SATURDAY REPORT
This report includes any early word on the Sunday deactivations and notes from all the teams playing that week.

In the week four Saturday report, we broke the news exclusively that the Vikings were leaning toward starting QB Gus Frerotte over QB Daunte Culpepper.
 

Pro Football News & Injury Report
 
Week Four
 
Saturday September 27, 2003

On Bye This Week: Miami, N.Y. Giants, Seattle, Tampa Bay

Sunday

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (0-2) AT BUFFALO BILLS (3-0) 1:00 PM EST

EAGLES

With rookie DE Jerome McDougle (knee), starting FS Brian Dawkins (foot), and starting CB Bobby Taylor (foot) all ruled out, the team had thought that starting DE Brandon Whiting (hamstring) might be the one player of the four who could suit up. However, head coach Andy Reid said such a possibility would be a “stretch” after Whiting failed to practice Friday.

Second-year CB Lito Sheppard will start for Taylor and backup S Clinton Hart starts for Dawkins at FS. Starting DT Darwin Walker is expected to play at end once again in place of Whiting with veteran DT Hollis Thomas assuming Walker’s spot along the interior.

Offensively, the club is looking for more balance and would like to run the ball more and that way, they can control the clock and hopefully stop playing from behind.

"You haven't seen a lot of offense. It is hard when you are not in a rhythm; you are not using all the parts of the deal. If you can extend some drives.
One thing I know we can control and do better job of is holding on to the football, possessing the football. If you don't do one other thing, you need
to treat that thing like a sack of gold. It is what we are all fighting over. If we do a better job of taking care of the football, then you have a chance to continue to drive the football," offensive coordinator Brad Childress said this week.

The run/pass ratio hasn't been what the club is looking so far (84/16 called pass plays to called run plays).

"I would say it is driven by the way the game end up turning out. You aren't going to sit there and slam it between the guards and tackles if you are down points," Childress said.

If the club can get a lead early or the game is close throughout, look for RB Correll Buckhalter to be more involved.

BILLS

The Bills had expected starting RB Travis Henry (ribs) to practice in some capacity on Friday. However, that was not the case.

"He asked me for another day, so we'll wait and see tomorrow morning," head coach Gregg Williams said in reference to Henry sitting out Friday’s practice. "We'll probably take it all the way down to game-time."

Friday’s session was a walk-through practice for the Bills. While it is far from a definitive answer, it is traditionally a not a good sign for a player when he is unable to participate in a walk-through.

Backup FB Phillip Crosby (leg) was placed on injured reserve and RB Ken Simonton was promoted from the practice squad on Saturday. If Henry is out, backup RB Joe Burns would start with Simonton backing him up.

CINCINNATI BENGALS (0-3) AT CLEVELAND BROWNS (1-2) 1:00 PM EST

BENGALS

Nobody is pleased with the Bengals’ 0-3 start creating speculation that veteran QB Jon Kitna could be on the verge of being benched in favor of rookie QB Carson Palmer.

Head coach Marvin Lewis asked if a change was imminent and he replied with the short and succinct answer of “No.”

The team is very pleased with Kitna’s work ethic and is impressed in his diligence in working with the team’s younger receivers. Kitna routinely stays after practice to work on timing with rookie WRs Lawrence Hamilton and Kelley Washington.

Starting RB Corey Dillon (groin-probable) practiced Friday and is expected to play on Sunday. As we noted in the Friday report, Dillon showed reporters after practice that he was ready to play when he ran off the field. When asked about Dillon’s status, Lewis said he is “fine.”

Dillon has had some big games vs. Cleveland in the past and Browns’ head coach Butch Davis is all too aware of that fact.

"He's just a guy that every week has the ability to light it up," Davis said. "You go into every game assuming everybody is going to be 100 percent healthy and you're going to get their best effort. I'm sure that will be the case this week."

Backup TE Matt Schobel (hamstring) practice Friday but remains listed as doubtful. Reggie Kelly is the team’s starter but Schobel is used frequently in pass catching situations. If Schobel is unable to play, look for former Penn St. TE Tony Stewart to pick up some of the slack.

