ESPN

Stephania Bell

  (11:05 AM)

Good Tuesday morning Sports Nation! Thanks for stopping by the early in the week injury chat. There are many questions already in queue so away we go...

Kevin (Chicago)

Good morning, Ms. Bell! What's the latest on Steven Jackson?

Stephania Bell

  (11:07 AM)

Good morning Kevin: Coach Haslett said yesterday that Jackson looked good. Apparently he felt his strained quad "grab" during the pregame warmups Sunday and the team decided not to risk further injury. They sound fairly positive that they will have him avaialble for the Cardinals this Sunday.

Tim (Detroit, MI)

Good morning Ms. Bell. Nothing was said yesterday in your post, but what about S. Moss and his hamstring and Clinton Portis? I have both and cannot afford to not have production with Colston out on a bye. Thanks!

Stephania Bell

  (11:10 AM)

Good morning Tim: Congratulations for being the first post today. The news wasn't really out before I posted yesterday but here's what we know now. Portis apparently sprained his ankle Sunday, to go along with his still sore hip flexor. The team is looking at both of these as "bumps and bruises" and expect him to play Monday night. Expect him to rest a lot this week, play Monday and then really rest with the bye afterward. Moss however has a decent hamstring strain with some swelling, and this is a guy with a history of hamstring issues. there is more concern that Moss may not be ready for Monday night, although they're hoping the extra day will be enough. Consider planning ahead though.

Eric (Ohio)

Bad attitude aside, is Plaxico hurt physically? Its hard to tell what's real and what's bad attitude.

Stephania Bell

  (11:12 AM)

Hi Eric: You're right. It is hard to tell at this point which is which. We know that Buress tore a tendon in his pinkie finger last week so that was legitimate. He had some neck/shoulder problems mid-week that sent him to the hospital, but he was cleared. It sounded fairly serious, but apparently he felt so good that he skipped treatment Saturday, which is why he was punished. That then makes you wonder how badly he was really hurting in the first place.

Andrew (PA)

What's the latest on Addai? It's been raining for hours here so any good news would certainly brighten things up a bit.

Stephania Bell

  (11:14 AM)

Andrew: Yes, thye rain in Philly obviosuly the big news - and now that lovely weather has made its way to Bristol. Addai is feeling better and was actually considering trying to play this week, but the team really wanting him to be sure he's healthy to avoid a setback. The fact that he's feeling better suggests he could be available this week (and I hear that that's what they're thinking in Indy).

Linda Chicago

What's the news on Devin Hester? Do you forsee a big game for him on Sunday?

Stephania Bell

  (11:17 AM)

Linda: News out of Chicago very limited this week. So no update on Hester yet. It did sound as if the quad strain was minor and the bye came at a great time - the team was feeling confident heading into it that they would have him back. I like to see what they're doing in practice leading up to the game, but if he is running full speed by Thursday, then I would expect him to be his normal self.

Jeremy (Miami)

Weather is PERFECT here, clear skies, 65 outside. However my running back situation makes me feel like I am in the Philly rain. What is Sammy Morris's status for this week looking like?

Stephania Bell

  (11:18 AM)

Jeremy: Hate to rain on your Miami weather. Although nothing official from the Patriots, the word on the street was that Morris was looking at a 2-3 week absence. So unless we hear otherwise, I would be trying to find a replacement for this week.

Josh Richmond, Va

I have Willie Parker. I've been waiting patiently for him to get 100% again but I'm growing weary of doing so. I'm deep at Rb with Gore, Lt, Ronnie Brown, and Willie. Do you think he will start producing big numbers again soon? Or should I go ahead and deal him?

Stephania Bell

  (11:22 AM)

Josh: Guess what? Willie is growing impatient too. He was thinking he'd be back 2 weeks ago, but sometimes this is the nature of injuries and they are impossible to predict with any degree of certainty, especially when it's soft tissue and you can't really visualize the healing. It has everything to do with how he feels and whether he can do what he's expected to on the field. The knee was still bothering him this week which is why he didn't play. Doesn't exactly make me confident at this point, but by the same token, the rest over the weekend may be the thing that allows him to take the field this Sunday. If it sounds like I don't know, I don't - and neither does the team b/c it' day-to-day. If you're strong at RB, you might be able to deal him indicating he will come back strong, and increase depth elsewhere.

