Pittman served his one-game suspension on Sunday, and will be eligible to return for this week's game against Atlanta. He isn't expected to start, however, but Pittman will see some playing time. Pittman could re-emerge as the starting tailback in Arizona if Thomas Jones doesn't solidify his role, so he's worth taking a chance on from a Fantasy perspective.

Rob Moore, who missed Sunday's game against Denver due to a hamstring injury, is listed as doubtful on Wednesday's injury report and starter Frank Sanders is listed as questionable with a sore back.

RB: Thomas Jones, Michael Pittman, Marcel Shipp

FB: Joel Makovicka, Dennis McKinley

WR: David Boston, Frank Sanders (injured), MarTay Jenkins, Rob Moore (injured), Arnold Jackson

TE: Terry Hardy, Tywan Mitchell

PK: Bill Gramatica

Rookie TE Alge Crumpler suffered a strained shoulder during Sunday's game against Carolina. However, the rookie is listed as probable on this week's injury report and is expected to be ready in time for Sunday's contest against the Arizona Cardinals.

Michael Vick continues to see some playing time in certain offensive situations for Atlanta. The rookie QB had 23 yards rushing and a score in the Falcons' 24-16 victory over Carolina. Chris Chandler is playing well, however; so don't expect Vick to compete with him for the starting job just yet.

It's also worth noting that Vick turned up on this week's injury report listed as questionable with a sore back. Keep an eye on this week's Late-Breaking Updates for more on Vick.

Jamal Anderson had a huge game against Carolina, totaling 192 yards of total offense and a touchdown in Atlanta's 24-16 win. Anderson is on his way to re-establishing himself as a Fantasy stud, and should be a fixture in your starting lineup.

RB: Jamal Anderson, Maurice Smith, Rodney Thomas, Travis Jervey

FB: Bob Christian

WR: Terrance Mathis, Tony Martin (injured), Shawn Jefferson (injured), Brian Finneran, Quentin McCord

TE: Reggie Kelly, Alge Crumpler (injured), Brian Kozlowski

PK: Jay Feely

"Any time you're behind, you have to throw much more," Grbac said. "You can still make big plays. But we'd like to see more balance.''

Allen has yet to stage a performance that would allow anyone to forget that last season's starting running back, Jamal Lewis, is out for the year with a knee injury. Allen has 98 yards in 37 attempts over two games, and the running game has accounted for only 118 of the Ravens' 698 total net yards.

Billick promised more playing time for backups Moe Williams and rookie Jason Brookins, but scoffed at the notion of making a switch atop the depth chart.

"If you do, you're saying Terry Allen is the reason we're not running the ball as effectively as we'd like, and that's not the answer,'' he said. "Terry's running hard. It has to do with the offensive line, how much we're running ... It's a total team thing.''

Baltimore's formula under quarterback Trent Dilfer last year was to run the ball and let the defense take care of everything else. Grbac is a better passer than Dilfer, but his effectiveness is lessened when the opposition knows what's coming.

"I think them not having a running game really hurt them,'' Bengals safety Cory Hall said. "When they were in the red zone, we were like, 'If you try to run it, you might get a yard or two, if that, so come on and beat us throwing.' They couldn't do that.''

The passing game wasn't all that efficient, either. After going 24-for-30 against the Bears, he threw 30 incompletions Sunday and was intercepted three times.

"Six turnovers, that's really going to crop up and bite you,'' said Grbac, who often had to leave the pocket to buy himself more time.

"We had to throw the ball 60 times, and 48 or 50 of those times he was running for his life,'' Sharpe said. "You can't do that. We've got to get this fixed. We've got to get going.''

Rookie tight end Todd Heap was carted off the field in the second half of Sunday's game against Cincinnati with sprained ankle and opened the week listed as doubtful on Baltimore's official injury report. ...

Starting WR Brandon Stokley, who had trouble gaining separation against the Bengals, made only two catches and watched most of his playing time last Sunday go to Patrick Johnson after a knee injury slowed him down. ... Stokley is listed as questionable for this week's game.

Keep an eye on this week's Late-Breaking Updates for more on Stokley and Heap.

RB: Terry Allen, Jason Brookins, Moe Williams

FB: Sam Gash, Obafemi Ayanbadejo

WR: Qadry Ismail, Brandon Stokely (injured), Travis Taylor, Patrick Johnson, Jermaine Lewis (injured)

TE: Shannon Sharpe, Todd Heap (injured), John Jones

PK: Matt Stover

WR Eric Moulds was held to just two catches for 14 yards before leaving Sunday's game early with a sprained shoulder. ... Jeremy McDaniel will likely start opposite Peerless Price if Moulds, who is listed as questionable on the team's official injury report, cannot play this weekend.

Asked about his hip during Wednesday morning press conference, Johnson said: "It's fine. It won't keep me out of the game or anything. I have scabs on my knees that hurt worse than that."

Asked about Moulds' possible absence, Johnson said: "We have to step in and pick it up. He's obviously our best offensive weapon, and he takes a lot of attention away from other guys when he's getting double-teamed. They have to worry about him on every play, because he's a guy that can score from anywhere on the field. If he's not in there, we played the whole second half without him last week, but other guys have to step up and we have to run the ball better. I don't know, but guys have to step up because injuries happen."

RB: Travis Henry, Sammy Morris, Shawn Bryson

FB: Larry Centers, Phillip Crosby

WR: Eric Moulds (injured), Peerless Price, Jeremy McDaniel, Avion Black, Reggie Germany

TE: Jay Riemersma, Sheldon Jackson, Dan O'Leary

PK: Jake Arians

"Huntley was inactive for Sunday's game at Atlanta, but could see significant time along with starter Nick Goings in this week's home opener against Green Bay.

"'We'll watch him in practice this week and get a better feel about if he's ready to rock n' roll. I think he certainly approached that point last week.

"'We'll follow it,' Seifert said of Huntley.

"Seifert declared Huntley healthy and ready to play, but said it's simply a matter of making sure that he knows the offense. Huntley missed the majority of training camp with a hamstring injury and still hasn't played in a game for the Panthers.

"'We're letting him get some more reps and when we think that he's there, we'll put him in,' Seifert said.

"As for what to do about Tshimanga Biakabutuka, who had yet another fumble on Sunday, Seifert is waiting to make a decision.

"'I'm not going to make the decision early. I know that you all want that, but I can't,' Seifert said. 'I'm going to have to just play the hand out and we'll have it done in plenty of time for the game, one way or the other.'

"When asked what his options are with Biakabutuka, Seifert said, 'You can just say, "Hey, the man's going to fight his way through it," or you can make a change to where he just doesn't get his hands on the ball. It's pretty obvious what you would do.

"'As far as Tshimanga is concerned, he's worked very hard. I have absolutely no negative feelings about the way he's practiced, or about the way he's practicing to hold onto the ball. But it's not getting done right now.'

Biakabutuka said he doesn't think the problem is a psychological one.

"'No because my knee came and hit the ball (on Sunday's fumble),' Biakabutuka said. 'I've never had that happen before and I've been playing football a long time. I guess there's just bad timing for everything. ... I can't explain it. It's something that's never happened to me before, and it's just happening now.'

"Goings said he and the rest of the Panthers have tried to give Biakabutuka encouragement.

"'He has a dark cloud over him right now,' Goings said. 'He'll get out of it. It's kind of like a slump. He's an excellent running back, and as soon as he gets that confidence back he'll be fine. It's tough. It's all he keeps hearing, and it's on his mind all the time.

'We all have talked to him, and told him, "Just keep working." That's all you can really do. Just keep working hard and it'll go away.'

