Archive for November 2012

While Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was able to return to practice this week he will not play this weekend against the Baltimore Ravens, reports Albert Breer of NFL.com.

NFL.com's Albert Breer reports Roethlisberger will not play against the Ravens on Sunday, according to a Steelers team source.

The Cincinnati Bengals announced today that wide receiver Mohamed Sanu suffered a stress fracture during practice Thursday, reports Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer, which will require surgery that is expected to sidelined him for the remainder of the season.

Lewis says Sanu suffered a stress fracture during practice on Thursday. Surgery on Monday
— Joe Reedy (@joereedy) November 30, 2012

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Greg Jennings was a full participant in practice for the second day in a row Thursday, and it looks like he’ll be ready to return this weekend against the Minnesota Vikings, while fellow wide receiver Donald Driver and linebacker Clay Matthews were among the players that didn’t suit up yesterday.

The Chicago Bears have officially ruled out wide receiver Devin Hester and offensive lineman Chris Spencer for Sunday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks, reports Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com.

Ruled out on Thursday for a home game against the Seahawks were guard Chris Spencer (knee) and receiver Devin Hester (concussion).

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was a limited participant in practice Thursday and is considered a “longshot” to return for Sunday’s matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, the Associated Press reports.

Roethlisberger practiced in a limited role Thursday and appears a longshot to return for Sunday's game in Baltimore.

The Philadelphia Eagles season is over at this point, and it’s now being reported that so is the 2012-13 campaign of quarterback Michael Vick. Howard Eskin of FOX 29 TV reported that Vick’s concussion symptoms are “getting worse,” and they could sideline the veteran for the remainder of the season.

Reported 2night on #fox29 #eagles QB M Vick concussion symptoms getting worse. sources tell me could b out rest of year.@profootballtalk
— Howard Eskin (@howardeskin) November 30, 2012

Five St. Louis Rams’ players did not participate in practice Wednesday, including wide receiver Danny Amendola (foot), running back Stephen Jackson (foot) and defensive lineman Robert Quinn (concussion), according to the team’s injury report.

While Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was limited in his return to practice yesterday, wide receiver Antonio Brown and safety Troy Polamalu were full participants, reports Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun.

Antonio Brown and Troy Polamalu full participants for #Steelers. Roethlisberger and Cotchery were limited. LaMarr Woodley did not practice.
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiecsun) November 28, 2012

While Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph and safety Harrison Smith have been cleared after sustaining concussions last weekend against the Chicago Bears, wide receiver Percy Harvin received “mixed results” when he tested his injured left ankle at practice yesterday, reports Tom Pelissero of 1500ESPN.com.

While Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte was able to practice at a limited capacity yesterday, several other starters did not suit up, including linebacker Lance Briggs, cornerback Charles Tillman and wide receivers Alshon Jeffery and Devin Hester, reports Vaughn McClure of the Chicago Tribune.

Smith said Briggs, TIllman, Hester, Jeffery, Spencer, Davis all held out of practice.
— vaughn mcclure (@vxmcclure23) November 28, 2012

While running back DeMarco Murray was able to return to practice, he and wide receiver Miles Austin were both limited Wednesday, fellow running back Felix Jones was not able to participate due to a knee injury.

While no one listed on the Atlanta Falcons’ injury report has been ruled out for tonight’s contest against the New Orleans Saints, cornerback Asante Samuel and defensive lineman Peria Jerry are considered game-time decisions.

New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman was limited at practice yesterday after sustaining a concussion on Thanksgiving against the New York Jets, while tight end Aaron Hernandez and wide receivers Wes Welker and Brandon Lloyd continue to be limited due to lingering injuries.

While the New Orleans Saints are expected to have wide receivers Marques Colston and Lance Moore, who each exited last Sunday’s game with head injuries, when they take on the Atlanta Falcons tonight, they will be without six players, including wide receiver Courtney Roby.

There are five weeks remaining in the NFL regular season and many teams have already been eliminated from playoff contention or have slim chances of playing in January. Some teams have been unlucky with injuries and others have incompetent coaching that will keep them out of the postseason. Looking at possible head coaching changes after the season, there are 11 teams that might consider firing their current coach and hiring a new face. Here are the coaches I think should keep their jobs another season because of injuries:

Cleveland Browns quarterback Brandon Weeden practiced on Wednesday and is expected to start Sunday in Oakland, according to Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer.

