NFL Game Scout
Week 6
Games:
Sunday
San Francisco 49ers (4-1) at Detroit Lions (5-0)
Buffalo Bills (4-1) at New York Giants (3-2)
Carolina Panthers (1-4) at Atlanta Falcons (2-3)
Indianapolis Colts (0-5) at Cincinnati Bengals (3-2)
Jacksonville Jaguars (1-4) at Pittsburgh Steelers (3-2)
Philadelphia Eagles (1-4) at Washington Redskins (3-1)
St. Louis Rams (0-4) at Green Bay Packers (5-0)
Houston Texans (3-2) at Baltimore Ravens (3-1)
Cleveland Browns (2-2) at Oakland Raiders (3-2)
New Orleans Saints (4-1) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-2)
Dallas Cowboys (2-2) at New England Patriots (4-1)
Minnesota Vikings (1-4) at Chicago Bears (2-3)
Monday
Miami Dolphins (0-4) at New York Jets (2-3)
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San Francisco 49ers (4-1) at Detroit Lions (5-0)
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GAME SNAPSHOT
KICKOFF: Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET
GAMEDATE: 10/16/11
SURFACE: FieldTurf
TV: FOX, Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston, Tony Siragusa
PREDICTION: Lions 23-21
KEYS TO THE GAME: Bears RB Matt Forte found some solid running lanes in Detroit on Monday night and that's where the 49ers need to attack with Frank Gore. San Francisco lacks a dynamic passing game, which is further thinned by injuries to Braylon Edwards and Josh Morgan. The Lions generate an excellent push inside on short drops and storm the edges on deeper sets, so QB Alex Smith's 104.1 passer rating - built on efficiency - will receive a stress test.
The 49ers are thriving on strong run defense and a plus-10 turnover margin. Lions RB Jahvid Best doesn't figure to be a major factor on the ground, but will be an important outlet receiver to keep Stafford out of constant third-and-long situations. No one has found an answer for WR Charles Johnson (NFL record nine touchdown catches through five games), and San Francisco has to pick its poison because the Lions have a pair of quality tight ends who present mismatches over the middle of the field.
FAST FACTS: The 49ers have not allowed a 100-yard rusher in an NFL-high 27 consecutive games. … The Lions are 5-0 for the first time since 1956.
INSIDE THE CAMPS
49ers
Blocking Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh is hard enough, but not knowing who your left guard is going to be makes it all the more difficult. Second-year guard Mike Iupati has the talent and the girth at 335 pounds to possibly handle the 307-pound Suh, but Iupati missed Wednesday's practice with a sore right knee and was limited on Thursday.
Suh lines up often over right guard, but on passing downs he can go anywhere. "You may see me over the tight ends, over the tackle, the left tackle," he said. "You may see me standing up. You never know."
Suh actually got most of his 10 sacks last season from the "joker" position, which stations Suh as a standup rusher over one of the two guards or the center. So far this year, Suh is drawing more double teams and has been limited to two sacks.
Whether Iupati plays or not, Suh will likely be over right guard Adam Snyder during base downs. Snyder faced a similar player last week in Bucs second-year tackle Gerald McCoy, and pretty much shut him down. Snyder is an athletic player, but at only 295 pounds, will have to watch for Suh's devastating bull rush.
Offensive coordinator Greg Roman said he would not switch Snyder to left guard if Iupati is shelved, but instead would put Chilo Rachal at left guard. Rachal started the season at right guard but lost his job to Snyder after week three.
Suh seemed to like the possible machinations the 49ers have gone through on their offensive line.
"If you're not going to protect me from your quarterback then I'm going to continue to hit him," Suh forewarned.
LIONS
Coach Jim Schwartz said it best on Thursday.
"We haven't had a bunch of injuries but at that one position we have had some issues," he said.
That one position is safety and the Lions are down to one completely healthy player. Veteran Erik Coleman, who was the primary backup to starters Louis Delmas and Amari Spievey, was placed on injured reserve Thursday.
He suffered a severe high ankle sprain at Dallas and was still on crutches this week.