Reed also reported that the Panthers received some good news on injury front Monday when tests revealed that wide receiver Donald Hayes did not break any ribs and should be able to play on Sunday against the Green Bay Packers. In fact, Patrick Jeffers, who is listed as questionable due to a tender knee, is the only offensive skill player included on the Panthers' injury report this week.

RB: Nick Goings, Richard Huntley, Tshimanga Biakabutuka

FB: Chris Hetherington, Brad Hoover

WR: Muhsin Muhammad, Donald Hayes, Isaac Byrd, Karl Hankton, Patrick Jeffers (injured), Steve Smith

TE: Wesley Walls, Kris Mangum, Luther Broughton, Casey Crawford

PK: John Kasay

"The quarterbacks were informed of the switch during a Monday meeting with head coach Dick Jauron. The message to Miller, who directed the Bears to a comeback 17-10 victory over the Minnesota Vikings, was that he should not look over his shoulder, but rather treat the situation as if the starting job is his for the balance of the season.

"Miller completed 18 of 29 passes for 204 yards, with an interception and two touchdown passes after replacing Matthews, who left the game with bruised ribs. He rallied Chicago from a 10-0 deficit to its first victory of the year, despite not having taken a single snap with the first-unit offense all last week.

"'Once I settled in, I felt pretty comfortable,' Miller said. 'I really didn't have much time to think about anything more than getting us back in the game. It will be nice to get a full week of preparation for this week's game.'

"The Bears have a bye this weekend, so Miller will have plenty of preparation time for the team's Oct. 7 game at Atlanta. The Falcons are one of four teams for whom Miller has played, spending the second half of the '97 season in Atlanta, where he did not make an appearance while serving as the No. 3 quarterback.

"The eighth-year veteran is coming back from an Achilles' injury that prematurely ended his 2000 season after eight games. But he has displayed no physical problems since camp started and certainly showed no ill effects against the Vikings defense."

Dillon was held to 57 yards on 18 carries, an excellent day considering the Ravens totally shut him down in their last three meetings. He had a long gain of 11 yards and showed his versatility with a diving catch in the end zone. ...

According to Chick Ludwig of the Dayton Daily News, Darnay Scott was the missing ingredient against the Ravens last season. He sat out with a broken left leg, and the Bengals were crushed 37-0 and 27-7. His five catches for 82 yards in Sunday's win, including a 41-yarder, were a sign that he's back. ...

The lone negative for the Bengals has to be the fact that place-kicker Neil Rackers missed all three of his field goal attempts against the Ravens. Two of the attempts were over 40 yards, but this has to be a bit disconcerting, after a great Week 1.

And finally. ... Rookie running back Rudi Johnson is questionable for Sunday's game against the Chargers. But the youngster's potential absence will only be a factor on special teams.

RB: Corey Dillon, Brandon Bennett, Curtis Keaton, Rudi Johnson

FB: Lorenzo Neal

WR: Peter Warrick, Darnay Scott, Chad Johnson, Ron Dugans, Danny Farmer, T.J. Houshmandzadeh

TE: Tony McGee, Marco Battaglia, Brad St. Louis

PK: Neil Rackers

Running back James Jackson looked much quicker and more decisive than he did in the opener. The rookie carried the ball 31 times for 124 yards on Sunday against Detroit. While Jamel White was a possibility to start last week's game, Jackson's performance probably solidifies his role as the Browns' starting running back.

The bottom line? Jackson danced less than he did in the opener and instead just used his speed to go north and south. He was impressive. He wants the ball a lot, and the Browns need him to carry it a lot

King also noted that starting wide out Kevin Johnson was much more a part of the offense last Sunday and when that's the case, the Browns play better.

Quincy Morgan scored his first career TD Sunday against Detroit. The addition of Morgan, along with a healthy Couch and Johnson are a welcomed addition to the Cleveland offense. Morgan's speed should continue to help open up holes for the often-struggling Browns' running game.

Wide receiver Dennis Northcutt is listed as doubtful for this week's game against the Jaguars and because he had a broken collarbone in May, the Browns are going slow with him. He still could be another week away.

RB: James Jackson, Jamel White, Ben Gay

FB: Mike Sellers, Aaron Shea

WR: Kevin Johnson, Quincy Morgan, Jammi German, JaJuan Dawson, Dennis Northcutt (injured), Andre King, Tony Simmons

TE: Ricky Dudley, O.J. Santiago

PK: Phil Dawson

Wright gave the Cowboys' offense some balance with his ability to throw the ball deep. He completed an 80-yard touchdown pass to Raghib Ismail and Joey Galloway drew a 47-yard pass interference penalty.

According to the Associated Press, Raghib "Rocket" Ismail will miss the next 2-4 weeks after suffering a sprained knee against the Chargers. Look for Wane McGarity to replace him in the starting lineup.

Starting tight end Jackie Harris is doubtful for this week's game with the Eagles because of a groin injury. Harris has yet to catch a pass this season. Mike Lucky, who caught a touchdown pass against the Chargers, will start in Harris' place. It's worth noting that Dallas placed reserve tight end James Whalen on the injured reserve list last week, effectively ending the youngster's season.

Of all the team's reserve receivers and tight ends, Whalen probably had the best hands. Without him, J.J. Huggins, who has a similar role, will get more playing time.

RB: Emmitt Smith, Troy Hambrick (injured), Michael Wiley

FB: Robert Thomas, Troy Hambrick

WR: Joey Galloway, Wane McGarity, Darrin Chiaverini, Reginald Swinton, Ken-Yon Rambo, Raghib Ismail (injured)

TE: Mike Lucky, Jackie Harris (injured), Johnny Huggins

PK: Tim Seder

"Griese, who's seeing the field like a 10-year veteran, leads the NFL with a 134.9 passer rating. Smith, whose touchdown catch will stand as one of the best plays of the season, has been unstoppable. In two games, he has 23 receptions for 277 yards and three touchdowns.

"If either Griese or Smith goes down with an injury, the Broncos' Super Bowl dreams would be shattered, especially with wide receiver Ed McCaffrey already out for the season."

As reported by the Associated Press, "As much as he wanted to, Denver Broncos running back Terrell Davis couldn't stiff-arm the surgeon.

"Davis, bothered by injuries since his 1998 MVP season, knew in August that he would be heading back to the operating table. He just hoped the trip would come after the season instead of after one game.

"'I'm pretty disappointed because coming off the field, I didn't know my knee was going to do what it did,' Davis said Wednesday. 'It came as a surprise for me, and I was a little bit disappointed by that, but life goes on.'

"After having fluid drained from his swollen right knee several times since training camp, Davis decided to have arthroscopic surgery last week and will be sidelined for at least another month.

"He has missed 25 games since rushing for 2,008 yards two years ago, but he smiled in the face of critics. At this point, any other outlook would be counterproductive.

"'I wasn't even supposed to be in the league,' said Davis, a former sixth-round draft pick. 'So, if I listen to what other people say, then I don't need to be playing at this level. Everybody is entitled to their opinion.'

"To illustrate his point, Davis cited Michael Jordan's return to the NBA.

"'It's kind of funny because Michael is coming back, and how many doubters do you have about Mike? It's so amazing. They act like Mike has never played the game before. You look at that and you realize that no one is above criticism.

"'Mike is sitting back there now and he is loving this. He's loving the fact that people are doubting him right now. It will make him come back even stronger and harder. Same with me. I love it when people talk about me.'

"Davis created a buzz when he ran for 101 yards in Denver's season-opener, but he had his knee drained twice in the next eight days and opted for surgery after the knee swelled again after practice last Wednesday.

"The swelling initially began when a teammate fell on Davis' knee in the first week of training camp.

