The Red Zone Report

Derrick Ward to Start Over Carnell Williams

This is awesome news for anyone who drafted Ward and was holding out hope that he’d start to get more carries. Congratulations, your wish has been granted.

Williams, owners, yours has not. As expected, Cadillac’s knee is acting up again, which doesn’t bode well for the rest of the season, his immediate status, or his future in the league.

Let’s hope this is only a one-week set-back. That is, unless you own Ward.

Wes Welker Listed as Questionable For Sunday

Great, just like last week.

Nothing new to report here, other than you should monitor this up to the final seconds before kickoff, and if you can, have Joey Galloway or Julian Edelman ready as your replacement.

Galloway caught his first five passes of the season with Welker out last week, while Edelman caught eight for 98 yards.

Clinton Portis Questionable, Should Play

The Redskins are saying he’ll play, and he’s just being limited as a precaution.

After a weak performance against the lowly Rams, the ‘Skins need all the offensive firepower they can get to avoid being the first team to lose to Detroit in over a year.

Count on Portis starting and having a solid day.

LaDainian Tomlinson Ruled Out For Game With Dolphins

After the offense put on a show against a stout Ravens defense, Norv Turner probably feels fairly confident that Darren Sproles and co. can get it done against an average Dolphins defense.

Don’t bank on Sproles being the guy to start here, though, s Philip Rivers could have a Peyton Manning-like game as the Colts had last Monday night.

Tomlinson should be ready to go in the Chargers’ next game after being able to completely rest his ankle for two straight games.

Pierre Thomas Probable, Mike Bell Out For Saints

Does this mean Lynell Hamilton is the starter if both Bell and Thomas don’t play?

Boy, where has Reggie Bush’s stock gone?

In all seriousness, all Saints running backs (including Bush) offer solid potential, but none can be relied upon, as they keep getting hurt, and we can’t be sure which one will get the most touches.

Play the “safe” card and run with Bush, who should see increased looks in the passing game with Bell out and Thomas hindered.

Jamal Lewis Doubtful to Face Ravens

After three straight missed practices, it’s highly unlikely Lewis makes the start against his former team.

Count on below average production from the rotation of Jerome Harrison and James Davis. Despite not being the projected starter, we like James Davis better than Harrison this week, as he could at least offer something off of screen passes.

But if we’re being honest, virtually no Browns are playable on any week, and especially not when they face Baltimore.