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Here's the latest news on key injuries going into Week 15:
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AFC East
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Bills left tackle Jonas Jennings missed practice against Friday but coach Gregg Williams will wait until gametime to make a decision whether or not he will play. Jennings probably won't play because of his ankle injury. Marcus Price could get the start if Jennings can't go. Jennings is listed as questionable. Linebacker Dominique Stevenson is expected to miss because of concussion. The Bills added defensive end Kendrick Office to the report Friday as questionable because of a wrist injury.
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The Dolphins upgraded wide receiver James McKnight from questionable to probable and will have him available to start Sunday against the Dolphins. McKnight had been slowed earlier in the week by an ankle injury. The rest of the injury report is possible. Everybody else practiced, including defensive tackle Larry Chester (shoulder), left tackle Mark Dixon (ankle) and backup quarterback Ray Lucas (neck and shoulder). The Dolphins host the Raiders.
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The Patriots are pretty sure they will have to play the Monday night game against the Titans without linebacker Tedy Bruschi (knee). Guard Joe Andruzzi practiced some Friday, but he's questionable with a knee injury. Wide receiver Deion Branch is iffy because of a leg injury that has kept him out the past two days of practice. If he can't play, Donald Hayes would be the third receiver. |
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Jets backup halfback LaMont Jordan could only do individual drills Friday so his status for Sunday's game against the Bears is questionable. Coach Herman Edwards will have to make a game time decision about playing him, but it doesn't appear to be likely. He suffered a bad ankle injury in the Oakland game. The rest of the Jet team is healthy. Receiver Santana Moss has been practicing on his ankle injury. Cornerback Aaron Beasley has recovered from the concussion that kept him out of last week's game.
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AFC North
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The only Raven expected to miss Sunday's game against the Texans is cornerback Tom Knight, who has a leg injury. Cornerback Chris McAlister, who was fined $5,000 for ripping the helmet of a Saints player Sunday, should be able to play now that he's been practicing all week despite a sore shoulder. Quarterback Chris Redman (neck) will be Jeff Blake's backup. Center Mike Flynn is a go with a leg injury that had him listed as probable.
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It looks as though wide receiver Peter Warrick will probably miss Sunday's game against the Jaguars because of a bruised chest. He's listed as questionable but the feeling is that he won't be able to go. The chest has been to sore for him to practice. Defensive end Vaughn Booker will be out with a rib injury. Wide receiver Danny Farmer (knee) and cornerback Artrell Hawkins (thigh) practiced Friday. They are listed as questionable but their participation gives them a good chance of playing. The Bengals added safety Mark Roman to the injury report as probable with a knee injury.
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The Browns will be without defensive end Courtney Brown (knee) and wide receiver Dennis Northcutt (knee) for a second consecutive game. They have not practiced one down this week. The good news is that cornerback Daylon McCutcheon should be back. He has a broken thumb. Safety Devin Bush, questionable with a hamstring, has also been able to practice and will be available. Rookie Andre' Davis will start for Northcutt.
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Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward returned to the field after missing two days of practice because of a hamstring injury. Asked whether or not he will play, Ward said, ``We'll see.'' Ward is questionable but he did a little more than expected Friday. Left tackle Wayne Gandy also practiced after missing time with a calf injury. He will be a gametime decision. Inside linebacker James Farrior is okay and will start after recovering from a sternum injury. The Steelers added linebacker Kendrell Bell to the injury list Friday as probable with a abdomen injury. He should be able to play. The Steelers host the Panthers.
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AFC South
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Texans receiver Jermaine Lewis didn't practice Friday so he remains doubtful and probably won't play Sunday against the Ravens. He has an ankle injury. Right tackle Ryan Young, listed as questionable, practiced despite a knee injury that has him listed as questionable. He should be able to return to the starting lineup. The Texans upgraded wide receiver Atnaf Harris from questionable to probable. He has a hip injury.
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The Colts will only have two players doubtful for Sunday's game against the Browns. Safety Idrees Bashir (hamstring) and fullback Detron Smith (hamstring) probably won't play. Thirteen players are on the injury report, but all should be able to play. The Colts added offensive lineman Waverly Jackson as probable with a elbow injury. Defensive tackle James Cannida will return after missing three games with a knee injury. Defensive tackle Brad Scioli has been listed as questionable with a shoulder, but he has been practicing and will play. Safety Jason Doering, questionable with a neck injury, is also expected to be available. The Colts visit the Browns.
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The Jaguars added cornerback Fernando Bryant to the injury report Friday as probable because a thigh injury, but coach Tom Coughlin doesn't expect him to miss the game. In fact, the eight players listed as probable all are expected to play against the Bengals. That list includes tight end Kyle Brady (ankles), safety Donovan Darius (shoulder) and wide receiver Bobby Shaw (toe).
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Titans defensive end Jevon Kearse participated in the entire practice Friday and it appears to be a go for his return to the lineup after breaking his foot in the opener. Kearse was almost activated last week. Quarterback Steve McNair only worked in seven-on-seven passing drills Friday, but he will play despite rib and toe problems. Tom Ackerman will start for injured guard Zach Piller (calf). Cornerback Samari Rolle was added the injury report Friday as questionable with a sore Achilles but he practiced Friday and should be able to play.
