Stephania Bell

  (11:21 AM)

Hi gang: Sorry for being tardy. Technical issues in studio this morning...but they are resolved and FFNow Friday should be posted online soon. Now, let's get to your questions heading into Week Four...

Luke (Newcastle, Australia)

G'day Stephania, have the Lions made a sure decision about their QB situation yet for this week?

Stephania Bell

  (11:23 AM)

G'day Luke: It sounds as if they expect Stafford to be their starter. He was able to do more Thursday and barring something unexpected, it's him on Sunday.

Bryan (Boston)

Ive been trying to find some info on Torrey Smith after I heard he left the game with an injury. Any updates on Smith?

Stephania Bell

  (11:24 AM)

Bryan: Nothing specific. He says he's fine...but we'll need to see if he's better over the weekend or if he shows up on the injury report last week. FWIW, he was walking on it.

Rob (orlando)

Is Peyton hillis droppable? 14 team league and Lamar miller is out there

Stephania Bell

  (11:26 AM)

Rob: I'd pick up someone else if you need the help. If you can wait on it, Hillis will be back - although it doesn't look likely to be this week. I like having insurance but you won't use him anytime soon.

Zeke (California)

Do you think the Leshoure injury is anything to worry about?

Stephania Bell

  (11:27 AM)

Zeke: Nope. I think the rest is warranted keeping in mind he's back this year off a big injury. And Detroit is making it clear that he's going to be the main guy.

James (A Giant Peach)

Are Mathew's ball security issues at their highest coming off a broken clavicle? I could imagine being a bit apprehensive taking a hit to the upper body

Stephania Bell

  (11:29 AM)

James: Totally fair question. Obviously he had ball security issues before he broke it but I had voiced that exact concern pre-Week 2. It was one of the factors I believed to be under consideration for why they held him out another week (increase contact reps, decrease apprehension). Bottom line is he needs to fix it, regardles, or they will be changing his responsibilities.

Matt (Ohio)

Willis McGahee? Looks like he's playing?

Stephania Bell

  (11:30 AM)

Matt: Yes, back in practice both days.

James (A Giant Peach)

What's your knowledge of James Starks' health? Looking for some sleeper RB depth

Stephania Bell

  (11:31 AM)

James: He was back in full practice both days this week for the first time since suffering his turf toe injury. Not sure if he'll be active yet this week but he's getting closer.

Alan M. (Columbus, Ohio)

Hi Stephania! McFadden was limited in practice and is listed as "questionable" for a shoulder injury - is this anything to worry about?

Stephania Bell

  (11:32 AM)

Alan: Apparently not. Raiders way of giving him a few less reps. Shoulder bruise but I'm hearing he looks fine in practice, should start as usual.

Matt (Philly)

Any word if Forte is going to play this week?

Stephania Bell

  (11:34 AM)

Matt: Forte certainly looks to be trending upward. Back in practice and now Chicago saying it looks like he'll play. Of course, there's only one official report in since they play Monday night and it's not a lock. If he does play I imagine they mix it up between him and M Bush (who is NOT on the injury report) given it would be his first game back. Hard to know in advance of setting your lineup what to expect.

Bob (Appleton, Wi)

Hi Stephania, where do we stand on the Buf RB situation as of now?

Stephania Bell

  (11:37 AM)

Bob: Here's what I think (keep in mind, could change after today's practice). Expect F Jax starts and plays some, but not his usual amount. I expect Spiller is out. Still has a shot to play, but I think it's marginal. Then there's Choice who comes in to spot whomever (I think Jackson). So Jackson prob my preferred but it's still early. Yes, there's always a chance that it starts bothering him or he gets tangled up in the game, it hurts, he comes out. You have to roll the dice a bit. I expect he will wear a brace.

Replacement Ref (Not on a Football Field)

How serious is Steven Jackson's groin injury? Would you flex Maclin over SJax in a .5 PPR league this week?

Stephania Bell

  (11:39 AM)

So...you're out of a gig now. Thanks for trying. Good job, good effort.Re: SJax, I don't believe it's terribly serious but it is affecting his performance on the field. Until I see him running like I know he can, I would definitely flex Maclin - who is feeling much better this week - over him.

justin (cali)

if f jax wears a brace will it limit him at all????

Stephania Bell

  (11:40 AM)

Justin: RBs feel like it slows them down a bit, but in the end, it's good for him coming off this injury. He's been practicing in it so far so he will have adapted enough it shouldn't be a huge issue.

Nathan (Dallas, TX)

Hi Stephania, what is the deal with Garcon's foot?!? They keep saying it's a pain thing but feels like a ghost of McFadden past!

Stephania Bell

  (11:42 AM)

Nathan: I understand why people are concerned given what happened with DMC. But there are many types of foot injuries and based on what the Redskins are saying and what Garcon is doing, this does not appear to be the same. Remember, McFadden didn't ever get back into practice last year, just tried to do some individual work and could never progress beyond that. Garcon is making some progress but it is very slow - not unusual for foot injuries, just frustrating for fantasy owners. I think he's still a week or two away...with fingers crossed it doesn't get worse.

