The Chicago Tribune reports Devin Hester is "doubtful" for Sunday's home game against the Buccaneers with his undisclosed rib injury. There remains some cloudiness in the report as to whether he's torn cartilage or merely bruised ribs.
Impact: Hester's played a minimal role in the passing game and has been rendered ineffective by opposing special teams units through two weeks. Nathan Vasher will stand in for him in the return game, and his presence may actually help turn the field position game in Chicago's favor at home. The Bears were a strong start against the Tampa Bay defense regardless of Hester's status.

The Philadelphia Inquirer says receiver Reggie Brown was available for Thursday's workout and that he showed no ill effects of his hamstring injury.
Impact: I'm still sitting him down for another week until he's ready to assume a full-time role and we see how Brown is utilized by Donovan McNabb, who's clearly established a fabulous rapport with DeSean Jackson. The rookie will remain a top option.

Darren McFadden's been slowed by turf toe this week, but he returned to practice on Thursday, per The Oakland Tribune . The paper also reports the groin injury sustained by Justin Fargas at the beginning of the Week 2 win over Kansas City could sideline the veteran tailback for several weeks.
Impact: The running game's clearly the lone form of offense in Oakland right now. As such, McFadden's return to the practice field allows Lane Kiffin and Raiders fans to breathe a collective sigh of relief. He'll shoulder the majority of the load against a stout Buffalo defense, although Michael Bush is mighty intriguing as a Flex sleeper. I don't expect the Oakland running game to run wild as it did last week against the Chiefs, but the carries should pile up. And, given the stinger sustained by McFadden in the opener, Bush is the likely goal-line hero.

Fantasy owners are curious to watch the running back slot in New England with Matt Cassel under center. Per The Boston Globe , Laurence Maroney returned to work after missing time with a shoulder injury, while early-week sleeper selection LaMont Jordan remains sidelined by a foot injury.
Impact: Frankly, I'd be surprised to see either of them in the mix for Sunday against the Dolphins. Look for Cassel to turn to Sammy Morris and Kevin Faulk with great regularity for this home tilt. Jordan intrigues me long-term, but it doesn't appear his breakthrough performance occurs this week.

The St. Petersburg Times reports Joey Galloway's sprained foot is likely to keep him out of Sunday's game against the Bears in Chicago.
Impact: The report came from the mouth of Michael Clayton, who told reporters Galloway would be sidelined, a measure that irked Jon Gruden. Clayton hasn't been much of a factor for years, so being in Gruden's doghouse won't impact his status. Galloway's absence would obviously impact Brian Griese's value against his former team. I'm somewhat intrigued by Antonio Bryant, who will see a larger role in Galloway's absence. However, you have to be reaching to get anyone but Earnest Graham into your lineup this weekend.

Lock it down to FOXSports.com for all of the latest player and team news as the countdown to kickoff approaches. John Halpin and Roger Rotter will dispense lineup advice in their blogs, and you can find me on the airwaves of FOX Sports Radio from 7am-9am PT (10am ET-12pm ET).