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AFC West
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The Broncos have all 53 players available for Sunday's game against the Chiefs. They listed seven players on the injury report, including linebacker Ian Gold (knee), guard Steve Herndon (thigh), linebacker John Mobley (knee) and guard Dan Neil (knee). Those players were listed as probable and they all practiced.
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The Chiefs signed veteran kicker Michael Husted on Friday to either handle the kickoff chores or all of the kicks Sunday against the Broncos. Morten Andersen is bothered a by a knee injury and hasn't been able to do much this week. To make room for Husted, who was with the team earlier this year, the Chiefs placed linebacker Quinton Cavor on injured reserve with a shoulder injury. The rest of the injury report is positive. Defensive tackle John Browning (foot), halfback Priest Holmes (shoulder) and cornerback Eric Warfield (hamstring) will all play. Also, wide receiver Johnnie Morton's back stiffened up -- he'll be monitored.
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It will be a game time decision whether or not cornerback Charles Woodson can play on his sore ankle in Sunday's game against the Dolphins. Don't count him out because the Raiders need him. Cornerback Tory James is out one to three weeks after having a plate inserted in his right leg to stabilize a fracture fibula. If Woodson can't go, the Raiders have to play the Dolphins with Terrance Shaw and Brandon Jennings at cornerback. Inexperienced Clarence Love and Carey Scott would have to be the third and fourth cornerbacks. Tight end Roland Williams has missed most of this week's practices because of a toe injury but he will play Sunday.
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Curtis Conway is set to return at wide receiver after missing two games with a shoulder injury when the Chargers visit the Bills on Sunday. Conway has practiced all week. There will be more changes on the offensive line. Vaughn Parker comes back to start at right tackle after missing games with an elbow problem. Left tackle Damion McIntosh is expected to miss the game because of an ankle injury and be replaced by Sammy Williams. McIntosh didn't practice Friday.
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NFC East
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Dwayne Goodrich is expected to start at left cornerback for Derek Ross, who tried but couldn't do much Friday because of a deep hip bruise. Ross didn't practice during the week and could only do rehab. Wide receiver Joey Galloway will play because of a sprained thumb. He's also returned punt. Pete Hunter will be the inside cornerback in the slot.
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The Giants added defensive end Michael Strahan to the injury report with a neck sprain suffered during a weight lifting session Friday. He's probable and says he will play, but he needed to get a checkup to see what happened. It turned out that he only strained the neck. The Giants upgraded cornerback Will Allen from doubtful to questionable after e practiced two days despite a sore shoulder that kept him out of last week's game. The Giants should have both starting cornerbacks -- Will Peterson (concussion) -- and their starting middle linebacker -- Mike Barrow (concussion) -- back after missing a game. Their question mark is at outside linebacker where Dhani Jones is still trying to come back from an ankle injury. Kevin Lewis will probably fill in for him. Of the list of probable players, linebacker Quincy Monk (ankle) and cornerback Kato Serwanga (hamstring) are the least likely to play against the Cowboys, but there is still a chance.
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Defensive end Brandon Whiting suffered an ankle injury during Friday's practice and may have affected his chances of playing Sunday against the Redskins. He's listed as probable. Michael Lewis was named the starting strong safety ahead of injured Blaine Bishop, who is expected to miss his second consecutive game because of a groin injury. Koy Detmer will be the backup quarterback A.J. Feeley along with being the holder after missing two games with a dislocated elbow. Halfback Brian Westbrook is feeling better on his ankle injury but he is still listed as doubtful. If Whiting can't play, he will be replaced by Ndukwe Kalu.
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Redskins linebacker LaVar Arrington missed Thursday's practice because of an injury to a pinkie on his right hand, but he returned to practice Friday. He's listed as probable, but he will play against the Eagles Sunday. Tight end Walter Rasby practiced Friday on the foot injury that has him listed as questionable and may be able to play. Quarterback Danny Wuerffel will be the No. 3 quarterback because of his shoulder injury behind Patrick Ramsey and Shane Matthews.
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NFC North
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If things couldn't get worse for the Bears, they did Friday. Cornerback R.W. McQuarters suffered a hip flexor injury during a one-on-one drill Thursday and couldn't practice on Friday. He's questionable for Sunday's game against the Jets. If McQuarters can't play, the Bears will have to give rookie Roosevelt Williams the start. Defensive tackle Keith Taylor didn't practice Friday because of his calf injury and defensive tackle Christian Peter is out with a calf injury. The Bears are without quarterback Jim Miller (knee) and tight end John Davis (back). The plan is to start Chris Chandler at quarterback but use Henry Burris in series. If Burris plays well in his series, he will get more playing time.
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The Lions are expected to be without halfback James Stewart (neck) and right tackle Stockar McDougle (toe) Sunday when they play the Bucs. Stewart hasn't practiced all week because of a knee and a neck and is expected to be replaced by Aveion Cason.. McDougle's foot has been in a boot all week. The Lions plan to move Matt Joyce to right tackle and give Eric Beverly his first start at left guard. Backup guard Tyrone Hopson also remains very questionable with a concussion. The Lions are down to only one healthy backup offensive lineman for Sunday's game.
