It's Friday, so allow me to continue our weekly tradition of letting you know where to get lineup assistance on Sunday morning:

• Listen to FOX Fantasy Freaks Mike Harmon, Nate Lundy and Peter Burns from 10 a.m. ET until noon on foxsportsradio.com or XM 142, and send them questions on Twitter www.twitter.com/fantasyfreaks).
• Chat with Roger Rotter from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., or send your questions now.
• Send me a question on Twitter (@jhalpin37), or send me an e-mail at jhalpin37@gmail.com.

On to the news:

• Jets head coach Rex Ryan said "it doesn't look good" when asked about WR Jerricho Cotchery's chances of playing this weekend. Time to execute Plan B.
• Steelers RB Rashard Mendenhall missed Thursday's practice with flu-like symptoms, and Willie Parker's steel-plated boot apparently feels like a comfy bedroom slipper. I don't like the sound of this, but if Mendenhall practices today, I'll get off the ledge.
• Lions WR Calvin Johnson missed another practice with his knee injury, and said they're "still playing it by ear" when asked about his availability for Sunday. Plan to bench him unless you hear some good news. Teammate Matthew Stafford looks unlikely to start as well. Let's see ... the Lions are on the road without their QB and possibly their top wideout, and the Packers' DST is available in more than half of FOXSports.com leagues. I know the Lions scored 20 points in basically the same situation last week, but you have to take a shot if you need a defense.
• Giants RB Ahmad Bradshaw missed Thursday's practice due to his nagging ankle injury, but he's expected to be back today. Teammate Brandon Jacobs sounds mad about everyone complaining that he's not getting enough yards. I think Jacobs will gain 100 yards, score a touchdown and throw at least three Saints into the Superdome stands on Sunday.
• Saints RB Pierre Thomas was limited in Thursday's practice, but in his latest video blog, New Orleans Times-Picayune beat reporter Jeff Duncan said that the Saints should have their "full arsenal" available on offense. This week's biggest mystery for me is how the Saints will share their backfield workload between Thomas, Mike Bell and Reggie Bush. I'd be hesitant to start any of the three due to the uncertainty, but Thomas is the one I'd bet on if I had to.
• Seahawks WR Nate Burleson was limited in Thursday's practice with a back injury, but I haven't seen anything that would indicate he's in danger of missing Sunday's game.
• Vikings WR Percy Harvin was back at practice in a limited fashion on Thursday. Head coach Brad Childress said, "Hopefully he takes another step" on Friday.
• The Bills might be scrapping the no-huddle offense. Fewer plays from one of the league's worst offenses? Awesome!
• Panthers WR Steve Smith was reportedly limited in Thursday's practice, but I'm pretty sure he's fine. If I see him at our local grocery store or McDonald's later today, I'll ask him what the story is. I'm sure that would make him happy.
• Here's an article about Sammy Morris, who should be the Patriots' lead back for awhile. Hey, speaking of interesting articles about running backs, my latest RB committee update is now available. I'm sure most of you have read it three times already, but why not one more time?
• Raiders WR Chaz Schilens is getting healthy, but he'll probably miss one more game before coming back to get overthrown by JaMarcus Russell.
• Don't forget your byes. The Cowboys, Colts, Dolphins and 49ers are off this week.

See you back here on Monday.