Stephania Bell

  (11:03 AM)

Good morning Sports Nation! Happy Friday - Lots and lots to talk about injury-wise...but when isn't there??? Let's get to your burning questions right NOW...

mark g (wayne,nj)

hi stephania, im in school in study hall and wondering whats up with westbrook, is he 100%??

Stephania Bell

  (11:04 AM)

Mark: Now you're supposed to be studying...but we're glad that you're also studying your fantasy team. Westbrook is rarely 100 percent during the season - but he's practicing fully and is expected to play.

Mike (KC)

What % would you give Romo on being back to the guy who threw 3 TD's and 300 yards all the time before his injury?

Stephania Bell

  (11:07 AM)

Mike: 80%. Just a random number. Look - he's well enough to be out there and playing, not really concerned about his finger or his ability to throw. Apparently he has some mild discomfort taking snaps from center, but he can do everything he needs to. It's always the speed of the game when these guys come back after a month off. I expect a little rust, but I think that will improve as the game goes on. Plus everyone in Dallas excited about his return, so there's a good upbeat mode when he steps in which only helps.

Hendrick (Oakland, CA)

I have 3 running backs(Addai, Willie Parker, and Fleix Jones) on my team, and they've all been hurt this season for a long period of time. Addai hasn't looked too good since coming back, and I'm worried about Parker. Will Addai and Parker's play get better?

Stephania Bell

  (11:10 AM)

Hendrick: Addai is easing back in from the hamstring injury, but there's no reason to think that he won't improve from here on out. Parker will play this week, despite injuring his shoulder and I don't think it will limit him too much unless he takes a direct hit or lands on it in such a way that it really makes it painful. I think Parkere's knee held up well in his first game back after the MCL sprain - and I think you can expect good things from him going forward.

Christopher (Columbus)

Hey Stephania...... Who is the safer play this week? Orton or Hasselbeck? I'm thinking Orton but Hasselbeck against the Arizona defense with some actual weapons to throw to is tempting.

Stephania Bell

  (11:13 AM)

Christopher: Good question. As of this morning, Hasselbeck is the safer start. Full practices all week. I hope he has the endurance for the game (I think he will), but he may be a bit rusty coming off so much time away. Orton wants to play, and he has practiced some, but I still worry about his ankle. There are just things you can't account for in practice and no one is going to pressure him in a way that stresses his ankle like they will in a game. He will likely be in uniform, may not be decided on as to whether he starts until gametime, and then not sure he lasts. He's the bigger question mark to me.

Dante (NY)

I'm in Portis trouble here... if he can't play, I'm stuck with Betts, Hillis, or Fargas. What's with the knees in Washington?

Stephania Bell

  (11:15 AM)

Dante: You are in trouble with Portis. I do not expect him to play with a Grade II MCL sprain - and each day it looks more unlikely. Betts did not look early in the week like he could go, but now has been back to full practice and is looking more like a starter. I wouldn't touch anyone in Oakland if I could help it, and although Hillis looked decent last week, Bell has been added to the mix in Denver.

Ron (Kalamazoo, MI)

Is there any way Clinton Portis plays and has even just an average game? I can't help but to think since he has missed so many practices here in weeks past maybe this is all just a gamemanship ploy by Zorn?

Stephania Bell

  (11:16 AM)

Ron - No, this is different. This kind of injury is a killer for a running back. He really can't move well. Expect him to sit.

david (Slidell,la)

will sjax be ready to play by December or do you think the injury will linger for the rest of the year?

Stephania Bell

  (11:19 AM)

David: This is becoming a big question. A supposedly mild strain has turned into a major problem and Jackson's attempts to push it have made it worse. I think you're looking at two weeks at least, but these are so hard to predict, it's really a quesiton of when the tissue healing turns a corner, and that's a day-to-day assessment. I would think he'll play again this year, the quesiton becomes will he be at fulls trength again this year. No way to answer that right now.

Jason (Monticello, FL)

How is Reggie Wayne's knee/ankle this week? Is he a threat to be held out or be a GTD, or is he just resting to be 100% for this weekend?

Stephania Bell

  (11:20 AM)

Jason: Sounds as if the COlts expect Wayne to play but are resting him givne the recent knee injury and now the ankle. Always like to see what they do in Friday practice, but as of now, expect him in the lineup.

Justin (Salsibury Md.)

I'm dealing with Tony Scheffler drama... I know the Broncos are going to pass and pass often... but what about that groin injury? Worth starting him over Bo Scaife? thanks stephania!

Stephania Bell

  (11:24 AM)

Justin: Scheffler should play. He has been practicing fully and although he did not look like his old self last week, the key is that he was effective. The extra few days between games had to help, so expect him to be on track for this week. That being said, Scaife has clearly emerged as a big target in the Titans offense. I still favor Scheffler though.

