Sure he'll play, but just cause he doesn't wanna hurt his pride and loose the job. Because of that, he'll injure himself a lot more this week if he does play, then it will be Benson's for the taking rest of year.
A Benson can owner can dream, can't he?I don't think it's about pride or fear, and I'd hardly fault him for wanting to fight through an injury and help his team. He's a guy who's finally living up to his potential and wants to keep it going.And he'll end his season in the process. I'm not afraid to reap the benefits as a Benson owner............Just sit out a week Tommy Jones, get healthy and you'll be the man rest of year.Sure he'll play, but just cause he doesn't wanna hurt his pride and loose the job. Because of that, he'll injure himself a lot more this week if he does play, then it will be Benson's for the taking rest of year.A Benson can owner can dream, can't he?I don't think it's about pride or fear, and I'd hardly fault him for wanting to fight through an injury and help his team. He's a guy who's finally living up to his potential and wants to keep it going.
They may have put out the cheatsheets before Jones was reported to have practiced today. One thing is for sure, TJ gives CHI a better chance of winning and if he's ready he will play and run all over MIN. If not then Benson and Peterson will both get a lot of carries. No way a rookie holdout garners all the touches with Peterson fully capable of pass blocking and toting the rock. I don't see Benson being a top 20 RB this weekend even if TJ sits. Peterson will get too much work IMO.FBG's has Benson ranked in the top 20 in its updated cheatsheets but doesn't even mention Thomas Jones. That makes sense.
Hope springs eternal...I don't see T.Jones playing at all this week. Especially with the recent article that was just released regarding how he will still be the featured back even if Benson erupts with huge numbers this week. The coach is re assuring that T.Jones shouldn't rush back this week, just to keep his job...

YeahBenson goes for 120 and a TD this week!
Go Cedric!!!
qb: Manning, BrooksNo Kidding?????IF you read the post you'll see that i've already pointed out that i'm a benson owner genius!YeahBenson goes for 120 and a TD this week!
Go Cedric!!!qb: Manning, Brooks
rb: Portis, Jackson, Faulk, Barlow, Benson
wr: Horn, Burleson, McCardell, Bruce, Muhammad
te: Heap
dst: Bucs
k: Brown
RECORD: 2-3
12 team head to head points based system
Start: 1 QB, 1 RB, 2 WR, 1 RB/WR, 1 TE, 1 K, 1 DST
6 points for all TDs
1 pt per 25 yds passing
1 pt per 10 yds rushing/receiving
Tj did practice today, but the Score's reporter Lawrence Holmes said that he walked with a "noticable" limp and doesn't think Tj will play this week. he is a game time decision, but in his opinion he doesn't think he will play. If benson has a great game, TJ is still the starter. ALL the players are behind TJ and if the bears bench him for cedric, it could mean disaster. The coaching staff doesn't want all the players against them. Sorry, no link, heard it on the radio today.Edited:spellingThomas Jones made a surprise return to practice Friday. He's now a game-time decision with a knee injury.
He wasn't limping at all. Friday isn't a padded practice, but we'd guess Jones will play now. "I haven't run since last week and it was definitely a lot better than I thought it would feel," Jones said after practice. Oct. 14 - 4:55 pm et
Bears
Yeah, heard the same. And I agree TJ would be better off sitting this week & trying next. The starting gig is his despite whatever Benson does this week (I think personally Benson's future the rest of the year -- more so than Jones's -- is on the line with this game)I also heard during the afternoon on the Score his injury is a 3-4 week injury most times, so it's seems like he's really rushing it & could only hurt himself by trying to play hurt.Tj did practice today, but the Score's reporter Lawrence Holmes said that he walked with a "noticable" limp and doesn't think Tj will play this week. he is a game time decision, but in his opinion he doesn't think he will play. If benson has a great game, TJ is still the starter. ALL the players are behind TJ and if the bears bench him for cedric, it could mean disaster. The coaching staff doesn't want all the players against them. Sorry, no link, heard it on the radio today.Edited:spellingThomas Jones made a surprise return to practice Friday. He's now a game-time decision with a knee injury.