"'I had compromised it in camp and a some point and time, I was going to have to have surgery on it,' he said. 'I was hoping that it was going to be after the season and not this early. But I knew it was going to come sooner or later.'

"Davis, who initially had surgery on his right knee in 1999, showed no sign of a limp and said he feels no pain in the knee. He nonetheless will watch from the sideline Sunday when Denver plays the Baltimore Ravens in a rematch of last year's AFC wildcard game.

"The Ravens held Mike Anderson to 40 yards rushing last January. Anderson and Olandis Gary are expected to share duties Sunday against a Baltimore defense that has not allowed a 100-yard rusher in 39 straight games.

"'Teams that get away from the run with us usually that's not a good formula,' Ravens coach Brian Billick said, 'but I imagine with the running presence that you have there in Denver, I'd be surprised if they got away from that too arbitrarily.'

"Anderson and Gary each have 1,000-yard seasons to their credit, and Davis said he will accept whatever role he is given when he returns to health.

"'Hopefully, by that time we will have a great record and we will be a team that is heading toward the playoffs,' he said. 'If I am the starter or the backup, I'm going to prepare myself as a starter each week. If they call me to play 10-15 plays, then I will do that.'"

One last note out of Denver today. ... Rookie Kevin Kasper has become Denver's No. 3 receiver. He has good open-field moves and might eventually become a factor in the passing game. Keep an eye on him as a possible free agent pickup.

RB: Mike Anderson, Olandis Gary, Terrell Davis (injured)

FB: Patrick Hape, Tony Carter, Detron Smith

WR: Rod Smith, Eddie Kennison, Kevin Kasper, Chris Cole, Travis McGriff, Keith Poole (injured)

TE: Dwayne Carswell, Desmond Clark, Patrick Hape

PK: Jason Elam

The Lions have a bye this week, but Detmer will be under center when they take on the Rams at home on Monday night in two weeks. That said I wouldn't dump Charlie Batch just yet. ...

Germane Crowell -- like teammate Herman Moore -- is off to a sluggish start this year. ... Crowell didn't catch a ball in the season opener and had four for only 34 yards in the second game. Crowell has been hampered by a knee injury but has not impressed the Lions management with his willingness to play hard, run through his routes or apply himself to the job.

Moore, who is dealing with a lingering hamstring injury, should be available for Detroit's next game, and Oct. 8 contest against St. Louis. The team feels as though the bye week will help Moore recover in time for the game.

Silverstein went on to note, "For some reason, head coach Mike Sherman ignored the running game early, running Ahman Green just three times in 19 plays. Then he smartened up and fed Green the ball. He responded with 116 yards on 25 carries, running with the same speed and power he showed in the opener.

"Dorsey Levens contributed more in this game with five carries and two receptions for 17 yards. Rondell Mealey pounded a tired Washington defense late in the game for 19 yards on four carries. ...

"Freeman got into the mix a little bit more in this game, but it's clear he's strictly a possession receiver. He is still effective in the red zone as evidenced by his 12-yard touchdown reception. Corey Bradford saw his role increase dramatically as offensive coordinator Tom Rossley put him in as the lone receiver with two tight ends on several occasions. Bradford responded with three catches for 36 yards. ..."

Rookie TE David Martin, who left Monday night's game early with a shoulder injury, is listed as probable for this week's game against the Panthers. ...

RB: Ahman Green, Dorsey Levens, Rondell Mealey, Herbert Goodman

FB: William Henderson

WR: Antonio Freeman, Bill Schroeder, Corey Bradford, Donald Driver, Charles Lee, Robert Ferguson

TE: Bubba Franks, David Martin (injured), Bobby Collins

PK: Ryan Longwell

Marvin Harrison caught seven passes for 146 yards and three touchdowns against the Bills and with Indy's passing attack looking more balanced than in past seasons, games like this shouldn't come as a complete surprise.

One reason for that balance is Jerome Pathon, who has clearly developed into one of Manning's preferred targets this season after posting 168 yards and a touchdown on nine catches last Sunday. Pathon has had two straight great games and is definitely worth picking up at this point.

Rookie wide out Reggie Wayne saw his first action of the season last Sunday, but didn't get a single reception. With Pathon playing so well, the Colts are bound to be more willing to take their time developing Wayne.

Wayne should wind up as the No. 3 man eventually, but at this point, it looks like it'll be later rather than sooner.

Fullback Jim Finn is expected to miss Sunday's game at New England after suffering a pulled hamstring this past week against Buffalo. ... WR/KR Terrence Wilkins is listed as questionable with a sore chest. ...

RB: Edgerrin James, Dominic Rhodes

FB: Wes Ours, Jim Finn (injured)

WR: Marvin Harrison, Jerome Pathon, Reggie Wayne, Terrence Wilkins (injured), Trevor Insley, Drew Haddad

TE: Ken Dilger, Marcus Pollard, Joe Dean Davenport, Justin Snow

PK: Mike Vanderjagt

"Arrested on charges of soliciting an undercover officer for sex in the offseason, Mack was the essence of everything the Jacksonville Jaguars didn't need -- an embarrassment to himself and the team, a troublemaker, and a high-priced one at that, since he was a third-year veteran.

"But it was the irascible Tom Coughlin, of all people, who gave Mack a chance to keep his job in training camp. Mack succeeded, and with Fred Taylor injured, Mack will make his third career start Sunday when the Jaguars play the Cleveland Browns.

"'He made a mistake,' Coughlin said. 'He embarrassed himself, embarrassed the franchise. Certainly, it was not a pleasant time. I've spent a lot of time with him. Over the years, I've gotten to know where he's coming from. I didn't think the answer was to take Stacey Mack and eliminate him from the program.'

"Mack says his legal troubles are behind him. Still, the incident report from July 18 is something the soft-spoken running back would rather not talk about.

"He was arrested late in the afternoon on a busy street in Jacksonville on charges of offering $15 for oral sex to an undercover officer working a prostitution sting. He was released on $1,500 bond. After the arrest, a police spokesman said Mack 'was more concerned about coach Coughlin than anything else.'

"'I worried about it,' Mack said. 'I talked to him. He talked to me. He told me I needed to have a good camp. He was mad, of course. But he never talked about me losing my job.'

"Even though he was scheduled to make $389,000 -- about $170,000 over the minimum -- and the Jaguars were hurting for room under the salary cap, Mack was given the chance to make the team.

"He responded with a solid training camp, showing the same straight-ahead running power and explosive burst that helped him get the job three years ago, when he came to Jacksonville as an undrafted rookie out of Temple.

"When Taylor went out of last week's game with an injured groin, Mack came through quickly, running for 12 and 4 yards on consecutive plays, then breaking a 22-yard touchdown run that proved the difference in a 13-6 win over Tennessee.

"Mack finished with 80 yards and earned a game ball for his effort off the bench.

"'Stacey's a very aggressive, hard runner,' left tackle Tony Boselli said. 'Obviously, he doesn't have the breakaway speed that Fred does. But who does? He's capable of going 30 or 40 yards, and he's shown he can do it against a good defense.'

"Now, the Jaguars need him to do it over the long haul.

"Taylor is expected to be out until at least the middle of October, probably longer. Behind Mack, the Jaguars have very little depth -- free agent rookie Elvis Joseph and Frank Moreau, who was acquired off waivers before the season.

"'It's an opportunity I'm glad to have,' said Mack, who started twice in place of Taylor last year before going on injured reserve himself. 'I've just got to run with it, run hard, and do the best I possibly can.'"

One last note out of Jacksonville today: Mark Brunell enjoyed a workmanlike, relatively mistake-free day against Tennessee with 235 yards, no interceptions and a 90.8 rating. For Brunell, who had been tormented by the Titans' defense in the past, that was an achievement.

