Week 8 inactives
Welcome to Week 8. Here we'll be posting "live" updates and analysis as NFL teams release their inactive lists. Refresh often for the latest information!
Top players we're watching
Early games (1 p.m. ET)
Ahmad Bradshaw, RB, NYG: Active
Jerricho Cotchery, WR, NYJ: Active
Andre Johnson, WR, HOU: Active
Calvin Johnson, WR, DET: Inactive
Mario Manningham, WR, NYG: Inactive
Brian Westbrook, RB, PHI: Inactive
Late games (4 p.m. ET)
Bernard Berrian, WR, MIN: Active
Anquan Boldin, WR, ARI: Active
Steve Breaston, WR, ARI: Active
Updates/analysis (most recent first)
3:03 p.m. ET -- Shawne Merriman active -- The Chargers' official Web site reports that LB Shawne Merriman (foot, probable) is active.
3:02 p.m. ET -- Antoine Winfield inactive -- The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports that CB Antoine Winfield (foot, out) is inactive for the Vikings. Advantage: Aaron Rodgers.
3:01 p.m. ET -- Berrian, Harvin active -- The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports that both WRs Percy Harvin (illness, questionable) and Bernard Berrian (hamstring, questionable) are active for the Vikings. Both warrant a look in deeper leagues, though with Sidney Rice the Vikings receiver in the midst of a hot streak (and seemingly Brett Favre's top current target), it's Rice you want as the solid No. 2 option.
3:00 p.m. ET -- Brett Favre active -- The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports that QB Brett Favre (hip, probable) is active for the Vikings. Did you honestly believe Favre would sit out his return trip to Lambeau? Don't be silly. Start him.
2:58 p.m. ET -- Rolle, Rodgers-Cromartie active -- The Cardinals' official Web site reports that both S Antrel Rolle (foot, questionable) and CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (ankle, probable) are active.
2:57 p.m. ET -- Boldin, Breaston both active -- The Cardinals' official Web site reports that WR Anquan Boldin (ankle, questionable) and WR Steve Breaston (knee, probable) are both active. The Panthers' pass defense ranks tops in the league, mainly because opponents don't need to throw 40-plus times to beat them. It's a bad recipe for a No. 3 wide receiver on the depth chart, meaning Breaston should be avoided if possible. Still, the Cardinals will aim to throw frequently enough that if you're in a pinch, either one should at least be serviceable.
2:55 p.m. ET -- Malcom Floyd to start -- The Chargers' official Web site reports that Malcom Floyd will start over Chris Chambers at wide receiver this week. Neither player is a strong fantasy choice, but if you're looking for fill-ins in deeper formats, Floyd is your man.
2:51 p.m. ET -- Charles Woodson active -- The Packers' official Web site reports that CB Charles Woodson (hip, probable) is active.
2:50 p.m. ET -- Nelson, Finley inactive -- The Packers' official Web site reports that both WR Jordy Nelson (knee, out) and TE Jermichael Finley (knee, doubtful) are inactive. Expect Donald Lee to get the start and the bulk of the targets among Packers tight ends, making him a sleeper fill-in. As he did when Finley departed early in Week 8, Spencer Havner should serve as Lee's backup, not that he's likely to repeat his strong relief performance. No. 3 wide receiver James Jones is actually more likely than Havner to see a boost in targets with Finley out.
2:49 p.m. ET -- Ahman Green active -- The Packers' official Web site reports that RB Ahman Green is active. Expect Green to serve as the third-down back, cutting somewhat into Ryan Grant's number of carries. It further detracts from Grant's already-unfavorable matchup.
2:48 p.m. ET -- Aaron Rodgers active -- The Packers' official Web site reports that QB Aaron Rodgers (foot, probable) is active. Not that there was any doubt. In a game likely to be a bit of a shoot-out, Rodgers is a must-start.
2:46 p.m. ET -- Harper inactive, Finnegan active -- CB Nick Harper (forearm, doubtful) is inactive, though CB Cortland Finnegan (hamstring, questionable) is active, for the Titans this week, reports the Web site of their opponent, the Jaguars. Having Finnegan back in the lineup will at least give the Titans a fighting chance defending David Garrard. That said, the Titans still have loads of work to do to improve their pass defense, not to mention Harper's absence still tilts the matchup strongly in Garrard's favor.
2:45 p.m. ET -- Nate Washington active -- WR Nate Washington (quadricep, probable) is active for the Titans, reports the Web site of their opponent, the Jaguars. Washington doesn't warrant much more than desperation fantasy consideration, not with Vince Young in at quarterback for the Titans.
