The Pioneer Press reports Vikings S Orlando Thomas (rib), LB Patrick Chukwurah (rib), and CB Robert Tate (shoulder) all practiced Friday and are expected to play this week.
The official website of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers reports the Bucs could use one more lineman, because substitute DT James Cannida is likely to be the only player not ready for action by the time the team takes the field in Minnesota. Cannida suffered an MCL sprain in his left knee during the team's August 31st preseason finale in Atlanta, an injury similar to the ones previously suffered by P Mark Royals and C Jeff Christy. Both Royals and Christy took about a month to heal, though Cannida's sprain might need up to six weeks of recovery. Meanwhile, the team's other significantly injured players - Christy, CB Dwight Smith, OG Russ Hochstein, S Dexter Jackson and WR Keyshawn Johnson - currently range from 'fully back in practice' to 'should be ready soon.' Christy and Johnson fall in the former group, Hochstein, Smith and Jackson in the latter.
The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports Packers WR Antonio Freeman returned to practice Friday after sitting out 11/2 days with a sinus infection. "He was still a little weak but he struggled through it and looked good today," OC Tom Rossley said. "He'll play but we might have to spell him a little bit just to see how strong he is." CB/KR Allen Rossum, who has been bothered by a left hamstring pull since Aug. 30, doesn't want to repeat his mistake of returning too soon. Rossum aggravated the injury against Detroit, isn't expected to play Monday night and would probably be questionable for the Carolina game. Special teams coach Frank Novak said the candidates to return punts Monday were Freeman and S Darren Sharper, who dropped out of practice Friday with what appeared to be mild soreness in a knee. WR/KR Charles Lee, the backup punt returner, wasn't activated for the opener but might have to be activated Monday.
The Detroit Free Press reports Lions OT Aaron Gibson, who suffered a sprained foot in practice Thursday, was back in practice Friday. "He taped an aspirin onto his foot, and that did it," HC Marty Mornhinweg said. "So it looks like he's going to be available." WR Herman Moore has not practiced all week because of a slight hamstring tear, and it probably will be a game-time decision on whether he plays at Cleveland. Three other players coming off injuries, SS Ron Rice (toe), CB Robert Bailey (ankle) and WR Larry Foster (knee), are expected to play.
The Washington Post reports Redskins LB LaVar Arrington said he felt stronger during yesterday's practice after losing six pounds earlier this week because of strep throat. Arrington sat out Wednesday's practice. After yesterday's practice, Arrington said, "I don't think me being sick early in the week will have anything to do with the game Monday night." Reserve FB Bryan Johnson participated in parts of yesterday's practice and likely will practice today. Johnson was hospitalized earlier this week because of a viral infection. The Washington Times adds a decision on ORG David Brandt (sprained knee) may not come until Monday afternoon. Brandt worked with starters yesterday, but the Redskins will consider starting OG Matt Campbell.
The Trenton Times reports Eagles HC Andy Reid said he'll wait until game time before making a decision on DE N.D. Kalu (ankle) and rookie WR Freddie Mitchell's (hamstring) status. Kalu did practice yesterday and appears the more likely to go.
The Dallas Morning News reports the partially torn Achilles' tendon injury to Cowboys TE James Whalen appears to be season-ending. The Cowboys will put Whalen on injured reserve today. Whalen's departure from the 53-man roster will free up a spot that the team is likely to use on a defensive end. There is a need at defensive end because Ebenezer Ekuban is out eight weeks while recovering from surgery to repair a herniated disk in his lower back.
The Dallas Morning News reports Cowboys owner and GM Jerry Jones said QB Quincy Carter (sprained thumb) was going to have his thumb re-evaluated by doctors Friday afternoon. That evaluation was to help determine whether the team would keep Carter active as the backup to starting QB Anthony Wright for the San Diego game. The Cowboys only keep two quarterbacks active on their 45-man game-day roster. If Carter is not active, third-team QB Clint Stoerner would back up Wright.
