It will take an "overnight medical miracle" for Kyle Orton (ankle) to start Sunday, according to the Denver Post.
The Post fully expects Chris Simms to get the nod, although Orton has not been ruled out. Orton will likely test the ankle in pregame tomorrow, but no one should be waiting on this decision considering the 4:15 ET start time. Simms was wretched in relief of Orton last week, completing just 3-of-13 attempts with an interception.
Steve Slaton will start for the Texans against the Titans on Monday night.
We thought that Slaton would have to prove he can hold on to the ball before getting his starting job back, but coach Gary Kubiak is apparently convinced. Slaton's role was due to grow anyway because he's clearly their best back, but this a great sign that he has his coach's confidence. Look for Slaton to still share carries with Chris Brown and Ryan Moats, but we like him as a solid flex play this week.
Reggie Bush (knee) and Sedrick Ellis (MCL sprain) have been downgraded to "out" and will not travel with the team to Tampa.
The Saints want to avoid a setback with Bush's oft-surgically repaired knee. Against the Bucs, Pierre Thomas will carry the bulk of the load with Mike Bell coming in as a change-of-pace back and perhaps end-game "closer." Look for more receptions from Thomas. Anthony Hargrove will continue to play starter's snaps in Ellis' absence.
The Giants announced late Friday that MLB Antonio Pierce will be out indefinitely after a bulging disc was discovered in Pierce's neck.
Pierce was "shocked" by the news. He practiced on Friday, but experienced discomfort afterwards and was hospitalized for tests. An MRI revealed the injury, which may threaten Pierce's season. His loss is a blow to a Giants run defense that has underachieved all year. Chase Blackburn will likely take over in the middle, with Michael Boley now healthy at weak-side linebacker.
Coach Tom Cable revealed Friday that Michael Bush will be the Raiders' starting tailback in Week 11 against Cincinnati.
Bush started Week 10 and had 119 yards on 14 carries against the Chiefs, but now faces the Bengals' No. 2 rush defense. This is a situation to avoid in fantasy leagues. Justin Fargas got the goal-line carries last Sunday and Darren McFadden's role figures to grow on a weekly basis as he continues to recover from in-season knee surgery. Bush is only a desperate flex play.
Correll Buckhalter (probable, knee) returned to Broncos practice in full Friday.
The probable tag means the Broncos consider Buckhalter "virtually certain" to be available for his normal role in the offense. However, he saw just two touches last week to Knowshon Moreno's 20 after a first-quarter fumble and may be being weeded out of the offense. Coach Josh McDaniels has shown signs all year that he wants Moreno to take over the featured back role.
Reggie Bush (questionable, knee) missed his third straight practice Friday and appears unlikely to play at Tampa Bay.
Pierre Thomas will carry the load in an ideal matchup, with Mike Bell chipping in as an early-down change of pace back. Coach Sean Payton said Bush likely wouldn't even be available for punt return duties. The Saints want to avoid a setback with Bush's knee, which he's had surgically repaired several times before. They'll likely play it safe so he's available for the stretch run.
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