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Stephania Bell

  (11:02 AM)

Good Morning my Sports Nation friends and welcome to another round of the Friday injury chat. I know who you guys want to talk about - so let's get it started...

Stuart (Brooklyn, NY)

Hi Stephania. I have lots of injuries to deal with and am hoping your wise counsel will get me through. I have Thomas and Bell. Thanks so much Stephania. You do a super, duper job and we all really appreciate you.

Stephania Bell

  (11:06 AM)

Hi Stuart: I'm keeping it to one of your many unfortunate injury situations so that lots of folks can get their questions in. But this is a biggie that people want to know about. Bell has not practiced all week and all the signs suggest that he will sit this one out. Meanwhile Thomas is reportedly getting healthier and although he didn't do much last week, he didn't get worse. He hopes to wear a lighter brace this week that will make it easier to move - and I think his workload goes up. He may not be 100% - but he is getting there. I still think they will be careful not to overload him meaning a little bump for Bush, and maybe even Hamilton who is getting a little work.

Mike (DC)

Stephania, any more word of Welker? He has been a limited participant in practice all year, looked great week 1 and scratched late week 2. Knowing the Patriots disclose the bare minimum on injury info, what is your educated guess on whether this is a muscular or bone problem and whether he will be questionable all year?

Stephania Bell

  (11:10 AM)

Mike: This could be called the frustrating injury of the week. I watched Welker warm up before the Monday night game and saw nothing that would hint at a problem (of course you can't see minor things without physically examining the knee)- -but from a functional standpoint, there was nothing there. And he had a great game. No hint of a problem during or immediately afterward. My guess - emphasize guess - is that it is a joint issue - and that post-Week 1 he had some swelling. Any joint swelling tells you you need to back off, and it also prevents the muscles from operating at full strength, so it could set you up for more injury if you press through. After a week of rest, and them keeping his workload light, he has likely improved from that setback and the vibe seems to be that he'll play this week. But it is the Pats - need to check SUnday (and see if he does any more today)>

mike (gresham)

Would you ttake a chance on Felix Jones in your lineup on monday with Barber hurt, whats the latest on Barbers injury?

Stephania Bell

  (11:12 AM)

Mike: I absolutely would. Reason? I think that even if Barber does make a go of it - and despite the positive signs, I'm still not convinced that he does, I think Jones gets way more work. In the end I think it will be Jones and Choice. Who knows? The Cowboys could make Barber active, then limit his work and be a little tricky. But I think the most likely is they let him continue to work towards the goal of Monday (and who doesn't want to play Monday night?) but he ends up resting.

Mark (Houston)

What is the status on LT....will he play and will he be effective

Stephania Bell

  (11:13 AM)

Mark: LT has not practiced this week and even Norv Turner said he'd be surprised if he does anything Friday. So it looks like he will not play. LT has been very clear that he does not want to come back this year and play at less than 100% - he wants to come back and be LT and prove he's still got it. Plan on someone else this week.

Paulino (Mexico)

Is MJD´s injury something to worry about?

Stephania Bell

  (11:16 AM)

Paulino: Hola! I don't think so - but his appearance Thursday on the injury report caught everyone by surprise. It appears there is nothing serious going on here - and you know the Jags want to run against Texas. May be a little mid-week rest, especially if he's sore. Unless there's some surprise news after Friday practice, I expect him to play.

Melanie (CA)

Hi Stephania - could you update me on Desean Jackson he is listed as questionable is he going to play??

Stephania Bell

  (11:19 AM)

Melanie: Jackson definitely came out of Week 2 a little more sore with the groin injury than after Week 1 and as a result has not practiced all week. The murmurs are that he will play but it may come down to a gametime decision and how well he can actually run with this.

Adam (Philly)

Will Anquan Boldin's hamstring injury be a season long ailment or is he actually getting better?

Stephania Bell

  (11:20 AM)

Adam: Everything about his activity and speed suggest that he's nearing full health. You always worry about recurrence of these. After all, he had the hamstring strain last year - and then again to start the season. So there's no guarantees - but in terms of now looking like his regular self, that's where he is.

Justin (Santa Monica, CA)

Stephania, I'm up to my clavicle in flexors and extensors cramming for a monstrous anatomy exam (part of my RN licensing program). Antonio Bryant's injury is beginning to concern me, but your concern carries far more weight. What is your level of pain with him currently? Thanks and keep up the impressive work!

Stephania Bell

  (11:22 AM)

Justin: Always love to hear from the up and coming medical folks - I know how dedicated you are. Bryant's injury is not insignificant - even though I think he eventually comes back and is a playmaker for them. Because it's a bone bruise, a lot depends on how Bryant feels. He practiced fully Weds then had to scale it back Thurs, suggesting still a pain in response to activity issue. WOuld not count on him for this Sunday.

