BREAKING NEWS: HENRY FACES SUSPENSION

DENVER --
Fox 31 News has learned that Denver Broncos running back Travis Henry, the team's leading rusher, has tested positive for marijuana use and could be subject to a one-year suspension.

Henry, 28, previously served a four-game suspension from the National Football League for violating the leagues substance abuse policy in September 2005 as a member of the Tennessee Titans.

Henry can appeal the latest violation. However, if the appeal is denied, he will begin serving a one-year suspension immediately.

Henry can file for reinstatement 60 days prior to the end of the suspension.

The Denver Broncos had no official comment, instead, deferring to the NFL.

The Broncos signed Travis Henry in the off-season to a five-year, $22.5 million contract with $12 million in guarantees.

Mandel's Toke: Selvin Young. Remember the name. Henry has jeopardized his career but on the upside for Henry, he and Ricky Williams are starting a new business together. Rashaan Salaam will be a VP. I mean, come on guys! Put the friggin' pipe down for a few minutes, huh?

COLTS BANGED UP

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- Tony Dungy hopes three of his injured starters can play against Tampa Bay this week. He just can't count on it.

So when the Indianapolis Colts went back to work Wednesday, Dungy was making contingency plans for the possible absences of receiver Marvin Harrison, running back Joseph Addai and safety Bob Sanders, all of whom were hurt in last Sunday's victory over Denver.

"No one's out, and if they can practice by Friday, it would be a plus, definitely," the coach said Wednesday before practice. "You can sit and wait and hope that they'll come back, but I've never been one to do that. You have to move on."

None of the three practiced Wednesday and the only certainty was that outside linebacker Rob Morris, another starter, would be placed on injured reserve, ending his season. Morris, the Colts' first-round pick in 2000 and a key ingredient in the defense's postseason resurgence, had surgery Tuesday to repair a tendon in his left knee.

Mancini's Take: Fantasy owners would be wise to pick up backup runner Kenton Keith as a contingency plan. Keith is averaging 5.8 yards a carry for the season and gained 80 yards on the ground last week.

TAMPA BAY UPDATE

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -- Tampa Bay running back Carnell "Cadillac" Williams was placed on injured reserve Wednesday, one day after undergoing successful season-ending surgery to repair the torn patellar tendon in his right knee.

The Buccaneers also placed left tackle Luke Petitgout on IR with a right knee injury that will require surgery later this week. Both players were hurt during last Sunday's 20-7 victory at Carolina.

The roster openings were filled by rookie running back Kenneth Darby and tackle Dennis Roland, who were signed from the practice squad.

The Bucs also released cornerback Marcus Hamilton from the practice squad and signed tackle Ryan Gibbons, receiver Chad Lucas and running back DonTrell Moore.

Mancini's Take: A key matchup in this game will be between new starting left tackle Donald Penn and Indy pass rusher Dwight Freeney. Quarterback Jeff Garcia may be running for his life this Sunday.

NO SURGERY NEEDED FOR ALEX SMITH

Matt Maiocco, of the Santa Rosa Press Democrat, reports San Francisco 49ers QB Alex D. Smith (shoulder) missed the team's practice Wednesday, Oct. 3, and is out for Week 5. Dr. James Andrews confirmed the team's diagnosis of a Grade 3 sprain. No surgery will be needed for Smith, and the team said he is week-to-week.

Mancini's Take: At this point, it doesn't matter who's quarterbacking the Niners. Offensive coordinator Jeff Hostler has failed to give his unit an indentity. Even worse is the fact that San Francisco's offensive line can't line up without commiting a penalty. The Niner attack has to be the most inept offense I've seen so far. Frank Gore's numbers will be limited as a result. Not only did Norv Turner defang the Chargers, but his departure from the Niners has left them looking woefully bad. Oh, and by the way, Niner fans, Trent Dilfer is now your starting quaterback. Enjoy!

BRETT FAVRE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

The Green Bay Packers have announced the NFL has named QB Brett Favre as the NFC Offensive Player of the Week.

Mancini's Take: Rock on, Brett!

BRIAN CALHOUN UPDATE

Detroit Lions RB Brian Calhoun (knee) will have his knee re-evaluated because it is hurting. Calhoun tore his ACL last season and it continues bother him.

DAVID CLOWNEY SIGNED

The New York Jets have announced they have signed WR David Clowney off the Green Bay Packers' practice squad. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.

Mancini's Take: Send in the clown.

TOM BRADY NAMED POM

New England Patriots QB Tom Brady has been named the AFC Offensive Player of the month for September.

Mancini's Take: Shouldn't he be sharing that award with Randy Moss?

TEXANS WIDE OUT UPDATE

Megan Manfull, of the Houston Chronicle, reports Houston Texans RB Ahman Green (knee) was limited in practice Wednesday, Oct. 3. The team is hopeful he will play Week 5.

Mancini's Take: Ron Dayne's performance last week demonstrated why Ahman Green is so valuable to the Texans.

DREW BENNETT TO GET THE START

St. Louis Rams WR Isaac Bruce (hamstring) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Oct. 3. Bruce is not expected to play during Week 5.

Mancini's Take: A huge target who drops a ton of passes. There's no need to start him in fantasy leagues right now.

BRANDON JACOBS UPDATE

Giants running back Brandon Jacobs will see more carries in practice this week and could return Sunday against the Jets. "We will see where he is," head coach Tom Coughlin tells the team's official web site. "He has been cleared obviously to practice last week so we had him take X amount of reps and we will increase the reps this week and see exactly where he is, what his comfort zone is with all the maneuvers that he will have to go through." Jacobs sprained the MCL in his right knee during the second quarter of the season opener against the Cowboys.