"It's tough losing a guy like that," Delmas said. "Having him down is difficult and we will miss him as a teammate, but we've got guys who can step in and play."
Guys might be overstating it. John Wendling, who up until Coleman's injury was used exclusively on special teams, is now the primary backup.
Veteran Vincent Fuller, who was signed last week and played against the Bears Monday, missed practice Thursday with an elbow injury. He is questionable for Sunday.
Both starters are banged up, as well. Delmas has been playing through an abdominal strain and Spievey missed the Monday night game with a hamstring injury. He was limited at practice Thursday.
"I think the guys who have filled in have done a good job," Schwartz said, referring to Wendling and Fuller. "They've tackled well and defended the deep part of the field. When you are getting poor safety play, you are giving up long runs - I'm not talking 20 yards, I am talking 60 yards - and long passes down the middle of the field. We've not had that."
Wendling has already played more defensive snaps this season than at any other point in his five-year career. He made his first career start on Monday and made three tackles.
"I never accepted that I could only play special teams," Wendling said. "My thing has always been, I can play safety in this league and I've always wanted to and I've always prepared myself to. I am going to take care of my stuff on special teams and whatever role I'm asked to do, I am going to do my best, but, yeah, I've kind of been waiting for the chance."
There hasn't appeared to be any drop-off in continuity between cornerbacks and safeties or the cohesion of the secondary.
"It doesn't disrupt anything because the guys who are stepping in are performing just as well," said cornerback Chris Houston. "There's never any drop-off in our room. We don't have to help or cover up any areas. Everybody in our room is professional and they know what to do."
PERSONNEL NEWS
49ers
—LB NaVorro Bowman (neck) participated in all of practice Thursday after being limited Wednesday.
—WR Michael Crabtree (feet), S Dashon Goldson (knee), G Mike Iupati (knee), G Adam Snyder (forearm), DT Isaac Sopoaga (infection), CB Shawntae Spencer (toe) were all limited in Thursday's practice.
—CB Shawntae Spencer (toe) will get the opportunity to win his job back as the nickel cornerback. Coach Jim Harbaugh said if Spencer practices better than rookie Chris Culliver, he'll be the nickel back. Spencer suited up but did not play against the Bucs.
—WR Kerry Taylor was signed to the practice squad. The former Arizona State star is the nephew of former 49ers receiver John Taylor.
—WR Braylon Edwards (knee) said he's aiming to comeback after the team's Oct. 23 bye and play against his former team—Cleveland.
LIONS
—TE Joe Jon Finley was signed on Thursday to fill the roster spot vacated by Erik Coleman. Finley, one of the team's final cuts before the season, spent last season on the practice squad.
—TE Tony Scheffler (concussion) did not practice Thursday and given that the Lions signed Joe Jon Finley to replace Erik Coleman, he could be out a while. Said coach Jim Schwartz, "We'll see. I don't want to read the tea leaves. Joe Jon had a good training camp and he'll be ready to play if we need him."
—WR Nate Burleson has been somewhat of the forgotten man in the offense (five catches in the last three games), but he's not sweating it. "We're winning," he said. "You'll never hear a peep out of me when we're winning. If we're struggling as an offense and I am not getting the ball, I might say something. But right now, we're polished and we're looking good. We're 5-0. I can go the rest of the season with zero catches if we're winning games."
—OLB Justin Durant (concussion) still hasn't been cleared for practice.
—WR Rashied Davis (foot), a gunner on the coverage teams, practiced for the first time since Sept. 23.
—CB Aaron Berry (groin) continues to be limited in practice.
—DT Corey Williams limped off with a trainer during the team stretching period and angrily threw his helmet. He got what appeared to be his left ankle or foot re-taped and rejoined practice in time for individual drills. He finished practice.
