With apologies to emailer ralpht347 and anyone else out there looking for my Thursday fantasy football blog, here is an update with some crucial late-breaking news from the past 24 hours.
Ryan Torain, the Denver rookie running back who had so much potential, is out for the season after suffering a torn CL on Thursday against the Cleveland Browns.
This means that the Broncos are now down to Selvin Young, recovering from a groin injury, and blocking fullback Peyton Hillis as their lone backs. Tatum Bell and Vernand Morency are expected to be asked to work out with the team next week for a shot to make the team. What this means for now: if he is available on your waiver wire and you are desperate for running back help grab Hillis who has the potential to be the team's No. 1 back.
PARKER OUT, ROETHLISBERGER POSSIBLY IN!: Be advised Pittsburgh has ruled back Willie Parker out with Mewelde Moore to start in his place against Indianapolis. QB Ben Roethlisberger has been bothered by a nagging shoulder and was supposed to be out this week. He practiced Friday and could start this week.
RAMS' BACK JACKSON OUT!: St. Louis Rams back Steven Jackson has been ruled out this week with a quad injury and could miss another week or two. Starting in his place will be Kenneth Darby. I have still seen Darby available in a lot of waiver wires and I would grab him if you need a back this week. He's raw and untested but he has quickness and can catch the ball. Keep an eye on this guy.
CULPEPPER TO START: Detroit Lion QB Dan Orlovsky is still bothered by a thumb injury and will not play this week. Recently signed Daunte Culpepper is expected to start.If you're a gambler and think five days prep is enough to learn a team's playbook, give Culpepper a shot. One thing is for sure - with Culpepper starting it reiases the value of receivers Calvin Johnson and Shaun McDonald and even helps back Kevin Smith.
OTHER INJURY UPDATES: Seattle QB Matt Hasselbeck will not start this week but is expected to return to action in Week 11. Same thing with New Orleans back Reggie Bush who is actually well enough to play this week but is being give an extra week to make sure he's close to 100 percent.
I'll have the usual Sunday Pre-Game Package tomorrow at around noon for some last minute help and advice.

While the numbers weren't outstanding early on, now's the time to start thinking about grabbing the Baltimore Ravens offensive starters off your waiver wire.
Starting with quarterback Joe Flacco, the rookie quarterback had another impressive week with 248 yards passing, two touchdowns and more importantly no interceptions.
The main recipient of those numbers was receiver Derek Mason. He had nine receptions for 133 yards and a touchdown.
In addition, running back Ray Rice filled in for a banged up Willis McGahee and led all backs with 154 yards rushing.
The key here is the Ravens' schedule the rest of the fantasy football season -it's cake.

Kansas City Chiefs back Larry Johnson has one week of suspension remaining. But be advised there are reports that he could get an additional four weeks suspension for other pending legal issues. The bottom line, especially with Kolby Smith out for the season now, is Jamaal Charles becomes the No. 1 guy now. He has double-digit production potetntial because he will have receiving yards as well as rushing yards for the Chiefs.

Other players to pick up this week are Houston Texans quarterback Sage Rosenfells and new Detroit Lions QB Daunte Culpepper who is expected to start this weekend.

Also, just a reminder to set your lineups early if you have Denver and/or Cleveland players. Denver plays at Cleveland on Thursday this week at 8:15 p.m. and be advised it is only on NFL Network.

LARRY JOHNSON ALERT: You probably have heard by now that the NFL has suspended Johnson for Week 10. Be advised there are some Internet reports out there saying the NFL will extend that to 3-4 more weeks due to other off-field legal issues pending.\
If you’re looking for a hot running back today, pick up Justin Fargas of Oakland if he is on your waiver wire. He was on two of my waiver wires and I snatched him up for today’s games. It looks like Darren McFadden is out again and Michael Bush will see limited action. Fargas should see 20-25 touches today and that should pay off big dividends.
Be wary of Indianapoils receiver Reggie Wayne’s status. He was still limited on Saturday by his leg injury and may only see spot duty if activated against the Patriots today. That would mean Marvin Harrison’s value rises considerably.
If you’re looking for a receiver off the waiver wire the Eagles’ Reggie Brown may still be lurking around. He is starting today and should have a decent game against Seattle’s weak pass defense.
GOOD LUCK TODAY!