Favre, Best, Gates should play in Week 8

Surprise, surprise, Minnesota quarterback Brett Favre says his ankle and foot have made dramatic improvement this week and he expects to start on Sunday.

Detroit running back Jahvid Best says his injured toe is close to 100 percent and he's good to go this weekend.

In Arizona, it sounds as if Tim Hightower is in the dog house due to fumbling issues and that means Beanie Wells should get the lions share of the carries in Week 8.

It would be best to stay away from San Diego's kicker for awhile. Nate Kaeding (groin) is out and now his replacement, Kris Brown, is nursing an ankle injury. Look somewhere else for a kicker in Week 9.

Reports out of St. Louis are that running back Steven Jackson (finger) will be a game-time decision. He probably won't carry a full load this week so, if you have other options, consider them.

San Diego tight end Antonio Gates (toe) is listed as questionable for Week but he is expected to play. Teammates Malcom Floyd and Legedu Naanee, both wide receivers, are nursing hamstring injuries and are  considered doubtful.

Jacksonville quarterback David Garrard (concussion) has been cleared to play and he is expected to start in Week 8.

Arizona quarterback Max Hall (head) has been mediocre so far but is still expected to start in Week 8. Derek Anderson will be the back-up.

Indianapolis running back Joseph Addai (neck) is out for Week 8.Donald Brown is also out which means Mike Hart will be the primary ball carrier.

New Orleans running backs Pierre Thomas (ankle) and Reggie Bush (fibula)  are both out for this weekend. Look for Chris Ivory to again get the bulk of the carries.

Carolina running back DeAngelo Williams (foot) is listed as doubtful for Week 8 and is not expected to play

Danario Alexander's time in the spot light was apparently short-lived. The St. Louis receiver suffered a knee injury in practice Friday that will require surgery. He is expected to miss at least 2-4 weeks.

Favre's iron-man streak could come to an end

Here's a rundown of the significant injuries from Sunday's games:

Minnesota quarterback Brett Favre said his consecutive-game starting streak is in serious jeopardy  after re-injuring his surgically-repaired ankle against the Packers. In the unlikely scenario that he doesn't play in Week 8, Tarvaris Jackson would get the start.

San Francisco quarterback Alex Smith suffered a left shoulder strain against Carolina and had to leave the game. X-rays did not who any fracture and his status for next week is unknown.

Carolina  running back DeAngelo Williams has a foot injury that the coaching staff does not believe is serious. His status for Week 8 is not known.

Arizona quarterback Max Hall left Sunday's game with a head injury and was replaced by Derek Anderson. Hall has done little in his last two starts so look for Anderson to get the nod in Week 8.

St. Louis running back Steven Jackson had to leave the game against Tampa Bay with an undisclosed injury. His status for Week 8 is unknown. 

Indianapolis receiver Anthony Gonzalez recently aggravated his high ankle sprain and is one again out indefinitely.

Indianapolis receiving corps in shambles

Even though the Indianapolis Colts have a bye week, they've been experiencing major problems in their receiving corps. Tight end Dallas Clark had wrist surgery this week and has been placed on injured reserve. Wide receiver Austin Collie is also having arm and shoulder problems and could miss the next few games. That makes Pierre Garcon relevant again. Even Anthony Gonzalez could re-emerge as a decent player if  Collie misses any significant time.


New York Giants wideout Hakeem Nicks (hamstring) was limited in practice Saturday and is questionable for Week 7. He will likely be a game-time decision.

Dallas receiver Dez Bryant (ankle) practiced Saturday and is considered probable for this weekend.

Jacksonville quarterback David Garrard (concussion) has been ruled out for Week 7 but is expected to be cleared to play in Week 8 against Dallas. Todd Bouman could get the start this weekend if Trent Edwards' badly-sprained thumb keeps him from playing.

Tennessee quarterback Vince Young (knee, ankle) remains questionable for Sunday. Head coach Jeff Fisher said it will come down to how mobile he is before game time.