Matt (Philadelphia)

The weather was snowy a little while ago here...will Brett Favre turn it around? He had an issue with his arm.

Stephania Bell

  (11:24 AM)

Matt: I am getting on a plane to CA in a few hours so hopefully I miss ANY snow. The situation with Favre is murky. The team has not acknowledged any injury. And he may not have a specific injury, per se. But his arm definitely appears to be "impaired" for lack of a better word, he is just off in his passing game. I would not be surprised if they rest him this week since he looks like he needs it - but I don't see him missing any time. I would actually feel better about his upcoming performance this weekend if he DID rest this week.

Ezra (NY, NY)

What's with Jamaal Charles? I heard a no-big-deal ankle sprain and also a high ankle sprain... which is it?

Stephania Bell

  (11:26 AM)

Ezra: Well, the Kansas City Star reported it's a high ankle sprain. And I tend to trust what I'm hearing on the ground locally. Of course, these tend to be more than 1 week injuries -a nd with Larry Johnson's status in question, Kolby Smith could be looking like a big pickup.

Joshua (Ohio)

I know that there is hardly any good news out of dallas these days, but any news on Felix Jones?

Stephania Bell

  (11:27 AM)

Hi Joshua: None specifically. But given that he tore his hamstring near the knee, when they issued a timetable of 2-4 weeks, I always thought it would be on the longer end. I do not expect we'll see him until after the bye unless there's some magical progress this week.

John, nyc

Jason Witten? Arguably the toughest guy in the NFL, is there any word on his status for next week?

Stephania Bell

  (11:32 AM)

John: And I don't think many people would argue with you. He took a shot to the ribs, tried to come back but couldn't. Supposedly had an MRI Monday, but results not yet known. Knowing him, he plays unless there's enough physical damage that it's risky.

Matt (Baltimore, MD)

I know that coaches like to be guarded in what they say, but can we give up on Palmer yet? I'm tired of holding on to him...

Stephania Bell

  (11:33 AM)

Matt: For fantasy purposes, you definitely should. I think there's quite a good chance he does not throw again this year, although that's not definite. The big question becomes surgery or not. He may try to throw to see if he still has symptoms, which may help him make the surgery decision, but it's way too iffy.

Brian (Ohio)

Rumors are circulating of a quick Reggie Bush return. Any truth to this?

Stephania Bell

  (11:36 AM)

Brian: I don't buy it. Bush has a history of other trauma to that knee. Rushing does no good in the long-term. After that type of surgery, 4 weeks is an average (even good) return. That will be after a bye - but I think they play the Chiefs. I would not be surprised if he didn't come back until even the following week which is a Monday night game.

Tim (Minneapolis)

Good Morning Stephania, do you know anything about Reggie Wayne? He went out injured last night and then returned so I don't think it is serious but what happened?

Stephania Bell

  (11:37 AM)

Tim: Yes, I saw that too. I hear that he took a blow to his lower leg, but it obviously didn't keep him from returning. SO I would assume he's OK for this week unless there's a development later in the week.

Andrew (Philly)

I'd like to argue with John. I think Anquan Boldin might be the toughest guy in the NFL. He looked pretty good last week. What's his prognosis going forward?

Stephania Bell

  (11:38 AM)

Andrew: Yes -you have a great point. THis is a guy who took no pain meds after having 8 plates put in his face. Wow. Based on his performance, I would say things only improve as far as his healing with time.

Chris (Saratoga Springs)

Hi Stephania!! What is going on with Mcfadden, practiced all week then inactive. I traded for him earlier in the year thinking he'd be starting by now...

Stephania Bell

  (11:40 AM)

Chris: Ahhh - this is the unfortunate nature of turf toe. He actually practiced less late in the week and was seen walking "gingerly" around the practice facility. He was listed as questionable which really told me that he was still ailing. The team has to hope that the week of additional rest helps, which it did before to some degree (after the bye), but it just take a wrong move to aggravate it - so it may be up and down for the remainder of the season.

Rob (Houston)

Any word on Reggie Brown? Need to make a decision on him or T.Ginn jr. Thanks.

Stephania Bell

  (11:41 AM)

Rob: Brown has dealt with soft tissue injuries all year and really has not been healthy for more than a week or two. He is now No. 3 on the depth chart - I have to think that Ginn actually has more potential at this point.