The rookie from Oklahoma State sustained a concussion late in Sunday's game against Pittsburgh. The Browns defeated the Steelers 20-14 and the Cleveland defense forced eight turnovers.

If Weeden wasn't available then Colt McCoy would play. The Browns' opponent on Sunday, the Raiders, have a porous defense, so whoever plays quarterback should put up quality statistics.

Follow @TheNFLInjuryRpt

Atlanta Falcons cornerback Asante Samuel (shoulder) and linebacker Peria Jerry (quad) would not have practiced if the team held a full workout Monday, while linebacker Sean Weatherspoon would have been limited, reports D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

The San Diego Chargers got bad news Tuesday when Atari Bigby's injury was evaluated further.  The 31-year old safety left Sunday's game in the first half.  He was unable to return in the Chargers' loss to the Baltimore Ravens.

According to Michael Gehlken of the North County Times, Bigby underwent further tests on Tuesday that revealed his groin injury to be significant.  The injury is bad enough to require three to five weeks for recovery.  This means he will be out for the season.

While it remains unclear if Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (rib/shoulder) will be able to suit up this weekend against the Baltimore Ravens, coach Mike Tomlin sounded positive regarding the chances of wide receiver Antonio Brown (ankle) and safety Troy Polamalu (calf) playing Sunday, reports Gregg Rosenthal of NFL.com.

It was reported Monday that San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Kyle Williams would miss the remainder of the season due to injury, and yesterday it came out that the team will also be without running back Kendall Hunter for the rest of the year due to a torn Achilles, reports Matt Barrows of The Sacramento Bee.

Source: Kendall Hunter suffered an Achilles tear, not an ankle injury. He is expected to be placed on injured reserve. #49ers
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) November 27, 2012

Despite having to leave the Dallas Cowboys' Thanksgiving day game with a hip injury, Miles Austin is expected to play Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles.  Austin was injured early in the game last Thursday and had to leave the field.  He did not return, complaining of hip and back pain.

ESPN's Ed Werder is reporting that sources have told him Austin's injury is not severe enough to keep him from Sunday's game and the wide receiver is expected to play.

Wide receiver DeSean Jackson has been placed on the injured reserve by the Philadelphia Eagles.  He suffered a rib injury Monday night against the Carolina Panthers, but the extent was not known.  Today, the team made the announcement as they were also announcing the release of defensive end Jason Babin.

According to Cindy Boren of the Washington Post, Jackson underwent a CT scan today that revealed fractured ribs.  The injury will require at least six weeks to heal which means Jackson will be out for the remainder of the season.

Matt Forte was one of numerous Chicago Bears players to be injured on Sunday.  The Bears picked up a relatively easy win over the Minnesota Vikings, but they saw six players injured.  Forte's injury appears to be a sprained ankle, and it may keep him out Sunday.  

Depending on the source, Forte could miss Sunday's game or he may be able to play.  Early Tuesday, it seemed Forte would be a go for the Bears' game against the Seattle Seahawks.  Now, he may be limited to the point of missing the game.  According to CBS Sports, Forte's ankle injury, while not considered a long-term issue, could cause him to miss the team's next game.  Earlier Tuesday, Sean Jensen of the Chicago Sun-Times said Forte wasn't expected to miss Sunday's game.

All signs point to Green Bay Packers wide receiver Greg Jennings returning this weekend against the Minnesota Vikings, while it remains unclear if linebacker Clay Matthews will be back, reports Vic Ketchman of Packers.com.

Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis, who’s eligible to return to practice this week, is on pace to rejoin the team earlier than anticipated, reports Edward Lee of the Baltimore Sun.

While the Dallas Cowboys received more bad injury-related news regarding their defense yesterday, as linebacker Bruce Carter was placed on injured reserve, the team is expressing some hope this week that running back DeMarco Murray may be able to return this weekend against the Philadelphia Eagles, reports Todd Archer of ESPNDallas.com.

Several Pittsburgh Steelers players, including linebacker LaMarr Woodley and running back Chris Rainey, were injured during Sunday’s loss to the Cleveland Browns, but the team offered a bit of good news yesterday when it announced offensive lineman David DeCastro was activated off injured reserve, reports Dan Hanzus of NFL.com.