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Packers halfback Ahman Green has practiced the past two days so it looks as though he got through the worst with the knee injury that sidelined him last week against the Vikings. Despite his return, Green may share a little time with rookie Tony Fisher, who filled in for him last week. Wide receiver Terry Glenn (hip) and cornerback Tyrone Williams (hamstring) practiced Friday showing they didn't have any lingering effects of returning to the practice field Thursday. They sat out Wednesday's practice to give their injuries a chance to heal. The only real question mark is defensive tackle Gilbert Brown, who hasn't been able to practice all week because of an ankle injury. He is listed as probable, so it will be a gametime decision whether or not he will play.
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Vikings middle linebacker Greg Biekert practiced Friday and should be able to start Sunday against the Saints. Safety Ronnie Bradford should also be available. He has a foot injury. Left tackle Lewis Kelly is out with what is believed to be a sports hernia. Halfback Moe Williams was limited in Friday's practice because of a foot injury. Biekert and Bradford didn't practice Thursday and had been listed as questionable. Bradford will share time at free safety with Jack Brewer.
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NFC South
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Even Falcons coach Dan Reeves was surprised to see all 53 players on the practice field this late in the season. The Falcons have a reasonably healthy roster heading into the final three games. Halfback Warrick Dunn, who dressed but wasn't used last Sunday because of a high ankle sprain, practiced all week and should be back as the starter. The only reason he wouldn't start is because Reeves wants to use T.J. Duckett at the beginning of the game in specific packages. Guard Kynan Forney (hamstring) practiced all week, but Roberto Garza will probably get the start. Linebacker John Holecek (broken forearm) was upgraded from questionable to probable and will return to the starting lineup. The Falcons host the Seahawks on Sunday.
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Panthers linebacker Hannibal Navies is on track to return to the starting lineup on the outside after missing a couple of games with an ankle injury. He and left tackle Todd Steussie (knee) are listed as questionable. Each practiced Friday and are set to play against the Steelers Sunday. Tight end Wesley Walls had a scare because he had to be carted off the field Thursday because of a flare up of plantar fascia in his right foot, but he was able to work Friday and should be able to play. Coach John Fox hasn't decided whether to use Chris Weinke or Randy Fasani as the backup to Rodney Peete, but most people believe he will stay with Weinke, who was last week's backup.
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Saints quarterback Aaron Brooks did everything in practice Friday and is ready to go Sunday against the Vikings. He's been bothered by a sprained AC joint in his shoulder and a strained deltoid muscle, but weightlifting has helped him this week in getting ready for the Vikings. The four other questionable Saints all practiced Friday. Guard LeCharles Bentley (ankle), cornerback Dale Carter (shoulder), halfback Deuce McAllister (ankle) and linebacker Darrin Smith (ankle) should all be able to start.
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The Bucs upgraded strong safety John Lynch from doubtful to questionable after he did a little bit on the field Friday. Don't count on him playing Sunday. John Howell did a good job filling in for him last week, and the Bucs might not want to risk doing any further damage by playing him. The Bucs play the 3-10 Lions on Sunday. Defensive end Ellis Wyms remains questionable with an ankle injury and probably won't play. The Bucs added right tackle Kenyatta Walker with a shoulder injury as probable, but the team expects him to play. Receivers Keenan McCardell (quad) and Joe Jurevicius (ankle) practiced and will be able to play against the Lions.
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NFC West
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The Cardinals have a long list of players they don't expect to be available Sunday. The list includes linebackers Levar Fisher (knee) and Lavar Woods (ankle). Michael Young is expected to start on the outside. Offensive linemen John Fina (ankle) and guard Pete Kendell (ankle) are expected to miss. Cornerback Duane Starks is expected to return after missing games with ankle and knee problems.
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Safety Ronnie Heard was able to practice Friday and may have a chance to be available for free safety duties against the Packers. Ahmed Plummer was downgraded. Kevan Barlow and Garrison Hearst both practiced Friday.
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Matt Hasselbeck was named the starting quarterback for the Seahawks game against the Falcons. He practiced the past two days with a sprained left foot. Jeff George handled the snaps early in the week, but he will be the backup. Cornerbacks Shawn Springs (foot) and wide receiver Willie Williams (foot) practiced Friday and will be able to play. They had been listed as questionable. Linebacker Anthony Simmons practiced Friday after missing a couple of days because of an ankle injury. The Seahawks added wide receiver Koren Robinson as probable because of a thumb injury, but he is expected to play. James Williams is expected to be the third receiver ahead of Bobby Engram, who has a toe injury. Halfback Maurice Morris is questionable and hasn't been able to do much because of a hamstring pull.
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Rams coach Mike Martz said that it doesn't look real good for Marshall Faulk playing Sunday against the Cardinals. Faulk's ankle is still sore from playing last week. If he can't go Lamar Gordon starts. Grant Wistrom probably won't play because of a quad injury and would be replaced by Damione Lewis. Still 50-50 whether Tommy Polley will play. |
John Clayton is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.
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