Remember when Anquan Boldin got angry at the Cardinals during and after last year's NFC championship game win? He did it again yesterday, saying he wished someome - presumably head coach Ken Whisenhunt - had been "man enough" to personally inform him about his deactivation against the Bears. The Cardinals won 41-21, by the way. You know the old saying: There's no "Anquan" in "TEAM."

On to the news:

• Looks like we have a new matchup tight end to consider this season. Lions rookie Brandon Pettigrew caught seven passes for 70 yards and a touchdown in the loss to the Seahawks. Pettigrew was a popular sleeper pick before the season, and had a couple of four-catch games before struggling for a couple of weeks with a hamstring injury. The Lions have a tough matchup against the Vikings in Week 10, but Pettigrew could be a nice fantasy start at home against the lowly Browns the following week. Pettigrew should officially be back on your radar.
• The question of which Chiefs running back would step up yesterday was answered with C) none of the above. Larry Johnson is due back this week, and until he talks himself out of town - which could happen at any time - he'll get most of the carries. I still think Kolby Smith is the logical beneficiary of another LJ meltdown. (UPDATE, 10:26 a.m. ET: The Chiefs released Johnson on Monday morning. I'm going to pick up Smith where I can, and take the chance that he'll supplant Charles. I also think this makes Matt Cassel a much better QB option, since he won't hand off to Johnson 20 times a game.)
• The Redskins will be cautious with RB Clinton Portis, who suffered a concussion on Sunday, so you'll need to watch the news later this week. However, you can bet than backup Ladell Betts (16 catches, 93 yards, TD vs. ATL) will be snapped up by many fantasy owners right away. If you have a bench spot doing nothing for you, grab Betts and see what happens.
• I was traveling Sunday and didn't get to see much football, but after looking at the Bucs-Packers results, I wouldn't drink the Josh Freeman Kool-Aid just yet. I know he threw for three TDs, but he also completed just 14 of his 31 passes. Colleague John Juhasz thinks Freeman wouldn't be a bad pickup in some leagues.
• So much for the positive news last week on Eagles RB Brian Westbrook, who missed a second straight game after suffering concussion-related headaches over the weekend. LeSean McCoy had 115 yards from scrimmage against the Cowboys, and if there's any way you can still get him, do it right now. Westbrook could be done for the season for all we know.
• In case you didn't hear, Colts WR Anthony Gonzalez underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee last week. Some reports suggested that A-Gonz would return in 2-3 weeks, but one Colts' beat writer can't see that happening. You have my permission to cut Gonzalez immediately.
• Fear not, Derrick Mason owners. Your guy only had three receptions for 31 yards, but he was targeted 13 times. He's still a strong PPR option, as long as Joe Flacco hasn't suddenly turned into Matthew Stafford.
• Here's an early reminder that the Thursday night games start this week. You'll need to decide on your Bears and 49ers by then.
• If you own Bengals WR/model citizen Chris Henry, he might be done for the season with a fractured arm. We'll know more in a day or two.
• Does anyone out there still want to trash Tony Romo, at least from a fantasy perspective? He threw for another 307 yards with a TD last night. Note to anyone who e-mails to ask, "Should I start Romo or _______?": The answer will be Romo until further notice.
• If someone can explain to me why the Giants keep taking out 264-pound Brandon Jacobs in favor of 198-yard Ahmad Bradshaw on short-yardage plays, I'd appreciate it. I thought my dad was going to burst a blood vessel in his brain when we talked about it last night.
• Titans WR Justin Gage might be back in play for fantasy owners after catching seven passes for 138 yards in Vince Young's first two starts. If you need a fourth WR, he might not be a bad pickup.

Enjoy tonight's Steelers-Broncos matchup, which should be a defensive battle. Having written that, it'll probably be a 34-31 shootout - Ben Roethlisberger throws all the time, anyway. See you back here tomorrow.

With the weekend upon us, here's your usual guide on how you'll be able to get some last-minute lineup help:

• Listen to FOX Fantasy Freaks Mike Harmon, Nate Lundy and Peter Burns from 10 a.m. until noon ET on XM 142 or foxsportsradio.com. You can call in with questions, or send them to the boys via Twitter.
• Chat live on FOXSports.com with Roger Rotter from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.
• Send me a question via Twitter, or shoot an e-mail to jhalpin37@gmail.com. I'll be in some meetings Sunday morning, so while I'll do my best to reply to messages then, I can't guarantee anything after Saturday night this week.

