). I think this would be early since he's just out of the cast. Good sign that he's doing limited practice, but I wouldn't read too much into it.

Rick (NY, NY)

Stephania, any news on Shockey? He practiced wed, but then sat out Thurs. Do you think he will start? And perform?

Stephania Bell

  (11:14 AM)

Hi Rick: Sticking with the Saints, yes you're correct about Shockey's practice. Consequently I don't think he starts. Again, may be active but not play, or very limited. I doubt he is really ready to do everything he needs to, especially if he needs a day off after practicing mid-week.

Ron (NYC)

Stephania, I am thinking Boldin plays this week. If it were up to him he probably would of been on the field last week. Do the team and doctors hold him out? Will he be effective if he plays?

Stephania Bell

  (11:18 AM)

Ron: I doubt he does. You may be right - but I'd be surprised. Yes, he probably wants to - and maybe they let him see a little action, but Weds he visited with the surgeon, Thurs he visited practice but did not participate and the local media still think it highly questionable, although Ken WHisenhunt insists on leaving the door open. Strategy perhaps? But they have to consider all the possibilities of him getting hit hard again and determine whether the tissue has healed enough, and that he shows no residual symptoms - and can jump back in after not doing any practice. Usually players are returned in a staged manner after anything to the head. If he does nothing today I would say it's very doubtful.

Andrew (San Francisco)

Stephania, You've probably gotten this question every week since Week 2, but I'll ask it anyway. Is LT a safe start this week?

Stephania Bell

  (11:20 AM)

Andrew: I have - and every week I have been reluctant to say sit LT, you might have better options. But here's what I see. I see an LT who is trying his best to fight through a very tough injury - but he just can't do certain things with that toe. Add to that the fact that he got stepped on and aggravated it last week. Everyone in San Diego saying he's no worse - but he's certainly not better as a result. Combine that with less than stellar offensive line support and I see him as being, well, "challenged." I have LT on two fantasy teams - and I think I have him sit this one out. Wow.

Kyle (MD)

Kevin Curtis practiced fully Wednesday and Thursday ... do you see any reason why they'd limit him in the game if they're not limiting him in practice?

Stephania Bell

  (11:24 AM)

Hi Kyle: Yes he did and he appears probable at this point. With Reggie Brown ailing a bit and LJ Smith less than perfect, I see them bringing Curtis into the game. The challenge has been for him to get to a point where he could do everything in practice to convince him and the team that he could do that in a game - and I think the increased practice activity is a great sign. I don't think he will see a full slate of plays, simply because he's been out so long and it's always different in a game situation, but I think he will be out there.

Tim (Towson)

Hey Starphania, do you think Deion Branch will play this week? What exactly is his injury?

Stephania Bell

  (11:26 AM)

Hi Tim: I don't think he plays. Has not practiced with a bruised heel. There is a lot of pressure on the bone in the heel with weight bearing, amplified when landing from a jump. Really limiting. Combine that with a still healing ACL on the other side and I think it's too risky for him to be out there. The pain and swelling have to come down in the heel enough for him to land without issue -and I don't think he can do that yet.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

Ms. Bell: With Branch out yet again, do you think Bobby Engram is healthy enough to handle a heavier workload this weekend? As always, thanks for your time.

Stephania Bell

  (11:27 AM)

Hi J.B.: Yes, I think Engram will definitely see more work as a result. There is a chance Koren RObinson, who practiced fully Thursday, may be close enough to see some time on the field, but Engram wins out in touches.

James, Ca

Stephania, what is the deal with the QB situation in Seattle, does Hass play? I have Engram and want to know if he should start, or sit him if Hass sits... Thanks

Stephania Bell

  (11:29 AM)

James: Sticking with Seattle, all along the Seahawks (including coach Mike Holmgren) have said tha tthey expected Hasselbeck to play. His MRI on his knee showed no major damage. DOesn't mean he'll be at 100% and that's why they've kept him out of practice - but expect him to take the field Sunday.

Zak (Tokyo)

Hey Setphania you're the best! I'm sure someone else will ask this questions, but I have one RB spot open and it comes down to Mcfadden or Fargas (originally I was thinking of starting both of them and sitting Addai who has a tough matchup but I changed my mind because of Mcfadden's toe). What do you think? When's Mcfadden every going to be healed if he keeps on playing on a bad toe? Thanks for your help Steph!

