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| Tuck records sack | Thursday 9/4, 10:47 PM CT |
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Justin Tuck totaled five tackles (three solo) and a sack in Thursday's season opening victory over the Redskins.
Our View: Tuck is in great condition, and built up his stamina to effectively handle a bigger role this season. If the Giants want to continue their success, Tuck needs to play a major role in stopping opposing QBs. |
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| Fletcher a tackling machine | Thursday 9/4, 10:30 PM CT |
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London Fletcher lead all defensive players Thursday night with 17 tackles (12 solo). Fletcher continues to be a durable force in the middle and hasn't missed a game since 1998.
Our View: Fletcher had 128 tackles last season and could pile up more this season as some of the Redskin linebackers are banged up. |
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| Cooley has disappointing Week 1 | Thursday 9/4, 10:25 PM CT |
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Chris Cooley opened the season on a sour note Thursday night. He only managed one catch for seven yards. Although, he did have a second catch that was called back because of a Washington penalty.
Our View: Look for Cooley to rebound in Week 2 as he is Washington's primary red-zone target. Continue to start him as a fantasy TE1. |
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| Moss hauls in TD | Thursday 9/4, 10:04 PM CT |
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Santana Moss had five catches for 37 yards and a touchdown. Moss' TD reception would be the only points the Redskins could manage as they lost to the Giants Thursday night.
Our View: With a young, inconsistent QB expect Moss to be hit-or-miss all season. Depending on the match-up start Moss as a WR3. |
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| Burress puts up 133 yards | Thursday 9/4, 9:54 PM CT |
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Plaxico Burress led all receivers Thursday night as he caught 10 passes for 133 yards. No other receiver on New York had more than two catches.
Our View: Burress continues to have great chemistry with Eli Manning. Plaxico picked up where he left off last year, as an elite fantasy WR. Continue to start him as a WR1. |
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| Portis gets 23 carries | Thursday 9/4, 9:45 PM CT |
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Clinton Portis rushed 23 times for 84 yards as the Skins fell to the G-men 16-7 Thursday night.
Our View: The good news is Portis got 23 attempts to run the ball. The bad news is the passing game needs to get on track to open up some running room. |
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| Jacobs goes over 100 | Thursday 9/4, 9:38 PM CT |
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Brandon Jacobs rushed 21 times for 116 yards and added one reception for 8 yards against Washington Thursday night.
Our View: Jacobs got 21 of the 32 carries for the Giants backfield. Jacobs not only received the bulk of the load, he also was the most effective, averaging 5.5 YAC. If the Giants keep feeding him, Jacobs will have an opportunity to put up 100 yards every week. |
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| Carney perfect in debut | Thursday 9/4, 9:28 PM CT |
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John Carney was a perfect 3-for-3 Thursday night against the Redskins. He connected from 24, 25, and 47 yards and added an extra point.
Our View: Although Carney looked good he is only filling in for an injured Lawrence Tynes. Therefore, he will be demoted as soon as Tynes returns, which could be any day now. |
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| Campbell comes up short | Thursday 9/4, 9:22 PM CT |
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Jason Campbell looked indecisive Thursday night completing 15-of-27 passes for only 133 yards against the Giants. However, Campbell did manage to toss a 12-yard TD to Santana Moss with time winding down in the first-half. This would prove to be Washington's only score as they fell 16-7.
Our View: Campbell needs to make faster decisions and develop a quicker release. Until this happens expect a lot of inconsistent play from this young QB. |
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| Manning leads the Giants over the Skins | Thursday 9/4, 9:12 PM CT |
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Eli Manning completed 19-of-35 passes for 216 yards against the Redskins Thursday night. Manning also scored the only Giant touchdown of the night when he dashed into the endzone in the 1st quarter. The Giants went onto defeat the Redskins 16-7.
