by Chris Mooney

Here’s some Monday injury news to report:

Quarterbacks

The Panthers denied a report on Fox TV Sunday that QB Jake Delhomme (elbow) will need surgery for the sprained elbow that knocked him out of Sunday’s game. Delhomme dressed on Sunday and was designated as the team’s third quarterback, with backup QB David Carrgetting the start. The team did not sign a veteran quarterback to the roster last week, and they are hopeful Delhomme can start in Week Five against New Orleans, the Charlotte Observer reported.
49er QB Alex Smith (shoulder) left Sunday’s game with a shoulder injury early in the first quarter and did not return, as backup Trent Dilfer took over the rest of the way. Smith will have an MRI today and the team will update his status, but coach Mike Nolan said it was unlikely he would be able to play in Week Five against Baltimore.
Ram QB Marc Bulger (ribs) playing with two broken ribs, was benched late in the third quarter of Sunday’s loss and replaced by Gus Frerotte. He continued to insist that his ribs are not affecting his poor performance, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Raven QB Steve McNair (groin) said he wasn’t bothered by his groin injury, according to the Baltimore Sun, but continually overthrew receivers in the end zone and finished 4-for-8 for 28 yards in the red zone.
Viking QB Tarvaris Jackson (groin) was inactive for the second straight week as backup QB Kelly Holcomb got the start in the loss to Green Bay.
Bill QB J.P. Losman (knee) is out at least one more week with an MCL sprain. Rookie Trent Edwards got the start on Sunday against the Jets and completed 22-of-28 passes for 234 yards and a TD to lead the Bills to their first win. Edwards will start again in Week Five against Dallas on Monday night.

Running Backs

Bengal RB Rudi Johnson (hamstring) is out for Monday’s game. Backup RB Kenny Watson will start, and with RB Chris Perry on the PUP list through the first six weeks, the Bengals signed former Colt RB De De Dorsey as a backup.
Patriot RB Laurence Maroney (groin) practiced on a limited basis Friday and is listed as questionable for tonight’s game. He could be a game-time decision, according to a report on Sirius NFL Radio.
Buc RB Carnell Williams (knee) is out for the season after tearing the patellar tendon in his knee Sunday against the Panthers, the St. Petersburg Times reported. Backup RB Michael Pittman will likely move into the starting role, and RB Earnest Graham could also see a lot more action.
Raider RB LaMont Jordan (back) suffered a back injury in the second quarter of Sunday’s game and was taken to the locker room in a motorized cart. He was seen on crutches in the locker room after the game but declined comment, according to the Contra Costa Times. RB Dominic Rhodes is now eligible to return after missing the first four games serving an NFL suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. RB Justin Fargas rushed for a career-high 179 yards after taking over for Jordan on Sunday.
Colt RB Joseph Addai (shoulder) bruised his shoulder during a run early in the fourth quarter Sunday. He did not return, but coach Tony Dungy, speaking on Sirius NFL Radio Monday, said Addai told him he “was ready to go” back in the game if they needed him, and he should be OK for Week Five.
Eagle RB Brian Westbrook (abdominal strain) was inactive for Sunday’s game. The plan was for him to work out Sunday morning to see if he could play, but when the team arrived at the hotel Saturday it was clear he was in too much pain to even work out, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. The team is a on bye this week, and the team believes he should be OK by the following week. RB Correll Buckhalter started in Westbrook’s place Sunday and gained 103 yards on 17 carries.
Giant RB Brandon Jacobs (knee) was inactive Sunday but practiced on a limited basis last week and could play in Week Five, the New York Daily News reported. RB Derrick Ward (ankle) started for him again on Sunday.
Ram RB Steven Jackson (groin) missed Week Four and is likely out at least another week with a partial tear of his left groin. Rookie RB Brian Leonard will continue to start for him.
Seahawk RB Shaun Alexander (wrist) continues to play despite a cracked bone in his wrist.
Texan RB Ahman Green (knee) was inactive on Sunday and replaced as the starter by RB Ron Dayne (ribs). An MRI on Green’s knee last week showed no structural damage, and coach Gary Kubiak said he is hopeful he can return for Week Five against Miami, according to the Houston Chroncle.
Packer RB Vernand Morency (knee) was active on Sunday for the first time this season but carried the ball only once for two yards (he did have 3 catches for 33 yards, however). RB Brandon Jackson (shin) missed the game.
Viking RB Chester Taylor (hip) was active on Sunday after missing the previous two games, and he had 8 carries fpor 40 yards in the loss to Green Bay.
Lion RB Kevin Jones (foot) was active for the second straight week, gaining 38 yards on 10 carries and catching 2 passes for 6 yards.
Saint RB Deuce McAllister (knee) is out for the season with a torn ACL in his left knee.