2:43 p.m. ET -- Godfrey inactive, Davis returns -- The Rock Hill Herald reports that S Charles Godfrey (ankle, out) is inactive for the Panthers, though LB Thomas Davis (hamstring, questionable) is active. Davis' return boosts the Panthers' run defense, though the Cardinals seemed likely to attack the Panthers via the air anyway. Godfrey's absence sure supports that theory.
2:42 p.m. ET -- Dante Rosario inactive -- The Rock Hill Herald reports that TE Dante Rosario (knee, out) is inactive for the Panthers. Jeff King and Gary Barnidge will share the tight end duties, with King the stronger choice, though only for the most desperate fantasy owners.
2:41 p.m. ET -- Jonathan Stewart active -- The Rock Hill Herald reports that RB Jonathan Stewart (achilles, questionable) is active for the Panthers. He remains the No. 2 option behind DeAngelo Williams, and considering the Panthers are facing the game's No. 1 run defense (Cardinals), Stewart is a weaker fantasy choice than usual this week.
2:26 p.m. ET -- Greg Ellis active -- The San Francisco Chronicle reports that DE Greg Ellis (knee, questionable) is active for the Raiders.
2:24 p.m. ET -- Darren McFadden inactive -- The San Francisco Chronicle reports that RB Darren McFadden (knee, out) is inactive for the Raiders. Justin Fargas and Michael Bush will share the rushing chores once again, and for once, Fargas actually has some sleeper flex-play appeal.
2:23 p.m. ET -- Chaz Schilens inactive -- The San Francisco Chronicle reports that WR Chaz Schilens (foot, doubtful) is inactive for the Raiders for the eighth consecutive week. WR Louis Murphy (hip, probable) is active, and both he and Darrius Heyward-Bey will continue to do most of the dirty work in the receiving department ... and by "dirty," we mean "bad."
12:38 p.m. ET -- Muhsin Muhammad out -- The Rock Hill Herald reports that WR Muhsin Muhammad (knee, out) will not play in Week 8, as expected. With Muhammad sidelined, Dwayne Jarrett should get the start at wide receiver. Jarrett isn't a fantasy consideration, however, as he has only 19 receptions total since being picked in the second round in 2007.
12:29 p.m. ET -- Channing Crowder inactive -- The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports that LB Channing Crowder (shoulder, doubtful) is inactive for the Dolphins.
12:27 p.m. ET -- Ricky Williams active -- The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports that RB Ricky Williams (thumb, probable) is active for the Dolphins. He warrants flex consideration, especially being that this is a six-team bye week.
12:26 p.m. ET -- Cowboys IDPs active -- The Dallas Morning News reports that DT Jay Ratliff (knee, questionable), S Gerald Sensabaugh (thumb, probable) and LB DeMarcus Ware (foot, probable) are all active.
12:25 p.m. ET -- Allen Rossum inactive -- The Dallas Morning News reports that CB Allen Rossum (hamstring, out) is inactive for the Cowboys. This actually means more for Felix Jones' fantasy value than it does the Cowboys' defense, as Rossum's absence means Jones will take over kick-return duties. That might keep his rushing workload in check, though if your league rewards for return yardage, it could also be a boon to Jones' value.
12:23 p.m. ET -- Marion Barber active -- The Dallas Morning News reports that RB Marion Barber (thumb, probable) is active for the Cowboys. Felix Jones is most likely Barber's backup at this point, with Tashard Choice No. 3 on the depth chart, so plan accordingly. Barber for sure should be active in all formats.
12:21 p.m. ET -- Patrick Kerney active -- DE Patrick Kerney (groin, probable) is active for the Seahawks, reports the Web site of their opponent, the Cowboys.
12:20 p.m. ET -- Matt Hasselbeck active -- QB Matt Hasselbeck (rib, probable) is active for the Seahawks, reports the Web site of their opponent, the Cowboys. The matchup does favor Hasselbeck, the only concern with him being a lack of pass protection, particularly T Walter Jones being out.
12:18 p.m. ET -- Jets IDPs active -- The Jets' official Web site reports that DE Shaun Ellis (knee, questionable), LB Bart Scott (knee, questionable) and LB David Harris (wrist, probable) are all active.
12:16 p.m. ET -- Sims, White active for Lions -- Both LB Ernie Sims (shoulder, probable) and DE Dewayne White (hamstring, probable) are active for the Lions, reports the Web site of their opponent, the Rams.
12:15 p.m. ET -- Ross inactive, Pierce active -- The Newark Star-Ledger reports that CB Aaron Ross (hamstring, out) is inactive for the Giants, though LB Antonio Pierce (ankle, probable) is active.
