Niners' RB Barlow on IR

The San Francisco 49ers signed cornerback Kris Richard and put running back Kevan Barlow on injured reserve with a lingering knee injury.

Barlow has missed three of the 49ers' last four games, including the team's victory at St. Louis, where Maurice Hicks and rookie Frank Gore combined for 177 yards rushing and three touchdowns.

Barlow finished the season with 581 yards rushing -- averaging just 3.3 yards per carry -- and three touchdowns, disappointing numbers for a running back whose job security was in jeopardy when the 49ers were in the running for the top overall draft pick, expected to be USC running back Reggie Bush.

Richard was a backup in Seattle for three seasons before getting traded to Miami in training camp. The Dolphins cut him before the regular season began.

RB Jonathan Wells On Injured Reserve

The Houston Texans placed backup running back Jonathan Wells on injured reserve, leaving rookie Vernand Morency as the starter for the season finale against San Francisco on Jan. 1.

Wells bruised his thigh against Jacksonville last week. He started the last two games in place of Domanick Davis. Davis was placed on injured reserve earlier this week after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery.

Morency has 25 carries for 101 yards and a touchdown in 12 games. He has 12 receptions for 41 yards and also has returned kicks.

The Texans activated running back Jason Anderson from the practice squad to take Wells' spot. Defensive end Elliott Harris was signed to the practice squad.

Brown TE Heiden On IR

NFL.com reports that Cleveland Browns tight end Steve Heiden was placed on injured reserve with an injured ankle, ending his season with one game left.

Heiden limped off the field Dec. 24 during a 41-0 home loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers and never returned after getting X-rays. The Browns did not release details about Heiden's ankle, which was injured earlier this season.

Heiden started 13 games this season, catching 43 passes for 401 yards and three touchdowns.

His 43 receptions, second on the team this season, are the most by a Browns tight end since Ozzie Newsome caught 62 passes in 1985.

The Browns (5-10) will close the season Jan. 1 at home against the Baltimore Ravens (6-9).

Son of Colts' Coach Tony Dungy Found Dead

The AP is reporting that James Dungy, the 18-year-old son of Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy, was found dead in a Tampa-area apartment Thursday.

No foul play is suspected, but a cause of death won't be announced pending an autopsy, sheriff's spokeswoman Debbie Carter said.

James Dungy's girlfriend found him when she returned to the Campus Lodge Apartments at about 1:30 a.m., Carter said.

He wasn't breathing, and a sheriff's deputy performed CPR before an ambulance rushed him to University Community Hospital, Carter said. He was pronounced dead there.

Carter said "nothing evident" was amiss in the apartment, but declined to discuss details.

Tony Dungy has left the Colts and is in Tampa. The Colts (13-1) are at Seattle on Saturday, and team president Bill Polian said that assistant head coach Jim Caldwell has taken over for Dungy.

Samkon Gado To Miss Rest Of Season

The Green Bay Packers have now lost RB Samkon Gado for the year with a knee injury.

Gado tore the medial collateral ligament in his right knee, and Head Coach Mike Sherman said he will miss three to six weeks. The good news, however, is that Gado's injury does not require surgery to heal.

"It's just rest and rehab for him," Sherman said.

Sherman did not announce a starter to replace Gado but said both rookie Noah Herron and four-year veteran Tony Fisher will receive action.

Warner The Latest Cardinal Woe

Quarterback Kurt Warner of the Arizona Cardinals is out for the rest of the season after injuring his knee in a 30-19 loss to the Houston Texans.

He was sacked twice on Arizona's first series, and Arizona coach Dennis Green said Warner injured the medial collateral ligament in his right knee on one of those sacks.

He sat on the bench with ice on his right knee and was replaced by McCown on the next series.

Grossman The Starter In Chicago

The Chicago Bears have returned Rex Grossman to his starting job.

Grossman, who replaced struggling rookie Kyle Orton in the second half Sunday night and led the Bears to a 16-3 win over the Atlanta Falcons, gave the Bears' passing offense an instant charge and a spark it had been missing

Grossman tore a ligament in his right knee in the third game last season and didn't return. This year, he broke his left ankle in a preseason game Aug. 12 and has missed 26 games over the last two seasons.

Instead of putting him on IR, the Bears kept him on the roster this season and now he could lead them into the playoffs. They can clinch the NFC North by beating the Packers on Sunday at Lambeau Field.

