| Newsbreakers |
|
|
| Broncos linebacker Boss Bailey is recovering quickly from his sprained right ankle and he could be ready for the team's season opener, according to the Rocky Mountain News. |
Our View: Bailey won't play during the preseason, but he is resuming running this week, and the injury has been healing quicker than expected. |
|
|
|
| Broncos center Tom Nalen has returned to practice with the team, but did not participate in team drills, according to Sporting News Today. Nalen is suffering from a bone bruise in his left knee. |
Our View: Nalen is an important part of the team's offensive line, so the sooner he can resume his duties, the better for fantasy owners who invested in Selvin Young. |
|
|
|
| Cliff Russell has been running ahead of Keary Colbert and Samie Parker in practice of late, according to the Denver Post. |
Our View: That Russell is running as a starter right now should be viewed more as negative towards Colbert and Parker than a positive for a 29-year-old with five career catches. None of the receivers will make any sort of fantasy impact. |
|
|
|
| Rookie Eddie Royal is expected to remain a starting wide receiver after Brandon Marshall returns from his suspension, according to the Rocky Mountain News. Brandon Stokley should also remain in the slot, so that means Darrell Jackson will serve as the No. 4 receiver. |
Our View: Royal has great speed and quickness and is very dangerous in the open field. He should provide a spark to the Broncos' aerial attack and serve as a solid complement to Marshall. Royal is worth targeting in the late rounds of fantasy drafts as a rookie sleeper. |
|
|
|
| Niko Koutouvides only made one tackle against Dallas Saturday, but is being viewed as a leader, according to the Denver Post. He looked confident (at middle linebacker) in leading the starters, and the unit responded by holding the Cowboys' first-team offense scoreless. DJ Williams commented, "He was great today. He's a natural leader, so having him in the huddle helps me out a lot." |
Our View: This news will help in his bid to beat out Nate Webster for the starting job at middle linebacker. The battle between the two competitors remains tight. |
|
|
|
| The Broncos are hoping Champ Bailey is ready to return to practice today, according to the Denver Post. Bailey has not practiced since August 4 because of a sore hamstring. |
Our View: If healthy, he would rank as a top-20 defensive back for IDP leagues. |
|
|
|
| Selvin Young was effective in Saturday's preseason win over Dallas as he rushed for 36 yards on nine carries, according to the Denver Post. He also caught one pass, but for a three-yard loss. |
Our View: Young should be drafted as a No. 3 fantasy running back, with potential to be a solid starter. |
|
|
|
| Running back Andre Hall rushed seven times for 24 yards and a touchdown in Saturday's preseason win over the Cowboys. Most notably, Hall worked in with the first-string offense and got the call over Selvin Young at the one-yard line. |
Our View: Young is the clear-cut starter, but Mike Shanahan might end up using his running backs on whatever whim the veteran coach chooses. Hall appears to be the top backup and is worth a late-round handcuff. |
|
|
|
| Quarterback Jay Cutler had no problems with the Cowboys defense in Saturday's preseason game. He completed 16-of-20 passes for 178 yards and one touchdown. |
Our View: Cutler is now 24-for-30 this preseason, and it looks like he's ready for the real deal. Our only worry is that he'll struggle early in the year without Brandon Marshall. Otherwise, Cutler is showing all the makings of a No. 1 fantasy passer. |
|
|
|
| The Denver Broncos plan on attempting to work out a contract extension with linebacker D.J. Williams, according to Sporting News Today. |
Our View: Williams is a top-flight linebacker, and he made 141 tackles last year. He is clearly someone to target in IDP leagues. |
|
|
|
| Brandon Marshall has filed an appeal of his three-game suspension, according to the Denver Post. |
Our View: As it is, if Marshall stays out of trouble, the suspension could be reduced to two games. Fantasy owners can only hope that his suspension be reduced to one game. |
|
|
|
| Marquand Manuel has reportedly passed Hamza Abdullah on the Broncos' depth chart as the starting strong safety, according to the Rocky Mountain News. Abdullah has been unable to practice due to a groin injury, but defensive coordinator Bob Slowik said, "It has nothing to do with Hamza but how Marquand's playing. He's had a great camp. He's really professional. He prepares in the class room and works hard out here. He's coachable and he's been performing well both in practice and in the game last week."