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Buffalo Bills (4-1) at New York Giants (3-2)
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GAME SNAPSHOT
KICKOFF: Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET
GAMEDATE: 10/16/11
SURFACE: FieldTurf
TV: CBS, Jim Nantz, Phil Simms
PREDICTION: Giants 30-24
KEYS TO THE GAME: The Giants are coming off a sloppy, turnover-plagued loss to Seattle and have been preaching improved communication between QB Eli Manning and his receivers in preparing for Buffalo's opportunistic defense. The Giants are also looking to jump-start a ground game averaging just 3.2 yards per carry with only one 15-plus yard gain all season. Buffalo's spread offense is getting a lot of attention, but RB Fred Jackson (5.3 yards per carry) sets the table while the Giants have allowed 478 rushing yards the past three games. The Bills are minus their fast player in WR Donald Jones (ankle), who is used to stretch the defense.
FAST FACTS: The Bills have a plus-11 turnover margin and have scored 72 points off turnovers. … The Giants are second in the NFL with a 71.4 touchdown percentage in the red zone (10 of 14). Buffalo is first (75 percent).
INSIDE THE CAMPS
BILLS
The Bills rank No. 1 in the NFL in red-zone offense, a big reason for the team's 4-1 record heading into Sunday's game against the New York Giants (3-2) in New Jersey.
Buffalo is scoring touchdowns on 75 percent of its trips inside the opponents' 20-yard line. The Bills haven't ranked better than 15th in that key category since their last Super Bowl season. That was 1993.
"Obviously, it doesn't take a Yale guy to figure out seven points is better than three," kidded Harvard quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick.
Why the success?
Coach Chan Gailey can point to Fitzpatrick's sound decision-making and the emergence of tight end Scott Chandler, who has scored four touchdowns from short range. Buffalo has also run the ball well in the red zone, as their six rushing TDs attest.
"I think part of it is the system, and part of it is we're all on the same page," Fitzpatrick said. "The red zone is so much about timing and spacing, and everybody knowing where they're supposed to be, and me trusting they're going to be there at the right time."
Chandler, who is 6-foot-7, has provided some good matchup advantages as well.
"Probably if you said there was one thing, it's probably the emergence of Scott Chandler in the red zone," Gailey said. "That's really helped us a lot, because you can still run the ball now. It's not just pass only."
Throw in tall receivers such as 6-5 David Nelson and 6-2 Stevie Johnson, and Bills are getting favorable looks in other places, too.
At times near the goal line, Fitzpatrick has been able to locate receivers totally open due to the Bills' schemes and execution.
In the red zone, Fitzpatrick has completed 17 of 27 passes for 110 yards, nine TDs and no interceptions.
GIANTS
As much as teams would prefer it be otherwise, injuries are as much a part of the game as anything.
However, just because a team suffers a rash of injuries doesn't necessarily mean that they have to write off their season—just look at the defending Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers, who earned the league's top honors despite missing more than a dozen players last season.
The Super Bowl is still a long way off, but for the Giants, who this week could be without key players such as fullback Henry Hynoski, running back Brandon Jacobs, right guard Chris Snee, and defensive end Justin Tuck, they see this as an opportunity for their depth to step in for their injured teammates and maintain the high level of play expected by the coaches.
"In the very beginning we talked about versatility," said head coach Tom Coughlin. "To have versatility is extremely important. And to have the kind of attitudes that guys really want to do whatever they can do, no matter where it is they play, in order to help us win—there isn't any question that it's been a huge part of this."
What's made it easier for Coughlin's team to get through the injuries is the versatility of his players. For example, Bear Pascoe, a tight end by trade, has experience at fullback and will sub for Hynoski if he's unable to play against the Bills on Sunday.
Kevin Boothe, who is expected to start for Snee at right guard, can play anywhere along the offensive line.
Also, Dave Tollefson, a defensive end by trade, could see snaps as the fourth defensive tackle now that defensive tackle Jimmy Kennedy isn't going to be available for four weeks due to a league-imposed suspension.
"I think you see through the history of the league that there have always been guys who, wherever they were needed, they went in and played and played well," Coughlin said.
"So it is a specialist league, but if you can adapt under circumstances such as injuries, then you can go ahead and move forward with your team."
PERSONNEL NEWS
BILLS
—NT Kyle Williams did not practice for a second day due to a foot injury. His status for Sunday's game at the New York Giants is doubtful, but he may try to test his ankle in pregame warm-ups.
