Week 4 - Walking Wounded

QB:

Donovan McNabb - McNabb went down early in the 2nd half with a bruised chest, but he returned to and finished the game. There is reportedly no structural damage and McNabb is on track to start in week 4. *edit* McNabb has missed practices all week and might be a gametime decision for gamemenship, but I still expect him to start. Given they play Sunday night, it's real risk unless you have a backup that plays Monday ready to go...

Ben Roethlisberger - Big Ben missed a bit of time in the second half with an injured hand, but X-Rays were negative and Big Ben should be ready to go in week 4. Philly pounded him for 8 sacks, so it's no wonder he was a bit banged up. *edit* Big Ben will start in week 4.

Jon Kitna - Kitna went down with a sprained knee late in the second half and did not return to the game. There is reportedly no ligament damage to his knee, which is good news, but he's very much on the hot seat right now as he turned in another poor performance. The Lions have a bye in week 4. *edit* There is no news that Kitna will be replaced as a starter, and given the Lions could have used the extra week off to prepare the new starter, expect him to start in week 5.

RB:

Brian Westbrook - Westbrook's owners suffered a huge scare in week 3 when Westbrook landed awkwardly somewhat on top of a teammate, causing his left leg to buckle oddly as he landed. He did not return to the game, but luckily there appears to be no structural damage to his ankle. Monitor his practice reports, but the early prognosis is positive. *edit* Westbrook is a full blown gametime decision. His owners need to have Buckhalter or another Sunday night/Monday night runner ready in case Westbrook is down.

Willie Parker - Parker left late in week 3 with a sprained knee, and he has been ruled out for week 4. No idea how serious this is, and no MRI results have been posted as of yet. *edit* Parker is now out for both week 4 and 5. Mendenhall has two tough matchups, but can be used as a RB2 given your other alternatives/bye weeks.

Kevin Smith - This stupid fuck was in my lineup in a league this week. He didn't get hurt, but he whiffed on a blitz that led to a 12 yard sack, and he didn't see the field again. Unfortunately for his owners, Rudi Johnson looked very good. Smith is now entrenched in a RBBC.

Darren McFadden - McFadden started week 3, but shared carries with Michael Bush. Apparently he's no worse for the wear after the game, which is good news. He should start again in week 4, but he's no more than a RB3 until he proves that he'll dominate touches over Michael Bush. *edit* McFadden is apparently still limited by his toe and might be hobbled by it again in week 4. He's not a recommended start as he'll be splitting carries again at best.

WR:

David Patten - Patten strained his groin in week 3, which would be a shame as he would likely be the possession receiver on the Saints offense with Colston and Shockey out. Keep an eye on him heading into week 4 if you're planning on using him as a bye-week replacement. *edit* Patten has missed practices this week and is doubtful to play in week 4.

Reggie Brown - Brown returned from his injury, but he didn't have a catch. There is no reason to hang onto him at this point.

Roy Williams - No injury, although with the weekly complaints coming out of his overrated mouth, I'm sure his owners would prefer a bitten tongue.

Joey Galloway - Galloway is still injured, and has a decent chance of missing week 4 as well. *edit* Galloway is out in week 4. Antonio Bryant makes a very nice WR3 candidate in his place.

TE:

Jeremy Shockey - I covered Shockey's hernia surgery (out 3-6 weeks) in my previous post. *edit* He's out for week 4, obviously.