Anyone who thinks that Lions coach Steve Mariucci isn't in trouble didn't watch his team's turkey of a performance on Thanksgiving Thursday. The Lions lost to the Falcons 27-7. Anyone who thinks this is his fault isn't studying how poor the chemistry of this team is. The Lions used three high first-round choices on wide receivers and they all have attitudes. Their body language after series are horrible, and it doesn't seem as though Joey Harrington or Jeff Garcia can get to them. They had more than five drops Thursday. Mariucci is in the third year of his five-year, $25 million contract, but the franchise is a mess.

One of the most frustrating parts of Thursday's Lions game was watching how many times the Lions passed underneath the first down marker on third downs. This isn't a team that does well with run after the catch. And it's not as though the team is throwing to the chains. Of course, the poor blocking, mental mistakes, bad routes and miscommunication set up too many third-and-long situations, but the Lions need to throw the ball downfield more in those situations.

Seau to change teams? The Dolphins placed linebacker Junior Seau on injured reserve Thursday because of problems with his Achilles and calf. Zeke Moreno took his place on the roster. Seau says he wants to play in 2006, but it probably be with a different team. He's scheduled to make $2.1 million next year and that includes a $500,000 roster bonus in March. He's played 16 seasons and the team will try to get a little younger at the linebacker position. Plus, it's not out of the question that they will switch to a 3-4 in 2006. Seau has one year remaining on his contract so releasing him won't cause a cap hit in 2006.

Panthers injuries: Panthers middle linebacker Dan Morgan missed Thursday's practice and appears to be out for Sunday's game against the Bills. He's listed as doubtful with an ankle injury and Chris Draft is taking his place. The only other question marks for the Panthers are safeties Idrees Bashir, who has a thigh injury, and rookie Thomas Davis, who has a thigh injury. Both missed their second days of work. The Panthers upgraded defensive tackle Brenton Buckner (knee), running back DeShaun Foster (knee) and tight end Kris Mangum (knee) were upgraded from questionable to probable after returning to practice Thursday.

Taylor to play? The Jaguars added halfback Fred Taylor to the injury report Thursday with his sore ankle but they expect him to play. They list him as probable. The only other player missing practice was linebacker Patrick Thomas, who is questionable with a hamstring injury. Guard Chris Naeole (knee) and wide receiver Jimmy Smith (hamstring) returned to practice Thursday and should play. They are listed as probable.

Missing You The Eagles could play the Packers Sunday without 80 percent of their offensive line from a couple weeks ago. Center Hank Fraley is out of the season. Left tackle Tra Thomas (back) and guards Artis Hicks (knee) and Shawn Andrews (knee) missed their second consecutive day of practice and didn't offer much hope that they will be ready to play. Hicks is doubtful. Andrews and Thomas are questionable. Good luck, quarterback Mike McMahon. "You don't get anything done without the offensive line, but that is why the backups are getting paid," Eagles offensive coordinator Brad Childress said. Right tackle Jon Runyan is the only remaining starter. Childress sounds as though he's hoping for something good to happen with Thomas. "Those guys make miraculous [comebacks]," Childress said. "He's had back spasms before and made it to the field. Backs are funny things and I am far from being a doctor. Whatever he can do to get out there and whatever they can do for him, I'm sure he will try to get out there."

Eagles rookie defensive tackle Mike Patterson watched his playing time diminish in recent weeks because, like a lot of rookies, they've hit a little bit of exhaustion. Patterson has a high motor at the line of scrimmage, but he has played 15 games, including the pre-season, much longer than a college season. His playing time will increase this week against the Packers. "I don't want to say he hit a wall, but he kind of slowed down a bit," Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson said. "But I think he played a bit more in the Giants game, he didn't play a lot, but we saw some things in the Giants game we liked and he is probably going to play a lot more this week."

McNair to start: Steve McNair missed Wednesday's practice because of back spasm but he eased himself into Thursday's practice by taking a good portion of the reps. The Titans list him as questionable, but he will start Sunday against the 49ers. Wide receiver Tyrone Calico (calf) and tight end Erron Kinney (calf) also did some work but remain questionable. Calico is the most questionable of the three injured Titans.

Chief concerns: The Chiefs continue to practice as though Willie Roaf will be back at the left tackle position. Roaf practiced full speed for a second consecutive day Thursday. The Chiefs keep listing him as questionable, but Roaf plans to play Sunday against the Patriots. Defensive tackle Ryan Sims (foot) and cornerback Patrick Surtain (ankle) also practiced Thursday, but both players, who are listed as questionable, are more likely to play next week against the Broncos than Sunday against the Patriots.

Chargers wait on Gates: Chargers tight end Antonio Gates missed his second day of practice Thursday because of his foot injury, and it comes down to what he does Friday as to whether he will play against the Redskins Sunday. The Chargers have an early practice Friday before making the long flight to Washington, so it's not as though he will get a lot of work. It's starting to look as though Gates will miss this game. The Chargers also didn't have left tackle Roman Oben in practice Thursday because of his foot injury. Oben would be missing his third consecutive game. Linebacker Ben Leber missed practice Thursday and will miss the game. He could have season-ending surgery next week.