Nick (Philly,PA)

Stephania, love your work!! How soon do you project Matt Hasselbeck back, and will he return to his usual form when he finally returns?

Stephania Bell

  (11:45 AM)

Nick: Thanks! Hasselbeck paid a visit to the spine surgeon again to discuss all his options, surgery being one of them. It's unclear how much progress he's made, but we do know that he still has weakness in his leg as a result of sciatic nerve compression. It is very typical for this type of thing to linger for weeks, even months, and most people eventually get better without surgery. But this is the NFL - and the factors going into making the decision are probably a little different. Until we know what path he's going to take, it's hard to know much about his timetable, but put it this way, do not expect him this week, probably longer.

Jem (Westchester, NY)

Trying to come up with a question as thoughtful as your answers. So here's a new one for ya. Mike Walker of the Jags looked great before he re-injured himself. Can you tell us a little about his injury history and if you think he plays at Cinci this week?

Stephania Bell

  (11:49 AM)

Jem: Great question - largely under the radar. Walker reportedly sprained his MCL in early October but then had an infection in his knee that delayed his recovery. Coach del Rio said that he expects Walker to return this week, which they could use, especially if Jones is out and Porter hasn't really produced as expected post-hamstring surgery. It sounds like he could make an appearance although I'm not sure how much action he sees (vs Jags running the ball).

Joe (Tucson)

McCain or Obama? I have to start one next week...

Stephania Bell

  (11:50 AM)

Joe: Ha - funnY That's good - of course only you know who you plan to start...

Craig (NYC)

Stephania, any word on T. Scheffler?

Stephania Bell

  (11:53 AM)

Craig: Reports out of Denver suggest that Scheffler is close to a return. If he continues to practice well this week without a setback, expect him to play. Btw, Stokley back in practice Monday and could be available. Cutler also practicing and it sounds as if some of the swelling has gone down in his finger. The fact that he is at practice early in the week (and Shanahan suggesting he'll be fine) makes it sound as if he'll be under center.

Justin (PA)

Is Ryan Torain healthy enough start this week?

Stephania Bell

  (11:54 AM)

Justin: Sounds as if Torain will be a go this week also. But keep in mind, first NFL game, coming off of a big injury, so I don't expect him to carry the load.

Mike (LA, CA)

Any word on Brandon Lloyd? PCL better?

Stephania Bell

  (11:55 AM)

Mike: Nothing official. Chicago very quiet during the bye week. Hope to have more later in the week -but I will say that he is approaching the initial timetable that was quietly expected after the initial injury.

Steve, Boston MA

I know Curtis returned last week, but he only recorded 3 catches? Is he really at 100%, or is Philly just bringing him back slowly?

Stephania Bell

  (11:55 AM)

Steve: I think they're bringing him back slowly in certain packages. I think he is in good shape.

Lonnie (Dallas)

Before you go Steph, I gotta know what's up with Shockey. Is he still hurting or is it his attitude?

Stephania Bell

  (11:56 AM)

Lonnie: Shockey had a setback right before London, and in the scheme of things was still on the very early side as far as returning from that type of surgery. So even though I expected him to play, it was quite clear that Payton was going to be extremely conservative in using him. I think that continues until their bye.

Tom (SoCal)

Time to drop D.Branch?

Stephania Bell

  (11:58 AM)

Tom: Probably. He's still having big problems with his heel and likely won't go again this week. They will not put him out there with a bad heel when the other leg is fresh off ACL reconstruction. I would move on,

Jeremy (Miami)

Please update me on Selvin Young before you go.

Stephania Bell

  (11:59 AM)

Jeremy: Young looks to come back to the lineup this week, but it's unclear how much action he sees with Pittman and Torain in the mix.

Joe (San Antonio, Tx)

Warrick Dunn this week?

Stephania Bell

  (12:01 PM)

Joe: Dunn apparently was bothered more by the pinched nerve than expected during alst week's game. This is one of those day-to-day monitoring things, so need to see what he can do going forward.

Stephania Bell

  (12:02 PM)

OK everyone. Time for me to run! Thanks so much for coming. I'll be chatting to you from the West Coast this Friday. Have a great week everyone!