The Arizona Republic reports the Cardinals will apparently be without the services of starting WR Rob Moore. Moore couldn't practice Friday because of an injured tendon that connects his hamstring to the knee. "He hasn't been able to practice in three days and I'm not going to be foolhardy with Rob Moore's health," HC Dave McGinnis said. The Cardinals received a brief scare during Friday's practice when starting S Pat Tillman and starting CB Corey Chavous collided and Tillman stayed on the ground for awhile. "They just ran together and Tillman got the air knocked out of him" McGinnis said. "He couldn't say he was hurt, so he just stayed on the ground. He's all right."
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports Rams LB Mark Fields (rib) isn't 100% healthy, but will play in San Francisco. The pieces of cartilage that tore away from ribs probably would have forced Fields to miss last week's game against the Atlanta Falcons. The major difficulty is that there's no way to protect the cartilage, which means he's likely to battle the injury throughout the season. After sitting out Wednesday and Thursday because of a hamstring injury, RB Robert Holcombe got plenty of practice Friday. Though Holcombe "moved around pretty good," HC Mike Martz said he would decide Sunday whether Holcombe would play. "You don't know how he'll be until he gets out in a pregame environment and runs around and puts it to the test." Martz added that backup C Frank Garcia, listed as questionable Wednesday because of a toe injury, probably would play. And, after a good week of practice, DE Grant Wistrom is likely to start, though Martz won't make a final decision until game time. "He's still not 100 percent, but he'll be fine," Martz said.
The Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports Seahawks OT Chris McIntosh will play tomorrow for the first time since getting a neck stinger Aug. 4. He practiced for the fourth consecutive day and his mobility and range appeared to improve each practice. CB Ike Charlton also will return after missing the opener with a sprained knee. He probably will play as the third corner in the nickel defense. QB Trent Dilfer will remain the backup quarterback this week. The Seattle Times adds CB Shawn Springs (hamstring) has not practiced this week and is not expected to play tomorrow. WR James Williams (broken wrist) is questionable.
The San Diego Union-Tribune reports Chargers DE Al Fontenot (bruised rotator cuff) returned to practice after sitting out Thursday's workout. Fontenot will start for the second straight game in place of DE Marcellus Wiley (broken foot).
The Press-Democrat reports Oakland Raiders second-year WR Jerry Porter is off the Raiders' injury report. Now the lingering question is whether he'll be off the team's inactive list for Sunday's game. Porter suffered a separated shoulder in the third exhibition game against the 49ers and has not played since. HC Jon Gruden said that Porter, last year's second-round draft choice, could have played in the opener against the Chiefs but he was inactive. After having what Gruden called an outstanding off-season and training camp, Porter seems to have regressed to the point where his playing status is on a week-to-week basis. Gruden sidestepped the opportunity to give Porter a vote of confidence. "He's ready to play, but we'll just make that decision later in the week in terms of which grouping of wide receivers to play with," Gruden said.
The San Francisco Chronicle reports 49ers LB Julian Peterson (ankle sprain) practiced yesterday for the first time since getting injured in the 49ers' exhibition finale on Aug. 31. He's still listed as doubtful for tomorrow's game. Meanwhile, WR J.J. Stokes has seen improvement with his thigh bruise, but remains questionable.
The Kansas City Star reports free-agent WRs Chris Brazzell, Bobby Newcombe and Damon Griffin worked out Friday for the Chiefs, who are looking at them more as developmental prospects than immediate contributors. Brazzell played two seasons for Dallas, catching seven passes in 14 games. Newcombe, who played at Nebraska, was a sixth-round pick by Arizona this year before being released after training camp. Griffin played two seasons for Cincinnati, playing in 21 games and catching 14 passes. He also returned punts and kickoffs for the Bengals. The Chiefs also worked out CB Ahmad Hawkins, a rookie who went to camp with Atlanta. Hawkins was a wide receiver his first three collegiate seasons at Virginia.