RB: Stacey Mack, Frank Moreau, Elvis Joseph, Fred Taylor (injured)

FB: Patrick Washington

WR: Jimmy Smith, Keenan McCardell, Sean Dawkins, Alvis Whitted, Damon Gibson, Randal Williams

TE: Kyle Brady, Damon Jones

PK: Mike Hollis, Jim Tarle

"The defense is showing the strain of the offense's struggles. The Chiefs came up with three turnovers against the Giants but were unable to take the ball away when it mattered most. The Chiefs, trailing by 10 points, gave up the ball with more than seven minutes remaining. They never got it back.

"Dick Vermeil has yet to be rewarded for his faith in either Trent Green or, except for Derrick Alexander, a suspect group of wide receivers. His game plans can't be faulted. The Chiefs just don't have enough to execute them properly."

On a more positive note. ... Alexander was able to take part in Wednesday's practice, but it's not yet clear whether the injured Achilles' tendon that's bothered him for more than a month now has fully recovered following a week off. Vermeil has stated repeatedly that Alexander won't return to the lineup until he's 100 percent.

Rookie wide out Marvin "Snoop" Minnis probably will not play against the Redskins this Sunday because of the concussion he sustained against the Giants. "He's very doubtful," head coach Dick Vermeil said. "I was told that he would not play, and unless something changes between now and Sunday, we are not planning on having Snoop Minnis. He does not have a history of concussions, and that's a plus. He had a Grade 2 concussion, and that's a little bit more severe than just getting up woozy. Procedure today, more so than ever before, is to go on the cautious side."

Minnis spent Sunday evening in the hospital before being released Monday. Chris Thomas or Larry Parker might start in his place although it's worth noting that team officials have contacted Derrick Mayes, who was cut by the team late in training camp.

RB: Priest Holmes, Mike Cloud, Derrick Blaylock

FB: Tony Richardson, Jermaine Williams

WR: Derrick Alexander (injured), Chris Thomas, Marvin Minnis (injured), Larry Parker, Dante Hall

TE: Tony Gonzalez, Jason Dunn, Mikhael Ricks

PK: Todd Peterson

Lamar Smith had 92 yards, not a bad day after being held to four yards on eight carries in the playoff loss to the Raiders in January. Smith was decisive with his cuts and knew when to protect the ball.

Travis Minor took a step toward winning the Dolphins' third-down back job with his play on the game-winning touchdown drive, the Miami Herald reports. Minor caught one pass for 8 yards and ran once for 1 yard. More importantly, he did a nice job of picking up the pass rush to protect Fiedler. ... J.J. Johnson played decently at that position for much of the game, but missed two blocks that resulted in Fiedler taking shots from a Raider defender.

Starting wide out Oronde Gadsden, who has made some stunning catches in practice this season, had 70 yards receiving against Oakland and might be the most underrated receiver in the NFL. His size combined with his enormous hands make Gadsden the Dolphins best red zone receiving target and eight to 10 touchdowns aren't out of the question for Gadsden this season.

It's worth noting that fellow starter James McKnight had two critical drops, which is uncharacteristic of what he's shown to date. ... Former Jet Dedric Ward made his debut and had two catches in the game-winning drive.

Starting fullback Robert Konrad will miss this week's game against the Rams after suffering a sprained ankle on the first play of Miami's second possession against the Raiders. ... Deon Dyer will get the start in Konrad's absence. ...

RB: Lamar Smith, Travis Minor, J.J. Johnson

FB: Deon Dyer, Rob Konrad (injured)

WR: Oronde Gadsden, James McKnight, Chris Chambers, Dedric Ward, Jeff Ogden

TE: Hunter Goodwin, Jed Weaver, Ed Perry

PK: Olindo Mare

"'I was really disappointed in myself,' said Carter, whose sideline tirades during Minnesota's 17-10 loss to Chicago served as an obvious sign of the Vikings' frustration with their sluggish offensive start.

"'It was a tremendous mistake on my part,' he said Wednesday. 'Not the information I was trying to give, which we do every week -- because that's how you adjust in the game -- but in how the information was presented.'

"Carter yelled at quarterback Daunte Culpepper and some assistant coaches after a handful of failed drives in Sunday's defeat. Randy Moss also was seen shouting.

"Minnesota's once-powerful offense has scored just 23 points during an 0-2 start.

"Carter had just one reception against Chicago, and Moss still doesn't have a touchdown or a gain longer than 28 yards. The Vikings, still dealing with Korey Stringer's death during training camp, are 0-2 for the first time since 1984.

"'It's kind of a culmination of a lot of frustration for several weeks,' Carter said.

"Coach Dennis Green spoke with Carter about toning down his behavior.

"'For me, it wasn't big at all,' Culpepper said. 'My main thing is us putting points on the board. ... People are always suggesting things. Everybody is trying to help and everybody wants to win. It doesn't make it any harder for me because I know what to block out and what not to.'

"Carter was confident he hadn't upset the team's chemistry.

"'The Chicago game was a test,' Carter said. 'I flunked. But I think that during the course of my career and the course of my life that I have enough tests where I have gotten a lot of A's and a lot of extra credit. I haven't flunked the course. I just flunked the exam.'"

Just for the record. ... Culpepper threw for 233 yards and a touchdown and rushed eight times for 42 yards during Sunday's game in Chicago. While his stats the first two weeks haven't been horrible, they are a far cry from the dominant Fantasy stats his owners were expecting before the start of the season. Culpepper is still one of the best Fantasy QBs available and you shouldn't rush to get rid of him at a discounted price, but don't be surprised if he's a little more inconsistent this year than last.

Rookie running back Michael Bennett was held to just 56 yards on 16 carries Sunday in Chicago and was held scoreless for a second straight game. It's going to be very hard for him to offer you great Fantasy stats if the Vikings are forced to lean more on their passing game due to being behind in the score.

RB: Michael Bennett, Doug Chapman, Travis Prentice

FB: Jimmy Kleinsasser, Harold Morrow, Matt Snider

WR: Randy Moss, Cris Carter, Jake Reed, Chris Walsh, Troy Walters, Nate Jacquet

TE: Byron Chamberlain, Andrew Jordan, Matt Cercone

PK: Gary Anderson

"With Drew Bledsoe sidelined at least two weeks, Brady gets a chance to justify that Sunday for the New England Patriots.

"'When I first got here I thought, if you didn't know Bledsoe was the man, you would think this was Brady's team. That's the type of confidence he brings,' said Patten, who signed as a free agent last March.

"Brady, in his second year out of Michigan, seemed destined for a season on the sidelines behind the durable Bledsoe, who played in his 124th out of a possible 130 games last Sunday.

"But late in that 10-3 loss to the New York Jets, Bledsoe was hit hard by linebacker Mo Lewis. Bledsoe had a chest tube inserted to handle internal bleeding and remained at Massachusetts General Hospital on Wednesday.

"Coach Bill Belichick said Bledsoe would miss at least two weeks. Meanwhile, Brady, a sixth-round "-draft choice, is slated to start Sunday against Indianapolis with Damon Huard backing him up.

"The wide receivers seem comfortable with that.

"'Tom's been around,' said Troy Brown, drafted in 1993 with Bledsoe. 'Tom's really a confident person already. He's outspoken and he has true leadership ability.'

"Bert Emanuel, signed as a free agent in the offseason, agrees.

"'Everybody feels comfortable with him,' said Emanuel, a college quarterback who could move from receiver if Brady and Huard both are hurt Sunday. 'We're not going to be less enthused about this game knowing that Tom's going to be the guy.'