Monday Night Game - Player Status

Player updates for Monday night's Ravens - Packers game is now posted on The Final Countdown.

Back Tomorrow Night

Just a reminder that The Final Countdown will return at 8:15 EST tomorrow night with player status updates for the Monday Night game.

Chicago Player Status

Bears inactives for tonight include:

• RB Cedric Benson (knee)
• FB Bryan Johnson (back) - FB Jason McKie starts
• FS Chris Harris (knee) - S Mike Green starts
• FS Todd Johnson (hip)
• SS Mike Brown (calf) - S Brandon McGowan starts
• SLB Hunter Hillenmeyer (thumb) - LB Leon Joe starts
• G Terrence Metcalf (shoulder) - G Roberto Garza starts

Falcons Status

Falcons inactives of note for tonight's game:

• CB/KR/PR Allen Rossum (knee)
• DT Antwan Lake (shoulder)
• DE Brady Smith (toe)

Check Back This Evening

We'll be posting the last minute player status prior to tonight's Atlanta - Chicago game, so be sure to check back.

Oakland Player Status

Raiders WR Randy Moss (groin/ribs) will start today.

Oakland inactives of note:

• CB Charles Woodson (fibula)
• C Jake Grove (knee)

Cleveland Player Status

QB Charlie Frye (knee), RB Reuben Droughns (knee), and TE Steve Heiden (ankle) will all start today.

Other Cleveland starters include:

• CB Leigh Bodden (concussion)
• G Joe Andruzzi (calf)
• DE Orpheus Roye (knee)
• G Cosey Coleman (knee)

Browns inactives of note:

• TE Aaron Shea (calf)
• RB William Green (coaches' decision)

Cowboys - Redskins Status

Dallas has no inactives of note.

Redskins inactives include:

• WR James Thrash (hamstring)
• WLB LaVar Arrington (thigh) - OLB Warrick Holdman starts
• CB Carlos Rogers (biceps)

Bengals Player Status - Henry & Perry Out

Bengals inactives include:

• WR Chris Henry (coaches' decision)
• RB Chris Perry (ankle)
• DL Carl Powell (neck)
• DT Bryan Robinson (foot)
• SS Ifeanyi Ohalete (ribs)

Lions Status - Jones Out

Lions RB Kevin Jones (elbow) will be inactive today. RB Shawn Bryson will start.

Other inactives of note:

• KR/PR Eddie Drummond (knee)
• S Jon McGraw (shoulder)

Check Back Later Today

As usual we will be bringing you the latest player updates throughout the day. Check back prior to the 4:oo and 8:30 games.

Jacksonville Player Status

Jaguars inactives include:

• DE Marcellus Wiley (coaches' decision)
• RB Labrandon Toefield (coaches' decision)
• QB Byron Leftwich (ankle) - QB David Garrard starts for Leftwich

49ers Update

As we reported earlier RB Kevan Barlow (knee) will be inactive today. RB Frank Gore starts.

Other inactives of note:

• WR Arnaz Battle (knee) - WR Johnnie Mortin starts for Battle
• S Mike Adams (knee)
• CB Ahmed Plummer (ankle)
• CB Shawntae Spencer (knee)

SD Player Status - Tomlinson to Start

SD RB LaDainian Tomlinson (chest) will start today. Others starters include DE Luis Castillo (hip) and DT Jamal Williams (illness).

Chargers inactives of note:

• OLT Roman Oben (foot)
• S Bhawoh Jue (knee)

Colts Player Status

Colts inactives of note:

• DT Corey Simon (foot)
• DE Robert Mathis (foot)

Starters include:

• K Mike Vanderjagt (right calf/groin)
• WLB Cato June (knee/groin/ankle)
• OLT Tarik Glenn (stomach virus)
• CB Nick Harper (lower leg)
• SLB David Thornton (chest)

Carolina Player Status

Panthers inactives of note:

• TE Michael Gaines (ankle)
• RB/KR Rod Smart (coaches' decision)

Starters include:

• DE Mike Rucker (ankle)
• RB DeShaun Foster (shoulder)
• CB Ken Lucas (shoulder)
• MLB Dan Morgan (ankle)

Saints Update

As we reported earlier this week QB Todd Bouman will start in place of QB Aaron Brooks (coaches' decision). Brooks is active. Also active, RB Aaron Stecker (neck).

