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Stephania Bell

  (11:05 AM)

Hi friends in Sports Nation and Happy Thanksgiving Week! This is our only injury chat this week (other than right before Sunday games) so I'll share what we know so far - especially with 3 games coming up on Thursday. Lots of people in line...so here we go!

Lou (Chicago, IL)

Good Morning Stephania! You'll probably get this a lot today, but what is the status of Michael Turner? Would you say that he is still out for this week, leaving Snelling to fill in again?

Stephania Bell

  (11:06 AM)

Hi Lou: You're right - it's one of the top questions of the day. Now Turner won't rule himself out, but he admits to being uncertain about his status/timetable and I have to believe that he will not be ready to go this week. I expect we'll see Snelling in line for another start.

Chris (San Fran)

Please tell me Julius Jones is not going to play this week! Forsett will own the Rams!

Stephania Bell

  (11:07 AM)

Chris: How's my hometown??? The reports so far are that Jones is expected to return to practice on a limited basis this week. Naturally, much will be based on how he responds, but it all sounds as if they're not expecting him to be quite ready to go, meaning Forsett would have himself a nice matchup against the Rams.

wade (sacramento, ca)

Is clinton portis going to be back next week? and if not, do you think rock cartright is a worthy option for RB?

Stephania Bell

  (11:08 AM)

Wade: Portis is already out for Week 12 and Cartwright stepped in and did a nice job when Betts was forced out with injury. So I think he's a worthy option.

Jesse (Indianapolis)

We are having turkey fried, roasted and smoked. Which do you prefer? Oh, what is up with Calvin Johnson?

Stephania Bell

  (11:10 AM)

Jesse: I have never had fried turkey - but I hear it's the best! Dying to try it...As far as Johnson, he got banged up (knee again, especially near the end of the game and his hand which was bothering him heading into the game). With it being a Thursday game the team is being very non-committal, making it seem that he is doubtful, but I still think there's a decent chance he plays - as of now. We really get little though from the Lions in advance, so you'd better have a backup ready.

mike (portland)

good morning, whats the latest on cedric benson and his hip, do you think hes going to be back this week after the rest?

Stephania Bell

  (11:12 AM)

Mike: Interesting. I expected him back, as in ready to play, this week. But the team certainly playing it safe knowing they face the Browns - and if they think there is even the tiniest chance that playing sets him back, they may hold him out. So what looked like an automatic last week, not so much right now. In other words, if it were playoffs I have no doubt he'd be healthy enough to go but it's not so.....iffy.

Lance (MN)

Any update on Kurt Warner's status?

Stephania Bell

  (11:14 AM)

Lance: He is expected to undergo further testing this week to evaluate his neurocognitive (brain processing) status. The good news is that it sounds as if he's feeling well, he was involved in a charity event so good enough to be out and about, but remember, the athlete also needs to show that he responds to activity without a recurrence of symptoms. If all goes well, then he should return.

Brandon (Laguna Beach, Ca)

Hey Starphania, Happy Thanksgiving to you. Any update on Jacobs?

Stephania Bell

  (11:16 AM)

Brandon: Happy Thanksgiving to you too! Jacobs apparently was not injured seriously and felt he could have returned. The medical staff thought it wiser to keep him out - but it appears that he will be ready to play Thursday.

Mike (St. Louis)

Steph! I have Portis sitting on my bench w/ a concussion, and am in desparate need of picking up a RB for my flex spot. Who is the better play to grab this week? Rock Cartwright or Fred Jackson (team I am playing has Lynch)? Thanks!

Stephania Bell

  (11:17 AM)

Mike: I like Jackson, especially if the week goes on and Lynch is downgraded - b/c Cartwright faces the Eagles D. But if Lynch plays, they become more even.

Brian (Philadelphia)

Hi Stephania had a question about Warner and Big Ben are their injuries enough to keep them out of action this weekendand how severe are their injuries?Thanks

Stephania Bell

  (11:20 AM)

Hi Brian: We talked Warner earlier. Big Ben seems to be telling his teammates that he will be back. But the medical staff will be the ones who decide. I will say this. Big Ben does have experience with these types of things and for that reason may be more accurate in his projection of himself. Nonetheless, given the number of concussions he's suffered, they will be absolutely certain that they're comfortable with his status before they clear him. But if I'm guessing today, it looks promising.

Mitch (Charlotte)

Stephania - I know it's early, but what is the skinny on Clinton Portis' injury...should we expect to see Rock Cartwright starting for the next few weeks?

Stephania Bell

  (11:21 AM)

Mitch: I would say that it probably goes beyond this week, just based on the symptoms that he still has. But very, very sketchy to try to predict much with concussions.

Eric (Chicago)

Stephania, tons of injuries... have to ask though, I have Steven Jackson, Hines Ward and Larry Fitz on my team...is SJax going to be ok, will Big Ben play b/c if he doesn't Ward may be useless and will Warner play b/c if he doesn't then Leinart typically throws to Boldin...injuries are impacting my team w/o anybody being actually hurt.