Mancini's Take: The return of Jacobs and his hard running style can't help but give the Giants offense a boost. An undersized Jets defense will have the herculean task of trying to stop the Big Blue attack.

Mandel's Take: The Giants have a bye week this week, don't they? Oh...they play the Jets. So yeah, they have a bye week. Bring on Jacobs and put an end to the Jets' jest of a season! To paraphrase the words of John Kreese, "Finish them!!!"

JP LOSMAN MAY LOSE JOB

Predictably, speculation mounted in Buffalo on Monday that injured quarterback J.P. Losman might not regain his starting job after rookie Trent Edwards led the team to victory in his first NFL start in Week 4. When asked by the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle if he feared for his job, Losman replied, "In this league, of course… It's every player's fear to get injured and to have some kind of controversy over something like that. I don't think anyone's job on this team is secure; you have to perform week in and week out."

Mancini's Take: Edwards is the flavor of the week in Buffalo. Many speculated that the performance of Lee Evans would suffer under the guidance of a rookie signal caller, but that wasn't the case last Sunday as Evans gained a season-best 72-yards receiving.

Mandel's Take: I'm willing to believe pretty much anything that follows the words "J. P. Losman may lose..." They drafted Edwards--why? Because they weren't sold on Losman. So now, Losman has done nothing to assuage the Bills' fears and Edwards has played well. What's the problem? Pull the trigger and make the change permanent--otherwise what's the point of even drafting Edwards?

COREY DILLON REJECTS BID FROM BUCS

Corey Dillon turned down an offer to sign with the Buccaneers Monday. "Corey's not hurting for money," agent Steve Feldman told ESPN.com. "He has his money taken care of." Dillon has yet to file his retirement papers, but has indicated that he has no intention of playing again.

Mancini's Take: Dillon is reportedly keeping himself in shape in hopes of signing on with an NFL club. Playing in Tampa Bay, however, isn't what he had in mind. Let's not get too excited about Dillon rejoining the league. The former Bengal has slowed down considerably in recent times.

Mandel's Take: I'd go to Tampa--why not? It's warm, they look like they have a decent team...if he's going to play, what's he waiting for? Hey Corey--if you're not interested in playing, then file your retirement papers. No one likes a fence-sitter!

LOVIE CALLING FOR CHANGES

Lovie Smith acknowledged that he wants to get rookie Greg Olsen more involved in the offense. "We need to get to Greg Olsen more," Smith told the Chicago Tribune on Monday. "The passing game right now, you can say we need to get the ball to Olsen more, to Devin Hester." Olsen was on the field for roughly 10 plays during Sunday's loss to the Lions.

Mancini's Take: The promotion of Brian Griese at quarterback may hurt the long passing game and the production of deep threat Bernard Berrian in particular. The problem here won't be solved with Olsen or Hester, but with the emergence of a good quarterback. Griese, Grossman and Orton don't exactly fit the bill. Where's Jeff George when you need him?

Mandel's Take: Yes, yes...the problem with the Bears is that they haven't involved the rookie TE enough. Thankfully, they've figured it out! Are you kidding me? How about, I don't know, getting Cedric Benson running the ball for more than 3 yards a carry? The problem is the lack of a running game. That and no QB. I suppose that 34-point meltdown in the Motor City was Rex's fault too.

FANTASY ALERT: KENTON KEITH

The Colts could be without Joseph Addai when they host Tampa Bay in Week 5. Coach Tony Dungy was awaiting medical updates and acknowledged that Addai could be sidelined. "All the guys that were hurt yesterday have a chance to be out, yes," Dungy said. "I'd have to say there's a chance they'll miss some practices or a game, so as coaches we have to plan for all of them to be out."

Mancini's Take: Injuries to Addai and Travis Henry make Selvin Young and Kenton Keith the waiver wire wonders of the week.

TEXANS WIDE OUT UPDATE

The Houston Chronicle reports that Texans WRs Jacoby Jones (shoulder) and Jerome Mathis (leg) are expected to be back at practice on Wednesday as the team prepares for the Dolphins. "We've got a lot of players that we've got to push to get healthy here over the course of the next few days, and hopefully some of those faces come back and help us out," coach Gary Kubiak said.

Mancini's Take: The Teaxans you'll want in your fantasy lineups are Owen Daniels and Andre Davis.

OAKLAND QUARTERBACK CONTROVERSEY

The San Jose Mercury News reports that when asked if the Raiders had a quarterback controversy, coach Lane Kiffin said, "I'm sure we do." Daunte Culpepper was only 5-of-12 passing for 75 yards in Week 4, but he threw two touchdowns against his former team, Miami, and added seven carries for 28 yards and three rushing touchdowns. Kiffin said that Culpepper is his starter for now, but once Josh McCown recovers from a broken big toe and some other minor injuries, then his stance would change.

Mancini's Take: Amid all the talk of a compelling quarterback controversy, rookie thrower, JaMarcus Russell, helps himself to another cheeseburger on the bench.

Mandel's Take: I don't get this. Why is there a controversy? Culpepper has a track record of at least some success in the NFL. McCown has no track record and is not a youngster--this is his 6th season of being a scrub. You have a chance (hey--it's true!) to win the division--who has the potential to lead this team? Certainly Culpepper.

FANTASY ALERT: QUINN SYPNIEWSKI

Injuries sustained by starter Todd Heap (hamstring) and backup Daniel Wilcox (toe) have left Brian Billick and the Ravens with some question marks at the tight end position for their Week 5 game at San Francisco, according to the Baltimore Sun. "It's a tough one," Billick said Monday during his weekly media briefing. "A couple of weeks ago, it was the receivers; now it's the tight ends. It kind of moves around, and you adjust where you can."

