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| Bell steals from Rudi | Tuesday 9/2, 11:57 PM CT |
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In an act of pettiness that is almost difficult to believe, former Lions running back Tatum Bell stole the bags that new Lions running back Rudi Johnson brought with him to the Lions complex, according to ProFootballTalk.com. Bell was spotted taking them by surveillance cameras at the team's offices, and he subsequently took them to a female friend's house.
Our View: Bell was caught, of course, and apparently gave the excuse that he thought they were someone else's bag. Johnson has since gotten his things back. |
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| Collier remains in critical condition | Tuesday 9/2, 11:49 PM CT |
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Jaguars offensive tackle Richard Collier is still in critical condition as he attempts to recover from being shot early Tuesday morning, according to the AP. "Right now, he's battling for his life," said head coach Jack Del Rio.
Our View: The events surrounding the shooting are still not known, and he was simply sitting in his car when the incident occurred. |
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| Rams bring in Bryant | Tuesday 9/2, 8:33 PM CT |
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The St. Louis Rams have brought in corners Fernando Bryant and Hank Poteat for visits, according to ESPN.com.
Our View: The Rams need help in the defensive backfield, and both players should be able to contribute. The team signed Ricky Manning Jr. on Monday. |
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| Eagles refused trade of Sheppard | Tuesday 9/2, 8:22 PM CT |
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An NFL team made a trade offer for Eagles cornerback Lito Sheppard, but the team turned them down, according to ProFootballWeekly.com.
Our View: Sheppard has wanted out of Philly in the worst way since the team signed Asante Samuel, but at this point that doesn't seem likely. He's about as solid a third corner as a team can have. |
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| Woman killed in accident at Samuels home | Tuesday 9/2, 7:48 PM CT |
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A 24-year-old woman was riding an ATV at the home of Washington Redskins offensive lineman Chris Samuels when she struck a tree and died, according to NBC4.com.
Our View: The woman was driving the ATV in Samuels driveway when the accident occurred. She was not wearing a helmet at the time. |
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| Brown practices | Tuesday 9/2, 7:40 PM CT |
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Rams starting cornerback Fakhir Brown suffered a torn rotator cuff early in the preseason, but he has begun to practice with the team again, according to Scout.com.
Our View: Brown will not be missed much if he cannot go during Week 1, because the Eagles are not deep at receiver, but his presence will certainly help the team later in the year. |
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| Holt named a captain | Tuesday 9/2, 7:35 PM CT |
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The St. Louis Rams have named their captains for the season, and wide receiver Torry Holt is among them, according to Scout.com. Also named captain were quarterback Marc Bulger, linebacker Will Witherspoon, safety Corey Chavous and safety Todd Johnson.
Our View: Despite persistent reports of a lingering knee injury, Holt has said it is not an issue and his knee feels good. He should once again offer fantasy owners steady numbers throughout the season. |
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| Gardner promoted | Tuesday 9/2, 7:29 PM CT |
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Defensive back Isaiah Gardner was placed on the Jacksonville Jaguars active roster after he had been cut and put signed to the practice squad, according to the AP.
Our View: Gardner will simply add depth to the team's secondary and will have no impact on fantasy teams. |
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| Green Bay won't sign veteran quarterback | Tuesday 9/2, 7:10 PM CT |
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Packers coach Mike McCarthy has said that he will not be going after a veteran quarterback to back up starter Aaron Rodgers, and Matt Flynn and Brian Brohm are the guys, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. "I’m not thinking about it. I’m thinking about getting these two young men ready to play," McCarthy said.
Our View: It is quite a leap of faith to give two rookies that responsibility, especially since the top backup at the position was a seventh-round pick just months ago. |
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| Titans interested in Martinez | Tuesday 9/2, 7:04 PM CT |
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The Tennessee Titans have contacted the agent of wide receiver Glenn Martinez, who was recently released by the Broncos, according to the Tennessean.
