NFL Week 3: Injury Report

QB:

Jon Kitna - He left last Sunday's game early in the 2nd quarter with a mild concussion, but returned late in the 4th quarter and led the Lions to victory. Given the doctors allowed him to return to the game and he threw the ball well, it appears that Kitna should definitely play in week 3.

Eli Manning - He defied all odds and not only played on Sunday, but played pretty well. He seems to be a lock to start week 3.

Josh McCown - He also defied odds and played last Sunday, but unlike Eli, he did not play well. The time is ticking for McCown to be replaced, but he's currently healthy.

Steve McNair - He sat out last Sunday's game against the Jets, but appears ready to go in week 3. He practiced fully on Wednesday.

Chad Pennington - He sat out last Sunday's game against the Ravens, but appears ready to go in week 3.

RB:

Clinton Portis, Thomas Jones, Cadillac Williams - They're officially off the injury report after handling the majority of the carries for their respective teams.

Brian Westbrook - He left last Monday night's game briefly with a knee problem, but then returned. It was initially deemed minor since he continued playing, but it has been reported on Wednesday that he will be re-evaluated and undergo an MRI. Westbrook has a history of knee problems in the past, but he has played through most of them. He missed practice on both Wednesday and Thursday, so this has become a concern.

LaMont Jordan - He sat out practice on Wednesday with a back injury, but returned to practice on Thursday. Many veterans get Wednesdays off during the season, so I wouldn't worry too much about this. Still, it's something to monitor given Jordan's recent back troubles over the past year.

LenDale White - He was limited in practice on Wednesday with a foot injury, but he returned to practice on Thursday. White has been bothered by numerous minor injuries so far in his young career, but unless he continues to be limited or miss practice, it shouldn't be a problem.

Kevin Jones - He looks to be ready to play in week 3, but in a limited role. Don't start him, but with Tatum Bell not performing well, the job is KJ's once he's ready to play the whole game. He practiced in a limited fashion on Wednesday.

Brandon Jacobs - He's definitely out for week 3, but he might practice in a limited fashion this week.

Chester Taylor - He sat out last Sunday's game against the Lions, and while Adrian Peterson didn't put up the same guady numbers as in week 1, it seems unlikely that Chester will resume starting when healthy. He was limited in practice on both Wednesday and Thursday. If Chester misses this Sunday's game, Adrian Peterson will be a safer start.

Ron Dayne - He hurt his chest in last Sunday's game against the Panthers, but finished the game. He missed practice on both Wednesday and Thursday, and he appears to be in danger of missing this Sunday's game. If he sits out, then Ahman Green becomes a solid start.

WR:

Andre Johnson - He left last Sunday's game with a sprained MCL, but it looks like he avoided a disaster. AJ is out for this week, and he'll be re-evaluated on Friday to get a better grasp on his timetable.

Plaxico Burress - He left last Sunday's game with a sprained ankle, but he said after the game that he expects to start in week 3. He missed practice on both Wednesday and Thursday, but this was by design. He's expected to practice on Friday and start on this Sunday.

Steve Smith (NYG) - He left last Sunday's game with a fractured shoulder blade. He didn't have fantasy value currently, but might have started pushing Toomer for a starting role eventually. He'll be out 2-6 weeks.

Darrell Jackson - He left last Sunday's game and missed chunks of time with a bothersome back. He missed practice on Wednesday with the injury, but is expected to return on Thursday.

Mark Clayton - He only played on 3rd downs in last Sunday's game against the Jets, but reports are that he'll resume practicing normally this week and start in week 3. I'd give him another week on your bench to make sure he's worth using again.

Donte Stallworth - He missed part Thursday's practice with a knee injury after practicing on Wednesday. Given his fragility and the Patriots refusal to be honest with their injuries, he becomes an even riskier play than usual. His absence would make both Wes Welker and Ben Watson slightly stronger starts.

Greg Jennings - He sat out last Sunday's game against the Giants, and James Jones turned in a nice performance. He might have a bit of competition moving forward. He missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday, so his availability for week 3 is in doubt.

James Jones - He left Wednesday's practice early with a hamstring injury, and that's never a good sign. If both Jennings and Jones miss this Sunday's game, Ruvell Martin will start in their place. Just another very good reason not to use Favre against the Chargers.

TE:

None.

K:

None.

D:

Trevor Pryce - He left last Sunday's game with a broken wrist. He'll miss at least 3 weeks, and Baltimore's pass rush won't be quite as effective without him.