National Football League

Peterson, Vick, Austin could all return

Published Dec. 8, 2011 12:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Sunday

Indianapolis Colts at Baltimore Ravens

Ravens RB Ray Lewis (turf toe): The status of the Ravens' iconic Hall of Fame-bound linebacker is uncertain for Week 14. He didn't practice Wednesday or Thursday according to the Baltimore Sun, and although he could probably tough the injury out on Sunday, I don't expect to see the Ravens risk him against an 0-12 team.

Health Rating: Ray Lewis @ 55%

Atlanta Falcons at Carolina Panthers

Falcons RB Michael Turner (groin): The Falcons' starting running back sat out practice Wednesday and Thursday, according to the Falcons' official Twitter feed. Although this situation should be monitored by Turner's fantasy owners until Sunday, this injury didn't seem to bother him last week against Houston. I expect to see him on the field in Carolina.

Health Rating: Michael Turner @ 80%

Houston Texans at Cincinnati Bengals

Texans WR Andre Johnson (hamstring): As much as Houston fans would like to see Johnson helping their rookie quarterback, the All-Pro receiver doesn't appear especially likely to play against the Bengals after missing practice both Wednesday and Thursday, according to HoustonTexans.com. It'll boil down to a game-time decision.

Bengals RB Cedric Benson (foot): Benson was limited in practice Wednesday, but didn't practice Thursday, the Bengals' official website reports. However, the report also notes that it's believed Benson was just resting his foot. If he returns to practice Friday, it's apparent he'll be playing against a tough Texans defense on Sunday.

Health Rating: Andre Johnson @ 25%
Health Rating: Cedric Benson @ 75%

Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions

Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (ankle): Peterson returned to practice on Thursday, according to the St. Paul Pioneer Press. If he practices Friday, there's a good chance he'll be ready to go Sunday in Detroit, and Viking fans are hoping dearly for that because their starting quarterback Christian Ponder is also questionable for the game.

Health Rating: Adrian Peterson @ 70%

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Jacksonville Jaguars

Buccaneers QB Josh Freeman (shoulder): Freeman looked especially good during his Thursday practice and made all the throws with the starting team, the Tampa Tribune reports. Barring a setback, he'll be the starter Sunday against the Jaguars.

Health Rating: Josh Freeman @ 80%

Philadelphia Eagles at Miami Dolphins

Eagles QB Michael Vick (ribs): Eagles fans will be happy to hear Vick will more than likely be back this week in Miami barring a setback. He was finally practicing fully both Wednesday and Thursday after struggling with broken ribs the past few weeks. I'd start him this week if I had him on my fantasy team.

Health Rating: Michael Vick @ 85%

New England Patriots at Washington Redskins

Patriots WR Wes Welker (knee): Welker was practicing Wednesday and Thursday, the Boston Herald reports. And although the Patriots may limit him a little more this week than normal, he'll be on the field doing what he does every week.

Health Rating: Wes Welker @ 80%

New Orleans Saints at Tennessee Titans

Saints RB Mark Ingram (turf toe): Ingram didn't practice either Wednesday or Thursday, the New Orleans Times-Picayune reports. If he returns to practice Friday, there's a chance he'll be able to play, but the Saints, who have a crowded backfield, probably won't risk further injury to Ingram.

Health Rating: Mark Ingram @ 60%

San Francisco 49ers at Arizona Cardinals

Cardinals RB Beanie Wells (knee/thumb/hamstring): Wells has been dealing with a knee injury for weeks, but he's been able to play through it. These injuries to his thumb and hamstring are new developments that kept him out of Wednesday practice, the official Cardinals' website reports. On or off the field, Wells is a poor fantasy choice this week, for he is going up against one of the top rush defenses in the NFL.

Health Rating: Beanie Wells @ 70%

Oakland Raiders at Green Bay Packers

Darren McFadden (foot): As much as Oakland needs their starting running back against the undefeated Packers, McFadden won't be playing Sunday at Lambeau Field. He's still not able to practice and will miss his sixth consecutive game, but the Raiders are hopeful he'll be back next week against Detroit. They'll need him more than ever these last few games of the season if they hope to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Health Rating: Darren McFadden @ 40%

Buffalo Bills at San Diego Chargers

Bills TE Scott Chandler (ankle): Chandler didn't practice Wednesday or Thursday, BuffaloBills.com reports. He hasn't been ruled out for Sunday's game, but I don't expect to see him on the field. If he were on my fantasy roster, I'd bench him.

Health Rating: Scott Chandler @ 40%

Chicago Bears at Denver Broncos

Matt Forte (knee): Unfortunately, Forte is out anywhere from 2-6 weeks. The Chicago Tribune reports he received a platelet-rich plasma injection Tuesday to speed his recovery. This may bring him back on the field early, but in any event, Marion Barber and Kahlil Bell will attempt to carry the slack for Chicago in the meantime.

Health Rating: Matt Forte @ 15%

New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys

Cowboys WR Miles Austin (hamstring): The Cowboys' dynamic WR practiced both Wednesday and Thursday, the Dallas Morning News reports. Since he's finally practicing, he's fully expected to play Sunday night in this much-anticipated division matchup.

Health Rating: Miles Austin @ 80%

Monday

St. Louis Rams at Seattle Seahawks

Rams QB Sam Bradford (ankle): Bradford's highly questionable for Monday night's game in Seattle after not practicing either Thursday or Wednesday, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. Tom Brandstater has taken the first-team reps this week for the Rams.

Health Rating: Sam Bradford @ 50%

Health Ratings: So what do the numbers mean?

100-85% = NFL players are tough and despite injuries still perform at a high level. Let's be honest, when is an NFL athlete really physically 100 percent? ... Practically never. With a rating in this range, expect players to perform at peak levels.

70-85% = In this range, a player's performance will be affected, but they can still get the job done.

55-70% = Players with a rating this low will require assistance to do their jobs. The team might be better served by placing these warriors on the inactive list. Only some All-Pros can get the job done when rated this poorly.

40-55% = These players need some more time to heal. Unlikely to be active unless miraculous healing occurs or my rating was based on erroneous information.

25-40% = Players will not play, but show signs of recovery opening the door for a return to the active roster the following week.

< 25% = Players will not play and there is concern additional games may be missed.