It’s a rare day when you can say Sage Rosenfels, Seneca Wallace and Tony Romo all put together fine performances, but that’s exactly what happened this weekend. Subbing for the ineffective David Carr, Rosenfels found the end zone three times in the second half during a tough loss to Tennessee. Making his first NFL start of his career, Romo led the Cowboys to a thrilling come-from-behind win over the Panthers Sunday night, throwing for 270 yards. And filling in for injured Matt Hasselbeck, Wallace also threw three TDs in a high-scoring loss to the Chiefs.

The Packers got two 100-yard performances from the backfield, including a 101-yard effort from backup Vernand Morency before he was carted off the field with a back injury. And Chris Henry, fresh off a three-game suspension, returned to the field and didn’t miss a beat, racking in five catches for 81 yards and a touchdown. There’s no doubting his talent and opportunity in Cincy’s offense, it’s just a matter if he can stay out of trouble. Perhaps the biggest surprise performance of the week went to Texans tight end Owen Daniels, who registered nine catches for 99 yards and two touchdowns. Chutes ‘n’ Ladders will break down the biggest waiver wire gems of week eight, as well as the latest on the injury report.

Free Agent Possibilities
Quarterbacks
Steve McNair, BAL 11-for-23, 159 yards, two TD, 23 yards rushing, TD
Sage Rosenfels, HOU 18-for-25, 186 yards, three TD, INT
Seneca Wallace, SEA 15-for-30, 198 yards, three TD, two INT, 18 yards rushing
Damon Huard, KC 17-for-25, 312 yards, TD, FL
Vince Young, TEN 7-for-15, 87 yards, TD, 44 yards rushing, TD
Jake Plummer, DEN 13-for-21, 174 yards, TD, 22 yards rushing, TD
Tony Romo, DAL 24-for-36, 270 yards, TD, INT, 18 yards rushing
Charlie Frye, CLE 15-for-22, 141 yards, TD, INT, 18 yards rushing
David Garrard, JAC 10-for-17, 87 yards, 36 yards rushing
Bruce Gradkowski, TB 20-for-48, 139 yards, 18 yards rushing

Huard put together another fine performance this weekend as the Chiefs battled back late to top the surging Seahawks. He threw for a season-high 312 yards, and quietly has a 102.7 quarterback rating. In fact, he’s put together over a 100 quarterback rating in four of his past five games, and won each of those contests. … The Jaguars topped the Eagles 13-6 on a strong defensive effort combined with a dominating rushing attack. Byron Leftwich (ankle) sat out the contest, so Garrard got a spot start and played mistake-free football. Jacksonville rushed 46 times for 209 yards and a score, while Garrard just threw 17 times. He improved to 5-1 as a starter the past couple seasons, and could get another chance with the first unit next week against the lowly Titans. … Gradkowski snapped a modest two-game win streak at the Meadowlands Sunday vs. the Giants. He threw 48 times for just 139 yards, mostly because of 50 mph swirling winds. The rookie will face the Saints next week.

Running Backs
Vernand Morency, GB 11 rushes, 101 yards
Marion Barber, DAL nine rushes, 49 yards, two TD, rec, seven yards
Justin Fargas, OAK 18 rushes, 55 yards
Michael Bennett, KC 10 rushes, 38 yards
Maurice Morris, SEA 12 rushes, 25 yards
Tony Fisher, STL five rec, 30 yards
Michael Pittman, TB five rec, 38 yards
Brandon Miree, GB four rec, 31 yards
Justin Griffith, ATL two rec, 14 yards, TD
Jason McKie, CHI three rec, 37 yards

Barber has been one of the best goal-line backs in the game the past couple seasons for the Boys, scoring six touchdowns in seven contests this year. He’s averaging a respectable 5.1 yards per carry as Julius Jones backup, and is a Jones’ injury away from becoming a stud in the league. He’s a must-own handcuff for Jones owners. … Fargas got the brunt of Oakland’s carries again with LaMont Jordan sidelined for the second straight week. He finished with 55 yards on 18 carries as the Raiders upset the Steelers Sunday. Jordan (back) is questionable next week vs. Seattle, so Fargas could get decent touches again in week nine.

Wide Receivers
Chris Henry, CIN five rec, 81 yards, TD
Bobby Wade, TEN two rec, 30 yards, TD
Kevin Curtis, STL seven rec, 79 yards, TD
Troy Walters, ARI five rec, 54 yards, TD
Michael Jenkins, ATL three rec, 53 yards, TD
D.J. Hackett, SEA three rec, 25 yards, TD
Cedrick Wilson, PIT five rec, 53 yards
Ashley Lelie, ATL three rec, 55 yards
Eric Parker, SD four rec, 56 yards

Curtis was picked by many experts as a breakout candidate this season in the Rams pass attack, but the departure of Mike Martz and his playbook has certainly taken a toll on Curtis’ numbers. Last season at this time he had 34 catches for 536 yards and four touchdowns. In 2006, he’s got 16 less receptions, 339 fewer yards and two less scores. … Michael Vick has put together arguably his best two passing games of his career the past two weeks, throwing for seven touchdowns. His favorite target is definitely Alge Crumpler, who at 270 pounds with soft hands is a reliable target over the middle. However, Jenkins is also playing a bigger role of late, catching a TD in each of the past couple games. The Falcons are built around the running game, so their receivers are a bit of a gamble, but the Ohio State product is worth attention in deeper leagues.