BROWNS

Head coach Butch Davis stated for the record Friday that #3 WR Dennis Northcutt (chest) would indeed be able to play Sunday vs. the Bengals.

“Right now, the plan is he should be able to do everything," Davis said. "He practiced 100 percent two days in a row now. We don't see any reason he shouldn't do everything."

In an attempt to boost their shaky offensive line, the Browns have promoted backup OL Paul Zukauskas to starting RG. OL Shaun O’Hara will move from RG to LG, sending OL Melvin Fowler to the bench.

The shakeup on the offensive line was primarily made to get the team’s anemic running game going. After three games, starting RB William Green has just 187 yards rushing and no TDs. Zukauskas fully understands the task at hand.

``The Bengals have three big, physical defensive tackles,'' Zukauskas said. ``We've got to get the running game going, get Will a hundred yards and get a win. I've got to come off the ball and play physical.''

Practice squad QB Nate Hybl was promoted to the active roster on Saturday. However, Davis wasn’t ready to rule starting Kelly Holcomb (ankle-questionable) out as QB Tim Couch’s backup.

"Kelly practiced (yesterday) and it's still more than 48 hours away from the game," Davis said. "We'll see how much more progress he makes. We'll have a little practice (today) like we always do and we'll keep evaluating it."

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (0-3) AT HOUSTON TEXANS (1-2) 1:00 PM EST

JAGUARS

Starting CB Jason Craft was victimized early and often last week by the Colts, with WR Reggie Wayne having what many consider his best game as a pro.

This week Craft and fellow starting CB Fernando Bryant will be asked to keep the Texans’ formidable receiver trio of WRs Andre Johnson, Jabar Gaffney and Corey Bradford in check.

Jacksonville would prefer to have the more experienced Bryant matched up against Johnson the entire game. But that won’t happen according to Bryant as he says Houston flip-flops their receivers throughout the game.

The team will get official word from the NFL on Monday as to whether starting WR Jimmy Smith (suspension) will be reinstated by the league.

Starting QB Mark Brunell (left elbow laceration-questionable) was downgraded to doubtful after Friday’s practice while backup RB/FB Chris Fuamatu Ma’afala was upgraded to probable.

Unless Brunell makes marked improvement over the next 24 hours, first-round pick QB Byron Leftwich will make his first NFL regular season start.

TEXANS

Starting G Milford Brown (knee-questionable) won't be able to play Sunday so backup OL Todd Washington will start for Brown again.

Starting MLB Charlie Clemons (chest-probable) practiced Friday after missing the previous two days of work and is now expected to play. Head coach Dom Capers only requires that a player work on Friday. 

Backup RB Domanick Davis (hip), starting ILB Jay Foreman (shoulder), backup TE Rashod Kent (ankle), rookie OLB Antwan Peek (knee), starting DE Gary Walker (shoulder) all practiced and are expected to play in their normal roles. 

Starting DE Jerry DeLoach will move from DE to NT for Seth Payne (knee-IR) and backup DE Corey Sears will move into DeLoach's RDE slot.

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (1-2) AT MINNESOTA VIKINGS (3-0) 1:00 PM EST

49ERS

Head coach Dennis Erickson formally ruled out starting OLT Derrick Deese (leg) late Friday and announced rookie OT Kwame Harris as his replacement.

Deese is ``just not ready to go. He's close, really close but not ready,'' Erickson said.

According to Deese, he will be able to return for next Sunday’s game vs. Detroit.

Just like most teams, the Vikings are planning to double team starting WR Terrell Owens. They will pair up one of their starting CBs with one of their starting Ss. This is not uncommon and is one reason why fellow starting WR Tai Streets gets single coverage most of the time.

The Vikings pose more of a challenge in double coverage for Owens than most teams as starting Ss Brian Russell and Corey Chavous are excellent in coverage. In fact, each has recorded three interceptions so far this season.

Just two years after being discarded by the BRavens, Vikings’ RB Moe Williams is fifth in the NFL in rushing with 283 yards. Starting MLB Derek Smith will be one of the players on the 49er defense expected to keep Williams in check. But Smith knows it will be no easy task.