The Kansas City Star reports Chiefs HC Dick Vermeil made it official after Friday's practice. WR Derrick Alexander, who didn't work during the week because of a sore Achilles' tendon, will not play Sunday against the New York Giants. WR Chris Thomas will take Alexander's place in the starting lineup, and WR Larry Parker will be the third receiver. The Chiefs also added CB Ray Crockett to the injury report, but he practiced Friday and will start.
The Denver Post reports Broncos HC Mike Shanahan said doctors removed debris and repaired a small cartilage tear in the knee of RB Terrell Davis on Thursday. Shanahan on Friday denied a published report that said Davis also partially tore his medial collateral ligament. "No, no ligament damage," he said. "Only cartilage." He said Thursday's arthroscopic procedure was similar to what LB John Mobley underwent during training camp last season. Mobley also tore his ACL and experienced swelling a year later. After the second operation, Mobley missed only three weeks. "Terrell's was similar but not as bad," Shanahan said. As expected, RB Mike Anderson becomes the starter, with RB Olandis Gary the backup while Davis recovers.
The Nashville Tennessean reports Titans CB Andre Dyson (toe) practiced for the second straight day yesterday, but is not expected to play tomorrow.
The Plain Dealer reports Browns OG Tre Johnson is ready to play despite breaking two fingers on his right hand and undergoing surgery last week to have a pin inserted in his pinkie. He'll play with a cast on his hand. S Marquis Smith will return to action for the first time this week since breaking his hand in the second preseason game Aug. 18. He left as the starting strong safety but will ease back into the lineup on special teams. Smith, who underwent surgery on the hand, said he wouldn't be able to cover or tackle well enough yet to play on regular downs. HC Butch Davis said yesterday that WR Dennis Northcutt (collarbone) will not play tomorrow. Northcutt said yesterday that X-rays on his collarbone are still negative and that he didn't re-break the bone, but that he's too sore to play. He said he'll be back next week or the week after.
The Baltimore Sun reports Ravens WR/KR Jermaine Lewis (hamstring) remains doubtful to play tomorrow. Meanwhile, DB Gary Baxter (knee) remains questionable, and HC Brian Billick said his status could hinge on tactical matters. DT Sam Adams (leg), WR Qadry Ismail (hip) and DT Tony Siragusa (knee) remain on the injury report, but all are probable.
The New York Times reports more than three months after having foot surgery, WR Ike Hilliard continues to feel pain. As expected, his availability Sunday will be a game-time decision, HC Jim Fassel said. Hilliard took part in some drills Friday and has not had a full workout since Wednesday. "If I do any running on it at all, it's going to hurt pretty good," Hilliard said. "Believe me, I'm anxious to get out there. I just don't know if I can." He has been told by doctors and trainers that he will most likely have to play with pain for some time. Fassel said he was fairly certain that if Hilliard did not play this week, he would be ready to play against New Orleans next week, barring a setback.
The Bergan Record reports Jets second-year WR Laveranues Coles (foot) didn't practice Friday, but did suit up and exercise. HC Herman Edwards expects him to be ready to play Sunday despite a sprained right foot suffered in practice Thursday. "It's going to be sore, but he's a tough guy," Edwards said.
The Boston Globe reports there was a late change to the Patriots' injury report yesterday as DE Willie McGinest (leg injury) was upgraded to probable to play this week against the New York Jets.
The Buffalo News reports the Bills have not made it official that LB Sam Cowart is out for the season, apparently holding out hope that he will return at some point. However, Cowart is not that optimistic. He said Friday he believes his season is over. "My whole take on it is the football season is basically September, October and November," Cowart said in his first interview since having surgery Monday to repair a partially torn right Achilles' tendon. "The doctors said it's going to take three months for it to heal. But when a doctor tells you three months, that's really four. After those three months to get healthy, you then have to get back to where you are in football shape and at football speed. When I come back, I want to come back full tilt. I don't want people saying, "Why can't you do this or that?' I either want to be out there where I know I can help the team in all phases or I'd just rather sit down. At this point, I'd rather take my time and heal up. I'm not going to rush back."
