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Injury updates for eight remaining teams
By John Clayton
ESPN.com

Here's the latest on key injuries going into the divisional playoffs:

  • Steelers at Titans: Steelers linebacker Kendrell Bell didn't practice on his bad ankle, but he still plans to play Saturday against the Titans. Bell has re-injured the ankle twice since coming back from a high ankle sprain. He had one of his best games last week against the Browns even though his ankle started to give out toward the end of the game. Bell is listed as questionable. Cornerback Chad Scott has practiced all week after missing last week with a broken thumb. He's listed as questionable but he is expected to start. Defensive end Kimo von Oelhoffen (calf) and wide receiver Hines Ward (quad) returned to practice Thursday and will be able to play.

    Titans coach Jeff Fisher kept defensive end Jevon Kearse out of practice by design. Kearse's foot started bothering him during Wednesday's practice. Kearse, who is listed as questionable, is still expected to play. The only real question is left guard Zach Piller, who is questionable because of a calf injury. Piller took part in a little more than half of the snaps Thursday, but the team won't know until game time whether or not he can play against the Steelers on Saturday. Five other players are on the injury report.

  • Falcons at Eagles: Falcons defensive tackle Ellis Johnson, who is doubtful for Saturday's game against the Eagles because of an ankle injury, practiced on Thursday and says there is no way that he is going to miss this game against the Eagles -- that remains to be seen. He's listed as doubtful because of an ankle injury that has kept him inactive until Thursday. Johnson is the Falcons' only injury question. Guard Roberto Garza is questionable but practiced Thursday on his sore knee and should be available. Guard Travis Claridge hasn't had any problems the past couple of days because of a concussion.

    Eagles safety Blaine Bishop has recovered 100 percent from the groin injured that sidelined him in the final month of the regular season. He should take back his starting job from rookie Michael Lewis. Wide receiver Todd Pinkston has been taken part in full practices despite a painful toe injury. He's listed as probable and should be back in the starting lineup after missing one game. Quarterback Donovan McNabb has been throwing the ball exceptionally well in practice coming off his broken ankle. Not expected to play is defensive end Derrick Burgess, who has missed most of the season with a foot injury. Right tackle Jon Runyan had to leave practice and go home because of the flu. A flu bug is going through the Eagles locker room.

  • 49ers at Bucs: Six 49ers sat out Thursday's practice, but the biggest concern is cornerback Jason Webster, who is questionable with an ankle injury. Webster didn't practice this week and missed Sunday's game against the Giants. Three starting offensive linemen -- left tackle Derrick Deese, right guard Ron Stone and center Jeremy Newberry -- didn't practice Thursday because of ankle injuries, but they are expected to play against the Bucs on Sunday. Defensive end Sean Moran rested his sore Achilles tendon Thursday but he remains probable. Kicker Jeff Chandler rested the left ankle he injured during Sunday's pre-game. Wide receiver Terrell Owens had his second consecutive day of practice and is fine. Linebacker Saleem Rasheed practiced and may be able to play despite a thigh injury.

    The Bucs have only one injury. Wide receiver Charles Lee was downgraded from questionable to out because of a foot injury. Quarterback Brad Johnson hasn't had any problems from the back injury that sidelined him for the final two games of the regular season. He's not even on the injury list.

  • Jets at Raiders: The Jets officially have no injuries. On Thursday, punter Matt Turk was removed from the injury report. He had been bothered by a sore muscle in his stomach. The Jets depart for Oakland on Friday.

    Raiders tight end Roland Williams isn't expected to play, according to coach Bill Callahan, because of a turf toe and ligament damage in a knee. He's listed as doubtful and hasn't practiced all week. Cornerback Charles Woodson continued to practice Thursday in his comeback from a broken leg. The only question is whether or not he will start. He should be able to play and most expect him to start. Defensive end Trace Armstrong has been practicing despite a groin pull. Right tackle Lincoln Kennedy also practiced despite his groin injury that lists him as questionable. John Clayton is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.

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