``He's got good speed, good vision,'' Smith said. ``He waits for things to open up and when he sees the hole, he hits it. He's playing really well right now and he's running strong. We've got to wrap him up.''

Backup CB Rashad Holman will return to the nickel spot after missing the Niners’ previous two games due to a groin strain.

VIKINGS

Starting QB Daunte Culpepper (back) practiced for the first time all week on Friday and was upgraded from doubtful to questionable. However, a league source told footballinjuries.com unless Culpepper makes a dramatic change, they're leaning towards starting backup QB Gus Frerotte. We'll have a further update at least one hour before the game in our subscriber area.

Starting WR Randy Moss (back-questionable) also practiced. Afterwards, head coach Mike Tice indicated that Moss’ back had stiffened up on him midway through practice. Despite that, Moss is still expected to start barring a setback and he was upgraded to probable. According to one practice observer, Moss looked in practice that he's very motivated for this game for two reasons.

He looks at 49er WR Terrell Owens as his top competition around the league and doesn't want him to outshine him. He's also motivated because the top Fox TV team will be covering the game.

Moss will joined in the starting lineup at receiver by backup Kelly Campbell. Campbell starts for the second week in a row with starting WR D’Wayne Bates (foot-questionable) not practicing all week. Rookie Nate Burleson will support the starters as the third receiver.

Veteran Doug Chapman (high ankle sprain) practiced much of the week and is expected to serve as the #2 RB this week with rookie RB Onterrio Smith as the #3. Veteran RB Moe Williams will get another start.

TE Byron Chamberlain will be eligible to be reinstated by the league after Sunday’s game. Chamberlain received a four game suspension prior to the season for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. According to a league source, Chamberlain, once reinstated, will work out for the club next week in order to determine what kind of shape he's in. If he's good enough shape, he'll be placed back on the active roster. If not, the club will release him.

TENNESSEE TITANS (2-1) AT PITTSBURGH STEELERS (2-1) 1:00 PM EST

TITANS

Starting DT Albert Haynesworth (elbow) is still scheduled to participate in warm-ups on Sunday morning. A decision in regard to his playing status will be rendered at that point. If he can't play, starting DE Kevin Carter is expected to see time at DT along with rookie DT Rien Long.

Starting S Lance Schulters has been playing with a less than 100 percent left shoulder. Schulters has no plans to rest it, but indicated he will undergo surgery after the season.

" I am definitely doing something this offseason,’’ Schulters said. " I don't want to wear this harness the rest of my dang career, so I want to get it fixed.''

Starting RG Benji Olson’s knee continues to improve and is expected to start Sunday after playing last week.

''Benji's doing fine,'' head coach Jeff Fisher said. ''Benji practiced yesterday (Thursday) and today (Friday) without any problem.''

GM Floyd Reese and agent Drew Rosenhaus are continuing to engage in talks regarding a long-term extension for Rosenhaus’ client, starting DE Jevon Kearse. However, little progress has been made.

''There's not much new,'' Rosenhaus said. ''I can't really say that we've made any real progress over the last couple of weeks.''

Kearse is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent this coming February.

STEELERS

The already struggling ground game of the Steelers could suffer another blow if starting OLT Marvel Smith is unable to play Sunday due to a left shoulder injury.

Smith has yet to be officially ruled out but the injury is adversely affecting his play and his condition deteriorates the more he plays.

"It's hard to describe," Smith said as he tried to discuss the nature of the injury. "I felt it throughout practice (Thursday) and I felt it throughout the game (against the Bengals). I lost strength in my arm. It's just painful. It's just a matter of getting it back healthy. I guess it just keeps on getting worse and worse."

OL Oliver Ross would replace Smith in the starting lineup if Smith were ruled out.

Head coach Bill Cowher stated earlier in the week he had no plans to rotate running backs during Sunday’s game. The Titans aren’t buying it as they prepared for both Amos Zereoue and Jerome Bettis.