The Steelers activated offensive guard David DeCastro from injured reserve Monday, a move they hope will add stability to an offensive line ravaged by injuries.

The Philadelphia Eagles were without quarterback Michael Vick and running back LeSean McCoy last night against the Carolina Panthers, while wide receiver DeSean Jackson and defensive tackle Fletcher Cox sustained injuries during the team’s loss, reports Greg Rosenthal of NFL.com.

Wide receiver DeSean Jackson suffered a rib cartilage injury against the Eagles, and rookie defensive tackle Fletcher Cox hurt his tailbone.

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Kyle Williams will miss the remainder of the season after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament during the third quarter of Sunday’s 31-21 victory over the New Orleans Saints. The third-year wide out made the announcement to fans via Twitter.

Regret to inform yall I will be out for the season with a torn acl.. Not how I saw things playing out but in the end I will be fine and
— Kyle Williams (@KyleWilliams_10) November 26, 2012

Just a day after the National Football League handed down bans to Richard Sherman and Brandon Browner of the Seattle Seahawks for use of performance-enhancing drugs, the league announced the four-game suspension of New England Patriots defensive lineman Jermaine Cunningham for violating its policy on performance-enhancing substances, reports Greg Rosenthal of NFL.com.

The NFL announced Monday that Patriots defensive end Jermaine Cunningham has been suspended four games for violating NFL policy on performance-enhancing substances.

While the Chicago Bears placed offensive lineman Lance Louis on injured reserve after he sustained a significant knee injury during their victory over the Minnesota Vikings Sunday, the team announced that the injury to fellow offensive lineman Chris Spencer isn’t believed to be serious, reports Vaughn McClure of the Chicago Tribune.

MRI revealed some torn cartilage in OG Chris Spencer's left knee, but it's not believed to be serious, according to a league source.
— vaughn mcclure (@vxmcclure23) November 26, 2012

 Teammates expect Oakland Raiders running back Darren McFadden to return this week after missing three straight starts due to a high ankle sprain, reports Vic Tafur of the San Francisco Chronicle.

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kevin Kolb might not be ready to play this Sunday against the New York Jets, according to Bob McManaman of azcentral.com.

If Kolb can't go then Ryan Lindley will make his second career start in New York. Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt talked about the quarterback situation on Monday:

“Until he’s healthy, I don’t know where we’re going to be until that point,” the Cardinals head coach said Monday, a day after Arizona’s 31-17 loss to the visiting St. Louis Rams. 

Asked if Kolb can’t play, would he stick with Lindley, Whisenhunt said: “For this week? Yes. Yeah, we’ll stay with Ryan.”

The Cardinals desperately miss Kolb and have dropped to 4-7. The Cardinals have lost seven straight games and haven't won a game since September 30.

Follow @TheNFLInjuryRpt

The Chicago Bears were hit hard by injuries yesterday.  They had a total of six players injured.  Among them was Lance Briggs who suffered an apparent ankle injury.  The Bears' linebacker was among three other Chicago players to have suffered ankle injuries in the team's win over the Minnesota Vikings.

According to Sean Jensen of the Chicago Sun-Times, the injury was confirmed when reporters saw Briggs leaving the locker room.

The Seattle Seahawks may lose their two starting cornerbacks for four games.  Both Richard Sherman and Brandon Browner were busted for violating the NFL's performance-enhancing drugs policy.  They are facing four-game suspension, but both will be appealing the suspension.

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, both cornersbacks tested positive in random tests.  But deny using ay performance-enhancing drugs, though.  Their appeals will be held this week.  If the suspensions are upheld, Sherman and Browner will be out until Week 17.  By then, the Seahawks could drop out of contention.

While the Cleveland Browns were able to pull off an impressive upset over the Pittsburgh Steelers yesterday, they lost quarterback Brandon Weeden late in the game after he suffered what’s been diagnosed as a concussion, reports Marc Sessler of NFL.com.

Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning underwent a concussion test late in the first half of the team’s victory over the Kansas City Chiefs yesterday, but he was never forced to leave the game, reports Mike Klis of The Denver Post.

Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith and tight end Kyle Rudolph each exited yesterday’s game against the Chicago Bears with concussion-like symptoms, reports Tom Pelissero of 1500ESPN.com.