San Diego tight end Antonio Gates (toe) will be a game-time decision Sunday. If he can't go, Randy McMichael will get the start. Two other Chargers' receivers, Malcolm Floyd (hamstring) and Legedu Naanee (hamstring) are listed as doubtful for Sunday. Charters' kicker Nate Kaeding (groin) had already been ruled out for Week 7.

San Francisco tight end Vernon Davis (knee) participated in practice Friday and is probable for Week 7.

Oakland running back Darren McFadden (hamstring) will again be a game-time decision this week. Teammate Bruce Gradkowski (shoulder) is already listed as out, giving the start to quarterback Jason Campbell.

Jaguars wide receiver Mike Sims-Walker (shoulder) practiced in full on Friday and is listed as probable for Week 7.

Philadelphia wideout DeSean Jackson (concussion) will not play this weekend. His status for the following week is unknown. Teammate Brent Celek (wrist), a tight end, is listed as probable. Quarterback Michael Vick (ribs) will suit up but will not get the start.

Cleveland tight end Benjamin Watson (ankle), running back Payton Hillis (thigh) and wideout Joshua Cribbs (concussion) are all probable for Sunday.

Denver wide receiver Eddie Royal (groin) was limited in practice Friday and will be a game-time decision.

Carolina Panthers receiver Steve Smith (ankle) practiced Friday and is probable for Week 7.

Kolb to start again for Eagles in Week 7

Those of you who picked up Philadelphia quarterback Kevin Kolb recently and were rewarded with a big performance in Week 6 may rest easy. Teammate Michael Vick (ribs) has already been ruled out for Week 7.

There is still no word from Indianapolis on the extent of the shoulder injury suffered by running back Joseph Addai on Sunday. The only comment so far has come from team president Bill Polian who said he doesn't think it is separated.

Oakland third-string quarterback Kyle Boller may get a start on Sunday. Bruce Gradkowsi (shoulder) and Jason Campbell (knee) are both nursing injuries so Boller may get the nod. He is only a desperation start in fantasy.

San Francisco tight end Vernon Davis had an MRI on his injured knee Monday which came back negative. If the contusion keeps him out on Sunday, Randy McMichael would be the likely starter for the 49ers.

Owners of New York Giants kicker Lawrence Tynes (ankle) should feel a lot better this week. The team released Shayne Graham on Monday and Tynes proclaimed himself good to go for Week 7.

 The same can not be said for San Diego kicker Nate Kaeding. He suffered a groin injury Sunday and is not expected to play in Week 7.


According to San Diego head coach Norv Turner, the toe injury suffered by tight end Antonio Gates on Sunday is not serious and he might be able to play this weekend. Turner said the injury is not related to the toe problems he had in the 2007 playoffs which required surgery.

Look for quarterback Phillip Rivers' numbers to go down as his entire starting receiving corps is knicked up. In addition to Gates, Malcom Floyd suffered a hamstring injury last week and is out for Sunday. Teammate Legedu Naanee also has hamstring issues and is listed as doubtful.


The news out of Tennessee on quarterback Vince Young is encouraging. He had an MRI on his knee and ankle Monday which revealed only mild sprains to both. He will probably be a game-time decision Sunday.

Washington has officially named wide receiver Anthony Armstrong a starter. He leap-frogged over Joey Galloway on the depth chart. He is at best a No. 3 wideout but that's better than no value at all.

Washington tight end Chris Cooley played through a concussion in Week 6. He has passed all the neurological tests so far and his status for Sunday is questionable.

Philadelphia receiver DeSean Jackson (concussion) is unlikely to play this weekend. The team has a bye in Week 8 and head coach Andy Reid would prefer if Jackson did not play until after that break.

 New Orleans running back Chris Ivory had 158 yards rushing in Week 6 and should be picked up if he's available. Ivory is in line for a lot of playing time against the Browns this weekend if Pierre Thomas (ankle) and Reggie Bush (leg) are unable to play.

Cutler, Rodgers, McNabb should play in Week 6

Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (concussion) fully participated in practice Friday and will play in Week 6. His presence in the lineup increases the value of all the other offensive skill players in Chicago.