He wasn't limping at all. Friday isn't a padded practice, but we'd guess Jones will play now. "I haven't run since last week and it was definitely a lot better than I thought it would feel," Jones said after practice. Oct. 14 - 4:55 pm et
Bears
Couldn't agree more.Yeah, heard the same. And I agree TJ would be better off sitting this week & trying next. The starting gig is his despite whatever Benson does this week (I think personally Benson's future the rest of the year -- more so than Jones's -- is more on the line with this game)I also heard during the afternoon on the Score his injury is a 3-4 week injury most times, so it's seems like he's really rushing it & could only hurt himself by trying to play hurt.Tj did practice today, but the Score's reporter Lawrence Holmes said that he walked with a "noticable" limp and doesn't think Tj will play this week. he is a game time decision, but in his opinion he doesn't think he will play. If benson has a great game, TJ is still the starter. ALL the players are behind TJ and if the bears bench him for cedric, it could mean disaster. The coaching staff doesn't want all the players against them. Sorry, no link, heard it on the radio today.Edited:spellingThomas Jones made a surprise return to practice Friday. He's now a game-time decision with a knee injury.
He wasn't limping at all. Friday isn't a padded practice, but we'd guess Jones will play now. "I haven't run since last week and it was definitely a lot better than I thought it would feel," Jones said after practice. Oct. 14 - 4:55 pm et
Bears
Being a Benson owner who was hoping to start him as an emergency (lost Deuce) this weekend against the awful Vikes, I hope Jones does rush back to play and it sets him back. Sorry, no offense to Jones owners or Bears fans, and I admire the guy not wanting to lose his job (and he shouldn't with the way he's played), but Thomas Jones won't give me $1,000 if I don't win my money league, and Benson playing more longterm might help get me that cash (either by starting him or trading him while he has "starting RB" value. So while I don't like to wish ill will on players, FF is all business, Jones is making an emotional decision to rush back, it seems, and I would like to see it lead to Benson getting a full-time shot to help my team. Not to sound cold, but that's the bottom line.That said, I agree that the team might get ornery if Jones can play and Lovie sits him for Benson nonetheless. Not the way to win a team over.Yeah, heard the same. And I agree TJ would be better off sitting this week & trying next. The starting gig is his despite whatever Benson does this week (I think personally Benson's future the rest of the year -- more so than Jones's -- is on the line with this game)I also heard during the afternoon on the Score his injury is a 3-4 week injury most times, so it's seems like he's really rushing it & could only hurt himself by trying to play hurt.Tj did practice today, but the Score's reporter Lawrence Holmes said that he walked with a "noticable" limp and doesn't think Tj will play this week. he is a game time decision, but in his opinion he doesn't think he will play. If benson has a great game, TJ is still the starter. ALL the players are behind TJ and if the bears bench him for cedric, it could mean disaster. The coaching staff doesn't want all the players against them. Sorry, no link, heard it on the radio today.Edited:spellingThomas Jones made a surprise return to practice Friday. He's now a game-time decision with a knee injury.
He wasn't limping at all. Friday isn't a padded practice, but we'd guess Jones will play now. "I haven't run since last week and it was definitely a lot better than I thought it would feel," Jones said after practice. Oct. 14 - 4:55 pm et
Bears
Larry Holmes is a MORON. That said, I can't argue with what he saw... but Lovie can!!"He looked good,'' Smith said. "It's not like he was limping or anything like that. We'll take it from there. He did well with what we asked him to do.''Tj did practice today, but the Score's reporter Lawrence Holmes said that he walked with a "noticable" limp and doesn't think Tj will play this week. he is a game time decision, but in his opinion he doesn't think he will play. If benson has a great game, TJ is still the starter. ALL the players are behind TJ and if the bears bench him for cedric, it could mean disaster. The coaching staff doesn't want all the players against them. Sorry, no link, heard it on the radio today.Edited:spellingThomas Jones made a surprise return to practice Friday. He's now a game-time decision with a knee injury.