|
Our View: Manuel could generate favorable tackling totals as the starting strong safety but is not a safe fantasy prospect, as Abdullah can unseat him at some point this season once he gets healthy. |
|
|
|
| D.J. Williams is going to work at middle linebacker on passing downs, according to the Rocky Mountain News. He will regularly line up on the weakside. |
Our View: Williams ranks as a top-25 linebacker for IDP leagues, and this news solidifies his position. |
|
|
|
| Updating an earlier report, it appears the stories of a contract offer were a bit premature. Patriots spokesman Stacey James would not confirm reports by The Denver Post and The Boston Globe that the team has worked out former Denver Broncos safety John Lynch . James said the team had not signed Lynch, according to NFL.com. |
Our View: This doesn't mean too terribly much and fails to fully squash the report from ESPN earlier, claiming the deal was contingent on Lynch passing a physical. If those results come back tomorrow and are good, it seems the Pats are ready to add yet another veteran to the roster. The defensive backfield does need help, thus the move can't hurt. We'll keep you posted. |
|
|
|
| The interest in veteran safety John Lynch has become a contract offer, and now the Patriots report they are simply awaiting the results of a physical to sign Lynch on the dotted line, according to John Clayton of ESPN.com. |
Our View: As Clayton notes, the need for a hard-hitting situational safety was created last weekend when safety Tank Williams was lost for the season with a knee injury. Lynch can fit into packages that would allow him to play 10, 15 or 20 plays a game. Belichick is the best at figuring out ways to use veterans and not wear them out. He did the same with Junior Seau, who enjoyed his Patriots experience so much that he'd love to come back. Once it's done, we'll let you know it is official. |
|
|
|
| Injured center and perennial Pro Bowl invitee Tom Nalen is struggling to regain health, leading some to question if he will be able to return at all, according to Pro Football Weekly. |
Our View: Nalen has not practiced with the team since last month, but a recent MRI showed there's no structural damage to the knee. Denver is counting on Nalen to be ready for the season opener, and missing preseason games isn't a big deal for the 15-year veteran. Sources say, though, there's no telling how long the knee issue will linger. Nalen, 37, has solidified the offensive line for a long time and there would be a huge void in terms of leadership and knowledge of the offense if he can't get over this ailment. That makes the Broncos feel all the more fortunate for having signed C Casey Wiegmann in the offseason. Wiegmann is one of the league's true iron men, having started all but one game since 2001. Word is he has adjusted well to Denver's zone scheme and there shouldn't be a huge drop-off in production if Nalen's unable to play by Week 1. |
|
|
|
| Free agent safety John Lynch is visiting the Patriots, according to the Boston Globe. He was released by the Broncos August 1. |
Our View: The Patriots are thin in the secondary right now due to injuries, and Lynch would help ease the loss of Tank Williams, who is done for the season due to a knee injury. He would provide value to the team, but would not challenge for a starting job, hence keeping his fantasy stock low. |
|
|
|
| Tony Scheffler, who is trying to bounce back from a foot injury, is practicing twice a day in training camp, according to the Denver Post. |
Our View: Scheffler looks to be healthy for Week 1, and his fantasy stock is back on the rise. He could be relied upon more with Brandon Marshall suspended for the first three games, and is worth drafting as a top-12 fantasy tight end, with potential to crack the top-10. |
|
|
|
| Christian Morton has been released by the Broncos, according to The Sporting News. The team signed Tyrone Poole, and dropped Morton to make room on the roster. |
Our View: Morton had little to no chance to make the Broncos' final roster. |
|
|
|
| Tyrone Poole has signed with the Broncos, according to The Sporting News. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. |
Our View: The Broncos added him strictly for depth in the secondary, with starters Champ Bailey (hamstring) and Hamza Abdullah (groin) both out of action due to injuries. |
|
|
|
| The Broncos have signed Defensive back Omowale Dada, according to NFL.com. |
Our View: The Broncos released CB Lamont Reid to clear room for Dada. |
|
|
|
| Boss Bailey is expected to miss the remainder of the preseason due to a severe ankle sprain, according to the Denver Post. |
Our View: The team is hopeful, but not certain, that he will be ready for Week 1 of the regular season. Bailey was practicing as the starting strongside linebacker. |
|
|
|
| Boss Bailey sustained a sprained ankle during preseason action against the Texans Saturday, according to the Denver Post. |
Our View: He is having trouble staying healthy, as he was previously dealing with a sore right knee in practice. His ankle could put him out for a few weeks, but an MRI will give the Broncos a better estimate. |