Andrew (PA)

Do you think Kevin Walter can come back and be a factor this week or does he still need more time to get back to full speed?

Stephania Bell

  (11:24 AM)

Andrew: Still a bit of a mystery. After the enthusiasm early last week, followed by a Walter setback that caused him to sit out Week 2, the Texans have been a lot less excitable this week. The good news is that each day he has done some work - and so far no setbacks. Looks like he will go this week - as long as nothing happens to reverse course between now and Sunday.

Brian (San Francisco, CA)

Hi Stephania. Go Niners!! What are Brian Westbrook's chances of playing and being effective this week? Do you think LeSean McCoy will be effective regardless of Westbrook's status against the suspect KC defense?

Stephania Bell

  (11:27 AM)

Hi Brian: Do you think the Niners can make it 3-0??? I hope so.I wouldn't be surprised if Westbrook suits up this week - and I'd be equally unsurprised if he sits. How's that? Not helpful I know - but remember, the Eagles' pattern with Westbrook for years has been no practice during the week, then GTD and (usually) play Sunday, not always effectively. The difference this year is that Westbrook's long term health is a greater issue and that they have McCoy. I think no matter what, McCoy gets the bulk of the work this week at RB, with a couple clever Vick plays thrown in near the goal line.

Chris (little rhody (providence))

Hello starphania! What is going on with Jamal Lewis? I'm in a pretty desparate situation with my RBs and unfortunately gotta put him in my flex... yikes!!

Stephania Bell

  (11:30 AM)

Chris: He's nursing a hamstring injury (he's been nicked up with the neck, now the hammy) - but you have to think he wants to play his former team, right? He hasn't practiced, but he may be a gtd to be active. But - James Davis is back practicing. I just don't like any of them against the Ravens. Surely you have to be able to find someone else...

Ted (FRANCE)

Hi Stephania. Even though you obviously love France, you seem to only respond to guys called Pierre. Where's the love? Can you talk about Dwayne's Bowe legged-ness? Thanks!

Stephania Bell

  (11:32 AM)

OK Ted in FRANCE: Dwayne Bowe was a bit of a mystery - listed as "illness" but then seen wearing a wrap on his right knee. Todd Haley seemed to dismiss it as not a big deal that they hoped would clear up before the weekend - but he did sit out Thursday practice. We need to see if he's back today - if he is, then I'll agree with Haley that it's no big deal.

Roger (jacksonville Fl.)

Hey stephania whats the deal with caddy?? Was he held out of practice for precautions only or should I worry about starting someone else?

Stephania Bell

  (11:34 AM)

Roger: His knee was a little sore from the pounding running on the turf. No official injury concern - and they're trying to keep it that way by cutting out a practice this week. I expect that he will play.

Mike (Philly)

Mario Manningham should be good to go this weekend despite the minor shoulder injury, right? Start with confidence as a WR3?

Stephania Bell

  (11:36 AM)

Mike: So far no hint that this is serious. Sounds like he is expected to go.

James (MN)

I know All Day Adrian said his minor back injury is fine and he will play this week, but whats the chance this hinders him all year, any chance he misses games later down the road because of his back and the physical way he runs?

Stephania Bell

  (11:38 AM)

James: Always a chance that the back becomes an issue, but I don't think there's reason to worry about it at this point. And I believe Peterson when he says this is not a big deal. I think there's a fatigue factor from the workload going on here but come gameday I think he's fine.

Bill (SF)

What's the severity of Jennings hand injury? Is it time to panic after his zero catches last week?

Stephania Bell

  (11:39 AM)

Bill: Not even a little. That was a fluke - not tied to his wrist. And he's not even on the injury report this week.

Van (Los Angeles)

Hi Setphania. I had high hopes for Chris Henry as a sleeper wr based on his preseason performances and his contract year. What are your thoughts about his quad injury and how will it continue to affect his play?

Stephania Bell

  (11:43 AM)

Van: This is always the question with these large muscle injuries, esp quad and hamstring. Henry admits the quad has slowed him down and he even had a setback during pregame warmups Week 3 which made last week worse. He's trying to play through - and it's not so serious he can't (and he expects to play this week) - but he's not at his best, meaning really striding out for a deep ball is a problem. An exact timeframe is impossible to predict, especially since you can't anticipate setbacks. You have to watch and see if his performance improves from week to week - that is the best clue that he's getting better. He's trying - but these are tough.

John (Grand Rapids)

Hey Stephania, any reason to think Frank Gore will be limited on Sunday or can I start with confidence? Thanks!

Stephania Bell

  (11:44 AM)

John: I don't think Gore will be limited on Sunday by the ankle, maybe a little more by the Vikings' run defense. I still start him.

