Morning Football Update: Eagles' duo still hurting
Hey, fellow Giants fans: On the bright side, you were able to go to bed before the end of the third quarter of last night's debacle thanks to the outcome being decided. I stayed awake, but only for fantasy and yelling-at-the-TV reasons.
On to the news:
- Eagles QB Michael Vick (ribs) and WR Jeremy Maclin (shoulder, hamstring) missed Monday's walkthrough practice. If they're not on the field today, they'll probably miss Thursday's game against the Seahawks. Vince Young could have fantasy relevance again this week, as could WR Riley Cooper, who has caught eight passes for 146 yards and two touchdowns in the last two games. Maclin's absence would also give DeSean Jackson more chances to drop touchdown passes.
- Raiders RB Darren McFadden is out of his walking boot and participated in a light workout on Monday, but head coach Hue Jackson talked about getting McFadden's conditioning back to a proper level before letting him play again. I wouldn't expect to see him in Week 13. The Sacramento Bee article at the link above isn't optimistic about WR Jacoby Ford (foot) either. WR Denarius Moore (foot) is more of a wait-and-see situation.
- Vikings head coach Leslie Frazier said Monday that RB Adrian Peterson's ankle is "improving." Thanks for the specifics, coach. We'll know more when practice resumes on Wednesday. Since Peterson's status was still in question for Week 12 until a Saturday walkthrough, his chances to play this week seem pretty good.
- QB Kyle Orton will get some first-team snaps in Wednesday's practice, but it's not yet clear if he'll start this week against the Bears. Actually, it is pretty clear if you've seen Tyler Palko play, but it's not yet official because the coach hasn't announced it.
- The Lions signed RB Aaron Brown on Monday, technically to replace Jahvid Best on the roster (Best has been placed on season-ending injured reserve). While Brown doesn't project to get any meaningful playing time, his presence serves as insurance in case Kevin Smith (ankle) can't play this week. Hang in there if you own Smith, because his injury doesn't sound too serious.
- Redskins RB Roy Helu will get another start this week against the Jets after racking up 162 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown against the Seahawks. Normally I wouldn't even trust Mike Shanahan with holding my place on a men's room line, let alone with something as important as using one of his running backs late in a fantasy season, but I think I'm in on Helu. Sure, it's possible that Shanahan will do something crazy like give rookie Evan Royster 10 carries, but I doubt it. Helu is clearly the 'Skins' best option.
- With Matt Leinart out for the season, rookie T.J. Yates is the Texans' new starting quarterback. While we can expect the Texans to run a lot and keep things as low-risk as possible, head coach Gary Kubiak said some nice things Monday about Yates' mobility. Here's Kubiak, per the Houston Chronicle: "We’ll encourage him — if (receivers) are locked up and (the defense is) playing man coverage and you’ve got a chance to leave the pocket — go make a play." I don't want to oversell Yates, but not all fantasy backup QBs can get you rushing yards.
- The Cardinals seem to think that QB Kevin Kolb (foot, toe) will return to action against the Cowboys. Kolb's not great, but he averaged 244 yards in seven starts before getting hurt. He'll be good for Larry Fitzgerald's production, too.
- Cowboys WR Miles Austin (hamstring) didn't participate in Monday's walkthrough practice. It doesn't sound like he'll be back for Week 13.
- Seahawks WR Sidney Rice suffered a concussion on Sunday, missed Monday's walkthrough practice and has a game coming up on Thursday. If he's normally in your lineup, find an alternative.
- Rams QB Sam Bradford tweaked his previously injured ankle on Sunday, but is expected to play Sunday at San Francisco. Try to control your excitement.
- Joel Beall will be in the FOXSports.com fantasy chat room today at 3 p.m. ET, and I'll make my weekly appearance Thursday at the same time. Make to stop by and post your questions!
See you back here Friday morning.

