49ers running back Frank Gore is expected to face the Eagles on Sunday afternoon, but he will likely have a reduced workload. Gore is dealing with an ankle injury. Fewer carries for Gore would mean more carries for running backs Kendall Hunter and Anthony Dixon.

Packers safety Nick Collins underwent neck surgery Thursday night in New York City to have a herniated disk in his neck repaired, according to a league source. It will take about six months to determine whether he will be able to resume his NFL career.

Packers running back Ryan Grant has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Broncos because of a bruised kidney. Green Bay coach Mike McCarthy said the medical staff didn't believe Grant's kidney passed enough tests to put him on the field.

Chargers running back Ryan Mathews missed practice Thursday because of an injured left foot, a setback coming on the heels of what coach Norv Turner felt was his best game as a pro. Mathews ran 21 times for 98 yards and two touchdowns, and had four receptions for 51 yards in a victory over the Chiefs. A lack of practice snaps hinders the momentum built on Sunday, but Mathews is confident his foot won't impede his progress.

On Monday night, Tony Romo received two pain injections for his fractured rib to play against the Redskins. For the Sunday afternoon game versus the Lions, Romo said he might still need an injection. "I would say this, there's a test that just goes, come over here (lightly tap his rib area) and see how hard you can do it until I feel it," Romo said after Thursday's practice. "And if I feel it I'm going to need it."

The Rams are optimistic Steven Jackson will have a larger workload this weekend when they host the Redskins, according to an ESPN.com report on Thursday. Jackson has been hobbled by a strained quadriceps muscle. He was hurt on the Rams' first play of the season against the Eagles.

Logan Mankins, who missed Wednesday's practice with an illness, returned to Patriots practice on Thursday. Meanwhile, Albert Haynesworth, who missed Sunday's game in Buffalo with a back injury but was a limited participant in Wednesday's session, was not spotted for the media access portion of Thursday's practice.

Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie has returned to practice, participating in drills and returning punts four days after suffering a bruised lung and ribs. Cromartie might still be limited in the team portion of practice Thursday, but getting back on the field is a sign that he could be ready to play in New York's game at Baltimore on Sunday night. Center Nick Mangold was also in uniform for the first time since suffering a high right ankle sprain against Jacksonville two weeks ago.

Hakeem Nicks sat out the early portion of practice Thursday and was on a stationary bike next to defensive end Justin Tuck. Nicks' injury will be updated later when coach Tom Coughlin meets with the media, but the team's top receiver is a new addition to the team's injury front. Two weeks ago, prior to the game against the Rams, Nicks was nursing a bone bruise and hyperextended knee. Nicks played Sunday against the Eagles and practiced on Wednesday. Tuck did not practice Wednesday because of a strained groin and pain in his neck and likely will not practice Thursday. He has said that he will play on Sunday.

The Colts are preparing as though Curtis Painter will be the starting quarterback at Tampa Bay on Monday. Kerry Collins is still recovering after suffering concussion-like symptoms Sunday against Pittsburgh and his status remains in doubt for Monday night's game.