Stephania Bell

  (11:05 AM)

Good morning Sports Nation! Welcome to the Friday injury chat. Yes indeed, injury stories once again at the forefront. I see many of you are here early so let's get to your awesome questions...

Mark (Seattle, WA)

What is up with both Brady and Manning needing second surgeries because of infection? How does that implact their long term recovery?

Stephania Bell

  (11:08 AM)

Mark: First question, first answer. Unfortunately I don't have the space here to get into answering your question in all the detail I'd like. But suffice it to say that infections in general have become more of an issue in the last few years. The bugs are winning the war against the humans. We devise medications to attack them. They figure out how to fight them and develop stronger strains. Infection always a risk with surgery, even though it's a small one, but we notice a lot when it's prominent players. It impacts their recovery in the short-term, slower, more painful, but in the end may not affect their overall time frame much, if any. The worse the infection, the longer delay to healing, so very individual - but in the case of Brady, he could end up with the same overall timetable.

Brandon: Fort Atkinson Wisconsin

Brian Westbrook, How long is he going to be out?

Stephania Bell

  (11:10 AM)

Brandon: All signs point to him playing this weekend. He's been a full participant in practice and he may not be 100% as far as how he feels, but expect him to be a big part of the offense.

Big Sam (ATL)

how is Fast Willie Parker really looking this week? i still have mewelde moore in my lineup, he was apparently limited in practice yesterday and it is an MCL sprain we're talking about here... i see conflicting reports everywhere! please advise...

Stephania Bell

  (11:12 AM)

Hey Big Sam: No denying that there is some concern about Parker. He had the setback after the bye that kept him out last week and he has been limited in practice this week. I expect that Parker will play, but the weather may impact his game. If messy and sloppy (and we've seen how it can get sloppy at Heinz), that may affect his knee more and they may limit him.

Tyler (Vermont)

Miss Bell, Do you see more injury concerns with McGahee? He seems to be taking the major role in Baltimore with 20+ carries the last couple weeks. Thanks!!

Stephania Bell

  (11:14 AM)

Hello Tyler: McGahee is at his healthiest and is playing well. Baltimore seems to like to play the hot hand and I expect he'll be a big part of their offense this week. I suppose you could make the case that being on the field more puts you at increased injury risk, but then that applies to everyone. I don't see him as being exceptionally risky. And he seems to be past his earlier ailments.

Jonny Atlantic City, NJ

Hey Stephania, What is the status on Joseph Addai. Will he play this week? When should we expect him back?

Stephania Bell

  (11:17 AM)

Jonny: Not looking so good for Addai. Has not practiced and although it's a Monday night game, I'd be concerned (the team had Tues, Weds off and he still didn't go at all Thurs). It sounds as if this could be a several week injury (which is what we heard at the very beginning but then the Colts backed off of it). Plan accordingly, just in case.

Tevikki

Hey Stephania...With sammy looking to be sidelined for the next few weeks, where do i turn...Benjurvis or is lamont looking ready to go? How long you think sammy will be out? thanks.

Stephania Bell

  (11:21 AM)

Tevikki: Yes, it sounds as if Morris may be absent for a couple weeks. And now we're hearing Jordan may not be a go this week. Early on it looked as if he was ready to return, but now we're hearing that Jordan may have aggravated his calf injury in practice and may not be able to play.

Crew (Ann Arbor)

Stephania: Can you give an update on Reggie Brown? I really need to start him because of bye week issues.

Stephania Bell

  (11:23 AM)

Crew: Reggie Brown is still recovering from his soft tissue injuries (latest is groin) and he was still limited in practice this week. Questionable to play.

David, Washington DC

Hi Stephania. How is Matt Hasselbeck looking for this week? Any chance of him getting the start?

Stephania Bell

  (11:27 AM)

David: Hasselbeck is reportedly still experiencing weakness in his leg relative to his back problems and has not been able to practice- so it does not appear he will play.

Skip (Fennville)

Speaking of Philly WR's, how is Curtis looking?

Stephania Bell

  (11:29 AM)

Skip: Curtis is looking good. He actually thought he'd play before the bye - but the team decided to give him some addiitonal rest. This was probably a great decision and he is expected to start - and I think will be a decent part of the passing game as a result(especially with Brown in question).

Dan (New York)

Dearest Stephania, Any news on Steven Jackson?

Stephania Bell

  (11:31 AM)

Dearest Dan: It sounds as if per the MRI the diagnosis was a minor strain. Now he has not practiced - but that doesn't surprise me as the team would want to rest him as much as possible before Sunday. Yesterday Haslett said he will let Jackson make the call as to whether he plays, but I want to see if he does any practice today. He vould be a gtd, but I expect he'll play.

Ignacio (Naperville,IL

HI Stephania. Will Justin Gage of the Titans Play on Monday Night VS Colts?

Stephania Bell

  (11:31 AM)

Ignacio: Gage has practiced this week, more than McCareins - and it appears that Gage has a decent chance of playing Monday night.

J.C. (NYC)

Ms. Bell. I have to run to class now, so I will read the rest of the chat when I return. Could you please let me know about Chambers and Galloway? I have Floyd and Galloway and need to know which one to start. Thanks so much, can't wait to read the rest of the chat.