Our View: The Titans clearly have a need for a receiver, and Martinez can add depth. He had 14 catches for 175 yards in Denver last year, and even if he goes to Tennessee, would hold limited fantasy value. |
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| Teams interested in Jackson | Tuesday 9/2, 7:00 PM CT |
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Wide receiver Chad Jackson had a workout with the Raiders Tuesday and will take a visit to Cincinnati on Wednesday to workout with them, according to Scout.com.
Our View: Jackson is still a young receiver with promise, and he should give either the Raiders or Bengals quality depth, and possibly a way to get his career back on track. |
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| Thomas waived | Tuesday 9/2, 6:46 PM CT |
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The Miami Dolphins have waived cornerback Joey Thomas, according to ESPN.com.
Our View: Thomas was simply depth for the Dolphins, who cut him because they needed the roster room to sign safety Tyrone Culver. |
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| Anderson to Bucs? | Tuesday 9/2, 6:42 PM CT |
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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are interested in acquiring the services of former Bengals tackle Willie Anderson, according to ESPN.com.
Our View: The team has a need at offensive tackle after Luke Petitgout was released, and Anderson would at the very least provide quality depth. |
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| Campbell unhappy with rookies | Tuesday 9/2, 6:31 PM CT |
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Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell said he is disappointed with rookie wide receivers Malcolm Kelly and Devin Thomas, and that they need to step up, according to ESPN.com. "I told them this was the real deal. They needed to show up on time for meetings and to study. We need them out there," he said.
Our View: The two second-round picks have not been good in the preseason, dealing with injuries and an inability to learn the offense. Campbell is trying to mold himself into an upper echelon quarterback, and many fantasy owners are expecting the same thing. Kelly and Thomas will need to perform for that to happen. |
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| Williams trying to get to Rodgers | Tuesday 9/2, 6:26 PM CT |
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Vikings defensive tackle Pat Williams will be talking a lot of trash while trying to get into the head of Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers' head on Monday, according to ESPN.com. "We'll find out how much he can take," said Williams.
Our View: Williams had just two sacks a year ago, but his ability to eat up blockers is an integral to the Vikings stout defensive line. |
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| Saints will play at home | Tuesday 9/2, 6:20 PM CT |
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The New Orleans Saints will be able to play their Week 1 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at home, as Hurricane Gustav did not damage the Superdome, according to Pro Football Weekly.
Our View: Had there been significant damage to the facility, the Saints might have had to switch the game to Tampa, much like they did a few years ago, playing a home game in New York. |
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| Williams exploring grievance | Tuesday 9/2, 6:11 PM CT |
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Former Tennessee Titans wide receiver Roydell Williams is exploring filing a grievance against the team, as he and his agents believe he was never healthy enough to be taken off the PUP list, according to the Nashville City Paper.
Our View: Williams, who had 55 catches last season, broke his ankle in January, and had still been recovering from that when training camp started. He was on the PUP list initially before being taken off midway through. |
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| Harrington visits Saints | Tuesday 9/2, 6:00 PM CT |
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Free agent quarterback Joey Harrington will visit with the New Orleans Saints, according to ProFootballTalk.com.
Our View: ESPN falsely reported that Harrington has signed with Baltimore, and though that could still happen, he will attempt to find another team in the meantime. |
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| Taylor incident details announced | Tuesday 9/2, 5:52 PM CT |
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Fred Taylor was angry with officers for taking him out of his car at gunpoint, handcuffing him, checking his car for weapons and bringing drug-sniffing dogs out, so he yelled at officers, leading to his citation for disorderly conduct, according to the AP.
Our View: We would like to comment, but are involved in fantasy sports here, not social issues, so decide for yourself who was right and who was wrong. Taylor has since apologized and should be good to go Week 1. |
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| Texans cut Frye | Tuesday 9/2, 5:26 PM CT |
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The Houston Texans have cut offensive lineman Brandon Frye, according to HoustonTexans.com.