Stephen (Deployed)

I need some good news about Reggie Bush. I have him in 2 leagues. Any chance he will get his normal workload Sunday?

Stephania Bell

  (11:45 AM)

Stephen: I just don't think he gets as many snaps as you've seen him get early this season. They haven't committed to him even playing for sure. He says he wants to but defers to the coaches. My guess is he plays but Philbin has already said they want to be smart about his health. And Bush has a long history of knee issues. So, my guess at this point is if he plays he's held to around 10-12 carries. It's a guess.

Joe (Pittsburgh)

Still waiting for Kenny Britt's production to match his potential. Will it happen this weekend?

Stephania Bell

  (11:48 AM)

Joe: Definitely not this weekend, unless his potential is zero, because then there's a chance. He hasn't practiced and is very uncertain to play b/c of the sprained ankle. If he does, I find it hard to believe he's at full strength. His injury concerns have been a concern of mine that has overshadowed his talent, just thought he was more risk than reward. I hope for his sake he can put the rest of the season together when he comes back but remember, he's still a guy coming off of ACL surgery.

Nick (IL)

Do you think that Beanie Wells is worth holding onto?

Stephania Bell

  (11:48 AM)

Nick: No. My shortest answer ever.

Mike (Raleigh)

Why would they even bother having Spiller practice if he isn't going to play?

Stephania Bell

  (11:50 AM)

Mike: Is this a serious question? Anyone who has had a serious sports injury has to go through a progression to get back to competition. Practice doesn't look the same every day. THey start by doing just individual drills, then some team stuff, contact. Spiller still has had NO contact. You keep the practice going to keep them in some sort of rhythm of football while working them back to a position where they can actually compete.

Anthony (El Paso)

Any news on Nicks?

Stephania Bell

  (11:51 AM)

Anthony: Expected to start Sunday against the Eagles.

Adam (San Francisco, CA (Go 49ers!!!))

Bradshaw and his neck. Swelling? Disks? Please help me understand if it is really healed? You think Andre Brown gets another week to pick up where he left off?

Stephania Bell

  (11:52 AM)

Adam: I actually gave a detailed explanation in last night's blog post so I won't repeat it all here...I think Bradshaw starts but Brown definitely plays a role. The Giants will yield to whoever is performing better and that can still shake out over the next few weeks.

Nate (NJ)

Was offered Charles and Colston in a trade. Should Colston's injury be part of my consideration?

Stephania Bell

  (11:54 AM)

Nate: In the immediate sense, no. He's off the injury report. BUT plantar fasciitis can certainly flare up again so I'm not convinced it won't bother him at some point. And Colston gets his share of injuries. Usually he plays through them...

Eric (Denver)

Any Concern McGahee will be used sparingly with his ribs. Thinking of starting Daniel Thomas instead (if Bush sits of course)Thanks!

Stephania Bell

  (11:55 AM)

Eric: Based on him fully practicing both days this week so far, I expect him to play as usual. Definitely like him over Thomas.

Ryan (NM)

Thoughts on Bowe's injury and what about Mendy coming back off his?

Stephania Bell

  (11:57 AM)

Ryan: Bowe added Thursday (I don't like that) but still able to practice to some degree. Need to see what he does today before getting a good feel for his status. Mendenhall looked good and began contact practices before their bye. Expect him back in Week 5 but it's not clear how they'll roll him out - limited touches, etc. Hard to imagine a full workload out of the gate but could ramp up quickly if he looks like he can handle it.

Matt (FL)

Is J Stewart looking good for sunday?

Stephania Bell

  (11:58 AM)

Matt: Not overly confident yet but Rivera said he looks to be moving around better in practice this week. Sounds like he will play.

Erin (Lincoln, NE)

I'm in a league with my boyfriend and his friends. I am the only 3-0 team, only girl, and they say I am lucky. Is this a good team or should I concede that I am lucky? 12 team PPRQB RG3, Big BenRB McFadden, Doug Martin, Ryan Mathews, Mikel LeSHoure, JacquizzWR Percy Harvin, Antonio Brown, Marques Colston, Danny AmendolTE Gates, Bennett

Stephania Bell

  (11:59 AM)

Erin: It's a good team. Keep winning...

Bob (Alabama)

How do Ponder and Rudolph look? Thanks.

Stephania Bell

  (12:00 PM)

Bob: Ponder has a mild neck issue. No real worries. Rudolph didn't practice Weds b/c of a quad injury, was able to do a little more Thursday. If he can come back and practice again Friday, then I'd be more confident about his chances Sunday.

Tom (Houston)

Jared Cook doing alright?

Stephania Bell

  (12:02 PM)

Tom: Appears that they think he will play this week; pretty impressive considering he sprained his AC joint last week. After today, we should know for sure.

Eric (CT)

Julio Jones news???

Stephania Bell

  (12:02 PM)

Eric: Fine, just a laceration. He'll play.

Stephania Bell

  (12:03 PM)

OK everyone. Time for me to run. Thanks so much for coming. More updates Saturday in the injury blog. Remember this is a bye week for Pittsburgh and Indianapolis. FFNow on Sunday at 11 am ET on ESPN2. Best of luck in Week 4!!!