Mandel's Take: Sypniewski, out of the mighty U of Colorado, is a nice sleeper if you have bye week issues--he has good hands and has been getting open frequently for the Ravens.

MONDAY NIGHT COMPOSITE BOX

Tom Brady completed 25/32 passes for 231 yards and three touchdowns in Week 4. He also had an interception.

Sammy Morris rushed 21 times for 117 yards and a touchdown.

Patriots RB Kevin Faulk rushed three times for 22 yards. He also caught three passes for 39 yards.

Randy Moss caught nine passes for 102 yards and two touchdowns.

Cincinnati Bengals WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh caught 10 passes for 100 yards with one touchdown.

Donte' Stallworth caught four passes for 49 yards.

Wes Welker caught three passes for 22 yards.

Patriots TE Ben Watson caught two passes for 12 yards.

Mancini's Take: What's not reflected here is the dominance exhibited by New England's offensive line. They looked impenetrable.

SLEEPER WATCH: MICHAEL BUSH

Raiders coach Lane Kiffin says Michael Bush (leg) could be activated from the Physically Unable to Perform list when he's eligible to be in Week 7.

LAMONT JORDAN UPDATE

X-rays on LaMont Jordan's injured back came back negative Monday. Initial reports indicated that Jordan's back injury could be serious, but this is a great sign that it may be something he can overcome during the Raiders' bye week.

Mancini's Take: There's no need to go out of your way to add Justin Fargas to your fantasy squad. The former USC Trojan has time and again proven not to be built for the long haul, as he becomes very susceptible to injury when given a sizable workload.

Mandel's Take: Backs are a tricky business so the Raiders, and you, should be cautious with Jordan. I can't believe I'm going to say this but, the Raiders may need Jordan for a run at the playoffs. Yes, playoffs. From what I've seen from that division thusfar, why not? Denver is average, San Diego is dreadful under Norv Turner (shocker) and KC is mediocre at best. Why not the Raiders?

AHMAN GREEN OUT

Megan Manfull, of the Houston Chronicle, reports Houston Texans RB Ahman Green (knee) is unlikely to play Week 5.

Mancini's Take: This doesn't bode well for Houston's offense. With the exception of a 25-yard run on Sunday, backup Ron Dayne was slow and ineffective. Towards the end of the game coach Gary Kubiak stopped feeding him the ball in the goal line area.

Mandel's Take: What started as a promising season for the Texans is quickly turning into business as usual. I cannot recommend anything on this team until Green and Johnson return.

CALVIN JOHNSON UPDATE

The status of Detroit Lions WR Calvin Johnson (back) for Week 5 is uncertain. Johnson was inactive during Week 4. Head coach Rod Marinelli said he was optimistic Johnson would play Week 5, but wouldn't say for certain that he would play. He is considered day-to-day with a back injury.

Mancini's Take: Secondary receivers Shaun McDonald and Mike Furrey are just as valuable as Johnson at this point. That's not an indictment of Megatron's ability as a receiver, but rather a testament of Mike Martz's offensive genius.

VERNAND MORENCY SORE

Pete Dougherty, of the Green Bay Press-Gazette, reports Green Bay Packers RB Vernand Morency (knee) played Week 4, but his knee was sore Monday, Oct. 1. He will probably miss practice Wednesday, Oct. 3 and possibly Thursday, Oct. 4. He could be available for Week 5 unless his knee has flared up too badly. Brandon Jackson (shin) will not practice Wednesday, Oct. 3, and his status for Week 5 is uncertain.

Mancini's Take: We should be getting news flashes when Morency is actually healthy.

Mandel's Take: I liked Morency better when he sang for The Smiths. He was more useful too.

FANTASY ALERT: LADELL BETTS

The tendinitis in Clinton Portis' knee has resurfaced. Impact: The Redskins say the injury is minor, but tendinitis forced Portis to miss all of training camp, so it's a major concern. Portis didn't work as the Redskins broke for post-bye week practice Monday.

Mancini's Take: It was only a matter of time with Portis. This news should come as no shock if you've been paying attention to Portis during training camp.

Mandel's Take: Uh-oh. Don't hit the panic button yet, but remove the plastic thing that always guards it and get ready to turn the key.

SAINTS RUNNING BACK UPDATE

New Orleans Saints RB Aaron Stecker will take a bulk of RB Deuce McAllister's (ACL) carries for the rest of the season. McAllister has been placed on Injured Reserve. RB Pierre Thomas will likely be active Week 5 because of the season-ending injury to RB Deuce McAllister (knee).

Mancini's Take: Fantasy owners would be advised to keep Stecker on their bench for now and see how things develop. Thomas may also have a role in the running game.

Mandel's Take: Ugh and ugh again. It just keeps getting worse for the Saints. I wouldn't even consider starting anyone from this team until they showed me they have some sort of clue how to put some points up.

RAVENS QB UPDATE

Baltimore Ravens QB Steve McNair (groin) said he is fine and will start Week 5. Head coach Brian Billick said he is not considering benching McNair.

Mancini's Take: It's pretty sad to say, but Boller is the better quarterback at this point. McNair's injured groin is preventing him from following through on his throws compromising his accuracy. This team needs to feature wide receiver Demetrius Williams a bit more downfield.

Mandel's Take: Either way, the Ravens don't have what it takes at the QB position. They may squeak into the playoffs, but come on--McNair is falling apart earlier than usual and Boller isn't the answer...it's time for the "Offensive Genius" to go in another direction for 2008. How much more clear could it be?

