Elsewhere around the NFL:

Oakland: Raiders acquired OLB Kamerion Wimbley from the Browns in exchange for a third-round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft. Wimbley, the No. 13 overall pick in 2006, is just 26 years old and led Cleveland in sacks last season, so the move is surprising at first glance. However, the Cleveland Browns have stockpiled quality depth at outside linebacker, and could turn to Marcus Benard (3.5 sacks in ’09), trusty Jason Trusnik, gifted Alex Hall, or 2009 second-round pick David Veikune opposite Matt Roth. In Oakland, Wimbley will likely start at left defensive end, replacing Greg Ellis. He’ll be playing with his hand in the dirt for the first time since Florida State.

Denver: Broncos acquired QB Brady Quinn from the Browns in exchange for FB Peyton Hillis, a 2011 sixth-round pick, and a conditional late-round pick in 2012. While Quinn won’t be guaranteed anything in Denver Broncos, he’ll have to beat out Tom Brandstater and Chris Simms just to threaten Kyle Orton. At Notre Dame, Quinn played in essentially an identical offense to the one Josh McDaniels runs in Denver and McDaniels’ track record of coaching up QBs is highly impressive.

Detroit: Lions acquired QB Shaun Hill from the 49ers in exchange for a seventh-round draft pick in 2011.
Hill, 30, lost his starting job to the more physically gifted Alex Smith last year, but holds a career record of 10-6 and TD-to-INT ratio of 23:11. He’s also familiar with Detroit Lions OC Scott Linehan’s system from their time together in Minnesota early in Hill’s career. Hill obviously won’t threaten Matthew Stafford’s playing time, but shouldn’t have much trouble beating out Drew Stanton to be Stafford’s primary backup. He’s a solid addition for Detroit.

Cleveland: Jake Delhomme’s two-year contract with the Browns will pay him $7 million in the first season.
Delhomme, who was benched last season after compiling an 8:18 TD-to-INT ratio, will all in all collect $19.7 million in 2010 because the Panthers are on the hook to pay him $12.7M per his old contract. We very much doubt that any other team would’ve paid the 35-year-old $7 million for one season, but the Browns’ decision to do so indicates Delhomme is the favorite to start over Seneca Wallace.

New York Jets: The Jets are having internal discussions regarding restricted free agent Brandon Marshall, sources tell Mike Lombardi of the National Football Post. Lombardi says the Jets would “love to put together a package of players that might entice the Broncos and still keep their first-round pick.” It’s hard to imagine the Broncos giving up their petulant star without getting a top draft pick, but Marshall would be a dynamic book end for Braylon Edwards. This news also sheds some light on what the Jets think of Jerricho Cotchery.

Green Bay: Packers re-signed RT Mark Tauscher to a two-year contract. Tauscher didn’t join the Packers until Week 5 last season because of the ACL he tore in December of 2008. But he immediately improved a shaky offensive line, starting the final nine games at right tackle. Even at age 33 next season, Tauscher will be the favorite to start at that spot once again.

San Diego: Updating a previous item, the Cardinals and Seahawks are both reportedly “discussing contract parameters” with restricted free agent QB Charlie Whitehurst. The third-round tender doesn’t seem to be prohibitive, though the Seahawks would have to work out a trade since they don’t have a pick in that round (Arizona has two). Seattle is looking for Matt Hasselbeck’s successor while the Cardinals are seeking competition for Matt Leinart. Though totally unproven, Whitehurst offers size, athleticism, and a strong arm.

Cincinnati: Bengals re-signed SS Roy Williams to a one-year contract. It’s likely a bargain contract, as Williams wasn’t drawing interest on the open market. Though Williams remains likely to play on running downs, Chinedum Ndukwe is a superior option in coverage. Expect the Bengals to look for a long-term solution at strong safety in the upcoming draft.

2010 NFL Draft: According to the National Football Post, Oklahoma State WR Dez Bryant draft stock is “slipping and might continue to slip.” “I talked to two teams that need a receiver and feel like he’s a huge talent but also a huge risk,” the NFP’s Mike Lombardi writes. Bryant could ease a lot of concerns by showing up to his March 25 individual workout in tip-top shape and performing well. He’s going to be a steal if he gets out of the top ten.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Pittsburg: The Pittsburg Steelers are interested in bringing back free agent Charlie Batch as their No. 3 quarterback.
The team is high on Dennis Dixon, and the 2008 fifth-rounder earned the backup job with his Week 12 fill-in start against the Ravens. Batch, now 35, could opt for retirement rather than return as the third-stringer.

