NFL WEEK 13 INJURY ANALYSIS

This Given Sunday is examining the biggest injury questions before each week of the NFL season. Here are the top-five health-related storylines entering Week 13.

Ben Roethlisberger

The odds still appear to favor Big Ben sitting out at least one more week with that rib injury, but he's a tough dude and this is a huge game against Baltimore. If by chance he's a game-time decision, you won't know his status until after the early games have kicked off Sunday. Thus, it's a risk. But I'm betting he'll be ruled out earlier than that, despite the fact he was able to practice on a limited basis to start the week.

Percy Harvin

Fantasy owners are craving the return of the PPR star, but Harvin is still only practicing on a limited basis and has been walking with a noticeable limp. It would be huge if he could suit up for the first time since Nov. 4, but have a backup plan in place because Harvin's likely to be a game-time decision for an early kickoff in Green Bay.

Darren McFadden

McFadden's also looking to get back on the field for the first time since Nov. 4, but there's no telling what you'll get from him. If you've got Marcel Reese in place as a handcuff, you could be in trouble with McFadden iffy for a late-afternoon start against an underrated Browns defense. There's a chance that entire backfield becomes a fantasy wasteland in Week 13.

DeMarco Murray

If you've been stashing him on your bench for the last six weeks, you could be in for a boost from Murray in the very near future because he returned to practice on a limited basis to start the week. The Cowboys have been taking it slow with their stud back, but that could change as they become desperate here. If he plays against the Eagles, he could have a huge day. The problem is that you might not know for sure until Sunday evening.

Mikel Leshoure

The second-year running back missed practice to start the week after being forced from a Thanksgiving matchup with the Texans due to an ankle injury, so there's a decent chance he isn't able to suit up in a decent matchup with the Colts. It's a 1:00 p.m. ET start in Indy so you'll know his status in time to make changes, but I'd recommend staying away from any Detroit handcuffs. 

About Brad Gagnon

Brad Gagnon has been passionate about both sports and mass media since he was in diapers -- a passion that won't die until he's in them again. Based in Toronto, he's worked as a national NFL blog editor at theScore.com (covering Super Bowls XLIV, XLV and XLVI), a producer and writer at theScore Television Network and a host, reporter and play-by-play voice at Rogers TV. His work has also appeared at Deadspin, FoxSports.com, The Guardian, The Hockey News and elsewhere at Bloguin, but his day gig has him covering all things NFC East for Bleacher Report.

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