Tight Ends
Owen Daniels, HOU nine rec, 99 yards, two TD
David Martin, GB four rec, 48 yards, TD
Jeremy Stevens, SEA three rec, 20 yards, TD
Tony Scheffler, DEN four rec, 51 yards
Mark Campbell, NO four rec, 42 yards
Eric Johnson, SF three rec, 40 yards

Major Offensive Injuries
Reggie Bush was injured in the fourth quarter Sunday vs. Baltimore from a hit by LB Bart Scott. Visibly shaken up, the rookie limped to the locker room for X-rays, which came back negative. The USC product said he sprained his ankle "a little bit," but expects to play next week vs. Tampa Bay in Week 9. If the second overall selection has to miss any time, Deuce McAllister would be a great option this week against the Bucs, who are ranked 30th against the run, allowing 146 yards per contest.

Tatum Bell was plagued by turf toe in both of his feet Sunday vs. Indy and said that he could not properly cut back. Coach Mike Shanahan replaced him with rookie Mike Bell, who was spectacular, rushing for 136 yards and a pair of end zone celebrations. Tatum saw sparing time, but Shanahan said he wanted to go predominantly with a healthy body. The common sports injury can linger for a while so Mike Bell is a must-own handcuff for Tatum Bell owners. The Broncos face the 2-5 Steelers next week. Monitor Tatum’s health through the practice week.

After racking up 101 yards on just 11 carries, Vernand Morency was carted off the field in the fourth quarter with back injury. Coach Mike McCarthy said that the situation is a concern – he’s expected to miss two weeks. His absence will likely mean Noah Herron could see more touches as Ahman Green’s backup … Brian Westbrook briefly left this week’s game in the third quarter against the Jaguars, but was able to return on the Eagles next offensive series. Despite being banged up all year, he’s expected to be in the starting lineup next week … Seldom used Verron Haynes suffered a likely season-ending knee injury Sunday. Najeh Davenport will see all of Willie Parker’s back-up playing time now.

Chiefs coach Herm Edwards announced that Trent Green (out, concussion) would be the Chiefs starter once he’s healthy enough to return. There’s a chance that could be in week 10 against the Dolphins.  … Daunte Culpepper reportedly wasn't practicing on Monday and is highly doubtful to return in week nine against 7-0 Chicago. There’s some speculation he could be shut down for the remainder of the year, but expect him do whatever it takes to return to the field in week 11 against his old teammates, the Vikings.

WR Brandon Jones suffered a mild concussion in Tennessee’s win over Houston Sunday. With starter David Givens set to return next week and Vince Young’s anemic passing numbers to his wideouts, Jones is not worth a roster spot at this time. … An announcement on the status of Curtis Martin is expected to be made sometime this week. Leon Washington seems to have the running back job wrapped up with the Jets, but CMart is still hopeful to make a comeback. He will be ineligible to play this season if he does not practice by November 7. … RB Brandon Jacobs suffered a hyperextended right knee Sunday, but isn’t expected to miss any time. He ran hard Sunday against Tampa Bay and proved that he’s capable of a bigger workload with Tiki Barber retiring at season’s end. … Tests on Shaun Alexander’s foot showed that it remained cracked, so he’s doubtful for Nov. 6 against Oakland. "He had pictures taken today. And the doctors, medical people, are reluctant to give me the green light on Shaun based on what they saw in the pictures," coach Mike Holmgren said. … Larry Fitzgerald (hamstring) is expected to return in week 10 vs. Dallas.

Week Nine Schedule
Sunday, Nov. 5
Atlanta at Detroit 1:00 p.m.
Cincinnati at Baltimore 1:00 p.m.  
Dallas at Washington 1:00 p.m.
Green Bay at Buffalo 1:00 p.m.
Houston at N.Y. Giants 1:00 p.m.
Kansas City at St. Louis 1:00 p.m.
Miami at Chicago 1:00 p.m.
New Orleans at Tampa Bay 1:00 p.m
Tennessee at Jacksonville 1:00 p.m.
Minnesota at San Francisco 4:05 p.m.
Cleveland at San Diego 4:15 p.m.
Denver at Pittsburgh 4:15 p.m.
Indianapolis at New England 8:15 p.m.

Monday, Nov. 6
Oakland at Seattle 8:30 p.m.

Bye Week: Arizona, Carolina, N.Y. Jets, Philadelphia

Questions, comments, quandaries? Contact me at tycoon4477@hotmail.com.