"Belichick said the Patriots want a clearer idea of how long Bledsoe will be out before deciding whether to sign another quarterback.

"For now, Huard gives them an experienced player whose last start was last season against Indianapolis for Miami.

"'You never know when you're going to have to step up there and lead the team to victory,' said Huard, who started six games for the Dolphins the past two seasons. 'So you prepare the same way whether you're the starter, the second string or the third teamer.'

"After Bledsoe was hurt, Brady completed five of 10 passes for 46 yards on the final series last Sunday. But his last four passes fell incomplete, the final one dropping at the 1-yard line as the game ended.

"'Maybe he could have done a little bit more, but I think he certainly came into a tough situation and handled himself well,' Belichick said.

"Last season, Brady completed one of three passes and was the third-stringer behind John Friesz, who was released after the season. This year, he passed Huard on the depth chart after the final preseason game.

"'That's not anything negative against Damon,' Belichick said. 'It's more of a positive of what Brady was able to do.'

"Brady hardly seems nervous about his task: taking over for the first player drafted in 1993, facing the unbeaten, high-scoring Colts and trying to bring the Patriots their first win.

"'I'm ready to go,' said Brady, who doesn't expect the game plan to be limited because of his inexperience. 'This is what you prepare for. You don't sit on an active roster to never expect to play. If that's the way I thought, I would never be here in the first place.'

"He's excited about his chance to take over for Bledsoe but is aware of how he got it.

"'It's hard to be overly excited from my standpoint just because he's a friend that's in the hospital,' Brady said. 'You don't get excited about something like that.'"

It's worth noting that the Patriots invited former Saints quarterback Billy Joe Tolliver and former Falcons quarterback Eric Zeier for workouts on Tuesday night.

As of Wednesday morning neither quarterback was sure which one if either would become a Patriot.

"We're both sitting around and waiting up here because they don't know how Drew is yet," Tolliver told reporters while waiting with Zeier at the Patriots complex this morning. "They told us they want us to they want us to stay up here today. So, we're just sitting and waiting."

Starting halfback Antowain Smith had just 20 yards on 10 carries last Sunday and did not look sharp on several goal-line carries. ... But with J.R. Redmond listed as questionable heading into this week's game against the Colts, we're not likely to see any changes this week. ...

Starting fullback Marc Edwards had 31 rushing yards and six catches Sunday -- both team highs -- but the former Niner and Brown also had two costly fumbles. It will be interesting to see what the Patriots do with Edwards's role next week. The fumbles won't be tolerated, but some wonder if Edwards might be the best goal-line runner on the roster.

One last note out of New England this afternoon: Wide receiver Torrance Small, who was released by New England on Sunday, re-signed with the team Tuesday. ... Try to temper your enthusiasm.

RB: Antowain Smith, J.R. Redmond (injured), Kevin Faulk

FB: Marc Edwards, Patrick Pass

WR: Bert Emanuel, Troy Brown, David Patten, Charles Johnson, Torrance Small

TE: Rod Rutledge, Jermaine Wiggins

PK: Adam Vinatieri

Now that Connell, who had been battling a hamstring injury and low blood sugar, is healthy, he could push Willie Jackson for playing time. Connell may even regain his starting WR role.

One player who might not be at full speed is tight end Cam Cleeland, who told reporters this week that his Achilles' tendon is still sore.

Cleeland, who is listed as questionable on this week's injury report, will probably not miss any playing time because of the soreness, although he may miss some practices.

According to Times-Picayune reporter Jeff Duncan, "Cleeland needs a big season as much as any player on the roster. He is coming off two injury-riddled seasons and is an unrestricted free agent after this year. Cleeland has incredible athletic skills for someone 6-4 and 270 pounds. He is a difficult matchup for opposing defenses because of his size and the fact that he can outrun most linebackers on deep routes. His size makes him an ideal target over the middle.

"Cleeland's hand-eye coordination was honed during his years as a standout baseball player in high school and college. His hands are soft and sure. Saints coaches think he has Tony Gonzalez-like skills and would be an annual Pro Bowl player if he could stay healthy. He must prove to the staff, his teammates and himself that he can fight through the nagging injuries that accompany the sport."

Duncan also noted that one of the most disappointing aspects of Aaron Brooks' performance against Buffalo was his ball-handling skills. Brooks fumbled two balls in the first half because of poor ball security, an area the third-year veteran worked hard to improve this offseason.

Brooks recovered both balls but the lost yardage helped kill drives. Coaches have worked hard to get Brooks to protect the ball better because he has a habit of carrying the ball loose and away from his body, especially when making moves to avoid defenders.

RB: Ricky Williams, Deuce McAllister, Fred McAfee

FB: Terrelle Smith, Moran Norris, Kevin Houser

WR: Joe Horn, Willie Jackson, Albert Connell, Robert Wilson, Onomo Ojo, Michael Lewis

TE: Cam Cleeland (injured), Lamont Hall, Dave Stachelski

PK: John Carney

"But he will play -- getting his first game action of the year Sunday against New Orleans.

"'What am I going to say? It's great pain. It's a little pain. It all hurts,' Hilliard said Wednesday after practicing for Sunday's home opener against the Saints at Giants Stadium.

"After missing the entire training camp and preseason, Hilliard started working with the offense last week.

"'The thing that is hard to get from him, and to understand is: how much is the pain?' Giants coach Jim Fassel said. 'The pain is OK to play through a certain period and then he's sore the next day. I think he understands where we are in the season, and where he is post-surgery, and he is going to play with some pain.'

"Fassel is hoping to get 15 to 20 plays Sunday from Hilliard, who led the Giants with eight touchdown catches last year.

"While Joe Jurevicius (12 catches for 166 yards) has played well starting in place of him, Hilliard's talents on third down and near the goal line have been missed.

"In the last three seasons, the former first-round draft choice has caught 178 passes for 2,498 yards and 13 TDs.

"'He is special,' offensive coordinator Sean Payton said. 'At first it may be baby steps in getting him into the flow of the offense, but if he makes one third-down catch, maybe it's one more than we would have had, and it might be the one that keeps a drive going for a touchdown that will be the difference.'

"Hilliard, who has a high tolerance for pain, can't wait to play again. This is the longest he has been sidelined since suffering a severe neck injury and undergoing surgery after the second game of his rookie season in 1997.

"'Ike is one of those play-makers we need,' said halfback Tiki Barber. 'When he gets into the open field, watch out! That's a good weapon to have back. I don't know how many plays he is going to get but the fact he is there is encouraging.'

"Even Jurevicius is happy to see Hilliard back.

"'Ike Hilliard makes the New York Giants a better football team,' Jurevicius said. 'I have things I can offer this team to make it a better football team, but if you add Ike to the mix it gives us more options.'

"Neither player seems concerned about their playing time.

"'For the time being or until Ike is ready, I will start,' Jurevicius said. 'I'll continue to try to do the job to the best of my ability. But when Ike gets in there, it gives us another receiver reliable in tough situations who can help us move the football.'

"Hilliard said the starting job belongs to Jurevicius.

"'I just want to come in and make plays,' Hilliard said. 'That's not my call to say, 'Who is starting?' Right now, it's Joe Jurevicius' job, and it may be that for the entire season. Who knows? I'm not worried about that. My job is to go in when my number is called.'"

Kerry Collins passed for 210 yards but had no touchdowns and three interceptions in Sunday's win over Kansas City. However, it would be a mistake to get down on the former first-round pick based on this one game. ... Second-year running back Ron Dayne scored the only touchdown of the game Sunday in Kansas City, and had 46 rushing yards on 16 carries to lead the team in both categories.

Dayne should continue to get a fair amount of work in the Giants' running game, and is a good pickup if he's still available in your league.

