Mid-week news and notes

Donovan McNabb, WB, Philadelphia. McNabb is definitely out this week and has been told to have surgery to repair his sports hernia, something that would end his season. Mike McMahon will make his first start as a member of the Eagles. McMahon is better as a scrambler than a passer.

Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Pittsburgh. Tommy Maddox will start in place of Roethlisberger this week at Baltimore, though Roethlisberger could be available.

Willie Parker, RB, Pittsburgh. Willie Parker will start this week at running back for the Steelers after being out last week with an ankle injury. Duce Staley will apparently be the odd man out.

Thomas Jones, RB, Chicago. Jones was fitted for additional padding to protect his injured ribs and should be back this week against Carolina. Adrian Peterson is still a strong pickup this week.

Ken Dorsey, QB, San Francisco. Dorsey will start for the 49ers this week. Alex Smith returned to practice as well Wednesday and will be No. 2 on the depth chart.

David Patten, WR, Washington. Patten is doubtful this week with a sore knee and has not practiced. James Thrash would start in his place.

Gus Frerotte, QB, Miami. Frerotte remains questionable with a finger injury this week. Sage Rosenfels would start in his place if he is unable to play.

Anquan Boldin, WR, Arizona. Boldin did not practice Wednesday and remains questionable to play Sunday.

Bryant Johnson, WR, Arizona. As expected Johnson was ruled out for Sunday.

Cedric Benson, RB, Chicago. Benson is out three to six weeks with his sprained knee.

Jeff Garcia, QB, Detroit. Garcia was able to get through practice Wednesday. Head coach Steve Mariucci said Tuesday if Garcia is healthy, he's the team's starter.

Robert Ferguson, WR, Green Bay. Ferguson practiced Wednesday for the first time in several weeks after spraining his knee a few weeks back.

Fred Taylor, RB, Jacksonville. Taylor skipped practice Wednesday and remains doubtful with his ankle sprain. Greg Jones would start again in his place.

Jimmy Smith, WR, Jacksonville. Smith sat out Wednesday with a hamstring injury and is questionable.

Ernest Wilford, WR, Jacksonville. Despite a sprained shoulder, Wilford practiced Wednesday.