—DE Chris Kelsay remains out with a calf injury suffered in practice last week. He sat out the Eagles game and has been all but officially ruled out of Sunday's game at the New York Giants. With a bye week following, Kelsay would have ample time to recover for Buffalo's next game, Oct. 30 vs. the Redskins.
—CB Terrence McGee, who has missed most of four games with a hamstring injury, continued to practice full go and should be able to play Sunday against the Giants. He dressed but didn't see any action last Sunday against Philadelphia.
—LG Andy Levitre, who missed practice Wednesday with a sore left knee, returned to practice Thursday and appears to be OK for Sunday's game against the Giants. Chad Rinehart, who filled in for Kraig Urbik for two games, would start in place of Levitre if needed.
—LB Shawne Merriman, who is nursing a tender shoulder, returned to practice and should be fine for the Giants game.
GIANTS
—RB Brandon Jacobs (knee) missed his second day of practice. Jacobs, who was not outside for the part of practice open to the media, was receiving treatment on his ailing knee. Head coach Tom Coughlin said that there is growing concern about Jacobs' knee injury, which was initially said to be a mild MCL sprain, being more of a long-term issue. "In the beginning I was not thinking it was going to be an issue like this, but he has had swelling so they've tried to keep him off his feet so he doesn't swell. He gets treatment pretty much all day long, but so far that hasn't completely taken care of the swelling."
—FB Henry Hynoski (neck) also missed his second day of practice and appears in danger of missing the first NFL game in his short career. Hynoski has made progress since suffering the burner in his neck in last week's game, but has yet to regain full strength in his right arm.
—DE Justin Tuck (neck/groin) will likely miss his third straight game this week as he's been unable to practice thus far. Tuck, who has been frustrated by the slow pace his body has taken to heal, said his status for Sunday's game is "unknown," but added that if he did play, it would probably be a set number of snaps. Tuck did manage to do some running on Thursday, a sign that he's made progress with his sore groin, but he also said that taking angles was still difficult for him.
—LS Zak DeOssie (concussion) didn't practice on Thursday; however, head coach Tom Coughlin indicated that DeOssie was close to being cleared to return to the field. The Giants, who had tried out former Patriots LS Matt Katula on Wednesday and who, according to sources, asked him to stick around overnight, sent Katula home on Thursday as Coughlin expressed cautious optimism that DeOssie would be available for Sunday's game.
—RG Chris Snee (concussion) continues to make progress, according to head coach Tom Coughlin, but not enough to where he has been cleared to practice again. "Chris is a little bit better each day, but still has his moments," said Coughlin.
—LB Adrian Tracy, who is on the Giants' practice squad, was seen in the team's rehab area, his right ankle wrapped in ice and elevated. Tracy reportedly has some soreness in the ankles in his tendons which he attributed to new cleats.
—LB Clint Sintim, who is on injured reserve after suffering a torn ACL, stopped by the locker room for a checkup with trainers. Sintim, who is almost six weeks removed from his surgery, said he was on schedule with his recovery and was preparing to begin his rehab next week.
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Carolina Panthers (1-4) at Atlanta Falcons (2-3)
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GAME SNAPSHOT
KICKOFF: Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET
GAMEDATE: 10/16/11
SURFACE: FieldTurf
TV: FOX, Dick Stockton, John Lynch, Jennifer Hale
PREDICTION: Falcons 35-24
KEYS TO THE GAME: With the vertical passing game struggling and rookie WR Julio Jones (hamstring) out, the Falcons will come out attacking a Panthers run defense allowing 4.9 yards per carry. Atlanta might lack explosive plays, but should be able to methodically move the ball down the field. Carolina has been establishing more balance the past two weeks, but the Falcons' secondary is where the mismatches are. TEs Greg Olsen and Jeremy Shockey will attract attention as QB Cam Newton looks to set up deep shots to WR Steve Smith.
