Stephania Bell

  (11:04 AM)

Good morning Sports Nation: Tough week it's turning out to be for QBs - and a few others. I see some of you are here and ready to go....

Chris (Toronto)

Hi Stephania, what are the odds of Parker not playing this week?

Stephania Bell

  (11:06 AM)

Hi Chris: Pretty good I'm afraid. He had a setback when he stepped in a hole Monday and aggravated his MCL sprain. Has not practiced and doesn't look good.

Sean (MIA)

Is Eddie Royal healed from his ankle injury?

Stephania Bell

  (11:09 AM)

Sean: Royal has been practicing and is expected to play.

Dan (Jersey)

Hi Steph! Do you think Addai will be out closer to 2 or 4 weeks? Or maybe longer?

Stephania Bell

  (11:11 AM)

Hi Dan: So strange. At first it sounded as if this would be something that would keep him out at least 2 weeks. Now we're hearing it might have been a bit overblown and he hasn't officially been ruled out for this week yet (although he hasn't practiced and sure sounds doubtful) - but it remains to be seen what happens today and what the team decides. There is concern about worsening an injury that now appears milder than they first thought.

Dan (SF 49ers)

What is the status of Chris Chambers? Will he play and if he does is he worth starting?

Stephania Bell

  (11:14 AM)

Hi Dan the 49ers fan: Chambers hasn't practiced yet rumors are that he is expected to play. It sounds as if San Diego plans to make use of all of their receivers though so how much time he sees may be impacted, especially given the play of their other receivers last week. I want to see how much he does today though, but at this point looks as if he'll be out there.

Matt: (St. Louis)

Thanks for the info! Any new word on Romo, or are we looking at being completely surprised at kickoff on Sunday since Phillips says he's not talking?

Stephania Bell

  (11:16 AM)

Hi Matt: I think you captured it - this will probably go down to gametime - but honestly, all he's done is show he can make some throws from the shotgun, on the sideline, with no pass rush. There have to be concerns about potential ball mishandlings and him making the throws not the first time, but as the game goes on and as he takes repeated bumps on the hand. Not to mention the increased risk of more severe injury. I could see them letting Romo be available as the emergency QB, but not risking him starting. It appears they will give us nothing firm until Sunday.

Phil (Syracuse, NY)

All reports have Colston as "limited in practice," is this something to worry about? Or will he go in your opinion? Thank you.

Stephania Bell

  (11:18 AM)

Hi Phil: Yes, they're giving him limited reps - I do expect him to see his first action, but I think that if he does, it will also be limited. They want to ease him back into the game after this much time away.

Randy (Fort Wayne, IN)

Hi Stephania! I saw a report that Clinton Portis was held out of practice the other day due to a hip flexor. Is that something we Portis owners should be concerned about going forward?

Stephania Bell

  (11:20 AM)

Hi Randy - and all those asking about Portis - there's about 5 of you in a row: Portis reportedly has a hip flexor strain - a key muscle for a running back where you get a lot of your power and drive - he has not practiced and is not expected to practice today. He is questionable for Sunday - and may also come down to a gtd. With Betts out, we could see some Shaun Alexander.

pj (daytona beach)

Stephania Bell : if addai plays do you think addai & rhodes owner should play rhodes over addai or addai over rhodes

Stephania Bell

  (11:21 AM)

PJ: If Addai plays, I doubt he is at 100% - and I would expect Rhodes to see more work.

Princess Leiah

Help me Starfania, you're my only hope. On NFL.com the injury list doesn't seem to update until Fridays. Where does one go for the 'official' list prior to Friday?

Stephania Bell

  (11:22 AM)

Sorry Princess: The list goes in to the NFL offices and becomes availble after 5 pm Friday - sometime between 5 and 6. Individual teams may post on their websites ahead of time but don't have to - and the late time reflects enough time for west coast teams to get their list in. So that's why the late updates.

Rich (Jersey)

Hi Stephania. What is the status of Devin Hester for this week? Brandon Lloyd out? If Hester is starting, better play than Roy E Williams?

Stephania Bell

  (11:23 AM)

Hester is expected to go. Llyod is expected to be out still with the knee sprain. Hester is the better start. My opinion.

Matt (Savannah)

What are the chances Winslow plays this week?

Stephania Bell

  (11:24 AM)

Matt: I don't think they're great. He has not been cleared medically for practice - although there's a chance he goes today. Still questionable at this point. He too may be a gtd.

Portis Owner (BG, KY)

Follow-up question re: Portis. If he doesn't go, who will get most of his carries? Alexander or Cartwright?

Stephania Bell

  (11:25 AM)

Probably Cartwright - although Alexander does know the offense - but still, it's been a long time since he's done anything.

Ron (NYC)

Stephania... you have a monopoly on the sports injury communication business! I am thinking of starting S. Morris. Any word on Maroney or Jordan?