The official website of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers reports the Bucs could use one more lineman, because substitute DT James Cannida is likely to be the only player not ready for action by the time the team takes the field in Minnesota. Cannida suffered an MCL sprain in his left knee during the team's August 31st preseason finale in Atlanta, an injury similar to the ones previously suffered by P Mark Royals and C Jeff Christy. Both Royals and Christy took about a month to heal, though Cannida's sprain might need up to six weeks of recovery. Meanwhile, the team's other significantly injured players - Christy, CB Dwight Smith, OG Russ Hochstein, S Dexter Jackson and WR Keyshawn Johnson - currently range from 'fully back in practice' to 'should be ready soon.' Christy and Johnson fall in the former group, Hochstein, Smith and Jackson in the latter.
The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports Packers WR Antonio Freeman returned to practice Friday after sitting out 11/2 days with a sinus infection. "He was still a little weak but he struggled through it and looked good today," OC Tom Rossley said. "He'll play but we might have to spell him a little bit just to see how strong he is." CB/KR Allen Rossum, who has been bothered by a left hamstring pull since Aug. 30, doesn't want to repeat his mistake of returning too soon. Rossum aggravated the injury against Detroit, isn't expected to play Monday night and would probably be questionable for the Carolina game. Special teams coach Frank Novak said the candidates to return punts Monday were Freeman and S Darren Sharper, who dropped out of practice Friday with what appeared to be mild soreness in a knee. WR/KR Charles Lee, the backup punt returner, wasn't activated for the opener but might have to be activated Monday.
The Detroit Free Press reports Lions OT Aaron Gibson, who suffered a sprained foot in practice Thursday, was back in practice Friday. "He taped an aspirin onto his foot, and that did it," HC Marty Mornhinweg said. "So it looks like he's going to be available." WR Herman Moore has not practiced all week because of a slight hamstring tear, and it probably will be a game-time decision on whether he plays at Cleveland. Three other players coming off injuries, SS Ron Rice (toe), CB Robert Bailey (ankle) and WR Larry Foster (knee), are expected to play.
The Washington Post reports Redskins LB LaVar Arrington said he felt stronger during yesterday's practice after losing six pounds earlier this week because of strep throat. Arrington sat out Wednesday's practice. After yesterday's practice, Arrington said, "I don't think me being sick early in the week will have anything to do with the game Monday night." Reserve FB Bryan Johnson participated in parts of yesterday's practice and likely will practice today. Johnson was hospitalized earlier this week because of a viral infection. The Washington Times adds a decision on ORG David Brandt (sprained knee) may not come until Monday afternoon. Brandt worked with starters yesterday, but the Redskins will consider starting OG Matt Campbell.
The Trenton Times reports Eagles HC Andy Reid said he'll wait until game time before making a decision on DE N.D. Kalu (ankle) and rookie WR Freddie Mitchell's (hamstring) status. Kalu did practice yesterday and appears the more likely to go.
The Dallas Morning News reports the partially torn Achilles' tendon injury to Cowboys TE James Whalen appears to be season-ending. The Cowboys will put Whalen on injured reserve today. Whalen's departure from the 53-man roster will free up a spot that the team is likely to use on a defensive end. There is a need at defensive end because Ebenezer Ekuban is out eight weeks while recovering from surgery to repair a herniated disk in his lower back.
The Dallas Morning News reports Cowboys owner and GM Jerry Jones said QB Quincy Carter (sprained thumb) was going to have his thumb re-evaluated by doctors Friday afternoon. That evaluation was to help determine whether the team would keep Carter active as the backup to starting QB Anthony Wright for the San Diego game. The Cowboys only keep two quarterbacks active on their 45-man game-day roster. If Carter is not active, third-team QB Clint Stoerner would back up Wright.