Cincinnati: The Bengals no longer have interest in free agent WR Donte’ Stallworth now that they’ve signed Matt Jones. The Detroit Lions are the only other team reported to be interested in Stallworth thus far. The 29-year-old hopes to sign with a new team within the next few weeks.

Indianapolis: The ankle that Dwight Freeney sprained in the playoffs will not require surgery this offseason.
Freeney’s ankle had reportedly swollen to the size of his calf in the second half of the Super Bowl. He’ll have plenty of time to recover before OTAs begin this spring.

Tampa Bay: Bucs OG Arron Sears, on the reserve/non-football injury list last season, is working out at One Buccaneer Place with an eye on being ready for OTAs this year. Sears has to get back into football shape and pick up Greg Olson’s offense after missing all of last year, including offseason workouts. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers can’t count on him contributing, but if all goes well he could work his way back into their plans.

Seattle: Seahawks agreed to terms with OLB/DE Ricky Foley, the CFL’s co-sack leader in 2009.
Foley took the baton from former teammate Cameron Wake, now of the Dolphins, who led the CFL in sacks in 2008. Not quite as talented as Wake, Foley’s ceiling is third-down pass rusher and special teamer for the Seattle Seahawks.

Miami: Though he’s not yet jogging, Ronnie Brown insists he’s ahead of schedule in his recovery from surgery to repair a Lisfranc fracture in his right foot. “I know I want to be in training camp,” Brown said. “I think that’s a goal that’s very, very attainable.” X-rays taken a few weeks ago showed good progress in the foot. Though he’s taking the rehab slowly, Brown is expected to make a full recovery from the injury.

2. Detroit Lions – Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma: McCoy could be a top run-stuffer for years to come.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Eric Berry, DB, Tennessee: Berry is a player that could legitimately play any secondary position in the NFL. So he really fits in with every team out there.

4. Washington Redskins – Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma: the new coach in town gets his young QB.

5. Kansas City Chiefs – Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma St: kung upgrades the left tackle position and provide much needed protection for Matt Cassel.

6. Seattle Seahawks – Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame: it’s a new era in Seattle.

7. Cleveland Browns – Rolando McClain, LB, Alabama: A bit of a stretch, but the heart of the Bama defense will provide quick dividends in the Browns 3-4 alignment.

8. Oakland Raiders – Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland: There may be more highly regarded tackles still available, but that hasn’t stopped the Raiders before. Campbell is a freak athlete, and that’s all Al Davis needs to hear.

9. Buffalo Bills – Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers: Let the building begin.

10. Jacksonville Jaguars – Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech: Two years ago the Jags took Derrick Harvey and Quentin Groves with their top two picks. The duo combined for just two sacks this season. Morgan brings big time pass rush ability but also a motor that doesn’t stop.

11. Denver Broncos (from Chicago) – Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma St: The Broncos gamble on a top-five talent.

12. Miami Dolphins – Brandon Graham, DE/OLB, Michigan: Perhaps the fastest rising prospect in the draft, the Dolphins get their new edge rusher.

13. San Francisco 49ers – Joe Haden, CB, Florida: Upgrading the secondary is a big need at this point. The 49ers continue to build a stout defense.

14. Seattle Seahawks (from Denver) – Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma: Williams has experience at both left and right tackle, but definitely has the athleticism to play on the left side and in a zone blocking system.

15. New York Giants – Sean Weatherspoon, LB, Missouri: Weatherspoon is the type of aggressive, attacking linebacker that could step in right away and make an impact.

16. Tennessee Titans – Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa: The Titans continue to build in the trenches.

17. San Francisco (from Carolina) – Mike Iupati, OG, Idaho: Is it a surprise that the toughest player in the draft is selected by the toughest coach in football?

18. Pittsburgh Steelers – Sergio Kindle, OLB, Texas: Has the talent to be an explosive pass rusher from the outside.

19. Atlanta Falcons – Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee: Williams has the ability to be a true nose tackle, which should help the front seven reach it’s full potential.