Saints inactives include:

• TE Shad Meier (coaches' decision)
• DE Darren Howard (knee)
• G Kendyl Jacox (knee)
• OLB Sedrick Hodge (ankle)

Pittsburgh Status

Steelers inactives of note:

• RB Duce Staley (coaches' decision)
• OLT Marvel Smith (ankle)

Starters include:

• QB Ben Roethlisberger (right thumb)
• WR Hines Ward (ankle)
• ORT Max Starks (shoulder)
• OLB Joey Porter (elbow)

Also, Backup RB Jerome Bettis (quadriceps) and TE Jerame Tuman (knee) are both active.

Vikings Status

Minnesota RB Michael Bennett will start today. RB Mewelde Moore (quadriceps) is actived and expected to play.

Vikings inactives of note:

• SLB Keith Newman (knee)
• P Darren Bennett (coaches' decision)

Seattle Player Status

Seahawks WR Darrell Jackson (knee) will start today.

Seattle inactives include:

• TE Itula Mili (coaches' decision)
• CB Kelly Herndon (knee)
• CB Andre Dyson (ankle)
• WLB D.D. Lewis (knee)

Titans Update

Confirming our earlier report that Titans RB Travis Henry (ankle) is inactive today. Also inactive, TE Erron Kinney (knee).

TE Ben Troupe (concussion) starts for Kinney.

Eagles Status

RB Lamar Gordon is active but it is unclear at this time who will start at RB. There are no inactives of note.

Rams Status

Rams inactives of note:

• QB Marc Bulger (right shoulder) - QB Ryan Fitzpatrick will start for Bulger.
• OL Rex Tucker (virus)

Titans - Brown to Start

Tennessee RB Chris Brown will start today - RB Travis Henry is reported to be inactive.

SF - Gore to Start

49ers RB Kevan Barlow (knee) will be inactive today. We are receiving reports that RB Frank Gore will start with RB Maurice Hicks getting some carries.

Jets Player Status

Jets inactives include:

• RB Derrick Blaylock (ankle)
• WLB Mark Brown (neck)
• DE Shaun Ellis (hamstring)
• DT Dewayne Robertson (thigh)

Cedrick Houston again starts at RB.

Miami Player Status

Dolphins inactive of note:

• DT Keith Traylor (knee) - DT Jeff Zgonina starts for Traylor.

Note WR Bryan Gilmore (shoulder) is active and available if needed.

Arizona Status

Arizona K Neil Rackers (left calf) will start today.

Cardinals inactives of note:

• RB James Jackson (coaches' decision)
• CB Eric Green (groin)
• CB Ray Walls (coaches' decision)
• G Elton Brown (knee)

Houston Status - Davis Out

Texans RB Domanick Davis (knee) and RB Tony Hollings (coaches' decision) will both be inactive today. RB Jonathan Wells will start for Davis.

Other starters include:

• WR Jabar Gaffney (ankle)
• WR Andre Johnson (leg)
• DE Robaire Smith (neck)
• DE Gary Walker (hip)

Week 15 Sunday Final Countdown

NOTE: For today only, The Final Countdown player updates will be posted on the StatLeader home page (this page).

Check Back Later Today

We'll be posting player information for Saturday's remaining two games later today, so check back.

Week 15 Final Countdown

The Final Countdown for Week 15's Saturday games is now active.

Some Playoff Help

With Week 15 here many of you are starting your league playoffs. Here are some suggestions that might help whether you're seeded first or last.

Start by knowing your league's rules on free agent acquisitions and trades. Some leagues shut down your ability to pick up an FA or do a trade once the playoffs begin while others allow some type of roster moves until the start of the championship game. Why is this important? Three main reasons:

1. As the NFL teams solidify their playoff position, many of the coaches begin to rest their starters. You may find that your QB "work horse" Peyton Manning is only playing the first half or worse yet, the first quarter.
   
2. Player's seasons continue to end (ala Curtis Martin) during the final weeks of the season.
3. Some of the "also rans" want to test their young talent during the last few games of the year.
   

As a result, what once was a solid Fantasy Football championship roster during the regular season may end up as a pathetic mixture of part-time players and patients in the surgical ward at Our Lady of the Fumble.

So what do you do?