RB: Tiki Barber, Ron Dayne, Damon Washington

FB: Greg Comella, Anthony Green

WR: Amani Toomer, Joe Jurevicius, Ike Hilliard, Ron Dixon, Thabiti Davis, Pat Woodcock

TE: Howard Cross, Dan Campbell, Marcellus Rivers

PK: Morten Andersen, Owen Pochman

"It's always good to establish a strong running game, but at some point, the Jets must build off that. They must develop a better play-action passing game, getting the wideouts more involved downfield.

"Wide receiver Laveranues Coles is a real talent. They have to get him the ball. He has the speed to be a playmaker."

Cimini is right. So far this season Martin has handled 46 percent of the Jets' offensive plays. He's had 45 rushes and nine receptions out of 118 total plays.

And you can probably forget about the team's plan to spell him with rookie Lamont Jordan. Jordan has three carries in the last two games.

It's also worth noting that Matthew Hatchette has not caught a single pass in the Jets' first two games. On Monday, a day after the Jets called exactly zero plays for Hatchette, he was the first player to leave the training complex. He was seen walking briskly to his car as reporters were entering the locker room. ... Hatchette may be slipping behind Kevin Swayne for Jets' third receiver spot.

One last note here. ... Running back Chad Morton is listed as questionable for Monday night's game against the Niners due to a sore ankle. ...

RB: Curtis Martin, Lamont Jordan, Chad Morton (injured)

FB: Richie Anderson, Jerald Sowell

WR: Wayne Chrebet, Laveranues Coles, Matthew Hatchette, Kevin Swayne, Windrell Hayes, Santana Moss (injured)

TE: Anthony Becht, James Dearth

PK: John Hall

"We also learned that the Raiders still possess a burning need for a receiver to help take pressure off starters Tim Brown and Jerry Rice. Teams are double-teaming Brown and Rice and taking their chances with Gannon throwing to other receivers, especially running backs. That likely won't change until someone such as James Jett, Jerry Porter or Marcus Knight proves he is a legitimate deep threat and viable option for Gannon to throw to more than once or twice a game."

The bad news in Oakland this week is an MRI taken Monday revealed that Raiders center Barret Robbins suffered a torn right ACL in Sunday's game. The Raiders have not placed him on injured reserve just yet, but the thinking is that Robbins is done for the year. "It will be a big blow for us if he is out for a long period," tackle Lincoln Kennedy told the Sacramento Bee. "For those who don't understand the value of a center, he is like the quarterback of the line. He calls out a lot of the blocking assignments on the line of scrimmage. We follow his lead."

Barrett's absence could a problem long-term for Wheatley and Garner, but those who follow the team closely believe the Raiders will run the ball with ease against the Seahawks and Cowboys over the next two weeks regardless of their starting center.

One last note out of Oakland today. ... Wheatley is listed as probable on this week's injury report due to an unspecified neck injury. ... There's no reason to believe the injury will be a problem at this point, but keep an eye on this week's Late-Breaking Updates just in case.

RB: Tyrone Wheatley, Charlie Garner, Randy Jordan, Terry Kirby

FB: Jon Ritchie, Zack Crockett

WR: Tim Brown, Jerry Rice, Jerry Porter, David Dunn, Marcus Knight, James Jett

TE: Roland Williams, Mondriel Fulcher, Jeremy Brigham

PK: Sebastian Janikowski

Rookie Correll Buckhalter. The rookie running back carried the ball 18 times for 52 yards in Staley's absence, is expected to start at halfback against the Cowboys this Sunday.

Donovan McNabb threw for 283 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for another during Sunday's game in Seattle. He looked like the same solid Fantasy model he was in 2000, and continues to be a reliable weekly starter in any league.

And after getting off to a slow start in the team's season opener, James Thrash emerged as McNabb's favorite target against Seattle, catching 10 passes for 165 yards and two touchdowns. It was the best performance by an Eagles receiver since Fred Barnett had 11 catches for 173 yards against Arizona in 1994. ...

It's worth noting that Todd Pinkston and Na Brown were held to just one catch each, and Pinkston dropped a pass. ... Reserve wide out Gari Scott is listed as questionable for this week's game after suffering a sprained ankle against the Seahawks. ... And finally. ... Rookie receiver Freddie Mitchell, who missed last week's game due to a sore hamstring, is listed as probable for this week's game.

RB: Correll Buckhalter, Brian Mitchell, Duce Staley (injured)

FB: Cecil Martin, Jamie Reader

WR: James Thrash, Todd Pinkston, Na Brown, Freddie Mitchell, Gari Scott (injured), Dameane Douglas

TE: Chad Lewis, Jeff Thomason, Tony Stewart, Mike Bartrum

PK: David Akers

If Burress can't play, Troy Edwards will start at split end, and that could make a difference, too. In the past couple games, dating to the preseason, Burress has been a target for Kordell Stewart early in the game. Without him, Stewart might look more to Hines Ward, who is often double-teamed. ...

Also, according to Dulac, "Amos Zereoue is getting more time at running back, spelling Jerome Bettis and playing on third down. But that has not stopped him from playing on kickoff and punt coverage teams, where he does an outstanding job.

"Zereoue is often one of the first guys downfield, and his commitment and dedication to the special teams is one of the reasons the coaches thought he deserved more time at running back."

And finally. ... Fullback Dan Kreider suffered a broken right hand during Monday's practice and is questionable for Sunday's game against the Bills.

RB: Jerome Bettis, Amos Zereoue, Chris Fuamatu Ma'afala

FB: Jon Witman, Dan Kreider (injured)

WR: Hines Ward, Plaxico Burress, Bobby Shaw, Troy Edwards, Tim Baker

TE: Mark Bruener, Jerame Tuman, Matt Cushing

PK: Kris Brown

"Like the rest of the Rams' offensive, Marshall Faulk really got untracked in the second half. Of his 184 total yards, 142 came in the final two quarters, including 68 yards on the clock-killing final drive of the game. The chemistry between Faulk and Warner is very good in the passing game, making Faulk an extremely dangerous safety valve. ...

"Bruce enjoyed his third straight 100-yard game against the 49ers, and Hakim's only catch of the day was good for the go-ahead TD in the third quarter. But a whopping five penalties against the corps cost the Rams dearly, slowing several drives. An uncharacteristic fumble by Bruce almost let the 49ers back into the game."

Also of interest. ... Told that the subject of Warner's sore thumb came up often during the telecast of Sunday's game, head coach Mike Martz said: "I keep hearing that. It didn't inhibit that (deep) route that he threw to Isaac (Bruce). He could have mailed it in there. I guess he could have handed him the ball and it wouldn't have been more accurate. ... That was into the wind, by the way. No, his thumb's fine."

One last note. ... Trung Canidate has replaced Aveion Cason as the Rams' primary kickoff returner. "We just need to get Trung involved more," Martz explained. "We've just got to get him the ball. He's too good a player."

RB: Marshall Faulk, Trung Canidate, Robert Holcombe

FB: James Hodgins, Justin Watson

WR: Torry Holt, Isaac Bruce, Az-Zahir Hakim, Ricky Proehl, Yo Murphy, Aveion Cason

TE: Ernie Conwell, Brandon Manumaleuna, Jeff Robinson

PK: Jeff Wilkins

"The addition of offensive coordinator Norv Turner, Flutie, rookie tailback LaDainian Tomlinson and flashy third wide out Tim Dwight makes this a much more difficult offense to defend. It is, for sure, the fastest offense San Diego has had in more than a decade.

"This may have been the most predictable offense in the NFL a year ago. Suddenly, this is a difficult team to scout, because they will do anything offensively. Just the threat of Tomlinson has given the offense a whole new dimension."