MATT LEINART NOT HAPPY

Matt Leinart said after Sunday's win over Pittsburgh that he doesn't want to share QB duties with Kurt Warner. "I just want them to ride or die with me," Leinart said of the Cardinals. "If I'm the franchise quarterback, play me and let me stumble, because I'll fight through it, and that will help me and our team in the long run. I know coaches want to win now, and I guess they have their reasons. But I don't understand it, and this switching back and forth is almost worse than getting benched."

Mancini's Take: "Ride and die with me," he says? No way, Leinart, this is a bottom-line business. Your coaches need to win now if they wish to hold on to their jobs. They aren't obligated to starting you, they're obligated to winning with whoever gives them the best chance to be successful. Leinart needs to put more juice in his throws and stop heaving rainbows.

Mandel's Take: Sorry, but the 2-QB system is ridiculous. Leinart deserves to be benched, so bench him. Playing him in some spots and Warner in others is not going to help the team down the road--it's merely confusing the development of a young QB. However--it must be noted that this coaching staff did NOT draft Leinart, so who knows if he really IS the future of this franchise? Either way, this flip-flop business is not helping anyone.

MARVIN HARRISON TO MISS ACTION

Indianapolis Colts WR Marvin Harrison (knee) is not expected to play Week 5 after suffering a knee injury in the team's Week 4 game.

Mancini's Take: You'd have to think that Dallas Clark should be seeing a few more balls coming his way.

Mandel's Take: If you own any other members of the Colts offense, you're already happy...now you can get downright jubilant--all of them will see Harrison's share of the ball, making them even more valuable, if that's possible.

VERNON DAVIS UPDATE

Vernon Davis (knee sprain) has been ruled out for Week 5. Davis expects to return after San Francisco's Week 6 bye.

Mancini's Take: The 49ers offense goes from the frying pan into the fire as they prepare to get massacred by the Baltimore Ravens. Quite frankly, it won't matter if Vernon Davis is in the lineup if San Francisco's offensive line can't pick up the blitz and avoid committing an inordinate amount of penalties.

Mandel's Take: It's looking more and more like the 49ers are this year's Cardinals. You know, the team everyone likes to pick as a "surprise". Well, surprise--they stink! There's no reason to risk Davis in a game where they're going to get crushed offensively.

TODD HEAP UPDATE

Ravens coach Brian Billick acknowledged that Todd Heap's availability for Week 5 was his biggest injury concern coming out of Sunday's loss.

Mandel's Take: The loss of Heap for any amount of time is not good news for the Ravens already weak offense. Fantasy-wise, I'd keep an eye on this throughout the week.

FANTASY ALERT: TRENT DILFER

49ers coach Mike Nolan ruled Alex Smith (separated shoulder) out for Week 5 Monday, but says the quarterback shouldn't need surgery.

Mandel's Take: He'd better hurry up because Trent Dilfer is embarrassing to watch. The Niner offense has been pitiful this season, much to the dismay of Frank Gore and his fantasy backers.

ADRIAN PETERSON UPDATE

Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson returned three kickoffs in the team's Week 4 game, gaining an average of 32.7 yards per return. It is not known if Peterson will remain in this role.

WR Aundrae Allison was inactive for the team's Week 4 game because the coaches were unhappy with some of his decisions during kick returns.

Mandel's Take: There isn't a bigger Peterson fan than me, but I've gotta say--the man has limits. He's clearly the feature back, now and for the long term--why would you risk him on kick returns? Forget the injury risk--how about him exerting energy during his returns? Wouldn't he and the Vikings be better served if he, ya know, saved that energy to...ya know, run from scrimmage?

TARVARIS JACKSON SET TO RETURN

Minnesota Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson (groin) is expected to start Week 6. Jackson has missed the team's previous two games.

NEWS & NOTES

QUARTERBACKS
Peyton Manning completed 20-of-27 passes for 193 yards and three touchdowns, and rushed for a one-yard touchdown

Jay Cutler completed 13-of-21 passes for 131 yards and a touchdown, and threw an interception

Ben Roethlisberger completed 17-of-32 passes for 244 yards and two touchdowns in Week 4. He also threw two interceptions and rushed four times for 26 yards.

St. Louis Rams QB Marc Bulger completed 11-of-24 passes for 114 yards, no touchdowns and an interception

Houston Texans QB Matt Schaub was 28-for-40 for 317 yards with one touchdown Week 4 against the Atlanta Falcons. The Texans lost 26-26 to the Falcons, dropping them to 2-2 on the season.

Baltimore Ravens QB Steve McNair (groin) completed 34-of-54 passes for 307 yards, one touchdown and one interception

New York Jets QB Chad Pennington completed 32 of 39 passes for 290 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions Week 4. Pennington's 32 passes set a new career high for him. Pennington also moved into fourth place on the team's career yards passing list. He now has 12,554 career yards passing

Trent Green completed 14-of-25 passes for 158 yards and a touchdown in Week 4. He also threw two interceptions.

Jeff Garcia completed 15-of-25 passes for 176 yards and rushed four times for 10 yards and one touchdown.

Atlanta Falcons QB Joey Harrington was 23-for-29 for 223 yards with two touchdowns Week 4 against the Houston Texans.

Cleveland Browns QB Derek Anderson completed 10 of his 18 passes for 204 yards, two touchdowns and an interception.

Brian Griese completed 34-of-52 passes for 286 yards and two touchdowns in Week 4. He also threw three interceptions.

Damon Huard completed 17-of-29 passes for 284 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions.

Buffalo Bills rookie QB Trent Edwards was 22-for-28 for 234 yards with one touchdown and one interception to help lead the Bills to their first win of the 2007 season. Edwards also became the first Bills rookie quarterback to win his first career start since former QB Joe Ferguson in 1973.