Our View: Manning looked solid in his debut. He looked early and often to his favorite target Plaxico. The Giants look well on their way to defending last year's Championship. |
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| Lofton will start Week 1 | Thursday 9/4, 8:46 PM CT |
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Rookie middle linebacker Curtis Lofton will get the starting nod Week 1 for the Falcons, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Our View: Lofton has been impressive in preseason action, and has a nose for the ball. Middle linebackers usually collect a good amount of tackles, so count Lofton as a solid depth player in IDP leagues. |
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| Jackson ready for Week 1 | Thursday 9/4, 8:36 PM CT |
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Despite a 27-day holdout during training camp, running back Steven Jackson says he’s ready to go when the St. Louis Rams open the season in Philadelphia on Sunday, according to the AP.
Our View: This is great news for fantasy owners who used a first round pick on Jackson. When he's on the field he is one of the best backs in the league. Start him as a RB1. |
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| T.O. ready to step up | Thursday 9/4, 8:04 PM CT |
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The lack of receiver depth on the Cowboys doesn't bother Terrell Owens, he sees it as a chance to shine, according to the AP. “I did a lot of shoulder presses this summer,” Owens said, smiling. “I think I will be ready to shoulder the load.”
Our View: T.O. is an elite wide receiver and should be starting as a fantasy WR1. |
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| Anderson joins Ravens | Thursday 9/4, 7:43 PM CT |
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Willie Anderson has agreed to a 3-year, $11 million deal to join the Baltimore Ravens, according to the Associated Press.
Our View: Anderson will receive a signing bonus of $1.67 million and will face his former team, the Bengals, in Week 1. |
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| Clark practices fully | Thursday 9/4, 7:06 PM CT |
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Desmond Clark (right knee) practiced fully on Thursday and appears to be a go for the Bears Week 1 game against the Colts, according to the Chicago Sun Times.
Our View: So much for Greg Olsen owner's who had visions of Clark sitting this one out allowing Olsen to rack up the snaps. Look for both tight ends to be utilized in the passing game, especially if the running game struggles. |
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| Shocker - Crowell's season over | Thursday 9/4, 7:03 PM CT |
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Angelo Crowell was said to be out of action for two to four weeks because of surgery on his knee, but now comes word that he has been placed on the IR ending his season, according to The Sports Network.
Our View: Wow, a terrible loss for the Bills and IDP leagues everywhere after Angelo racked up 126 tackles last season. Keith Ellison will have to elevate his game to a whole other level this season or the Bills defense will have a gaping hole at the linebacker position. |
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| Porter misses part of practice | Thursday 9/4, 6:39 PM CT |
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Jerry Porter was held out of part of the Jaguars workout on Thursday and may have experienced a setback to his hamstring, according to the AP.
Our View: If Porter can find his way back onto the field he could be a nice WR3 option, but in order for that to happen he needs to get past his hamstring issues. |
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| Williams returns to practice | Thursday 9/4, 6:34 PM CT |
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Jaguars wide receiver Reggie Williams returned to practice Thursday, after missing Wednesday’s practice because of a sore hamstring, according to the AP.
Our View: If Williams plays in Week 1 he could end up being the Jaguars best target with Jerry Porter still nursing his sore hamstring. Consider Williams more of a fantasy back-up than a starter for Week 1. |
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| Pierce waived by Broncos | Thursday 9/4, 6:19 PM CT |
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The Denver Broncos waived tight end Brett Pierce on Thursday, according to the AP.
Our View: Pierce will have to find his way on to another team, as his time with the Broncos is up. |
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| Jones could start Week 1 | Thursday 9/4, 6:11 PM CT |
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Due to cornerback Terence Newman's groin injury, there's an outside chance Adam Jones will make his Dallas debut as part of the starting lineup Sunday in Cleveland, according to Seattlepi.com.
Our View: Even if Newman can play and starts, he's likely to get more rest than usual opening the door for more playing time for Jones. |
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| Avery could be out Week 1 | Thursday 9/4, 6:04 PM CT |
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Rams rookie WR Donnie Avery is not expected to play in Week 1, according to the St Louis Post-Dispatch.
Our View: Avery is dealing with knee pain, and his status for Sunday is in doubt. |
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| Branch still limited in practice | Thursday 9/4, 6:00 PM CT |
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Deion Branch went through a limited practice of individual drills on Thursday, according to the Seattle Times.