12:14 p.m. ET -- Adam Vinatieri inactive -- The Sacramento Bee reports that K Adam Vinatieri (right knee, out) is inactive for the Colts. Another week, another start for Matt Stover.
12:12 p.m. ET -- Anthony Gonzalez inactive -- ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that WR Anthony Gonzalez (knee, out) is inactive for the Colts, as expected. Pierre Garcon should get the start yet again, but it's actually No. 3 wide receiver Austin Collie who warrants sleeper No. 3/4 potential. Collie is the one with four touchdowns in the Colts' past three games.
12:11 p.m. ET -- Bears IDPs active -- The Chicago Sun-Times reports that LB Lance Briggs (shoulder, probable), S Danieal Manning (foot, probable) and DE Adewale Ogunleye (ankle, probable) are all active for the Bears.
12:10 p.m. ET -- Gaither, Reed active -- The Ravens' official Web site reports that T Jared Gaither (neck, questionable) and S Ed Reed (illness, probable) are both active. Gaither's presence will help boost Joe Flacco's pass protection.
12:09 p.m. ET -- Steven Hauschka active -- The Ravens' official Web site reports that K Steven Hauschka (right ankle, probable) is active. He's safe to use if you usually do.
12:08 p.m. ET -- Joe Flacco active -- The Ravens' official Web site reports that QB Joe Flacco (ankle, probable) is active. This was expected, but one thing to point out is this isn't exactly the greatest of matchups for him. Some caution is advised.
12:07 p.m. ET -- Browns IDPs active -- The Chicago Sun-Times reports that DE Kenyon Coleman (groin, questionable), CB Brandon McDonald (shoulder, probable), DT Shaun Rogers (foot, probable) and CB Eric Wright (shoulder, probable) are all active.
12:05 p.m. ET -- Steve Heiden starting -- The Browns' official Web site reports that TE Steve Heiden (knee, questionable) is active and starting. TEs Robert Royal (hamstring, questionable) and Greg Estandia (knee, questionable), meanwhile, are inactive, reports the Chicago Sun-Times. Fantasy owners need to make their best effort to find more productive tight ends than those on the Browns, however.
12:04 p.m. ET -- Jamal Lewis active -- The Browns' official Web site reports that RB Jamal Lewis (wrist, probable) is active. If you gotta use him, you gotta use him; that's pretty much the way it is with Jamal Lewis advice. One note: There are rumblings that Josh Cribbs might see some work as running back this week, and that would detract from Lewis' fantasy appeal.
12:03 p.m. ET -- Derek Anderson active -- The Browns' official Web site reports that QB Derek Anderson (hip, probable) is active. Not that we're advising fantasy owners should use him, of course.
12:01 p.m. ET -- "Other" Adrian Peterson active -- The Chicago Sun-Times reports that RB Adrian Peterson (knee, probable) is active for the Bears. With Garrett Wolfe doing an adequate job as Matt Forte's primary backup, Peterson will be limited to return duties this week.
12:00 p.m. ET -- Brian Dawkins active -- The Broncos' official Web site reports that S Brian Dawkins (hamstring, probable) is active.
11:59 a.m. ET -- Bills IDPs inactive -- The Bills' official Web site reports that S Donte Whitner (ankle, out), DT Kyle Williams (knee, out) and S Bryan Scott (ankle, questionable) are all inactive, while CB Terrence McGee (knee, probable) is active. With the Bills down the former three, the Texans' offense shapes up a lot better facing this matchup.
11:57 a.m. ET -- Trent Edwards inactive -- The Bills' official Web site reports that QB Trent Edwards (head, out) is inactive. Ryan Fitzpatrick will start at quarterback, not that he's a recommended fantasy choice.
11:56 a.m. ET -- Texans' key defenders all healthy -- The Texans' official Web site reports that LB Brian Cushing (foot, probable), CB Dunta Robinson (hamstring, probable), LB DeMeco Ryans (groin, probable) and DE Mario Williams (shoulder, probable) are all active. Not that the four make the Texans' defense a strong fantasy play, but their IDP-league owners will be happy about this news.
11:54 a.m. ET -- Andre Johnson active -- The Texans' official Web site reports that WR Andre Johnson (chest, probable) is active. The Houston Chronicle reported that Johnson will wear a padded extension to his shoulder pads to protect his chest and lungs, though that hardly seems concern enough to bench him in any fantasy leagues. Johnson promised earlier in the week that he'd play; he's true to his word.