20. Houston Texans – Brian Price, DT, UCLA: Price is a load in the middle, and must be accounted for on every snap. He has a great first step into the backfield and once he gets a step on you, he’s making a play.

21. Cincinnati Bengals – Everson Griffen, DE, USC: Griffen has the type of athleticism, speed, and pass rush ability to make an impact on day one.

22. New England Patriots – Carlos Dunlap, DL, Florida: You can’t help but see some Julius Peppers or Mario Williams in him and with an already talented front four, Dunlap could see a lot of one-on-ones.

23. Green Bay Packers – Jared Odrick, DT, Penn St: The Packers have a number of free-agents on the front seven.

24. Philadelphia Eagles – Brandon Spikes, LB, Florida: Upgrading the LB position could be just as big of a need.

25. Baltimore Ravens – Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame: Adding Joe Flacco and Ray Rice the past two years has given the Ravens life on offense. In order for them to take the next step however, they need a playmaker at wide receiver.

26. Arizona Cardinals – Jerry Hughes, DE/OLB, TCU: Adding some youth to their pass rush is something every team needs, especially to a team who’s top three pass rushers from the LB position are all 32 or older.

27. Dallas Cowboys – Taylor Mays, S, USC: The Cowboys could have landed an impact player at the bottom of the first round.

28. San Diego Chargers – CJ Spiller, RB, Clemson: The Chargers are estatic that the best RB in the draft fell this far.

29. New York Jets – Patrick Robinson, CB, Florida St: The offense is looking up with the additions of Mark Sanchez, Shonn Greene, and Braylon Edwards in the last year. The defense is already a great unit, but another cover man in the secondary would be a nice addition.

30. Minnesota Vikings – Perrish Cox, CB, Oklahoma St: Some more youth and talent at corner was a need before Cedric Griffin tore his ACL against the Saints in the NFC Championship game.

31. Indianapolis Colts – Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise St: Depth issues have popped up at the corner spot for the Colts. They struck gold with Jerraud Powers last year, but another cover man with some toughness is what they will look to add again.

32. New Orleans Saints – Nate Allen, S, South Florida: Allen is a very good player, not off the charts in any category, but he will fit in well in New Orleans.

Pierre is a free agent. Warner, who turns 39 in June, finished the 2009 season with a 66.1 completion rate, 26:14 TD-to-INT ratio, and 3,753 passing yards. He indicated to ESPN’s Rick Reilly last week that playing football had lost its fun. Look for the Cardinals to sign a veteran backup to push Leinart in the preseason.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Minnesota: According to ESPN’s John Clayton, the Minnesota Vikings will “make a play” for Donovan McNabb if Brett Favre retires. The connection is obvious because Vikings head coach Brad Childress is McNabb’s former offensive coordinator in Philadelphia. Clayton suggests that the Vikings could offer up a second-round pick, but the Eagles may hold out a first-rounder. McNabb, 33, is entering the final year of his contract, but his presence would ensure that Minnesota remained Super Bowl contenders.

Miami: Joey Porter told a radio station in his hometown of Bakersfield, California that he hopes he doesn’t have to return to Miami. We’re fairly certain Porter will get his wish, especially with a $1M signing bonus due on top of his $3.6M base salary. The trash talker was unproductive this season, was essentially suspended for a game with pay and clashed with the coaches. His agent is set for a meeting with the  Miami Dolphins this week.

St. Louis: Beat writer Jim Thomas believes the Rams are “seriously considering” trading for Michael Vick. The Rams wouldn’t have to give up much to get Vick and adding him would allow them to focus on filling their many other gaping holes. Vick knows Rams GM Billy Devaney from their time together in Atlanta Falcons and would bring instant excitment/controversy to a dormant Rams franchise. His addition would likely also lock in Ndamukong Suh as the No. 1 overall draft pick.

New England: Wes Welker (torn ACL, MCL) is scheduled to have his knee reconstructed on Tuesday, February 2. The swelling in Welker’s knee has finally gone down enough for doctors to perform the procedure, but the four-week wait figures to cost him another month of next season. Doctors reportedly have not ruled Welker out for Week 1 of 2010, but the odds are stacked heavily against him being ready by then.