David Carr completed 19-of-41 passes for 155 yards, one touchdown and one interception in Week 4 against the Bucs.

RUNNING BACKS
Larry Johnson rushed 25 times for 123 yards and caught three passes for 25 yards

Joseph Addai was shaken up in the fourth quarter Sunday. It was announced that Addai suffered a "bruised" shoulder. He rushed for 136 yards and a score on 19 carries, and caught three balls for 10 yards, before leaving.

Travis Henry appeared to injure his right knee or ankle Sunday. He returned to the game after missing a few plays and finished with 131 yards on 26 carries. Henry didn't score or catch a pass and lost a fumble.

Ronnie Brown ran for 134 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries and caught six passes for 73 yards in Miami's Week 4 loss to Oakland

Baltimore Ravens RB Willis McGahee rushed for 104 yards on 14 carries and no touchdowns

Jamal Lewis rushed 23 times for 64 yards and a touchdown.

Cedric Benson rushed 15 times for 50 yards in Week 4's loss. He also caught five passes for 24 yards. He also fumbled.

St. Louis Rams RB Brian Leonard rushed for 58 yards on 16 carries in the team's Week 4 game. Leonard was starting for the injured RB Steven Jackson (groin).

Vernand Morency rushed once for two yards and caught three passes for 33 yards in Week 4 against the Vikings.

Kenton Keith rushed for 80 yards on 10 carries and caught a four-yard pass in relief duty Sunday afternoon against Denver.

WIDE RECEIVERS
Reggie Wayne caught five passes for 38 yards and a TD.

Roy Williams caught six passes for 53 yards.

Donald Driver caught seven passes for 58 yards

Braylon Edwards caught three passes for 97 yards and a touchdown in Week 4 as the Browns upset the Ravens 27-13.

Muhsin Muhammad caught five passes for 49 yards and a touchdown.

Joe Jurevicius caught two passes for 10 yards and a touchdown

Chris Chambers caught two passes for 21 yards.

Brandon Marshall caught three passes for 23 yards and a touchdown.

St. Louis Rams WR Isaac Bruce (hamstring) left the team's Week 4 game with a hamstring injury and did not return.

Bernard Berrian caught eight passes for 99 yards in Week 4's loss.

James Jones caught four passes for 49 yards and one touchdown.

Dallas Cowboys WR Patrick Crayton (finger) caught seven passes for 184 yards and two touchdowns

Marty Booker caught one pass for eight yards.

Kevin Walter caught six passes for 77 yards.

TIGHT ENDS
Kellen Winslow had four receptions for 96 yards

Bears TE Desmond Clark caught seven passes for 44 yards and a touchdown.

Owen Daniels caught five passes for 69 yards.

Daniel Graham caught four passes for 35 yards to lead the Broncos in receiving during their Week 4 loss to Indianapolis.

Donald Lee caught four passes for 66 yards in Week 4 against the Vikings.

KICKERS
Atlanta Falcons PK Morten Andersen was good on four field goals during the team's Week 4 game against the Houston Texans. Anderson connected from 28, 22, 36 and 46 yards.

JAVON WALKER LATE SCRATCH

Adam Schefter, of NFL.com, reports it appears like Denver Broncos WR Javon Walker (knee) will not be able to play during Week 4 due to a knee injury. Walker was not able to practice during the week because of the injury.

GREEN BAY PACKERS UPDATE

Packers coach Mike McCarthy laughed Friday when asked who his starting running back will be against the Vikings in Week 4. "We don't have a starter," McCarthy said. "We're a running back by committee team, and I foresee us being that way every week." Vernand Morency has resumed practicing and is likely to start over Ryan Grant and DeShawn Wynn. Morency knows the offense the best of the group. Brandon Jackson will sit.

PENNINGTON TO BEARS IN '08?

Unless Rex Grossman somehow gets back in the lineup and saves the Bears' season, the free agent to be will be playing elsewhere next year. And so the issue of utmost importance to Bears general manager Jerry Angelo is who will be the Bears' quarterback in 2008. There is a chance it could be Brian Griese or Kyle Orton, depending on how the rest of the season plays out. But there also is a good chance the Bears will have someone else starting at quarterback next year. Here are the top candidates: Derek Anderson: The Browns quarterback who threw for 328 yards and five touchdowns in Week 2 is scheduled to become a restricted free agent. ... Brian Brohm: The Bears probably would have to be drafting high to get a shot at the Louisville quarterback. At this point Brohm looks like the only prospect you would even consider starting as a rookie. ... Donovan McNabb: It's unlikely the Chicago native will be traded or cut if coach Andy Reid remains in Philadelphia, as expected. But the Eagles did draft his potential successor this year, Kevin Kolb. ... Chad Pennington: He could be the best fit for the Bears' offense, and the Jets might be willing to trade him if Kellen Clemens shows he can be an NFL starter. -- Chicago Tribune

WILLIAMS RESPONDS TO URLACHER

Roy Williams is surrounded by reporters -- lights, cameras, microphones, voice recorders, notebooks -- and someone brings up Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher. "Who was that?" Williams says, feigning ignorance. "Brian Urlacher," the reporter says. "Urlacher?" "No. 54." "Oh, you're talking about the guy who was nervous the last game." "Your last game with them?" "Yeah, the one where we took them down to the wire." Williams recalls Dec. 24, when the Bears' Devin Hester kicked the ball out of Mike Williams' hands on the last play, the ball fell incomplete in the end zone and the Lions lost, 26-21. Then he gets back to Urlacher. "That guy?" he says. "Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah. Great player. All-Pro linebacker. Pro Bowl guy. Knows that we had them on the edge there on that last game. But it's a new year, man, and everybody's excited about the Bears. It's going to be one heck of a show." It's becoming a tradition. The Lions play the Bears, Williams says something, Urlacher responds, Williams says something else. -- Free Press

