NFL

NFL.com’s Jason La Canfora reports that Anthony Gonzalez has a “chance” to return in Week 12 against the Texans. La Canfora confirms the obvious, that Gonzo won’t play Sunday against the Ravens, but says he is “expected” to resume practicing next week. Gonzalez would be just three weeks removed from knee surgery in Week 12, so the Colts definitely wouldn’t immediately reinsert him into the starting lineup. The smart move is to bring Gonzalez back slowly and get him healthy for the playoffs.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

New Orleans: New Orleans Saints RB Reggie Bush (questionable, knee) missed his third straight practice Friday and appears unlikely to play at Tampa Bay. Bush, who had surgery on the same knee several times, will not be available to return punts either. This is a smart move by Head Coach Sean Payton, who is trying to get Bush healthy for the stretch run and the playoffs. Pierre Thomas will carry the load in an ideal matchup, with Mike Bell chipping in as an early-down change of pace back.

Atlanta: Atlanta Falcons RB Michael Turner (ankle) is listed as doubtful for Week 11 after missing his third straight practice Friday. Even listing Turner as “doubtful” is generous; Coach Mike Smith admits that he has no timetable for return. There is a possibility that Turner could miss several weeks due to the ankle injury.

Philadelphia: Eagles Head Coach Andy Reid said Friday that Brian Westbrook (concussions) will miss at least the Philadelphia Eagles’ next three games. Three weeks is the timetable concussion specialists set for Westbrook’s next checkup, which may or may not involve medical clearance. LeSean McCoy has a better shot at starting for the rest of the season than Westbrook does of returning in Week 14

Washington: ESPN reports that Redskins DT Albert Haynesworth (ankle) is unlikely to play Sunday against the Cowboys. Washington’s run defense has fallen to 24th in the NFL and has just lost its best player. Look for the Cowboys to take advantage and run the ball early and often this Sunday.

Cincinnati: Bengals RB Cedric Benson (hip) said Friday morning that he remains a game-day decision for this Sunday. Benson has yet to practice this week and signs are pointing toward the Cincinnati Bengals holding their workhorse out in a game that should come easily with Bernard Scott and Brian Leonard holding down the fort. Newly signed RB Larry Johnson might even get into the mix and get 8-10 carries.

Pittsburg: According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Troy Polamalu (PCL sprain) will not play Sunday at Kansas City. The Steelers are optimistic about Polamalu’s knee not being a long-term issue, but he’s yet to practice this week and isn’t ready to rejoin the lineup. Tyrone Carter will draw the start against a Chiefs offense missing its most explosive weapon in Dwayne Bowe (suspension).