Saturday injury updates

Here are some snippets from yesterday's 4th & Long column with the Sporting News Fantasy Source.

Scuttlebutt out of Dallas is that DeMarco Murray will most likely sit out through the Thanksgiving Day game in anticipation of going full-speed in Week 13. Looks like more of the Felix Jones Show, which has its moments. But, like most of today's movies, all the good parts can be seen in a 30-second clip.

Don't be surprised if Ryan Mathews sits out the Broncos game with a neck injury. Actually, how could any Mathews owner be surprised if he misses time? This is his, and your, lot in life. [UPDATE 11/17: Mathews returned to practice yesterday and is now questionable to play.  I don't like his chances at less-than-100% against Denver's run defense.]

Heads up, Julio Jones owners. The ankle he tweaked last week is still bothering him, and he is shaping up as a game-time decision.

Jeremy Maclin is back at practice after sitting out earlier with a back issue. It's hard to say how he'll perform with rookie Nick Foles at QB, but you couldn't ask for a better matchup than the Redskins' league-worst pass defense.

Wes Welker (ankle), Brandon Lloyd (knee) and Rob Gronkowski (hip) have all been limited in practice this week, but none of the above is expected to miss the favorable matchup with the Colts. 

When it comes to Aaron Hernandez's balky ankle, we've learned that we'd better pay attention up to the last minute. Despite the optimism we hear during the week -- and it's happening again -- it means nothing until we see the inactive reports. If he's playing, Hernandez should be in your lineup. [UPDATE 11/17: The good vibes on Hernandez are fading again, and he now looks unlikely to suit up this week.]

Other Saturday updates:

Darren McFadden is out for Week 11.  Look for more positive returns from Marcel Reece.

Ben Tate has been ruled out.  Justin Forsett will continue to backup Arian Foster.

Jordy Nelson is expected to return, and he has a tasty matchup with the porous Lions secondary on Sunday.