Dolphins activate Phillip Merling, cut Patrick Ramsey

The Miami Dolphins have activated defensive end Phillip Merling from the reserve/non-football injury list and placed veteran quarterback Patrick Ramsey on waivers.
Merling was placed on the reserve list on Aug. 31 due to an Achilles injury suffered while working out prior to training camp.
Merling tore his left Achilles tendon.
The former Clemson standout could provide a boost to the Dolphins' pass rush, which is already formidable with Cameron Wake at outside linebacker.

source: National Foootball Post
author: Aaron Wilson

Kerry Collins could be back this week

The Titans are still alive in the AFC South despite a four-game losing streak because the Colts have similarly come back to the pack.

Tennessee seemingly has no chance to win as long as Rusty Smith is the quarterback, but the Titans may get Kerry Collins back in time to stay relevant.  Collins was healthy enough to back up Smith last week and coach Jeff Fisher didn’t rule him out this week.

“He pushed through some things well before the pregame warm-ups and felt good, felt like he could finish the game if need be,” Fisher said via the Tennessean.

It’s crazy that a gimpy Kerry Collins could be seen as a savior, but at least he gives the Titans a chance.   Tennessee’s defense has generally played well, including last week against the Texans.   The Titans have another division game this week, hosting the first-place Jaguars.

source: PFT.com
author: Gregg Rosenthal

49ers announce Frank Gore has broken hip

Brian Westbrook had one of the biggest rushing nights in his career Monday as he carried the ball 23 times for 136 yards in the San Francisco 49ers’ 27-6 victory at Arizona.

The 49ers will need much more from the former Philadelphia Eagle down the stretch if they expect to make a run at the NFC West title now that they’re a game back of the St. Louis Rams and Seattle Seahawks. That is because the team announced that starting running back Frank Gore will miss the remainder of the season with a fractured right hip, suffered in the first quarter of the victory at University of Phoenix Stadium.

It’s a huge blow for San Francisco, which has been trying to settle down offensively with quarterback Troy Smith. Westbrook and rookie Anthony Dixon, a powerful short-yardage option, will be forced to carry the load from here on out. There’s no question it was a costly victory.

source:  The National Football Post
author:  Brad Biggs

Texans, Eagles file the first Week 13 injury reports

Since we’re well into the Thursday football portion of the schedule, every Monday begins with injury reports from the teams who’ll play in the Thursday game.

This week, it’s the Texans visiting the Eagles.

Houston conducted a walk-through only, so they estimated the availability of the players, if there had been an actual practice.  Missing practice would have been linebacker Xavier Adibi (hamstring), receiver David Anderson (hamstring), linebacker Brian Cushing (knee), tight end Owen Daniels (hamstring), receiver Kevin Walter (calf), defensive end Mario Williams (groin), and safety Torri Williams (hamstring).  Limited in practice would have been linebacker Kevin Bentley (knee), tight end Joel Dreessen (knee), defensive end Jesse Nading (knee), and tackle Eric Winston (shoulder).

Fully participating in practice would have been cornerback Glover Quin (hand) and quarterback Matt Schaub (knee).

For the Eagles, whose report contains no such estimation equivocation, receiver Riley Cooper (knee) and defensive end Juqua Parker (hip) missed practice.  Cornerback Asante Samuel, who missed Sunday’s game against the Bears, practiced on a limited basis with a knee injury.

Fully participating were kicker David Akers (right hamstring), cornerback Jorrick Calvin (back), guard Nick Cole (knee), cornerback Trevard Lindley (knee), and running back LeSean McCoy (shoulder).

