Stephania Bell

  (11:03 AM)

Happy Friday Sports Nation!! Is your team suffering from injury? Actually I almost have to ask if it is NOT suffering from injury- That would actually be the more remarkable position. I see many of you are in line with your questions - so here we go...

Ryan (Tampa, FL)

Good morning Ms. Bell. Do you have any information regarding Ryan Torian? I am among those that do not have the NFL Network and did not see the game. Any idea about the severity of his knee injury? How did he look in general?

Stephania Bell

  (11:06 AM)

Hello RYan: I actually was watching the game and saw Torain go down. His knee was bent awkwardly and seemed to get forced inward (the way an MCL would tend to get stressed). With the weight of people falling on him and it bent awkwardly and his apprent immediate discomfort, it did not look good. Now he got up and walked off, even tried to jog a bit, but as we've seen, these injuries sometimes appear worse a little later. THere is a rumor out there that he tore his ACL which would mean he's done for the year, but he is apparently having more tests this weekend. In any event, if he's a new pickup for you, time to get someone else.

Chris (Bronx)

Hi Stephania, I'm a big fan of your work. Any update on Steven Jackson? Do you think he'll be ok, if not for this week, then in the future?

Stephania Bell

  (11:08 AM)

Chris: Thank you so much. Jackson is not looking good for this week. A repeat MRI reportedly showed increased inflammation, and actually it sounds as if he ahs gone backwards in terms of healing. With him unable to practice, and Haslett being very clear that without full practice he would not play, and with it not looking good from a healing perspective, I expect he will be out this week. The question becomes when can he get back - very up in the air. Such a day to day injury - but if it's really gone backwards, I would say at least the next 2 weeks are in question.

Steiny (NYC)

Will Felix Jones be ready to return Week 11?

Stephania Bell

  (11:10 AM)

Steiny: Jones returned to practice and at this point, it sounds as if the team expects him back for Week 11. Keep in mind, he will increase the stress on his leg as the practices go on, so it's still early, but looks good.

Jonathan (Austin, TX)

What's the status on McGahee? Do you think he actually plays this week? Is Ray Rice a better option?

Stephania Bell

  (11:12 AM)

Jonathan: McGahee sounds as if he's fairly healthy - and the Ravens expect him to play - but they have reiterated their commitment to the split. The problem is they will lean towards whomever gets hot - and it's a toss-up right now. Can't say RIce or McGahee has a clear advantage (and then there's McClain).

Josh, North Carolina

I've read that LT looked great across the pond, but haven't seen any recent team reports regarding the turf toe ... any updates?

Stephania Bell

  (11:14 AM)

Josh: I think that you're about to see the LT you knew before. There were glimpses in London and now he's had another week of rest and reports feeling great. It's hard to claim that he would be "fully" healed - but I think he's as good as he's been at any point this season and has a great matchup.

Chris (CT)

I just traded Mewelde Moore to the FWP owner in my league for Ryan Torain!! Did I just trade away the Steelers starter for the rest of the year? Is Willie's shoulder serious? Is this shoulder just a smokescreen that the knee is worse then they are letting on?

Stephania Bell

  (11:17 AM)

Chris: So sorry for you...but it only looks like one bad week. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is saying Parker is out this week b/c of his shoulder but that they expect it to only be a 1 week absence. There has been no diagnosis given, only that his shoulder ached the next day and he hasn't practiced. So hopefully it's more of a proactive rest and we see him back Week 11.

Dan (Philadelphia)

Stephania!!! I?m starting Matt Ryan right now after my first and second stringers, Romo and Orton respectively, got injured. Has there been any definitive report on the severity of Orton?s injury? And I see Romo has been practicing this week; is he still on pace to return and play effectively next week? Thanks!

Stephania Bell

  (11:18 AM)

Dan: Well, Matt Ryan is probably a great start this week so that's good. Orton has a high ankle sprain but sounds confident since he's been feeling better daily. Even though the idea was floated that he'd play this week, I'm not buying it. He has not practiced. Romo has been practicing in a much smaller protective wrap for his finger and I expect he'll be ready week 11.