GRIEVENCE FILED ON JAKE PLUMMER

Scott Reynolds and Jim Flynn, of PewterReport.com, report the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Denver Broncos have jointly filed a third grievance against QB Jake Plummer for his failure to report to the Buccaneers' training camp July 26. The Buccaneers are attempting to receive as much as $7 million in bonus money Plummer received while playing in Denver due to the fact that he has retired unilaterally. In addition to the three grievances filed against him, Plummer has accumulated over $500,000 in fines for missing several team-related activities, according to a team source.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW: CLINT STOERNER

The Associated Press reports former NFL QB Clint Stoerner faces a drunken-driving charge and other misdemeanor counts after he was stopped by an officer early Friday, Sept. 28, for driving a car playing music too loud, according to police and court records. Police administered a field sobriety test to Stoerner, which "indicated that he was intoxicated," and he was arrested and taken to the Washington County (Ark.) Jail. Stoerner was charged with driving while intoxicated, violation of the implied-consent law requiring a driver to submit to a breath-analysis test if requested by police and violation of the city's motor-vehicle sound limit ordinance. He was released later in the morning on $880 bond. He faces a court date on the sound-ordinance violation charge Monday, Oct. 1. He will appear in court Nov. 5 for the DWI charge.

CALVIN JOHNSON A GO

Detroit Lions WR Calvin Johnson (back) participated in practice Friday, Sept. 28. Johnson did some running and walkthrough activities. He is a game-time decision for Week 4. Johnson said he thinks he will play during Week 4.

HINES WARD MAY ATTEMPT TO PLAY

Pittsburgh Steelers WR Hines Ward (knee) will be a game-time decision for Week 4. Ward may try to play in the game.

ANQUAN BOLDIN OUT

Cardinal wideout Anquan Boldin missed a third straight day of practice Friday because of his injured hip, according to the Arizona Republic.

DEUCE MCALLISTER UPDATE

Deuce McAllister underwent surgery to repair his left ACL. The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports that he also had a minor "clean-up" surgery on his right knee, which was repaired back in 2005.

VERNAND MORENCY SET TO START

Vernand Morency practiced on Friday and is listed as probable on the injury report, according to the Green Bay Press-Gazette. He has not played this season due to a knee injury he suffered on the first day of training camp.

CHESTER TAYLOR TO START

Chester Taylor will make his first appearance since Week 1 when the Vikings face the Packers on Sunday. "He'll start the game, and Adrian (Peterson) will be in after him," head coach Brad Childress told the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. Peterson missed the last two games with a strained oblique.

EAGLES WILL THROW ON SUNDAY

Les Bowen, of the Philadelphia Daily News, reports Philadelphia Eagles RB Brian Westbrook (abdomen) did not practice Friday, Sept. 28. Westbrook has not practiced all week. He is listed as questionable and is a game-time decision.

LARRY JOHNSON UPDATE

Larry Johnson missed practice for the second consecutive day Thursday and is now listed as questionable for Sunday's game in San Diego, the AP reports. Johnson is nursing what the team calls a slightly pulled hamstring. "It's not so bad where he can't run," head coach Herm Edwards said. "I mean it's sore, and what we don't want to do is obviously put him in a position where he really hurts his hamstring and guys have sore hamstrings at times and we are trying to rest him."

KELLY HOLCOMB READY FOR OPPORTUNITY

Head coach Brad Childress stopped just shy of outright naming Kelly Holcomb the starting quarterback for Sunday's game against the Packers. "(Holcomb) has been taking most of the reps and Tarvaris is questionable," Childress told the Minneapolis Star Tribune after practice on Friday. "You can draw your own logical conclusions from that." Jackson has been limited in practice by a groin injury.

DAUNTE CULPEPPER GETS THE CALL

Daunte Culpepper will start Sunday's game against his former team, when he leads the Raiders against the Dolphins. According to NFL.com, Raiders coach Lane Kiffin has named Culpepper the starter over Josh McCown, who is suffering from a hairline fracture in his toe, among other injuries.

JAKE DELHOMME UNLIKELY TO PLAY

Jake Delhomme did not practice on Friday, yet he is still hopeful of playing on Sunday against the Buccaneers. "I'm still holding out hope," Delhomme told the Charlotte Observer. "When a couple of years ago or whenever I broke my thumb, I didn't take a snap until Saturday morning. So we'll see. I am feeling better. I'm gripping the ball; it feels pretty good. So we'll see from here." Delhomme is nursing a strained right elbow.

DAVID CARR REVS UP

Jake Delhomme missed practice again on Thursday due to a strained right (throwing) elbow, according to the Charlotte Observer. "He did not participate," head coach John Fox told the AP. "That's all I've got to say and that's all I'm going to say." David Carr would start if Delhomme can't play.

Mancini's Take: This is a good spot for the Tampa Bay defense, as they should be in line for a healthy amount of sacks against the present day version of Ken O' Brien.

Mandel's Take: I see no reason to insult Ken O'Brien.

TARVARIS JACKSON UNLIKELY TO PLAY

Tarvaris Jackson returned to the practice field on Wednesday, but he confessed to the St. Paul Pioneer Press that he's nowhere near 100 percent healthy.

Mandel's Take: Does he even want to play? You don't say "nowhere near...healthy" to the media. You say, "I'm improving, I'm ready to go if the doctors clear me" or something. At least pretend you want to get back in there. No?