Starting TE Jay Riemersma (chest) is listed as probable but is not 100 percent. He has an Achilles problem and that's what is ailing him most. If he can't play, backup TE Jerame Tuman (chest-probable) would likely start.

Third-down back Verron Haynes (knee-questionable) was able to practice both Thursday and Friday and will return to action Sunday barring a setback.

ARIZONA CARDINALS (1-2) AT ST. LOUIS RAMS (1-2) 1:00 PM EST

CARDINALS

Veteran WR Larry Foster (ankle-probable) increased his workload during Friday’s practice and is officially considered a game-time decision. Head coach Dave McGinnis said Foster would make the trip to St. Louis with the club and they would decide on Sunday whether to have him active for the game or not.

Rookie WRs Bryant Johnson and Anquan Boldin will continue to start irrespective of Foster’s status. Speaking of Boldin, he’s already recorded 12 third down conversions. That’s a remarkable number for a veteran, let alone a rookie.

Starting OLB Levar Fisher (knee-probable) sat out Friday’s practice but is expected to play.

Starting G Leonard Davis (ankle), starting DT Wendell Bryant (ankle), WR Jason McAddley (hamstring), backup DL Kenny King (toe), and backup WR/KR Kevin Kasper (back) are not expected to play. Backup DT Marcus Bell is expected to start for Bryant, backup OL Chris Dishman starts for Davis for the second week in a row, while third-string RB Josh Scobey will fill in for Kasper on returns.

The team could have a tough roster choice to make this week if the league reinstates backup G/C Frank Garcia upon completion of his four-game suspension for banned substances. Backup OT Kendrick Rogers and G/C Jason Starkey are the leading two candidates to get the pink slip.

RAMS

Starting RB Marshall Faulk (hand/knee), backup LB Courtland Bullard (hamstring), rookie WR Kevin Curtis (leg), backup G David Loverne (elbow), S Jason Sehorn (foot), and backup LB Scott Shanle (hamstring) are all out for Sunday. Backup RB Lamar Gordon will start for Faulk. Rookie RB Arlen Harris will back up Gordon.

Shanle was also suspended by the league today for violating the anabolic steroids policy and will be out for four games. He is eligible to return on Oct. 27, the day after the Rams play Pittsburgh. 

DT Ryan “Big Grease” Pickett is not listed on the injury report but he said the tendonitis in his left ankle "felt pretty good" on Friday. However, “Big Grease” was held out of practice anyway. It won't be known until Sunday whether he'll play against Arizona. The injury is a result of Pickett overcompensating for his high ankle sprain.

Starting CB Travis Fisher returned to practice Friday after missing Thursday with the flu. Fisher said he still felt pretty sick, but practiced anyway. Fisher added that the shoulder injury that limited him against Seattle is ``OK,'' but he said he is unable numb it again for Sunday's game. He said he would play irrespective of that fact.

Despite suffering an ankle injury in last Sunday's game, special teams captain/backup LB Jamie Duncan practiced all week and said he's ready to go. Rookies CB Kevin Garrett (wrist) and WR Shaun McDonald (thumb) were able to practice this week but McDonald is more likely to play than Garrett.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (2-1) AT WASHINGTON REDSKINS (2-1) 1:00 PM EST

PATRIOTS

Although he’s expected to play, starting CB Ty Law (ankle sprain-questionable) has been seen walking around in practices with a noticeable limp. That’s not good news since Law is scheduled to draw red-hot Redskins WR Laveranues Coles. Law understands he will be tested and is fully aware of what he’s up against in Coles.

"We have to be aware of (Coles), know where he is at all times," Law said. "He's a great young receiver. He's probably playing the best football as a wide receiver in the league right now."

Starting QB Tom Brady remains probable with a sore right elbow. He’s hoping for a big game from the RB duo of Antowain Smith and Kevin Faulk.

``It takes a lot of pressure off the passing game when you are really able to string some runs together,'' he said.

Starting ORT Adrian Klemm (ankle-questionable) returned to practice Friday and is expected to start. If he has a setback then backup OL Tom Ashworth, who replaced him in the lineup last week, would do so again on Sunday.

