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Divisional Playoffs
NFL Week #19
Essential Practice Notes from Friday
01-11-2008
4for4.com Exclusive
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Cowboys WR Terry Glenn (knee probable) took reps each day this week and will play. He could be in almost 50% of the plays from scrimmage for the Cowboys offense.
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Cowboys WR Terrell Owens (ankle questionable) returned to practice Thursday this week and he was able to get some reps in again on Friday. Barring a setback he’s fully expected to start but he may not be 100%.
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The Packers did not practice Friday. WR Greg Jennings (groin) is expected to start Saturday against Seattle despite being on the team injury report.
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Packers WR James Jones (hamstring) is not on the team injury report and he will play Saturday. Jones took full reps Thursday.
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Packers WR Koren Robinson (knee probable) got some reps in Wednesday and Thursday. The team did not run drills Friday.
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QB Brett Favre will need to get the ball out in a hurry against the Seahawks sack-happy defense. Last week the Redskins really struggled protecting their QB and that cost them the game. In the end, with an edge at QB and perhaps RB, look for the more rested Packers (7-1 at home) to get the win in front of their hometown crowd.
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Colts TE Ben Utecht (shoulder) is listed as questionable but he was able to take practice three days in a row this week including Friday. He should be able to dress out this weekend.
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Colts WR Marvin Harrison (knee) is on track to start after missing 11 games this year.
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The Chargers defense feeds off the interception but against Peyton Manning we don’t see many INTs coming their way. The Colts have too many weapons and San Diego’s secondary may not be able to keep up.
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As expected, Jaguars WR Reggie Williams (back) returned to practice Thursday and is expected to start Saturday Night against New England.
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At this critical juncture in the season, RB Fred Taylor needs to step up if the Jaguars hope to win this weekend. Against the Steelers, Taylor only managed 48-yards on 16 carries - 3 yards per carry won’t cut it against the Patriots.
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On offense, the Jaguars game plan is clear -- run Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew most of the game and setup
David Garrard via the play-action pass.
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The problem is the Jaguars secondary is hurting and they lack depth. Naturally,
Tom Brady, Wes Welker and Randy Moss will be ready to pick them apart. In turn, New England should be able to score early and at some point that will force Jacksonville away for their run-heavy play calling.
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The Patriots did not take team reps Friday. QB Tom Brady (right shoulder) is listed as probable but he’s closer to 100%. He’ll start as usual.
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Patriots RB Kyle Eckel (stomach) and TE Kyle Brady (team decision) are both officially listed as questionable but both are really closer to probable and should be available as needed against Jacksonville. TE Brady should play.
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WR Wes Welker (team decision) was limited at practice Wednesday and Thursday but he is no longer listed on the team’s injury report. He’ll play as normal.
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Giants WR Plaxico Burress (ankle questionable) took some practice for the second day in a row Friday and will start against the Giants Sunday.
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Giants TE Kevin Boss (illness probable) took reps Friday. He will play.
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Chargers RB Lorenzo Neal (fibula questionable) is expected to play against Indy. He took reps again today.
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Chargers WR Chris Chambers (team decision) did not practice Wednesday but did so Thursday and Friday. He will play and was taken off the injury report.
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Chargers TE Antonio Gates (toe) has made some progress this work in individual work but he remains doubtful and he did not practice with the team all week. He’s said to be a week away. The team is preparing to start
Brandon Manumaleuna at TE.
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Chargers K Nate Kaeding (left fibula probable) is expected to handle field goal chores for the Chargers this Sunday against Indy.
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The only good news here for SD is Manumaleuna is a better blocker than
Gates and blocking FB Lorenzo Neal also has a chance of dressing Sunday. If he does, that helps the Chargers running game.
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Despite their win last week, the Chargers continue to be a team that appears ready to break apart. As soon as they fall behind they start pointing fingers at each other. Then suddenly, if they put a few scores together they’re all smiles and pointing we're #1. Against a team with Peyton Manning, Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne, Joe Addai and
Dallas Clark, the Chargers lack of unity won’t get it done. If Gates sits, the Chargers will very likely have a long ride home Sunday night as the Colts have a huge edge at QB, WR, special teams and coaching.
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Seahawks QB Matt Hasselbeck (thigh) will start despite being listed on the team injury report. Ditto RB
Shaun Alexander (wrist).
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The Seahawks expect to have WR Deion Branch (calf probable) in the stating lineup against Green Bay. The team did not practice on Friday.
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As we told you back on Thursday, Seahawks WR D.J. Hackett (ankle questionable) is a game time call.
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While the Seahawks will sporadically run the ball, they will have more success when forcing Green Bay into five-DB (nickel) coverage. If they can get
Hackett, Deion Branch, Bobby Engram and Nate Burleson on the field, the Packers DB depth will be tested.
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