STEVEN JACKSON: BLAME IT ON THE RAIN

Rams running back Steven Jackson believes the rain that fell throughout Sunday's game in Tampa was the key cause of his groin injury. "That heavy rain kind of tore up the field," he told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. "They had a game there on Saturday (South Florida vs. North Carolina), so it was really muddy and the field was kind of sloppy. ... I was slipping throughout the game."

Mancini's Take: Is Jackson perhaps suggesting that they should've stopped the ballgame and brought out the tarp?

Mandel's Take: Wahhhh, it was wet...wahhhh, I was slipping! He's pretty tough, this Steven Jackson. Just the kind of guy you want to hitch your wagon to. Pfffft. Honestly--I'd trade him now under the guise of "selling low". Get what you can--his, and the Rams', season is not looking promising.

PATRIOTS BACK DAMAGED GOODS

Laurence Maroney was limited in practice on Wednesday because of a groin injury.

Mancini's Take: Do you think the Pats are wishing Corey Dillon was still with the team? Maroney and Julius Jones have to rank as two of the biggest fantasy disappointments with the only difference being that many people wasted a first round pick on Maroney.

Mandel's Take: I see Maroney finally paying dividends this week as he feasts on the Bengals. Heck, I even see Sammy Morris scoring some points. The Pats have destroyed all comers despite Maroney's lack of production--Belichick will want to get him more involved, and what Belichick wants, he gets.

DERRICK WARD SET TO PLAY

Giants running back Derrick Ward did not practice on Wednesday due to a sore left ankle. He fully expects to play on Sunday and carry the load against the Eagles. "I'll be good. I know my body. I know I'll be able to play the whole game if they need me to on Sunday," Ward tells the team's official web site.

Mancini's Take: Brandon Jacobs will be coming in at the perfect time next week, as Ward is already showing signs of breakdown.

Mandel's Take: There are points to be had against the Eagles, it's a national stage, and this could be Ward's last chance to play a starring role--look for him to leave it all out on the field Sunday night.

THE DECLINE OF TATUM BELL

In Week 1, Tatum Bell got 15 carries. In Week 2, he got nine. In Week 3, he had five. Have we spotted a trend? Perhaps. The Lions are clearly a pass-oriented team as they have run the ball 54 times and thrown the ball 91 times, but when they're in a close game or behind, there's hardly a chance they'll run the ball often. Bell is also expected to start losing reps to Kevin Jones in the coming weeks. Bell also faces the Bears in Week 4, who held Lions RBs to 122 rush yards over two games last season.

Mancini's Take: To make matters worse, the Lions have lost run blocking tight end Dan Campbell for the year. Campbell is regarded as one of the best at opening holes at his position.

Mandel's Take: When you're down 100-7 in the 2nd quarter, it's tough to get a ground game going. Bell may face the Bears this week, but this isn't the '06 Bears' defense! When will everyone realize this? I'm not saying you should start Bell, but if you have to, he may surprise.

CHESTER TAYLOR GETTING CLOSER

Chester Taylor practiced again on Thursday and is expected to play on Sunday against the Packers, according to the St. Paul Pioneer Press. He missed the last two games with a strained oblique muscle.

Mancini's Take: Is it me, or does Taylor seem to take an awfully long time to recover from minor little bumps and bruises.

Mandel's Take: The only thing Taylor is getting closer to is being a minor contributor and a spectator to Adrian Peterson's greatness. Don't even think about starting him.

BRANDON JACKSON LEAVES PRACTICE

Brandon Jackson left practice early on Thursday due to a strained shin. He suffered the injury on Sunday and it flared up again on Wednesday, according to the Green Bay Press-Gazette. He practiced for roughly 20 minutes before heading to the locker room for treatment.

VERNAND MORENCY TO START?

Vernand Morency was limited in practice on Thursday, but there's a chance he could start on Sunday against the Vikings. "He looked good two days in a row," head coach Mike McCarthy told the Green Bay Press-Gazette. "I think he's put together back-to-back practices where in the past he's been frustrated the day after a hard practice because of the way he feels." Morency has not played this season because of a strained patella tendon in his right knee.

Mancini's Take: Until proven othrewise, Morency will never be a full-time feature back. Not only is he injury prone, but he's also shown a penchant for fumbling the ball. Look for DeShawn Wynn to get a share of the running duties.

Mandel's Take: No one produces on the ground against the Vikes' run defense, and although Morency is no one, he will not be the one to score mega-points on the purple gang. Take a pass on any Packer RB this week.

GREEN OUT, DAYNE IN, GADO ON DECK

Ron Dayne is expected to start Sunday in place of Ahman Green, who is nursing a knee injury. Dayne missed last week's game with bruised ribs, but told the Houston Chronicle he will wear no extra protection for his injury.

Mandel's Take: Go ahead and laugh, I'll wait for you to calm down...OK--keep laughing, but you could do much worse than having Dayne as your flex this week. Atlanta is terrible defending the run, allowing 142 yards per game. Dayne will turn the mocking laughs into laughs of joy!

FANTASY WATCH: KENNY WATSON

If the Bengals are going to be the first team to beat the Patriots this season, they will have to do so without their starting tailback. The club classified Rudi Johnson as "out" on their Thursday injury report because of the hamstring ailment which knocked him out of last week's game. The team's website reports that while nothing is official, this is a clear indication he most likely won't suit up for the first time in 64 games.

Mandel's Take: Even if Johnson plays, he's not going to get a lot of carries. Look for the Pats to abuse Cincinnati's "defense". Once the Pats are way ahead, Carson Palmer will rack up the passing yardage, but the rushes will be few and far between. Kenny Watson may score some points with receptions and receiving yards, but Johnson will be a no show--you cannot start him.