Receivers

Giant WR Plaxico Burress (ankle) played in Sunday’s game and caught four passes, including a touchdown, after practicing only once last week because of a severe ankle sprain. He will likely continue to have limited practice time each week because of the injury but should be able to play through it, the New York Daily News reported.
Colt WR Marvin Harrison (knee) suffered a bruised knee in the first quarter of Sunday’s game. He missed one play but came back and stayed on the field for that touchdown drive, but then went to the locker room and didn’t return. Coach Tony Dungy, speaking on Sirius NFL Radio Monday, said Harrison is a quick healer, and the team is hopeful he will be able to play in Week Five against Tampa Bay. Backup Aaron Moorehead replaced Harrison in Sunday’s game.
Patriot WR Donte’ Stallworth (knee) practiced on Friday but is listed as questionable for Monday’s game. WR Kelley Washington (hamstring) will not play.
Bengal WR Tab Perry (hamstring) is out for Monday’s game and will be replaced as the #3 again by Glenn Holt.
Ram WR Isaac Bruce (hamstring) suffered a strained left hamstring in Sunday’s game and will be re-evaluated.
Cardinal WR Anquan Boldin (hip) missed Sunday’s game with a badly bruised hip. He missed three straight practices last week as the hip did not respond to treatment as well as they hoped. His status for Week Five is uncertain.
Bronco WR Javon Walker (knee) was inactive Sunday because of swelling in his surgically repaired knee. His status for Week Five will be re-evaluated when the team returns to practice Wednesday.
Lions WR Calvin Johnson (back) was inactive on Sunday after not practicing all week; he was listed as questionable going into the game. Mike Furrey started for him.
Brown TE Kellen Winslow (shoulder) was active on Sunday, despite a mild shoulder separation, and didn’t look limited by it, catching four passes for 96 yards.
Steeler WR Hines Ward (knee) was inactive on Sunday, and WR Nate Washington started for him.
Texan WR Andre Johnson (knee) missed his second straight game Sunday. The Houston Chronicle reported last week that he had the immobilizer removed from his knee but is still walking with a noticeable limp, and the timetable for his return is still uncertain. WR Andre’ Davis started in his place again Sunday opposite Kevin Walter.
Texan WR Jacoby Jones (shoulder) is out 2-3 weeks with a separated shoulder, the Houston Chronicle reported. Jerome Mathis (foot) will continue to handle the #3 role.
49er TE Vernon Davis (knee) missed Sunday’s game and is out at least another week with a sprained MCL, the San Francisco Chronicle reported. TE Delanie Walker started in his place Sunday.
Eagle TE L.J. Smith (groin) was inactive on Sunday.
Charger WR Eric Parker (toe) was inactive on Sunday as rookie Craig Davis got the start.
Chief WR Eddie Kennison (hamstring) was inactive again on Sunday.
Viking WR Troy Williamson (hamstring) was active for Sunday’s game and had 2 catches for 23 yards.
Seahawk WR D.J. Hackett (ankle) missed his third straight game Sunday as Nate Burleson continued to start for him.
Steeler rookie TE Matt Spaeth(quad) missed his second straight game Sunday.
Redskin WR Santana Moss (groin) is day-to-day with the groin injury he suffered in Week Three.
Cowboy WR Terry Glenn (knee) opted for the less severe arthroscopic knee rather than micro-fracture surgery in hopes of playing again this season. There is no timetable for his return, but he will likely miss another 3-4 weeks.