For yet another week, Antonio Gates is the most important name on the injury report. And with Houston on the schedule, Gates owners should be licking their chops. Unfortunately, not only does Gates have turf toe but he is also dealing with an injured plantar fascia.
The latest injury update on Gates is that he is officially questionable right now, he has not been practicing, and Norv Turner said he doesn’t know if Gates will play. My guess? He plays, because Gates always plays. Luckily San Diego plays an early game, so you’ll know if he’s active or inactive. Make sure you have a replacement ready just in case.
Malcom Floyd will miss another game because of his hamstring issue. Teammate Legedu Naanee also is not expected to play. Seyi Ajirotutu is a name to know. He will start opposite Patrick Crayton.
Another big name on the Week 9 injury report is Percy Harvin, who continues to deal with an ankle injury. He has not practiced this week and there is a chance he might not play. Have a replacement ready. I he plays, his QB will of course be the hobble Iron Man Brett Favre.
The Colts have a ton of guys on the injury report…again, all the usual suspects. Here we go:
- Joseph Addai still has not been practicing because of his neck. He likely won’t play.
- Mike Hart still hasn’t practicing either this week and is likely to be a game-time decision.
- Donald Brown is the healthiest of all the Colts backs and should see an increase in workload this weekend. He is the one to start if you’re going to start any.
- Austin Collie has been practicing this week, but whether he plays Sunday is another story. He’ll be a game-time decision.
- Anthony Gonzalez shocked no one by getting dinged up in Week 8, and he is questionable for Week 9.
In Philadelphia, the big name is DeSean Jackson, who is attempting to return from his concussion. He is back practicing full time and has been cleared to play. He’ll have Michael Vick tossing him the pigskin.
In Detroit, Kevin Smith did not practice Thursday because of a knee issue. There is no word on whether he will play or not, but the matchup isn’t good anyway (Jets). Jahvid Best and Calvin Johnson are both on the injury report, but both have been practicing fully and will play.
Todd Heap is still recovering from being banged up, but he has played well recently and has been practicing coming off the Ravens’ bye. He’s fine.
Derrick Mason had to have surgery on his finger during Baltimore’s bye week, but he says it won’t affect him. His new teammate Donte Stallworth is also expected to play in Week 9, but he is not worth starting or owning.
In New England, Deion Branch has been limited in practice because of a hamstring issue. He is, however, expected to play against Cleveland.
Fred Taylor still has not been practicing because of his toe injury. He is unlikely to play this weekend, which is good news for BenJarvus Green-Ellis owners.
Peyton Hillis owners can rejoice because the Browns RB is not on the injury report. Where the Browns have issues is at QB. Seneca Wallace has not been practicing because of his ankle injury, and neither has Jake Delhomme. Expect Colt McCoy to get another start this weekend.
Texans WR Andre Johnson was hobbling around at the end of the Texans’ Monday loss to Indy. He is apparently fine, however, and expected to play this weekend.
Steve Breaston has not practiced much this week, but that seems more precautionary than anything. He had 8 catches for 147 yards last week, so he seems to be back from the knee injury that hobbled him earlier in the year. Teammate Early Doucet is also practicing on a limited basis but should play.
Perpetual injury report name Beanie Wells is officially questionable for Sunday, but he says the practice he missed was due to an allergic reaction to an injection. He’s expected to play and start Sunday.
Kellen Winslow is another name you often see on the injury report. He plays most weeks though and is expected to play this week.
In New Orleans there have been conflicting reports about whether or not Drew Brees is injured. He’s not on the injury report and Sean Payton says he’s not. We’ll go with that. Regardless, he’s playing.
Pierre Thomas remains out this week. He’s still in a walking boot and crutches. New Orleans has a bye next week so the extra rest makes sense. Reggie Bush has been able to practice some this week and may play Sunday. I wouldn’t start even if he does play, and look for New Orleans to probably rest him until after the bye week as well.
Marques Colston is on the injury report, but have no ear, he’ll start and play well. The same is true for Chris Ivory.
Panthers RB DeAngelo Williams continues to be hobbled and is not expected to play in Week 9.
In Seattle, Matt Hasselbeck is dealing with the effects of a concussion and will not play. Charlie Whitehurst will start at QB if you’re desperate. Mike Williams has not been practicing but is expected to play.
Dexter McCluster will be a game-time decision for Kansas City.
In Oakland, Jason Campbell will start again this week as Bruce Gradkowski continues to deal with a shoulder injury. Unfortunately for Campbell, he goes into the Week 9 matchup against KC with a banged up receiving corps:
- Zach Miller has not been practicing with a foot injury, although he is expected to play.
- Louis Murphy has not been practicing and likely won’t play in Week 9.
- Likewise, Chaz Schilens is not expected to play in Week 9.
- Darrius Heyward-Bey, who finally had a good game last week, has not been practicing because of a shoulder injury. He is questionable and probably a game-time decision.
Honestly, with Campbell at QB and the Chiefs’ D playing really well this year, I’d stay away from Oakland pass catchers.
In Dallas, Felix Jones was back practicing Thursday. What that means is that he was probably back taking handoffs and then doing nothing with them. Because he sucks, healthy or not. And yes, I’m bitter about it.
Donald Driver is unlikely play to Week 9 for the Packers.
Sources: Official NFL Injury Report and CBS Sports player pages.