2010 NFL Draft: Lions offensive coordinator Scott Linehan says Idaho OG Mike Iupati is “obviously the best player” at the Senior Bowl. “I’ve heard a lot of good things about him, and it’s holding true,” said Linehan, who is coaching Iupati’s North squad. “You really notice him. He can do the double teams. He’s powerful. You see him pull.” The Detroit Lions have a gaping hole at left guard, though they’d likely need an additional first-round pick to get Iupati. He’ll be gone by Detroit’s second-round pick (No. 34).

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Detroit: According to the Associated Press, Lions WR Calvin Johnson (hand, knee) is “doubtful” to play on Thanksgiving against Green Bay. The AP doesn’t cite sources, but issued the report after coach Jim Schwartz’s Monday presser. Schwartz “didn’t sound optimistic” that Calvin would play on Thursday. Don’t expect Johnson to practice this week and be listed as questionable for Thursday.

St. Louis: Rams QB Marc Bulger has a fracture in the upper part of his kneecap and he’ll miss 3-6 weeks. Since the injury is a “tibial plateau fracture,” Buldger is likely to be placed on injured reserve. With the Rams being 1-9, Bulger might have played his last game in St. Louis Rams. Expect the Rams to select a QB early in the 2010 NFL draft.

Seattle: Seahawks Coach Jim Mora said Monday that Julius Jones (ribs, lung) is expected to resume practicing this week. Considering that Jones had bleeding in his lungs only two weeks ago, it would be a big surprise if he was ready to play this weekend. Averaging 5.5 YPC on the year, Forsett figures to remain the lead back at St. Louis in Week 12 if Jones isn’t 100%.

Baltimore: Baltimore Ravens CB Fabian Washington is expected to miss the rest of 2009 with a torn ACL, coach John Harbaugh revealed Monday. Washington, who will be a free-agent in 2010, was having a poor season and he has even been benched for poor tackling.

Green Bay: Had the Packers held practice on Monday, RB Ryan Grant would not have participated as he is dealing with a neck stinger. The injury hasn’t been deemed serious, so expect him to play against the Lions on Thanksgiving.

2. St. Louis Rams – Jake Locker, QB, Washington: The Rams need a young QB and Locker has come a long way in just one season under Steve Sarkisian and has the best blend of natural talent and leadership skills among this years QB prospects.

3. Detroit Lions – Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma St: Detroit needs to protect their first overall pick and selecting Okung upgrades the left tackle position, and by pushing Branden Albert over to guard or right tackle, improves that spot. Cassel and the offense need more time and holes to be more productive.

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma: Upgrading the front four is a major concern for the Buccaneers as they had a recent first round bust. McCoy could be a top run-stuffer for years to come.

5. Kansas City Chiefs – Eric Berry, DB, Tennessee: Berry is a player that could legitimately play any secondary position in the NFL. So he really fits in with every team out there. The Kansas City Chiefs have talent along the front, so building up the secondary is key for a young defense.

6. Oakland Raiders – Taylor Mays, S, USC: Taylor Mays + running a mid 4.4 at 6-3, 235 pounds = Al Davis.

7. Seattle Seahawks – Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma: The Seahawks are grateful that Bradford fell to the 7th pick and add a young player at an aging position.

8. Washington Redskins – Carlos Dunlap, DL, Florida: You can’t help but see some Julius Peppers or Mario Williams in him and with an already talented front four, Dunlap could see a lot of one-on-ones.

9. Buffalo Bills – Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma: Let the rebuilding begin.

10. Tennessee Titans – Terrence Cody, NT, Alabama: Cody’s ability to control the line of scrimmage is special and the Titans are still looking for a replacement for losses in free agency.

11. San Francisco 49ers (from Chicago) – Rolando McClain, LB, Alabama: A bit of a stretch, but the heart of the Bama defense will become a Singletary favorite very quickly.

12. Denver Broncos (from Chicago) – Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma St: The Broncos gamble on a top-five talent.

13. New York Jets – Damian Williams, WR, USC: Whether or not Braylon Edwards is around next year, the Jets need to give Mark Sanchez more weapons to open up the offense.

14. Miami Dolphins – Brandon LaFell, WR, LSU: Chad Henne hasn’t looked too bad this year, but he is in dire need of more weapons. The team has no player capable of going to for big plays and tough yards consistently.

15. San Francisco (from Carolina) – Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa: The 49ers draft yet another tough guy.