He wasn't limping at all. Friday isn't a padded practice, but we'd guess Jones will play now. "I haven't run since last week and it was definitely a lot better than I thought it would feel," Jones said after practice. Oct. 14 - 4:55 pm et
Bears
Nothing says Benson will succeed either.. I have my doubts he is ready too at this moment if given a chance.. That's my opinion based on what I have seen..Being a Benson owner who was hoping to start him as an emergency (lost Deuce) this weekend against the awful Vikes, I hope Jones does rush back to play and it sets him back. Sorry, no offense to Jones owners or Bears fans, and I admire the guy not wanting to lose his job (and he shouldn't with the way he's played), but Thomas Jones won't give me $1,000 if I don't win my money league, and Benson playing more longterm might help get me that cash (either by starting him or trading him while he has "starting RB" value. So while I don't like to wish ill will on players, FF is all business, Jones is making an emotional decision to rush back, it seems, and I would like to see it lead to Benson getting a full-time shot to help my team. Not to sound cold, but that's the bottom line.That said, I agree that the team might get ornery if Jones can play and Lovie sits him for Benson nonetheless. Not the way to win a team over.Yeah, heard the same. And I agree TJ would be better off sitting this week & trying next. The starting gig is his despite whatever Benson does this week (I think personally Benson's future the rest of the year -- more so than Jones's -- is on the line with this game)I also heard during the afternoon on the Score his injury is a 3-4 week injury most times, so it's seems like he's really rushing it & could only hurt himself by trying to play hurt.Tj did practice today, but the Score's reporter Lawrence Holmes said that he walked with a "noticable" limp and doesn't think Tj will play this week. he is a game time decision, but in his opinion he doesn't think he will play. If benson has a great game, TJ is still the starter. ALL the players are behind TJ and if the bears bench him for cedric, it could mean disaster. The coaching staff doesn't want all the players against them. Sorry, no link, heard it on the radio today.Edited:spellingThomas Jones made a surprise return to practice Friday. He's now a game-time decision with a knee injury.
He wasn't limping at all. Friday isn't a padded practice, but we'd guess Jones will play now. "I haven't run since last week and it was definitely a lot better than I thought it would feel," Jones said after practice. Oct. 14 - 4:55 pm et
Bears
couldn't agree more..his holdout killed him. but if there's any day he does well, it's against the vikes, who have clearly packed it in. and for the record, i drafted jones last year and tink he's always been underrrated, but with the sudden loss of deuce, i just need benson as a deep rb start/trade option this year and a big game against minny would go a long way. we'll see...Nothing says Benson will succeed either.. I have my doubts he is ready too at this moment if given a chance.. That's my opinion based on what I have seen..Being a Benson owner who was hoping to start him as an emergency (lost Deuce) this weekend against the awful Vikes, I hope Jones does rush back to play and it sets him back. Sorry, no offense to Jones owners or Bears fans, and I admire the guy not wanting to lose his job (and he shouldn't with the way he's played), but Thomas Jones won't give me $1,000 if I don't win my money league, and Benson playing more longterm might help get me that cash (either by starting him or trading him while he has "starting RB" value. So while I don't like to wish ill will on players, FF is all business, Jones is making an emotional decision to rush back, it seems, and I would like to see it lead to Benson getting a full-time shot to help my team. Not to sound cold, but that's the bottom line.That said, I agree that the team might get ornery if Jones can play and Lovie sits him for Benson nonetheless. Not the way to win a team over.Yeah, heard the same. And I agree TJ would be better off sitting this week & trying next. The starting gig is his despite whatever Benson does this week (I think personally Benson's future the rest of the year -- more so than Jones's -- is on the line with this game)I also heard during the afternoon on the Score his injury is a 3-4 week injury most times, so it's seems like he's really rushing it & could only hurt himself by trying to play hurt.Tj did practice today, but the Score's reporter Lawrence Holmes said that he walked with a "noticable" limp and doesn't think Tj will play this week. he is a game time decision, but in his opinion he doesn't think he will play. If benson has a great game, TJ is still the starter. ALL the players are behind TJ and if the bears bench him for cedric, it could mean disaster. The coaching staff doesn't want all the players against them. Sorry, no link, heard it on the radio today.Edited:spellingThomas Jones made a surprise return to practice Friday. He's now a game-time decision with a knee injury.
