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Stephania Bell

  (11:04 AM)

Happy Friday Sports Nation and welcome to the injury chat. Six teams on bye this week again...ugh..making it tougher to find replacements, but here we go anyway...

Justin ((Idaho))

Will Donald Brown play this week?

Stephania Bell

  (11:06 AM)

Justin: It's sure looking that way - although the Colts haven't officially committed. But he's been in practice so far this week and he's looking pretty good.

Randy (LA)

Bottom line... if you had Calvin Johnson, would you play him? Between him, Bowe, and Hester? Thank you!

Stephania Bell

  (11:10 AM)

Randy: You are asking a question on everyone's mind - and here's my answer - which some of you won't like - but it's what it is. If I am picking today, then NO - b/c he's still not full practice, he's saying that he won't commit to saying he's going to play - saying "he's got a shot" - and he's a gtd in a late game. Now...if he does more today and the Lions look like they will play him, I probably would - but I would go into it knowing I don't get a fully healthy Johnson and I may not get his typical numbers. But if he's in Stafford is throwing to him.

CB (Virginia)

Any news on Devin Hester?

Stephania Bell

  (11:10 AM)

CB: Mildly sprained ankle per Chicago - although not practicing last two days is a bit concerning - but team still says they expect him to play.

Scott (Louisville, KY)

Hello, Starphania! I have to start one between K. Smith (shoulder) and A. Bradshaw (foot). Which guy can I trust more to make it through the game without aggravating their injury? Thanks for the 411!

Stephania Bell

  (11:12 AM)

Scott: Now you're asking the impossible...can't predict injuries - but I will say that except for last week, Bradshaw has had consistently decent production and although Smith has not missed time - he has come out of a couple games early.I think the GIants can run against the Chargers. I go with Bradshaw.

Stephania Bell

  (11:12 AM)

Scott: Now you're asking the impossible...can't predict injuries - but I will say that except for last week, Bradshaw has had consistently decent production and although Smith has not missed time - he has come out of a couple games early.I think the GIants can run against the Chargers. I go with Bradshaw.

last1n1021 (Louisiana)

Would you know if Donald Driver will be playing Sunday? I know you said that he missed practice Wednesday, etc.

Stephania Bell

  (11:14 AM)

last: the team hopes that he practices today. He had a stinger - they say that even if he does NOT practice today, they would still be willing to play him Sunday. After a stinger I'm sure they don't want him to risk exacerbating any symptoms in practice - and if his neck is stiff, they're not taking any chances. Since the start of the week, they have suggested that he would likely play...but you know how it goes, may be gtd.

Jeff (CT)

Roddy white okay? He missed Thurs. practice.

Stephania Bell

  (11:16 AM)

Jeff: He did indeed b/c of his knee. At this point it sounds more precautionary than anything.

Jason (Fl)

Wonder twin powers ACTIVATE! Form of Bob Sander's elbow! Is this new injury going to keep him out of the lineup this week and make Schaub a little more comfortable in Indy?

Stephania Bell

  (11:18 AM)

Jason: Definitely a cause for concern and I hear he's paying a visit to Dr. Andrews for an evaluation. Makes his status sound very iffy.

Jeff (Tampa)

We all are "eagle-ly" awaiting news about Brian Westbrook. Is he ready to go this weekend?

Stephania Bell

  (11:18 AM)

Jeff: Clever for a Friday. Yes -he's been practicing all week and has been cleared to play. Expect him to continue to split with McCoy as per usual.

George (NJ)

Good morning Stephania! It looks like Sammy Morris had a torn MCL and he might be able to return later this year. How effective he will be upon returning from such an injury?

Stephania Bell

  (11:21 AM)

Good morning George: Yes - Boston Herald reporting this. Well, we can look at other RBs with similar injuries - in fact, two guys on the same team Pierre Thomas and Mike Bell. Both took about 3-4 weeks to get back to speed. All depends on the degree of tear - Grade 2 is what they had - but even those have a wide range of healing time. Sounds like they hope to have him by Nov 22. Knowing the Patriots they would likely delay him a week rather than return him before he's ready to contribute - and once back, he may be in a brace, but should still be effective.

Rusty (Maine)

So with Anthony Gonzalez going in for surgery, should those of us who have hung on this long finally drop him? Will he really be back or, more importantly be effective if/when he does come back?

Stephania Bell

  (11:22 AM)

Rusty: I would have dropped him by now - I think this latest news only emphasizes it - look, if we start hearing that he's getting back to practice and running well, you can go pick him up then - but even when he returns to the team, he won't automatically resume his role. They'll work him back slowly - probably not at a fantasy contribution level.

Ryan (Seattle)

Is Mario Manningham's shoulder injury serious enough that I should just stay away from him this week?

Stephania Bell

  (11:24 AM)

Ryan: Might be a good call. He's only been doing limited work in practice. While I think he'll play, Nicks may be seeing more targets - at least until we know he's fully back.

Aaron (Chicago)

Hi Stephania, your knowledge is always appreciated. Will Aaron Rodgers play this Sunday against the Bucs? Thanks.

