Owen Daniels (knee) did not participate at practice on Thursday, according to the Texans’ official site.
Our View: He was limited on Wednesday, but downgraded to out today. His status for Sunday is up in the air, though he probably should not be started regardless.
T.J. Houshmandzadeh seems frustrated with his role in the Ravens’ offense, according to MASN.com. “I’ve got the offense, for the most part, I would say,” Houshmandzadeh said. “There’s certain things where I still make a mistake here or there, but for the most part, I know what’s going on. I’m just not getting the opportunities, really, for whatever reason.”
Our View: We, on the other hand, are not very confused by Housh’s role; he’s the third best receiver on a team that doesn’t run tons of three-receiver sets. Housh has little to no fantasy value as long as Anquan Boldin and Derrick Mason stay healthy.
Ladell Betts would serve as the Saints’ feature back if Pierre Thomas (ankle) is unable to play this week, according to NewOrleans.com.
Our View: Chris Ivory would still figure into the mix as well. The Saints have a nice matchup against Carolina, meaning that if Thomas is indeed unable to go, Betts could make for a decent play for teams desperate for a running back.
The Saints are hoping that Pierre Thomas (ankle) is able to return to practice on Friday, according to NewOrleans.com.
Our View: We’ll know more after tomorrow, though Thomas sounds like he could very well be a game-time decision on Sunday. Ladell Betts is expected to assume the role of feature back if Thomas can’t go, as the Saints would like to keep rookie Chris Ivory in a situational role.
Louis Murphy (clavicle) was limited in his return to practice Thursday.
Coach Tom Cable described Murphy’s status as "dramatically" improved from Wednesday. Murphy is clearly less than 100 percent, but it looks like he’s on track to start against the Texans on Sunday. The Raiders’ official injury report will come out late Friday afternoon.
Mike Williams (shoulder) has been a full participant at the Seahawks’ practice this week, according to the Seattle Times.
Our View: It sounds like he’ll almost surely play this Sunday. Still, Matt Hasselbeck has been spreading the ball around to several different people, limiting Williams’ value.
Jerome Harrison has expressed frustration with his role in the Browns’ offense, according to the Cleveland Plain-Dealer.
Our View: It sounds like his thigh injury is getting better and that he’ll likely be active on Sunday, but Peyton Hillis is still expected to start. Head coach Eric Mangini didn’t seem to feel too bad for Harrison, stating, “His role is to go in and to carry the ball when he’s asked to carry the ball and do it effectively, and protect the football.” Harrison’s value seems limited to that of a handcuff to Hillis at this point.
Ryan Mathews (ankle) practiced fully for the second straight day Thursday.
Count on him starting against the Cardinals’ 31st ranked run defense, though coach Norv Turner has indicated that Mike Tolbert will remain in the goal-line picture. Mathews is a solid RB2 this week.
Though Steve Jackson concedes that he might have to miss a game to get his groin injury back to full strength, he’s intent on at least trying to play on Sunday.
"Sunday we’ll definitely go out before the game, warm up, see how I feel" Jackson explained. "Say Friday or Saturday it doesn’t happen, I will be there early Sunday seeing if I can run and cut and seeing if I can go out there and give my team a lift." Jackson called this week a "huge game" for the Rams, but he may not be able to just "suck it up" and play due to the soft tissue nature of the injury. He’s a full-blown game-time decision.
Brandon Lloyd returned to practice for the Broncos today, according to Lindsay Jones of the Denver Post.
Our View: He sat out Wednesday for an undisclosed reason. He’s apparently at full health and will be good to go on Sunday.