Rams' running back Steven Jackson was optimistic he would be able to play this week, but that does not appear to be the case as he continues to battle a nagging groin injury. Jackson, who already missed Wednesday and Thursday's practice was not on the field when the Rams practiced on Friday.

New head coach Jim Haslett inidcated he would only play Jackson in Week 11 if he participated in a full practice.

The news could be even worse though. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch writes, "don’t be surprised if Jackson’s strained thigh muscle keeps him sidelined for another week or two."

With the Rams on the road to nowhere, why would they rush him back?

The paper speculates that "RB duties go to newcomers Kenneth Darby and Samkon Gado, with Antonio Pittman (hamstring) a possibility for the rotation. Pittman did some work Thursday and Friday. Travis Minor (concussion) isn’t expected to be cleared until next week." 

After returning to action last Monday night to help lead the Steelers to a victory, it appears as if Willie Parker will be out again in Week 10's match-up with the Colts.

Parker apparently suffered a shoulder injury during the second half of the game, but did not realize it until Tuesday morning. He did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday and the Pittsburgh Post Gazette reports that the team has ruled him out for Sunday, but expect him back for Week 11.

Mewelde Moore will get the nod for the Steelers as the Colts come to town.

Meanwhile, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is listed as questionable and will likely be a game-time decision. Byron Leftwich would start should Big Ben need to sit. 

Let's take a look at some quick hits from Thursday night's NFL game...

BRONCOS
Jay Cutler - Playing from behind and without a healthy running back for most of the game Jay Cutler threw for a career-high 447 yards on 24 of 42 passing and tossed four touchdowns, including three in the fourth-quarter comeback. Denver's backfield is a mess and Cutler is going to be the bulk of the offense. He is going to throw picks, but his aggressiveness should also translate in to some big fantasy days ahead.

Ryan Torain - The rookie looked decent early on, but left the game with a knee injury and is likely headed to the I.R., joining fellow backfield mates Michael Pittman and Andre Hall. Selvin Young is already questionable for next week too. The only back left standing in rookie FB Patrick Hillis, who finished just 24 yards on 8 carries. Torain did rack up 68 yards on 12 carries and a TD before exiting with the injury.

Brandon Marshall - Marshall broke out of his mini-funk with the game's biggest catch, a 11-yard go-ahead score with 3:53 to go in the game. He finished the night with 89 yards and 6 receptions. There is no questioning his talent, but it would be nice to see him using it fully at all times. He would still me my top pick at wideout right now in a keeper draft.

Eddie Royal - The rookie had a career night which included a 93-yard TD catch. He finished the game with 6 catches for 164 yards. Royal has blazing speed and defenses focusing on Marshall all the time he's going to have nights like this. Consider him a solid WR3 that has high potential in good match-ups.

BROWNS
Brady Quinn -The beginning of the Brady Quinn era, at least from a fantasy standpoint, was a great success. He finished the night completing 23-of-35 for 239 yards, two touchdowns, and zero turnovers. He showed nice mobility and the Browns' offense resembled its 2007 version for the first time this season. Let's not get too carried away though, the Broncos have the tendency to make offenses look good. Still, I was encouraged by what I saw and the young hurler is definitely worth picking up as a backup option.

Jamal Lewis - He did find his way into the end zone, but 60 yards on 19 carries is pretty pathetic and an even further sign that Lewis is a bust. I ranked him highly this week expecting much more. It was his failure to move the ball in the second half that doomed the Browns. Jerome Harrison picked up 48 yards on 5 carries and if the Browns continue to lose games I wouldn't be surprised to see Lewis get benched.

Braylon Edwards - As disappointing as Lewis was, it doesn't even come close to the dud performance turned out by Edwards. He continues to drop balls and can not get seperation. I don't see how you can keep sticking him in your lineup on a weekly basis. The match-ups don't get much better than this. He only has one 100-yard game and 3 TD (after 17 last year) this season.

Kellen Winslow - Winslow had a monster game and obviously was in sync with his new quarterback. Anytime you can get 11 receptions, 131 yards, and 2 TD's out of your tight end your off to a good start. If he can stay healthy down the stretch, Winslow could help propel fantasy owners to championships.