Starting FB Fred McCrary (knee-questionable) did not practice this week so backup FB Larry Centers who started for him last week, will do so again on Sunday.

Starting WR David Patten (knee-questionable) has a sprained knee and he missed his third straight practice today and is not expected to play. Second-year WR Deion Branch is expected to start in his place with rookie WR Bethel Johnson moving in as their third receiver.

Starting C/G Damien Woody (knee-questionable) practiced for the first time this week today and is now expected to start. He started at guard last week since Mike Compton was out (foot-IR) and is expected to start at guard once again.

Backup RB Mike Cloud will be eligible to come off the suspended list after Sunday’s game. Cloud underwent preseason surgery to relieve pressure on his left calf his recovery is said to be going well.

REDSKINS

Rookie WR Taylor Jacobs (abdomen) is on track to make his NFL regular season debut. However, he will begin on the bottom of the depth chart and have to work his way up as head coach Steve Spurrier indicated that WR Darnerien McCants has solidified his spot as the team’s third receiver.

Spurrier also indicated he intended to get his reserves more involved this week. Look for backup LB Kevin Mitchell to relieve starting MLB Jeremiah Trotter at various points during Sunday’s game. And while LG Dave Fiore is expected to start in spite of missing three consecutive practices with a sore right knee, rookie OL Derrick Dockery is still expected to see time.

TE Zeron Flemister is scheduled to return after missing two weeks with an Achilles’ tendon injury. However, TE Robert Royal will remain in the starting lineup.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (3-0) AT BALTIMORE RAVENS (2-1) 4:05 PM EST

CHIEFS

For television purposes, the game was moved from 1:00 to 4:05 pm est.

Starting RB Priest Holmes returned to practice on Friday after sitting out Wednesday. He only practiced on a light basis but that is no cause for alarm.

"We only had him do limited reps, but I expect him to play and he expects to be ready," head coach Dick Vermeil said. "I went by him early in practice and said: ‘How do you feel?' He said: ‘I'm OK,' so then we just backed off. No sense in irritating it."

Vermeil was also asked if he would take it easy on Holmes and cut back on his workload this week.

"I don't think so," Vermeil replied. "I think this kind of game, once he gets in it, it's going to be hard to get him out of there."

Starting S Greg Wesley was unable to practice Friday but is scheduled to start Sunday.

"With a back-type thing that he has, we wanted to rest him today," Vermeil said.

CB William Bartee (ankle) was able to practice again on Friday but remains questionable. If he is able to play, he will not do so as a starter as Vermeil has already announced he’s stick with veteran CB Dexter McCleon this week.

QB Todd Collins was able to practice Friday in spite of his back injury and will dress for the game.

RAVENS

Baltimore has to be considered one of the healthiest teams in the league right now, as every single member of the 53-man active roster was able to practice on Friday.

Starting LG Edwin Mulitalo is expected to start Sunday after missing last week's game with an ankle injury. The team also expected WR Frank Sanders (toes) to return to the lineup this week.

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (0-3) AT OAKLAND RAIDERS (1-2) 4:05 PM EST

CHARGERS

Starting WR Reche Caldwell (wrist), backup TE Josh Norman (hamstring), and OT Vaughn Parker (knee-injured reserve) are out.

Starting G Solomon Page (ankle-questionable) and backup WR Tim Dwight (knee-questionable) were both downgraded to doubtful after failing to practice Friday. Neither will play Sunday as per head coach Marty Schottenheimer’s rule that in order to play on gameday, a player must practice on Friday.

Schottenheimer indicated that with Dwight sidelined, he would probably use backup RBs Leon Johnson and Jesse Chatman on kick returns.

Starting TE Stephen Alexander (groin-questionable) also was unable to practice Friday so backup TE Justin Peelle will start for him yet again.

Backup S Vernon Fox (abdomen) and starting DE Marcellus Wiley (hamstring) are also listed as questionable but were able to practice Friday and are expected to play. 

