Several Big Names Back in Lineup Today

NFL News - October 4th, 2009 - Written by John

All week, reporters have been fishing for the playing status of several big names for this week's slate of games. It sorts itself out with a few hours til gameday. Here's the notes you've been waiting for.

- After waffling in the media about the severity of Kevin Smith's sore shoulder, ProFootballTalk reported that head coach Jim Schwartz confirmed the sophomore running back will be good to go. Smith hurt his shoulder after running for 100 yards in the Lions win last week.

-Dwight Freeney initially said he heard something pop in his leg when he was injured against the Cardinals. But MRI's revealed he simply had strained quads and the Pro Bowler is back on the field this week. Healing quicker than expected, Freeney will be in the starting lineup and reportedly will see a fair amount of plays. Meanwhile, the banged up defense is still reeling. Linebacker Gary Brackett is out with a knee injury and corner Kelvin Hayden's sore hammy opens the door for Tim Jennings to start, according to ProFootballTalk.

- Bears linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa has been officially held out of today's game against the Lions. He is still ailing from a knee injury, while Hunter Hillenmeyer will be activated after a rib injury.

- At the dawn of one of the most intriguing match-ups of Week Four, New England lost a lot of help as they try to hand Baltimore it's first loss. Wideout Joey Galloway will miss the game, although apparently not for health reasons. They do return Wes Welker, however, after he missed two games with a knee injury. Julian Edelmann has filled in for him efficiently, but hasn't showed the reliability that Welker offers.

-Chiefs receiver Dwayne Bowe was held out of last week's loss to Philadelphia because of an aching hamstring. But Matt Cassel's no. 1 option will be back on the line this week against the Giants. In the same game, New York wideout Hakeem Nicks will be suiting up for the first time since the season opener. He sprained his foot in Week One against the Redskins, but has healed fast enough to be in today's lineup.

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