We thought that Slaton would have to prove he can hold on to the ball before getting his starting job back, but coach Gary Kubiak is apparently convinced. Slaton's role was due to grow anyway because he's clearly their best back, but this a great sign that he has his coach's confidence. Look for Slaton to still share carries with Chris Brown and Ryan Moats, but we like him as a solid flex play this week.

The Saints want to avoid a setback with Bush's oft-surgically repaired knee. Against the Bucs, Pierre Thomas will carry the bulk of the load with Mike Bell coming in as a change-of-pace back and perhaps end-game "closer." Look for more receptions from Thomas. Anthony Hargrove will continue to play starter's snaps in Ellis' absence.

Pierce was "shocked" by the news. He practiced on Friday, but experienced discomfort afterwards and was hospitalized for tests. An MRI revealed the injury, which may threaten Pierce's season. His loss is a blow to a Giants run defense that has underachieved all year. Chase Blackburn will likely take over in the middle, with Michael Boley now healthy at weak-side linebacker.

Bush started Week 10 and had 119 yards on 14 carries against the Chiefs, but now faces the Bengals' No. 2 rush defense. This is a situation to avoid in fantasy leagues. Justin Fargas got the goal-line carries last Sunday and Darren McFadden's role figures to grow on a weekly basis as he continues to recover from in-season knee surgery. Bush is only a desperate flex play.

The probable tag means the Broncos consider Buckhalter "virtually certain" to be available for his normal role in the offense. However, he saw just two touches last week to Knowshon Moreno's 20 after a first-quarter fumble and may be being weeded out of the offense. Coach Josh McDaniels has shown signs all year that he wants Moreno to take over the featured back role.

Pierre Thomas will carry the load in an ideal matchup, with Mike Bell chipping in as an early-down change of pace back. Coach Sean Payton said Bush likely wouldn't even be available for punt return duties. The Saints want to avoid a setback with Bush's knee, which he's had surgically repaired several times before. They'll likely play it safe so he's available for the stretch run.

Even listing Turner as "doubtful" is generous; coach Mike Smith admits that he has no timetable for return. Turner is in danger of missing several weeks with a high ankle sprain. Jerious Norwood (hip) practiced Friday and is listed as questionable, but is unlikely to be a major threat to Jason Snelling's carries after sitting out for the last month. Snelling will start at the Giants.