Week 7: Friday Injury Update

Here are some key players who are injured heading into week 7:

QB Tony Romo (DAL): Romo (finger) might play this weekend, but the Cowboys will not say whether he will for sure. Advice: Unfortunately, we may not know until right before the game if Romo will play. Whether it is Romo or QB Brad Johnson, he is worth a start. But check back for updates on Romo.

QB Matt Hasselbeck (SEA): Hasselbeck (knee) is out this week. Advice: After missing last week, backup QB Seneca Wallace will start this week against the Bucs. However, I would not advice starting Wallace unless you are absolutely desperate.

QB Eli Manning (NYG): Manning (chest) was injured against the Browns last week. Advice: Manning is expected to play this weekend and is a safe start.

RB Clinton Portis (WAS): Portis (hip flexor) missed practice this week but is expected to play. Advice: Portis has been an absolut beast this year and has a great matchup against a Browns defense that gave up over 180 rushing yards last week against the Giants. Start him with confidence.

RB Joseph Addai (IND): Addai (hamstring) is out 2-4 weeks with a hamstring injury. Advice: Mike Hart (knee) is also out, so RB Dominic Rhodes will get the start. He makes a good play against a weak Packers run defense.

RB Reggie Bush (NO): Bush (knee) missed practice this week, but is expected to play this weekend. Advice: I think Bush will be fine (and so do his coaches), so you can put him in the lineup.

RB Willie Parker (PIT): Parker (knee) was expected to return this week, but re-aggravated his knee injury in practice. Advice: It sounds like RB Mewelde Moore might get the start this weekend, as the Steelers rest Parker for one more week. Who ever starts makes a good play against the Bengals.

WR Marques Colston (NO): Colston (thumb) is expected to be back this week after being out since week 1. Advice: If you are this at WR, considering starting Colston. But I would not expect much in his first action in over a month.

WR Joey Galloway (TB): Galloway (foot) has practiced and could return this week. Advice: I would stay away from him until you know he is ready to go for sure. But if you need him, check back before the games on Sunday to see if he is active.

WR Chris Chambers (SD): Chambers (ankle) missed practice on Thursday due to an ankle injury, and is unlikely to play this week. Advice: I expect WR Malcom Floyd, who had 3 catches for 75 yards and a TD last week, to step into the lineup for Chambers again this week.

WR Calvin Johnson (DET): Johnson (concussion) has been practicing and is expected to play this weekend. Advice: Even with Orlovsky at QB, Johnson is a guy you gotta keep in your lineup, especially against the Texans, who can struggle against the pass.

WR Brandon Lloyd (CHI): Lloyd (knee) is likely out this week. Advice: I expect WR Devin Hester to continue to get more looks while Lloyd is on the sideline. Lloyd is at least one more week away.

WR Eddie Royal (DEN): Royal (ankle) was a somewhat surprising scratch last week but is expected to play this week. Advice: I thought he would go last week and he ended up sitting out. But I think he is a much safer play this week.

WR Brandon Stokley (DEN): Stokley (concussion) has not practiced and is likely out this week. Advice: Although Stokley played well while Royal was sidelined, he would be back to 3rd on the depth chart this week even if he could play, so I would stay away regardless.

TE Tony Scheffler (DEN): Scheffler (groin) has been limited in practice this week and is unlikely to play. Advice: The Broncos will likely rest Scheffler, since next week is their bye. So look for him to return in week 9. TE Nate Jackson will get the start in place of Scheffler.

TE Jeremy Shockey (NO): Like Colston, Shockey (sports hernia) is expected to return this week. Advice: Again, as with Colston, I would only start Shockey if you are desperate. It is hard to say what his role will be this weekend, if he plays at all.

TE Kellen Winslow (CLE): Winslow (unknown illness) was hospitalized last weekend and missed the MNF game against the Giants. Advice: Winslow returned to practice this week, but it is unclear whether he is ready to play this weekend. Check for updtes before the games on Sunday, but I would not rely on him this week.