Backup OT Phil Bogle (knee) was added to the injury report Thursday with a knee injury. But Bogle went through a limited practice session Friday. He remains questionable on the injury report and if he can't fill in for Parker, then rookie OL Courtney Van Buren would be the starter. Veteran OL Bob Hallen is going to start for Page.

With starting WR David Boston suspended for this week's game, backup WR Eric Parker will fill in for him. Rookie WR Kassim Osgood is expected to start for Caldwell with backup WRs Grant Mattos and Dondre Gilliam acting as the top backups. Parker, Osgood, Mattos, and Gilliam were signed as undrafted free agents--which could be an NFL first for a club to have four of their top receivers for a game to be undrafted.

RAIDERS

Starting G Mo Collins was not very pleased with C Barret Robbins after he went AWOL prior to the team’s January 26 Super Bowl loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

"Whatever (expletive) rock he came up from under (Saturday), he can stay there," Collins said after the game. "I would welcome him back as a business partner but not as a brother. A brother wouldn't leave you hanging like that."

However, Sunday will mark Robbins’ return to the starting lineup and Collins is now embracing him with open arms.

"He went through a lot of adversity," Collins said Thursday. "A lot of guys turned against him, including myself. We didn't listen to the facts and really didn't know that he had a problem. We were just going by what we saw. But he's turned it around. He came to work every day. Now he's ready to go."

Fellow starting G Frank Middleton was also critical of Robbins but has changed his tune as well.

"The dude worked hard," Middleton said Thursday. "They gave him a couple of goals to reach, to get his knee better, lose a little weight and get focused, and he's ready. But only time will tell. He's working on it.

"Sunday, we're going to find out. Once he gets back into the line of fire and he starts handling things and playing ball, you'll know if he's still B-Rob or not. Everybody's happy for him and just waiting to see how it turns out."

The Raiders are hoping the return of their Pro Bowl C to the starting lineup will help rejuvenate what’s become a stagnant running game. Robbins’ return could especially be good news for fantasy owners who have RB Charlie Garner owners and also QB Rich Gannon.

KR Ronney Jenkins (ankle), ROT Lincoln Kennedy (calf), OLB Bill Romanowski (concussion) and DE Sam Williams (knee) did not practice Friday. All are listed as questionable for Sunday's game but Kennedy and Romanowski are more on the doubtful side.

ATLANTA FALCONS (1-2) AT CAROLINA PANTHERS (2-0) 4:15 PM EST

FALCONS

Starting OLB Sam Rogers (knee is not expected to play with second-year OLB Will Overstreet expected to fill in for him. Backup WR Quentin McCord fills in again for starting WR Brian Finneran, who was able to practice this week with a cast. Finneran believes he could be ready next week but two weeks from now is a more realistic target date for a return.

Starting LG Travis Claridge aggravated a shoulder strain in practice Wednesday and is among seven Falcons listed as probable. Backup OL Roberto Garza has also been seeing some time at LG, as he has come along well after injuring his biceps in preseason.

Backup CB Tod McBride (broken right thumb) seems the closest to playing than he has since originally sustaining the injury. McBride continues to practice and will likely see his first game-action Sunday.

The other probable Falcons – backup WR/KR LaTarance Dunbar (groin), backup NT Ellis Johnson (shoulder), backup TE Brian Kozlowski (calf), backup SS Gerald McBurrows (neck), and backup S Kevin McCadam (hamstring) – all practiced each day this week and should be available Sunday. McCadam was inactive last week but has improved.

PANTHERS

Veteran OLB Mike Caldwell (knee) missed practice for the third straight day on Friday and will not play Sunday despite being listed as questionable. Veteran LB Greg Favors fills in again for him

Starting MLB Dan Morgan (hamstring-probable) worked on a full-scale basis again Friday however he had a setback and is now considered very questionable to play. If he can't play, starting OLB Will Witherspoon would move inside to start for Morgan and backup LB Brian Allen would start for Witherspoon.

DETROIT LIONS (1-2) AT DENVER BRONCOS (3-0) 4:15 PM EST

LIONS

With starting CB Andre’ Goodman on Injured Reserve (separated shoulder), the Lions need to do more juggling in their already-depleted secondary for Sunday's game at Denver. Veteran CB Otis Smith will start for Goodman.

