Saturday, December 8, 2007

Saturday Evening Update

Fantasy Football Insiders

Marvin Harrison will be out for the eighth time in nine games when Indianapolis plays the Ravens on Sunday.

Reggie Bush had been listed as questionable after an MRI this week indicated a partially torn left knee ligament. While confirming he is out for tomorrow’s game, the team Saturday did not comment about Bush's prospects for the rest of the season. With Bush out, Jamaal Branch, Aaron Stecker and rookie Pierre Thomas will be the running back. Thomas returned to practice Friday following a kidney bruise.

Ram QB
Marc Bulger (concussion) suffered a setback in his recovery from a concussion, meaning it's possible that third-string QB Brock Berlin could start on Sunday against Cincinnati, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. Coach Scott Linehan said that the decision on a starter is likely to be made late Saturday. Bulger passed a neurological exam Tuesday and was cleared to practice, which he did with no apparent problems on Wednesday and Thursday, but he began feeling poorly during meetings Thursday afternoon, Linehan said. Bulger took had limited practice time on Friday. Backup Gus Ferotte (shoulder) is out at least this week, so Berlin, who has never attempted a pass in a regular-season game, might end up starting. The team also signed 35-year-old veteran Todd Bouman as a backup. It does not look good for Bulger, which is horrible news for the Ram WRs.

Cardinal WR Anquan Boldin (dislocated toe) and WR Larry Fitzgerald (groin) are both looking like game-time decisions on Sunday, the Arizona Republic reports. Fitzgerald ran some routes in practice Friday but Boldin sat out for the third straight day. Boldin said he has never played without practicing, but he said he would play on Sunday if a special shoe insert can minimize the pain in his toe. If he can’t play, WR Bryant Johnson would start. If Fitzgerald can't play, either Johnson or backups Sean Morey and Jerheme Urban (heel) would be forced to start.

Jet WR Laveranues Coles (ankle) was limited in practice again Friday and is questionable for Sunday and could come down to a game-time decision, the Bergen Record reports. WR Jerricho Cotchery (finger) missed practice again Friday and is doubtful to play. WR Brad Smith (back) and WR Justin McCarins would both see increased action with Cotchery out. As for Coles, his past history and the fact that he practiced earlier in the week should indicate that he will play.

Steeler WR
Santonio Holmes (ankle) practiced fully again Friday and is not on the official injury report, so he is expected to return to the starting lineup on Sunday unless he has a setback, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. If not, Nate Washington would start again.

Dolphin RB
Jesse Chatman (ankle) took limited practice Friday, giving him a chance to play, and is questionable for Sunday’s game. He’s expected to be a game time decision. RB Sam Gado worked with the first team Thursday and would start if Chatman can't play, the Miami Herald reports, and rookie Lorenzo Booker would likely see action in passing situations. RB Patrick Cobbs could also get some carries if Chatman is out.

Packer QB
Brett Favre (elbow/shoulder) "threw the ball well (Friday)" in practice, according to coach Mike McCarthy, and will start as planned against Oakland. He’s listed as probable. Backup Aaron Rodgers (hamstring) could miss 1-2 weeks, and the team re-signed QB Craig Nall last week to handle the #2 role.

Buc QB
Jeff Garcia (back) did not participate in Friday's practice as a precaution but is getting better and still has a chance to play on Sunday, coach Jon Gruden said. It is likely to come down to a game-time decision and Garcia is listed as questionable. Luke McCown would get another start if Garcia can't play. Garcia, for what it’s worth, says he’s ready to go.