Quarterbacks

Big Ben shows no signs of concussion, but...
According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger will practice again on Friday after showing no concussion symptoms since returning to practice on Wednesday.

Analysis: Roethlisberger looks like a safe QB1 against the Ravens in Week 12, although NFL.com is reporting that Big Ben has considered sitting out this week despite practicing. Check back on Saturday for more information.


Peyton Manning on injury report
Indianapolis Colts QB Peyton Manning is listed as on the team's injury report for Sunday's Week 12 at Houston due to a strained glute, but he is considered probable.

Analysis: Manning is a must-start in all fantasy leagues for the second meeting of the teams. Manning was 34-of-50 for 318 yards, one TD and one INT in the first meeting back in Week 9 in Indy.
 

Warner takes part in full practice
Arizona Cardinals QB Kurt Warner (head) was able to take part in a full practice session on Friday, although he remains listed as questionable for Sunday's Week 12 game at Tennessee. He told the Arizona Republic that he feels better than he has all week.

Analysis: Warner is expected to start and he should be a strong fantasy play against a Titans pass defense which has been brutal this season. However, if you have the roster flexibility, consider adding Matt Leinart just in case Warner is a surprise inactive for the late afternoon start in Nashville.


Schwartz has no regrets for playing Stafford
Detroit Lions coach Jim Schwartz said on Friday that he has no regrets for starting rookie QB Matthew Stafford in Thursday's Week 12 loss against the Packers despite his obvious pain in the second half.

Analysis: Stafford gets three full days of extra rest before he'll take the field again in Week 13 at Cincinnati. The Bengals are susceptible to the pass, so Stafford might be a deep sleeper in larger fantasy leagues, especially those which use multiple starting QBs.
 

Running backs

Jones still unsure about Sunday
Seahawks RB Julius Jones (ribs, lung) told the Tacoma News Tribune that he still isn’t ready to commit to playing this week. He participated in a limited practice on Thursday. Jones said, “Today was the first day I was able to get out there, so I’ll talk to trainers and we’ll figure something out.”

Analysis: Jones’ fantasy owners should keep an eye out on for an update by the team in the next two days, but even if Jones plays against the Rams in Week 12, he won’t be a recommended fantasy start.

Benson will practice Friday
Bengals RB Cedric Benson will practice on Friday to test his hip injury before Sunday’s matchup against the Browns. Cincinnati will make a decision on whether or not he will play based on his performance at practice.

Analysis: It’s likely Benson will sit out another week and Bernard Scott will start against the Browns, but fantasy owners of Benson should wait for an official update by the team.

Smith should be available against Chargers
Kansas City RB Kolby Smith (ankle) is expected to perform his normal duties in Week 12 against San Diego. Smith sprained his ankle in the Chiefs’ big win over the Steelers in Week 11.

Analysis: Smith will be working behind featured back Jamaal Charles on Sunday.

Jackson missed second straight practice
St. Louis RB Steven Jackson (back) is expected to play this week despite missing his second straight practice on Thursday, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Head coach Steve Spagnuolo usually doesn’t play anyone who doesn’t practice but said he would make an exception for Jackson.

Analysis: It’s likely Jackson will start against Seattle in Week 12, but unless he practices Friday, fantasy owners might not want to take any chances on him for Sunday.

Stewart has full practice on Friday
Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart (heel) participated in a full practice on Friday, but is still considered questionable for Sunday's game against the jets.

Analysis: Despite being listed as questionable, Stewart is more than likely going to start and is a good flex or RB2 against the Jets.


Jamal Lewis limited, but probable
The official website of the Cleveland Browns is reporting that RB Jamal Lewis (ankle) was a limited participant in Friday's practice session, but he is listed as probable for Sunday's Week 12 game at Cincinnati.

Analysis: Lewis is expected to be ready to play, but he'll be matching up against the league's No. 2 ranked rushing defense. Consider him more of a No. 3 fantasy RB or 'flex' option in most leagues
 

Wide receivers
 
V-Jack on injury report, but probable
San Diego Chargers WR Vincent Jackson (ribs) was listed as full participant in practice on Friday and he is considered probable for Sunday's Week 12 game against the Chiefs.

Analysis: V-Jack has a tremendous matchup against a leaky Chiefs pass defense which has been torched all season, including five receptions for 142 yards and a TD by Jackson in the first meeting in Kansas City in Week 7.


Anthony Gonzalez ruled OUT for Week 12
Indianapolis Colts WR Anthony Gonzalez (knee surgery) has officially been ruled OUT for Week 12 at Houston, as he was unable to return to practice this week.

Analysis: Gonzo should be kept reserved in all fantasy leagues until he can officially return and prove his health in at least one game. If you need the roster spot, consider dropping him since you shouldn't be using him until at least Week 14 and by then it might be too late.
 

Bryant expected to play against Falcons
The Buccaneers told the St. Petersburg Times that despite having the day off on Thursday, WR Antonio Bryant (knee) is fully expected to play against the Falcons in Week 12 and is not listed on the injury report.

Analysis: Bryant looks to be a safe start against a struggling Atlanta secondary, but is a high risk because of QB Josh Freeman.
 

Tight ends
 
Winslow participates in full practice
The St. Petersburg Times reports that Bucs TE Kellen Winslow (knee) returned to a full practice on Thursday.

Analysis: Winslow is set to start against the Falcons in Week 12 and is considered a TE1.


Pettigrew out for the season
The Detroit Free Press is reporting that Lions rookie TE Brandon Pettigrew is out for the season after an MRI showed "significant damage" to his left knee. He left Thursday's Week 12 loss against the Packers and was replaced by Casey Fitzsimmons and Will Heller.

Analysis: The exact source and severity of his injury was not immediately disclosed, but speculation is that he has torn ligaments and will require reconstructive surgery. Pettigrew managed 31 receptions for 352 yards and two TDs, including the game-winner in Week 11.


Heap listed as full participant
Baltimore Ravens TE Todd Heap (ribs) was listed as full participant for Friday's practice and he is considered probable for Sunday's Week 12 game against the Steelers.

Analysis: Heap faces a difficult matchup, so consider him more of a low-end No. 1 or solid No. 2 fantasy TE or 'flex' option this week.

Clark not likely to play in Week 12
According to the Chicago Sun Times, Bears TE Desmond Clark (neck) is not expected to play in Week 12 against the Vikings.

Analysis: Kellen Davis will be Chicago's No. 2 TE at Minnesota if Clark doesn't play.