Stephania Bell

  (11:23 AM)

Eric: Why yes, you do have a ton of injuries to worry about. We've talked Warner and Ben, but SJax seems as if he'll be ready to go. He had a sore back (reported as a pulled muscle) and is expected to get treatment on his back this week - which may also limit him in practice early - but sounds as if they're optimistic that he plays.

JasonG (St. Louis, MO)

What's the significance of Matthew Stafford separating his non-throwing shoulder? Will he play Turkey Day? Thanks!

Stephania Bell

  (11:25 AM)

JasonG: The primary thing at this point is all the pain. If you try to run with this - or take any contact -while it's so fresh, it can be excruciating and make it potentially (depending on degree of injury which we don't know) more serious. Now it won't keep him out as long as it would if it was his throwing shoulder, but I doubt very much that he's ready by Thursday.

Greg (New York NY)

Stephania...what the heck is wrong with LDT now?

Stephania Bell

  (11:26 AM)

Greg: Bumped and bruised from what I understand. But so far nothing serious.

Steve (MI)

Would you say J. Finley should be good to go this Thursday against Detroit?

Stephania Bell

  (11:27 AM)

Steve: Yes, he had a good first outing post-injury and expect him back Thursday.

tom (baltimore)

how will bush do this week?

Stephania Bell

  (11:28 AM)

Tom: Well, early reports suggest that the Saints expect him back. But keep in mind that he did not practice all of last week, so we want to see what he can do - and if his knee responds well to increased activity before we get too excited about how productive he can be.

Ryan (Richmond)

Is Antonio Bryant finally healthy?

Stephania Bell

  (11:31 AM)

Ryan: It's relative. He was able to play and so far no reports that he emerged any worse, but it doesn't mean the knee is 100%. Have to keep an eye on the midweek workouts.

Jason (FL)

Starphania! Can you give us a rundown on what a "stinger" is and how it could affect Ryan Grant on a short week?

Stephania Bell

  (11:35 AM)

Jason: FOr starters, Packers indicated Grant would not have practiced Monday (they have to give a "projected" injury report) - but they also said they did not think the injury serious and made it sound as if he would play Thursday.A stinger is when the neck gets either stretched vigorously away from the shoulder, pulling on nerves and giving pain into the opposite arm, or when the neck gets compressed towards the same shoulder pinching nerves. Either way symptoms can be pain, tingling/numbness into the arm/hand, occasionally weakness. how it affects the player depends on what symptoms are left. Sometimes it's just a sore neck and the initial stuff subsides quickly. Other times the symptoms linger - if they do, then it's less likely a guy will play. If it's a quick jolt, but the symptoms clear fast, it may not really affect the athlete's play at all.

Dan (NYC)

Steph, I read what you said about Benson earlier, but would you trade for him at this point or is he too risky the rest of the way?

Stephania Bell

  (11:36 AM)

Dan: I'd still trade for him. He's on my team and I'm not worried.

Bill (NY)

We talked about Warner but when do you think we'll know if he's playing or not? A lot of people need to make decisions by thursday.

Stephania Bell

  (11:38 AM)

Bill: Unfortunately the Cardinals are not sympathetic to the fantasy owner's needs in that area. It's going to be a guess -but you just have to see if he practices Weds to try and get a clue. He could sit out - and still play- so we may not really have a good idea until late Friday. I would check news reports Thursday morning and see what the local papers are saying about what they hear. It's a concussion and it will really be day-to-day evaluation. Bummer.

Jeff (Portland, ME)

What can you tell me about Lance Moore? Is Meachem a good grab or will Moore be back soon?

Stephania Bell

  (11:39 AM)

Jeff: I'd get Meachem. There is still no timetable on Moore - and Meachem is clearly staying busy.

Patrick (Colo Spgs)

Palm Beach post reported Ricky Williams was hurt and couldn't play the last series. Any word?

Stephania Bell

  (11:41 AM)

Patrick: No details yet on what it was - but from what I'm hearing it is not believed to be serious.

Dave (Chicago)

Is K. Winslow healthy? He was on the injury report last week and didnt produce much...

Stephania Bell

  (11:42 AM)

Dave: Banged up - but healthy enough to play - think his low productivity not a function of his knee

Dan (AZ)

Any news regarding Hakeem Nicks?

Stephania Bell

  (11:43 AM)

Dan: Apparently it was not enough to include him on the Monday injury report so I can't imagine it was anything too serious.

ben (florida)

Any news on Sammy Morris, or is Maroney safe for another week. thanks

Stephania Bell

  (11:45 AM)

Ben: Well up until late last week, everything had us thinking that Morris would show up - he didn't, so I expect it might be this week - but I still expect in his first game back they use him sparingly. So from that perspective, Maroney probably good for another week.