Generally most leagues will not allow trades once the playoffs begin. This is to prevent you from getting a star player from your best friend whose team didn't quite make the playoffs. If, however, your league does still allow trades, don't be surprised if the commish or the other owners try to stop any deals you may structure. We're not saying don't try, just don't count on it happening.

As for FA acquisitions, if allowed, do your homework. Look for the following:

1. Which players will likely be rested during the final weeks? Who are their backups? How much will they, the backups, likely be playing? How good are they? What happen last year?
   
2. Which players are suffering nagging injuries that seem to get a little worse each week?
3. Who are the young players that the coaches are indicating they want to give some more work
   

An example of this is the Curtis Martin - Cedrick Houston situation.

• Several weeks ago the Jets coaching staff indicated that they were pretty high on Houston and that they wanted to give him additional reps as the season wound down.
  
• We were also getting updates on the Curtis Martin's injured knee each week. Reports began to circulate on how Martin was "tough" and "plays through the pain".
  
• Then, Coach Herm Edwards gave us another indication of how serious Martin's situation was when he stated that the team was going to do everything possible to make sure Martin reached 1,000 yards to enable him to keep his string of 11 1,000 yards season going.
  
• To us, this was a indication that Houston was prime playoff material. We picked him up of the StatLeader experts league team a couple of weeks ago and recommend you do the same if he is still available.
  

Now, for those of you who can't make any roster changes after this week, try to balance your players so that you have at least one decent backup at each position. For example, We know Peyton Manning is going to be rested. Look at last year. You want to be sure you have a QB that will play and another "to be rested" starter won't be of much help. So who might?

Well, you may want to consider picking up Jim Sorgi (who?) whether you have Manning or not. Sorgi is Manning's backup. Yes, Sorgi completed only 17 passes last year but 16 of them were in Week 17 when Manning was rested. Sorgi's stats for that game? 16 of 25 for 168 yards and 2 TDs. (By the way, if you happened to play Manning in that game you probably remember that he was 1 of 2 for 6 yards.)

Sorgi is only one example, there are others out there. Do your research. Take a chance. As someone once said "To the daring belongs the future", maybe the championship as well.

Aaron Brooks Benched

The Associated Press is reporting that New Orleans Saints quarterback Aaron Brooks has been benched for the rest of the season.

"It's not an indictment of Aaron whatsoever," coach Jim Haslett said after practice Wednesday. "It's an indictment on our record."

Haslett said he was replacing Brooks with Todd Bouman because of the Saints' 3-10 record.

"I think the team will rally around Todd," Haslett said. "This was the time to see if Todd could handle the situation."

Brooks, struggling through his worst year in seven seasons, said he didn't argue when told of Haslett's decision.

"I just took it like a man," Brooks said. "I accept it. Ain't nothing I can do about it anyway."

Need A Back-up Running Back?

So, you made it to the playoffs - congratulations!

Now you are worried that your superstar running back (if you made the playoffs - you had at least one very strong RB) might get dinged or rested during your run to the title.

Take a good look at Jets RB Cedric Houston. Houston is the latest "S. Gado/M. Barber type" fill-in back that may come to your rescue. With Curtis Martin finally 100% out of the way in 2005 (no offense old valiant warrior) Houston should finish the year strong.

In his first start, Houston had 45 carries for 149 yards and a touchdown.

Vick Will Play In Bears Battle

Falcons coach Jim Mora remained optimistic Tuesday that the bruised ribs quarterback Michael Vick suffered Monday night will not keep him out of Sunday's game at Chicago. X-rays on Vick's ribs were negative.

Mora said Vick should play against the Bears, even if he is held out of most of this week's practice schedule.

"Mike is typically a fast healer," Mora said Tuesday. The key is to get him as healthy as possible for Sunday night."

Fantasy Football Impact: With the Falcons struggling to make the post season, you can bet your bottom dollar that Vick will play. That is probably better news for the Vikings than it is for your fantasy team...

Curtis Martin Gone for the Year

New York Jets running back Curtis Martin will undergo season-ending surgery on his right knee after missing Sunday's game against Oakland, breaking a streak of 119 regular-season starts.

Martin initially hurt his knee against Miami in Week 2. The reigning NFL rushing champion has missed five regular-season games during his 11-year career. He last missed a game on Oct. 11, 1998, when he sat out against St. Louis with a thigh injury.