Our View: Frye was the team's fifth-round selection in 2007, but he was a practice squad player for half of the year, before being put on the roster the latter half of the season. |
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| McKinley released | Tuesday 9/2, 5:20 PM CT |
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NFL teams continue to juggle their rosters, and the Denver Broncos have released defensive tackle Alvin McKinley, according to the Rocky Mountain News.
Our View: McKinley played a fair number of snaps for the Broncos last season, and accumulated 2.5 sacks. The team needed the roster space to bring in defensive tackle Josh Shaw. |
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| McGarigle released | Tuesday 9/2, 5:07 PM CT |
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Linebacker Tim McGarigle was released by the St. Louis Rams in order to make room on the roster for special teams ace Gary Stills, according to ESPN.com.
Our View: McGarigle was a seventh-round choice of the team in 2007, and had very little impact on the defense, with just six tackles. |
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| Flynn officially No. 2 | Tuesday 9/2, 4:53 PM CT |
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Rookie quarterback and seventh-round pick Matt Flynn has officially been named the backup to starter Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. He beat out fellow rookie and second-round pick Brian Brohm for the job.
Our View: Packers coach Mike McCarthy liked the way Flynn picked up the offense and performed in the preseason games. This means very little right now though, as the two will likely battle it out on a week-by-week basis. |
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| Bouman not yet signed | Tuesday 9/2, 4:44 PM CT |
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Despite reports to the contrary, the Baltimore Ravens have not signed quarterback Todd Bouman, as was reported earlier, according to the Baltimore Sun.
Our View: The paper reports that the team is still negotiating with both Bouman and Joey Harrington. ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported that Harrington signed yesterday, and ESPN's John Clayton reported the Todd Bouman signing today. The Sun seems pretty firm in it's stance that negotiations are still going on with both, however. The real truth will come out when one or the other is on the practice field. |
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| Wells will not play opener | Tuesday 9/2, 4:38 PM CT |
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Green Bay starting center Scott Wells will miss the team's opening game against the Vikings due to what was described as a "trunk" injury, according to ESPN.com.
Our View: We're not entirely sure what a trunk injury is, but it sounds painful. Wells will be one of two starters on the offensive line who will not play against the powerful Minnesota defensive line, as guard Josh Sitton is dealing with an ankle injury. All of this makes an already difficult match-up for Packers running back Ryan Grant even more trying. It may not be wise for fantasy owners to count on big things from Grant Monday night. |
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| Mahan rejoins Bucs | Tuesday 9/2, 4:32 PM CT |
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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers did some more fiddling with their offensive line on Tuesday. After trading Dan Buenning to the Bears, the team then turned around and acquired offensive lineman Sean Mahan from the Pittsburgh Steelers, according to ESPN.com.
Our View: Mahan left Tampa to sign a lucrative deal with the Steelers, but lost his starting job with the team in training camp. |
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| Thomas ruled out | Tuesday 9/2, 4:25 PM CT |
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New York Giants defensive back Terrell Thomas, the team's second-round selection in the NFL draft, will be unavailable to play Week 1, according to the Newark Star-Ledger.
Our View: Thomas is a USC product who has good size for a cornerback at 6-1, 200. He is dealing with hamstring issues, however, and it is not known when he will return. |
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| Goff is out | Tuesday 9/2, 4:22 PM CT |
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Rookie linebacker Jonathan Goff will not play Week 1 due to his still-healing back injury, according to the Newark Star-Ledger.
Our View: Goff was a fifth-round pick who will add depth at linebacker and contribute on special teams upon his return. |
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| Tynes likely out Week 1 | Tuesday 9/2, 4:20 PM CT |
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Giants kicker Lawrence Tynes is likely going to be out Week 1 of the regular season as he recovers from knee surgery, according to the Newark Star-Ledger.
Our View: For the most part, kickers are a dime a dozen in fantasy leagues, so losing Tynes is no great shakes. John Carney will be the kicker for New York until Tynes is healthy. |
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| Joseph cut | Tuesday 9/2, 4:16 PM CT |
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The Oakland Raiders have cut defensive tackle William Joseph in order to make room on the roster for Ashley Lelie, according to the Contra Costa Times.