Stephania Bell

  (11:32 AM)

Hi Zak: So far you win for most distance traveled to the chat. Outstanding effort. I think Fargas is your guy this week. He has practiced more this week and appears to be in better shape coming off the bye. McFadden says he's better, but still wearing protective gear in his shoe and still feeling stiff. McFadden dealing with that tough turf toe trying to improve while playing. No guarantees, but if he is kept to a light workload this week coming off a rest period, could apve the way for him to be in better shape going forward.

Ryan (Rochester)

How's Palmer looking? Would you start Orton over him this week? Thanks!

Stephania Bell

  (11:33 AM)

Hi Ryan: Hard to know how Palmer "looks" when they have really kept him from throwing essentially all week. I do expect he'll practice today and play this weekend, but I have to tell you, I like Orton better.

Joe (Manhattan)

Hey Stephania, what about Kellen Winslow? Hospitalized with an illness so he's probably not going to play, right?

Stephania Bell

  (11:36 AM)

Hi Joe: It sure appears that way - but oddly I would say, don't count him out. We do not know what the illness is, which is why it's really impossible for me to project anything beyond speculation. But I will say that sometimes with an illness, let's say it's even a severe flu, an individual becomes severely dehydrated and hospitalization means they can receive around the clock fluids and attention. It might be enough to get him over the hump. THe other problem though is weakness. If he's been losing a lot of body fluids (I'll spare you the visuals), and if he's lost weight, then he could be weak, making it harder to play. BUT - it is Monday night - so he gets an extra day. Hopefully we learn more as the day unfolds.

Martin (New Orleans)

Kicker question here! Any word on whether Tynes is back this week? Or should we expect to see Carney with the Giants kicking duties again this week?

Stephania Bell

  (11:37 AM)

Martin: Tynes is no longer on the injury report so I expect him to be back kicking again this week.

Greg (Alexandria, VA)

How are McGahee's injuries (chest, knee, eye)? Is he ready to go, or should we see a bigger role for McClain?

Stephania Bell

  (11:39 AM)

Hi Greg: He does seem to win the award for the most variety on the injury report. But apparently Cam Cameron says McGahee is healthier than he's been in a long time, although not perfect. He also said he expects him to have a "heck of a ball game" so it sounds like they plan to feed him the ball more. Still, be wary of a split, but if McGahee gets hot and gets going - and doesn't injure something else -he may get the bulk this weekend.

Ryan (Maryland)

Thanks for taking our questions, Starphania. Speaking of hurting QBs, I'm a little worried about Aaron Rodgers. I know he looked good last week, but what is the risk of him going downhill? Should he improve from here on out barring a punishing hit?

Stephania Bell

  (11:42 AM)

Ryan: Your last question is probably close to the mark. his shoulder should get less painful with time, barring the big hit that drives that shoulder into the ground, especially if the team continues to allow him to limit his practice activity during the week. Rodgers proved a lot with his performance Sunday after not throwing at all during the week and so the team will likely give him that latitude as long as he needs it. Obviously, there is no way to predict what happens in the game, but if he is well protected, I like his chances of coming out of this well.

Ted (Chicago)

I'm thinking Berrian should be a good play vs. the Lions, but will the knee limit him?

Stephania Bell

  (11:45 AM)

Hi Ted: I was concerned about his knee before Monday b/c he just hurt it in practice last Thursday and according to local media reports was very gimpy heading into the weekend - but we saw what he did Monday night and the catches he made alleviated a lot of my concern. I think the team though a day of rest yesterday would be good for his knee and his toe. I expect him to practice more today and play vs the Lions (without an obvious limitation).

Chris (Fayetteville, AR)

Morning Stephania! Thanks for the chat! DO you see Big Ben as a liability for the rest of the season because of the shoulder, or should the bye week clear it up? Thanks!

Stephania Bell

  (11:47 AM)

Chris: I think based on how he's performed so far I would not really look at the shoulder as a liability. I have been concerned about his ability to heal b/c he keeps taking so many hits, yet he's managed to perform well nonetheless. The bye week only helps him so I'm not worried at this point.

Bill (Clearwater, FL)

Peyton still doesnt seem like himself. Am I crazy to start Gus Frerotte over him this week?