Our View: Fantasy owners shouldn't expect the Seattle wide out to be at full speed until mid-season. |
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| Brady off injury report | Thursday 9/4, 5:50 PM CT |
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Tom Brady was not listed on New England's practice participation or injury report on Thursday, according to the AP.
Our View: How much evidence do we need? Brady will be on the field starting Week 1 for the Pats. |
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| Gates won't start Week 1 | Thursday 9/4, 5:42 PM CT |
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Despite practicing fully this week, Antonio Gates will be limited in the Chargers regular season opener, and will not start the game, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune.
Our View: Gates is an elite tight end, but with him being limited Week 1 you should look for another option. |
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| Skins inactives Week 1 | Thursday 9/4, 5:28 PM CT |
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For the Redskins game with the Giants on Thursday night, the following Washington players are inactive: Colt Brennan, Malcolm Kelly, Shawn Springs, Kareem Moore, Alfred Fincher, Chad Rinehart, Fred Davis, and Rob Jackson, according to Giants.com.
Our View: Jason Taylor will be active Thursday night against the Giants. |
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| Sapp cut by Broncos | Thursday 9/4, 5:25 PM CT |
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Cecil Sapp has been cut by the Broncos, just a year after being an important part of the teams backfield, according to the Denver Post. "I've got about three teams interested but I have to get healthy first," Sapp said.
Our View: With Sapp out of the picture, the club will go with Peyton Hillis as the starter and he will be supported by Spencer Larsen. Sapp should catch on with someone once he proves he is over the hip flexor injury that is currently slowing him down. |
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| Giants inactives Week 1 | Thursday 9/4, 5:21 PM CT |
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For the Giants game with the Redskins on Thursday night, the following New York players are inactive: Lawrence Tynes, Reuben Droughns , Terrell Thomas, Sam Madison, Jonathan Goff, Adam Koets, Dave Tollefson, and Mario Manningham, according to Giants.com
Our View: With Droughns on the sidelines, that could mean Derrick Ward and Ahmad Bradshaw could have a chance at some additional touches. |
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| Taylor will play tonight | Thursday 9/4, 5:08 PM CT |
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Espn's Sal Palentonio has reported that Jason Taylor will play in tonight's opener against the Giants.
Our View: The team will probably still use Taylor sparingly with a rotation at left end, meaning he shouldn't be starting in your fantasy lineup. |
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| Plaxico gets five-year deal | Thursday 9/4, 4:48 PM CT |
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Giants signed WR Plaxico Burress to a five-year, $35 million contract, according to Profootballtalk.com. Burress will make $11 million in 2008.
Our View: With the departure of Jeremy Shockey and the slew of young recievers on the roster, we can expect Plaxico to continue to be the Giants best receiver for many years to come. Plaxico is an elite fantasy WR, start him as one. |
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| Collier placed on injured list | Thursday 9/4, 4:42 PM CT |
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The Jacksonville Jaguars placed shooting-victim Richard Collier on the reserve/non-football injury list Thursday, according to the AP.
Our View: Collier was shot several times while sitting in his sports utility vehicle early Tuesday and remained in critical condition a day later. We will keep you updated. |
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| Hodges joins practice squad | Thursday 9/4, 4:33 PM CT |
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The Patriots signed punter Reggie Hodges to the practice squad on Thursday, according to the AP.
Our View: The Patriots needed to add depth at the position and Hodges fits the bill. |
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| Pociask cut by New England | Thursday 9/4, 4:28 PM CT |
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Jason Pociask was cut by the Patriots on Thursday, according to the AP.
Our View: Pociask will have to find another team if he wants to continue his NFL career. |
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| Spach re-signed by Pats | Thursday 9/4, 4:25 PM CT |
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Three days after releasing him, the New England Patriots re-signed tight end Stephen Spach on Thursday, according to the AP.