He wasn't limping at all. Friday isn't a padded practice, but we'd guess Jones will play now. "I haven't run since last week and it was definitely a lot better than I thought it would feel," Jones said after practice. Oct. 14 - 4:55 pm et
Bears
Excellent post and nice analysisI don't think those two articles are necessarily contradictory, they simply put a different spin on the same story which is 'Thomas Jones is a game time decision'
The reality is that no one on these boards has examined T. Jones or looked at his MRI. We have to get little hints and clues about what may be going on with him through the various articles that are published.
The Tribune article actually contains some new information in the form of -
Jones, whose Monday MRI was sent to noted specialist James Andrews for a second opinion, was encouraged.
"[My injury] was better than I thought it would be," he said. "It was a lot more stable than I thought it would be."
This suggest to me that the MRI does not show a significant tear in his LCL. Remember that the LCL is not a major ligament in the knee in regards to stability. This injury is relatively rare compared with other knee injuries because it usually requires a force/blow on the medial side of the knee to cause the injury. This is not the type of injury that is going to get significantly worse by running on it. Sure it may cause more inflammation and pain but simply running on it is not going to cause it to tear. Another akward tackle or blow to the leg could surely worsen the injury but then the same thing could cause a new injury to a player who had no prior injury. Basically I think the only thing holding Jones back is the pain and or inflamation he may be experiencing.
Now lets look at other factors that may go into Jones playing
1) He has a strong desire to help his team in an important divisional game
2) He wants to remain RB #1 and fend off Benson (no matter what Lovie and the others say)
As a fantasy owner you're going to have to go right down to the wire with this one. Right now I think there is a better than 50% chance he plays based upon what has been said and inferences that have been made. If you currently have him in your lineup you better have another option to go to just before game time in case they hold him out. On the other hand, if he does play I expect a big game from him to the tune of over 100 yds and 1 - 2 TDs. So if you do have him on your roster and he plays you probably don't want to miss out on what could possibly be a huge performance.
I agree with this as Smith isn't going to let a rookie get the QB killed. It's the opportunity Benson (and Benson owners) have been looking for, but I'm not convinced he's going to light it up. He's only played in three games so far, so you gotta give him the benefit of the doubt, but hasn't looked any better than mediocre.If Jones can't go my take is that Benson and Peterson will split and the split will be determined on the situation. From what I've read Benson's pass blocking skills are lacking so I would expect Peterson to be in on passing downs. If Benson gets a series he better perform better than he did last week...for that matter, both backs need to step up.
Don't let the door hit you on the way outGood God!!!! Why do I keep hoping these boards become more than a chat room for regulars with too much time on their hands! Back to KFFL's Hotwire for concrete injury news!

Wow, this is new news. This doesn't sound that encouraging for him to play tomorrow. But, we know he wants the start! The dreaded game time decisions are killing me this week.Doctors told Bears RB Thomas Jones the knee sprain was typically a three- to four-week injury. "[but] I'm running now," he said. "We'll just have to see how I feel on Sunday." Jones, along with left guard Ruben Brown (chest) and left tackle John Tait (ankle), remained questionable for Sunday against the Vikings and tight end Desmond Clark was downgraded to questionable with an illness. None is expected to play Sunday. The Bears will need all of them next week for the Ravens, the NFL's No. 2 defense. Jones, whose Monday MRI was sent to noted specialist James Andrews for a second opinion, was encouraged. "[My injury] was better than I thought it would be," he said. "It was a lot more stable than I thought it would be." Cedric Benson remains the likely starter, with Lovie Smith continuing to mention Adrian Peterson in virtually every comment on Benson's situation.Posted October 15, by Ben Maller
Snap, the news comes out several hours apart. Between that the users hear analyze the news. The effort is to read between the lines and present our takes on the information. The "regulars" have been around a while and have read plenty of "coach speak" through the years. There's also plenty of hometown information. Info from local radio shows and sports reporters. Stuff you can't find on the Hotwire.The Hotwire is a very valuable tool. But used properly, these boards can give you insight you can't get anywhere else.Good God!!!! Why do I keep hoping these boards become more than a chat room for regulars with too much time on their hands! Back to KFFL's Hotwire for concrete injury news!