Our View: They essentially released one underachieving former first-round pick for another. Defensive tackles are commodities in the NFL, so Joseph should see work somewhere. |
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| Falcons add Fudge | Tuesday 9/2, 4:13 PM CT |
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The Atlanta Falcons have claimed defensive back Jamaal Fudge off waivers from the Jacksonville Jaguars, according to ESPN.com.
Our View: Fudge will add depth to the Falcons secondary and will also likely be a special teams performer. |
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| Buenning goes to Chicago | Tuesday 9/2, 4:11 PM CT |
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Needing help on the offensive line, the Chicago Bears have acquired guard Dan Buenning from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
Our View: Buenning is in his fourth year out of Wisconsin. He should provide depth on the offensive line. |
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| Taylor returns to practice | Tuesday 9/2, 3:44 PM CT |
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Jason Taylor, who is nursing a sprained knee, participated in a limited practice Tuesday, according to the Washington Post. He tried several knee braces during his session. Coach Jim Zorn said he will be a game-time decision and added, "I'd say it's easily 50-50 whether he plays or not."
Our View: If Taylor does play, Zorn anticipates a rotation at left end, given the two weeks of practice Taylor has missed. Fantasy owners should not be counting on Taylor for this weekend, and should opt for more favorable options. |
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| Jackson insists he will play Week 1 | Tuesday 9/2, 3:35 PM CT |
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Tarvaris Jackson insists he will be ready to play on Monday night against the rival Packers, according to TwinCities.com. He is dealing with a sprained MCL in his right knee, but said, "It's gotten better every day. I've had a couple of days off, a couple of days to rehab. I feel a lot better. I still got a couple more days to go. Not too far away. I'm playing Monday."
Our View: This is encouraging news for the Vikings' offense, but Jackson should only be considered for fantasy lineups as a reserve for Week 1. |
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| Johnson likely starter Week 1 | Tuesday 9/2, 3:00 PM CT |
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Bryant Johnson is likely to start over Josh Morgan in Week 1 against the Cardinals, according to the Sacramento Bee. The race is still very close, but the source believes Johnson will get the nod as Mike Martz stated, "It's hard with Josh because he's a rookie. The tempo of a regular season and preseason game is substantially different especially to play under that pressure all of a sudden if you're a rookie that's assured. The timing's not really like it was in the preseason because you're panicky. There's that growth process for those guys that you've kind of got to fight through. So to say that Josh is the guy that's going to start excelling at stuff, he's in it obviously but we're really kind of depending on Bryant Johnson to step up now and be healthy and ready to go."
Our View: Morgan is instead supposed to be featured on special teams. Johnson could be a solid option at receiver if he starts, but a lot will depend on the arm of quarterback J.T. O'Sullivan. |
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| Hawk watches practice | Tuesday 9/2, 2:22 PM CT |
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A.J. Hawk did not participate in Tuesday's practice and only watched, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. He is recovering from a chest injury.
Our View: The team believes the injury is minor and he had been making rapid progress in his recovery. His status for Monday's showdown with Minnesota should be determined soon. |
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| Bigby practices | Tuesday 9/2, 2:17 PM CT |
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Atari Bigby participated in Tuesday's practice, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. He had been dealing with an ankle ailment.
Our View: He is hopeful to play in Week 1, and it is a good sign he practiced today without any issues. |
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| Grant sits out practice | Tuesday 9/2, 2:14 PM CT |
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Ryan Grant sat out Tuesday's practice, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. He is nursing a hamstring ailment.
Our View: His status for Monday's game against the division rival Vikings is yet to be determined. |
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| Harris expected to practice | Tuesday 9/2, 1:04 PM CT |
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Chris Harris is expected to practice when the Panthers resume work on Wednesday, according to the Charlotte Observer. He has missed three weeks due to a groin injury.
