I was all set to recommend Lions RB Kevin Smith as a possible starter this week after Vikings DTs Kevin Williams and Pat Williams got suspended. Then a Minnesota judge issued a temporary restraining order blocking the suspension. This case just got pretty interesting despite the lack of any aliases or self-inflicted gunshot wounds.

On to the news:

• The Buffalo News reports that Bills QB Trent Edwards is "looking doubtful" for Sunday's game against the Dolphins due to his groin injury. J.P. Losman would get the start in Edwards' place, and he hasn't been bad when relieving Edwards on two occasions this season, going 26-for-38 with 313 yards and a touchdown.
• Depending on which Dallas paper you read, Cowboys RB Marion Barber either returned to practice in a limited capacity on Wednesday, or didn't practice at all. I heard Wade Phillips say yesterday that he hopes Barber will play Sunday, but we're still in wait-and-see mode here. Have your backup plan ready.
• Here's an update on the Packers' group of hurting running backs. Ryan Grant seems to be able to hold onto the ball with his sprained thumb, so things look positive if you own him.
• Patriots WR Wes Welker practiced Wednesday and appears to be fine after getting crunched by Steelers safety Ryan Clark on Sunday.
• The Texans will start QB Matt Schaub against the Packers on Sunday. You can ditch Sage Rosenfels at this point, and I could see a fantasy team starting Schaub depending on who its other QBs are, even if it is going to be 12 degrees in Green Bay.
• Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger left Wednesday's practice after slipping and hurting his knee on the muddy field, but the injury doesn't appear to be serious.
• Bengals QB Carson Palmer is finally going to start throwing this weekend. I wanted to be the first one to share this news with you so I could tell you to ignore it from a fantasy perspective.
• It sounds like Eagles RB/fantasy stud Brian Westbrook is almost back to full strength, but he's got a tough matchup this week against the Giants. He's obviously gotta start for you, but don't expect four TDs again.
• Remember to cut Giants WR Harris Smith if you need a roster spot. He's officially D-O-N-E. The same goes for suspended Saints RB Deuce McAllister.
• Bucs head coach Jon Gruden commenting on RB Cadillac Williams: "We need to give him the ball more." That doesn't make Caddy a featured back, but it could make him a decent No. 3 RB or flex play for you.
• Here's a good story about Clinton Portis. Even if he doesn't practice all week, you should be able to count on him Sunday.
• The Chargers host the Raiders tonight on the NFL Network, so don't forget to set your lineups accordingly. One Bay Area columnist thinks it's time for the Raiders to turn Darren McFadden loose, but for fantasy purposes I'll stay on the Justin Fargas train until I have a good reason not to.

See you tomorrow.