Our View: Spach is the TE3 for the Patriots, and has no fantasy worth what so ever. |
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| Saints have shortage of defensive ends | Thursday 9/4, 3:51 PM CT |
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The New Orleans Saints have only three defensive ends on the roster, including Pro Bowler Will Smith, but if one of them gets hurt, the team is in big trouble, according to Pro Football Weekly.
Our View: The defensive ends consistent of Smith, Charles Grant and Bobby McCray. They also have one on the practice squad in Josh Savage, but any team can sign him to their active roster at any point in the season. If one defensive end gets hurt early in a game, there will be trouble. And if two go down, the problems would be even bigger. |
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| Young not in sync | Thursday 9/4, 3:47 PM CT |
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Titans quarterback Vince Young had a difficult preseason throwing the ball, and the team is concerned that they may struggle in the passing game, according to Pro Football Weekly.
Our View: The fact that Vince Young cannot throw is not breaking news. He has struggled doing so ever since he arrived in the league, and he does not have receivers good enough to make him look better. Young is a very risky fantasy player, as his touchdown to interception ratio proved last season (nine to 17). |
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| Bryant not tough enough for Belichick | Thursday 9/4, 3:43 PM CT |
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Patriots head coach Bill Belichick requires cornerbacks who will display toughness and willingness to tackle, something that Fernando Bryant did not do, which is why the team cut him, according to Pro Football Weekly.
Our View: Bryant is a solid corner with good cover skills, so his release is seen as a message to other players to play physical. |
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| Bell could get extension | Thursday 9/4, 3:40 PM CT |
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Safety Yeremiah Bell has been so impressive in the preseason that the Dolphins are working on giving him a contract extension, according to Pro Football Weekly.
Our View: Bell did not play much last season due to a ruptured Achilles injury, but he apparently has been so good that the team thinks he could be a player who becomes a Pro Bowler. |
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| Pittsburgh unconcerned with Mendenhall fumbles | Thursday 9/4, 3:36 PM CT |
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Apparently, the Pittsburgh Steelers are not overly concerned with the fumbling problems rookie running back Rashard Mendenhall had in the preseason, according to Pro Football Weekly. It certainly bothered them, but not enough that he will not be allowed to touch the ball.
Our View: Mendenhall may not see a whole lot of snaps at running back until he proves he can hold on to the ball, but reports of his demise and possible inaction were somewhat exaggerated. |
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| Jackson wants revenge on Rams | Thursday 9/4, 3:26 PM CT |
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The St. Louis Rams opted to take wide receiver Donnie Avery in the second round of the draft instead of DeSean Jackson, which angered him, and now he would like to exact some revenge on Sunday, according to PhiladelphiaEagles.com. "It's one of those teams that I feel like kind of told me that they wanted me and all this stuff. But with being young and knowing how the process goes, I kind of understand now. But I definitely have that in the back of my mind," Jackson said.
Our View: Jackson will have his chance, as he is expected to get a start at wide receiver in the game. Meanwhile, Avery may not play because of a lingering knee issue. |
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| Brown does not practice | Thursday 9/4, 3:23 PM CT |
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Eagles wide receiver Reggie Brown did not participate in practice on Thursday, as his hamstring is still giving him problems, according to PhiladelphiaEagles.com.
Our View: It is unknown if Brown will play on Sunday against the Rams, and he is considered day-to-day. |
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| Ocho Cinco recognized by Bengals | Thursday 9/4, 3:18 PM CT |
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Chad Johnson will now officially be known as Chad Ocho Cinco as far as the Cincinnati Bengals are concerned, according to ESPN.com. The name is now Chad Ocho Cinco on the team's website, and a statement released by the team said, "The list of appropriate changes will include Ocho Cinco wearing his new surname on the back of his jersey for Sunday's season opener at Baltimore."
Our View: It is a little odd looking at the team website and seeing the name Chad Ocho Cinco, but he did it legally, and the team will respect his wishes. |
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| Rivers number change could cost him | Thursday 9/4, 3:11 PM CT |
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Rookie linebacker Keith Rivers would like to change his number from 58 to 55, but it may cost him a bundle to do so, according to ESPN.com. Rivers has a deal with Reebok, which has already printed a season's worth of No. 58 jerseys with his name on them. Should he switch to 55, he could have to pay the company a $10,000 fee.
