Midway through the season, it’s time to see what we’ve learned. I took a look at Ted Thompson, Eric Mangini, Vince Young, Roy Williams (of the Cowboys), Tom Coughlin and, last but not least, Drew Brees, on Saturday’s NFL Total Access on NFL Network.

The Panthers will be without several starters, including FS Charles Godfrey, who didn’t make the trip for Sunday’s game in New Orleans.

The Steelers listed LB Lawrence Timmons and DE Travis Kirschke as doubtful on the team’s final injury report Saturday, but it’s not looking like either starter will play in Monday night’s game in Denver.

The Chiefs activated RB Kolby Smith from the physically unable to perform list Saturday and released veteran WR Bobby Engram.

The fans have spoken, and Dolphins WR Ted Ginn‘s second kickoff return for a touchdown against the Jets — a 101-yarder — was the Sprint Can’t-Miss Play of Week 8.

As the Dolphins prepared to take on the New England Patriots in an AFC East showdown on Sunday, outspoken Dolphins linebacker Joey Porter told NFL Network that he thinks officials use a different rule book for Pats QB Tom Brady.

Bengals first-round pick Andre Smith has been practicing this week, but there’s been no indication of whether he’ll make his NFL debut this weekend against the Ravens.

Baltimore Ravens DT Haloti Ngata sat out his third straight practice of the week on Friday with an ankle injury, and was officially listed as questionable by the team.

Cardinals WR Anquan Boldin and Bears WR Devin Hester are listed as questionable because of ankle injuries on the official injury report for their team’s Week 9 showdown.

The Falcons’ Friday injury report listed six starters, including WR Roddy White, who are questionable for Sunday’s game against the Redskins.

NFL Network’s Kara Henderson has confirmed an earlier published report that veteran free agent CB Ty Law has agreed to a contract with the Denver Broncos.

The Chargers will have to wait at least another week before the return of starting C Nick Hardwick who was listed as out for Sunday’s game against the Giants on the team’s injury report. He hasn’t played since suffering an ankle injury in Week 1.

NFL Network’s Jason La Canfora reports Giants CB Aaron Ross has been ruled out of Sunday’s game against the San Diego Chargers.

Here are some of the few important news, notes and trends for fantasy owners to remember heading into Week 9.

Eagles RB Brian Westbrook missed practice on Friday and was listed questionable on the team’s official injury report. Westbrook suffered a concussion against the Redskins in Week 7, and did not play in the Eagles win over the Giants last week.