Two other marquee quarterbacks, Green Bay's Aaron Rodgers (concussion) and Washington's Donovan McNabb (hamstring) are also expected to play. Both practiced on Friday. 


New Orleans Saints running back Pierre Thomas (ankle) has been ruled out for this weekend. Ladell Betts should get the majority of the carries.

Detroit receiver Calvin Johnson (shoulder) will be a game-time decision on Sunday. He was able to catch passes with both hands for the first time on Friday.

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Randy Moss has been cramming for the team's two-minute offense this week and is starting to feel more comfortable in it. He should be involved in all phases of the team's passing game this week.

The Vikings' Brett Favre has been battling tendonitis in his elbow this week and is listed as questionable on the injury report. His arm would really have to be hurting for him to give up his consecutive start streak so expect him to play.

New York Giants placekicker Lawrence Tynes (ankle) is questionable for this week. It's safer to go with another kicker until you know for sure he is back in the line-up.

Oakland quarterback Bruce Gradkowski did not practice Friday is not expected to play this weekend. Jason Campbell should get the starting nod but he should only be used in fantasy as a last resort.

Campbell's teammate, running back Darren McFadden, was limited in practice Friday and is still listed as questionable for Week 6. Even if he plays it should be sparingly so use Michael Bush as a full-time starter this weekend.

Houston wide receiver Jacoby Jones (calf) is still questionable for Sunday but is likely to play. Since fellow wideout Andre Johnson (ankle) is considered probable, Jones has little value even if he plays. Texans' running back Arian Foster (knee) is also listed as probable.

Indianapolis wide receivers Austin Collie and Pierre Garcon are both questionable for Sunday but both are expected to play. Running backs Joseph Addai and Mike Hart are also questionable but should play.

Dallas wideout Dez Bryant (ankle) was held out of practice Friday and is questionable for Week 6. It's probably wise to keep him on your bench until he starts producing consistently.

Tampa Bay wideout Mike Williams, who has been quietly consistent this year, practiced Friday but it still listed as questionable for this weekend with a foot injury. He will be a game-time decision.

Denver running back Knowshon Moreno (hamstring) is beginning to practice again but is doubtful for this weekend. Even if he plays he will be used sparingly so look elsewhere for running back help.

Finley out, Rodgers may be in

In case you missed it, Green Bay Packers tight end underwent knee surgery this week and it was determined he will likely miss 8-10 weeks instead of the 3-6 weeks it was originally announced. There's even a chance he would wind up on injured reserve. It's safe to drop him in all non-keeper leagues.

Finley's teammate, quarterback Aaron Rodgers, is progressing nicely from the concussion he sustained last week. His status for this weekend's game is still up in the air. 

Detroit wide receiver Calvin Johnson ran some routes and caught some lightly-tossed passes Thursday but was still favoring his shoulder. He is considered questionable for this weekend.

There's a chance Oakland running back Darren McFadden (hamstring) could get back on the field this weekend but only on a limited basis. Michael Bush is the likely starter for the Raiders.

Good new for owners of St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson. The veteran proclaimed himself 100-percent recovered from his recent groin injury. Now, if he could just find the end zone, everything would be great.


At Houston, wide receiver Andre Johnson (ankle) and tight end Owen Daniels (hamstring) were both limited in practice Thursday. They are both probable for this weekend but neither will be 100 percent.

San Diego wideout Vincent Jackson, who has been holding out since the start of the season, has been advised by the NFL Players Association to report the Chargers by Oct. 31. If he does so he will be an unrestricted free agent in 2011.

Jason Campbell is the likely starter at quarterback for Oakland this week as Bruce Gradkowski continues to nurse a shoulder injury. Campbell is a desperation play only.


It looks as if Colt McCoy will make his NFL debut for the Cleveland Browns in Week 6 against Pittsburgh. He may not have Peyton Hillis to hand off to, either, as the running back missed Thursday's practice with a thigh injury. If you have the Steelers' defense, you're in great shape.

Johnson, McCoy should be on the field this weekend

Houston wide receiver Andre Johnson (ankle) is still not 100 percent but is expected to play this week. Keep him in your lineup unless you see him on the inactives Sunday morning.


