Week 14 Headlines – Monday

12/05/2011 8:13 PM - 

Lots going on today, so here’s a summary of the news that can have an impact on your fantasy rosters…

-Coach Mike Shanahan confirmed that Rex Grossman will remain starting QB. Grossman was his abysmal self on Sunday. He may not be an NFL starter, but he’s better than John Beck…I know, not saying much.

-Gary Kubiak is calling Andre Johnson’s latest injury ‘mild.’ It does sound like he avoided a serious injury, because just like his first hamstring injury, he crumpled in a heap untouched. I don’t expect Johnson to be available week 14, and if the Texans were smart, they should hold him out the rest of the season and get ready for the playoffs.

-Miles Austin is expected to practice Wednesday and play against the Giants barring any setbacks. The Cowboys need to do everything they can do keep Laurent Robinson on the field.

-Kevin Smith’s status for week 14 is up in the air at this point. Smith wasn’t looking comfortable on his ankle, so it’s no surprise he re-injured it. Consider him week-to-week and questionable at best.

-Ahmad Bradshaw was no worse for wear after Sunday’s game. Bradshaw looked good, but the Packers did a good job bottling him up. The offensive line struggled to open the holes for him. Bradshaw is a low-end RB2 heading into the fantasy playoffs.

-Hakeem Nicks had his ankle wrapped, so he’s dealing with a tweak or sprain here. He’ll miss some practice time, but as of now, is no danger of missing a game.

-Adrian Peterson is close to returning, according to coach Frazier. This could be some coach-speak, as ProFootballTalk was reporting he could miss week 14, and possibly, the season.

-Matt Forte was diagnosed with a grade 2 MCL sprain, and he’s expected to miss 2-6 weeks. The Bears are expected to use an RBBC approach with Khalil Bell and Marion Barber while he’s out. Lovie Smith expects Forte to play this season, but I wouldn’t be so optimistic.

-Michael Vick participated in Monday practice and expects to play Sunday against Miami. Jeremy Maclin missed Monday, but said he’s planning on returning Wednesday and playing in week 13. Not sure if I’d trust Maclin for the first week of the playoffs.

-Peyton Hilis is day-to-day with a hip strain. His hamstring came out in decent shape, so this new injury is a concern. Hillis should be left on benches for the first week of the playoffs, against the no. 7 rush defense in Pittsburgh. The Browns offense is a mess and he’s really only a desperation flex play.