ESPN Stephania Bell Blog

Posted by Stephania Bell

What is scarier on Halloween than a fantasy football roster laden with seriously injured players? You might answer, "A roster full of the dreaded game-time decisions, the players who aren't seriously injured but who clearly aren't 100 percent." And I would then have to agree with you. As we saw in the Week 8 contests, there were just as many re-injuries occurring as new injuries, muddying up the not-so-clear-to-begin-with picture as to who is really healthy anyway at the halfway point of the season. As we head into Week 9, let's look at what we know so far.

Steven Jackson, Rams: The recent news coming from the Rams' own Web site that Jackson has a bulging disc in his back has no doubt caused alarm among Jackson owners. Not to panic, at least not yet. As we mentioned Monday, Jackson experienced spasms in his back Sunday, which is why he left the game early and why the team was looking more closely at his back this week. But there are a few things you should know about discs.

1. Many people have bulging discs and do not have pain. In fact, multiple studies have taken asymptomatic individuals, subjected them to a variety of imaging tests, and have shown that a majority of these people have disc bulges or protrusions or some other abnormality. Yet, somehow, these people do not have pain.

2. Many people experience back pain that is consistent in behavior with disc pain, yet have no positive findings of any kind on imaging.

3. People who have some evidence of disc damage on imaging and also have pain may ultimately recover completely from the pain, yet repeat imaging can show the exact same damage to be present in the disc.

The takeaway message? It is virtually impossible to definitively correlate the presence of a disc bulge with any particular symptoms. It is worth noting that in the case of a frank herniation with nerve impingement ("pinched nerve"), in which the disc has extensive damage and is visibly encroaching on a nerve, the associated symptoms may be more clearly linked to the disc injury. But a bulge, which is a minor deformity of a disc, is often benign.

So blah, blah, blah, you say, how does this relate to Steven Jackson? Here's how: It is possible that Jackson has had a disc bulge for some time. It is possible that the back spasms that Jackson experienced could be in response to an aggravated disc. In fact, it's possible that some of those elements could have been present before the groin injury. But the symptoms could also occur for any other number of reasons, including Jackson's own theory of compensating for his groin injury. The bottom line is that Jackson has to feel well enough to perform; the presence or absence of a disc bulge will not, in isolation, dictate his activity. As outlined on the Rams' Web site, Jackson will take medication and rest this week. Then, just as with any other soft tissue injury, Jackson will gradually work his way back by increasing what he is doing in practice. I would still expect him at this point to be on target for Week 10, barring a setback (which is always a possibility, but not a probability). The primary issue for Jackson at this point is to keep the back symptoms from getting worse, while ensuring that the groin muscle strength and endurance continues to improve. Patience, Jackson owners, patience. Don't throw in the towel yet.

Kenny Watson, Bengals: Watson sustained a concussion in Sunday's game according to a report in the Cincinnati Enquirer. Coach Marvin Lewis was quoted in the report as saying that Watson's symptoms "subsided [Tuesday]," which is a good indicator in terms of Watson's prognosis. After any concussion, even once the symptoms resolve at rest, the athlete is brought gradually back to full speed and monitored to ensure that the symptoms do not recur under stress. All this means that we will have to watch the weekly practice reports to gauge Watson's readiness to return in Week 9.

Jamal Lewis, Browns: Lewis, who was listed as questionable heading into Week 8 with limited practice and a heavily taped foot, surprised many by not only starting, but by carrying the ball 17 times. In fact, Lewis told the Chronicle-Telegram that "the foot felt great." So far, so good, and there have been no reports of any setbacks. We will watch Lewis' practice this week, but he has shown that he can contribute on the field, even if the foot is not yet fully healed.

DeShawn Wynn, Packers: Wynn has had a tough go of things in 2007. The season only got tougher on Monday night, when he was forced to leave the game against the Broncos after his first carry because of a stinger. We talked at length about stingers last week with regard to Eagles safety Brian Dawkins (see Friday, Oct. 26). The Packers assessed the severity of Wynn's condition and obviously felt it would be quite some time before he could return, so they placed him on IR, opening up a roster spot. Be sure to remove him from your fantasy rosters, and acquire Ryan Grant (or somebody else will).

