NFL Quick Hits (Oct. 1st)

Willie Parker "Iffy" With Turf Toe

One decent game, and everyone gets up in a whirl over Parker's foot.

While he "seems" to be back on track, this injury could either keep him out of week four, or also slow him down. If he plays, he's sure to split carries with both Rashard Mendenhall and Mewelde Moore because of his injury.

LaDainian Tomlinson Fully Participates in Practice

LT appears to be on his way back from his ankle injury, but is still no lock to play on Sunday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Even if he does play, he's not an elite fantasy option, as he's going up against a solid Pittsburgh defense and would share carries with Darren Sproles. Sit LT and get him back at 100 percent after the Chargers week five bye.

Marion Barber Probable For Denver Game

When isn't Barber on an injury report or in fantasy discussions? He and the Cowboys both appear to be set on him at least making an appearance in the contest at Denver, but most of the rushing load could fall on Tashard Choice.

With Felix Jones out for a week or two with his own knee issue, Barber will be needed for at last some spot-duty, while Choice is a safe bet to top 15 carries.

Wes Welker Limited in Wednesday's Practice

It's been three straight weeks of Welker practicing, being listed questionable, and the Patriots keeping you on your roster page 30 minutes before game-time.

Don't take this abuse if you can afford to start someone else. If you have Julian Edelman as well, monitor Welker's status up until game-time, and slip Edelman in if he's a scratch again.

Welker is almost certainly going to be a game-time decision for the third week in a row.

Dwayne Bowe Unlikely For Second Straight Week

Hamstrings can be tricky, and Bowe isn't practicing at all right now.

It's not impossible that he could be okay by Sunday, but it doesn't look good. Ride Mark Bradley if you absolutely need to, otherwise start fishing through the waiver wire for another alternative.

If Pierre Garcon, Mike Sims-Walker, or Nate Burleson are available, quickly snatch them up.

Derrick Ward's Status Uncertain For Week Four

Head coach Raheem Morris is hoping a day off will give Ward the rest he needs, but if he can't go against the Redskins, Carnell Williams should be able to go.

Williams was dealing with a knee issue of his own (shocker), but appears to be healthy enough to take on a full load, and Earnest Graham would also be available to help out.

Quarterback Josh Johnson is making his first career start this week, so it's no secret why Morris would like his rushing attack at 100 percent.

Matt Hasselbeck Not Expected to Play This Week

He's 34 and had major back issues last year, so it's not a surprise that it's taking him some time to heal. Besides, just ask Donovan McNabb what broken ribs feel like.

You can look forward to Seneca Wallace starting against Indianapolis's solid pass defense, which is possibly taking the field without Dwight Freeney and a number of other defensive starters.

Kevin Smith to be Game-Time Decision

Smith would be heavily missed after a monster rushing effort helped the Lions to their first win in 20 games.

With shoulder and knee injuries, however, it's unlikely Detroit rushes their star running back into action in week four. Look for Maurice Morris to get the start and fill-in as a quality Flex option.

Jamal Lewis Misses Wednesday's Practice

Lewis missed practice again with his hamstring strain, and is at least questionable heading into Sunday's match with the Bengals.

Jerome Harrison will start in his place if Lewis misses his second straight game. Harrison put up solid numbers against Baltimore last week, so he could make a solid Flex play this week.