16. Green Bay Packers – Charles Brown, OT, USC: If the Packers are going to win, Rodgers must remain upright. Charles Brown is a tough and athletic tackle that should solidify the bookends for the Cards offense.

17. Jacksonville Jaguars – Everson Griffen, DE, USC: Upgrading the pass rush is a must for the Jags this off season. They take the best pass-rusher available.

18. Philadelphia Eagles – Arthur Jones, DL, Syracuse: One of the reasons why the Eagles are good every year is they take the best player available. Jones gives them a lineman that can anchor against the run and get up the field to apply pressure.

19. Atlanta Falcons – Brandon Spikes, LB, Florida: Upgrading the LB position could be just as big of a need.

20. Houston Texans – Joe Haden, CB, Florida: Upgrading the secondary is biggest need for the Texans at this point.

21. New York Giants – Sean Weatherspoon, LB, Missouri: Weatherspoon is the type of aggressive, attacking linebacker that could step in right away and make an impact.

22. Baltimore Ravens – Arrellious Benn, WR, Illinois: The Ravens have been trending toward focusing on offense.

23. Arizona Cardinals – Pittsburgh – Mike Iupati, OG, Idaho: The Cardinals need to start preparing to start a young QB.

24. San Diego Chargers – CJ Spiller, RB, Clemson: The Chargers are estatic that the best RB in the draft fell this far.

25. Pittsburgh Steelers – Marvin Austin, DT, North Carolina: With good coaching in Pittsburgh Steelers, Austin has the potential to develop into a very good 3-4 player.

26. Dallas Cowboys – Nate Allen, S, South Florida: Allen is a very good player, not off the charts in any category, but he will fit in well with Dallas.

27. Seattle Seahawks (from Denver): Greg Hardy, DE, Ole Miss: Seattle is quietly building a solid defense. .

28. New England Patriots Brandon Graham, DE/OLB, Michigan: The Pats could go a lot of ways here, but it’s most likely a front seven selection. The Pats have been in the process of retooling the front seven for a few years now.

29. Cincinnati Bengals – Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma: Cincinnati does a good job upgrading a position late in the first round.

30. Minnesota Vikings – Selvish Capers, OT, West Virginia: The Vikings continue to draft solid, young players that could take the place of aging verterns.

31. Indianapolis Colts – Colt McCoy, QB, Texas: In a bit of a surprise, the Colts take McCoy and will stash in on the bench.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Indianapolis: Colts RB Donald Brown was not on the Indianapolis Colts’ first injury report of the week Wednesday. Colts GM Bill Polian previously indicated that Brown’s shoulder strain could cost him 2-3 games. Look for Brown to be added to the injury report later this week.

Miami: Rookie QB Pat White has played just 13 snaps all season long. “At the beginning of the summer thought I might have a little different use for him, a little more,” coach Tony Sparano said. He’s still the No. 2 QB ahead of Tyler Thigpen.

Detroit: Lions RB Kevin Smith did not practice on Wednesday because of a shoulder injury. His status against the Seattle Seahawks is unknown at this point, although beat writer Tom Kowalski does not believe this is a serious injury.

Detroit: Lions QB Matthew Stafford (knee) was limited in Lions practice Wednesday. Stafford may be limited all week and listed as “questionable” on the Week 9 injury report, but doesn’t appear to be in any danger of missing the game.

Cleveland: Browns coach Eric Mangini says he’ll name a starting quarterback for Week 10 the Monday after Cleveland’s Browns Week 9 bye. The starter will most likely be Anderson.

Dallas: Cowboys coach Wade Phillips observed “a little more juice” from Marion Barber’s running on the practice field Wednesday. “I thought he played better and ran his best after that stretch last game, and he looked good today,” Phillips said. “More and more, I think we’ll see the Marion Barber that we know and love.” Barber remains a must play in all fantasy leagues due to his ability to score TDs.

Atlanta: The Falcons didn’t hold practice Wednesday, but released an “estimated” injury report that said Roddy White wouldn’t have participated due to a knee injury. The league requires teams playing on Monday Night Football to release a projected injury report even if they don’t practice. White did appear to injury his knee in the fourth quarter last week, but is not expected to miss any time.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Seattle: The Seahawks have released RB Edgerrin James. This might be the end of the line for the future hall-of-famer. James, 31, was averaging a disappointing 2.7 yards on 46 carries compared to 5.7 for Justin Forsett and 3.9 for starter Julius Jones. James might draw a little bit of interest on the free-agent market.

