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Stephania Bell

  (11:02 AM)

Good Morning Sports Nation and Happy NFL Week 1 Friday! It's so great to have the season underway. We all have hope for our fantasy teams and our real teams. But of course, there are injuries...which is what we're here to talk about. Bunch of you already in line so here we go!

Michael (Milwaukee)

Hi Stephania. I think you deserve your own ice cream flavor. Tell me about Pierre Thomas. Is it safe to start Mike Bell or will Pierre play and ruin his day?

Stephania Bell

  (11:04 AM)

Hi Michael: Thank you! I do too. Now you have to e-mail the podcast (which is where this topic came from for the rest of the folks) and tell them!I think Mike Bell is a good start. Thomas still has not practiced and I think the knee is still bothering him. I'd be surprised if he plays at this point, but even if he does, it would have to be limited.

Craig (St. Paul, MN)

My intention is to not worry about Kevin Walter's status and use the apparently quick healing Donnie Avery as my WR3. Right call?

Stephania Bell

  (11:06 AM)

Craig: Yes, I would agree and I'll tell you why. Walter is not practicing and the hamstring seems to still be an issue - meaning even if they change their mind, he won't be at full speed and may be more decoy than true threat. Avery has proven that the break is behind him. Now St. Louis has a weak offense, but if someone's going to catch it, it will be him, and he's ready to play.

Steve (Cypress, TX)

You deserve an ice cream flavor! Starphonia?s Delight perhaps? Question on Donnie Avery; Do you think he is being pushed into action to quickly with his type of foot injury or is he simply a ?quick healer?? Can he push off and cut at full speed for example. Thx.

Stephania Bell

  (11:08 AM)

Steve: I like the idea of the name - need some more suggestions to judge. Great Q re: Avery. Not pushed too fast. THe call is easier with bone healing. It is easier to visualize healing of the bone, once there's adequate healing to allow return to activity, it's just a question of getting up to game speed. Rare to re-injure in this type of situation.

Randy (Lynchburg, VA)

Good Morning Stephania! Let's get it out of the way early, the prognosis can't be good for Polamalu. Based on what you've written about MCL injuries in the past, I'd imagine that this type of injury is bad for a SS. Also, how much does this hurt the Steelers D in fantasy?

Stephania Bell

  (11:11 AM)

Randy: Aha - you're paying attention - I like that. Yes, this is a tougher injury for a guy who runs allover the place, than for a QB for instance. It also remains to be seen how extensive the damage is and whether he injured anything else (meniscus is nearby). But, I imagine they'll try a platelet injection to help facilitate healing, and it may help him get back a little quicker. Obviously hurts D but hard to quantify. He's usually good for a pick at the very least.

Dan (Washington, DC)

Good Morning Stephania! Although its always hard to decipher what's goin on with the Pats...how's Welker looking for Monday night? Thanks!

Stephania Bell

  (11:13 AM)

Dan: You are correct - and he is listed on the practice report as limited (which we know b/c he hasn't been seen in preseason games in last few weeks). They're calling it "knee" which means nothing, but the good news is that he was dressed for the last game, and has been dressed but limited in practice -have to think this is on the order of less serious. And yes, expect him to play.

Scott (Rainy South Florida)

Will Jonathan Stewart be ready to go soon? Will he be able to hobbled all year with his Achilles?

Stephania Bell

  (11:15 AM)

Scott: It's rainy in Bristol too my friend. Stewart is not even appearing on the injury report right now. Full practice yesterday and they say he looked very good. Still - the caution is that this type of thing could flare up with overuse, so I expect him to play at this point but probably see a controlled workload.

Cory (PA)

Stephania: I'd go for Stephania's Questionably Probable Gameday Decision Sundae Surprise. Might be a bit of a mouthful though. But throw in some chocolate covered graham cracker casts and a strawberry ripple and I'd call it a winner.

Stephania Bell

  (11:15 AM)

Cory: I'm loving it. Especially graham cracker casts

Patrick (Raleigh)

Can we expect Antonio Bryant to play his best against Dallas when he missed all four preseason games?

