by Chris Mooney

Here some Saturday injury updates I’ve come across:

Giant QB Eli Manning (shoulder) now seems likely to play on Sunday, according to a report Friday afternoon on the New York Daily News web site. Manning took about half of the first-team snaps in practice Friday, and several teammates afterward said he looked very good throwing the ball. The Daily News reported that the “consensus” among the Giant players is that it will be a surprise if Mannning doesn’t play against the Packers, even though coach Tom Coughlin is still saying it will be a game-time decision. He is officially listed as questionable for the game. Backup Jared Lorenzen is preparing to get his first NFL start if Manning can’t go.

The NFL Network reported that Jet QB Kellen Clemens will make his first NFL start Sunday against the Ravens in place of QB Chad Pennington (ankle), but head coach Eric Mangini insisted he has not yet made a decision. “I’ll make a decision once all the information’s in,” Mangini said, according to the Associated Press. Pennington is listed as questionable for the game.

Raider QB Josh McCown (finger/foot) pulled up lame on his injured right foot during practice Friday and is listed as doubtful for Sunday’s game against the Broncos, so it looks like QB Daunte Culpepper will get his first start as a Raider, according to the Contra Costa Times. Head coach Lane Kiffin said he is “anticipating” that Culpepper will start but he also said the team will play it “day-by-day.” McCown has also been limited by a cracked finger on his throwing hand.

Eagle backup QB A.J. Feeley had a second operation on his injured non-throwing hand Friday, a day after the hand swelled following practice, according to the Associated Press. He is listed as questionable for Monday’s game against Washington. Rookie Kevin Kolb would serve as Donovan McNabb’s backup if Feeley can’t play.

Seahawk RB Shaun Alexander (wrist) has a sprained left wrist, head coach Mike Holmgren said Friday, and will play in Sunday’s game against Arizona with a soft, padded cast to protect the injury, the Seattle Times reported. Alexander practiced on Friday with the cast over his wrist, halfway up his forearm, and is expected to start on Sunday. “We’re being real careful with that,” Holmgren said. “He feels really good about playing with that thing.” Alexander apparently sprained the wrist during last week’s win over Seattle.

Dolphin RB Jesse Chatman (knee) returned to practice Friday and is now probable for Sunday’s game, according to the Miami Herald. Head coach Cam Cameron said he anticipates using Chatman in a similar role as last week’s game, when he had seven carries to Ronnie Brown’s 11.

Charger TE Antonio Gates participated fully in practice again Friday and is probable for Sunday’s game against the Patriots, according to the San Diego Union Tribune.

Raven WR Mark Clayton (toe) was limited in practice again Friday and remains questionable for Sunday’s game, according to the Baltimore Sun. If he plays, it might only be in third-down situations, the paper reports, and he could be replaced in the starting lineup by WR Demetrius Williams, who is also questionable with a chest injury but is expected to play.

Cardinal WR Bryant Johnson (hamstring) injured his right hamstring in practice Friday and is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game. If he can’t play, Sean Morey will move up to the #3 spot, according to the Arizona Republic.

Bills WR Josh Reed (thigh contusion) missed his third straight practice Friday and is questionable for Sunday’s game at Pittsburgh, according to the Associated Press. WR Roscoe Parrish would replace him.