FAST FACTS: Newton leads all NFL quarterbacks with five rushing touchdowns; no one else has more than two. … Falcons RB Michael Turner has rushed for 512 yards and nine touchdowns in the past five meetings.
INSIDE THE CAMPS
PANTHERS
Don't take the cheese was the message coach Ron Rivera has been telling his defensive backs and linebackers following Carolina's 30-27 loss Sunday to the New Orleans Saints at Bank of America Stadium.
A few times, Carolina defenders were fooled into jumping short routes on third downs and Drew Brees burned them by finding the open man a little further down the field to move the chains.
The Saints converted 12 of 17 third-down opportunities, including two on the crucial game-winning drive that took more than six minutes off the clock. By the time Brees hit Pierre Thomas with a 6-yard touchdown the Panthers had just 50 seconds to answer back.
They couldn't and the Saints escaped with a win.
"We had a couple of things that you'd like to see us handle a little better (on third downs)," Rivera said. "We had a couple of young guys that had to play key positions because of injuries and they threw a couple of routes that were high-low combinations and we drove on the low and they hit the high on us twice. A veteran guy, you would like to believe he holds off and forces the receiver underneath and we drive up and make the tackle and it's fourth-and-3 or so and we're off the field. That's where our inexperience truly shows on the defensive side of the ball."
"The execution isn't there yet," defensive coordinator Sean McDermott said. "It's about guys learning their roles in this defense and understanding situational football.
"If it's third-and-10 we're not jumping a two-yard route. That's really what it came down to. I talked to the players and told them we are young but at the same time we have to develop callousness about us so we don't make the same mistakes twice.
"That is really the thing about becoming better as a defense - not making the same mistake twice because we can't afford to. The third downs, that is what it came down to."
FALCONS
Falcons cornerbacks Brent Grimes and Dunta Robinson are yielding too many pass plays.
Grimes has been targeted on 26 passes this year and teams have completed 14 (53.8 percent). Robinson has been targeted 27 times with 21 completions (77.7 percent).
Both will be assigned to Carolina's Steve Smith at times on Sunday and he's off to a great start. He has 27 catches for a NFC-leading 609 yards. The Falcons will likely bracket Smith with a safety and cornerback.
Robinson was signed to help improve the Falcons' pass defense.
But the defense's league ranking against the pass has not improved since he was signed to a six-year, $57 million contract on March 6, 2010.
After the 2009 season, the Falcons were ranked 28th against the pass while giving up 241.9 yards. Last season they moved up to 22nd, giving up 226.6 yards. This season they are back to 28th, giving up 294.2 through five games.
"Dunta has been solid," coach Mike Smith said. "This year with the offenses, the numbers have just been unbelievable. Right now, you've got seven teams that are averaging over 400 yards of offense per game. That's unbelievable, but Dunta is having a solid start to the season."
PERSONNEL NEWS
PANTHERS
—RT Jeff Otah missed his second straight day of practice with a back injury and coach Ron Rivera is uncertain whether or not he'll play Sunday.
—RT Byron Bell could start in place of Jeff Otah, who is bothered by a back injury. Rivera said there is not much difference in the play of the two tackles.
—DE Charles Johnson sat out practice Thursday with a hip injury. The Panthers expect that he will be back at practice on Friday.
—QB Cam Newton is the first quarterback in NFL history to run and throw for five touchdowns in his first five games.
—RB DeAngelo Williams is averaging more than 10 yards per carry over the last two weeks.
FALCONS
—RB Michael Turner is 12th in the NFL with 360 yards rushing on 84 carries.
—QB Matt Ryan is tied for second, with the Patriots' Tom Brady, with 196 pass attempts. They trail only the Saints' Drew Brees with 219.
—WR Roddy White (thigh) had his first full practice with the team in three weeks. He's played in each game, but had been limited in practice.
—SS James Sanders (hamstring) did not practice on Thursday.
—DE John Abraham (groin) did not practice and is unlikely to play against Carolina.
—SS William Moore (left shoulder) returned to practice and is expected to play against Carolina.
