Friday updates

Here are a few snippets from my 4th & Long column on Sporting News' Fantasy Source:

The Kevin Kolb era is set to resume on Sunday now that the passer has recovered from toe and foot injuries. I’m not optimistic that this go-round will be any better than the last; and you don’t get the impression Kolb’s coaches believe it either.

you’re not counting on Josh Freeman, but he has been missing practice all week with a shoulder injury. Josh Johnson could be under center for the Bucs’ contest with the Panthers. That wouldn’t prompt me to bench Mike Williams, but it would make me feel even better if I owned LeGarrette Blount.

Looks like it will be a game-time decision for Adrian Peterson (ankle) on Sunday. If he’s active, of course you start him. If not, Toby Gerhart has a decent matchup with the Broncos, though they’ve been stingy at the goal line. [Update: AP has subsequently been ruled out.]

We could see Ahmad Bradshaw (foot) back on the field Sunday, but he’ll be a significant fantasy risk in his first action in weeks.

Beanie Wells had a career game last week against a historically putrid Rams run defense, but things get tougher against the Cowboys on Sunday. That said, in spite of continued issues with his knee, you can’t sit him now.

A foot injury that has kept Cedric Benson from practicing is not expected to keep him from facing the Steelers. But it should make your decision to bench him in this bad matchup a little easier.

Surprisingly, Kevin Smith is practicing as if he’s planning to return to the starting lineup on Sunday, after suffering a high ankle sprain on Thanksgiving. What would be more surprising is for us to trust him in our lineups against the Saints.

Another week, another Darren McFadden injury timeout.

Ditto for Miles Austin.

It’s time to give up on Mario Manningham, who is facing the real possibility of season-ending knee surgery soon. With the emergence of Victor Cruz, Manningham is already the odd man out in the Giants’ receiving corps.

Meanwhile, Hakeem Nicks has been resting his sore ribs this week, but he’s not thought to be in jeopardy of missing out on the primo matchup with the Packers. Even better, he has been cleared of any post-concussion symptoms.

Which team will win the Donovan McNabb waiver wire sweepstakes? And would that really qualify as a win?