On to the news:

• Isn't it annoying to own Anquan Boldin? The Cardinals WR didn't practice again on Thursday, and his status likely won't be determined until a pregame workout. After watching Boldin hobble around last week, I'd probably bench him either way. I think this guy will probably be a gametime decision the day he gets married. You never seem to know if he's in or out.
• Devin Hester missed another practice on Thursday with a sprained ankle, but the Bears seem to think he'll play.
• RB Kevin Smith and WR Calvin Johnson were both limited in Thursday's practice, but the Lions seem optimistic about the chances that both guys will play. Even if Smith plays, Maurice Morris is going to be a thorn in his side. I'd tell you why, but you'll have to read my weekly running back committees article for four more whole sentences on the subject.
• The Boston Herald reports that Patriots RB Sammy Morris could return from his knee injury in Week 11. Considering who Morris plays for, assume that you'll probably get no further information until a couple of days before the game. The CIA should operate under such a cloak of secrecy.
• Keep an eye on the status of Packers WR Donald Driver, who missed another practice on Thursday due to a neck/shoulder injury.
• Bucs WR Antonio Bryant was again limited in Thursday's practice due to his long-ailing knee. I don't think there's anything new to worry about here.
• Another day, another practice for previously concussed Eagles RB Brian Westbrook. He'll be on the field against the Cowboys this week.
• This report says that Raiders RB Darren McFadden might return next week. I'll believe it when I see it.
• Speaking of the Raiders, they're on a bye this week, along with the Bills, Browns, Vikings, Jets and Rams.
• If you own Chiefs WR Dwayne Bowe, this article might help you understand why he's so inconsistent. My favorite part is about Bowe needing "emotional recovery time" after making a big play. Good grief.
• Panthers WR Muhsin Muhammad probably won't play again this week due to his sprained knee. Two or three fantasy owners out there must have been crushed to hear that news.
• I think the thing I'm most excited about this weekend is the Bucs wearing their old creamsicle jerseys. Why they ever got rid of those masterpieces for the current unis, I'll never know.

See you back here Monday morning. 

Congrats to my New York Yankees on their 27th World Series championship. You know what would have been a good headline for one of the NYC tabloids to use this morning? 27TH HEAVEN, since the Yanks won their 27th title. What's that? The New York Daily News already used it? OK. How about the New York Post? The same, exact headline? Ouch.

On to the news:

• The Lions' week is off to a rough start. WR Calvin Johnson was limited in Wednesday's practice due to his lingering right knee injury, and his status will probably be a gametime decision. RB Kevin Smith missed Wednesday's practice because of the shoulder issue that made him leave last week's game, but he said he'll practice today. Keep an eye on both players as kickoff approaches; I think they'll both play, but Johnson might make you sweat it out.
• After missing Week 8 due to a concussion, Eagles RB Brian Westbrook practiced Wednesday and has been cleared to play this week against the Cowboys. Start him if you've got him.
• Cardinals WR Anquan Boldin didn't practice Wednesday because of his nagging sprained ankle, but one report says he's likely to play this week. Even if he does, did you see him limping around against the Panthers on Sunday? I think his 40-yard dash time would be 5.2 right now. That's minutes, not seconds.
• Colts RB Donald Brown was back at practice Wednesday, and should be ready to go this week. You're going to have to wait at least another week for WR Anthony Gonzalez, though.
• This Kansas City Star story adds more clarity to the Chiefs RB situation. It says that Jamaal Charles "can be counted on for a significant number of carries," while Kolby Smith "isn't likely to get many carries." I still like the idea of taking a free-agent flier on Smith, but if it pays off, it probably won't be this week.
• So Roy Williams thinks he's still the Cowboys' No. 1 wide receiver, huh? Do you think Williams can't see Miles Austin because he's always crossing the goal line 60 yards away?
• Don't forget your byes. The Bills, Browns, Vikings, Jets, Raiders and Rams are off this week. No Derek Anderson or JaMarcus Russell? What will fantasy owners do?
• Bears WR Devin Hester sprained an ankle late in Sunday's game, and hopes to practice today. He says he'll play, but after reading this story, I think you might want to keep a close eye on his status as kickoff approaches. Maybe I'm worrying about nothing.
• Packers QB Aaron Rodgers won't practice until Friday because of injuries to both feet, but he's expected to play against the Bucs. Do you need even one good foot against them? Anyway, TE Jermichael Finley is a long shot to play.
• Texans head coach Gary Kubiak isn't naming a starter at running back, but says that Steve Slaton, Ryan Moats and Chris Brown will all play this week. Unless Slaton fumbles again at the hotel, or on the team bus, or in the locker room ...
• No practice Wednesday for RB Sammy Morris. Don't expect him to start for the Pats this week.
• Saints WR Lance Moore's status is up in the air due to a sprained ankle. Don't count on him this week.
• This story suggests that the Steelers might give RB Willie Parker a little more work this week because he turf toe issue has subsides, and because the high altitude in Denver could require more rest for Rashard Mendenhall. So, Mendenhall might carry fewer than the 10 times he did against the Vikings?
• The Seahawks waived RB Edgerrin James earlier this week. The Edge wasn't helping you much, but Justin Forsett could pick up some fantasy value as Julius Jones' primary backup. It's not like Jones is Emmitt Smith back there.
• Remember that rookie QB Josh Freeman will start this week for the Bucs. Actually, don't remember it unless you're in a keeper league.
• Looking for more advice? Send your questions to Roger Rotter, who will host a live chat today at 3 p.m. ET.
• Read my latest Wide Write start 'em/sit 'em column on FOXNews.com, and watch this week's video. They'll bring a tear to your eye.

See you back here tomorrow, when I'll probably post a little later than usual. I promise the entry will be here by 10 a.m. ET.

Good morning, folks. Since I'm a Yankee fan, after posting this blog entry today, I plan to spend the next 36 hours curled up in the fetal position under my desk. Andy Pettitte on three days' rest in Game 6, huh? Let's say I'm skeptical. Or that I think he's going to get pummeled. I'm hoping for a 10-8 win.

On to the news:

• With Chiefs RB Larry Johnson set to serve his Twitter/gay/fan insult suspension this week, running backs Jamaal Charles and Kolby Smith shared carries in practice last week. Since Charles seems to fit the profile of a third-down back, I wondered if Smith might get a bigger workload, but this Kansas City Star story suggests that Charles will get first crack at the feature back duties. If you need a one-week starter, you could probably do worse than Charles.
• The Chargers have waived Chris Chambers, which makes sense since he's the most overrated wide receiver ever. Malcom Floyd's productivity should increase in the wake of this news, and he's a viable pickup in deep leagues.
• Texans' beat writer John McClain thinks that WR Kevin Walter will be the biggest beneficiary of TE Owen Daniels' absence. The logic makes sense, and you should grab Walter if you can.
• We have no idea how the Texans' running backs will be affected, because head coach Gary Kubiak is taking his time on naming a starter, and even when he does that we won't know how Steve Slaton, Ryan Moats and even Chris Brown will be deployed this week.
• Packers QB Aaron Rodgers might miss some practice time this week with a sore right foot and a sprained toe, but he's expected to play Sunday. In other Packers news from the same story, it sounds like TE Jermichael Finley will miss another week. By the way, did you know that Rodgers has amassed the second-highest point total in my FOXSports.com PPR league, which has standard scoring otherwise? I'll let you know who's first later in today's post.
• Trent Edwards is expected to return as the Bills' starting QB after the bye week. He's missed almost three games with a concussion.
• Speaking of byes, the Bills, Browns, Vikings, Jets, Raiders and Rams are off this week. Other than the Vikes, that's a real murderer's row, isn't it?
• Brian Westbrook's status for Week 9 is TBD due to his recent concussion, and he's expected to practice Wednesday (no contact).
• Lions WR Calvin Johnson is day-to-day, "getting closer," blah, blah, blah. Let's see if he practices Wednesday.
• Texans QB Matt Schaub is ahead of Rodgers on the fantasy points list. Surprised? Me, too - a little.
• Saints RBs Mike Bell and Pierre Thomas shared the workload again last night, but Thomas got into the end zone twice. Good luck trying to guess the better half of that situation every week.
• The Browns fired their GM yesterday, which makes sense since he's already had eight whole games to fix their problems. They're also apparently trying to get out of paying the rest of the guy's contract, which ought to sound great to anyone looking to get a job with them in the future. "So, you guys fire people without giving them a reasonable chance to succeed and stiff them on the way out? Where do I sign?"