Stephania Bell

  (11:17 AM)

Patrick: Don't know about his best? But I think you can expect solid play. Word is he's looking good post-meniscus surgery and limitation in practice may be proactive.

Jon (WI)

How likely is it that Cassel will miss more that just a game if he doesn't play sunday

Stephania Bell

  (11:19 AM)

Jon: I think the fact they're considering him up to gametime makes it sound as if he should be ready in a week. Keep in mind - injury status is always fluid b/c a guy can have a setback, even in practice. But I think he's struggling enough that they'll hold him until Week 2.

Jim (Dallas)

How about the latest on Schaub?

Stephania Bell

  (11:19 AM)

Jim: Full practice yesterday. Expect him to be fine for Sunday.

Alan ((IN))

What's the word on Orton's finger? You think its good enough for him to throw it around like Josh McDaniels needs him to?

Stephania Bell

  (11:21 AM)

Alan: Still a question. He's been able to throw short passes and hand off. Struggled some apparently with the glove that he's wearing to protect the still healing skin. He's not used to a glove, never wore one, and it's altering his grip a bit. I think they will see how hefares today. Either they'll go with Simms or I think they might play him and change up the game plan. We may not know until Sunday.

Ryan (San Diego)

What is the update on Anquan Boldin? Is he still expected to go? Btw, the fantasy podcast is 10x more entertaining when they have you on

Stephania Bell

  (11:22 AM)

Ryan: I'm sending this one straight to the guys...Boldin is still limited with the hammy. Becoming more puzzling b/c the team seemed to be dismissing it a while ago ("of course he'll play week one") and now, not so much, making it more of a question mark. I think today's practice will go a long way - if he's not a full participant, I'd be worried about whether he'll be ready to go or not.

Andrew (Philadelphia)

Hi Starphania, my fiancee is a Physical Therapist and I'm constantly telling her about how she needs to become the next Starphania. Fingers crossed! Anyway, is it just coincidence that EVERYONE is injuring their MCL's? Or is there more to it?

Stephania Bell

  (11:24 AM)

Andrew: You tell her I wish her the best. Always need more PTs! I think it is coincidence, and it's part of the game when these guys get landed on, the foot tends to stick, the knee does not ahve much give, especially in the side-to-side direction and it's easy to tear.

Joe (Princeton NJ)

Good morning Stephania,Two good running backs who had bad 08 seasons are said to be healthy for this weekend.....Addai and McFadden. who do you have more faith in for this weekend and how are they looking to you?

Stephania Bell

  (11:25 AM)

Hi Joe in my college town: Yes, both reportedly healthy. I like the McFadden upside - explosiveness and power - and yes, his feet are healthy, and that would be my pick.

Sean (Hoboken)

Any lingering effects on Felix Jones injury from last year ? Start at flex with confidence ?

Stephania Bell

  (11:26 AM)

Sean: I've heard nothing but good reports and that he was on an amazing off-season training program. So yes, confidence.

Joe (Spokane)

Hello Patron Saint of the injured! Would you start James Shields tonight at Boston in a H2H league? I need win and don't wanna hurt my era or whip!

Stephania Bell

  (11:29 AM)

Joe: Yes - I think he's traditionally done well against Boston.

Jasmin (Montreal)

How is Reggie Bush doing these days? Ready to go.....

Stephania Bell

  (11:31 AM)

Jasmin: Yes, he's ready. My position on him is same as at start of preseason. He'll have some explosive games but he'll be a risk with a knee that's less than perfect. So this week he might have a decent game, esp if Thomas is out, but it's a gamble with him.

Nate (New Orleans)

I know you are probably burned out on Baseball talk, but fantasy championships are on the line. Can i get a Micheal Young update? How many games will he play next week?