The Texans and Eagles square off Thursday night on NFL Network.

source: Pro Football Talk
author: Mike Florio

Optimism for Adrian Peterson, a day after ankle injury

A sprained ankle knocked Vikings running back Adrian Peterson out of Sunday’s win over the Redskins, opening the door for rookie Toby Gerhart to see the first extended action of his career.  Still, we’re told that Peterson is expected to be available when the Vikings hosting the Bills on Sunday.
That said, Peterson is still slated for an MRI on Monday.  He said after the game that the pain was “unbearable“.
Stay tuned for more.  Though Gerhart did fairly well in his debut, gaining 76 yards on 22 carries and scoring his first NFL touchdown, the Vikings need Peterson if they hope to piece together their first two-game winning streak of the 2010 season.

source: PFT.com
author: Mike Florio

Bruce Gradkowski hurts shoulder again

Oakland Raiders quarterback Bruce Gradkowski has injured his throwing shoulder again.
He could be out for a while.
Gradkowski told the Contra Costa Times that the injury was similar to the third-degree separation suffered earlier this season that sidelined him for five games.
Now, Jason Campbell will take over starting duties again.

source:  National Football Post
author:  Aaron Wilson

Marcus Trufant carted off with leg injury

The Seahawks, who remain in first place in the NFC West despite a 5-5 record (and who may still be in first place with a 5-6 record), are knotted up with the Chiefs at seven following a blocked punt that was returned for a touchdown.
And they’ll apparently have to try to keep the Chiefs from scoring many more without the services of cornerback Marcus Trufant.
Trufant has been carted off after suffering a leg injury.  More details to come.

source: PFT.com
author: Mike Florio

Rambling Gambler: Pick Six Week TWELVE

Ramblings and Gambling

--------------------------------------------------
By Erik Laurinovics, for The Football ERA
--------------------------------------------------
 
Because I am out of town and with my family for the holidays, my post is a little more brief than most--but I hope you understand. I still made my picks this week though, so there still here for you to peruse. More importantly, I didn't want to miss a chance to talk about last week's 5 for 6, which was easily my best week of the year. Aside from the seemingly blessed Jaguars (seriously, have you ever seen a luckier 6-4 team? It runs out this week...), everything went right. The goal now will be to keep this momentum going and get to .500 by the end of the season. Getting a winning week was just what the doctor ordered, and it's made that much better when it's followed up by some vacation time. I wish all of you a happy Thanksgiving and good luck with your picks!
 
Totally awesome week 11 recap:
 
LOSSES
 
Cleveland +1.5 over JACKSONVILLE: I was surprised this game was close, but the Browns had this all but locked up. How did they let that happen? Jacksonville is living proof that it is better to be lucky than good.
 
WINS
 
DALLAS -6.5 over Detroit: So if Wade Phillips was really that bad, how did he last so long in Dallas? The game against the Saints tomorrow should be epic.
NEW ORLEANS -12 over Seattle: The entire NFC West lost ATS last week. It seems like any NFC West team against a good team is a lock at this point.
Green Bay -3 over MINNESOTA: The second biggest self-destruction of the season, behind the Cowboys. Just as I said with Dallas when they fired Phillips, I say avoid Minnesota this week now that Chilly is gone.
Atlanta -3 over ST. LOUIS: The Rams have a bright future, but as previously stated, the NFC West is no match for a good team.
PHILADELPHIA -3 over NY Giants: It looked like Philly was going to run away with this one, but the Giants fought back. The Eagles look like the team to beat in the NFC at this point.

 
2010 Overall Record: 23-41-2
 
 
Week 12 Picks:
 
 
NEW YORK GIANTS -7 over Jacksonville
 
I don't think the Jaguars have enough luck to pull this one out. They've got to be the worst 6-4 team I've seen in awhile. The depleted receiving corps for the Giants shouldn't matter too much as their 5th ranked rushing attack has a nice matchup (the Jags are 19th stopping the run). If nothing else, I'm bound to get one right if I bet against Jacksonville long enough...
 
 
Kansas City -1.5 over SEATTLE
 
The Chiefs have run over the NFC West so far, beating SF 31-10 and Arizona 31-13 (and both TDs in each game were literally last second, garbage time TDs). I've made it obvious that I have no respect for the NFC West this year, and I expect Kansas City to beat the Seahawks and the Rams, too. In their last 5 games, the Seahawks have beat Arizona twice. They've lost the other 3 games by 15 points or more. What looked like a strong run defense early in the season has been gouged and dropped to #13 overall. If you're paranoid, by a half point and make it a 1 point game. The Chiefs should win this easily.

