From this week on there will be NFL games on Thursdays, traditionally starting with those on Thanksgiving Day. It means you have to start setting your lineups early.

Here are some of the players who may or may not play on Thursday and how to replace them if necessary. At the end of the article you will find a list of players who are ruled out.

RB Fred Taylor, New England Patriots

Fred Taylor remains listed as Questionable in week 12 and is unlikely to play at Detroit Lions. Check if you can get Keiland Williams (WAS), Maurice Morris (DET), Mike Goodson (CAR) or maybe even Tim Hightower (ARI) off the waiver wire. 

RB Reggie Bush, New Orleans Saints

The running back’s status for the game at Dallas Cowboys is Questionable and he will be a game-time decision. That was already the case last week and he ended up not playing. I don’t have him on my roster but if I did I’d plan without him. Even if he plays I’ll expect a time-sharing role behind Christopher Ivory.  

TE Jeremy Shockey, New Orleans Saints

The tight end is officially listed as Questionable due to a rib injury and will be a game-time decision. If Schockey doesn’t play on Thursday try to fill your TE spot with Rob Gronkowski (NE) or John Carlson (SEA).

RB Cedric Benson, Cincinnati Bengals

Cedric Benson is listed as Questionable because of a foot injury but I don’t see why he shouldn’t play against the New York Jets, as he rushed for 124 yards last week when he was questionable as well.  

And here are some players who are listed as Out, which means you have to be prepared to set up your lineups without them:

QB Matthew Stafford (DET), Jerricho Cotchery (NYJ)

Check me out at http://twitter.com/thomaskaunzner for game-time updates.