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Indianapolis Colts (0-5) at Cincinnati Bengals (3-2)
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GAME SNAPSHOT
KICKOFF: Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET
GAMEDATE: 10/16/11
SURFACE: FieldTurf
TV: CBS, Kevin Harlan, Solomon Wilcots
PREDICTION: Bengals 20-19
KEYS TO THE GAME: Colts QB Curtis Painter has a strong arm the Bengals have to respect. Cincinnati also sports the league's top-ranked defense while allowing just 3.2 yards per carry, so Indianapolis' offense will largely fall on Painter's ability to move the ball against a solid group of cornerbacks. He has to avoid the catastrophic mistake because the Colts can be competitive in a field position game. The Bengals will keep the ball on the ground and try to keep QB Andy Dalton away from the Colts' fearsome outside pass rush.
FAST FACTS: The Bengals' last two games have come against quarterbacks with a combined 0-5 starting record in the NFL. … The Bengals are allowing an NFL-low 279.6 yards per game.
INSIDE THE CAMPS:
COLTS
For those who expected Colts quarterback Curtis Painter to fall flat on his face once he took over as the team's starter, the wait continues.
Painter, the Colts' much-maligned backup who struggled in brief appearances over the previous two seasons, has played well the last two weeks.
Yes, Indianapolis lost to Tampa Bay and Kansas City in those games. But the former Purdue signal-caller played well enough, for the most part, to win both.
He has completed 28 of 57 passes (49.1 percent) for 558 yards with four touchdowns and no interceptions. His passer rating of 107.2 would rank seventh in the league if he had enough attempts. Not bad for guy who was the target of barbs and jokes from fans and media alike.
Nobody really believed in Painter's abilities—except those players who share the locker room with him.
Even when Indianapolis brought in veteran Kerry Collins to start the first three games of the year, Painter's teammates remained confident. They contended that if given an opportunity, he could get the job done.
"A lot of people don't understand the difficulty of being a backup quarterback in this system behind Peyton (Manning). It is difficult, and there's a lot that goes into it," wide receiver Austin Collie said recently. "I think you take any one of the quarterbacks that came out with Curtis (in the 2008 NFL Draft) and put them in this system and this circumstance, they are going to struggle just as much."
Collie points to Painter's overall skills and abilities that their teammates saw on a regular basis in practice. While the public only viewed snippets of those skills, and plenty of mistakes in cleanup situations, the Colts saw a lot more.
"Curtis is a tremendous athlete," Collie said. "He's a tremendous quarterback, and I really think that's starting to show. You can't judge a quarterback in this system in this organization by the first two or three years. I'm still learning, and everybody's still learning.
"I remember when he came in during the Pittsburgh game (after Collins suffered a concussion), his confidence coming to the line, making the calls, checking the plays, and I think that confidence is just building game in and game out as he's getting more (repetitions). I think that's the one thing that Curtis has needed is just reps. Obviously, you're not going to get many when you're behind the greatest (quarterback) of all time. Reps are Curtis' friend right now, and he's gotten plenty of them so far. He's just going to keep on getting better."
BENGALS
Any time Carson Palmer's name is mentioned, there usually is a flurry of speculation about whether the Bengals will deal him, especially with Tuesday's NFL trade deadline approaching.
Team president Mike Brown reiterated Thursday, though, that there are no plans to trade Palmer.
"I don't have anything more to say on that. I've had my say on that, and it remains all there is to say," Brown said.
Brown said no trades were likely and that none were even being discussed. Seattle and Miami have long been rumored to be interested in Palmer if he were available.
Palmer was slated to make $11 million this season. With the first five games missed, it is now down to $7.6 million. If he would walk in Friday and if the team chose to fine him $30,000 a day for each day missed, he would make $5.33 million.
With Andy Dalton leading the Bengals to a 3-2 record going into Sunday's game against Indianapolis, Brown was asked if he felt the second-round pick were indeed his quarterback of the future, which might make Brown more inclined to trade Palmer down the road.
Brown said of Dalton: "I think he's our quarterback right now, and he's doing very well. I'm pleased with how he's doing and think he can be the guy here."
