Kolb could return this week: Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt is hopeful QB Kevin Kolb (toe) can play Sunday against the Cowboys. Kolb hasn’t played since Week 8 but could come back to face a Dallas defense that is holding fantasy quarterbacks to less than 14 points per game. Unless you’re facing dire straits, there’s no reason to consider starting Kolb this week, but it could be a reason for concern over WR Larry Fitzgerald. In Kolb’s seven starts this season, Fitzgerald averaged 10.6 fantasy points per game. In the four games started by John Skelton, that number went up to 13.4 points per game. In the vein of not sitting your stars, Fitzgerald should be in your lineup, but you might want to consider him as a No. 2 WR this week.

Austin still not practicing: The Cowboys are still waiting for WR Miles Austin (hamstring) to step back on the practice field. Austin has played just six games this season and has missed Dallas’ past three games. Laurent Robinson has taken full advantage of the opening provided by Austin’s absence, averaging 16.5 points in the last three weeks. The longer Austin is out, the more Robinson gets entrenched in the rotation, but don’t give up on him just yet. If he can return soon, there are some attractive matchups waiting against the Giants, Buccaneers and Eagles, just in time for the fantasy playoffs.

Gabbert remains Jags’ starter: Despite being benched in the second half of Sunday’s loss to Houston, Jacksonville QB Blaine Gabbert will remain the team’s starter, according to coach Jack Del Rio. Perhaps more baffling than Jacksonville’s decision about who to play at quarterback is the team’s decision to limit Maurice Jones-Drew to just 18 rushing attempts, despite averaging 5.5 yards per carry. With a lackluster receiving corps, neither Gabbert nor Luke McCown would seem to be the answer to the team’s offensive woes. The best news for fantasy owners would be to hear Del Rio announce that MJD was on track for 25 to 30 carries against San Diego this week.

– Marcas Grant

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