|
|
|
| Denver Broncos linebacker Louis Green left the
field on a stretcher with a neck injury and a concussion in the 1st quarter of Saturday's preseason game against Houston, according to the Associated Press. |
Our View: The 6-foot-3, 237-pound Green collided with teammate D.J. Williams as the two converged to tackle Texans tight end Owen Daniels, who caught a short pass. Green lay motionless for several minutes as medical staff rushed to check on him. Green was strapped to the stretcher and was moving his fingers and hands as he was rolled off the field. The Texans said Green was taken to a hospital for further evaluation. |
|
|
|
| Eddie Royal was penciled into the Broncos starting lineup at wide receiver for the team's first game against the Texans tonight, according to the Denver Post. "He's practiced at a high level and done all the things you need to do to play with the first team," Denver coach Mike Shanahan said. |
Our View: If there is a candidate to be the next Dwayne Bowe or Marques Colston, it seems like it is Royal. It would not be a bad idea at all to snare him in very late rounds of fantasy drafts. Of course, it's entirely possible he could perform like so many other rookie WR's, but indications are that he will be involved in Denver's offense. |
|
|
|
| Montrae Holland will finally be allowed to practice with the team on Monday, according to Sporting News Today. Holland had been working alone on conditioning after reporting to camp overweight. Holland was Denver's starter at right guard a season ago. |
Our View: Holland will still be allowed to fight for the starting job at right guard, but he's clearly in Mike Shanahan's doghouse already. |
|
|
|
| Nate Webster and Niko Koutouvides have split time almost evenly at middle linebacker with the first-team defense through training camp, according to the Rocky Mountain News. Coach Mike Shanahan said, "It's very close, and obviously practice and game situations will dictate who will start, but I feel good about both of them." |
Our View: Webster is currently ahead of Koutouvides, but there is still a long way to go before the Week 1 starter is selected. The winner of the job would have potential to rack up solid fantasy numbers. |
|
|
|
| Darrell Jackson has been moved from the flanker position to split end, according to the Rocky Mountain News. Jackson said, "I've got to get some work at 'X' because the first two or three games Brandon won't be there. So I have to get a little more experience at the position."
|
Our View: Jackson is moving to split end to cover for Brandon Marshall during his suspension at the start of the season. Jackson should start in Week 1 alongside rookie Eddie Royal. When Marshall returns from his suspension, Jackson will either start at flanker or work as a backup, depending on how well Royal performs over the first three games. |
|
|
|
| Broncos wide receiver Brandon Stokley will not play on the outside, instead concentrating on getting snaps solely in the slot, according to the Rocky Mountain News. "I think he's the best slot receiver in the National Football League," Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said. |
Our View: Denver believes Stokley is much better suited to the slot, so he hasn't seen even one snap on the outside in training camp. His fantasy value is somewhat mixed, as he may see reduced playing time this season. On the other hand, he caught 40 balls and five touchdowns last season, and has the potential to put up some nice totals in given weeks. |
|
|
|
| Ryan Torain underwent surgery Thursday to repair a torn ligament in his left elbow, according to the Rocky Mountain News. |
Our View: His recovery time could be as long as three months, which means the Broncos will have to make a decision by the end of camp on whether or not to place him on the IR, which would make him ineligible to play this season.
|
|
|
|
| With the injury to Ryan Torain, undrafted rookie Anthony Aldridge has gotten extended snaps at running back and has shown shiftiness in the open field as well as a terrific burst, according to Sporting News Today. |
Our View: Aldridge is behind Selvin Young and Andre Hall on the depth chart, but given how much Mike Shanahan changes his mind with regard to his running backs, this former Houston Cougar is at least worth tracking during the preseason. Remember that Young was an undrafted free agent last year, as well. |
|
| Dre Bly, CB |
Thursday 8/7, 10:33 AM CT |
|
| Dre Bly suffered an arm injury during the morning workout Wednesday and did not return, according to the Denver Post. |
Our View: The team is yet to determine the severity of the ailment. Bly only recorded 51 tackles in 2007, but holds value in IDP leagues that put an emphasis on interceptions, as he hauled in five. |
|
|
|
| Coach Mike Shanahan praised injured rookie running back Ryan Torain, according to the Denver Post. Shanahan said, "He's one of the most gifted running backs I've been around for a long time. He is very similar to Terrell Davis when he came in. It's a big loss. I thought he had a chance to compete to be the starting running back."
