National Football League

Peyton's problem: Thomas, Sanders in doubt for Sunday

Published Nov. 21, 2014 6:15 a.m. ET

John Halpin

After Demaryius Thomas, who will Peyton Manning throw to this week? Good question. TE Julius Thomas (ankle) and WR Emmanuel Sanders (concussion) both missed practice again on Thursday, and their statuses remain in doubt for Sunday's game against the Dolphins. Thomas says he's determined to play, but the decision might not be up to him. Sanders has reached the conditioning portion of the NFL's concussion protocol, but until he clears all hurdles, he can't play. On both players, we should know more later on Friday.

Your Broncos backup plans are TE Jacob Tamme and WR Andre Caldwell. I'll pass on Wes Welker, thanks.

In other news ...

Not this again ... the Texans say that RB Arian Foster (groin) will be a gametime decision. Get ready to fire up Alfred Blue against the Bengals' 28th-ranked run defense.

Remember your byes: The Panthers and Steelers are off this week.

It's really too bad that a concussion interrupted Latavius Murray's quest for a 400-yard game last night. I have Murray on five of my teams ... and four of my benches. Hopefully, he'll be ready to go in Week 13.

In case you haven't heard, the Jets and Bills will play Monday night in Detroit due to the 9,000 feet of snow that has fallen in the Buffalo area. Note that Sammy Watkins caught three passes for 157 yards and a TD against the Jets a few weeks ago, and will meet them in a dome this week.

The Cincinnati Enquirer says that Bengals RB Gio Bernard will "likely be eased back into action" on Sunday after missing three games with clavicle and hip injuries. For now, I've got Hill ranked at RB18 and Bernard at RB28.

Lions RB Reggie Bush (ankle) was limited in Thursday's practice, but it sounds like he's on track to return Sunday.

The Patriots signed RB LeGarrette Blount, but he's probably more of a depth addition than a threat to Jonas Gray.

The Vikings signed RB Ben Tate, but aren't sure if he'll be active this week since he's new to their system. Matt Asiata (concussion) might not play either. Offensive coordinator Norv Turner said Thursday of Jerick McKinnon, "I still see him as our running back." Could McKinnon finally get some goal-line work this week? Hmm ...

It sounds like Saints RB Pierre Thomas (rib/shoulder) will be back in action against the Ravens after missing four games.

Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald is very iffy for Sunday due to a sprained knee.

Stop me if you've heard this before: Redskins TE Jordan Reed (hamstring) didn't practice on Thursday.

Dolphins TE Charles Clay (knee, hamstring) didn't practice on Thursday, and his status for Sunday seems to be in doubt.

Look for Trent Richardson to pretty much handle every-down duties in the Colts' backfield in the wake of Ahmad Bradshaw's injury. Colts TE Dwayne Allen (ankle) didn't practice Thursday.

Here's my roster for this week's DraftKings "Millionaire Maker." If I win, I'm planning to hire Guy Fieri to cook Thanksgiving dinner:

QB: Drew Brees $8,200

RB: Isaiah Crowell $3,800

RB: Charles Sims $3,600

WR: Dez Bryant $8,100

WR: Josh Gordon $6,300

WR: Sammy Watkins $5,600

TE: Jimmy Graham $7,000

FLEX: Tre Mason $4,200

DST: Colts $3,200

Make sure to check out our Sunday morning chat, featuring Adam Meyer, Joel Beall and me from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. ET, as well as our Week 12 rankings, which will be updated Friday night. Good luck this week!