I couldn't agree more. ... The Chargers are a new team. ...

A great deal of the credit for the new look should go to Tomlinson, who racked up 117 yards of total offense in last week's win over Dallas. The rookie tailback will be a key component in the Chargers' offense all season, and is worthy of starting on a weekly basis Fantasy-wise.

Tomlinson (foot) and starting fullback Fred McCreary (shoulder) are both listed on this week's injury report as probable. Neither man should miss any playing time against the Bengals this week due to those injuries. ...

One last note. ... Tight end Freddie Jones had five catches for 51 yards and a touchdown last Sunday and three of those catches came on third down. Make no mistake about it: Flutie and Jones will emerge as a potent combo this season.

RB: LaDainian Tomlinson, Terrell Fletcher, Ronney Jenkins

FB: Fred McCrary, Derrick Harris

WR: Curtis Conway, Jeff Graham, Tim Dwight, Reggie Jones, Trevor Gaylor

TE: Freddie Jones, Steve Heiden

PK: Wade Richey

"He retreated late Sunday night to the San Francisco 49ers' film room, where he repeatedly watched himself drop the ball.

"By Monday morning, the 49ers' Pro Bowl receiver had put his team's 30-26 loss to St. Louis into perspective -- but he hadn't forgotten the frustration he felt on the field, in the locker room and in the film room late that night.

"'I owe the team an apology,' Owens said. 'I can honestly say I lost the game for my team.'

"Owens likely is the 49ers' most talented player. He's also the most emotional and moody person in the team's locker room. In success or failure, Owens is never boring -- and his feelings were close to the surface throughout a tumultuous weekend.

"'There were some plays that I should have made, and I could have made,' Owens said. 'I know I'm a better player than that.'

"Owens failed to hang on to four catchable passes against the Rams. Owens wasn't alone in his miscues -- J.J. Stokes and rookie Eric Johnson also had key drops -- but Owens, who eagerly embraces his role as the team's No. 1 receiver, found it especially enraging.

"He displayed a typical whirlwind of emotions during a talk with reporters on Monday.

"One moment, he blamed the team's loss squarely on himself; moments later, he said that two of the passes he dropped were tipped, making the drops understandable, and openly wondered about the 49ers' play-calling, which included no plays designed to go to him in the team's first three offensive series.

"Owens even boasted about winning his matchup against Aeneas Williams ('He did nothing to stop me.') and got in a dig at St. Louis receiver Isaac Bruce, who caught eight passes for 144 yards and a score ('I'm just as good, if not better, than Isaac Bruce. I bring a lot more to the table.').

"His animated mood was in stark contrast to the scene at 3Com Park on Sunday. During the pregame tribute to the victims of terrorist attacks, Owens admitted he was 'an emotional wreck. I don't know how that factored into it.'

"Afterward, while his teammates showered and dressed, Owens sat stiffly in a chair at his locker. Still wearing his uniform pants, with his chin resting on his chest, Owens stared angrily into space, ignoring the comfort of teammates and the advances of reporters.

"He stayed in place for nearly two hours, thinking about the loss -- and more specifically, the four passes he dropped, bobbled or couldn't control.

"'(Owens) puts so much pressure on himself to be the go-to guy,' quarterback Jeff Garcia said. 'Right now, he feels a bit helpless because he probably feels that those opportunities didn't come his way.'

"Owens finally left, and in the parking lot, he ran into Garcia's parents. Bob Garcia, a former small-college football coach, counseled Owens to keep working hard and to keep his head up.

"From there, he headed to the 49ers' training complex for two hours of film study. He was back at practice the next morning, beating all his teammates in the daily race from the 49ers' practice field to the locker room.

"'He took it pretty hard,' coach Steve Mariucci said. 'He wants to play perfectly. He's a perfectionist. I'd like to think he's going to shake it off and keep practicing well like he has been, and keep playing well like he has been.'

"The 49ers have been pleased with Owens' maturity and low profile in the past few months -- particularly in light of his tumultuous season in 2000, in which Mariucci suspended him for one game after two aggrandizing touchdown celebrations in Dallas.

"Mariucci, who dealt swiftly with Owens' strange deeds in Dallas, now is faced with another dilemma involving perhaps his most talented player.

"Owens said he hadn't felt this low since the second game of last season, when he had just five catches in a home loss to Carolina that also sent him to a late-night film session. He responded with a Pro Bowl season."

If you ask me, all of the above tends to lend credence to recent reports hinting that Mariucci and many of the team's veterans are tiring of Owens' act. ... I'll keep an eye on this situation in coming weeks and let you know if there are further problems. ...

Otherwise. ...

Garrison Hearst suffered a concussion on Sunday, but is expected to hit the field for Monday night's game against the Jets. Mariucci told reporters after the game that Hearst was "probable" for next week's game against the Jets.

It's worth noting, however, that rookie Kevan Barlow looked very good while rushing for 49 yards on 13 carries -- with one touchdown -- working in Hearst's absence last Sunday. ...

Garcia struggled in Sunday's loss, completing only 19-of-34 passes for 121 yards with one touchdown and one interception. ... But look for Garcia to rebound against the Jets this week. ... Stokes, who had been dealing with a thigh bruise, was in the starting lineup against the Rams, but he struggled to get the job done and finished the game with only one catch for five yards. ...

In case you missed it last week, Greg Clark will undergo a third surgery in order to repair his ailing right hamstring and could miss more than a month. ... Johnson and Justin Swift will continue to split time at tight end until Clark is able to return at full speed. ...

And finally. ... Reserve running back Jonas Lewis, who is still dealing with a groin pull, is expected to miss Monday's game against the New York Jets.

RB: Garrison Hearst, Kevan Barlow, Paul Smith, Jonas Lewis

FB: Fred Beasley, Terry Jackson

WR: Terrell Owens, J.J. Stokes, Tai Streets, Cedrick Wilson, Vinny Sutherland

TE: Eric Johnson, Justin Swift, Brian Jennings, Greg Clark (injured)

PK: Jose Cortez

"Yes, the Seahawks are young -- especially at quarterback [Matt Hasselbeck] and wide receiver [Koren Robinson and Darrell Jackson]. Yes, it will take some time for things to start clicking.

"But what the offense has done in the first two games is not only ineffective, it's defective.

"The Seahawks now have gone 122 plays and 24 series without getting the ball into the end zone. Sunday, they didn't even get close. In fact, Eagles wide receiver James Thrash had more receiving yards (165) than the Seahawks had total yards (147).

"The answer? It would be feeding opposing defenses a steady diet of Ricky Watters, who had 81 yards rushing against the Eagles to go with his 97-yard effort against the Browns in the opener. But that would be greeted by a steady diet of eight-man fronts.

"The real answer is finding a way to either stop or beat the bevy of blitzes that the Browns and Eagles threw at Hasselbeck, who has been sacked 12 times in two games. ..."

That's a fact. ... After killing opposing defenses during the preseason, Hasselbeck, the third-year QB has been horrible in his first two regular season starts. After throwing two picks against the Browns in the opener, Hasselbeck completed just nine of 24 passes for 62 yards against the Eagles.

And it doesn't get any easier this week with the Seahawks traveling to Oakland where they'll take on a Raider defense that brutalized Jon Kitna and Brock Huard last year. ...

An interesting side note to last week's game. ... According Associated Press sports writer Jim Cour, "Seahawks coach and general manager Mike Holmgren said he's sorry about his profanity-laced tirade about Seattle fans after Sunday's loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

"Talking to his players in the locker room after the game, Holmgren made it clear how he felt about some Seahawks fans who had chanted backup quarterback Trent Dilfer's name during a dismal performance by starter Matt Hasselbeck in the 27-3 loss.

