Injury Central: Pierre Thomas, Peyton Hillis Questionable for Week 17

Pierre Thomas had more carries in Week 16 than he had in the previous 11 weeks combined. He looked to be back, rushing for 63 yards and a touchdown, from that devastating high ankle sprain that kept him out of action for so long.

But Thomas tweaked that injured ankle in practice on Friday, and was not able to participate on Saturday. Missing practice on Saturday is not a good sign for his availability on Sunday, but the Saints say that he will remain on the injury list as questionable and be a game-time decision.

Peyton Hillis has been unable to practice all week because of a rib injury. He's listed as questionable, but the Browns have been optimistic all week.

Hillis is tough, as he fought through a knee injury last week but still played. It's hard to imagine bruised ribs keeping him off the field in Week 17.

His status for Sunday won't be known until the inactive list is presented. Hillis is a true game-time decision.

Quarterback

• Michael Vick, Eagles - Everyone on the planet knows that Vick isn't going to play in Week 17. The only problem is that Philadelphia hasn't made an official announcement as of yet. Kevin Kolb will be the starter on Sunday.

• Matt Hasselbeck, Seahawks - Hasselbeck practiced on Friday on a limited basis and is listed as questionable for Sunday. If he's healthy enough to play, he's going to do so. Right now it looks like he'll play.

• Jon Kitna, Cowboys - Kitna hasn't practiced all week because of an oblique injury. He's listed as questionable, but likely won't play.

• Ryan Fitzpatrick, Bills - Fitzpatrick did not practice at all this week because of a knee injury. He's listed as questionable and is a true game-time decision for Sunday.

• Brett Favre, Vikings - Favre is listed as doubtful for Week 17, even though he passed the first portion of his concussion test. It's unlikely you'll see Favre on the field again this season. I won't make any prediction after that.

Running Back

• Ryan Torain, Redskins - Torain was on the field every day for practice this week and participated in full. Even at questionable, Torain will surely play this Sunday.

• Darren McFadden, Raiders - McFadden wasn't able to practice all week because of turf toe. He's listed as questionable, but will be a game-time decision.

• Knowshon Moreno, Broncos - Moreno aggravated his rib injury in Week 16 and is listed as questionable for Week 17. He was limited in practice on Thursday and Friday, and is expected to play on Sunday.

Wide Receiver

• Marques Colston, Saints - Colston had his knee scoped this week and is still listed as questionable for Sunday. He's likely not going to play, but he's trying his best to get back out onto the field.

• Andre Johnson, Texans - Johnson is scheduled to have knee surgery next week and is listed as doubtful for Week 17. He's out for Houston's game on Sunday.

• DeSean Jackson, Eagles - Jackson has been absent from practice all week because of a foot injury and isn't expected to do anything close to playing football on Sunday. Look elsewhere for receiving help.

• Steve Smith, Panthers - Smith is listed as questionable with a calf strain. He'll make the trip to Atlanta, but is a game-time decision.

• Sidney Rice, Vikings - Rice hasn't practiced all week after sustaining a concussion on Tuesday. He is listed as doubtful and is not expected to play.

• Deion Branch, Patriots - Branch is listed as questionable for Week 17 because of a knee injury. He's been limited all week in practice and a decision won't be made on his playing status until late in the morning on Sunday.

Tight End

• Todd Heap, Ravens - Heap is listed as questionable with a hamstring injury. But he, and the coaching staff, say he's going to give it a go in Week 17.

• Jeremy Shockey, Saints - Shockey missed practice on Thursday and Friday and is listed as questionable for Sunday's game. His status won't be known until close to game time.

• Aaron Hernandez, Patriots - Hernandez was limited in practice early in the week and then sat out on Friday. To go backwards like that is not a good sign, but no one will know until the Patriots make a game-time decision on Hernandez. He missed Week 16, and I wouldn't expect to see him in Week 17 either.