NFL Quick Hits (Oct. 2)

Josh Johnson is the new starting quarterback in Tampa Bay (for now), while Chad Henne takes over for the other Chad on IR (Pennington).

This is old news, but still information you need to be aware of if you already aren't, as both quarterbacks' new roles do affect their offenses in one way or another.

For more injury, status, and fantasy updates, read on.

LaDainian Tomlinson Expected to Play Against Steelers

This is great news, as LT will offer good value to San Diego as a decoy and blocker at the very minimum. A fantasy stud against the Steelers, however, he is not.

He may be ready to push himself through the rigors of an NFL games, but his snap count and actual health status is too much in the air to take a chance on.

Wait until after the Chargers' bye week to bring LT back to life as a fantasy star.

Willie Parker Likely to Miss Sunday Night's Game

While it was great while it lasted, Parker's short-lived leap back to fantasy relevance could be over before we ever saw it come to life. Parker racked up over 90 yards on the ground and a touchdown through the air in Pittsburgh's loss to Cincinnati, but his turf toe injury could keep him off the field in week four.

This means Rashard Mendenhall gets one last crack at doing his "look at me" prance and showing the coaches he's their running back of the future. If he can't wow them against San Diego, expect a RBBC in every sense of the term the rest of the way.

Marion Barber Practicing Fully, Felix Jones Officially Out

After finally practicing in full, Barber is a near-lock to play in Sunday's game with Denver and could even start. Owner Jerry Jones observed Barber and indicated that if the running back could be completely 100 percent by Sunday, he would likely get the start, as well as the bulk of the rushing load.

Don't bet on it. Tashard Choice was impressive last week, and regardless of Dallas's intentions, they won't stick with whatever they tell the media going into a matchup with the 3-0 Broncos. Denver has allowed just one touchdown this season, so even with a running game as sound as theirs, Dallas will be playing Barber's status close to the chest.

Giants' Ahmad Bradshaw Should Be Ready for Chiefs

Bradshaw had his protective boot removed and practiced fully on Friday, suggesting he should make the Chiefs game on Sunday despite foot and ankle woes.

His injuries weren't really that much of a concern, so if you need a stud Flex play, he could be your guy. Bradshaw should see a ton of mop-up and third down duty against a soft Chiefs defense, so start him with confidence.

Kevin Smith Still a Game-Time Decision

He's currently listed as questionable as he battles back from shoulder and knee injuries. With multiple injures and the Lions facing an uphill road battle against the Chicago Bears, look for Jim Schwartz to hold his second best offensive weapon out.

Maurice Morris should be able to fill in adequately, and even if Smith does play, a matchup with the Bears' solid defense doesn't bode particularly well.

Kyle Boller to Start for Rams Against 49ers

St. Louis will be cautious with Marc Bulger and go with Boller against an aggressive 49ers defense. After his solid showing and leadership against the Packers, Boller isn't a horrible QB2 if you're desperate.

Well, actually he is a horrible QB2, but you could do much worse this week with JaMarcus Russell, Chad Henne, or Josh Johnson.

Take a chance on Boller if you just lost Chad Pennington for the season or don't like what you see in Matt Cassel. Then again, if you had either of those two passers starting, we already know how you're doing in your league.

Derrick Ward Not Expected to Play in Week Four

Raheem Morris did all he could to help Ward get back for week four, but it looks like his bad knee will keep him out. After Ward missed three straight practices and Carnell Williams and Earnest Graham haven't, this wasn't a huge shock.

Williams could be a decent play going up against a Washington defense that let Kevin Smith run crazy last week.

Jerome Harrison to Start for Browns?

Jamal Lewis is still not practicing, and very few people in Cleveland seem to care. Jerome Harrison figures to get the starting nod again after putting up impressive numbers against a solid Ravens defense, while he should lose a few touches to backup James Davis.

The Bengals are no pushovers, but Harrison could provide decent RB2 numbers, while Davis has the potential to be an average Flex play, although we really haven't seen too much out of him yet.

Portis Practices on Friday, Expected to Play

Portis has been hindered all season with leg and ankle issues, but it's all been minor wear-and-tear from years of carrying his teams. It shouldn't break him down this early in the season, but it's still something to think about.

Portis should have no trouble making the start against Tampa Bay's 31st-ranked run defense, and unlike last week against Detroit, he should actually perform quite well. Look for 100 yards and his first score of the season.

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