The Arizona Republic reports the Cardinals will apparently be without the services of starting WR Rob Moore. Moore couldn't practice Friday because of an injured tendon that connects his hamstring to the knee. "He hasn't been able to practice in three days and I'm not going to be foolhardy with Rob Moore's health," HC Dave McGinnis said. The Cardinals received a brief scare during Friday's practice when starting S Pat Tillman and starting CB Corey Chavous collided and Tillman stayed on the ground for awhile. "They just ran together and Tillman got the air knocked out of him" McGinnis said. "He couldn't say he was hurt, so he just stayed on the ground. He's all right."
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports Rams LB Mark Fields (rib) isn't 100% healthy, but will play in San Francisco. The pieces of cartilage that tore away from ribs probably would have forced Fields to miss last week's game against the Atlanta Falcons. The major difficulty is that there's no way to protect the cartilage, which means he's likely to battle the injury throughout the season. After sitting out Wednesday and Thursday because of a hamstring injury, RB Robert Holcombe got plenty of practice Friday. Though Holcombe "moved around pretty good," HC Mike Martz said he would decide Sunday whether Holcombe would play. "You don't know how he'll be until he gets out in a pregame environment and runs around and puts it to the test." Martz added that backup C Frank Garcia, listed as questionable Wednesday because of a toe injury, probably would play. And, after a good week of practice, DE Grant Wistrom is likely to start, though Martz won't make a final decision until game time. "He's still not 100 percent, but he'll be fine," Martz said.
The Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports Seahawks OT Chris McIntosh will play tomorrow for the first time since getting a neck stinger Aug. 4. He practiced for the fourth consecutive day and his mobility and range appeared to improve each practice. CB Ike Charlton also will return after missing the opener with a sprained knee. He probably will play as the third corner in the nickel defense. QB Trent Dilfer will remain the backup quarterback this week. The Seattle Times adds CB Shawn Springs (hamstring) has not practiced this week and is not expected to play tomorrow. WR James Williams (broken wrist) is questionable.
The San Diego Union-Tribune reports Chargers DE Al Fontenot (bruised rotator cuff) returned to practice after sitting out Thursday's workout. Fontenot will start for the second straight game in place of DE Marcellus Wiley (broken foot).
The Press-Democrat reports Oakland Raiders second-year WR Jerry Porter is off the Raiders' injury report. Now the lingering question is whether he'll be off the team's inactive list for Sunday's game. Porter suffered a separated shoulder in the third exhibition game against the 49ers and has not played since. HC Jon Gruden said that Porter, last year's second-round draft choice, could have played in the opener against the Chiefs but he was inactive. After having what Gruden called an outstanding off-season and training camp, Porter seems to have regressed to the point where his playing status is on a week-to-week basis. Gruden sidestepped the opportunity to give Porter a vote of confidence. "He's ready to play, but we'll just make that decision later in the week in terms of which grouping of wide receivers to play with," Gruden said.
The San Francisco Chronicle reports 49ers LB Julian Peterson (ankle sprain) practiced yesterday for the first time since getting injured in the 49ers' exhibition finale on Aug. 31. He's still listed as doubtful for tomorrow's game. Meanwhile, WR J.J. Stokes has seen improvement with his thigh bruise, but remains questionable.
The Kansas City Star reports free-agent WRs Chris Brazzell, Bobby Newcombe and Damon Griffin worked out Friday for the Chiefs, who are looking at them more as developmental prospects than immediate contributors. Brazzell played two seasons for Dallas, catching seven passes in 14 games. Newcombe, who played at Nebraska, was a sixth-round pick by Arizona this year before being released after training camp. Griffin played two seasons for Cincinnati, playing in 21 games and catching 14 passes. He also returned punts and kickoffs for the Bengals. The Chiefs also worked out CB Ahmad Hawkins, a rookie who went to camp with Atlanta. Hawkins was a wide receiver his first three collegiate seasons at Virginia.