 
 
HOUSTON -6.5 over Tennessee
 
Houston -6.5 over Rusty Smith or some QB signed off the street? Sure, I'll give that a shot. The Texans manged to cover against the Jets and desperately need a win. With the QB situation being what it is, I don't seen Tennessee exploiting Houston's fatal flaw (their miserable secondary). I'm thinking that will let the Texans key on CJ and keep Tennessee under wraps.
 
 
Philadelphia -3.5 over CHICAGO
 
I see no reason to jump off the Michael Vick bandwagon yet; his ability to run at any time is creating a ton of opportunities for the offense. Who wants to take someone out of coverage to spy the QB when Jackson and Maclin are out there? Moreover, the Eagles have the 9th most sacks so far this year (26) and the Bears have allowed a league high 37 (!) sacks so far. The Bears defense has been solid as of late and is capable of winning games, but I don't think they'll be able to generate enough offense of their own to beat the Eagles. Buy a half on this one and I don't think you'll do worse than a push.

 
 
Green Bay +2 over ATLANTA
 
Shortly after I picked Baltimore a couple of weeks ago, a friend of mine pointed out that Falcons have a very strong record at home over the past two seasons... They're 11-2 straight up and 9-4 ATS. That is a bit daunting to bet against, but the Packers have the tools on offense to take advantage of the Falcons 24th ranked pass defense. I look for Rodgers to have a big game and keep the Pack in the mix for best record in the NFC. This game will likely be close and Green Bay looks great in a teaser. They look good enough at +2 for me as well.
 
 
San Francisco pick (0) over ARIZONA
 
In what is shaping up to be the ugliest MNF game of the year, someone has to win. Despite getting shutout last week, the Niners at least have some measure of hope with Troy Smith at the helm, going 2-1 while he's started. Arizona, on the other hand, has lost 5 straight games since their bye week and has lost the last two by 18 points. The fact that San Francisco lost left tackle Joe Staley and couldn't run the ball last week is worrisome, but given the fact the Cardinals defense is 27th against the pass and 28th against the run, the Niners should find some way to create offense and win what will likely be a low-scoring affair.
 
 
TURKEY DAY PARLAY
 
One of my Thanksgiving traditions is a parlay of all the NFL games for the day. This won't count towards the official picks as I didn't like these games enough to make them part of my Pick Six, but I can't stop a tradition!
 
Patriots -7
Cowboys +4
NY Jets -9

======================================

Dave Ball doubtful, Owen Daniels is out

Beside ruling out wide receiver Kenny Britt again with a hamstring injury, Tennessee Titans defensive end Dave Ball is doubtful with a concussion.
Plus, defensive tackle Tony Brown (knee), quarterback Kerry Collins (calf), defensive tackle Jason Jones (knee) and tight end Craig Stevens (knee) are questionable.
Kicker Rob Bironas is probable with a right groin injury.
For the Houston Texans, tight end Owen Daniels is out with a hamstring injury.
Linebacker Xavier Adibi (hamstring) and defensive end Jesse Nading (knee) are out, too.
Wide receiver David Anderson (hamstring) is questionable as well as defensive tackle Shaun Cody (illness).
The following players are probable: linebackers Kevin Bentley (shoulder, knee), Brian Cushing (knee) and Zach Diles (illness), wide receiver Andre Johnson (ankle), cornerback Glover Quin (hand), quarterback Matt Schaub (knee), long snapper Jonathan Weeks (knee) and defensive end Mario Williams (groin).

source:  National Football Post
author:  Aaron Wilson for the 'Wilson Wire'

Redskins waive Joey Galloway

In a move that could signal the end of the career for a longtime NFL stalwart, the Washington Redskins have announced that they waived receiver Joey Galloway today.
In his first season with the Redskins, Galloway had just 12 catches for 173 yards in 10 games this year. But he has had a very productive NFL career, with 701 catches for 10,950 yards and 77 touchdowns.
The 39-year-old Galloway had a long and honorable career and was a productive receiver into his mid-30s, but he appears to have reached the end.
With the roster spot freed up by cutting Galloway, the Redskins signed wide receiver Terrence Austin off their practice squad.

source:  PFT.com
author:  Michael David Smith

MortReport : Brandon Marshall has been officially downgraded to out for Dolphins

Chris Mortensen has broken news via his twitter account "MortReport" that Brandon Marshall is out for this sunday's matchup versus the Raiders.