Our View: Players buy numbers from teammates for more than that almost every year, but paying a company is not something that happens quite often. Whatever number he is, Rivers should be a play maker for the Bengals defense, something they sorely need. |
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| Phillips released | Thursday 9/4, 2:58 PM CT |
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For the second time in just over a month, the Baltimore Ravens have released defensive back Anwar Phillips, according to The Sports Network.
Our View: Phillips was released to make room on the roster for defensive back Evan Oglesby. |
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| Grant practices | Thursday 9/4, 2:38 PM CT |
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Packers running back Ryan Grant was back at practice on Thursday after missing some time earlier in the week with a hamstring ailment, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.
Our View: Grant's status is not yet known for the Packers opening game, but he is helped by the fact the contest is on Monday night, giving him an extra day of rest. |
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| Shockey healthy | Thursday 9/4, 2:35 PM CT |
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Saints tight end Jeremy Shockey was left off the team's injury report, and he should be ready to play Week 1, according to the New Orleans Times-Picayune.
Our View: Shockey and the Saints were being cautious after he spent the offseason rehabbing his broken leg, so he did not play in either of the team's final two exhibition games. He could be a very solid addition to a fantasy team at tight end in Sean Payton's offense. |
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| Posluszny does not practice | Thursday 9/4, 2:30 PM CT |
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Buffalo linebacker Paul Posluszny twisted his ankle and missed practice on Thursday, according to BuffaloBills.com.
Our View: Posluszny is the starter at middle linebacker for Buffalo, and the team fully expects him to be ready to play Week 1. |
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| Crowell will miss Week 1 | Thursday 9/4, 2:27 PM CT |
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Bills linebacker Angelo Crowell will be out for the team's Week 1 contest after deciding to undergo surgery on his ailing knee, according to BuffaloBills.com. "It came pretty much out of the blue and it was certainly nothing that we saw coming, but that’s kind of the way our business is," said Bills head coach Dick Jauron.
Our View: Crowell, who accumulated 126 tackles last season, should be out anywhere from 2-4 weeks. Keith Ellison will replace him in the lineup. |
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| Miller may not play | Thursday 9/4, 1:48 PM CT |
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Jets cornerback Justin Miller may not be able to play on Sunday as his dislocated toe is still bothering him, according to the Newark Star-Ledger. Dwight Lowery would start in Miller's place.
Our View: This may have been a concern if the Jets were playing, say, the Patriots, but the team is going up against the Dolphins, whose receiving corp is not exactly fearsome. It is unknown how much longer Miller will be out. |
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| Williams could see 20 carries | Thursday 9/4, 1:45 PM CT |
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Dolphins running back Ricky Williams has been excelling as the starting running back in practice for Miami, and he could see 20 carries in the team's Week 1 game against the Jets, according to the Newark Star-Ledger.
Our View: Williams is currently the starter over Ronnie Brown, and if he plays as well as he is supposedly practicing, Williams could be in for a nice game. Fantasy owners should keep this in mind when deciding whom to start on Sunday. |
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| Texans not interested in Bell | Thursday 9/4, 12:56 PM CT |
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The Houston Texans are not interested in acquiring the services of running back Tatum Bell, according to the Houston Chronicle. They never did work him out, as was initially reported.
Our View: Bell may have a difficult time finding work anywhere after (allegedly) stealing the bags of new Lions running back Rudi Johnson after being cut. |
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| Peek out for year | Thursday 9/4, 12:53 PM CT |
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Browns linebacker Antwan Peek will be out for the remainder of the season after suffering a knee injury in practice on Wednesday, according to ESPN.com.
Our View: Peek will be replaced by newly signed Shantee Orr and rookie Alex Hall in the lineup. |
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| Gregg may be out | Thursday 9/4, 12:50 PM CT |
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Ravens defensive tackle Kelly Gregg may be unable to play Week 1 as he is still recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery, according to the Baltimore Sun.
