The Times-Picayune reports the Saints should be at full strength for today's game against the Vikings. RB Ricky Williams will start despite spraining the AC joint in his left shoulder in practice on Thursday. TE Cam Cleeland also will start after an MRI on his left hamstring proved negative.
The Charlotte Observer reports Panthers HC George Seifert said he doubts C Jeff Mitchell will play today. He tried to practice with a twisted knee Friday, but Seifert said it didn't go well. He hopes Mitchell can play next week against New Orleans. S Deon Grant twisted his ankle in practice Friday, but Seifert said it wasn't serious and expects him to play.
The Star-Ledger reports Giants RB Tiki Barber did not practice or run yesterday, meaning the Giants will be without him today against the Redskins in the NFC East opener for both teams. HC Jim Fassel said all week that Barber's availability would not become "a game-time decision" and that he first wanted to see Barber "run full speed" at practice. Barber has been sidelined by a strained left hamstring since scoring a second-quarter touchdown last Sunday against the Saints. Barber said his previous hamstring pulls have lasted "one to two weeks." Because the current injury affects his lower hamstring, Barber is hopeful of making this a relatively quick recovery.
The Nashville Tennessean reports Titans QB Steve McNair will take the field early this morning and toss a football. If things go as planned he'll declare himself ready to play against the Ravens, and shortly thereafter pull a game uniform over his shoulder pads for the first time in nearly a month. For now, at least, McNair's right shoulder seems to be pain-free. But even McNair himself must wonder how long that will last. Another big hit could cause enough damage for McNair to be forced to undergo surgery that could end his season. Both McNair and the Titans hope that won't happen, and he can make it through the rest of the season in one piece.
The Charlotte Observer reports Panthers HC George Seifert said he doubts C Jeff Mitchell will play today. He tried to practice with a twisted knee Friday, but Seifert said it didn't go well. He hopes Mitchell can play next week against New Orleans. S Deon Grant twisted his ankle in practice Friday, but Seifert said it wasn't serious and expects him to play.
The Star-Ledger reports Giants RB Tiki Barber did not practice or run yesterday, meaning the Giants will be without him today against the Redskins in the NFC East opener for both teams. HC Jim Fassel said all week that Barber's availability would not become "a game-time decision" and that he first wanted to see Barber "run full speed" at practice. Barber has been sidelined by a strained left hamstring since scoring a second-quarter touchdown last Sunday against the Saints. Barber said his previous hamstring pulls have lasted "one to two weeks." Because the current injury affects his lower hamstring, Barber is hopeful of making this a relatively quick recovery.
The Nashville Tennessean reports Titans QB Steve McNair will take the field early this morning and toss a football. If things go as planned he'll declare himself ready to play against the Ravens, and shortly thereafter pull a game uniform over his shoulder pads for the first time in nearly a month. For now, at least, McNair's right shoulder seems to be pain-free. But even McNair himself must wonder how long that will last. Another big hit could cause enough damage for McNair to be forced to undergo surgery that could end his season. Both McNair and the Titans hope that won't happen, and he can make it through the rest of the season in one piece.