A decision on the team’s nickel back has yet to be decided. Head coach Steve Mariucci said the choice comes down between CBs Alex Molden and Jimmy Wyrick.

The Lions also have some question marks in their passing game.

Backup WR Shawn Jefferson (ribs) and starting WR Bill Schroeder (knee) are both questionable. The duo hobbled through practice this week and it doesn’t sound like either will be 100% Sunday in Denver. Schroeder is expected to play though.

Starting RG Ray Brown (questionable-chest) was banged up in the loss to the Vikings but the team expects him to be ready Sunday after practicing all week. 

Starting TE Mikhael Ricks (foot sprain/sore knee) was held out of practice Wednesday, but returned Thursday and Friday. Ricks is still sore stemming from offseason surgery and has struggled on the field, dropping a fair amount of passes.

Starting QB Joey Harrington (finger) is listed as probable and will start. Harrington will tape his two fingers together but stated said it won’t alter his grip.

BRONCOS

Starting RB Clinton Portis (questionable-chest) returned practiced in non-contact drills on Friday and his status is officially considered a game-time decision. Unless he makes significant progress over the next 24 hours, look for starting FB Mike Anderson to start for him. Backup RB/FB Reuben Droughns would back up Anderson and rookie RB Quentin Griffin could also see time as a chance of pace with Portis out.

If Portis is unable to play, FB Mike Anderson is expected to shift over to tailback and start in Portis’ place. However, there’s a strong chance rookie RB Quentin Griffin would see time as well.

Griffin missed most of training camp and the start of the regular season recovering from a fractured fibula. It set him back both mentally and physically. However, it appears Griffin is at a point where he’s ready to contribute.

"I think he feels more comfortable, not only with the system but being in football shape," head coach Mike Shanahan said of Griffin. "He makes big strides every time he comes on the practice field."

Like Portis, starting DT Daryl Gardener is looking iffy for the game.

It was thought for sure that this would be the week that Gardener would return but he suffered a setback with his surgically repaired wrist during Wednesday’s practice. The team had considered giving Gardener an injection to help alleviate some of the pain in his wrist, but team officials ultimately decided against it.

"There's nothing he can do. He's just going to have to tolerate the pain," Shanahan said. "Again, it's a gut feeling (on game day)."

DALLAS COWBOYS (1-1) AT NEW YORK JETS (0-3) 4:15 PM EST

COWBOYS

It looked like at one point earlier in the week that second-year CB Derek Ross (knee-questionable) would be able to return for this Sunday’s game. However, head coach Bill Parcells did not sound overly optimistic after Friday’s practice.

"I don't think he's going to play," Parcells said. "Part of getting through one of these things is, there's the physical aspect of it and then there's also the mental aspect of being able to be confident and go full speed and I just haven't seen enough yet from him."

Despite an impressive game by second-year WR Antonio Bryant versus the Giants, veteran WR Terry Glenn will continue to start opposite WR Joey Galloway. However, they plan to use the three-receiver set very often so Bryant will continue to rotate with Glenn and will see plenty of playing time.

Starting ORT Ryan Young was added to the injury report on Friday with swelling in his knee but is still slated to start.

JETS

Starting C Kevin Mawae did not practice Friday after injuring his knee during Thursday’s practice. Mawae was added to the injury report as probable and is expected to play.

Starting LG Dave Szott (knee) is expected to play after having returned to practice on Friday. He had been idle on Wednesday and Thursday.

Starters DE John Abraham (hamstring) and S Jon McGraw (flu) are both expected to play barring a setback. The status of nickel LB Jason Glenn (ankle-questionable) is a game-time decision.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (3-0) AT NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (1-2) 8:35 PM EST

COLTS

Starting DE Dwight Freeney (ankle) was able to practice Friday while starting RB Edgerrin James (back) remained idle. Both are scheduled to make the trip to New Orleans and both will be game-time decisions though James is looking more doubtful to play at this point.

