Shaun Alexander To Start While Donovan McNabb Will Sit This One Out.....Again

Running back Shaun Alexander will start in the Seahawks' game Sunday at Philadelphia after practicing for a third straight day following a 3 1/2-week absence with a sprained knee. However, backup Maurice Morris will get more carries than he usually would when Alexander starts to not tire out Alexander in his first game back. This is actually a good idea to utilize both running backs so when one gets tired, the other one can stay fresh. Alexander and Morris in the backfield can really open up the passing game and possible play action calls.

Play action tends to work when the quarterback has an excellent running back. For example, because Willie Parker is such a threat, a play action fake to Parker could easily fool the defense. However, because a team like the Patriots rarely run the ball, a play action to Maroney wouldn't fool anybody. Why do I rant about this? Because Alexander in his prime was a top running back and with Matt Hasselbeck's cannon, the play action was always a threat because the defense never knew if they were going to run or pass.

Meanwhile, Donovan McNabb is doubtful for the Eagles' game against Seattle on Sunday after missing practice again Friday. A.J. Feeley would get his second consecutive start if McNabb can't play. Feeley is coming off a strong outing in a 31-28 loss to New England.

I don't care what the analysts say. McNabb, ever since his first injury, hasn't played the same and he just isn't going to amount to anything for the rest of his injured career. The Eagles really need to give this guy up. He would make excellent trade bait. I can see any team quick to gobble him up. I'm not saying Feeley is the answer to the Eagles either, but I can guarantee the Eagles wouldn't have came as close as they did to beating the Patriots if McNabb was playing.

NFL Updated News and Injury Report For Week 11

The Oakland Raiders will finally start the highly anticipated JaMarcus Russell on December 2nd against the Broncos. Unless Daunte Culpepper performs incredibly well the next two weeks in starts against the Vikings and Chiefs, Russell likely will get all five starts in December.

The New England Patriots will face the Buffalo Bills on Sunday evening without starting right guard Stephen Neal who was unexpectedly downgraded to "out" on Saturday night because of a shoulder injury. In addition, New England also ruled out free safety Eugene Wilson and linebacker Eric Alexander. Meanwhile, the Bills rookie, Marshawn Lynch, missed his third straight practice on Friday and is doubtful for Buffalo's game Sunday night.

The Indianopolis Colts' list is just too big and depressing. Most likely to miss Week 11 are wide receiver Marvin Harrison (knee), wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez (thumb), cornerback Dante Hughes (shoulder), cornerback Matt Giordano (hamstring), tackle Daniel Federkeil (concussion), linebacker Tyjuan Hagler (neck) and cornerback Tim Jennings (upper leg). They are all listed as questionable. Tight end Dallas Clark practiced all week and has been cleared to play despite a concussion. Linebacker Freddie Keiaho, who is not on the injury list, should be back after missing games with a concussion.

Halfback Brian Westbrook missed practice for the second straight day with a knee injury and is questionable for the Eagles' game against Miami on Sunday. Andy Reid said "I think he'll be ready to go. It's not bad. There's a little swelling." This isn't a surprise. Westbrook is questionable every week.

Shaun Alexander will not play for the Seattle Seahawks until he's healthy enough to practice full time. Holmgren wouldn't officially say Alexander is "out" for Sunday's game against Chicago, but did say that backup Maurice Morris would get his second straight start. Morris had 28 carries for 87 yards in Seattle's 24-0 win over San Francisco last Monday. Personally, I even forgot Alexander was still playing. He's done nothing and has been so quiet the past couple of years. Deion Branch practiced without limitation this week, but Holmgren wouldn't go so far as to proclaim that Branch or linebacker LeRoy Hill would play against the bears.

Cleveland nose tackle Shaun Smith will not play in Sunday's game against the Baltimore Ravens because of a knee injury. Smith was injured during practice Thursday, the team said.

Steve Smith of the Carolina Panthers has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Green Bay Packers.

Wow I didn't realize this list was so long. Whats with all these star players not staying healthy?