Stephania Bell

  (11:26 AM)

Ron: I wish! There are some teams - like the Patriots - who really don't say much of anything at all. But we do know that Jordan is still not practicing, nor is Maroney - making Morris look like the favored play of the NE backs.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

Ms. Bell: Eli got banged up pretty well on Monday. Anything owners need to worry about or just the basic bumps and bruises? Thanks so much for you insight.

Stephania Bell

  (11:28 AM)

Hi J.B.: Well, take some comfort in the fact that he's not on the injury list - so apparently they don't think his status is at all in question. I'm sure he's sore - but apparently is practicing fully or they would have to report it. So from all of that I would say not to worry.

Eric (VA)

Have the Bucs done anything to address their fullback issues, or should we expect Earnest Graham to fill that spot again this week? Thanks.

Stephania Bell

  (11:29 AM)

Buccs will have Graham back in his regular role this week.

Johnathan (Palm Beach)

Starphania HELPPP! I got zero production from Keller last week because Scheffler was out. Do you think he is going to play this week?

Stephania Bell

  (11:30 AM)

Johnathan: Scheffler doing less this week than you would have thought based on Shanahan's optimism (last week) that he would be available. He was on crutches after the original injury and has only done limited work. They do have the extra day - but I think he's still a question mark at this point.

Blake (South Dakota)

What's the status of Shockey?

Stephania Bell

  (11:31 AM)

Blake: Shockey is still limited in practice but is dying to get back on the field. Payton wants him back in the game too - but I think they're concerned about him overdoing it after surgery. I think he will be available - but I expect them to control his time.

David(Fayetteville NC)

Can you tell me about R. Bush, is his knee something to worry about for this week?

Stephania Bell

  (11:34 AM)

David: Well, we're hearing Bush had some swelling in his left knee - that's all we've got - and as a result he was held out of practice. No official word on his status - I expect we'll know more if he is able to get at least some limited practice in today. Their bestbet at controlling swelling is not practicing him early in the week - which they've done - but it doesn't give much indication as to Sunday status b/c it's evaluated on a daily basis. So we're waiting.

Tim (Seattle)

McFadden is off the injury report, right? Who do you like more in fantasy out of the Oakland RBs?

Stephania Bell

  (11:36 AM)

Hi Tim: It's true - he's off the injury report which tells us he's taking the full set of reps in practice, but I still expect the toe is less than 100%. I still think Fargas is the starter this week, but McFadden gets his share of playing time.

Bryan (New Orleans, LA)

What's your feeling on Palmer? Drop him now or ride Schuab until we get more info?

Stephania Bell

  (11:37 AM)

Bryan: I'd hang onto him another week -but if it's looking like he misses again, then I expect him out until after 11/9 bye - so probably droppable then.

Shaun (Portland)

Please answer just one question about my boy Hasselbeck. Is this back issue going to be nagging him all season long, or do you think he gets back to normal in a week or two?

Stephania Bell

  (11:38 AM)

Shaun: In my mind, this is not a week or two problem. He has weakness b/c of nerve compression. Typically that does not return quickly. I know they're targeting 10/26, but I think it unlikely he can be himself by then. And - even if he does manage to get up for that game,. this is serious enough that I worry about recurrences throughout the season.

Darius (Minneapolis)

Hi Stephania, Please don't leave me hanging, Any update on Calvin Johnson for this week?

Stephania Bell

  (11:39 AM)

Darius: Johnson was back in full practice THursday after sitting out earlier b/c of concussion - so I expect him to be on the field Sunday.

Jonathan (Kentucky)

Any news on Brandon Stokley? Is he going to play this weekend after the ocncussion?

Stephania Bell

  (11:40 AM)

Jonathan: Stokley apparently not doing so well after his concussion. These are very day-to-day things, and he does have until Monday, but it's not looking great right now.

Kyle (Davie,FL)

Any news on Trent Edwards in Buffalo?

Stephania Bell

  (11:41 AM)

Kyle: He's feeling good after the bye -practicing all this week - expected to start.

Mike Da Bears fan (NJ)

Hi Stephania, should I be worried about Forte's thumb? Reports say he had it in a splint.

Stephania Bell

  (11:42 AM)

Mike: He has been wearing a splint - but reportedly no one seems too concerned about it.

Joe (NJ)

Can you please let me know the status of Joey Galloway of TB. They need back their top wr

Stephania Bell

  (11:43 AM)

Joe: Still questionable. Still limited in practice - last week he did quite a bit in practice and even looked as if he could go, but then was held out and seems to have done less this week. If he's not a full participant today I would say his status remains very questionable.

Ken (Harmony, Pa)

I am in a league where return yards are huge. What can you tell me about Yamon Figurs for this week?

Stephania Bell

  (11:45 AM)

Ken: Better look elsewhere. Figurs has not practiced all week and is very questionable for Sunday.

Adam (NY)

Any news on McGahee?

Stephania Bell

  (11:46 AM)

Adam: The news is that he's not on the injury report this week. Doesn't mean he's not a bit banged up - but it does mean he's done everything in practice - so I think you can count on him to start - but Baltimore will still rely on their rotation of running backs.

