Injury Updates: Despite being listed as questionable, linebacker Lance Briggs has vowed he’ll be ready to play Sunday against the Washington Redskins. He was held to limited participation Friday, along with fellow LB Brian Urlacher who is recovering from a groin muscle strain. Urlacher also apparently has a sprained thumb, that was taped up for practice.
S Major Wright is also listed as questionable for Sunday, but is unlikely to play.
CB Zack Bowman and G Roberto Garza are listed as doubtful.
Redskins TE Chris Cooley and FB MIke Sellers are both expected to play.
Dirty Dozen? : The league levied fines against another dozen players Friday, bringing the week 7 total to 15. All but 2 (Philly QB Kevin Kolb and Viking WR Bernard Berrian) were on defensive players.
Read NFL.com’s perfectly reasonable explanation here:New Suspensions
These developments should be cause for concern to any football fans, whose teams rely on a strong defense. Although many players have said this new initiative would not effect the way they approach their jobs, the league is clearly taking a hard line. More fines are a certainty, and the prospect for the first suspension to be given under the new rules seems only a matter of time.
Barry’s Turn: Though he only joined the team this week, undrafted rookie free agent defensive end Barry Turner will be on the 53 man roster this Sunday. It’s likely that Turner will see some action on passing downs. Turner had 17 career sacks as a Nebraska Cornhusker.