Our View: Harris previously said he would definitely be ready to play in Week 1, but coach John Fox is yet to give him the green light. If healthy, he would rank as a top-12 defensive back for IDP leagues. |
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| Hackett to practice Wednesday | Tuesday 9/2, 1:01 PM CT |
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D.J. Hackett, who is recovering from a toe injury, is expected to practice Wednesday, according to the Charlotte Observer.
Our View: This is encouraging news, but Coach John Fox is yet to indicate if Hackett will play in Week 1. |
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| Williams hopes to retire with Miami | Tuesday 9/2, 12:38 PM CT |
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Ricky Williams, who recently inked a one-year contract extension, said he would like to retire as a member of the Dolphins, according to the Miami Herald. Williams said, "Ideally, that's what I want (to end career in Miami). And if I keep playing like this, hopefully I'll have that opportunity. Hopefully, every time we get to this point in the season, they'll say, `We like you and we don't want you to become a free agent."
Our View: The Dolphins have faith in Williams this season and are counting on him to be productive while working in a timeshare with Ronnie Brown. He is personally pleased with the team as well, and is worthy of a spot on fantasy rosters. |
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| Lions keep Thomas | Tuesday 9/2, 12:31 PM CT |
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The Lions will keep Marcus Thomas following the signing of Rudi Johnson, according to the Detroit Free Press. He was claimed off waivers from the Chargers Sunday.
Our View: He will serve as the No. 3 running back behind rookie Kevin Smith and Johnson. Thomas is built well at 6-1 215 pounds and has good vision and excels at finding holes, but he lacks speed and has inconsistent hands which led to his release by San Diego. |
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| Bouman inks with Ravens | Tuesday 9/2, 12:20 PM CT |
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Todd Bouman has inked a one-year deal worth $830,000 to play for the Ravens, according to John Clayton of ESPN.
Our View: The 36-year-old quarterback will be joining his sixth NFL club. Bouman will serve as Joe Flacco's backup in Week 1 with both Troy Smith and Kyle Boller unable to play. This puts an end to the rumor that the Ravens signed Joey Harrington. |
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| Jones rotating with Morris | Tuesday 9/2, 11:07 AM CT |
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Julius Jones rotated with Maurice Morris evenly with the first-team offense during practice Monday, according to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. They are considered co-starters, with TJ Duckett's role yet to be defined.
Our View: This is not surprising as Julius Jones did not handle a full workload in Dallas and was used to splitting time with Marion Barber. The team also may opt to feature the running game more early in the season, based on the current state of their receiving corps. It remains to be seen which back will hold more fantasy value, and exactly how much value that will be. |
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| Clemens vows to prove worth | Tuesday 9/2, 10:50 AM CT |
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Chris Clemons had an uneventful preseason due to injuries but aims to have a productive regular season as a pass-rusher with the Eagles, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. He said, "Just show up on Sundays and take notes. The proof is in the pudding. Unfortunately, the injuries came in the preseason, and I wasn't able to show the organization exactly what I'm capable of doing. Would the fans rather see me in the preseason or in the regular season? That's the question. Not to say that preseason isn't important, but at the end of the day, if you get hurt in the preseason, then there is no regular season."
Our View: Clemens emerged as a pass-rushing threat with Oakland last season as he racked up eight sacks, and he is worthy of a roster spot as a backup in IDP leagues, especially those that put a premium on sacks. |
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| Davis added to practice squad | Tuesday 9/2, 10:39 AM CT |
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Jason Davis has been added to the Bears' practice squad after being cut loose by the Eagles, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Davis said, "I don't think they wanted a true fullback. It's nice to get this opportunity for a fresh start with new faces and a new system. I'm wiping the slate clean and I've gotten another opportunity."
Our View: Davis was listed as the Eagles' starter at fullback through most of training camp until the club decided to give the job to converted running back Tony Hunt. The Bears now have a solid fullback nearby in case Jason McKie suffers an injury. |
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| Pickett back at practice | Tuesday 9/2, 10:20 AM CT |
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Ryan Pickett returned to the practice field Monday for the first time after missing all of training camp and the preseason with a hamstring injury, according to the Green Bay Press-Gazette. The Packers put Pickett through a wide array of tests over the weekend and finally cleared him to practice.