Stephania Bell

  (11:33 AM)

Nate: Not burned out - just the tide is shifting, everyone has hope in football, only a few in fantasy. Sounds like you're one of the few with hope so... Young is expected to rejoin the team this weekend, has been working the hamstring out hard with the goal of getting back. My only caution would be that he had a pretty decent strain, and these in particular are susceptible to re-injury.So it will be a day-to-day thing and seeing how he responds. Too hard to project game totals.

Chris (Latham NY)

Any news on MJD?

Stephania Bell

  (11:34 AM)

CHris: Not on practice report from yesterday (as in he practiced fully). He's ready to go and the Colts are minus Bob Sanders...

Richard (Greensboro, NC)

I see all these players with knee injuries every year. It seems to be the main thing that takes people out of the game for extended periods of time, and it seems to happen most often early in the season. Are players getting out of shape in the offseason and rushing back too fast and too hard, and should players be doing something in the offseason to ward off these types of injuries?

Stephania Bell

  (11:36 AM)

Richard: You're asking a very thoughtful question and lots of people look at this trend and try to make sense of it. I will tell you that there is no definitive reason. We do see a lot of early season injuries...and a lot of late season injuries. There is some thought that it takes guys an adjustment to get into "game shape" including adjusting to full games, field surfaces, taking hits, etc. Many of them are doing offseason major conditioning and cross-training, but you just can't prevent every injury. The knees are especially vulnerable b/c there is very little give in the joint. So, unfortunately no immediate solution.

John (Denver)

Stephania, tu est tres jolie. Does Beltran have any SB's left in him this year?

Stephania Bell

  (11:37 AM)

John: Did you know I was French literature major? Merci. And the answer, I think, is no. Or very few at the least. He may be in the lineup - intermittently, but I still think he's going to be cautious...and that will be the hardest thing for him to do.

Jeff (Rochester)

Any news on whether Berrian will play with his hamstring injury?

Stephania Bell

  (11:39 AM)

Jeff: THis is, of course, a very popular question this morning. Another one of those hamstring strains that is becoming a little more concerning as Sunday approaches. He was injured in the preseason opener and hasn't done much since so there is not much to judge. I really am stuck until injury designations come out today and I want to see him run full speed at practice (which has not happened yet) before I have any confidence about Sunday.

Erik (Austin, TX)

What is the news on the Seattle front with guys like Burleson and Branch who didn't play much last season?

Stephania Bell

  (11:42 AM)

Erik: Burleson is coming off ACL surgery and has looked beyond impressive in the preseason. But...two years is usually what it takes to produce great numbers,. but his injury happened early and he may surprise. Less optimistic about Branch who has had some lingering issues since his ACL injury and most recently has a hamstring that's bothering him.

Riaz (Berea)

Stephania, I am deciding whether to play Brandon Marshall or not. Does he still have a hamstring injury or will he be good to go health wise against Cincy? Thanks!!

Stephania Bell

  (11:44 AM)

Riaz: All indications are that he will play. I have to tell you though that without him really doing much for the last few weeks, he hasn't tested it enough for us to know just how well it will hold up. I have some lingering concern that his not getting into games may have not "prepared" his post-surgical hip well enough, but he is so generally athletic, that he may be able to overcome it quickly.

Dan (Washington, DC)

Hi Stephania, one more question for you...Greg Jennings, any reason to worry about lingering effects from that concussion?

Stephania Bell

  (11:45 AM)

Dan: No. The fact that he's been fully cleared and returned to action means that he's passed every test AND is symptom free.

Patrick (Dallas)

I've heard rumors about Chris Henry being injured... any updates? Also, I have a question about platelet injections. If it is a therapy designed to help a player heal faster by increasing the amount of a substance that the body produces naturally... how is that any different from steroids? Any potential banning of this process?

Stephania Bell

  (11:48 AM)

Patrick: As far as Chris Henry, we're hearing he strained a quad in Weds practice and was held out yesterday. But no indication one way or the other as to how serious. Waiting to see what he does today.As far as platelets, they actually withdraw blood, centrifuge it to separate platelets out, then re-inject the platelets (which help with healing). It's your own platelets, not synthetics, which is why it's legal.