:FFA:Good God!!!! Why do I keep hoping these boards become more than a chat room for regulars with too much time on their hands!
People forget he was the leading rusher and scorer in the NFL until Grossman went down last year.Regardless, kudos to him on an impressive year thus far. Fending off a first round pick is not easy and Benson hasn't had much of a chance of starting til now, when he got hurt.
Definitely true - The Trib and Sun Times are both more solid than any fantasy sources for this, and both are displaying both sides of the coin. As was stated above by others, it's obviously a game time decision and far from clear at the moment. I won't be starting TJ, but I don't expect anyone to do great per se. It's a shame against the Vikes' awful D and in the midst of the Love Boat scandal!!Conflicting reports;
http://www.suntimes.com/output/bears/cst-spt-bside15.html
Sprain might not keep Jones away Sunday
October 15, 2005
BY BRAD BIGGS Staff Reporter
Thomas Jones took a step toward being on the field Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings when he practiced Friday at Halas Hall.
The league's No. 8 rusher suffered a mild sprain in his right knee last week at Cleveland but now looks like a real possibility to play, despite rampant reports earlier in the week that he would miss up to two games.
"It was definitely a lot better than I thought it would feel,'' said Jones, who remains questionable on the injury report. "It was a lot more stable than I thought it would be. I feel pretty good. I'll have to see how I feel Sunday.''
If Jones can't play, rookie Cedric Benson will make his first professional start, but coach Lovie Smith was encouraged by Jones' performance, and typically when a guy practices Friday, he plays Sunday.
"He looked good,'' Smith said. "It's not like he was limping or anything like that. We'll take it from there. He did well with what we asked him to do.''
There's a possibility that left tackle John Tait (sprained left ankle, questionable) also will play, though he did not practice this week. Smith said while he prefers players get at least one day of work in before a game, it's not a hard rule. If Tait isn't ready to go, John St. Clair will take his place.
"I said [Thursday] I would like for the guys to get at least one practice in, in order for them to play,'' Smith said. "But it's not like that is 100 percent. If we have a player we feel like can help us win and he's ready to go Sunday, we'll play him if that's the case.''
Perhaps that's because Smith acknowledged the Bears "need to get a win in the worst way.'' Left guard Ruben Brown (left pectoral muscle, questionable) is expected to be replaced by Roberto Garza. Tight end Desmond Clark (ill, questionable) was downgraded after missing practice for the second consecutive day. Defensive tackle Tommie Harris (foot) and cornerback Nate Vasher (knee) were removed from the injury list.
"It's a crucial game,'' Jones said. "We need this game for later on in the season if we want to make it into the playoffs.
"With the distractions we've had this week, I think a lot of guys are just ready to play. I want to be out there and make plays and help us win.''
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=fanb...nball&type=lgns
Bears: Jones still unlikely for Sunday
by Fanball Staff - Fanball.com
Saturday, October 15, 2005
News
The Chicago Tribune is reporting that although Thomas Jones was officially at practice on Friday despite his sprained right knee, the Bears starting running back was heavily taped, noticeably limping, and remains unlikely to play on Sunday against the Vikings. Jones is officially questionable and will be a game-time decision. The Tribune is also reporting that the stretched lateral collateral ligament is typically a three-to-four week injury.
Views
Jones has been able to run straight ahead this week but isn't sure about his ability cut on the sprain. It's looking more and more like Cedric Benson will get the start and third-stringer Adrian Peterson will spell the rookie as needed. If Jones is indeed inactive on Sunday, Benson is a promising play against the league's worst run defense.
Not a bad call - I WOULD start the Vikes D comfortably this week, but it's because of the Bears QB, not the running game. The Bears running game has worked against everyone but the Wash D @ Washington in week one, so I think their running game would normally be too much for the Minnesota D.Actually, I need to say something about the Vikings D... They are not aweful. They've been ravaged by injuries and have been kept on the field too long by their aweful offense. Now, the Vikes have only 2 players sidelined from their defense, so for once we're going to see what they can do at full strength (or as close to it as they've been for a while). I'm actually considering starting the Vikings D against the Bears, especially if Jones is out. I prefer them this week over the Bronco's and Skins, who are playing the Chiefs and Pat's respectively.