Including playoff games, the 32-year-old Martin had started 126 straight. With his year over, Martin failed in his quest to become the first player in NFL history to start a career with 11 straight 1,000 yard seasons. He finished with 735 yards.

The team said Martin will have surgery this week. Rookie Cedric Houston will start in Martin's place.

Week 14 Final Countdown

The latest pre-game player updates are available now and throughout the day on The Final Countdown. Click on the link above.

Also, remember that there is a special $4.99 late season membership currently available. Sign up now if you haven't already joined and use our unique league specific player performance projections and statistical analysis for yur playoff run.

More Early Fantasy Football Vacations...

Eagles' running back Brian Westbrook will miss the rest of the season with a foot injury. Westbrook hurt his foot in the first half of Monday night's 42-0 loss to Seattle.

Cleveland Browns' WR Braylon Edwards will miss the rest of the season with a torn knee ligament. Edwards tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee while trying to make a leaping catch in the fourth quarter of Sunday's 20-14 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Monday Night Football Inactives

Tune in to Final Countdown for tonight's last minute player status!

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Week 13 Final Countdown

Week 13 Final Countdown is currently active. Members click on the link above for the latest pre-game player updates.

AOL Draft To Play Fantasy Football - Week #13

Top Starters for Week #13

AOL Draft To Play Fantasy Football

1. Shaun Alexander, RB
2. LaDainian Tomlinson, RB
3. Edgerrin James, RB
4. LaMont Jordan, RB
5. Steve Smith, WR
6. Larry Fitzgerald, WR
7. Joey Galloway, WR / Larry Johnson, RB / Torry Holt, WR / Santana Moss, WR / Anquan Boldin, WR

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CBS Sportsline Fantasy Football - Week #13

Top Starters for Week #13

CBS Sportsline Fantasy Football

1. Peyton Manning, QB
2. Shaun Alexander, RB
3. LaDainian Tomlinson, RB
4. Mark Brunell, QB
5. Kurt Warner, QB
6. Edgerrin James, RB
7. Jake Plummer, QB
8. Matt Hasselbeck, QB
9. Kerry Collins, QB
10. LaMont Jordan, RB / Steve Smith, WR / Carson Palmer, QB / Chicago DEF (4 way tie)

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ESPN Fantasy Football - Week #13

Top Starters for Week 13!

ESPN Performance Fantasy Football

1. Shaun Alexander, RB
2. LaDainian Tomlinson, RB
3. Peyton Manning, QB
4. Edgerrin James, RB
5. Kurt Warner, QB
6. LaMont Jordan, RB
7. Steve Smith, WR
8. Mark Brunell, QB
9. Larry Fitzgerald, WR
10. Jake Plummer, QB

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Late Season Fantasy Football Deal

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Every week we provide projected point totals for over 400 offensive players, defenses/special teams, kickers and more. Our projections are based on over 20 different league-specific settings including the default league settings of Yahoo Fantasy Football, NFL Fantasy Football, ESPN, CBS Sportsline, Fox Sports, MSN, The Sporting News, AOL, EA Sports, Fanball, and more!

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Rams Name Rookie Sunday Starter

St. Louis Rams rookie quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick was officially declared the starter for Sunday's game against the Redskins.

Joe Vitt said Friday. "I think he gets better every day, he really does."

Fitzpatrick getting the start was a no-brainer because Jamie Martin had blurred vision and headaches much of the week and hasn't practiced.

Fantasy Football Opinion: Personally, I hope he throws 4 interceptions so people will quit talking about him like he has won Super Bowl MVP three years in a row.

Friday Fright

Well, here it is, time to look at the injury reports and Friday practices to see which of our critical players won't be on the field this weekend. Here is a list:

Out:

• BAL RB Justin Green
• CHI RB Cedrick Benson
• JAC QB Byron Leftwich
• NO TE Ernie Conwell
• NYJ QB Jay Fiedler
• NYJ RB Derrick Blaylock
• SEA WR Darrell Jackson
• STL QB Marc Bulger
• WAS WR James Thrash

Doubtful:

• ARI RB Marcel Shipp
• ARI RB James Jackson
• SF RB Frank Gore
• SF RB Fred Beasley

Also, JAC RB Fred Taylor has practiced the past few days and appears likely to play this weekend. It is unclear at this time what the division of carries between Taylor and backup Greg Jones swill be. Use Taylor with caution.