2009-11-26 09:35:36
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
RealTime Fantasy Sports
We still have a lot of injuries to deal with, but the good news is some of the marquee players are closer to returning. We still aren't sure how much guys like Michael Turner or Cedric Benson will play if they are active but at least they are getting close to be active once again. Baby steps, right? It is Thanksgiving so I want to take this time to wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving. Here is to hoping you and your family has a great holiday. I'm looking forward to a great day. Ahmad Bradshaw, RB, Giants. Bradshaw has already been ruled out for the Thursday game. He will not play because of an ankle injury. He was already nursing as sore ankle before injuring the opposite one last week. Danny Ware is expected to take most of Bradshaw's action in the Thursday game. Brandon Jacobs might be the biggest benefactor, getting a few more carries than normal.
Kurt Warner, QB, Cardinals. Warner was knocked from last week's game with a concussion. He has already passed his neurological tests, though, and expects to play this week. Warner suffered a very mild concussion. He never had terrible symptoms, which is a good thing. Warner is practicing in full this week. Michael Turner, RB, Falcons. Turner missed last week, but is practicing on a limited basis this week. He has a chance to return. His sprained ankle is making improvements. Nothing is certain, though, as Turner still isn't doing a ton in practice. If we had to bet, Jason Snelling gets the start this week. Cedric Benson, RB, Bengals. Benson is practicing on a limited basis this week as he nears a return from his hip injury. The Bengals have stated even if Benson plays this week, though, Bernard Scott will get his touches. Cincy will ease Benson back into action most likely. So if Benson returns this week, which is possible, he is a bit of a risk because of his unknown workload. Consider Benson a game-time decision. Julius Jones, RB, Seahawks. Jones still hasn't practiced yet this week because of his bruised lung. The Seahawks seem fairly confident Jones will be available, though. As long as he practices at some point this week, Jones should play. If not, Justin Forsett gets another start at running back for Seattle. Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Steelers. Like Warner, Big Ben is expected to be available after suffering a concussion last week. He already is participating in practice. Unless he has a setback, expect Roethlisberger to start the Week 12 game. Calvin Johnson, WR, Lions. Johnson didn't practice at all leading up to the Lions game Thursday. He hasn't been ruled out, though, because of his hand and knee injuries. Johnson is a game-time decision. If he plays, you almost feel obligated to use him because of his upside. But having Daunte Culpepper throwing to him this week is a bit of a concern. If you have safer options, we don't have a problem with you using them. Matthew Stafford, QB, Lions. Stafford played a snap with his partially dislocated non-throwing shoulder last week, but that was the last play of the game. He is not expected to play Thursday, being listed as doubtful on the Injury Report. Daunte Culpepper will get the start for the Lions at quarterback, which should make for a riveting Thanksgiving Day game. Jason Witten, TE, Cowboys. Like a couple other guys playing Thursday, Witten is a game-time decision. He has a sore foot, which has limited him at practice all week. If he feels good in warm-ups Thursday, expect him to play. But if the foot isn't getting loose, the Cowboys will sit their star tight end. Martellus Bennett gets the start if Witten can't play. Sammy Morris, RB, Patriots. Morris was a game-time decision last week and missed because of his knee injury. He continues to get closer to playing, but nothing is certain since the Patriots don't let anyone know about their injuries. Consider him another game-time call this week. But even if he plays, who knows how much work Morris will get? We would avoid him until you know his role with the team. Marc Bulger, QB, Rams. Bulger is likely out the rest of the year. He has a broken tibia, which will sideline him three to six weeks. Kyle Boller becomes the starter for the Rams. He did little in some starts earlier in the year, so don't expect much from Boller. He is a big-time reach for fantasy teams. Clinton Portis, RB, Redskins. Portis continues to have blurry vision after suffering a concussion a few weeks back. He has passed all his tests, though. But unless his vision clears up, Portis will miss another game. Rock Cartwright seems likely to get the start this week for the Redskins. Brian Westbrook, RB, Eagles. Westbrook remains out because of his concussion issues. He'll be lucky to return at any point this season. Rookie LeSean McCoy continues to get the starts and most of the carries at running back for the Eagles. Kyle Orton, QB, Broncos. Orton is practicing in full on his sprained ankle. He actually played last week after not starting the game. He still isn't 100 percent, but will start for the Broncos this week, which is a good thing for all Broncos offensive players after watching Chris Simms play. If you have any questions or comments, please email Jeff Paur at jeff@rtsports.com | 
