Over the course of the NFL’s 45-year partnership with the USO, more than 200 active and former players and coaches have traveled to more than 20 countries.

They were locked out for 136 days, an NFL record for labor stoppage. Now NFL players are ready to get back at it.

It’s true, there are hundreds of NFL players on Twitter, tweeting away about anything and everything. Rashard Mendenhall isn’t the only one. Here’s what we learned, direct from the sources, simply by monitoring Twitter on a Wednesday afternoon:

Unlucky, that’s what people think of when the number 13 comes to mind. With that many days to go until draft time, how much misfortune is synonymous with 13 in NFL lore… and the draft?

San Francisco veteran LB Takeo Spikes joined NFL.com for a live chat, offering his insights on a number of 49ers-related topics, including winning the NFC West next season, playing next to Patrick Willis, the future of Michael Crabtree and the team’s strategy in the first round of the upcoming draft.

Joe Staley was limited in his third consecutive practice, but he’s listed as questionable, meaning the 49ers’ veteran left tackle might be available Monday night against the Cardinals after missing the previous five games because of a knee injury.

The Seahawks finally will be flush with running backs Sunday against the 49ers. Starter Julius Jones (chest) and backup Justin Forsett (quadricep) are both active for the game.

Niners LB Takeo Spikes (hamstring) is questionable for Sunday’s game in Seattle, and coach Mike Singletary said the veteran’s status will be a game-time decision.

Teams have released their official injury reports for Week 12. Here’s a look at some notable names.

Teams have released their Week 11 injury reports through Thursday. Here’s a look at some notable names.

The 49ers won’t have LB Takeo Spikes for the rest of the game, while Bears TE Desmond Clark’s also won’t be back.

The 49ers will need Frank Gore to be prepared for a heavy work load on Thursday night against the Bears, as backup RB Glen Coffee (concussion) has been officially ruled out.

Takeo Spikes left the 49ers’ game against the Texans with a shoulder strain, but he’s probable to return.

On Tuesday, Niners LB Takeo Spikes offered a new perspective on what’s become an old topic by now — the continued holdout of the 49ers’ top pick Michael Crabtree.

Former Bengals quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick will wear a Bills uniform in ’09, Takeo Spikes is back in San Francisco, James Butler is visiting St. Louis.