Chip (NC)

Hi Stephania- IDP question about Shawne Merriman. How does he look to you coming off the knee injury and how concerned are you about the groin? I'm actually thinking of dropping him...PLEASE HELP! Thanks

Stephania Bell

  (11:46 AM)

Chip: Definitely not 100%. He had one of the toughest knee surgeries to come back from - and while he is clearly better than before surgery, he is still dragging a bit with that leg. I do think that as he continues to play, the knee issue gets better. The groin is something new and may be a problem for him this week. The Chargers have not said this is particularly worrisome, but I would drop him - I don't think he has the personal stats this year like he has in the past.

Big Bird (Tweeter)

...any news on McNabb? Is the rib going to fully heal by week5?

Stephania Bell

  (11:48 AM)

Well Big Bird - I think that he'll clearly be a lot closer to it. It takes about 6 weeks for a fracture to heal, sometimes less for smaller bones. Week 5 would be 4 weeks out and there should be significant healing process as far as the bone goes by then - and presumably far less pain. Expect McNabb to be starting after the bye.

Eric (TN)

Stephania , what came first the chicken or the egg ? Do you only answer injury related questions or do you only get asked injury related questions ? You seem to have the most defined role of all the fantasy analysts. Do you answer trade or aquisition questions ? Start 'em sit 'em ? Anything outside of injuries ?

Stephania Bell

  (11:48 AM)

Eric: Injuries - if the trade or the start/sit relates to injuries, then yes - but that's what I do...

Big Blue (Dallas)

Heya Stephania, Cedric Benson got listed as questionable for an ankle injury, anything to worry about?

Stephania Bell

  (11:50 AM)

Big Blue: We're seeing a lot of running backs with ankle issues at this point. And if you consider the nature of their jobs (lots of stop/start and lateral directional movements) and how they get hit, crushed, etc, it's no surprise that the ankles take a beating. It's important they rest during the week, even if these tweaks are minor (and not all are, but the ones that are warrant rest as well) so they can go full bore Sunday. Along those lines, I think is minor for Benson and he plays Sunday.

Philip (Dallas)

Speaking of IDP, what's the news on Justin Tuck?

Stephania Bell

  (11:52 AM)

Philip: Tuck has a partially torn labrum, which means he has some instability in the shoulder, and I expect he'll be able to play through it this season, although he may be wearing a shoulder harness to protect his motion. I would not be surprised if he sits this week as the shoulder is still probably painful and swollen and needs to settle down - but I wouldn't be surprised if he's back in the next week or two.

Dan (MO)

Hey Stephania! Do you know anything about Percy Harvin's "illness" that held him out of practice?

Stephania Bell

  (11:54 AM)

Dan: Sorry, no. Coach Childress simply reported that he missed practice b/c of illness - but didn't seem overly concerned.

Daniel Lee (NYC)

Whats Clinton Portis's status? Should I be worried and pick up Betts as a handcuff?

Stephania Bell

  (11:55 AM)

Hi Daniel: Another running back resting a sore ankle...but he's expected to play Sunday.

Jack (Charlotte)

What are the chances Hasselbeck plays?? Since it's a later game am I better off just going with Garrard?

Stephania Bell

  (11:56 AM)

Jack: No one giving percentages. While Seattle has said that he could play if he feels up to it, even if he doesn't practice, it seems unlikely that they would want to push it - even if he wants to give it a shot. But...could be gtd. I would go with another QB b/c even if he goes, I don't like his chances of being super effective given the injury.

CC (Atlanta)

Jerious Norwood has a "head" injury but no more details have been released. If it were a concussion, wouldn't that be stated? What else could it be?

Stephania Bell

  (11:59 AM)

CC: You're asking a good question - but it's funny - some teams will say concussion, some won't. And I have seen occasionally migraines or headaches limit a player and it's not concussion related per se. Remember he did have a concussion earlier this year - so don't know if there's anything there - but he did take a hard hit before he exited the game Sunday so may well be concussion.

Phillip (DC)

Is Matthew Berry on the injury report? His columns keep coming out later and later

Stephania Bell

  (12:00 PM)

Now that's funny - and I'm going to ask him...

Rain (Seattle)

Is Santonio Holmes fully healthy?

Stephania Bell

  (12:01 PM)

Holmes is healthy and not on the injury report.

steve (san fran)

what's fast Willy's status? thanks

Stephania Bell

  (12:02 PM)

Steve: He's fine, he's active and it will continue to be a 2:1 ration for Parker to Mendenhall for the Steelers.

Stephania Bell

  (12:03 PM)

OK everyone - it's that time again...Time for me to go. I will be working throughout the day to get the latest on the injuries and will update it all in my blog tomorrow. Thanks for coming - good luck in Week 3!!!!!