Ahman Green, Texans: Coach Gary Kubiak acknowledged in his Monday news conference that Green's knee has been problematic off and on throughout the season. Oddly, Green had looked good earlier in the week, but as the week went on, his knee had increased swelling, which prevented him from being able to fully practice. He was then a surprising late inactive Sunday. It is not clear whether this is a problem that will require more intervention (read: surgery), but at this point, it is better to avoid Green in your fantasy leagues.

Travis Henry, Broncos: Not too surprisingly, Henry did not start on Monday night as he continued to rest his bruised ribs. Even as the ribs heal, Henry may be a running back to avoid as he awaits the decision from the NFL regarding his suspension appeal. Selvin Young appears primed to take over.

Matt Schaub, Texans: Schaub will not likely play against Oakland in Week 9, according to the Houston Chronicle, meaning Sage Rosenfels will start in his place. Schaub suffered a concussion in Week 8 to go with his still ailing hip and thigh bruise. The Texans then have a bye in Week 10, and the hope is that the rest will permit Schaub to make a comeback in Week 11.

Vinnie Testaverde, Panthers: Testaverde was wearing a protective boot on his right foot to protect his strained Achilles tendon, according to the Gaston Gazette. He reported that he felt the Achilles tighten up as he stepped up into the pocket to throw hard. Testaverde ruptured his left Achilles several years ago and underwent surgery to repair it followed by a lengthy rehab. Men in their 40s (Testaverde's demographic) are most at risk for an Achilles tendon rupture, and for individuals who tear one side, it appears more likely to happen on the other. This is one of those scenarios then where the team is likely to be extra conservative in the hopes of preventing a problem from getting significantly worse. Meanwhile, teammate David Carr reports that his back feels "about 80 percent" and he demonstrated that he could indeed function on the field Sunday. John Fox has said that he will not update his quarterback situation until he sees who is available for practice this week.

Trent Edwards, Bills: Coach Dick Jauron announced on the Bills' Web site that it will be J.P. Losman starting as signal-caller for the Bills against Cincinnati. Jauron added that Edwards' sprained wrist will keep him out of practice until late in the week, if at all. Once Edwards is cleared to practice, we will monitor his progress.

Kelly Holcomb, Vikings: The Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports that Holcomb is still quite sore from the injury he sustained Sunday to his neck. Calling it a whiplash-type injury, the Tribune reports that additional tests showed "nothing worse," but maintained that Holcomb does not appear as if he would be able to start Sunday. Coach Brad Childress says he wants to see how Tarvaris Jackson performs in practice this week (he is recovering from a broken finger) before he decides between Jackson and Brooks Bollinger.

Laveranues Coles, Jets: No real news here other than coach Eric Mangini says that Coles will be monitored during practice following the hit he took Sunday that slammed him into the turf. According to the New York Post, Coles had a concussion already earlier in the season.

Owen Daniels and Andre Davis, Texans: As if the Texans didn't have enough problems, Daniels reportedly suffered a high ankle sprain during the fourth quarter of Sunday's game and Davis bruised his ribs, according to the Texans' official site. Daniels underwent an MRI, but the results were not discussed when coach Gary Kubiak spoke to the media. Daniels should be expected to miss at least one game, depending on the severity of his injury. For Davis, practice this week should yield more clues as to whether he can be expected to play on Sunday.

That's all for now. Don't see your player here? Check back Friday after midweek practice reports are in for further updates.

Posted by Stephania Bell

Steven Jackson, RB, Rams: The much-anticipated return of Jackson started out promisingly when he scored early, but he left late in the first quarter with back spasms. According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Jackson himself said he thought the spasms were a result of compensating for his groin injury. Look, this is not a huge surprise. All throughout last week I reiterated that this was essentially a "test" for Jackson, as the game can never really be simulated in practice. The first outing was bound to be more taxing than anything he had done to date. It is not uncommon to experience some tightening of the injured muscles, or of associated muscle groups, in an initial return, especially if there is still some healing taking place. The groin muscles attach to the pelvis, which then attaches to the spine, so back problems and groin problems often go hand in hand. We have seen that already this year with Steve McNair, who sustained an initial groin injury, only to have it followed by back problems. Luckily, the Rams have a bye next week to give Jackson some additional recovery time. I do not view this as a huge setback, but rather part of the process. Expect him to improve by Week 10.