|
Our View: Torain possesses a nice combination of agility and quickness for a 225-pound back, and had a shot to beat out Selvin Young for the starting gig at running back, and it is unfortunate that Torain will be out at least 6-8 weeks due to a broken elbow. But he should still move up keeper league draft boards following Shanahan's comments. |
|
|
|
| The Denver Broncos are happy to report quarterback Jay Cutler is enjoying a wonderful training camp, feeling no ill effects from his recently-diagnosed diabetes and working in top physical shape, according to the Rocky Mountain News. |
Our View: Cutler has returned to his normal playing weight, 233 pounds, after shedding pounds due to the diet changes implimented to help his diabetes. Cutler also reports the fatigue and pain he felt during training camp at this time last year is no longer there to be fought, thus he feels great and is rounding into form nicely. |
|
|
|
| While embattled Denver receiver Brandon Marshall plans to appeal the three-game suspension recently handed down by the NFL due to legal misconduct during the offseason, he tells reporters he understands the errors of his way and he intends to get back on track, according to ProFootballTalk.com. “I’m just going to do everything I’m supposed to do, whether it’s off the field or on the field, and get past this,” Marshall said today in his first public comments since his suspension was announced. |
Our View: Fantasy owners can hope he holds true. He's saying all the right things, suggesting it is time to change and move forward with emphasis on the job at hand. The receiving picture in Denver is a mess and Marshall may be the only solid deep threat the team possesses. Missing him in the first three games (possibly only two if he follows a league request to seek therapy) will be a significant concern. |
|
|
|
| Michael Pittman has been moved back to his natural position of tailback with the injury to Ryan Torain, according to the Denver Post. Pittman had been playing fullback. |
Our View: Pittman won't challenge Selvin Young or even Andre Hall on the depth chart. In fact, he might be behind undrafted rookie Anthony Alridge, as well. |
|
|
|
| Ryan Torain is expected to miss a minimum of 6-8 weeks after breaking his elbow in a 9-on-7 drill Wednesday, according to the Rocky Mountain News. |
Our View: Andre Hall should now serve as Selvin Young's primary backup. Torain obviously should not be drafted in non-keeper leagues this season. |
|
|
|
| Brandon Marshall intends to appeal his three-game suspension from the league, according to NFL.com. |
Our View: Marshall's value will fall even if he manages to get his suspension uplifted (which is unlikely). His character issues make him a risky fantasy prospect.
|
|
|
|
| Ryan Torain has been carted off the field Wednesday after being shaken up during a 9-on-7 drill, according to the Rocky Mountain News. Torain stayed down after being hit by linebackers Nate Webster and Jamie Winborn. As team doctors were leading him off the field, Torain collapsed to the grass behind the goal posts and stayed down for several minutes before sitting up and drinking water.
|
Our View: The severity and specifics of his injury are yet to be determined. |
|
|
|
| Center Tom Nalen could miss the remainder of training camp due to soreness in his surgically repaired left knee, the AP reports. "Any time Tom sits out of practice it is not just another injury because it is tough to keep him out of practice," head coach Mike Shanahan explains. "I think he has the experience where he doesn't really need the preseason games, and he is working hard in the weight room to make sure his conditioning level stays at a certain point." A recent MRI showed no need for surgery. |
Our View: Nalen is a key cog in the middle of the Broncos line, although Casey Wiegmann is an experienced backup. We'll feel much better about Jay Cutler, Selvin Young, and crew if Nalen's pain subsides in the coming weeks. |
|
|
|
| The NFL has officially handed wide receiver Brandon Marshall a three-game suspension for violating the personal conduct policy, the Denver Post confirms. If Marshall seeks counseling and complies with other conditions, the suspension may be reduced to two games. The receiver won't be able to practice with the Broncos from September 2 until after Week 3. |
Our View: The official report matched the rumors that came out two days ago. The suspension will cause Marshall to fall in the fantasy rankings, but the bigger concern may be if you trust Brandon to clean up his act and not open himself up to further suspensions. The Broncos passing game may need to lean heavily on Darrell Jackson and Tony Scheffler in the early weeks. |
|
|
|
| Eddie Royal is listed as the number two wide receiver opposite Brandon Marshall on the Broncos' first depth chart, according to the Rocky Mountain News. Coach Mike Shanahan said, "You have to put a depth chart out before the first exhibition game. I think we all know there are a number of positions that are very close, but you have to put someone down at first team and second team, even though you really don't know. It's that close."