While the San Francisco 49ers were able to defeat the New Orleans Saints yesterday, the victory came with a cost as wide receiver Kyle Williams and running back Kendall Hunter sustained injuries that could sideline them for an extended period, reports Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com.

The Carolina Panthers enter tonight’s contest against the Philadelphia Eagles as a fairly healthy team, as only defensive lineman Antwan Applewhite (hamstring) has been ruled out, while wide receiver Steve Smith (finger) and linebacker Jordan Senn (ankle) are among those listed as probable to play.

The Philadelphia Eagles will be without their starting quarterback Michael Vick and running back LeSean McCoy, who are each recovering from concussions, when they take on the Carolina Panthers tonight.

While the New York Giants were able to come up with a big victory over the Green Bay Packers last night, they lost two players to injuries during the game; running back Andre Brown and safety Kenny Phillips. Brown’s injury was significant as he suffered a broken fibula late in the game, reports Hank Gola of the New York Daily News.

The only negative part of the Giants’ big night was losing running back Andre Brown to a broken fibula in the fourth quarter.

The Chicago Bears got a much-needed win, but they lost two key players in the process.  Devin Hester and Matt Forte were both injured in the Bears win over the Minnesota Vikings.  Chicago won the game and improved to 8-3 on the season.  They needed the win with Green Bay right on their heels this season.

According to Jeff Dickerson of ESPN Chicago, Hester left the game yesterday in the first quarter with a concussion.  He will undergo the team's and league's concussion protocol throughout the week, and his status will be updated at a later time.  Forte got his ankle caught in a pile in the third quarter and had to leave the game.  The extent of the injury is unknown.

Julio Jones hurt his shoulder last weekend against the Arizona Cardinals.  However, as D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported earlier, Jones was able to go against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.  The Atlanta Falcons' wide receiver was limited in practice all week, so it was not certain that he could play.  But he did.

So far, the Falcons are leading the Bucs 10-7 in the second quarter.  With Jones in action, the receiver has caught two passes for 28 yards.  Jones has had a solid year in 2012.  He 736 yards-receiving and five touchdowns through Week 10.  He will look to improve that today while helping the Falcons improve their record.

Despite the serious nature of Ben Roethlisberger's injury, the Pittsburgh Steelers may get their quarterback back in time for next weekend's re-match against the Baltimore Ravens.  Some outlets, like CBS Sports, had predicted Roethlisberger's quick return.  Now it seems close to being confirmed.

According to Chris Mortensen of ESPN, Big Ben will start throwing (soft tossing really) early in the week.  This will be in an effort to test his shoulder and the rib.  The team and Roethlisberger need to know what his range of motion is, but it seems the rib may be healed enough to allow him to play.

The Pittsburgh Steelers will be without Antonio Brown in their matchup against the Cleveland Browns.  Brown has been dealing with an ankle injury for the past two games, but he was able to return to practice this week.  It seems that return to practice does not mean he's ready to play.

According to Mike Florio of NBC Sports, Brown will be out, and Plaxico Burress could get more playing time.  The Steelers signed the veteran wide receiver this past week because of the injuries they've had to their wide receiving core.  Brown's injury may give Burress a chance to show if he has anything left in the tank.

The San Diego Chargers have ruled offensive lineman Jared Gaither (groin) and wide receiver Eddie Royal (hamstring) out for today’s contest against the Baltimore Ravens, while tight end Dante Rosario (hamstring) is doubtful to play.

Baltimore Ravens cornerback Chris Johnson is listed as doubtful due to a thigh injury, while defensive lineman Haloti Ngata (shoulder), linebacker Terrell Suggs (shoulder/ankle), safety Ed Reed (shoulder) and tight end Dennis Pitta (head) are all probable to play against the San Diego Chargers.

Cleveland Browns cornerback Joe Haden, wide receiver Joshua Cribbs and running back Trent Richardson are among the 11 players expected to suit up for the team when they take on the Pittsburgh Steelers today.

The Atlanta Falcons have listed wide receiver Julio Jones as questionable for today’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as he continues to deal with a lingering ankle sprain. The amount of playing time he receives and the role he plays in the contest may depend on the pace of the matchup, reports Jeff Darlington of NFL Network.

While Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown would usually require another week or two of recovery time due to his high ankle sprain, he feels he has to “push it” given the team’s depleted state. Brown had a good practice Friday and hopes to play today against the Cleveland Browns, reports Aditi Kinkhabwala of NFL.com.

Steelers WR Antonio Brown had a really good practice and said he may play Sunday. "If Coach Tomlin let's me. It's his decision."
— Aditi Kinkhabwala (@AKinkhabwala) November 23, 2012

The Minnesota Vikings have ruled wide receiver Percy Harvin out for today’s game against the Chicago Bears, the team has announced.

WR Percy Harvin will be downgraded to "out" and will not travel with team to Chicago.#Vikings
— Minnesota Vikings (@VikingsFootball) November 24, 2012

Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler was cleared to play by an independent neurologist and is expected to start today against the Minnesota Vikings, reports Sean Jensen of the Chicago Sun-Times.

Bears quarterback Jay Cutler was cleared Saturday by an independent neurologist, the final hurdle for his return to the football field.

Minnesota Vikings' wide receiver Percy Harvin doesn't look like he'll be able to go Sunday in a division match-up against the Chicago Bears.  Harvin is battling a sprained ankle and still can't put much weight on the ankle at all.

According to Joe Oberle of CBS Sports, Harvin was not able to get through pre-practice yesterday and has been listed as doubtful for Sunday's game.  Harvin initially injured himself at the beginning of the month.  In their November 4th game against the Seattle Seahawks.  He hasn't played since.

Harvin has had a long-history of injuries.  Most notably, Harvin has battled severe migraines that have kept him off the practice field and the playing field at times.  He seems to have gotten better control of the migraines.  With his ankle injury, it's just going to be a matter of time.  He tried to give it a shot Friday, and he is just not ready.

“Percy gave it a try in pre-practice,” Frazier said. “Really couldn't put a lot of weight on the ankle at this point. He is going to be listed as doubtful for this ball game.”

Harvin is 24 years old and in his fourth NFL season.  He has 3,302 yards receiving and 20 touchdowns in his career.  So far this season, Harvin has 62 receptions for 677 yards and three touchdowns.  

Time is the one thing not even Devin Hester can outrun.  Often, athletes are struck down in a normal man's prime by age.  In Hetser's case, his post-30 years may be his most difficult.  With age comes injury.  With injury comes decreased production.  It hasn't quite happened yet, but Mark Potash of the Chicago Sun-Times suggests that Hester's best days may be over.

Hester is one of the best.  There's no doubt about that.  However, at 30 years old, he is a wild card.  On any one of his many kick or punt returns, he could be injured.  That's what happens when players lose a step in the NFL.  The speed of the NFL is almost super-human.  Hester is/was almost super-human.  If age is in fact catching up to him, we will miss out on one of the most exciting shows on the field.  But, Hester isn't done just yet.

The Arizona Cardinals have announced that quarterback Ryan Lindley will make his first start this weekend against the St. Louis Rams due to Kevin Kolb’s lingering rib injury and John Skelton’s ineffective play.

St. Louis Rams wide receiver Danny Amendola can’t seem to stay healthy, as he’s listed as doubtful to play tomorrow against the Arizona Cardinals due to a foot injury, while the team is listing running back Stephen Jackson (foot) as probable to play, reports the Sacramento Bee.

While the Pittsburgh Steelers have declared quarterbacks Ben Roethlisberger and Byron Leftwich out for Sunday’s matchup against the Cleveland Browns, the team has safety Troy Polamalu listed as doubtful and wide receiver Antonio Brown as questionable to play.

The Green Bay Packers will be without linebacker Clay Matthews, safety Charles Woodson and cornerback Sam Shields Sunday night against the New York Giants, and while wide receiver Greg Jennings is listed as questionable, no one expects him to play this weekend, reports Greg Rosenthal of NFL.com.

While San Francisco 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh didn’t announce his starting quarterback for Sunday’s matchup against the New Orleans Saints yesterday, the team is proceeding with plans to start Colin Kaepernick over Alex Smith, according to an ESPN report.

New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw is going to suit up this weekend against the Green Bay Packers despite appearing on the team’s injury report for another week, while safety Kenny Phillips and linebacker Keith Rivers are questionable to play.

