The Red Zone Report's NFL Quick Hits: Nov. 12

Justin Gage Out With Fractures in Back

He hasn't technically been ruled out yet, but this is as close as it gets without confirmation. Gage reportedly suffered multiple fractures in his back after a very impressive catch against the 49ers last week.

While the catch made him a hero for a day, the fall may have brought his fantasy stock back down to where it was prior to week nine.

T.O. Misses Second Straight Practice

Owens is dealing with a hip injury and head coach Dick Jauron has made it sound as if he doesn't look likely to play. He was quoted as saying Owens was "very uncomfortable."

That might be with his role with the team, but who knows?

Regardless of the injury, Owens wasn't going to be regarded as much better than a flex play or a WR3, and that's if he was lucky. Leave him on your bench this week if you haven't cut your losses and dropped him already.

Detroit LB Ernie Sims Has Hamstring Tear

Sims has what is said to be a "Grade Two" hamstring tear. The initial timetable for his return was thought to be 2-3 weeks, but now it appears neither Sims nor the Lions have any clue as to how long he'll be out.

This is nothing but good news for Adrian Peterson and the rest of the Minnesota Vikings offense.

Brian Westbrook Returns to Full Practice

Yay? Westbrook seems to be completely over his concussion issues (headaches), and hopefully won't have any lingering effects of a bum ankle.

He looks good to go for a nice matchup with a poor San Diego Chargers run defense, but considering the timeshare he's in with rookie LeSean McCoy, we don't see him as much more than a nice flex or a weak RB2 these days.

Clinton Portis Out For Week 10

Portis will sit out after sustaining a concussion last week against the Falcons. It's just precautionary and he should be fine for Week 11. Ladell Betts will start in his place.

Go here for complete details and fantasy analysis on the Redskins' running back situation.

Jamal Lewis Talks Smack About Eric Mangini, Browns

Lewis reportedly took shots at Mangini's practice coaching style, saying the coach drives the players too hard during the week, and then they have nothing left on game days.

Oh, so that's why the Browns are this pathetic. Okay, Jamal. Okay.

Brandon Marshall Fine, Returns to Practice

Wednesday was just a day of rest for Marshall, and despite a fairly unfriendly matchup with the Washington secondary, he's a solid play for Week 10.

It'll be hard to sit him after his 11-catch, 100+ yard performance against a good Steelers defense.

LT Returns to Practice, Should Play Sunday

You know his role in the NFL has lessened when his return to practice drops all the way to the bottom of this NFL news briefing. He's still the starter and should get a decent amount of carries, but LT just isn't producing on a high level.

That, and the Chargers are going up against a top-10 run defense in the Philadelphia Eagles. We still think LT makes for a good flex play, but you simply can't count on him as a RB2 unless he starts to prove otherwise.

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