John (Toledo, OH)

Hi Starphania. Your 49ers don't seemed to be too concerned about Gore's headaches? Are you? Any chance he doesn't play this weekend?

Stephania Bell

  (11:27 AM)

John: Obviously some confusion coming out about Gore. I think it's fair that Gore said he had a concussion b/c a) he's had one before and he knows what that felt like and b) he took the hit. Now whether it met the medical criteria or not is the question that started the controversy, as it was diagnosed as a neck injury (which certainly can also give you headaches and nausea as Gore reported). I think SIngletary is trying to keep everyone on the same page in terms of what they report. Sounds as if they all agree that Gore was feeling better late in the day yesterday and it appears as if he will play.

Brett (NY)

Hey Stephania! Reggie Bush - safe to deploy or use D. Rhodes instead?

Stephania Bell

  (11:30 AM)

Brett: No sure thing with Bush. Practiced Weds. Held out yesterday although Saints say no setback, they did not want to overdo it. I'm not yet convinced. Want to see what he does in practice, but Payton has held his players out who are on the bubble inthe past, and they may want to give him an extra week. Even if he's active, don't expect a ton of playing time.

Brian (Boston)

How is Marques Colston? Yesterday he was limited due to knee swelling...is this something to be concerned about or is he just experiencing some bumps/bruises as he gets back to the weekly grind?

Stephania Bell

  (11:32 AM)

Brian: Well, anytime you have knee swelling there's reason to be concerned. This has been sort of an on again, off again thing for Colston. DOesn't look like it would keep him out at this point, but it may affect his targets.

Jerry (NYC)

Speaking of your 49ers, looks like the WRs are pretty banged up. After MNF, I picked up Jason Hill. Should I send him out this week? (Please try to be impartial)

Stephania Bell

  (11:33 AM)

Jerry: Of course I can be impartial (mostly). Seriously, with Morgan hurt (and definitely out) and Battle out, Hill is a good option and the two Hills have shown a connection that is more than just a name. Good sleeper option for this week.

Andrew (New Orleans)

How is Selvin Young? Is he going to be back to help for Denver or is T. Bell the answer?

Stephania Bell

  (11:35 AM)

Andrew: The outlook is not so good for Young. Still hurting with the groin. I think you will see Bell and Hillis - and I'm not even sure how much of a running game you see at all.

Fred (RI)

Is Mcfadden playing or is fargas going to get 20+ carries again?

Stephania Bell

  (11:36 AM)

Fred: Actually looks like McFadden will play. Surprising considering how he felt just a week ago. But he has been running and cutting this week, no pain and is expected to play.

Rahman (Los Angeles)

Is Jason Elam likely to play this week? I really don't want to drop anyone else on my team to get another kicker. Elam will be my #1 the rest of the way.

Stephania Bell

  (11:38 AM)

Rahman: May be a gtd. Has not practiced all week b/c of the hip but you have to think he wants to play against Denver. Still...no guarantees until he does something in practice.

John (Syracuse, NY)

Digging deep here....what's the word on Cedric Benson? I'm in trouble at Rb and need him to be healthy and putting up 4 yards per like he has been. Any insight?

Stephania Bell

  (11:41 AM)

John: Who would have thought at the start of the year that we would be talking about (and care about) Benson's availability? He was just added yesterday b/c of a back problem - that's all we know - and Chris Henry took the snaps with the first team. As always, a lot hinges on what he does today, so check the post-Friday practice reports, but there's no official reason to worry a great deal yet.

Bart Cleveland

Stephania, are we allowed to talk hoops???? whats the news on Tony Parker anything good?

Stephania Bell

  (11:43 AM)

Bart: I never mind throwing a hoops question in there. Parker injured his ankle pretty decently - a Grade 2 ankle sprain -and was projected at 4 weeks when it happened, so he's got another 3 to go. As it gets closer, it will become more clear whether that needs to be extended, but for now, expect that to be the minimum time.

James (South Dakota)

Chris Henry!? Do you mean the "Journey" man Chris Perry??

Stephania Bell

  (11:44 AM)

James - Journey reference and the correction gets you the post. Yes - you are indeed correct.

brian (de)

Anything to worry about for Santana Moss and his hamstring or should he have his normal game vs. Dallas?

Stephania Bell

  (11:46 AM)

Brian: He is back to full practices, hamstring and all. It does appear that another week under his belt has really helped him, so expect him to be deployed as usual.

Larry, Boston Massachusetts

Hi Steph: I like to set up my lineup after your injury report every week. What's up with Chambers? They said he was healthy but they played him sparingly & he had no receptions.

