Player Notes

Philip Rivers (SD - QB)

Nov 22 - QB Philip Rivers is on a hot streak, completing 37 of 47 passes in his past two games.

Michael Turner^D (Atl - RB)

Nov 21 - RB Michael Turner (ankle) will not play Sunday, according to ESPN. Jason Snelling will start.

Nov 21 - RB Michael Turner could miss anywhere from four to six weeks with a high right ankle sprain suffered Sunday, but the Falcons are hoping he's a quick healer. He is officially listed as doubtful for Sunday.

Nov 19 - Turner (ankle) did not participate in Thursday's practice, the Falcons' official site reports.

Recommendation: Turner refuses to rule himself out for Sunday's game against the Giants, but the report adds that there is no timetable for his return. Given that he is dealing with a high ankle sprain, Turner would need to look pretty spry Friday to be considered for any action this weekend. He's iffy, at best, so Jason Snelling (who may also be joined by Jerious Norwood) appears to be in line for an expanded workload this week.

Nov 18 - Turner, who suffered a high ankle sprain last weekend, has not ruled himself out for Sunday's game against the Giants, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. "I don't have a time-frame on the injury," Turner said Wednesday. "I'm not going to count myself out right now. It's only Wednesday. I'm going to take a couple of days. Later on in the week, I ‘ll know for sure if I'll be able to play or not."

Recommendation: While it's nice that Turner hasn't ruled himself out, the "I don't have a time-frame" comment probably holds more water at this point. If Turner is unable to go Sunday, Jason Snelling would be in line for an expanded role, plus Jerious Norwood could provide a boost with his possible return this week.

Nov 17 - The Falcons re-signed Aaron Stecker on Tuesday for support in the running game as Turner's (ankle) status for Sunday against the Giants is still unknown, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Recommendation: With the signing of Stecker, one would think that things aren't looking good for Turner playing on Sunday. However, don't jump to conclusions just yet -- Turner has had a history of playing and performing well with injuries throughout his five-year career. Turner had 428 rushing yards in the three games, averaging a staggering 9.1 yards per carry over that span, so we're definitely locked in to his situation and will give you updates as they come to us.

Frank Gore (SF - RB)

Nov 22 - RB Frank Gore had 59 yards rushing, with 42 of them coming on his first carry of the game. Gore also caught three passes for 9 yards, including a touchdown.

Nov 18 - RB Frank Gore is the 49ers' most versatile player. He figures to be a huge factor for the 49ers as a runner and pass-catcher. But because of the strain the Packers' defense puts on teams, Gore's biggest responsibility might come in pass protection. Offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye cited corner blitzes from Charles Woodson and outside linebacker Aaron Kampman being matched up on a running back as two concerns the 49ers face. It most instances, it would be Gore's responsibility to protect quarterback Alex Smith. "I just have to know what I'm doing," Gore said. "They bring a lot of pressure. As long as I feel I know what I'm doing and what man to block. I'm going to try my best to block him." And how will Gore go about trying to block Kampman, a 260-pound natural defensive end. "I just have to attack -- get as close as I can before he can make moves, attack and keep working," Gore said.

Hines Ward (Pit - WR)

Nov 18 - WR Hines Ward has only 71 yards receiving in the past three games after his 159-yard game Oct. 18 against Cleveland.

Jason Witten (Dal - TE)

Nov 22 - TE Jason Witten's five catches against the Redskins upped his career total to 483 and allowed him to pass Jackie Smith (480) for eighth in league history among tight ends.