Stephania Bell

  (11:25 AM)

Aaron: About Aaron - yes, he's expected to play. May do some work in practice today - in fact is expected to, but his mobility will probably be hampered to some degree b/c of the feet.

desperate (princeton)

do you think boldin plays? Aiken or Roy Williams my only other choices at WR. HELP!

Stephania Bell

  (11:27 AM)

Desperate in Princeton - I've been there...Boldin is just a huge question mark. He wants to play - but I think the team is tired of getting a half a game out of him. It is an early game - and he may be a gtd (as he has been) - but I think the Cardinals are seriously considering resting him for a week.

Terry (Dallas, TX)

Stephania...I noticed Antonio Gates showed up with a foot injury this week. Is it serious enough to go pick up another tight end?

Stephania Bell

  (11:30 AM)

Terry: Always worrisome - especially given the fact that he has had foot issues in the past - but the word out of San Diego makes it sound not that serious and I expect he'll play Sunday.

Franz Kafka (Prague)

not an injury question, but do you see Jamaal Charles becoming a waterbug in his initial trial as starting running back? Is Kolby smith recovered enough to be a threat?

Stephania Bell

  (11:32 AM)

Kafka - really? Creative...Charles is going to see the most touches this week I believe. Yes, Smith is getting some practice reps but Haley has already indicated that they want to see what Charles can do. I picked him up as a flex player this week so I'm hoping so...

Chase (Madison)

Howdy, can I get an update on the health in NEs backfield? I have Maroney and I'm considering him with S-Jax on bye... THANKS!

Stephania Bell

  (11:33 AM)

Chase: Maroney will be the guy this week - we already know Morris will be out for another couple weeks and he's been the primary guy so far.

Fife (Texas)

Hi Steph! Would you consider Santonio Holmes' condition a reason not to start him against Denver? Thanks!

Stephania Bell

  (11:35 AM)

Fife: ( i used to live on a street named Fife when I was a wee girl)...No - to answer your question. THe presence of a sickle cell trait (which is what Holmes has) rarely presents a problem that turns into a "crisis" like what happened with Clark. It sounds as if there were other variables in Clark's particular case that made him so unique as to have that unfortunate episode. But Holmes should be fine.

Jason (WV)

Hi Stephania. Today is my birthday and I hope my wish comes true...that you answer my question. Need to start either Westbrook or McCoy. What's up with #36? Thanks.

Stephania Bell

  (11:37 AM)

Jason: Happy Birthday - Scorpio, right? Westbrook will play - and I have to say, that even as the Eagles have limited Westbrook's touches this year, as expected with McCoy in the mix, he still is performing well (good ypc) and I thought he looked good in the Monday night game until the injury. My guess would be that McCoy gets leaned on a little more this week, but Westbrook will still be involved.

Dave (Rochester)

Saw that Reggie Wayne missed practice yesterday. Is he alright?

Stephania Bell

  (11:39 AM)

Dave: Yes - missing Thursday was not injury related and the strained groin he dealt with last week seems to not be a factor (he practiced Weds).

Fred (Florida)

What is a "stinger" exactly??? Muscle, bone, nerve damage???

Stephania Bell

  (11:41 AM)

Fred: It's when the neck either gets yanked sharply away from the shoulder or compressed towards the shoulder. Can lead to either stretching or compression (pinching) of nerve. The athlete usually feels pain in the neck and then in the area where the nerves go - which can be anywhere into the arm, forearm, hand on that side. He can have pain from the injury, but he can also have numbness or tingling (since nerve tissue is irritated) and also sometimes weakness.

Steve (Green Bay)

What is the word on Darren McFadden? Is he expected back next week? And if so, do you think he will start over Fargas?

Stephania Bell

  (11:42 AM)

Steve: Sounds like the Raiders hope he's back after the bye since he's back in practice this week. Unclear yet whether he would be able to start - probably won't get more knowledge on that until we see how much he's doing (including suffering no setbacks) next week.

Chris (FL)

Ok here's a question that is football, but not necessarily fantasy related...Have you heard anything about Chad Clifton's ankle injury?

Stephania Bell

  (11:44 AM)

Chris: Well, I think it does impact Rodgers. Clifton has been practicing this week and is expected to play. Tauscher (the other veteran offensive tackle who's been out since an ACL tear last year) is also expected back. Rodgers already sounds happy to have his experienced tackles back in the line. If he is less mobile with his feet, he will benefit from extra protection.

Bryan J (AZ)

Hey Stephania, I posted this before 11EST so you might not have seen it. But as a Steve Smith and Hakeem Nicks owner, I'm less worried about them and more worried about Eli Manning. Is the foot injury from a few weeks ago still bothering him? Or is his recent bad play all mental?

Stephania Bell

  (11:46 AM)

Bryan: I see it. Manning says the foot is not an issue. Now sometimes players will say that, even when it's not true, but Manning strikes me as more straightforward than that. There may be occasions where he doesn't get the same power when he plants and that affects the occasional deep ball, but remember, when he first played after aggravating the injury - and we knew the foot was bothering him - he played well. So I don't chalk it all up to the injury. It may be a subtle factor, but I don't think it's the whole reason they have fallen apart lately.