Max (houston)

How serious was Scheffler's reinjury? Any chance he's out another couple of weeks?

Stephania Bell

  (11:21 AM)

Max: Haven't heard definitively the word "re-injury." I think he was clearly still hobbled by the groin though. You could see that he was in pain and not as loose as normal, yet he managed to play extremely well, given the circumstances. The hope would be that he'll be ready for next week, but I'm sure he won't be doing anything but resting for a few days. At least he has an extended week.

DGA

Whats up with this Jonathan Stewart heel injury? That came out of nowhere...or was that a factor in his horrible performance the week before his bye? Any time frame on an injury like this?

Stephania Bell

  (11:23 AM)

DGA: May well have been a factor. Apparently the heel has been bothering him for two weeks and is so painful now that it hurts to push off. Has not practiced this week and is wearing a boot. Questionable status for this week. Hard to know the time frame b/c depends how inflamed it is.

Aaron (Chicago)

Do you think Hasselbeck will actually return in Week 11, as has been reported? Can he be effective?

Stephania Bell

  (11:26 AM)

Aaron: I think it's too soon to say. His strength has improved, but he did not return to scout team practice yesterday as originally expected. Not that that is the end of the world = and everyone should be commended for bringing him back cautiously, but these things can easily go the other direction. Even if he's back in Week 11, I would want to see how he endured a return to the game before I played him.

Chris (Columbus)

Cadillac coming out of the garage? Will he remain active?

Stephania Bell

  (11:28 AM)

Chris: This is interesting. He has been cleared for contact in practice and I think the Buccs are excited about the prospect that he could contribute. But they are cautious too. It may be influenced by the health fo Graham and Dunn, but also how Williams does throughout the week with the increased intensity. I think they might keep him active, with the idea that they would only use him sparingly and cautiously.

dan(Minn)

Follow up on Stewart. Alot of the reports say he is still going to play this week. If he is able to practice today, do you think he will definitely play? If not, is it safe to say we should look in another direction? Thank you

Stephania Bell

  (11:30 AM)

Dan: I think today will be a big deciding factor. If he can practice, I think his chances increase - but not guaranteed. One of the things they take into account with these inflammatory conditions is not only how they do in practice, but how they feel the next day. If he does not practice, I think the odds of him playing drop significantly.

Ryan (NH)

Can they really afford to use Cadillac only sparingly if Graham and Dunn are that much of an injury concern?

Stephania Bell

  (11:31 AM)

Ryan: Have to - he had a major, major injury. They have to bring him back at an appropriate pace - or they risk ruining a year off. So - even if they need him, which they probably feel as if they do for some insurance, they can't push him too quickly.

brian (de)

How bad is Earnest Graham's injury? Should I start looking for replacements for the upcoming weeks or hold on to him?

Stephania Bell

  (11:34 AM)

Brian: It is unclear. We know he sprained his knee but not much more. Sounds like the team thinks the bye will be enough to help him get over the hump, but we probably won't know more specifically until middle of next week.

Matt (MD)

What's the latest on Reggie Bush's playing status for week 10?

Stephania Bell

  (11:36 AM)

Matt: Bush would have you think that he'll be ready for Week 10. And he may be. But don't be surprised as it aproaches if he gets pushed back to the Monday night game in Week 11.

CJ (Michigan)

Any news on Schaub? Is he worth keeping around for playoff time, or is his fate the IR??

Stephania Bell

  (11:37 AM)

CJ: I definitely think it's too early to assume he's done. His MCL injury is likely a 3-4 week injury, unless there is more to the story -but at this point. that's the report and I expect him to come back.

Lara (AZ)

Any word on Chambers? Got to go with him or Ginn Jr, what are your thoughts?

Stephania Bell

  (11:40 AM)

Lara: Chambers has been held out of practice more to protect his ankle I believe. I think he will play this week and could have a decent game.

Riaz, OH

Stephania the beautiful, Is Larry Fitzgerald foot an issue? Being a Monday night game, I want to make sure its nothing serious?

