NFL

As the October 20th trading deadline nears, rumors are running ramped that Cleveland Browns QB Brady Quinn is on the trading block. Adding to the speculations is the fact that Quinn has put his home in Avon Lake, Ohio up for sale.

In response to the trade rumors, Browns coach Eric Mangini indicated on Wednesday that the Browns are not looking to trade their now-backup quarterback. The Browns appear to be poised for a fire sale, as their star wide reciver was deal to the New York Jets last week. Possible candidates, based on our review of the depth charts for the other 31 teams, are the Bills, Texans, Jaguars, Raiders, Redskins, Panthers, Rams, 49ers, and Seahawks.

Elsewhere from around the NFL:

Detroit: Lions WR Calvin Johnson (knee, thigh) did not practice Wednesday and was spotted “hobbling” during the portion of the workout media has access to. Barring a sudden turnaround, Johnson’s chances of playing Sunday against Green Bay looks bleak.

New Orleans: Saints RB Pierre Thomas was limited in Saints practice Wednesday with an ankle injury. This is a new injury and coming off a bye and won’t help the chance of Thomas being relied upon to become the featured back in New Orleans. Meanwhile, Mike Bell (knee) participated in a full practice on Wednesday.

Steelers RB Willie Parker (toe) and SS Troy Polamalu (knee) both returned to full practices for the Steelers Wednesday. Reports out of Pittsburg are that Rashard Mendenhall will remain the featured back, with Parker being a change-of-pace player. Polamalu should provide a spark to the entire team that has been lacking since he went down with an injury.

Washington: Washington Redskins RB Clinton Portis was limited in Redskins practice Wednesday with a calf injury. Portis has also been on the injury report with bone spurs in both of his ankles. Portis does have a favorable matchup against Kansas City this Sunday.

Indianapolis: Colts coach Jim Caldwell refused to provide a timetable for Anthony Gonzalez to return from his PCL sprain. “I’m not real sure,” Caldwell said Wednesday. “I know he feels good about his progress.” Even if Gonzalez does not play after the team’s week 6 bye, he is still worth holding onto and could provide a late year boost for fantasy owners.

Cleveland: Browns RB Jamal Lewis (hamstring) was limited in Browns practice Wednesday. Lewis is coming off a workman-like 117 year performance. He will continue to receive the majority of the team carries, but he has an unfavorable matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers this weekend.

Buffalo: The Bills have reportedly decided to scrap the no-huddle offense. The Bills made numerous changes to there team in order to install this offense, including signing Terrell Owens, drafting mobile linemen and cutting Langston Walker in favor of athletic LT Demetrius Bell. These moves will likely cost Dick Jauron his job.

Tampa Bay: Bucs WR Antonio Bryant, admitted that he has to have his knee drained routinely. “Normally I just drain my knee before the game, but I’m going to drain my knee this week and go out and practice,” he said. Fantasy owners should not expect Bryant to turn things around any time soon.