Stephania Bell

  (11:48 AM)

Larry: Thanks - hopefully that has been a good thing for your lineup. Chambers was being eased back. Yes, he was practicing and playing, but not wuite up to 100%. He seems to be in better shape this week and I think you will see his targets increase.

Tony Romo (Dallas)

Stephania - I'm back and feeling pretty good, but is Witten? I don't buy him being his normal self

Stephania Bell

  (11:49 AM)

Tony: You ought to know since he's your favorite target on the team. He's been practicing (limited0 nad it still hurts, but he'll wear some padding, maybe get another injection and tough it out to make you look good this Sunday.

Jason (Ventura,)

Uh, the "Journey man" is Steve Perry. Not Chris. What's the word on Willie Parker this week? Do you expect him to the bulk of the carries?

Stephania Bell

  (11:50 AM)

Jason - I know...but any attempt at a Journey reference is appreciated. Parker will probably split with Moore again.

Matt MN

Stephania, How is Big Ben's shoulder? Do you expect more points out of Big Den or Delhomme this week giving they both play horrible pass defenses and Delhomme is healthy?

Stephania Bell

  (11:51 AM)

Matt: More out of Delhomme, making up for a bad showing alst week. Big Ben is certainly tough, but I think part of his late game fade is sue to the shoulder, and I think you may see it again,

Andy (NYC)

Stephania, what's up with the enigmatic Willis McGahee this week? Any injuries to speak of? Is he likely to play?

Stephania Bell

  (11:52 AM)

Andy: Expect him to play, nothing more than banged up everywhere, but this is a timeshare. And not necessarily an even one week in and week out - as in sometimes McGahee has a huge game, sometimes Rice, etc. So take your chances, but I expect more McGahee this week.

Xander (Philly)

Its my birthday!!! I'm freaking 25...Reggie Bush or Warrick Dunn? Is Graham playing?

Stephania Bell

  (11:54 AM)

Happy Birthday Xander -why "freaking"? I'm trying to remember back to 25... Warrick Dunn is much more of a sure thing than Bush. Graham is questionable and will likely be up until gametime, but I don't like his chances.

Riaz, OH

Stephania, Whats your take on Larry Johnson? Does he get all the carries this weekend or is Jamaal Charles injury not bad enough to get him in the mix. My debate is between playing L.J and Eddie Royal. Thanks!

Stephania Bell

  (11:55 AM)

Riaz: Charles is hurting with the ankle injury - as you saw he could barely stay in the game last week. Johnson has something to prove, and although I don;t think he's a spectacular play, I do expect him to get the bulk of the work.

Kelli (NJ)

Any word on Anthony Gonzalez and his hamstring? I really need him this week. Thank you Stephania,

Stephania Bell

  (11:57 AM)

Kelli: I think his limitations in practice were on the proactive side - as in they need him down the stretch and don't want him worse. I expect him to play as of right now, unless ther eis some bad news out of Indy practice today.

Bryan (Seattle)

Your thoughts on Cadillac Williams return? Any chance he'll get good carries during the last 3 or 4 weeks of the season when the Bucs schedule is softer?

Stephania Bell

  (11:59 AM)

Bryan: Really hard to know how much they use him but they will be VERY careful early on. This was a severe injury and they do not want to risk too much. I think if he does well on a limited basis, he'll do a little more late in the season, but I don't know if it will be worth much more than a potential flex spot down the line. If you've got room on your bench, he's a good guy to have in case Graham can't get healthy or Dunn has a setback.

paul (richmond)

Hi Stephania: love your work - Felix Jones ??? go or no go and if no go your prognosis of when he returns

Stephania Bell

  (12:00 PM)

Paul: Jones was not practicing this week to the Cowboys' surprise - probably another week, maybe two. He feels a lot better but it will take a bit to get him to game speed and they don't want him out theremainder of the year.

Bryce (Charleston, SC)

Stephania, So if somebody were offering me Portis in a trade would you steer clear of him? Will he be back to what he was before the injury in time for weeks 15 and 16 or is that highly unlikely?

Stephania Bell

  (12:02 PM)

Bryce: I wouldn't take it now - and I think he will get back, but this is a tough injury. Normally 3-4 weeks for a running back, 6 weeks or so to really fully heal so during those early return weeks, there is always the risk of setback. He is tough, and has shown that this year, but this is not a "tough it out" injury. He simply will be limited until it's further along. Even if he comes back to play by next week, I'm skeptical about his health at that point.

Stephania Bell

  (12:03 PM)

OK gang: I'm out for this Friday morning. See you Sunday morning before the games. Be sure to check our inactive list for the latest updates on all your key fantasy players. Good luck!!