The Red Zone Report

Brady Quinn Named Cleveland’s Starter

This is fairly old news, despite not being totally “official” yet.

Eric Mangini would wait until week 17 of this season if he could, but Derek Anderson’s body language and short press interview told it all.

The golden boy wins again, and is a decent start against a Vikings defense that will shut down Cleveland’s ground game and force them to pass.

Wes Welker At Practice, Still No Injury Report

In other words, there still isn’t any “news” on his status, and only people inside Bill Belichick’s circle have a clue as to whether he’ll play on Monday or not.

However, after practicing Thursday, it’s fair to assume Welker will be ready to play in front of the nation four days from now.

Brandon Marshall to Play on Sunday For Denver

Coach Josh McDaniels wasn’t very descriptive on Marshall’s role for Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals, but the fact that he’s playing should be enough to get him in your line-up.

Hey, you drafted him, didn’t you? Play the guy as a WR3 and reap the benefits.

With Jabar Gaffney expected to miss the opener, the Broncos will only have Marshall, Eddie Royal, and Brandon Stokley as legit threats at receivers. A big day can be had for Marshall, despite missing all of pre-season.

Pierre Thomas Practices, Status Still Unclear For Sunday

Thomas keeps telling reporters that he wants to and is able to play, but it’s still highly unlikely the Saints take that chance.

Reggie Bush and Mike Bell are more than enough rushing firepower to get past Detroit, so it’d be silly of Sean Payton to rush Thomas back, even if he does feel like he’s ready.

Brian Westbrook to be on a “Pitch-Count”

Sort of.

His carries are expected to be monitored in his first extensive action since last year, while LeSean McCoy is sure to also factor in the equation.

Several analysts still fully expect 20 touches, but Andy Reid tends to be more sensible than that. Look for Philly to attack Carolina’s secondary to set-up a committee rushing attack.

Vikings Release Bobby Wade, Look to Sign Greg Lewis

Wade was cut despite taking a pay-cut, and while he was limited talent-wise, was probably one of Minnesota’s tougher receivers.

Instead of keeping a guy who would go over the middle and play for cheap, Brady Childress and co. are expected to bring in former Eagles receiver, Greg Lewis.

Childress knows Lewis from his days with Philadelphia, so there could be limited upside, considering Lewis has decent speed and could stretch the field with Bernard Berrian.

Shawne Merriman to be Charged by San Diego DA?

Merriman was accused by his girlfriend, reality TV star, Tila Tequila, of choking her and throwing her to the ground. She also claimed she wasn’t drunk when trying to leave and drive from his house.

Right.

Still, the San Diego DA is pondering on whether or not to charge him, while the explosive linebacker is still struggling to get back to 100% after missing 15 games with a serious knee injury in 2008.