Hank (Austin)

Hi Stephania, I've been waiting all week to ask you: what's the story with Josh Hamilton and his injury? Is this something that's going to bother him for the rest of the year? You're the best!

Stephania Bell

  (11:50 AM)

Hank: He has a pinched nerve in his back, usually the result of a bulging disc. Yes, I think it will bother him for the rest of the season, at least intermittently. These are not quick to resolve in the first place, and if it weren't this time of year, they might take him out for a little longer. At this point, you have to accept the day-to-day with him, I think for the remainder of his season.

pat (wisconsin rapids)

Good morning Stephnia, Great segment...Have you heard how Moreno is doing. Can I start him?

Stephania Bell

  (11:51 AM)

Pat: Thanks for coming. Moreno is doing really well. Yes, still on the late end of recovery but I do expect him to play this week and to touch the ball a fair amount.

Craig (PA)

Please some baseball help, im in the playoffs and i need to know if i'll at least get 1 game from lincecum this week? Thanks.

Stephania Bell

  (11:52 AM)

Craig: He's been feeling better. Team was re-evaluating him yesterday and is expected to make a projection for him today - so we haven't heard anything official, but I would expect him to be back next week.

Doug (KCMO)

But isn't Moreno buried on the depth chart?

Stephania Bell

  (11:53 AM)

Doug: In Denver, you never know who's going to run the ball - but the word from people I've talked to is that they love him, and want to get him in the mix quickly, as long as he's healthy enough.

john (ma)

Hi Stephania! Beanie Wells ok?

Jeremy (Sunny South Florida)

Stephania, any news on Sam Bradford's shoulder? I have been told there should be no way he comes back in time for Miami (4 weeks) with a Grade 2 or 3. However, Stoops has also said ~4 weeks. What says the Wiz of the Wounded?

Stephania Bell

  (11:54 AM)

John: Yep - he's OK, running well. My issue with him is that he has a history of long-standing foot and ankle problems and I'm not convinced that he holds up.

Stephania Bell

  (11:57 AM)

Jeremy: Sorry - out of order post. Look - I'm a Hurricane myself, so I'd like to think that he'll be out against Miami.But seriously, a Grade 3 would probably allow him back at 4 weeks earliest (MAYBE he could come back in two but I doubt it), then they have a bye, then Miami. It could still be tough for him to do everything by then. Probably closer to 6 weeks to really put a laser on it. But with a complete separation, there's not really an increased injury risk by playing sooner, as long as he can perform without pain.

Steve (NY)

Stephania, I started Ian Stewart and Troy Tulowitzki in my playoffs with WEEKLY lineup changes. Do I have any hope for the weekend? Please say yes...

Stephania Bell

  (12:00 PM)

Steve: Stewart sounds like he's improving. He may be ready for next week's series against my Giants. Tulo less predictable - day-to-day with how his back feels (and this is not a predictable injury by any stretch). From what I can gather he's a few days away at least.

Mark (Boston)

BUZZER BEATER!! There are rumors here locally that Sammy Morris has Tibia Tendinitis. Is this serious?

Stephania Bell

  (12:02 PM)

Mark: He's listed on the report with a finger injury. The tibia is in the leg. Really don't know what to make of this because it's the Patriots. Either way, I think he's dressing for the game.

Todd (San Francisco)

Should I pickup Josh Morgan or Issac Bruce to replace Kevin Walter?

Stephania Bell

  (12:03 PM)

Todd: I say Morgan.

Robert (Chicago)

Saw something about Steve Smith (Carolina) hurting his wrist last night. Any news you know of?

Stephania Bell

  (12:03 PM)

Robert: Have not heard yet but I will check it out.

Stephania Bell

  (12:05 PM)

OK everyone - have to run. Thanks for coming to the Friday chat. I will be chatting Sunday a.m. from 10-10:30 for the last minute injury updates. Also on Tuesdays after we have some post-game info.Good luck in your fantasy baseball playoffs if you're so fortunate as to be there. And good luck to everyone kicking off fantasy football this week!!!