Marc Bulger, QB, Rams: Bulger will need the bye week to rest his still-healing ribs, his bruised knee (sustained last week) and his latest addition from Week 8, a bruised thumb. Bulger left Sunday's game in the third quarter with the injury but was able to return in the fourth once the thumb was taped. According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the X-rays on Bulger's thumb were negative, which is why he was allowed to return to play.

Matt Schaub, QB, Texans: Schaub returned Sunday from a hip injury only to leave early after a big hit. Three times now Sage Rosenfels has had to step into the game for Schaub. In fact, for the second week in a row, Schaub has been leveled by a hit that resulted in a penalty. The Houston Chronicle reports that this latest hit resulted in a concussion which required Schaub to go to a local hospital for tests. He was able to return home with his teammates, but whether he will miss playing time remains unknown at this point.

Frank Gore, RB, 49ers: Gore, who was listed as questionable because of a right ankle sprain going into Week 8, aggravated his right ankle during the game, and left for good in the third quarter. Will he miss time in Week 9? It's too early to say for sure, but it's probably best to plan for it, knowing that Gore will try to play if at all possible but may be less than healthy.

Vinny Testaverde, QB, Panthers: Testaverde missed the second half of Sunday's game with what the team's Web site is referring to as an Achilles tendon injury. This is not truly a new ailment for Testaverde, but it was aggravated enough to keep him from finishing the game Sunday. Teammate David Carr came in to replace Testaverde. Carr, who was active, but not starting, because of the healing compression fracture in his spine, appeared to suffer no major setbacks as far as his health.

Trent Edwards, QB, Bills: Edwards suffered a wrist injury that sidelined him in the third quarter of Sunday's game. According to The Buffalo News, X-rays on Edwards' wrist were negative, but his ineffectiveness throwing the ball after the injury led the Bills to remove him from the game. It is unknown at this point whether Edwards will be available for Week 9.

Kelly Holcomb, QB, Vikings: Filling in for the injured Tarvaris Jackson (broken finger) this weekend proved to be no fun for Holcomb, who was forced to leave the game with a neck injury after his head was slammed to the turf. According to the Pioneer Press, Holcomb said he went numb for a few seconds, which scared him. Of course it did. Numbness is a nerve injury symptom, so it tells us that when Holcomb's neck got jarred, there was at least some temporary irritation of nerve tissue. Holcomb indicated that X-rays were negative (simple X-rays assess primarily bony abnormalities), but he will wear a neck brace and follow up with an MRI this week to examine the other soft tissue structures of the neck. We will update his information as it becomes available.

Laveranues Coles, WR, Jets: Coles gave viewers a scare after he went up to catch a pass and took a hit in the back that left him face down on the turf for several minutes. He was able to walk off the field under his own power, but we'll see as the week progresses whether the injury forces him to miss any time.

Reggie Bush, RB, Saints: Bush left Sunday's game in the third quarter with what the Times-Picayune is reporting as bruised ribs. Coach Sean Payton downplayed the injury, saying Bush would be fine and that the injury was not significant. Bruised ribs, as we know, can linger a bit, so it will be important to monitor what Bush does in practice this week to see how much this will affect him.

That's a quick hit for Monday. Be sure to check back for updates throughout the week on these and other injuries.

Posted by Stephania Bell

OUT: These players are officially out for Week 8. Note the new Saturday addition of Marvin Harrison.
Marvin Harrison, WR, Colts: A bruised left knee continues to limit him as he did not practice all week. There is no new news but Indy has to be hoping to have him back for the big Week 9 Patriots matchup.
Ronnie Brown, RB, Dolphins: He was placed on season-ending IR after suffering an ACL injury this past Sunday. Here's looking ahead to 2008.
David Garrard, QB, Jaguars: His ankle sprain appears now to be more serious than initially thought. He may miss up to four weeks.
Dante Hall, WR, Rams: He is still recovering from a high ankle sprain. I will re-check his status after the Rams' bye week (Week 9).
Michael Pittman, RB, Buccaneers: He remains out with a severe high ankle sprain.
Javon Walker, WR, Broncos: He is recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery.