See you back here Thursday morning.

Steve Slaton owners, your worst nightmare has finally happened. After the butterfingered running back lost another fumble with 6:28 remaining in the first quarter against the Bills, fed-up Texans head coach Gary Kubiak sent Slaton to the bench for the rest of the day.

Ryan Moats replaced Slaton and made like Adrian Peterson, running for 126 yards and three touchdowns. Kubiak was asked after the game if Moats was the team's new starting running back, and said, "We'll go to next week. We'll see."

Predictably, Kubiak also said he's expecting Slaton to "come right back next week and help," according to the Texans' Web site. Thanks for the coachspeak, coach.

If you own Slaton, there's not much you can do besides cross your fingers and follow the news for a hint of what the Texans' plans are, but it sounds like your high draft choice has become a matchup of flex play, at least for now. For those looking for free-agent running backs this week, Moats is a no-brainer. He might be a one-hit wonder, but you have to take a chance, right?

On to the rest of the news:

• Texans TE Owen Daniels has apparently suffered a torn ACL in his right knee. He'll likely get confirmation today that he's done for the year, and if you own him you need to get a replacement.
• Titans QB Vince Young looked pretty good yesterday against the Jaguars, but it's not like he didn't have plenty of help, as the Texans were able to run 49 times, with RB Chris Johnson gaining 228 yards. The key fantasy stat for me is Young's 12 carries for 30 yards. If he keeps the ball, oh, seven or more times per game, he's almost a lock to get some rushing touchdowns. Also, nice job by the Jags giving up 305 yards rushing against a team with a QB that doesn't throw very well. Big, big effort coming off a bye week.
• I'd like to salute all the Packer fans who booed themselves hoarse yesterday during Brett Favre's return to Lambeau Field. I never really thought there would be "boos mixed with cheers," or whatever some of the TV talking heads were saying. Sorry things didn't turn out better up there.
• Did I really read last night that the Colts targeted Reggie Wayne 20 times yesterday? Wayne caught 12 passes, including the game-winning TD from RB Joseph Addai, for 147 yards. I hope you didn't get scared away by Wayne's pre-game questionableness. 
• Sunday's stat line would seem to indicate that the Lions have turned to a full-blown running back committee, but Maurice Morris' workload was at least partly the result of Kevin Smith being limited with foot and shoulder injuries. If Smith is healthy, he's still the Lions' lead back, but Morris seems to be in line to get more carries.
• Panthers QB Jake Delhomme is reportedly OK after leaving Sunday's game with a chest injury. It was nice to see the Panthers use the "let Jake throw as little as possible" gameplan against the Cardinals.
• Has everyone noticed that Tony Romo has thrown for 918 yards and eight touchdowns with no interceptions over the past three weeks? Am I writing that only because I pimped him like crazy during fantasy draft season, and need a pat on the back since Romo is the only guy producing on most of my teams?
• After catching six passes for 81 yards in his second NFL game, 49ers WR Michael Crabtree has just about become an every-week fantasy starter for me.
• Yes, I saw that Ted Ginn Jr. returned two kickoffs for touchdowns against the Jets. I also noticed that he didn't catch any passes. You can't start a kick returner on your fantasy team, folks.
• You don't still own Willis McGahee, do you? The guy with 10 carries for zero yards in his last three games? Really?
• Cardinals WR Anquan Boldin hurt his ankle again yesterday, so we're looking at another week or tracking his practice availability. Yippee.

Enjoy Falcons-Saints tonight - I'll check it from time to time between innings of the World Series game. Did you see that play by Johnny Damon? Wow.

See you tomorrow.