Orlando Scandrick had to leave the Dallas Cowboys' Thanksgiving day game.  He suffered a fractured left hand in the second quarter of the game.  The Cowboys were taking on the Washington Redskins in a division match-up on turkey day.

Scandrick suffered the injury while making a tackle.  He was hit by another teammate.  Scandrick was taken back to the locker room while holding his left arm.  According to Todd Archer of ESPN Dallas, Scandrick was eventually diagnosed with a fractured left hand.  He will undergo surgery on the hand, but he hopes to be back this season.

Kansas City Chiefs wide receivers Dwayne Bowe (head/back) and Jonathan Baldwin (head/neck) were among the players that were able to fully practice yesterday, while offensive linemen Brandon Albert (back) and Ryan Lilja (knee) didn’t participate once again.

The Denver Broncos have placed running back Willis McGahee on injured reserve with a designation to return after Jan. 18, which would be the AFC title game, reports the Associated Press.

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Percy Harvin didn’t practice yesterday and isn’t expected to suit up this weekend against the Chicago Bears, according to Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com, while the team is expecting to have running back Adrian Peterson (ankle), defensive lineman Jared Allen (shoulder) and wide receiver Michael Jenkins (foot).

Oakland Raiders running backs Darren McFadden and Mike Goodson continued to be held out of practice Thursday due to their high ankle sprains, while Taiwan Jones, who’s also nursing an ankle injury, was limited in practice.

Jay Cutler missed Monday night's game against the San Francisco 49ers and the Bears lost.  Chicago can't afford for Cutler to miss much more time.  This is not to say back-up quarterback Jason Campbell caused the team to lose - the Bears' defense can take credit for that - but Chicago needs as much offensive help as they can get.  They may get that this weekend as Cutler participated in practice yesterday for the first time since suffering his concussion.

Cutler participated in a limited practice on Thanksgiving day, and he looks more like he may be able to go on Sunday says Larry Mayer of NFL.com.  With Campbell's rib injury from Monday night, it may work out in the Bears best interest for Cutler to start.  However, with a head injury the decision is almost entirely out of his hands.

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (ankle) and running back Michael Turner (groin) practiced in a limited capacity yesterday, while quarterback Matt Ryan (finger) was a full participant.

During the first half of the New York Jets ugly 49-19 loss to the New England Patriots on Thanksgiving Day, fans began chanting for backup quarterback Tim Tebow. While Tebow suited up for the game and was on the sidelines, following the loss he announced that he had broken two ribs in the Jets’ loss against the Seattle Seahawks two weeks ago, reports the Associated Press.

The Houston Texans came away with the win on Thanksgiving day against the Detroit Lions.  They pushed their record to 9-1 on the season.  However, it wasn't all good news for Houston.  Brooks Reed had to exit the game and could not return due to an injury.

According to NFL.com, Reed suffered a groin injury in the first quarter of the game.  He was unable to return.  His status will be updated after the team has had time to evaluate him.  Redd seemed to have injured his leg, but as it turned out, he had suffered what will surely be a strained groin once the official diagnosis comes out.

The Dallas Cowboys were hoping for more November magic from Tony Romo and the entire team.  Romo had not been beaten in November in his career.  However, that changed yesterday when the Washington Redskins jumped out to a big lead and held on to win 38-31.  The game wasn't the only things Dallas lost, though.  Wide receiver Miles Austin had to leave the game with an injury.

Austin exited the game in the first quarter after taking a big hit from London Fletcher.  Austin was in the endzone trying to make a catch when the Redskins' veteran linebacker put a good hit on him.  According to Calvin Watkins and Todd Archer of ESPN Dallas, Austin suffered a right hip strain.  He was not able to return in the game.

Yetserday, Jim Trotter of Sports Illustrated reported that the San Francisco 49ers had told Alex Smith he wouldn't start Sunday.  However, this may have been premature.  It seems the starting job is still up in the air.

According to Seth Markam, senior producer for ESPN NFL, all Smith has been told is that Kaepernick will get first team reps during practice.

The Philadelphia Eagles can't catch a break.  After losing in their first full game with Nick Foles as their quarterback, the team was at least hoping they'd have the option of going back to Michael Vick.  However, it looks like both Vick and stand-out running back LeSean McCoy will be out on Monday night.

