Tough decisions looming

By Adam RonisOctober 1, 2010

This is the first week where Sunday will present a real headache as many upper-echelon players are game-time decisions. It’s always best to start the healthy player, but with the Cowboys, Chiefs, Buccaneers, and Vikings on a bye, the options are less.

Andre Johnson missed his third straight practice Friday and is questionable with an ankle injury. Johnson plays at 4:05 p.m. Sunday and has a tough matchup against Nnamdi Asomugha. Johnson has left the game and returned in each of the last two games. He’s a risk.

Pierre Thomas was limited in practice. If he can’t go, Ladell Betts will start and share the touches with Chris Ivory, who is still shaky in pass protection.

Steven Jackson (groin) was very limited in Friday’s practice. He’s a game-time decision in a 1 p.m. game against the Seahawks.

Jahvid Best (toe) is questionable and practiced Friday. Sounds like he will play.

Ray Rice (knee) was limited in practice and is listed as questionable. He’s expected to play against the Steelers.

Clinton Portis (wrist) practiced Friday. I wouldn’t play him. Ryan Torain will cut into his workload.

Ryan Mathews (ankle) practiced for the third straight day and is likely to play. He has a good matchup against the Cardinals.

Louis Murphy (clavicle) and Darrius Heyward-Bey (groin) are both listed as questionable and were limited in practice Friday. The matchup is great against the Texans, but this is a 4 p.m. game, so have alternatives.

Owen Daniels (hamstring) is questionable. Tight end is very deep, so keep him reserved.

Pierre Garcon (hamstring) is questionable and hasn’t practiced. He is not expected to play boosting Austin Collie even further. Blair White becomes a deep sleeper.

Donald Brown (hamstring) missed practice again on Friday and he isn’t expected to play. Mike Hart would get some touches and is a pickup in deeper leagues.

Knowshon Moreno has been ruled out for Week 4.