Tennessee wide receiver Kenny Britt will get the starting nod Sunday over Justin Gage (hamstring). Britt probably won't catch many passes but might be good for a touchdown.

Detroit Lions' running back Jahvid Best is listed as questionable for Sunday but chance are he will play. He had a good match-up in the St. Louis Rams.

It sounds as if San Diego running backs Mike Tolbert and Ryan Mathews will share carries again this week. Tolbert probably has a bit more value because he's more likely to be used at the goal line.

Despite fractured ribs, it looks as if Philadelphia running back LeSean McCoy will play Sunday night. He has a good match-up in San Francisco.

Denver has declared running back Knowshon Moreno definitely out for this weekend. That means Laurence Maroney and Correll Buckhalter will once again share playing time.

Pierre Thomas, the New Orleans Saints running back, is nursing an ankle sprain and is looking doubtful for this weekend. Expect Ladell Betts to get the start.

It's official in Arizona, Max Hall is the new starting quarterback and Derek Anderson is back on the bench. Hall figures to have some long-range potential but owners shouldn't consider picking him up until he shows something.

Are Patriots searching for Moss' replacement?

Rumors are rampant surrounding the New England Patriots and their possible attempts to replace the traded Randy Moss. One has the Patriots looking at
San Diego's Vincent Jackson and another has Tom Brady talking to Seattle's Deion Branch. Branch cut his NFL teeth with Brady and the Patriots at the start of his career. None of the rumors have much validity at this point.

The Chicago Bears are saying quarterback Jay Cutler (concussion) will miss the Week 5 game but should then be able to return to the lineup. If you're looking for a one-week play, both Detroit's Shaun Hill and Jacksonville's David Garrard have favorable match-ups.

Oakland's Darren McFadden did not practice Thursday, paving the way for Michael Bush (thumb) to get the start against San Diego.

Wide receiver Santonio Holmes of the New York Jets is back from his suspension but is still behind on his timing with quarterback Mark Sanchez. He's worth picking up but should stay on your bench until he starts producing.

Owners who were quick enough to jump on Washington running back Ryan Torain should reap the benefits for awhile. Starter Clinton Portis (groin) is expected to miss four to six weeks.

The wide receiver merry-go-round continues in Indianapolis. This week Austin Collie (foot) is likely out and Pierre Garcon (hamstring) is back in. Whichever one plays is a strong option.

Check back here for more updates and check-out Tuesday's print edition for the weekly Fantasy Forum.

Moss trade has ripple fantasy effect

The Randy Moss trade to the Vikings is the big topic of discussion in the fantasy football world today. Oddly enough, his value as a player changes little. It's the changes to the people on the team he left behind and the team he has recently joined that will have the greatest fantasy impact.

Moss was one of the elite receivers going into the season and that remains the same. He's still a must-play every week, or at least until Brett Favre proves it's his own age and talent that is betraying him and not his receiving corps.

So what does this do to the other Vikings players? Well, Favre must once again be taken seriously as a starting quarterback. Exactly how long it will take him to establish chemistry with Moss is an unknown but, at least for now, opposing defenses will have to respect Moss as a deep threat and that opens up some other options for Favre. Neither Percy Harvin nor Visanthe Shiancoe can continue to be treated as the primary receivers for the team. That increases their fantasy values a little bit.

Adrian Peterson has already been having a monster year so it's difficult to envision his value can get any higher. Still, the days of eight or nine in the box may be over and that's good new for AP fans. Oh by the way, if Bernard Berrian and Greg Camarillo and Greg Lewis were not useless already, they certainly are now.

And what about the team Moss left behind? Even though Moss was not having a superb year statistically, you have to believe he made all the other receivers on the Patriots better.

It's difficult to believe Wes Welker will continue to get open as much as he does with no deep threat on the other side of the field drawing defenders away. It's true, that New England has been moving more to a two-tight end offense with Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez than a three-receiver offense (which may be the main reason the Patriots felt Moss was expendable) but, on paper anyways, it appears the team will be less likely to stretch the field.