Our View: Pickett is unsure how many snaps he will receive in the season opener against Minnesota, but he will likely play a lot while trying to slow down last season's top running game, led by stud Adrian Peterson and backup Chester Taylor. The Packers cannot afford to be without him, as they are very thin at defensive tackle. |
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| Nelson not working as return man | Tuesday 9/2, 10:14 AM CT |
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Jordy Nelson is listed behind cornerback Will Blackmon on the Packers' depth chart at punt returner, according to the Green Bay Press-Gazette. Nelson is listed as one of the two kick returners, joining Blackmon.
Our View: Nelson ranks near the bottom of the depth chart at receiver behind Ruvell Martin, and the rookie holds even less fantasy value without the lead gig on punt returns. |
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| Ryan joins Panthers' practice squad | Tuesday 9/2, 10:07 AM CT |
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Titus Ryan has been added to the Panthers' practice squad after being let go by the Saints, according to the Gaston Gazette. Defensive end Angelo Craig and fullback Billy Latsko were also added to the practice team.
Our View: The Saints waived him to make room for DeMario Pressley on the roster. Ryan did not register a catch as a rookie with the team in 2007, and will hold no fantasy value. |
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| Sorgi returns to practice | Tuesday 9/2, 10:00 AM CT |
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Jim Sorgi returned to practice Monday after experiencing pain and swelling in his right knee, according to the Tribune-Star.
Our View: The source believes he will be fine to serve as Peyton Manning's backup Sunday night against Chicago. |
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| Foxworth traded to Atlanta | Tuesday 9/2, 9:43 AM CT |
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CBS4Denver.com is reporting that the Broncos have traded cornerback Domonique Foxworth to the Falcons in exchange for a seventh-round draft pick.
Our View: He played mainly as a nickelback in Denver, and needed a fresh start with another team as he took the death of teammate Darrent Williams extremely hard. |
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| DiGiorgio remains out | Tuesday 9/2, 9:29 AM CT |
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John DiGiorgio remains out with a rib injury, according the Buffalo News.
Our View: He is uncertain to be ready for Week 1. He started last season due to injuries, namely to rookie Paul Posluszny, but the team is healthy at the position heading into the new season, and DiGiorgio will serve as a backup. |
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| Schouman practices | Tuesday 9/2, 9:25 AM CT |
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Derek Schouman had been dealing with a left knee injury, but was able to practice Monday, according to the Buffalo News.
Our View: Schouman is not sure he’ll be able to play against the Seahawks, but remains hopeful the knee will be fine by Sunday. If healthy, he will serve as a backup behind starter Robert Royal and rookie Derek Fine, meaning he holds no fantasy value.
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| Gandy practicing | Tuesday 9/2, 8:56 AM CT |
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Mike Gandy is practicing again after sustaining a bone bruise to his left knee Friday against the Broncos, according to the Arizona Republic.
Our View: He will play a key role in the Cardinals' success on offense this season, as the solid vet is slated to start at left tackle. Barring a setback, he should be able to suit up for the opener against the 49ers. |
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| Patrick practices | Tuesday 9/2, 8:51 AM CT |
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Ben Patrick practiced with the Cardinals Monday, according to the Arizona Republic.
Our View: He had been slowed by a high ankle sprain, which cost him a chance to unseat Leonard Pope as the starting tight end. The team is pleased to have him back at practice, but he looks to be reduced to a backup role for the immediate future. |
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| Smith released from hospital | Tuesday 9/2, 8:46 AM CT |
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Troy Smith has been released from the hospital after being admitted for a severe tonsil infection, according to the Carroll County Times.
Our View: The ailment has drained him for the past several weeks, and he lost 20 pounds as a result. Smith remains on antibiotics, and the Ravens ruled him out of practice for an undetermined period of time. In case you missed it, rookie Joe Flacco has been slated to start in Week 1 against Cincinnati. |
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| Henderson named to practice squad | Tuesday 9/2, 8:39 AM CT |
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Eric Henderson has been named to the Bengals' practice squad, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. He was waived Saturday.