John Clayton posted an article on ESPN.com that chronicles Marshall's week long battle with a nagging hamstring injury that is hampering his return to full speed:

Brandon Marshall misses practice again:

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Brandon Marshall didn't practice again Friday due to a hamstring injury. It's unlikely he'll travel with the team to Oakland for Sunday's game against the Raiders.

AFC East blog
 ESPN.com's Tim Graham writes about all things AFC East in his division blog.

• Blog network: NFL Nation


Marshall, the team leader in receptions (58) and yards (693), hasn't practiced all week because of the injury sustained last week against the Chicago Bears.

In another decision critical to the offense, coach Tony Sparano still hasn't chosen a starter at quarterback. Chad Henne is recovering from a knee injury sustained two weeks ago against the Tennessee Titans. Tyler Thigpen, the third-team quarterback two weeks ago, started in last week's 16-0 loss to Chicago and had an uninspiring performance that included two interceptions.

Miami made a roster move Friday, signing defensive lineman Chris Baker and waiving DL Clifton Geathers.


Center Joe Berger (knee), tackle Vernon Carey (knee) and tackle Jake Long (shouler) worked with the first team in practice Friday and are expected to play. Carey, Berger, linebacker Karlos Dansby (toe) and wide receiver Roberto Wallace (knee) are questionable.

source:  ESPN.com and the MortReport (Chris Mortensen, ESPN Senior Writer)
author:  AP and John Clayton, ESPN Senior Writer

Signs point to Bruce Gradkowski starting on Sunday

In an Associated Press item published earlier today, Raiders quarterback Jason Campbell was quoted as saying that he isn’t concerned about being benched during games, even though it has happened twice this year.
It could be that he’s not concerned about being benched this weekend against the Dolphins because he already knows he won’t be starting.
Per a source with knowledge of the situation, Bruce Gradkowski took most if not all of the first-team reps this week, typically a sign that the quarterback who took the reps will be starting the game.
Campbell isn’t named on the injury report, so it’s not as if Gradkowski got the snaps because Campbell isn’t healthy.
That said, the Raiders have said nothing about a switch to Gradkowski.  On Friday, coach Tom Cable addressed the situation from the perspective of Campbell getting the start and then being yanked for Gradkowski.
“We talk about a lot of things all the time [and] he is OK with where we’re going and what we’re doing,” Cable said of Campbell.  “He understands it’s the job.  It comes with it.”
As for Cable, he possibly doesn’t understand that owner Al Davis is a Campbell guy.  So why hasn’t Davis pulled rank?  It could be that the coach widely presumed to have gotten himself off the hot seat remains firmly planted on it, and that Davis is given Cable every opportunity to turn up the heat on his own rear end.

source:  ProFootballTalk.com
author:  Mike Florio

Jaguars have offensive line issues too

It could be a good day for pass rushers in the New Meadlowlands on Sunday.
Giants left tackle Shawn Andrews, already a replacement, was in the hospital Thursday because of his back issues.  Meanwhile, the Jaguars’ left tackle Eugene Monroe failed a baseline concussion test Friday and is highly uncertain to play on Sunday.  Monroe hasn’t practiced all week.  The team is also without right tackle Eben Britton, who is out for the season.
Tania Ganguli of the Florida Times-Union reports the Jaguars aren’t giving up hope on Monroe.  If he isn’t cleared for the game, former Giant Guy Whimper may be at left tackle for Jacksonville.
Translation: This should be the week New York’s pass rush breaks out of a mini-funk.
UPDATE: Monroe is now officially out.

source: PFT.com
author: Gregg Rosenthal

Jimmy Clausen looks on track to return

It appears the ghost of Panthers quarterback past will face off against the draft pick the Panthers hope will be their future at the position.
Jimmy Clausen returned to practice on Wednesday for the first time since he’s suffered a concussion.  With Brian St. Pierre likely unavailable this week (essentially from overuse), it looks like Clausen will get the start against Jake Delhomme and the Browns.  The team hasn’t announced anything yet.
The Panthers signed Keith Null to the practice squad.  The fact that Null is not on the active roster looks like an indication that the Panthers think Clausen will be available to start again.