Detroit: Lions coach Jim Schwartz still isn’t saying if Calvin Johnson (knee) will play in Week 9, but says his star wideout is “getting closer.” The Detroit Lions are officially considering Johnson “day to day” and he’ll probably be a game-time decision yet again. ESPN’s John Clayton reported last Friday that Calvin “looked likely” to face the Rams, but he was among Detroit’s inactives on Sunday.

Houston: Scout.com’s Adam Caplan expects the Texans to use an “RBBC” in the backfield “for the time being.” Moats might be worth a roster spot at this point, but until we see how the next few weeks shake out there is not telling who will get the carries for the Texans.

New Orleans: Saints RB Reggie Bush has scored a touchdown in every game he’s ever played on ESPN.
He’s got six career touchdowns in prime-time games. However, Bush should not be starting any week as he is averaging only 6.5 touches per game over his last four.

New England: Patriots WR Randy Moss was given the entire New England Patriots’ bye week off, but returned Tuesday and will start Sunday against the Dolphins. Moss will be up against the No. 21 ranked pass defense on Sunday.

Tennessee: Titans coach Jeff Fisher expressed optimism after Vince Young’s first start since Week 1 of 2008. “This is the first start he’s had where he has not had a sack or interception,” Fisher said. “He has learned to … check-down, get rid of the ball or take off when it is time to go take off.” Young starting at QB decreases the fantasy value of TE Bo Scaife.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Detroit: According to ESPN’s John Clayton, Lions WR Calvin Johnson (knee) “looks” likely to face the Rams in Week 8. This appears to be a purely visual observation and no sources are being quoted. Still, this is better news than Johnson not practicing at all.

Detroit: Detroit Lions QB Matthew Stafford (knee) was “limited” in Friday’s practice. Stafford is still expected to start against the Rams this Sunday.

Arizona: Cardinals WR Steve Breaston (knee) was limited in Cardinals practice Friday. It is clear that Breaston’s health is improving, but he has a bad fantasy matchup against the Panthers No. 1 ranked pass defense this Sunday.

New Orleans: Saints TE Jeremy Shockey (shoulder) returned to a full practice Friday. Shockey is slated to start this Monday when the New Orleans Saints play the Falcons.

Carolina: Panthers WR Muhsin Muhammad (knee) has been ruled out for Week 8, which means that underperforming Dwayne Jarrett will make his second career start. Jarrett started one game in ’09 with Steve Smith on suspension and caught two balls for 36 yards.

San Diego Chargers

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Washington:  Redskins RB Clinton Portis (ankle) returned to a limited practice Saturday and will start on Monday Night Football against the Eagles. Portis does not have a good matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles and alternatives should be considered.

Philadelphia:  Eagles WR Kevin Curtis is out indefinitely after undergoing surgery on his troublesome knee. Coach Andy Reid indicated that the surgery was not “extensive,” which probably means only a routine scope was done. Curtis has already lost his starting spot to rookie Jeremy Maclin.

Detroit:  Lions WR Calvin Johnson (knee) was spotted on the Detroit Lions practice field Friday still walking with an “obvious” limp. At this point, it doesn’t appear that Johnson’s status for Week 8 appears very questionable.

Arizona:  Cardinals WR Anquan Boldin admits that he is dealing with a high ankle sprain, and was originally told by doctors that the injury would cost him 3-4 weeks. The team’s beat writers have frequently suggested this week that Boldin could be on a snap count. If you own Boldin in a fantasy league, now is the time to pick up Steve Breaston if he is still available.

Dallas:  Cowboys QB Tony Romo expects the recently demoted Patrick Crayton to bounce back and contribute to the offense. “To think he’s not going to be a major part of this offense is wrong,” said Romo. Don’t let Romo fool you, there is no question that Miles Austin is more talented than Crayton and he is the clear starter for the remainder of the season.

New York:  Jets WR Braylon Edwards (quadriceps) returned to a full practice Friday. Edwards will start this Sunday at Oakland Raiders and will receive the majority of targets due to the Jets injury issues at the WR position.

Pittsburg:  Steelers RB Rashard Mendenhall (knee) turned in another full practice Friday and will start Sunday against Minnesota.