|
Our View: Royal is also listed as the number one kick and punt returner. Royal has great speed and has fared very well through the off-season, so it is not really surprising that he is listed ahead of Darrell Jackson, Brandon Stokley, and Keary Colbert on the first depth chart at receiver. He could make some noise as a rookie, but won't likely be consistent enough to count on if he nails down the starting job in Denver. |
|
|
|
| Nate Webster is listed as the starting middle linebacker on the Broncos' first depth chart, according to the Rocky Mountain News. |
Our View: Webster is ahead of Niko Koutouvides, but there is still plenty of time for that to change. The winner of the job would have potential to generate solid fantasy numbers. |
|
|
|
| Brandon Marshall will be suspended for three games by the NFL for violating the leagues personal conduct policy, according to a report by Adam Schefter on Pro Football Talk. Schefter also stated that the suspension could be reduced to two games if Marshall agrees to attend counseling. |
Our View: Our advice is to avoid drafting Steve Smith and Marshall this season, that is unless you want to lose Weeks 1 and 2. Perhaps Marshall will use the time away to continue to work on rehabbing his surgically repaired arm so that when he is activated he can be back to 100 percent. |
|
|
|
| Boss Bailey missed his second straight day of practice due to a sore right knee, according to the Denver Post. "I'm just trying to be smart about it, not trying to push it over the limit," Bailey said. "It didn't swell up or anything like that. It's just a fatigue factor." |
Our View: Bailey has long had a history of knee problems, so the team is being careful not to aggravate things this early in camp. Bailey should be back in pads on Monday. |
|
|
|
| Brandon Marshall has yet to hear what the league will rule in regards to his off-field issues, but on the field he looked fantastic on Saturday, according to the Denver Post. |
Our View: Marshall showed little after effects of his injured arm, but the concern now is how many games he will be suspended for violating the leagues conduct policy. |
|
|
|
| One of the bigger question marks of this season may be the state of the kicking game in Denver, but projected starter Matt Prater is giving fans something to talk about as training camp moves on, according to The Sporting News. Prater needs to get work done in games, touting just one field-goal attempt in real NFL action thus far. However, in camp he has been amazing, making all 10 of his field-goal attempts on Saturday including a 68-yard pooch that reporters suggest would have been good from another five-yards out. During the team's final two-minute drill to end practice, he put another long one between the uprights, hitting from 54 yards with three seconds left on the clock. That brings Prater to 31-of-34 through camp thus far. |
Our View: Fantasy owners should take note. More often than not, it would seem wise to wager on proven reliability, but these reports suggest Prater is likely to get his fair share of long-range opportunities. If you play in a league rewarding those bombs, you might want to consider using a bit of risk to add the mile high kicker. |
|
|
|
| Broncos center Tom Nalen's MRI showed no significant damage to his knee, according to the Denver Post. "Tom is such a tough guy, so when he feels like he's ready to go, he'll go," Denver head coach Mike Shanahan said. |
Our View: Nalen had been missing practices and wanted to get the MRI just to make sure nothing was structurally wrong after having surgery twice in two months on the knee. Casey Wiegmann will take over until Nalen returns. |
|
|
|
| Broncos guard Montrae Holland has still not joined the team for practices nearly a week after camp started because he has yet to shed the proper amount of weight, according to the Denver Post. |
Our View: Holland figured to battle for the starting job at right guard, but every day of practice he misses is one that somebody else gets an opportunity to show what they can do. |
|
|
|
| Jay Cutler was outstanding during the team's red zone drills in training camp on Friday, throwing a number of impressive touchdown passes, according to the Denver Post. |
Our View: Cutler is arguably a top-10 quarterback this season, so it's good to see him performing well in the most critical area of the field for the team and fantasy players alike. |
|
|
|
| Todd Sauerbrun has been suspended for the first four games of the 2008 season due to a confrontation last September with a cab driver, according to ESPN. |
Our View: Sauerbrun remains a free agent, and this news certainly won't lead to a rush to sign him. |
|
|
|
| A decision on what type of discipline Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall will face will come by next week, according to the Rocky Mountain News. "We’ve got a little more work to do ... and we should be making a ruling very shortly,” said NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. |
Our View: Marshall could be suspended one game, or he could be suspended four games. His stock in fantasy football is really in flux until it is known just how long he will be out. |
|
|
|
| Detroit Lions head coach Rod Marinelli said the team is not interested in acquiring safety John Lynch, according to the Detroit News. "We're not looking right now," Marinelli said. |
Our View: Marinelli was an assistant at Tampa Bay when Lynch was a Buccaneer, hence the connection. But the Lions signed Dwight Smith, and also have Gerald Alexander and Daniel Bullocks at safety. |
|
