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By Michael Blunda
Here are the key injury updates heading into the early games of Week 17:
- Colts WR Pierre Garcon (hand) is active at Buffalo. He's tough to rely on, however, in poor conditions and likely without Peyton Manning for much of the contest.
- Dolphins RB Ricky Williams (shoulder) is active vs. the Steelers. Start him at your own risk at less than full strength vs. one of the league's top run defenses.
- As expected, Jaguars WR Torry Holt (hand) and TE Marcedes Lewis (head) are both out. This shouldn't have much of a fantasy effect.
- Bucs RB Derrick Ward (knee) is inactive. Cadillac Williams should see a healthy workload vs. the Falcons and makes for a solid play.
- For the Falcons, both QB Matt Ryan (toe) and TE Tony Gonzalez (calf) are active at Tampa Bay. Ryan could have a decent day against a shaky "D," and Gonzalez belongs in lineups as usual.
- Falcons RB Michael Turner (ankle) is inactive. Jerious Norwood and Jason Snelling will split carries vs. the Bucs and could each make for adequate flex plays.
- Bears WR Johnny Knox (ankle) is inactive at Detroit. WR Devin Hester, however, is back healthy.
- Vikings TE Visanthe Shiancoe (thigh) is active vs. the Giants. He's not a bad play against a "D" that's struggled to cover TEs.
- Rams RB Steven Jackson (back) is active vs. the 49ers. Feel free to start him in the season finale, but beware that he might not make it through the entire game.
- As expected, Panthers RB DeAngelo Williams (ankle) is inactive. Jonathan Stewart will start vs. the Saints and definitely should be in your lineup after his monster outing last Sunday.
- As expected, Saints QB Drew Brees is the emergency No. 3 QB, making him unlikely to play vs. the Panthers. Mark Brunell will start. Also inactive for the Saints are RB Pierre Thomas (rib), TE David Thomas (calf) and WR Lance Moore (ankle). TE Jeremy Shockey (toe) is active.
- Patriots RBs Laurence Maroney and Kevin Faulk are both healthy scratches vs. the Texans. Sammy Morris and Fred Taylor should split carries, with Morris being the better fantasy option.
- Giants RB Ahmad Bradshaw (ankle) is active at Minnesota. With Brandon Jacobs out, Bradshaw should see a nice workload and belongs in lineups. WR Mario Manningham (shoulder) is inactive.
