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Marion Barber Out

ESPN reports that a high-ranking Cowboys source said RB Marion Barber did not travel to Pittsburgh on the team charter, which probably means that Barber won't play against the Steelers.

Barber, who had been considered doubtful, left the Cowboys' 34-9 Thanksgiving Day victory over the Seattle Seahawks in the first half after someone stepped on his foot.

 Since first-round pick Felix Jones already on injured-reserve with a toe injury, rookie Tashard Choice will make his first NFL start for Dallas.

The Eagles Running Game For Sunday

Sal Paolantonio of ESPN reports that Eagles RB Brian Westbrook will start, and that Correll Buckhalter won’t play at all.

Westbrook had been listed as questionable with knee and ankle injuries.  He missed practice on Thursday and on Friday.

Buckhalter is listed as doubtful with a knee injury.  He didn’t practice at all this week.

Pierre Thomas Opportunity

According to the New Orleans Times Picayune, if Pierre Thomas can't handle the feature back duties over the final four weeks, "the Saints almost certainly will sign or draft someone who can this spring."

Thomas understands he has a prime opportunity over the final month, dubbing it his "Lance Moore moment." Since capturing the role three weeks ago, Thomas has averaged 4.9 yards per carry and 106 total yards per game to go with four touchdowns. Coach Sean Payton said, "You'll see him get a lot of touches this weekend."

Selvin Young To Play Sunday??

Broncos RB Selvin Young returned to a full practice Friday.

 

It now looks like Young is going to play against Kansas City, but don't expect him to get more than a handful of touches. Peyton Hillis has been named the Broncos' starter and his versatility makes him hard to keep off the field.

Mark Bradley Out

Chiefs WR Mark Bradley  has been ruled out for the Chiefs' Week 14 game.

 

Bradley has resumed being injury prone like he was throughout his days in Chicago. The Chiefs will likely now have to start Devard Darling, who wouldn't make many other NFL rosters. Downgrade Tyler Thigpen's fantasy matchup slightly, although he's still a reasonable play

Joseph Addai On Colts Injury List

Joseph Addai was a late addition to the Colts' injury report for Week 14. He is listed as questionable with a knee injury. Addai was "limited" in Friday's practice, though, and that he did some drills is promising. It's possible that the Colts only put him on the injury report as a precaution, and Indianapolis regularly lists players as "questionable" rather than probable even when they are expected to play. Still, Addai owners will need to have Dominic Rhodes ready and check the early inactives on Sunday. The Colts host Cincinnati in a 1:00PM ET game

Should You Start Anthony Gonzalez??

Anthony Gonzalez was a late addition to the Colts' Week 14 injury report, missing Friday's practice with a shoulder injury.

 

Lots of late additions this week. Gonzalez probably will play Sunday against Cincinnati, but isn't a strong fantasy start. While the Colts should put up 30 points in the game, Gonzo has been very inconsistent this season. As a third receiver, his playing time is dependent on offensive formations.

Texans To Start Schaub

Texans QB Matt Schaub practiced in full again Friday. Schaub will be the Texans' starter Sunday against Green Bay.

Ryan Grant Ready To Go

Packers RB Ryan Grant practiced in full again on Friday.

There are no indications that the Packers plan to split work between Grant and Brancon Jackson, so get Grant into your fantasy lineup with confidence. He sill start against the Texans. Houston's run defense ranks 23rd overall and has given up 16 rushing touchdowns through 12 games.

Seneca Wallace To Start For Seahawks

Seahawks QB Matt Hasselbeck missed practice Friday and is listed as doubtful for Week 14 against New England.

 

You're looking good if you got the Patriots early in the week when the betting line was at 4.5. Seneca Wallace is probably going to start on Sunday, which is bad news for the rest of Seattle's skill players. Hasselbeck may have had a setback in his longstanding recovery from a back injury, which has also affected his legs. Consider him out indefinitely

Williams Boys Will Play Sunday

Judge Robert Magnuson decided on Friday to temporarily prevent the NFL from suspending five NFL players who took a supplement that, unbeknownst to them, had been spiked with a banned substance.

Per the Associated Press, Judge Magnuson decided after several hours of oral argument in two pending lawsuits challenging the suspensions that he needs more time to assess the matter.

As a result, Vikings defensive tackles Kevin and Pat Williams and Saints running back Deuce McAllister and Will Smith will be available on Sunday.  Saints defensive end Charles Grant previously was placed on injured reserve, ending his season.  Thus, the suspension would not have affected his ability to play.

 

Bum #1's Picks for Week 14

Going at least 12-4 against the spread this week.......