This means Tom Brady may have to work a little harder to find open receivers and his value probably takes a slight hit. The key player for New England in this whole thing is Brandon Tate. He has leap-frogged Julian Edelman as the team's "next great receiver guy" for the Patriots. It's a good bet he will now have an expanded role in the offense. If he's available in your league he's worth stashing on your roster.

Overshadowed in this whole Moss deal was the trade earlier this week that sent Marshawn Lynch from the Buffalo Bills to the Seattle Seahawks. Although Seattle is far from a mecca for running backs, the deal moves Lynch from fantasy obscurity to strong No. 3 or weak No. 2 running back status. In other words, he actually has value again.

Check back here for fantasy updates and look for The Fantasy Forum every Tuesday in The Free Press print edition.

Monday morning injury report

Here's a quick rundown of injuries sustained on Sunday:


Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler suffered a concussion and was unable to finish Sunday nights' 17-3 loss to the New York Giants. The severity of the concussion is unknown.


Philadelphia quarterback Michael Vick suffered cartilage damage to his ribs while scrambling in the first half of Sunday's game against Washington. He did not return to the game and will have an MRI today.

Eagles teammate LeSean McCoy suffered a rib fracture during the game and the running back is, at best, questionable for Week 5.

Washington running back Clinton Portis suffered a groin injury Sunday and had to leave the game. Ryan Torain picked up the bulk of the carries in his absence. Portis' long-range status is unknown.

Oakland running back Darren McFadden suffered a hamstring injury Sunday. His status for Week 5 is unknown.

San Diego running back Ryan Mathews apparently sustained an elbow injury last week and was used sparingly Sunday. It is not known how long the injury will affect him.

Indianapolis Colts running back Joseph Addai suffered an undisclosed injury but was able to walk off the field under his own power. He status will be updated Tuesday.

Carolina wide receiver Steve Smith sustained a high ankle sprain Sunday and there is no time table for his return. More will be released on Tuesday.

Tennessee wideout Justin Gage pulled a hamstring Sunday which forced him from the game. His status will be evaluated Tuesday.


Check Tuesday's Fantasy Forum in the print edition for a look at who's hot on the waiver wire.

Betts, Darby could see more playing time

Good news for Houston wide receiver Andre Johnson (ankle) fans. He says he will play against Oakland this weekend despite not being 100 percent.

Washington running back Clinton Portis (wrist) is expected to start this weekend but how much he plays is anybody's guess. Head coach Mike Shanahan has never been very forthcoming with injuries or starting lineups so it's always a gamble.

Detroit running back Jahvid Best (turf toe) intends to play Sunday. Even if he's only at 80 percent he's still at least a No. 2 RB starter in fantasy.

Don't be surprised if Ladell Betts is the starting running back for New Orleans on Sunday. Pierre Thomas is nursing an ankle problem and Betts has been running with the first-team offense all week. If you need a bye week fill-in, Betts could be the answer.

New York Giants receiver Mario Manningham has a concussion and is considered questionable for Sunday. If he doesn't play, the value of Steve Smith, Hakeem Nicks and Kevin Boss improves slightly.

Oakland wideout Louis Murphy (clavicle) is not at 100 percent and is considered questionable for Sunday. He has a good match-up against the Texans so, if he plays, stick him in your lineup.

St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson (groin) will be a game-time decision. The Rams are likely to be cautious with him so Kenneth Darby is more likely to start than Jackson.

If you're desperate for a running back heading into Week 5, Tampa Bay's LeGarrette Blount might be the answer. He has apparently moved ahead of Earnest Graham as the team's short-yardage/goal-line back and will likely steal carries from Cadillac Williams. He's a long shot to be productive but, again, if you're desperate you could do worse.

If you picked up BenJarvus Green-Ellis of New England this week you can probably play him without much concern. The running back is in line to get a significant number of carries since Fred Taylor (toe) has missed practice all week and is unlikely to play.

Indianapolis wideout Pierre Garcon (hamstring) did not practice Friday and will be a game-time decision. Fellow receiver Austin Collie (heel) will play but could be limited. This increases the stock of Reggie Wayne, Dallas Clark and Joseph Addai.