Steven Jackson, Rams: As expected, Steven Jackson is listed as probable and is planning on returning from his groin injury to face the Browns. According to Steve Korte of the Belleville News-Democrat, coach Scott Linehan has indicated that Jackson may not see his full load of carries as he is returning after a long layoff, and that his activity will ultimately depend on how he feels. This is not a surprise. As I mentioned Friday, the seriousness of Jackson's injury, combined with his extended time away from football, would likely mean that he is brought back in a gradual manner. He is certainly worth a start, but be aware that what you get this Sunday may be just a teaser of what is to come when Jackson approaches full throttle.

Jamal Lewis, Browns: Lewis continued to be limited in practice Friday with the strained foot. Remember that coach Romeo Crennel said, earlier in the week, that the decision about Lewis' status would depend on what he could do. Officially, Lewis is listed as questionable but there are several variables that suggest he will either sit out, or at best, be limited in his production this week. The first is that he has not been able to increase his activity this week, despite coming off the bye in Week 7. Second, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Lewis himself is unsure whether he will be able to play. Lewis indicated that he will know more when he wakes up Sunday, specifically stating that "it might be killing me" and "it might feel great." Not exactly words of confidence so soon before gametime. In any event, the foot appears to be problematic and will affect Lewis to some degree on Sunday; the only question is how much.

Frank Gore, 49ers: Somewhat surprisingly, Gore was downgraded to questionable on Friday with his sprained right ankle. Earlier in the week coach Mike Nolan had suggested that Gore would be probable. It is worth noting that in Matt Maiocco's Instant 49ers blog in the Santa Rosa Press Democrat, both Nolan and Gore continued to express optimism that Gore will indeed play. The designation perhaps reflects that Gore is still having pain in the ankle and Nolan may be subtly providing him with the opportunity to rest it, should it feel poorly on Sunday. Gore is known for pushing through pain, and I would not expect Week 8 to be any different. Gore may not be feeling 100 percent, but at this point, there isn't much reason to suspect that he won't take the field.

Travis Henry, Broncos: Henry is listed as questionable for Monday night's game and will likely be a game-time decision. According to the Denver Post, Henry was able to practice on a limited basis Saturday after missing all practices earlier in the week. The fact that he did some work is encouraging, but it is far removed from implying that he will start on Monday. Remember it will be a night game (read: cold), Henry has not practiced much and, above all, coach Mike Shanahan is not beyond utilizing a committee of running backs to get the job done (you may know this already). Given all of those factors, and the likelihood that Henry is still feeling some soreness in his bruised ribs, he remains, at this point, a risky start for Monday night.

Ahman Green, Texans: Green (knee) practiced fully Friday after being limited Wednesday and Thursday and is expected to play Sunday. He is listed as probable.

Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars: Jones-Drew missed practice Wednesday because of his knee, but returned in a limited fashion Thursday and remained limited Friday. He is listed as questionable with a knee sprain sustained Monday night against the Colts. Jones-Drew has yet to miss a game and his claim earlier in the week that he would definitely play against the Buccaneers may reflect his desire to keep that streak going. Admirable though it may be, it is of concern that Jones-Drew did not increase his activity Friday. It is also worth noting that teammate Fred Taylor has recovered from the groin strain and is not on the injury report. Given that the sprain is likely to limit Jones-Drew's mobility, and perhaps decrease his number of carries, combined with the fact that the Jags play a late game, it is probably wise to secure another option.

Rudi Johnson, Bengals: Johnson (hamstring) did not practice again Friday and is listed as doubtful. Expect nothing this week but we will check back in on him next week.

Brandon Jacobs and Derrick Ward, Giants: Good news: Jacobs is not on the injury report. He should be all set to showcase his talents in London. Bad news: Ward (ankle) did not practice all week after aggravating the ankle in Week 7's game and is listed as doubtful. No international promotions for him. Be sure to adjust your fantasy rosters accordingly.

