Thursday news and notes

Alex Smith, QB, San Francisco. Smith is out this week with a strained MCL. Ken Dorsey will make his first start of the season in his place.

Carnell Williams, RB, Tampa Bay. Williams practiced well again Thursday and is a must-play against San Francisco this week.

Mark Clayton, WR, Baltimore. The rookie was limited in practice Thursday and is iffy to play Monday night at Pittsburgh.

Deshaun Foster, RB, Carolina. Foster got more work Thursday and should be ready to play Sunday.

Keary Colbert, WR, Carolina. Colbert practiced Thursday, but is still listed as questionable.

Desmond Clark, TE, Chicago. Clark sat out practice Thursday with a sore hip and was added to the team's injury report.

Juilus Jones, RB, Dallas. Jones was limited at practice again Thursday. If you've got another option, go with it.

Roy Williams, WR, Detroit. Williams was limited in practice again Thursday and will be the dreaded game time decision.

Andre Johnson, WR, Houston. Like Williams, Johnson was limited again Thursday. He's also looking more unlikely to play.

Fred Taylor, RB, Jacksonville. Taylor did more work Thursday, but is a questionable start this week until something more definitive happens.

Corey Dillon, RB, New England. Dillon was limited again Thursday - according to the team. The Pats continually play with their injury list, though. Patrick Pass may again be the man.

Joe Horn, WR, New Orleans. Horn has practiced two days in a row and looks like he'll finally get back on the field.

Plaxico Burress, WR, Giants. Burress missed practice again Thursday, but should play.

Randy Moss, WR, Oakland. Moss is still hurting, but is expected to play this week. He had six balls thrown his way last week despite his banged-up status. Continue starting Moss.

Isaac Bruce, WR, St. Louis. Bruce didn't practice again Thursday with his turf toe. Keep him on the bench.

Torry Holt, WR, St. Louis. Like Bruce, Holt was held out again Thursday. Keep him on the bench as well.

Marc Bulge, QB, St. Louis. Bulger was downgraded to doubtful meaning Jamie Martin will likely start again.