Stephania Bell

  (11:50 AM)

Bill: Yes. I know he has not been the Peyton of old, but even our experts who disagree here have Peyton ahead of Gus this week. And no, I don't think it's a lingering injury problem. I do think though that his limited preseason and the injuries all around the o-line have impacted his performance.

Shanahan Question

Stephania, I hear all this talk about Ryan Torain, how do you feel about him and do you think he will be on the field after their bye? I ask because with Selvin out this week, I was thinking about dropping him and picking up Torain.

Stephania Bell

  (11:51 AM)

Love Torain. Yes, he's been practicing and it looks as if he'll be making his entrance in the not too distant future - likely the first week of November.

Adam (Coral Gables, FL)

Hey Stephania, how are the Chargers receivers (Chambers and Jackson) looking for this week?

Stephania Bell

  (11:53 AM)

Adam: Chambers - not so good. Looks like he's out. Jackson slipped Weds, banged his knee and was held out as a precuation Thurs. I expect they held him out b/c it was sore and they could ill afford to lose him with Chambers looking like a no-go. We'll see what Jackson does today but it didn't sound serious.

Steve (Toronto)

Roddy White got hurt in practice? What does it look like for him? Thanks Stephania

Stephania Bell

  (11:54 AM)

Steve: SOunds like he collided with Lawyer Milloy and felt a little "fuzzy" but it was not perceived to be too serious. Per White, they didn't do any formal tests on him for that reason. Again, let's see what he does today but the impression was that yesterday was precautionary, always a good idea with the head, sounds like he'll be able to go.

Adam - Salt Lake City

Steph, How's it looking for Eddie Royal? Thanks

Stephania Bell

  (11:57 AM)

Adam: Royal has a bone bruise in the ankle but earlier in the week Shanahan called him probable so it sounds as if he'll go. He did do some work Thursday so if all continues well, expect him to be out there, but perhaps not at 100%,.

Chris (TX)

BUZZER BEATER: How soon will Scheffler return? I need the roster space if it'll be longer than a week or two.

Frank (Medford, MA)

You were asked about Torain and you said "Love Torain". Why? Because he is practicing again? How about some useful input. For example, why you love him. Or do you expect to just take your word for it?

Stephania Bell

  (12:00 PM)

No Frank - but I answered that question in detail the week before - and the week before - so didn't want to repeat it. Basically he proved his value in camp - and some are skeptical given that he's a rookie, but I am not - and he is recovering well from his injury so I don't see it as a lingering factor. Or you could just take my word for it.

Seth (NYC)

Hi Stephania, any update on Brandon Lloyd's injury?

Stephania Bell

  (12:01 PM)

Seth: Nothing official - but rumor has it that this sprained knee will be a several week injury ( as in another couple).

Joe (San Diego; but used to live near SF)

Is Palmer going to be on injury reports all season?

Stephania Bell

  (12:03 PM)

Joe: Impossible to say - Cinci usually pretty good about being forthright. I think once (if) Palmer gets to a stage where he can do his usual reps in practiice, he'll be off the report. Whether he can get there (not impossible but depends how each week of play affects him) remains to be seen.

Chris (Richmond,VA)

Any chance Joey Galloway will come back this week or next?

Stephania Bell

  (12:04 PM)

Chris: Don't see Galloway back this week - still very limited by the foot in terms of what he can do - might be active if he can do more today, but it wasn't looking good. Hopefully he'll be able to do more by next week.

Chase (Dallas)

I think you forgot to answer Chris's question about Scheffler...

Stephania Bell

  (12:08 PM)

Chase: Thanks for pointing out - I actually typed it but somehow it didn't post. Sorry - Chris - here you go. Shanahan has implied Scheffler would return vs Pats next Monday. But there were some rumors early that this injury could be more serious. Given the conflicting reports, hard to make a call at this stage. i want to see what he does in the early part of the week in practice. Shanahan was very forthcoming with injury updates on his players this week so I think he was being honest - but groin injuries are tough - and I want to see that he is really ready to return. I'd probably be thinking backup just in case.

Stephania Bell

  (12:09 PM)

OK everyone - I have overstayed my Sports Nation welcome. I will be back Sunday morning for game day injury chats. You can also return at 3 today to chat with Erik Kuselias and find out who he thinks are good starts and sits. Have a great weekend!