DeShaun Foster, Panthers: Foster (toe) is listed as probable and was able to fully participate in practice Friday, making it two days in a row. According to the Winston-Salem Journal, Foster has actually been bothered by the toe since Week 3 of the season. He has been able to play, although clearly his numbers have not been as strong since Week 3. Whether or not that can be blamed on the toe is unclear, but hopefully the rest during the bye week has helped to some degree. His performance this week (albeit facing a tough Colts defense) should yield some clues as to how the toe is faring.

Chester Taylor, Vikings: Taylor practiced fully Friday and is listed as probable despite a groin strain. It sounds as if this was a relatively minor strain. Groin strain or not, it sounds as if Adrian Peterson is likely to see the majority of the carries anyway.

Chris Brown, Titans: Brown is listed as questionable with an ankle sprain, but was able to fully practice Friday. Still, do not expect him to see much, if any, action against the Raiders this week as he is just getting back into full swing.

Matt Schaub, Texans: We know the Texans will be playing the Chargers in San Diego Sunday. We don't know who will be starting under center for the Texans. Schaub (bruised hip) was listed as probable on Friday's injury report indicating that he will be active for the game. But as reported in Friday's blog, the big question, which is still unanswered, is whether Schaub will be the starter or will just be available as backup. Or Schaub could start, but play for a limited time. The good news is that this does not appear to be turning into a long-term injury for Schaub. This week, however, the Texans have a late game, and given that the starting quarterback will be a game-time decision, it is probably best to find another option for your fantasy lineup.

Vince Young, Titans: No surprises here. Full practice all week. Listed as probable. He's starting (and did not appear to be limited by the quadriceps in practice this week).

Tarvaris Jackson, Vikings:

Josh McCown, Raiders: The Oakland Tribune reports that coach Lane Kiffin has announced that McCown will serve as the backup quarterback to Daunte Culpepper this Sunday. McCown is clearly improving from his toe injury as evidenced by the fact that he was a full participant in practice this week. Next week will be interesting.

David Carr, Panthers: Well, the announcement from coach John Fox has been made, and it will be the 43 years young Vinny Testaverde who starts for the Panthers this week. As we discussed Friday, Carr is dealing with a healing compression fracture. According to the Charlotte Observer, Coach Fox indicated that Carr was healthy enough to play but added, "I don't think he's 100 percent." Fox was quick to point out that who starts at quarterback is a game-to-game situation. Carr did practice and is listed on Friday's injury report as probable, so he could be available should anything happen to Testaverde. It sounds as if he would only be used in this situation however, so be sure to remove him from your fantasy rosters this week.

Darrell Jackson, 49ers: Jackson is officially listed as doubtful with the quadriceps injury. He is not expected to play.

Plaxico Burress, Giants: Ankle. Questionable. Playing. Scoring.

Brandon Jones, Titans: Jones (knee) was able to fully practice Thursday and Friday and is on the injury report as questionable. Don't expect him to see much action, if any, this week as the team brings him back slowly following a surgical procedure.

L.J. Smith, Eagles: Smith finished out a solid practice week and reports per the Philadelphia Inquirer that he is feeling better and can just "go out there and not worry about it and just worry about football." Smith may be utilized this weekend, but will likely be limited as far as the number of plays he sees. Given his extensive history with the groin injury, it makes good sense to protect him and bring him back gradually. If he performs well, he could become a solid tight end fantasy option in the coming weeks.

Ben Watson, Patriots: Watson did not practice all week as he continues to recover from the ankle injury sustained two weeks ago. Despite the fact that Watson is listed as questionable, there is really nothing to suggest that he would play in Sunday's game.

Champ Bailey, CB, Broncos: The update here is that Bailey was able to go through a full practice session Saturday according to the Denver Post. Bailey is officially listed as questionable with the quadriceps strain, but he looks as if he is getting ready to make a return Monday night. He remains a game-time decision, so it is a bit of a gamble, but it sounds as if he is making the case to start this week.

Good luck in Week 8! Be sure to check our Inactive reports on gameday and come by our fantasy experts' chat tomorrow between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. EST to get the latest news and advice.