At the risk of moving beyond the confines of this thread, but I would argue that without Jones in the Bears running game, we can't expect the same production. No way can Peterson/Benson be expected to put of Jones-like numbers, at least in their 1st game without him.Not a bad call - I WOULD start the Vikes D comfortably this week, but it's because of the Bears QB, not the running game. The Bears running game has worked against everyone but the Wash D @ Washington in week one, so I think their running game would normally be too much for the Minnesota D.Actually, I need to say something about the Vikings D... They are not aweful. They've been ravaged by injuries and have been kept on the field too long by their aweful offense. Now, the Vikes have only 2 players sidelined from their defense, so for once we're going to see what they can do at full strength (or as close to it as they've been for a while). I'm actually considering starting the Vikings D against the Bears, especially if Jones is out. I prefer them this week over the Bronco's and Skins, who are playing the Chiefs and Pat's respectively.
Might want to rediagnose your own knee. Medial means inside, not outside.Excellent post and nice analysisThis injury is relatively rare compared with other knee injuries because it usually requires a force/blow on the medial side of the knee to cause the injury.Strangely enough, I recently researched LCL injuries quite a bit when trying to diagnose my own knee problem. As you said, I ruled the LCL out when I learned that it is only caused and worsened by a blow to the outside of the knee.
Actually, as I stated above once I learned that the LCL and MCL injuries come from a blow to the knee period, I stopped my reading on the cause. I didn't injure my knee from contact.Edited: this webmd piece mislead me as to the cause for an LCL injury:Might want to rediagnose your own knee. Medial means inside, not outside.Excellent post and nice analysisThis injury is relatively rare compared with other knee injuries because it usually requires a force/blow on the medial side of the knee to cause the injury.Strangely enough, I recently researched LCL injuries quite a bit when trying to diagnose my own knee problem. As you said, I ruled the LCL out when I learned that it is only caused and worsened by a blow to the outside of the knee.
The cause for an LCL is typically a hit to the inside (medial) side, but what is strange to me is that I'm almost POSITIVE that the hit on TJ was to the outside of his injured knee. One would then think the MCL would injured, but who knows...What Is the Most Common Cause of Medial and Lateral Collateral Ligament Injuries?
The MCL is more easily injured than the LCL. The cause is most often a blow to the outer side of the knee that stretches and tears the ligament on the inner side of the knee. Such blows frequently occur in contact sports like football or hockey.
Actually, I KNOW Holmes is a moron! As does anyone who listens to sports radio in Chicago often. That aside, I agree with the coach-speak skepticism, but I don't know why Lovie wouldn't even mention the limping factor unless he was surprised to not see him limping. To me, Holmes' tendency to create controversy and make the wrong call is greater than the likelihood that Lovie is outright lying about this, but to your point either might be the case.Ok natrone thinks Lawrence Holmes is a moron. That's beside the point. He saw Jones walk with a noticable limp. Is lovie actually going to tell us that Jones didn't look good and has a limp? Come on.
Espn radio reported today that initially the doctors/trainers told Jones 3-4 weeks, but he has already started running so that is great news. They don't think Jones is going to play this week, but next week is looking really good.
Heh, funny you should mention that because I actually see him around town here in Gainesville sometimes. He's a real cool guy, played poker with him once.Speaking of Neal Anderson, what's he doing these days?
He helped me to my first FF title back in 1989!![]()
My memories of Neal Anderson aren't that fond. He scored the tying TD against my Jets with :00 left on the clock to force overtime on a Monday night in Soldier Field. Pat Leahy choked in OT and the Bears went on to win a great game.Heh, funny you should mention that because I actually see him around town here in Gainesville sometimes. He's a real cool guy, played poker with him once.Speaking of Neal Anderson, what's he doing these days?
He helped me to my first FF title back in 1989!![]()
Well, ummm.... tell him I said thanks!Heh, funny you should mention that because I actually see him around town here in Gainesville sometimes. He's a real cool guy, played poker with him once.Speaking of Neal Anderson, what's he doing these days?
He helped me to my first FF title back in 1989!![]()