"'I am not proud of my language at times,' Holmgren told reporters Wednesday. 'I think we have great fans. We certainly need our fans.'

"Holmgren mentioned the incident after reading a story on the Seahawks that is to be published in Sports Illustrated this week.

"'I apologize for my language,' he said. 'I will continue to work on it. I'm concerned about what you think of me, but I'm more concerned about what my mom thinks of me.'

"Holmgren, who coached Green Bay to two Super Bowl appearances -- including a 35-21 win over New England after the 1996 season -- in seven seasons before coming to Seattle two years ago, said he aspires to be a role model.

"'I'm personally embarrassed by the story, particularly my language,' he said. 'I feel bad about this. I really do. I believe in role models. I believe in players being role models. Coaches. People who are in the public eye. That bothered me more than anything else.'

"But he said he's also bothered that his remarks were repeated to a reporter.

"'I think there are times in the locker room where I would hope that what was said remains in the locker room,' he said.

"Cornerback Willie Williams was taken aback by the fact Holmgren's comment in the locker room was shared with a reporter.

"'I'm surprised some of my teammates blurted out some things,' he said."

RB: Ricky Watters, Shaun Alexander, Charlie Rogers

FB: Mack Strong, Heath Evans

WR: Darrell Jackson, Koren Robinson, Bobby Engram, James Williams (injured), Alex Bannister, Fabian Bownes

TE: Christian Fauria, Itula Mili, Russell Stewart

PK: Rian Lindell

Prior to the 21-day layoff, Tampa Bay's longest stretch without a regular season contest occurred on 10 other occasions when they had 14 days (normal bye week) between games. The Buccaneers longest stretch in franchise history without a game occurred during the strike year of 1992, when Tampa Bay had a 42-day layoff between games versus Washington (L, 21-13; 9/19/82) and at Dallas (L, 14-9; 11/21/82).

According to Tampa Tribune reporter Roy Cummings, we should look for the Buccaneers to start making better use of tight end Dave Moore in the passing game. The offense doesn't throw the ball over the middle very often, but when it does Moore is sure-handed target who can find openings and make critical plays.

Cummings went on to say, "Moore is usually at his best in the red zone, where defenses tend to concentrate more on stopping Keyshawn Johnson and Warrick Dunn. Moore's role as a pass catcher has been limited because the team has needed him to stay in and block.

"However, as the offensive line jells and the young starters improve, Moore should be freed up to play a more expanded role. ...

"The big-play threat the Bucs have with Brad and Keyshawn Johnson isn't keeping opposing defenses from placing eight and sometimes nine players near the line of scrimmage.

"The team continues to see a steady diet of defensive backs sneaking into the box and that means fullback Mike Alstott must get the job done as a blocker if the team is to have success offensively. Alstott has the size and strength to take on extra linemen and linebackers, and he has improved markedly on his technique, but he often lacks the intensity required of a lead blocker.

"Alstott constantly displays the power to carry would-be tacklers when he's a ball carrier. He needs to display a similar zeal when he's leading the way for other ball carriers. ..."

RB: Warrick Dunn, Aaron Stecker, Rabih Abdullah

FB: Mike Alstott, Rabih Abdullah, Jameel Cook

WR: Keyshawn Johnson, Jacquez Green, Reidel Anthony, Karl Williams, Frank Murphy, Milton Wynn

TE: Dave Moore, Todd Yoder, Sean McDermott

PK: Martin Gramatica

One thing is certain, however: McNair will not opt for surgery at this time.

''Right now, surgery is probably the last resort,'' McNair said. ''If it gets to be where I have so much pain where I can't take it, then I will have it. But at this point I will try and make it as long as I can.''

Derrick Mason has a sprained ankle, but a shoulder injury appears to be of greater concern at this time. ''We may look at his rotator cuff, but he's sore,'' head coach Jeff Fisher said. ''We'll know more in the next couple days.''

Mason is not expected to practice much this week, and his status for the team's next game on Oct. 7 is unclear. ... The same goes for Kevin Dyson, who has turf toe and will not practice this week.

Tennessee does not play until Oct. 7, so both men will have sufficient time to heal. ...

And finally. ... According to the Nashville Tennessean, Skip Hicks will not be passing Mike Green on the depth chart anytime soon. Green remains the backup to Eddie George. ''Mike Green clearly is our second running back right now," Jeff Fisher said.

"The Redskins signed former Steelers and Giants quarterback Kent Graham to a one-year, $477,000 contract.

"The Redskins called Graham, cut by Pittsburgh earlier this month, one day after an embarrassing shutout on national television.

"Graham, who will back up likely starter Tony Banks with the Redskins, said the New England Patriots had also inquired about his availability in the aftermath of a dangerous injury Drew Bledsoe suffered this weekend.

"The Redskins (0-2) have been outscored 67-3 in their first two games, including Monday night's 37-0 loss at Green Bay. Washington is without a touchdown two games into a season for the first time in the franchise's 69-year history.

"'I reached a point where I just didn't feel the Washington Redskins could win with Jeff George as their starting quarterback,' Redskins coach Marty Schottenheimer said at a news conference. 'I quite frankly didn't feel that coming off the bench he could help us win.

"'I thought it could work because I thought I was a pretty good teacher,' Schottenheimer said. 'We all have our egos. I believe we can do this, where others have not. I did everything I think I could possibly could to try to make it work, and I honestly believe Jeff did, too.'

"George, the No. 1 pick in the 1990 NFL Draft, failed to lead the offense to a single point in 61/2 quarters of play. The Redskins' only points have come on a field goal with Banks at quarterback in the opener against San Diego.

"'He was surprised and saddened,' said George's agent, Leigh Steinberg. 'His perspective is that it's the coach's prerogative to make these decisions. The timing was a complete surprise, but the decision seems to have been made a long time ago.'

"Steinberg said he had already received several calls from teams expressing interest in the 33-year-old George. He did not disclose the teams.

"Graham, the Giants' eighth-round pick in the 1992 draft, was beaten out in Pittsburgh this preseason by XFL MVP Tommy Maddox and then released because of a $1.4 million cap figure.

"Graham said he contacted Kevin Gilbride, his former offensive coordinator at Pittsburgh, for his thoughts on Graham signing with Washington.

"'... I'm really excited about the opportunity. Kevin said I'll be able to pick up the Redskins' system extremely quickly,' Graham said. 'He thinks their system (short passes and dumps) is conducive to my style.'

"George had been chosen over Brad Johnson this offseason.

"Johnson, now in Tampa Bay with the Buccaneers, told SportsLine.com a few weeks ago his situation in Washington was unlike anything he has ever been through. Johnson believed owner Daniel Snyder had lobbied for George to replace him as the team's starter during last season."

As easy as it might be to single out George's poor play while analyzing the Redskins' offense this season, I still contend that offensive coordinator Johnny Raye's tendency to ask his receivers to run five yard routes in third-and-eight situations has been as big -- if not bigger -- problem than any individual performances. ...

And Raye's poor play-calling was a major reason Stephen Davis struggled Monday night, rushing for only 65 yards on 13 carries against Green Bay.

The bottom line here says Davis could be in for a tough season if the 'Skins can't establish a respectable passing attack with Banks under center.

Meaning Davis is in for a tough season.

RB: Stephen Davis, Ki-Jana Carter, Kenny Watson

FB: Donnell Bennett, Bryan Johnson

WR: Michael Westbrook, Rod Gardner, Kevin Lockett, Derrius Thompson, Darnerian McCants, Michael Bates

TE: Stephen Alexander, Walter Rasby, Zeron Flemister

PK: Brett Conway