If he draws more attention, that could help James Thrash , who has filled in well for injured receivers Michael Westbrook and Irving Fryar . Chicago , Denver , and New England have byes in Week 9. Trainer's Room Browns quarterback Tim Couch will miss the rest of the season after breaking a bone in his thumb in practice last Thursday. Couch had surgery on Saturday. The Panthers' offensive line took a hit when tackle Clarence Jones suffered a stress fracture in his leg that will sideline him for at least a month.
Injuries continue to pile up for Jacksonville.
The Steelers' Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala , who took over as the blocking back for Jerome Bettis when Jon Witman was lost for the season last week with a broken foot, sprained his foot and will be evaluated as the week progresses. Rams running back Marshall Faulk bruised his left shoulder in the second half of Sunday's loss to Kansas City. Tennessee running back Eddie George sprained his knee on his only carry against the Ravens and had to leave the game. An MRI on Monday confirmed the diagnosis, and George could be back in the lineup this weekend. Backup Rodney Thomas , who had just 11 carries for 16 yards in the first six games, rushed for 53 yards and caught a touchdown pass in the Titans' victory.