The Kansas City Star reports Chiefs HC Dick Vermeil made it official after Friday's practice. WR Derrick Alexander, who didn't work during the week because of a sore Achilles' tendon, will not play Sunday against the New York Giants. WR Chris Thomas will take Alexander's place in the starting lineup, and WR Larry Parker will be the third receiver. The Chiefs also added CB Ray Crockett to the injury report, but he practiced Friday and will start.
The Denver Post reports Broncos HC Mike Shanahan said doctors removed debris and repaired a small cartilage tear in the knee of RB Terrell Davis on Thursday. Shanahan on Friday denied a published report that said Davis also partially tore his medial collateral ligament. "No, no ligament damage," he said. "Only cartilage." He said Thursday's arthroscopic procedure was similar to what LB John Mobley underwent during training camp last season. Mobley also tore his ACL and experienced swelling a year later. After the second operation, Mobley missed only three weeks. "Terrell's was similar but not as bad," Shanahan said. As expected, RB Mike Anderson becomes the starter, with RB Olandis Gary the backup while Davis recovers.
The Nashville Tennessean reports Titans CB Andre Dyson (toe) practiced for the second straight day yesterday, but is not expected to play tomorrow.
The Plain Dealer reports Browns OG Tre Johnson is ready to play despite breaking two fingers on his right hand and undergoing surgery last week to have a pin inserted in his pinkie. He'll play with a cast on his hand. S Marquis Smith will return to action for the first time this week since breaking his hand in the second preseason game Aug. 18. He left as the starting strong safety but will ease back into the lineup on special teams. Smith, who underwent surgery on the hand, said he wouldn't be able to cover or tackle well enough yet to play on regular downs. HC Butch Davis said yesterday that WR Dennis Northcutt (collarbone) will not play tomorrow. Northcutt said yesterday that X-rays on his collarbone are still negative and that he didn't re-break the bone, but that he's too sore to play. He said he'll be back next week or the week after.
The Baltimore Sun reports Ravens WR/KR Jermaine Lewis (hamstring) remains doubtful to play tomorrow. Meanwhile, DB Gary Baxter (knee) remains questionable, and HC Brian Billick said his status could hinge on tactical matters. DT Sam Adams (leg), WR Qadry Ismail (hip) and DT Tony Siragusa (knee) remain on the injury report, but all are probable.
The New York Times reports more than three months after having foot surgery, WR Ike Hilliard continues to feel pain. As expected, his availability Sunday will be a game-time decision, HC Jim Fassel said. Hilliard took part in some drills Friday and has not had a full workout since Wednesday. "If I do any running on it at all, it's going to hurt pretty good," Hilliard said. "Believe me, I'm anxious to get out there. I just don't know if I can." He has been told by doctors and trainers that he will most likely have to play with pain for some time. Fassel said he was fairly certain that if Hilliard did not play this week, he would be ready to play against New Orleans next week, barring a setback.
The Bergan Record reports Jets second-year WR Laveranues Coles (foot) didn't practice Friday, but did suit up and exercise. HC Herman Edwards expects him to be ready to play Sunday despite a sprained right foot suffered in practice Thursday. "It's going to be sore, but he's a tough guy," Edwards said.
The Boston Globe reports there was a late change to the Patriots' injury report yesterday as DE Willie McGinest (leg injury) was upgraded to probable to play this week against the New York Jets.
The Buffalo News reports the Bills have not made it official that LB Sam Cowart is out for the season, apparently holding out hope that he will return at some point. However, Cowart is not that optimistic. He said Friday he believes his season is over. "My whole take on it is the football season is basically September, October and November," Cowart said in his first interview since having surgery Monday to repair a partially torn right Achilles' tendon. "The doctors said it's going to take three months for it to heal. But when a doctor tells you three months, that's really four. After those three months to get healthy, you then have to get back to where you are in football shape and at football speed. When I come back, I want to come back full tilt. I don't want people saying, "Why can't you do this or that?' I either want to be out there where I know I can help the team in all phases or I'd just rather sit down. At this point, I'd rather take my time and heal up. I'm not going to rush back."