Tom (San Diego)

Any updates on Fred Taylor?

Stephania Bell

  (11:47 AM)

Tom: Sorry - none yet - I don't think we'll get anything for a few more weeks.

Steve (MI)

Will Hasselbecks ribs slow him down even against the lowly Lions this week, Trying to decide between Housh, Bowe or Crabtree at 3rd WR spot.

Stephania Bell

  (11:48 AM)

Steve: I think his ribs will be OK. Having protection is key. He won't be facing a huge pass rush - so I think he'll be fine.

Yankees Fan (The Parade)

Hi Steph, good job as always. Ever been to a championship parade before?

Stephania Bell

  (11:50 AM)

No - it's been so long since my Niners won - but when they win again...I'll go to that parade.

Ben (Florida)

Is there a trick to get question answered? I have never had one answered. I would like to know about R White's injury and if I should be worried about playing him. Thanks

Stephania Bell

  (11:54 AM)

Ben: Just keep posting...just to follow up again on White. There has been no official info from the team to suggest that this is a serious injury. It seems that with the short week they are giving him some opportunity to rest what may be a sore knee. We haven't heard yet about today's practice - but I'm assuming he's back to some degree today - and if he is, then I'm not worried about him for Sunday.

Jason (Philly)

Hi Stephania! How's the froggy throat this week? one more question on Boldin. If this is indeed a high ankle sprain, will one weeks rest even help much? Won't he just be delaying chance of more injury to week 10?

Stephania Bell

  (11:56 AM)

Jason: Still sore throat - but the voice has returned. A high ankle sprain does take longer to heal, and you're right, resting one week doesn't mean he's "fully" recovered - but it at least means there's time for tissue healing and, perhaps more important, not overloading the tissue by playing and preventing it from healing at all. In other words, he might get over a hump that would allow him to come back and contribute more effectively afterward.

Richard (Conneccticut)

Which GB TE will start-Finley or Lee, and what do you think of GB TE in general for this matchup?

Stephania Bell

  (11:58 AM)

Richard: I expect it to be Lee. Finley still dealing with a knee injury and not expected to play. I like Lee, especially if Driver is at less than 100%, as providing another receiving option for Rodgers. And TB's defense is porous.

Joe (Bronx, NY)

Stephania, as one of your writers said Portis is not on the injury list "for the first time since 1968'. Do you believe he's just "less banged up then usual", or is he really over his ailments?

Stephania Bell

  (12:00 PM)

Joe: That's funny... He's not over his ailments. He has bone spurs in his ankles (remember Zorn told us) - and they won't go away. So each week it's a matter of trying to ensure that his ankles don't bother him enough to limit him. It sounds like the medical staff has him on a good program to help him manage the pain and be able to play - and he's been out there every week - so I think you get the same thing from Portis, but by no means do I think he's "over" his ailments.

Nathan (MN)

Starphania, what is your opinion on the Texans running back situation. With AD on a bye just hope to get lucky with Moats or trade some bench players for M. Bell or Stewart.

Stephania Bell

  (12:02 PM)

Nathan: I think I would make the trade, probably for Bell. I know Thomas is the guy - but Bell still gets some goal line action and always ahs the potential to score. Kubiak has said he will mix up his running backs but I don't quite buy it.

Kevin (NJ)

Marion the Barbarian. With the quad injury and the 3 rb backfield, should he still be considered a number 2 running back?

Stephania Bell

  (12:04 PM)

Kevin: It appears he's mostly past the quad. The only thing keeping him on the injury report is the left thumb which is still in a cast. Despite whatever Jerry Jones has said, the team sure plays like he is the No. 1 back with Felix Jones inserted intermittently. Choice has just fallen off the radar - but they need to have him b/c their starters don't tend to last -and I worry the most about Jones holding up long-term.

Jem (Westchester)

You don't buy it because you're a Slaton owner, right? Moats has earned more starts. It's not like Slaton is a veteran. He's still untested.

Stephania Bell

  (12:07 PM)

Jem: No - I'm not a Slaton owner. But Slaton is a better receiver out of the backfield. There's no more Owen Daniels. And I think that they will continue to rely to a good degree on Slaton - even though I think they will do some rotating.

Tim (Bakersfield,Ca)

Go NINERS just looking for advice, lost Daniels best available is Z.Miller, D.Keller, K.Boss, and Scheffler, out of these TE's which one would you grab

Stephania Bell

  (12:08 PM)

Tim: Keller - but obviously after Week 9.

Stephania Bell

  (12:09 PM)

OK - I need to leave - I'm overstaying my welcome in the chat room. Have a great weekend and good luck in Week 9. We'll be here Sunday morning to chat at 10. We'll have all the updates on Fantasy Football Now at 11:30 a.m. EST on ESPN.com and ESPN2. Hope to see you there!!