NEWS & NOTES

The biggest news leading up to tonight's game is that both Warrick Dunn and Jerious Norwood will be active. Although they are active, no one knows just how healthy they truly are. Also, as heard this week, Michael Vick will take a few snaps at RB. With a tough defense in Dallas as the opponent, the Falcons running game is a dicey situation to start.



It was predicted all week, but now it has been confirmed. Fresh off his 61 pass attempt performance, Chris Weinke will get another start on Sunday. The Panthers will look to stave off certain elimination against Pittsburgh. The only Panther offensive player that gets a boost is Drew Carter, because going off last week's performance him and Weinke have a Montana to Rice sort of relationship. Jake Delhomme should be back in week 16.



With the NFL season winding down, coaches are on the hot seat. While Dennis Green was almost certain to be fired, their recent good play may save his job. If they don't make the playoffs, Jim Mora Jr. seems almost certain to be gone following his controversial comments and poor season. The Tampa owners have also been rumored to be possibly considering parting ways with Jon Gruden. All other coaches seem to be fine for next season.



The injury that was once reported by Bill Bellicheck as simply having the wind knocked out has now transformed to torn cartilage in the rib cage. That's the injury progress of rookie RB Laurence Maroney. After missing last week's game, it'd be a surprise to see Maroney play against Houston. The Patriots may try to keep him healthy for the playoffs.



Although he hasn't practiced much all week, it looks like Travis Henry will play on Sunday. He'll wear an ankle brace and see how much he can do. Most likely, his backup RBs will see an increased load. With an injury plus a matchup against Jacksonville, Henry is a shaky start this week.



Both Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew were able to practice portions of the week. They both will suit up against the resurgent Titans on Sunday. With both seemingly healthy and facing a good matchup, the Jacksonville RB tandem remains a strong start this week.



While it looks like Thomas Jones will suit up on Sunday, my fears earlier in the week about starting him still are true. Jones is clearly not 100%, and with Cedric Benson breathing down his neck, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Benson get most of the carries. Try to look beyond Thomas Jones for a RB this week.



Lovie Smith gave everyone the shortest of notice by listing Mhusin Muhammed as questionable for the Bears game on Sunday. He suffered a hand injury either during Monday's game or during practice this week. With the late addition to the injury report, it wouldn't be a total shock to see Moose out of the lineup on Sunday. Make sure to check the inactives before the game.



After missing last week's game with a rib injury, Chester Taylor will be back as the starter on Sunday. He has a good matchup against the Jets, so you should feel safe to start him. This marks the end of the Artose Pinner era in Minnesota.

-David Cassilo
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