Stephania Bell

  (11:36 AM)

Hi J.C.: Good for you. Going to class - And so glad you'll be back to read the wrap -a nd you'll see your answer. Chambers has done some work with the ankle but will likely be a gtd. If the weather is really wet and sloppy, and his ankle will not likely be 100%, his action will be limited. Galloway has done more in practice and looks like he could play this week - BUT he is not fully healed, but he could see some limited action.

Chris (Wichita, KS)

Is there any word on Boldin's status for this week against the Panthers?

Stephania Bell

  (11:39 AM)

Chris:Boldin has done some practice and is hopeful to play. But Whisenhunt has indicated that he is not likely to play a full set of snaps, no matter how much he wants to go. Breaston will still likely have a big role.

Jeff (CA)

What's the latest on Shockey? Thanks.

Stephania Bell

  (11:43 AM)

Hey Jeff: Shockey has been practicing in London, but it's not clear how much - or even if - he'll play. It sounds as if he could go, but Payton will definitely limit his snaps since he got so aggravated last week. So consider that he could play - but probably not full game.

Xavier (Seattle)

Portis good to go? Thanks!

Stephania Bell

  (11:45 AM)

Xavier: Sounds like it! Portis has been given some rest since he's been such a workhorse, but the plan is for him to be out there.

Pete (NJ)

You think Coles and Cotchery play sunday?

Stephania Bell

  (11:47 AM)

Pete: Big question. Coles has suffered another concussion (and he's had like three in two years). He has not practiced yet this week and sounds as if he could be a gtd. THey will be very cautious with him given his history. Ans Cotchery had an "undisclosed" injury that sounded like a leg, but now is labeled as his shoulder - so who really knows? He was limited in practice and it sounds as if he's quesitonable at this point. Want to see if he's a full go today.

Kelli (NJ)

Hey Stephania, any word on Warrick Dunn? Thank you and your chats are the best!

Stephania Bell

  (11:49 AM)

Hi Kelli: Thanks for coming. Dunn reportedly was dealing with a pinched nerve in his neck. He has been limited in practice, but the fact that he's out there is encouraging and makes it sound less serious. I like to see the Friday workouts, but it does sound as if he plays.

Jordan (little rock)

Lovely day to you Stephania! Whats the latest on Plax? Should I be looking elsewhere this week?

Stephania Bell

  (11:52 AM)

Jordan: I would certainly consider it - but it may be one day too early to make the call. He spent the night in the hospital b/c of the soreness in his neck (which tells you it's not minor), but apparently all tests were negative. Now just b/c tests were negative doesn't mean there isn't something going on causing all that pain. Certainly could hamper his effectiveness if the pain is still present on gameday. I want to see if he can practice at all today and how the team projects his Sunday status.

Adam (Atlanta)

Hi Stephania. Is Colston 100%. Was last week just a fluke? Thanks

Stephania Bell

  (11:55 AM)

Adam: I think COlsotn's thumb was not the problem. Missing multiple weeks after having surgery and recovering was the problem. Even Colston siad he couldn't get open, couldn't make plays. Many times guys face an adjustment to the speed of the game when they come back. Even if they fully practice, it's not the same. It was not the splint, he's fine with that. Look for Colston to be back on track this week as the Saints passing game will be. He may not be fully to form, but he'll be better.

Brian, Payson AZ

Hey what is up with Josh Morgan of the 49er's injury? All of the ESPN crew seems to be high on him but he is listed as questionable?

Stephania Bell

  (11:57 AM)

Brian: Yes, Morgan dealing with a groin injury but the thought seems to be that he'll be available for Sunday. Again - I always like to see if these guys can increase their practice at the end of the week, usually a good indicator that they're feeling better, so will want to see what he does today, but it appears he'll play as of now.

Karl (Indiana)

Morning!..Do I get the last question? Yours is the most important chat of all week. We know who are starters are, but are they HEALTHY! I have Portis, SJax, Grant and Parker (IR slot). Must play 2. Am I in trouble?? Thanks.

Stephania Bell

  (11:59 AM)

Karl: Well, I'm glad YOU feel that way. Portis is a must start. He's banged up - but then who isn't? Nothing that will likely keep him out - as you saw last week. And he's matched against Detroit. Then I go with Steven Jackson, but you have to be prepared for the gtd. It is a possibility that he does not go, but based on the "conversations" all week, I'd be surprised if he doesn't suit up. If he starts, you have to play him. I like him better than your other 2.

Jason (Chicago)

Stepahnia. So LT says his toe isn't going to be a problem this week? How much are you buying into what he says?

Stephania Bell

  (12:01 PM)

Jason: I think LT is doing and saying all the right things. But I also think his toe is not 100%, just based on what he's been able to do so far (and he's hampered by a lack of blocking up front). I think he will probably put up average fantasy numbers.

Ross (Sacramento)

Buzzer beater? Faulk or Benjarvus...as you can tell i am desperate!

Stephania Bell

  (12:01 PM)

Ross: Faulk - I think he gets the majority of the work.

Stephania Bell

  (12:02 PM)

OK everyone: Thanks for coming. Remember we do this again before games on Sunday - so please come back starting at 10 a.m. with the injury chat. Have a great week 8 - stay healthy!!