“Dwight actually did pretty well today – we’re more optimistic on him going,” said head coach Tony Dungy after Friday's practice. "With Edgerrin, we want to make sure he’s 100 percent. I’m a little more pessimistic on him, but I think they’ll both be game-time decisions.”

James was injured during last week's game at home against Jacksonville. Earlier in the week, the injury didn't seem too serious but it got worse as the week progressed and it kept James on the sidelines all week.

If James were ruled out before the game, backup RBs Ricky Williams and James Mungro would likely handle most of the load. Williams worked with the first team offense on Friday but who starts the game would depend on the formation they open up with. Williams is the better receiver of the two and if James is out, look for him to handle the passing and third down situations with Mungro handling the short-yardage and goalline work. Some clubs in this situation also look to "ride the hot hand", meaning whichever back is running the best will get a majority of the carries. That scenario is certainly a possibility if James is out.

Backup RB Dominic Rhodes (knee-questionable) might factor into the equation as well. However, Dungy indicated that Rhodes’ playing time would likely be limited in what would be his first game since the 2001 season. He missed all of last season with a torn ACL and missed all this past training camp and the preseason games.

With starting OT Ryan Diem out for the next few weeks due to an ankle injury, the team is expected to sign OT Makoa Freitas off of the practice squad to provide depth on the offensive line.

SAINTS

Starters CB Dale Carter (eye), OLB Sedrick Hodge (knee). DE Darren Howard (wrist), and DT Jonathan Sullivan (knee) are all out. Backup CB Fred Thomas fills in again for Carter; backup LB Roger Knight (ankle-probable) fills in again for Hodge; backup DT Kenny Smith fills in again for Sullivan; and backup DE Willie Whitehead starts again for Howard.

Carter is expected to miss a few more weeks, Hodge is expected to be out until at least mid season as is Howard, and Sullivan is on a week-to-week basis.

Starting FB Terrelle Smith (knee-probable) practiced and is expected to start.

Monday

GREEN BAY PACKERS (1-2) AT CHICAGO BEARS (0-2) 9:10 PM EST

PACKERS

Starting WR Robert Ferguson (probable-knee) practiced for the first time this week on Saturday and is expected to play. He'll workout prior to the game and if he has no setbacks, look for him to be in the lineup.

Backup RB Najeh Davenport (hamstring-probable) didn't practice on Saturday and may not play.

"I've got to let it rest," Davenport said in regard to the injury. "If I don't it won't get better."

Davenport’s possible absence means that backup RB Tony Fisher (groin-probable) would serve as starting RB Ahman Green’s primary backup this week.

Backup TE Wesley Walls (hamstring-probable) practiced on Saturday and is expected to be available.

Backup DL Aaron Kampman (ankle-probable) didn't practice on Saturday and his status remains a game-time decision.

Backup FB Nicholas Luchey (broken thumb) practiced Friday and Saturday and barring a setback, should be available to play if needed.

Backup LB Torrance Marshall is expected back on the practice field early next week once his four-game suspension expires.

BEARS

The Bears’ offensive line will likely be one man closer to full strength Monday night. That’s because it appears starting RG Chris Villarrial (upgraded to probable Friday) will return three weeks earlier than originally expected from a sprained MCL on his left knee. Villarrial practiced each day this week and reported no setbacks. He plans to start with the aid of a knee brace. He was listed as doubtful earlier in the week but was upgraded to probable after Friday's practice.

While not officially proclaiming Villarrial back in the lineup, head coach Dick Jauron did say Friday that Steve Edwards would remain the starter at LG, with backup OL Corbin Lacina moving to the bench.

Starting OLT Mike Gandy sat out practice Thursday with a sore knee and was added to the injury report as probable. But Gandy returned to work Friday and should be fine Monday. Veteran OL Scott Sanderson took reps in his Gandy’s place on Thursday and is ready in the event of a setback.

Two other Bears appear closer to returning to action as backup LB Bobbie Howard (pulled right hamstring) practiced Thursday and Friday. As a result he was upgraded to questionable from doubtful. Backup S Bobby Gray (knee infection) worked Friday as well after missing Wednesday and Thursday’s sessions.

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