source: PFT.com
author: Gregg Rosenthal

Week 11 Football ERA Cumulative Results

Weekly 2010 Cumulative Football ERA Formula results are listed below with the usual cautionary disclaimer that these are NOT Power Rankings.
To analyze these results, we primarily have to look at how teams change within the Rankings rather than looking at the Rankings alone as a raw result.  Position is neither the best nor the sole criteria of analyzing the list as much as is observing change in the list (first derivative).  In other words, how teams rise and fall from week to week during the long season is more of a primary criteria for evaluating performance.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NYG	…	12568
SD	…	11055
Atl	…	9676
KC	…	8783
NYJ	…	8496
Phi	…	8493
NO	…	8459
Bal	…	8257
Oak	…	7993
GB	…	7528
StL	…	6770
Pitt	…	6618
Ind	…	6097
Jax	…	5879
Cinn	…	5714
Mia	…	5669
Minn	…	5426
Chi	…	5386
Hou	…	4615
Cleve	…	4517
Dall	…	4467
Tenn	…	4388
NE	…	4252
Det	…	3914
TB	…	3641
SF	…	3434
Sea	…	2414
Was	…	1898
Den	…	1575
Buff	…	1556
Car	…	-4
Arz	…	-477

 =========================

Week Eleven Football ERA Composite Scores

TB	…	33
SF	…	8
Chi	…	31
Mia	…	8
SD	…	28
Den	…	11
Pitt	…	28
Oak	…	12
Jax	…	27
Cleve	…	14
Bal	…	27
Car	…	14
Was	…	26
Tenn	…	13
Atl	…	25
StL	…	10
Dall	…	24
Det	…	12
GB	…	23
Minn	…	14
NO	…	23
Sea	…	11
KC	…	22
Arz	…	15
Phi	…	21
NYG	…	15
NYJ		21
Hou		18
Buff		20
Cinn		19
NE		19
Ind		17

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Week Eleven Football ERA Game Results

	Net	Offensive	Offense	Offense	Defensive	Defense	Defense
	Total	Total	Rushing	Drives	Total	Rushing	Pressure
TB	1876	776	443	333.8	1099	564	535
SF	-645	-120	124	-243.8	-525	-564	39
Chi	1712	718	384	333.7	994	529	465
Mia	-604	-197	53	-250.2	-407	-529	122
SD	1401	644	338	306.3	756	309	448
Den	-299	43	160	-116.8	-342	-309	-33
Pitt	1352	643	408	234.4	710	229	481
Oak	-198	7	88	-81.4	-205	-229	24
Jax	1335	649	427	221.6	686	305	381
Cleve	24	60	147	-86.1	-37	-305	268
Bal	1258	606	285	321.1	651	335	316
Car	-34	72	246	-173.6	-106	-335	229
Was	1206	709	222	487.5	497	434	63
Tenn	-124	0	312	-312.5	-124	-434	310
Atl	1131	630	266	364.0	501	383	119
StL	-371	-24	159	-183.5	-346	-383	36
Dall	1030	474	322	152.8	556	289	267
Det	-160	109	120	-10.3	-269	-289	19
GB	871	496	200	296.7	374	240	134
Minn	22	92	228	-135.7	-70	-240	170
NO	852	624	294	330.5	228	283	-55
Sea	-293	3	128	-124	-296	-283	-14
KC	832	419	393	25.6	414	121	292
Arz	77	232	122	109.9	-155	-121	-33
Phi	731	602	364	237.8	129	175	-46
NYG	47	-61	56	-117.3	108	-175	283
NYJ	703	472	233	238.3	232	141	90
Hou	380	259	322	-62.3	120	-141	262
Buff	610	474	347	126.7	136	-88.7	225
Cinn	501	355	238	117.3	145	88.7	56
NE	446	488.8	436	52.8	-41.9	15	-56.9
Ind	246	287.9	122	165.2	-41.4	-15	-26.4

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