Marc (Tucson)

NOT AN INJURY QUESTION. But a 49er question, so you are THE expert. Would you rather have Dallas Clark or Vernon Davis the rest of the year in a PPR?

Stephania Bell

  (11:47 AM)

Marc: As much as I love my Niners, and as much upside as Davis has, after watching last week's performance, I have more confidence in the guy throwing to Clark without a doubt. Clark.

Vinny (NYC)

What is Lynch's injury? Will it likely keep him out this week?

Stephania Bell

  (11:49 AM)

Vinny: Very mysterious Bills. Left shoulder injury - which doesn't help much. They did say Lynch was feeling better Monday but they would need to see how he felt Tuesday, did in practice, etc, etc. Sounds like Jackson could gt more work, even if Lynch plays.

Jeremy (Boston)

Weekly Westbrook update?

Stephania Bell

  (11:49 AM)

Jeremy: Assume out at least another 2 weeks until re-evaluated by the Pittsburgh folks. Beyond that, no way to rpedict.

Trav (Jacksonville)

Stephania, I always appreciate the chats! I have Tony Romo on my squad, backed up by Matthew Stafford. Any news on Romo's status? Is he a certainty to play on Thursday, or should I start scouring the waiver wire for some bottom of the heap QB? Thanks, and have a great Thanksgiving!

Stephania Bell

  (11:51 AM)

Trav: Sounds like Romo is expected to play. Stafford as we said not looking so good. But I expect Romo to be out there. He may not feel perfect but reportedly he already felt far better Monday than he did after the game.

Steve (Louisville)

Any updates on Cooley? Worth picking up for the playoffs??

Stephania Bell

  (11:52 AM)

Steve: Nope. He's saying this morning that he might go on IR. We were waiting to see what happened after he revisited with the MD on Monday. I think we got our answer.

Smoke (WA)

Marshall owner here worring about Orton bringing me down. Any news on Orton?

Stephania Bell

  (11:54 AM)

Smoke: Nothing specific. He said he felt pretty good after the game and indicated he'd be ready to go Thursday.

Turkey (My belly)

Stephania, you saved me last week! Snelling was awesome! Will he do it again? I am 6-5 and in 5th place. 6 Teams get into the playoffs. I either need to play Beanie Wells, Jaamal Charles, or Snelling! Your advice is much appreciated!

Stephania Bell

  (11:55 AM)

Glad to know it helped. Gotta love Snelling again vs Tampa Bay.

Jeff (Wichita)

Keeper Question - Owen Daniels timetable for return - will he be back by the start of next season?

Stephania Bell

  (11:56 AM)

Jeff: It may be close with injury in November. He could be -assuming no setbacks, but there are many hurdles, could be tight.

Andrew (Philly)

I've been cursed this year with RB injuries (Ronnie Brown, RunDMC, Willie Parker) and now I see that Ahmad Bradshaw missed Monday's practice. Please tell me this is just following his normal routine and he'll be ready for Thursday night? I'm in a 16 team league and I desperately need him to play!!

Stephania Bell

  (11:57 AM)

Andrew: Monday was a "projected" injury report. ANd they projected that he would have missed based on their normal routine, so yes, expect him to play.

Greg (Alexandria, VA)

Status of J.Norwood? Does he start if he practices all week?

Stephania Bell

  (11:58 AM)

Greg: even if he practices all week I find it ahrd to think he starts. Plays maybe, but I would be surprised if he starts.

Andrew (New Jersey)

Hey Stephania, Roddy White has been killing me. Do you think his knee is still bothering him or is it inconsistent play by Matt Ryan? Thanks

Stephania Bell

  (11:59 AM)

Andrew: I feel your pain - killing me too. And I think it's a little of both. Don't think he's 100% and we know Ryan has been struggling.

andy (uk)

buzzer beater - kicker question! What's Vinatieri's status - and even if he's ready to go, does Stover keep the Colts job?

Stephania Bell

  (12:00 PM)

Andy: No indication that he's ready this week. I think when he's ready, he gets the job back - but that still seems a ways off.

MOrgan (Denver, CO)

MMA Question!! Stephania, really quick question about Brock Lesnar.... I wasn't sure if you heard what he officially had? I'm in med school and looking for as scientific as you can get. Everything's hush-hush, I heard Diverticulitis with subsequent infection.... What could "end his career"?

Stephania Bell

  (12:02 PM)

Morgan: I'll close with this one to give a shout out to a med student. Unfortunately I haven't heard any more than what you have so I can't really help you - but I presume they're worried about first and foremost about really clearing him completely from infection and getting his basic weight, strength back.

Stephania Bell

  (12:02 PM)

Thanks everyone for coming - Happy Thanksgiving!! Good luck in the Thursday games and we will see you here Sunday morning before the Sunday games....