NFL

Scout.com’s Adam Caplan believes the earliest return date for Brian Westbrook (concussion) is Week 16. “It’s still less than 50-50 that we’ll see him before Week 17,” Caplan added. Caplan appears to be speculating rather than reporting, but he’s clued in to the Eagles organization. Westbrook did not experience concussion-related symptoms after his latest workout, which is a positive sign.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

New England: Patriots running back Fred Taylor was present at practice Friday for the first time since undergoing surgery on his right ankle Oct. 8, a sign that he is closer to returning to action. Taylor, who was listed as questionable Friday, is still unlikely to play this Sunday against the Dolphins in  Miami Dolphins, as it is commonplace for injured players to return on a Friday with the following week’s game in mind.

Houston: Texans KR Jacoby Jones will be inactive at Jacksonville on Sunday after showing up late for a team meeting. Jones did not make the team charter to Municipal Stadium. A highly explosive returner and situational third receiver, Jones has four TDs on punts and kickoffs over the last two seasons. His likely replacement on both offense and special teams is Andre’ Davis.

Kansas City: Kansas City Chiefs placed RB Kolby Smith (ankle) on injured reserve, ending his season. Jamaal Charles will close out 2009 as Kansas City’s every-down back. Smith, who was injury prone at Louisville, has battled an assortment of knee and ankle injuries in his three years as a pro and holds a career YPC average of 3.3.

Baltimore: In addition to his sore ankle, Joe Flacco is also dealing with a badly bruised hip and a sore shoulder, according to the Carroll County Times. This is the first we’ve heard of other ailments for Flacco. They are just the normal bumps and bruises a quarterback takes during the course of the season, but it could further explain his erratic play of late.

Cleveland: Browns DE Kenyon Coleman is out for Week 13 and “maybe longer,” according to the Cleveland Browns Plain Dealer. Coleman took a helmet to the knee in last week’s loss to Cincinnati. One of Cleveland’s top run defenders, Coleman has 32 tackles and 1.5 sacks on the year. With NT Shaun Rogers (ankle) also out, even declining LaDainian Tomlinson should be in for a big fantasy day against the Browns’ meek run defense.

Dallas: Cowboys outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware has a small chip fracture in his left wrist but is listed as probable for Sunday’s game at the New York Giants.