BRONCOS BACKUP DAY-TO-DAY

Broncos running back Mike Bell did not practice on Wednesday due to a concussion. He is day-to-day, the Denver Post reports.

RANDY MOSS FACTOID

According to the Providence Journal, New England WR Randy Moss set a record Sunday as he became the first player in NFL history, rookie or veteran, to record 100-yard receiving games in each of his first three games with a new team. Moss had five catches for 115 yards and two touchdowns against Buffalo, following a nine catch, 183-yard game to open the season at N.Y. Jets and an eight catch, 105 yard effort against San Diego. That total of 403 yards is second-most for a three-game span with a new team, behind Art Powell, who had 422 with Oakland in 1963. It is also the second-best three-game span at any point for the Patriots; in 1999, Terry Glenn had games of 122, 95 and 214 yards for a total of 431.

HINES WARD INJURY REPORT

Hines Ward was held out of Wednesday's practice with a right knee strain, but while Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said his top receiver was doubtful for Sunday's game Ward hasn't given up hope. "Today it feels better, tomorrow I'll do some exercise," Ward told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "I'm rehabbing 24/7, I'm trying to do all I can. I don't like to miss ballgames, you guys know that. I'll work my tail off, and we'll see. It's just a day-to-day injury now."

Mandel's Take: My guess is that Ward will start, make a few catches, then be rested when the Steelers are up by 21 in the 2nd quarter. I'd look elsewhere this week, despite my love for Ward.

PLAXICO BURRESS UPDATE

Giants WR Plaxico Burress got some good news about his badly sprained right ankle. The second opinion on the ankle showed it was nothing more than a bad sprain, and that Burress can continue his current course of treatment. Burress will continue practicing on a limited basis about one day a week and intends to play Sunday night against the Philadelphia Eagles at Giants Stadium. "When I feel good enough to go and practice, I'll practice," Burress said after watching Thursday's workout. Burress was examined on Wednesday by Dr. Robert Anderson in Charlotte, N.C. His diagnosis of a serious sprain agreed with the diagnosis of Dr. Russ Warren, the Giants orthopedic surgeon.

Mandel's Take: Burress must play and produce in this game for the Giants to hang with the Eagles. He will, and they will. Start all the offensive players you can get your hands on in this one.

DARRELL JACKSON TO FACE OLD MATES

For the first time ever, Darrell Jackson will face the Seattle Seahawks. That's because he was a Seahawk for the first seven years of his career. That will motivate Jackson to do well, but he should also find some success thanks to Seattle's 30th-ranked pass defense, allowing 273.7 pass yards per game. But to the Seahawks credit, they have given up just two passing touchdowns through three games.

Mandel's Take: The 49ers need to prove to me that they have a passing game before I recommend Jackson as a must-start. Seattle's pass D may be rocky, but Alex Smith hasn't exactly lit it up.

VINCENT JACKSON HAS SORE BACK

Chargers WR Vincent Jackson (back) went through limited practice reps Thursday after a full workout Wednesday as the team prepares for Week 4 vs. Kansas City. Jackson has only made catches in one of four career games against the Chiefs, when he caught three balls for 66 yards in Week 15 of the 2006 season.

Mandel's Take: If he plays, start him. In fact, San Diego is going to put such a beat down on the Chiefs, Jackson may score points even if he doesn't play. Needless to say--start every Charger you can.

DWAYNE BOWE THE MAN FOR NOW

Chiefs wide receiver Eddie Kennison took a step in the right direction when he practiced on a limited basis on Wednesday. "He practiced some, but I don't know where he is at game-wise. He's not 100%, but it was good to see him out there," head coach Herm Edwards tells the team's official web site. Kennison has been out since injuring his right hamstring in the season opener.

Mandel's Take: If you have room and he's available, take a flyer and stash Kennison on your reserve team. As the season goes on, you'd have to assume that the Chiefs offense will improve, how can it not? Kennison would be a part of that.

TROY WILLIAMSON UPDATE

Troy Williamson practiced on Thursday while reporters were present, according to the St. Paul Pioneer Press. He will most likely be listed as "limited participation" due to the hamstring injury that forced him to miss Weeks 2 and 3.

Mandel's Take: Keep him benched.

ANDRE DAVIS REFUSES TO BE DENIED

Andre Davis, who has moved into the Texans' starting lineup after injuries to Andre Johnson and Jacoby Jones, will play Sunday despite a dislocated finger. "Aw, who needs fingers when you're a receiver?" Davis told the Houston Chronicle. "As long as I have a good left hand, I can make catches."

PACKERS CORNERBACK TO FACE CHARGES?

Al Harris did not practice on Wednesday. The team did not issue an explanation for his absence, although the Green Bay Press-Gazette reports that it may have been related to a former stripper filing a lawsuit against him that claims he sexually assaulted her back in 2005. Investigators looked into the alleged incident and decided not to file charges.

DAVID CARR REVS UP
Jake Delhomme missed practice again on Thursday due to a strained right (throwing) elbow, according to the Charlotte Observer. "He did not participate," head coach John Fox told the AP. "That's all I've got to say and that's all I'm going to say." David Carr would start if Delhomme can't play.

Mandel's Take: The prospect of David "sack me" Carr playing Sunday isn't a good one if you're a Panther fan. Fox seemed agitated, but wouldn't you be if you suddenly realized that David Carr might be your QB on Sunday? Monitor this situation closely--it will be a last minute decision; you may want to avoid the risk and bench Delhomme if you haven't already.