Both Vick and McCoy are still in phase one of the NFL's concussion protocol, says Jef McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer.  Neither should be able to move on in testing soon enough to be eligible to play Monday night.  This will be the second week in which Vick will sit out.  McCoy, though, was injured last week against the Washington Redskins.

Charlie Batch is basically an assistant coach.  He help Mike Tomlin on the sidelines anytime he needs it.  He motivates players.  But he's also a back-up quarterback still.  As a third-string QB, it's difficult to foresee a situation where he would start, but the Steelers are in that exact situation this week.  And Batch says he's ready.

According to Paul Zeise of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Batch is nervous but he is ready to play.  He is an experienced NFL starter and an even more experience NFL back-up.

Houston Texans tight end Owen Daniels is among 13 players listed as probable for today’s matchup with the Detroit Lions on the team’s injury report, while cornerback Johnathan Joseph (hamstring) and running back Ben Tate (hamstring) are questionable to suit up.

Running back Ahmad Bradshaw (foot) and wide receiver Domenik Hixon (ankle) were among the New York Giants’ players not to practice yesterday, while safety Kenny Phillips (knee) believes he’s ready to return this weekend against the Green Bay Packers.

The Washington Redskins enter today’s game against the Dallas Cowboys fairly healthy, as linebacker London Fletcher (ankle) and wide receiver Pierre Garcon (foot) are the only players listed below probable on this week’s injury report.

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Greg Jennings returned to practice for the first time since undergoing abdominal surgery yesterday, while the team has announced that linebacker Clay Matthews in doubtful to play Sunday against the New York Giants and cornerback Sam Shields has experienced a setback, reports Tyler Dunne and Tom Silverstein of the Journal Sentinel.

Cornerback Sam Shields is still "a couple weeks" away from returning from his high ankle sprain. Running back Cedric Benson, the team's injured reserve exemption, may need surgery to repair his Lisfranc injury. And coach Mike McCarthy said outside linebacker Clay Matthews is "doubtful" for Sunday's game at New York.

While the Detroit Lions have ruled wide receiver Titus Young out for today’s game against the Houston Texans, they have listed fellow wide receiver Calvin Johnson and defensive lineman Ndamukong Suh as probable to play.

Follow @TheNFLInjuryRpt

The Dallas Cowboys continue to be an injured unit as they are not expected to have running back DeMarco Murray or wide receiver Kevin Ogletree for today’s game against the Washington Redskins, and could also be without backup running back Felix Jones.

The New England Patriots officially ruled tight end Rob Gronkowski out for tonight’s game against the New York Jets, while several players are listed as questionable to play, including tight end Aaron Hernandez and wide receivers Wes Welker and Brandon Lloyd, reports Mike Whitmer of the Boston Globe.

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blaine Gabbert and wide receiver Laurent Robinson were placed on injured reserve and will miss the rest of the season, according to Ryan O'Halloran of The Florida Times-Union.

Gabbert had a shoulder injury and picked up an additional foreman injury in last week's game at Houston. Robinson has had three concussions in his first season in Jacksonville.

The San Francisco 49ers shouldn’t start Colin Kaepernick on Sunday against the New Orleans Saints because he’s the hot hand but because the Niners should “make the smart call” about Alex Smith’s health, according to Bruce Jenkins of the San Francisco Chronicle.

The Atlanta Falcons head into their Week 12 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with two starters questionable after exiting last weekend’s contest against the Arizona Cardinals; wide receiver Julio Jones and cornerback Asante Samuel.

The Buffalo Bills are expected to have running back Fred Jackson and defensive lineman Chris Kelsay back this weekend when they take on the Indianapolis Colts.

Follow @TheNFLInjuryRpt

After Sunday’s loss to the Washington Redskins, quarterback Michael Vick was not the only playmaker on the Philadelphia Eagles roster nursing a concussion. Running back LeSean McCoy is questionable for Monday night’s contest against the Carolina Panthers after sustaining a concussion last weekend, while wide receiver Jason Avant continues to be hampered by back and hamstring injuries.

Amidst injuries to quarterbacks Ben Roethlisberger and Byron Leftwich and wide receivers Antonio Brown and Jerricho Cotchery, the Pittsburgh Steelers went out and signed wide receiver Plaxico Burress and quarterback Jed Hoyer yesterday.