PERSONNEL NEWS
COLTS
—QB Curtis Painter will be the starting quarterback for the remainder of the season, coach Jim Caldwell reiterated Thursday.
"Curtis is our starter, plain and simple. That's the way it is. He's playing well. He's doing a nice job. And I think you'll continue to see him develop," Caldwell said.
—RB Joseph Addai suffered a strained right hamstring in the second quarter of the Kansas City game last week. Addai doesn't expect to be available for the Bengals game this week and won't give a timeline for a possible return. He did say that the injury is similar to one that he had a couple of seasons ago.
—CB Jerraud Powers (hamstring) is not expected to play Sunday at Cincinnati. Powers strained his left hamstring in the fourth quarter of last week's loss to Kansas City.
—OG Ryan Diem (ankle) has practiced this week and might be cleared to suit up for the Bengals game Sunday. Diem, though, may play guard—where he has played this season—or he could back to right offensive tackle.
—DT Drake Nevis (back) is not expected to be available for the Bengals game. Nevis was hurt against Tampa Bay two weeks ago and did not play against the Chiefs.
—QB Kerry Collins (concussion) started the first three games but has been sidelined the past two weeks with concussion issues. Collins has seen light practice both weeks but has not been cleared to play.
—OT Anthony Castonzo (ankle) will not play against the Bengals on Sunday. Castonzo suffered a high ankle sprain against Tampa Bay two weeks ago and has not practiced since.
BENGALS
—LB Rey Maualuga was limited in practice due to an ankle injury. If he was to miss Sunday's game, Dan Skuta would get the start.
—CB Kelly Jennings was limited for a second consecutive day because of a hamstring injury, and he could miss a second straight game. Morgan Trent would be the corner in nickel situations if Jennings is out.
—S Chris Crocker was limited in Thursday's practice due to a knee injury but is expected to start Sunday.
—RB Bernard Scott could be in for 12 to 15 snaps against the Colts. He has averaged 10 the past two weeks.
—WR Andrew Hawkins could be in on more four-receiver packages. He has played in each of the past two games, compiling four receptions for 49 yards.
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Jacksonville Jaguars (1-4) at Pittsburgh Steelers (3-2)
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GAME SNAPSHOT
KICKOFF: Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET
GAMEDATE: 10/16/11
SURFACE: Field Turf
TV: CBS, Ian Eagle, Dan Fouts
PREDICTION: Steelers 37-16
KEYS TO THE GAME: Jaguars rookie QB Blaine Gabbert has a touchdown pass in all three starts, but he's still battling some accuracy issues and lacks the downfield weapons to keep pace in a shootout. But with Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger coming off a five-touchdown game and Jacksonville lacking the pass rush to exploit Pittsburgh's offensive line, Gabbert is going to have to put points on the board. The Jaguars will attempt to shorten the game by leaning on RB Maurice Jones-Drew, but to be competitive they must be highly efficient in the red zone - and get vastly improved special teams play from last week.
FAST FACTS: Jaguars CB Rashean Mathis has six takeaways in six career games against the Steelers. … Steelers WR Mike Wallace has a reception of 40-plus yards in four consecutive games.
INSIDE THE CAMPS:
JAGUARS
Things aren't getting any easier for rookie quarterback Blaine Gabbert.
Last week, he faced the league's No. 1 defense, Cincinnati. This week, he takes on No. 2 Pittsburgh. And next week he gets No. 3 Baltimore.
And for third week in a row, Gabbert will face a veteran defensive coordinator who is noted for having a good blitz package.
Three weeks ago, it was New Orleans' Gregg Williams of the Saints. Last week it was Cincinnati's Mike Zimmer, and Sunday it will be Pittsburgh's Dick LeBeau.
"The biggest thing is they have a veteran defense," Gabbert said of the Steelers. "They have guys that have been in that scheme for 10 years."
The Steelers, though, are giving up 4.7 yards per rush, and their run defense is ranked 16th. If Maurice Jones-Drew can run against Pittsburgh's defense and enable the Jaguars to stay out of third-and-long situation, it would make things easier for Gabbert.
