Snippets from 4th & Long

Here are some snippets from Friday's 4th & Long column for Sporting News.

All signs point to Robert Griffin III (knee) suiting up this weekend; and with the Eagles on tap, he will be a must-start. In Week 11, he torched them for 200 passing and 84 rushing yards, plus four TDs and no turnovers.

A concussion will most likely keep Alex Green out of the Packers' backfield on Sunday, but surely you weren't counting on him anyway, right? Green's absence would leave the modest rushing workload to Ryan Grant and DuJuan Harris. Thanks, but I'll pass.

An illness is keeping Steven Jackson out of practice this week, but there's little worry it will force him from Sunday's game. The Bucs' run defense was a shell of its stingy self last weekend against the Saints, so the Rams' workhorse makes a solid, though not terrific, starting option.  [Update: S-Jax was back at practice Friday.]

It's too soon to say whether Ahmad Bradshaw will be back Sunday, but it's certainly hard to trust David Wilson given his mediocre output last weekend. I like Bradshaw's chances against the Ravens. Wilson, not so much. [Update: Bradshaw practiced Friday and is looking more and more likely to play, though nothing will be certain until the inactive list comes out.]

Don't expect Jordy Nelson (hamstring) to be available this weekend. Now, if only Greg Jennings could be trusted.  [Update: Jordy is now listed as out for Week 16.]

Though Rob Gronkowski is back at practice on a limited basis, the tea leaves seem to suggest that the Patriots will hold him out until Week 17, at the earliest. Of course, if he plays, you start him. But I wouldn't bet on it. [Update: Both the Boston Globe and the NFL Network are reporting that Gronk will not play Sunday, though nothing official has been announced yet.  Love me some Hernandez!]

The Dolphins just placed Dan Carpenter on injured reserve due to a groin injury. The well-traveled Nate Kaeding has been signed to replace him.

Other Saturday updates:

Jonathan Stewart (ankle) will be a game-time call on Sunday.  His return would sour me even further on DeAngelo.

No surprise here: MJD has been ruled out for Week 16.

Torrey Smith (concussion) is now expected to play Sunday; but he's been pretty mediocre lately.  I'm sitting him.

Brandon Pettigrew is officially doubtful for tonight's game.  He ain't playing.