Our View: The second-year pro out of Georgia was hindered by a hamstring injury through training camp and was unable to secure a roster spot at strongside linebacker. |
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| Houshmandzadeh fully practicing | Tuesday 9/2, 8:36 AM CT |
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T.J. Houshmandzadeh has been slowed by a hamstring ailment through the preseason, but participated in a full practice Monday, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.
Our View: The team won't release an injury report until Wednesday, but it appears that Houshmandzadeh should be good to go against Baltimore. |
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| Odom returns to practice | Tuesday 9/2, 8:30 AM CT |
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Antwan Odom returned to practice Monday for the first time in five weeks, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. He had been recovering from a sprained left foot.
Our View: Frostee Rucker was taking first-team reps at right defensive end, but Odom should step into the starting role when he gets back up to speed. Odom registered eight sacks with Tennessee last season and was brough to Cincinnati with hopes of improving their weak pass rush. If healthy, Odom could be worth a look as a backup defensive lineman for IDP leagues. |
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| Pociask claimed off waivers | Tuesday 9/2, 8:24 AM CT |
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The Patriots claimed tight end Jason Pociask off waivers from the Jets, according to the Boston Globe.
Our View: Pociask is now a member of the NFL's best passing offense, but he holds most of his value to the team as a blocker, and will not merit fantasy consideration. |
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| Turner expects 300 carries? | Tuesday 9/2, 8:15 AM CT |
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Michael Turner expects to get around 300 guaranteed carries, but O.C. Mike Mularkey is not sure he will reach that number, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Turner said, "I know it’s going to be somewhere around 300 carries. I know I’m getting my touches, guaranteed." Mularkey noted, "I have never said he is going to get 300, and probably never will. The idea is to defeat the opponent, and not ask how many carries a player had."
Our View: Jerious Norwood will be involved in the offense as well, but likely more as a receiving option. Mularkey's running scheme is based on power, and Turner is a between-the-tackles power back. |
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| Big Ben comments on captain status | Tuesday 9/2, 8:05 AM CT |
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Ben Roethlisberger commented on being elected a team captain, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. He said, "It's awesome because it comes from them. I've always tried to be a leader, whether I was captain or not. I'll just continue to be who I am and try to lead this team to victories."
Our View: Roethlisberger made his first Pro Bowl in 2007 and is expected to have another successful season with the Steelers, who are favored to win the AFC North division. |
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| Green ready for Week 1 | Tuesday 9/2, 7:54 AM CT |
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Coach Gary Kubiak reiterated that Ahman Green is ready to play in Week 1, according to the Houston Chronicle. Kubiak said, "Ahman’s ready to go. He’s been practicing for two weeks."
Our View: It is good news that he will be able to play, but he was ailing for most of the preseason, and isn't expected to handle a heavy workload initially. |
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| Lawton invited back to Oakland | Tuesday 9/2, 7:30 AM CT |
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Luke Lawton has been invited back to Oakland two days after being waived by the team, according to the SF Chronicle. He was brought back with the intention of adding him to the 53-man roster.
Our View: The Raiders covet a blocking fullback who could replace the injured Oren O'Neal, and Lawton appears to be their guy. Michael Bush was being considered for the primary backup job at fullback behind starter Justin Griffith, but the team decided to keep him at running back. |
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| Collier shot | Tuesday 9/2, 6:59 AM CT |
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Richard Collier was shot while waiting for some women outside an apartment early Tuesday and authorities indicated that he sustained life-threatening injuries, according to the AP. Collier and former Jaguars' player Kenneth Pettway were waiting in a car when a gunman shot into the vehicle, said Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office spokesman Ken Jefferson. Collier was shot several times but it’s unknown where he was hit.
Our View: Collier was in critical condition at Shands Jacksonville Medical Center. The motive behind the shooting is yet to be known. |
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