If the Steelers stuff the run and force the third and long plays, LeBeau can unleash his blitz schemes.
But if the Jaguars can control the tempo on the ground, they have a chance of staying in the game.
And if they run, they can take time off the clock and keep Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger off the field.
STEELERS
When Hines Ward broke in with the Steelers, Kordell Stewart was their quarterback, Jerome Bettis was their running back and the ground game was their main game.
Over the next two years after Ward was drafted in the third round, the Steelers showed what they thought of his potential by drafting wide receivers in the first round in 1999 (Troy Edwards) and 2000 (Plaxico Burress).
On Sunday, when the Steelers play Jacksonville at Heinz Field, Ward needs 13 receiving yards to pass a Hall of Famer, Michael Irvin, for 19th place on the career list. With 11,892 yards, Ward should soon become the 18th player to hit 12,000.
"Not many guys can say they have 12,000 yards," Ward said. "To do it all with this organization is just a great milestone, a great day whenever that day comes."
An even bigger milestone looms, too. Ward, with 20 receptions in five games, has crept with 26 of 1,000. Only seven players have that many career receptions, and only one other who played his entire career for one team, Indianapolis' Marvin Harrison. However, Jerry Rice, the leader with 1,549 receptions, did have 1,281 with San Francisco before playing for two other teams late in his career.
Ward caught two touchdown passes in last week's game, his first game with more than one TD catch in two seasons.
PERSONNEL NEWS:
JAGUARS
—DE Aaron Kampman had a full practice Thursday, a sign he will make his season debut Sunday after missing the last 13 games over the past two years with a torn ACL.
—LT Eugene Monroe (shoulder) was limited Thursday for the second consecutive day, and it is uncertain if he will play Sunday. He came out of last week's game with the injury.
—OT Guy Whimper (hip) was limited for the second consecutive day but thinks he will be ready to play. He moves from right to left tackle when Eugene Monroe can't play.
—CB Derek Cox (groin) was limited Thursday after not practicing Wednesday.
—LB Daryl Smith (concussion) was limited Thursday after not practicing Wednesday.
—RB Montell Owens (knee) didn't practice for the second consecutive day and probably won't play Sunday.
—G/C Jason Spitz (quad) didn't practice for the second consecutive day and probably won't play Sunday.
—LB Clint Session (elbow) didn't practice Thursday after being limited Wednesday, a sign he probably won't play.
STEELERS
—RB Rashard Mendenhall, who did not play last Sunday because of a hamstring injury, will start, but coordinator Bruce Arians said the team does not want to overload him.
—QB Ben Roethlisberger took it a bit easier in practice Thursday with Charlie Batch taking more snaps than normal. The Steelers did not want to put more stress on Roethlisberger's sprained left foot.
—RB Mewelde Moore (high ankle sprain) probably will not play Sunday, which means Jonathan Dwyer, who rushed for 107 yards last week as a backup, will suit up as the No. 3 back.
—OT Marcus Gilbert will not start, but the Steelers are hoping he can suit up for the game as a backup. Jonathan Scott will start at right tackle.
—LG Chris Kemoeatu, who missed last week's game with a chronic swollen knee and has not yet practiced this week, will be a game-day decision. Doug Legursky would start if Kemoeatu cannot go.
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Philadelphia Eagles (1-4) at Washington Redskins (3-1)
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GAME SNAPSHOT
KICKOFF: Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET
GAMEDATE: 10/16/11
SURFACE: Natural grass
TV: FOX, Sam Rosen, Brian Billick, Laura Okmin
PREDICTION: Eagles 31-21
KEYS TO THE GAME: Redskins RB Ryan Torain, coming off a 139-yard game, is expected to lead the charge against Philadelphia's beleaguered 30th-ranked run defense. Also expect plenty of screen passes from QB Rex Grossman against the Eagles' wide-9 front; their linebackers don't shed blocks easily and the secondary hasn't been tackling well. The Eagles dropped 59 points on the Redskins last Nov. 15, but Washington upgraded its front seven over the offseason while Eagles QB Micha
