By JEFF PAUR

Concussions are becoming a hot topic around the NFL. And with good reason. We are finding out more and more about long-term impacts of concussions as more research is being done. There is talk the NFL is going to implement some type of rule when a player suffers a concussion (i.e. sit out at least one game). But even with that said, we think teams are going to take a more conservative approach with players and concussions.

We are seeing this already with Ben Roethlisberger and Kurt Warner last week. Both were expected to play after practicing much of the week, but were held out of the game late in the week as both players still didn't seem quite 100 percent. This hasn't been the case most years with concussions, but should be going forward. Just keep this in mind when a player on your team suffers a concussion.

Cedric Benson, RB, Bengals. Benson is expected to make his return this week after missing a few games with a hip injury. He is already practicing in full and all indications are he should be fine to take his normal workload. We would feel pretty good playing Benson this week as he is returning from an injury that wasn't very serious. He shouldn't be hindered much if at all in the game.

Michael Turner, RB, Falcons. Turner played last week, but left the game after hurting his same ankle. He claims the new sprain is in a different spot than the last. Either way, we highly doubt Turner plays this week. The Falcons aren't likely to rush him back since he re-injured the same ankle after just a week off. Jerious Norwood and Jason Snelling should split the carries at running back for the Falcons.

Jamal Lewis, RB, Browns. Lewis is done for the rest of this season and probably his career. He suffered a serious concussion during his last game and was placed on Injured Reserve. And since he claims this is his last year in the league, his career seems over. Chris Jennings likely becomes the starter for the Browns.

DeSean Jackson, WR, Eagles. Jackson is doubtful to play this week after suffering a concussion last week. He hasn't practiced yet this week. We don't expect him to play. Reggie Brown and Jason Avant will see an increase in playing time if Jackson misses the game. Avant is the best fantasy option, though, playing well the last few weeks.

Troy Polamalu, DB, Steelers. Polamalu is expected to miss another game this week with a knee sprain. He still isn't practicing. At this point, we aren't sure when Polamalu will return. The Steelers miss his presence in the secondary.

Jake Delhomme, QB, Panthers. Delhomme has a broken middle finger on his throwing hand. We aren't sure if he can play with the injury, but he is finding the bench regardless. Delhomme isn't playing well, so the Panthers aren't going to put him in there with any type of injury. Matt Moore gets the start for the Panthers this week.

Julius Jones, RB, Seahawks. Jones seems to have a chance at returning this week. He practiced some last week, but is already practicing in full this week. As long as he doesn't have any setbacks and his pain subsides even more, expect Jones back in the starting lineup. Justin Forsett will still play a role with the Seahawks because of his strong play lately, but the coaches claim Jones remains their starter.

Bernard Scott, RB, Bengals. Scott isn't expected to play this week. He is dealing with a toe injury. He was actually in a boot and on crutches early in the week. Larry Johnson should be the top backup to Cedric Benson in Week 13.

Matthew Stafford, QB, Lions. Stafford played with his shoulder injury last week, so he should be good to go this week. He didn't have a setback with the injury. He is already practicing in full this week, so the injury is getting better.

Clinton Portis, RB, Redskins. Portis has already been ruled out for this week. His concussion is still giving him problems. He is set to see a specialist. Until he is cleared to play, Portis will continue to sit out. Rock Cartwright will get another start this week for the Redskins.

Brian Westbrook, RB, Eagles. Like Portis, Westbrook continues to be slowed by a concussion. He is out this week and seems a long shot to return at any point this season. LeSean McCoy will continue to start for the Eagles.

Danny Ware, RB, Giants. Ware suffered a concussion last week and has been ruled out for Week 13. Gartrell Johnson is likely to serve as the top backup to Brandon Jacobs with Ahmad Bradshaw also hurting. Look for Jacobs to get most of the work at running back for the Giants this week.

Kurt Warner, QB, Cardinals. Warner is getting better from his concussion, but still isn't quite 100 percent. He still is having a few issues with his eyes (sensitive to light). But he is practicing and is getting closer to 100 percent. He has a good shot at returning this week, but we won't know his status until late in the week. Right now, Warner and Matt Leinart are splitting work with the first-team offense.

Reggie Bush, RB, Saints. Bush has missed the last two games because of a sore knee. He continues to be limited in practice. Bush seemed close to playing last week, though, so he has a decent shot at returning this week. But even if Bush returns, expect his role to be somewhat limited with Pierre Thomas and Mike Bell playing well.

Matt Ryan, QB, Falcons. Ryan suffered a turf toe injury early in last week's game. He is out this week and is in danger of missing the rest of the season. It is possible he needs surgery on the injury. Chris Redman will start for the Falcons at quarterback.

Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Steelers. He was a surprise inactive last week because of concussion issues. But Big Ben is practicing in full this week and is very likely to return to the starting lineup, barring a setback. Dennis Dixon gets another start if Roethlisberger is unable to play. We fully expect Roethlisberger in the lineup, though.

If you have any questions or comments, please email Jeff Paur at jeff@rtsports.com