E.J. (Kalamazoo, MI)

Hey Steph, What's going on with Selvin Young and his groin issue? Is he a go for Sunday?

Stephania Bell

  (11:47 AM)

E.J. Haven't heard too much one way or another. He's been seeing limited reps this week but Shanahan implied he would be a go. His injury appeared less serious than Scheffler's so I think they have been resting him with the hopes he'd be ready for Monday. Will be interested to see what he does today.

Dan (Buffalo, NY)

Starphania, who should I put in my third Flex spot this week...Fargas or Gage?

Stephania Bell

  (11:48 AM)

Dan: Fargas for sure. Gage still having trouble with his knee and is quesitonable for this weekend.

Dave (Pittsburgh)

Hi Stephania, Mixed Reports..Was L.J. benched for an injury?

Stephania Bell

  (11:48 AM)

Dave: Not per the team - was disciplinary. No word on any LJ injury.

Rich (NYC)

Hey Stephania, thanks for all your hard work! What's up with Justin Gage? Earlier in the week, I'd read he was good to go this weekend. Now today I saw that his status is still very much in doubt. Will he play? I love his matchup vs. Kansas City.

Stephania Bell

  (11:51 AM)

Rich: I think it's just one of these things where with some injuries it appears that a playe is doing better, then as they try to do something on the side or in rehab, they find out that it's not quite as far along as they thought. Gage has been held out of practice all week which really makes it seem that his knee is not ready for game play. I would say it does not look good for this week -at least not so far.

Jason, Monticello, FL

Any news on Berrian's knee?

Stephania Bell

  (11:52 AM)

Jason: They're still resting it during the week to some degree - but he has had two monster games showing that he can play through it. He is fully expected to play this week.

E.W. (Des Moines, IA)

Hi Stephani. I know it is a bye week so there usually arent many updates, but how are Westbrook's ribs looking. Do you think he will be a go after the bye?

Stephania Bell

  (11:54 AM)

E.W. You're right. We don't get much. But we do know that he's been resting quite a bit and that he does expect he'll be ready to go next week.

St Pete Buzzer Beater (FL)

I see you addressed Romo, what about Felix Jones--any chance that he, like Addai, might heal up early, come back soon?

Stephania Bell

  (11:55 AM)

In St Pete: I don't think so. In his case we're hearing that the tear is closer to the tendinous part of the hamstring near the knee, typically takes that part longer to heal. So I think 2 weeks is hopeful, but definitely could be on the longer end.

Lee (Atlanta, GA)

Stephania, you are the injury insight queen! Can you tell me if you expect Rosco Parrish will be productive this week as a WR and Kick Returner? Do you think he will get his full snaps for will they ease him back in this week?

Stephania Bell

  (11:57 AM)

Lee: Don't know about the royalty status - but thanks... I think Parrish has done enough in practice to expect him to be productive. He will likely play with some padding on his thumb - but he seems to have been managing in practice pretty well with it protected. Nonetheless I do think they ease him back. Not sure if they will use him outside of receiving.

Corey Washington DC

Love your work. Why did Tom Brady wait so long to have his knee surgery? Doesnt make any sense to me.

Stephania Bell

  (11:59 AM)

Corey: Thanks - SInce he had an MCL injury, you always wait for that to scar down a bit before surgery. You also use the time before surgery to get rid of swelling, try to get full range of motion in the knee and some type of strength so that you hopefully come out the other side of surgery in a little bit better shape. Very typical timeframe for his kind of scenario.

Mark (San Diego)

Starphania, Do you think Housh is suiting up this week or do you think he sits, thanks.

Stephania Bell

  (11:59 AM)

Mark: I think he plays.

Andrew (Everett Wa)

Would it help if I told you I grew up in the Bay Area and learned to love football watching Montana and Clark, then Rice? Any update on Lendale White's shoulder?

Stephania Bell

  (12:00 PM)

Andrew: Of course! And expect White to play - does not seem to be a big concern in Tennessee.

Dan (NJ)

Any news on Roethlisberger and his shoulder?

Stephania Bell

  (12:01 PM)

Dan: Just that he really needed the rest. He's not on the injury report so fully practicing this week. He may not be 100% but he's no doubt in much better shape than the last 3 weeks.

Noah (Omaha NE)

Does LT look even better this week with his toe? He seemed to make some nice cuts late last week?

Stephania Bell

  (12:02 PM)

Noah: He seems to be making some progress despite still playing but still is obviously limited when he has to plant right and cut left - power just not there. Probably needs the bye to get over this hurdle so it will be a few more weeks.

Charles (Austin)

Ryan Torian...coming soon or delayed release?

Stephania Bell

  (12:03 PM)

Charles: Hopefully 11/2.

Stephania Bell

  (12:03 PM)

OK everyone - my turn is up. Check back at 3 to chat with EK. You can chat with us Sunday morning pregame too. Have a great week!