11:52 a.m. ET -- Jerricho Cotchery active -- The Jets' official Web site reports that WR Jerricho Cotchery (hamstring, questionable) is active, as is WR David Clowney (ankle, questionable). WR Brad Smith (quadricep, questionable), meanwhile, is inactive. Cotchery will start and warrants a look as a No. 2/3 facing the Dolphins, but Clowney drops to third in the pecking order with Cotchery active. Don't bother with him.
11:52 a.m. ET -- James Hall active -- The Rams' official Web site reports that DE James Hall (groin, probable) is active.
11:50 a.m. ET -- Donnie Avery active -- The Rams' official Web site reports that WR Donnie Avery (shoulder, probable) is active. He's worth a look as a No. 3/4 option facing the Lions.
11:49 a.m. ET -- Dwight Freeney active -- ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that DE Dwight Freeney (knee, questionable) is active for the Colts.
11:48 a.m. ET -- Reggie Wayne active -- ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that WR Reggie Wayne (groin, questionable) is active for the Colts. There wasn't a heck of a lot of doubt, but this should make fantasy owners feel much safer regarding the must-start fantasy wide receiver.
11:45 a.m. ET -- Ahmad Bradshaw active -- The Giants' official Web site reports that RB Ahmad Bradshaw (ankle, probable) is active. He remains more a flex choice than a definite fantasy starter, and mainly because these are six-team bye weeks. Still, expect Brandon Jacobs to get the bulk of the carries this week.
11:44 a.m. ET -- Donald Brown inactive -- ESPN's Chris Mortensen reports that RB Donald Brown (shoulder, doubtful) is inactive for the Colts, as expected. With Brown out, Mike Hart is expected to step in as Joseph Addai's primary backup. Don't expect Hart to match Brown's weekly number of touches; Addai should see enough of a boost in workload to be a strong No. 2 option.
11:42 a.m. ET -- Phil Dawson active -- The Browns' official Web site reports that K Phil Dawson (right calf, probable) is active. Not that fantasy owners should care much about Browns kickers, of course.
11:40 a.m. ET -- Domenik Hixon to get a start -- The Atlantic City Press reports that Domenik Hixon is expected to start for the Giants in place of the injured Mario Manningham. Hixon is only worth a look in deep leagues that reward return work; Hakeem Nicks remains the biggest benefactor of Manningham's absence.
11:38 a.m. ET -- DeSean Jackson, Maclin active -- The Eagles' official Web site reports that WR DeSean Jackson (foot, probable) and WR Jeremy Maclin (foot, probable) are both active. WR Kevin Curtis (knee, out), meanwhile, is inactive. The Giants' defensive weakness right now is in their secondary, so Jackson is a solid play in all formats, while Maclin warrants No. 3/4 consideration.
11:37 a.m. ET -- Mario Manningham inactive -- ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that WR Mario Manningham (shoulder, questionable) is inactive for the Giants. Hakeem Nicks should see an increase in targets and isn't a bad fill-in choice in most formats.
11:36 a.m. ET -- Matthew Stafford active -- ESPN's Chris Mortensen reports that QB Matthew Stafford (knee, questionable) is active and starting for the Lions. Stafford was limited in practice for much of the week, so don't be too hasty to add him to your fantasy lineup simply because he's facing the Rams. He's still adapting to this level of competition and might be rusty from all the time missed.
11:34 a.m. ET -- Calvin Johnson inactive -- ESPN's Chris Mortensen reports that WR Calvin Johnson (knee, questionable) is inactive for the Lions after all. Guess he wasn't able to give it a go after warmups. With Johnson out, Bryant Johnson and Dennis Northcutt should see more work, not that either is a high-profile fantasy play.
11:31 a.m. ET -- Brian Westbrook inactive -- Confirming the previous report, RB Brian Westbrook is officially inactive, reports the Eagles' official Web site.
11:28 a.m. ET -- Brian Westbrook not warming up -- The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that RB Brian Westbrook (concussion, questionable) is not warming up before Sunday's game, making it likely he'll be inactive. Third-stringer P.J. Hill is apparently warming up instead. With Westbrook likely sidelined, LeSean McCoy should get the start and a healthy number of carries. The Giants' defensive weaknesses, however, are in the secondary, so McCoy is more of a flex consideration than a clear No. 2 starter.
11:19 a.m. ET -- Calvin Johnson expected to play -- ESPN's John Clayton reports that WR Calvin Johnson (knee, questionable) is expected to play. All reports late in the week were leaning that way, and the matchup does support Johnson being in most every fantasy lineup being that the Rams' defense is awful. Check for official word in a little bit, but if you're doing early planning, all looks OK for now.