Time	Game	Winner	Loser
1	Bengals @ Colts   (-13.5)	Ind 38	Cin 17
1	Jaguars @ Chicago  (-6.5)	Chi 28	Jax 12
1	Houston @ Packers   (-6)	GB 33	Hou 22
1	Browns @ Titans    (-13.5)	Ten 34	Cle 8
1	Vikings @ Lions    (+9)	Min 29	Det 9
1	Eagles @ Giants    (-7)	NYG 27	Phi 23
1	Atlanta @ Saints   (-3)	NO 34	Atl 26
4	Jets @ San Francisco  (+4)	NYJ 30	SF 23
4	Miami @ Buffalo   (-1)	Mia 17	Buf 13
4	KC @ Denver   (-8.5)	Den 38	KC 16
4	Rams @ Arizona    (-14)	Ari 37	STL 16
4	Dallas @ Pittsburgh  (-3)	Dal 23	Pit 20
4	Patriots @ Seattle   (+4.5)	NE 20	Sea 17
8	Redskins @ Ravens  (-5)	Bal 27	Was 13
Mon	Bucs @ Carolina   (-3)	TB 27	Car 10

Marion Barber Game-Time Decision

Cowboys running back Marion Barber is a game-time decision for his Sunday matchup against the Steelers.

“We were assuming that Marion would play, but it’s a little more doubtful right now, so we’ll see [today],” coach Wade Phillips said. 

The Cowboys are trying to find a shoe that would allow Barber the most comfort. Rookie Tashard Choice, who has 147 yards this season, is the only other running back on the roster.

Trent Edwards Will Not Start

Bills QB Trent Edwards has been ruled out as the starter for Sunday's game against Miami.

Edwards remains a possibility for third quarterback duties, but he did not participate in Friday's practice and will not start. J.P. Losman will start against a beatable Dolphins secondary, which makes him an option in two-quarterback leagues.

#10 Jackie Slater

  Los Angeles Rams     1976-1995

-7 Time Pro Bowler
-7 Time All Pro
-NFL Record 20 seasons with 1 Team
-Retired tied for third most seasons played
-Games played were most ever by offensive lineman at time of retirement
-Blocked for seven different 1,000-yard rushers

Matt Ryan Plays Like A Vet

Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan is proving that he's a pretty cool customer when facing a blitz. Ryan had just one real shaky -- rookie-like -- performance. That game came in Week Two against Tampa Bay. He was sacked twice against Philadelphia and did have two interceptions in the Eagles' bizarre blitzing packages in Week Eight. Since those games, Ryan has clearly learned what to do when passing the ball under NFL pressure. "I think it's the process that he's been going through and learning about the league and how people are going to try to attack them," Falcons head coach Mike Smith said. "I think he's done a very good job in the blitz situations." Through 12 games, teams might want to reconsider blitzing the Ryan. He has been blitzed 91 times this season and has completed 56 passes (61.5 percent) for 729 yards, three touchdowns, according to Stats Pass. He has thrown three interceptions and been sacked twice. His passer rating while under blitzes is 84.0.

Latest On Matt Jones Suspension

Jaguars WR Matt Jones missed Wednesday's practice while traveling to New York to appeal his reported three-game suspension.

 

CBS' Charley Casserly first reported two weeks ago that Jones' appeal would be heard Dec. 4, so we should have an answer on his status shortly. As the NFL doesn't suspend players late in the week, Jones is safe for this week's game in a nice matchup at Chicago.

Does Your Favorite Team Need A QB For 2009??

NFL Network's Adam Schefter expects this offseason to witness the most flooded quarterback market in recent memory.

 

Donovan McNabb is the top trade candidate, with Kurt Warner, Matt Cassel, Jeff Garcia, Kerry Collins, and possibly Derek Anderson as free agent options. Throw in wild cards like Michael Vick, Matt Hasselbeck, and Jon Kitna, and we're in line for a lot of movement in 2009.

Big Ben Ready To Go

Ben Roethlisberger practiced Thursday, and the Steelers'quarterback is expected to be OK for Sunday's game against the visiting Dallas Cowboys.

"Ben's fine," Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said.

The Steelers had shut down Roethlisberger for the last half hour of practice Wednesday after he slipped while trying to throw a pass. He had his right knee wrapped in ice after practice, but that turned out to be nothing more than a precautionary measure.

Pats Sign Seau, Place Thomas On IR

The New England Patriots have announced the return of linebacker Junior Seau.

Seau’s imminent re-signing was reported on Thursday.

He’ll take the place of linebacker Adalius Thomas, who has been placed on injured reserve.

Thomas reportedly broke his arm several weeks back, but the team opted not to shut him down, presumably in the chance that he’d be able to return for the playoffs.