Stephania Bell

  (11:42 AM)

Riaz: I think you mean his thumb. The Arizona Republic reported that he had a thumb injury but details were limited although ti did not appear serious. He did practice on a limited basis Thursday and with the extra day, it sounds as if he will go.

Shaun (Montana)

Stephania, I know that the Pats aren't exactly forthcoming, but who do you expect to start at RB this week for them?

Stephania Bell

  (11:44 AM)

Shaun: Understatement of the century. Put it this way. No practice for Morris or Jordan, so I have to believe that it's Faulk and Green-Ellis, and who knows how they split it out. Faulk does seem to be more of the goal-line guy.

Chris (Saratoga Springs)

Stephania, whats up with Fargas? and if he can't go who starts Bush?

Stephania Bell

  (11:46 AM)

Chris: Fargas left yesterday with some sort of brace on his arm yet was not on any injury report - so there are no real details yet. Hopefully more will be available after the Friday practice. That being said, if he couldn't go for some reason, I would have to think Bush starts b/c McFadden is still very limited with the toes.

Justin (Islip, NY)

Stephania, the podcast is always more enjoyable when ur on it...u should be on it more often...Any news on Hines Ward's shoulder?

Stephania Bell

  (11:49 AM)

Justin: Ahhh - the flattery -thanks for listening. As far as Ward, it's unclear exactly what's wrong with his shoulder. He didn't practice yesterday - but a loit of guys apparently didn't. After having the Monday night game, so a short week before this game, they may have just been giving him some rest to help ensure that he's available. They're calling it day-to-day, but we'll see what he's able to do today. As of now I would say I'm not too worried.

Al, NY

Everyone is talking about Torrains injury but is Selvin Young a good pickup or was his injury last night pretty bad Stephania?

Stephania Bell

  (11:51 AM)

Selvin Young is still trying to recover from a groin injury and the plan was for them to use him only sparingly and more on bloicking alst night. When Torain went down he tried to go, but he was clearly very limited and went out shortly after, obviously not able to be effective and clearly still in a fair amount of pain. I don't think he's a sure thing anytime soon.

Tom (Hartford, CT)

What is Antonio Pittman's status? If SJax can't go, will he be ready?

Stephania Bell

  (11:54 AM)

Tom: Pittman was running on the side yesterday and trying his best to get ready. I think he will try to practice today. Even if he goes, Haslett made it sound like Darby and Gado were his planned 1-2 backs, and Pittman might be an emergency back. Especially after seeing what happens when a guy who is not quite ready tries to go at game speed, it is not likely they'll push Pittman.

glenn (wisconsin)

Good Morning Stephania, I know hes been out for awhile but whats the status of Palmer. Any chance he comes back and plays after their bye?

Stephania Bell

  (11:58 AM)

Glenn: There is a chance b/c he really wants to play. The decision will likely come next week. Palmer is scheduled to get some opinions this weekend and evlauate his status. It really comes down to how that goes. If he still has any symptoms when evaluated/tested, I think that will be the end. If the rest has him to the point where he doesn;t feel a thing when he throws, then I think he will try to return. He has not been practicing so we don't know the answer to those questions yet. But when he gets evaluated, I'm sure those things will be part of it.

Jamey (PA)

I have to start Reggie Brown this week as a bye replacement, is he 100% now? Thanks.

Stephania Bell

  (11:59 AM)

Jamey: Well, he's fully practicing, but he's still listed on the injury report, which makes me think he's not exactly 100%. Everything makes it look like he's playing though.

John, Chicago

Last Q on Jackson, what are the chances of Haslett actually listing him as out instead of questionable so we can put him on IR? Can you suggest this to him (I know he listens to you).

Stephania Bell

  (12:01 PM)

John: I'm quite sure he doesn't listen to me, but I don't think you'll see him on the out list. That being said, I would say if he doesn't practice, he'll probably be downgraded to doubtful -and then you'll have your answer.

Stephania Bell

  (12:03 PM)

OK SPorts Nation - time for me to run. Thanks for coming. Be sure to check back this Sunday morning for our pre-game chats and follow our ianctive updates. See you then - good luck in Week 10!