Our View: Gregg is an anchor on the defensive line who eats up blockers, an essential part of Baltimore's defense. He also puts up good numbers, and had 80 tackles and three sacks last season. |
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| McGahee game-time decision | Thursday 9/4, 12:48 PM CT |
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It will likely not be known whether or not Ravens running back Willis McGahee will be able to play until just before the game on Sunday, according to the Baltimore Sun.
Our View: McGahee is dealing with a knee injury, and if he does not go, rookie second-round pick Ray Rice will get the start instead. |
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| Crocker wins starting job | Thursday 9/4, 12:16 PM CT |
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Chris Crocker beat out Jason Allen for the job as starting free safety, according to the Miami Herald.
Our View: The team still expects Jason Allen to get plenty of snaps, but at the outset of the game, Crocker will be the man. This does not affect fantasy football in any way, as the Dolphins D/ST unit should not be used. |
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| Ocho Cinco is legal | Thursday 9/4, 12:13 PM CT |
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Though the NFL has yet to rule on what to do regarding Chad Johnson changing his name to Chad Ocho Cinco, Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said it is not a stunt, and Johnson has been wanting to do this for a while, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.
Our View: The NFL cannot be happy about this move, as they strive to do everything in their power to make the games about the teams instead of the players. The final ruling will be interesting when it comes down. |
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| Houshmandzadeh fully healthy | Thursday 9/4, 12:10 PM CT |
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Bengals wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh was not listed on the team's injury report, and he is fully healthy and ready to go, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.
Our View: Houshmandzadeh had a hamstring problem earlier in camp, but that seems gone, and he should be able to perform like the No. 1 receiver fantasy owners expect him to be. |
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| Manning knows he is in for a challenge | Thursday 9/4, 11:50 AM CT |
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Peyton Manning knows it will be difficult to work with a new center, as starter Jeff Saturday will miss about six weeks, according to the Indianapolis Star.
Our View: Manning said it would be a challenge to work with either one of the players who will man center - Jamey Richard or Steve Justice - because they are unfamiliar with each other. Nonetheless, expect Manning to perform like Peyton Manning usually does for your fantasy squad. |
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| Pollak is out | Thursday 9/4, 11:46 AM CT |
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Indianapolis rookie offensive lineman Mike Pollak will miss the team's Week 1 game due to a right knee injury, according to the Indianapolis Star.
Our View: Pollak, expected to be a top backup, was selected in the second round, but was the team's first draft choice. |
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| Franklin may not go | Thursday 9/4, 11:40 AM CT |
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Chiefs rookie wide receiver Will Franklin may not be ready to play Week 1 against the Patriots, as he is still recovering from knee surgery, according to the Kansas City Star.
Our View: Franklin had been getting plenty of opportunities to earn some playing time, and had he not had this injury, he may have been a starter. Alas, he'll have to wait until his knee is healthy before that can happen. Fantasy owners should not have him on their squad until he proves he will be able to contribute. |
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| Jones injured | Thursday 9/4, 11:31 AM CT |
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Titans rookie Jason Jones had to leave Wednesday's practice after suffering an injury to his elbow, according to the Tennessean.
Our View: The extent of the injury, or if Jones will miss any time is not known. He is a backup at defensive tackle, and would see some time in the rotation there. |
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| Griffin kicked out of practice | Thursday 9/4, 11:30 AM CT |
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Titans safety Michael Griffin was booted from the Titans practice on Wednesday, after getting into an altercation with teammate Cary Williams, according to the Tennessean. Griffin would not calm down afterwards, so Tennessee coach Jeff Fisher ordered him off the practice field.
Our View: Griffin also had an altercation with a teammate last season, and the Titans want him to keep his emotions in check on the field. |
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| Tomlinson named captain | Thursday 9/4, 11:03 AM CT |
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Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson has been named a captain this season, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. Also named captains were quarterback Philip Rivers, outside linebacker Shawne Merriman, defensive tackle Jamal Williams and Kassim Osgood, who is mostly a special teams performer.
Our View: This is certainly no shock, as Tomlinson is one of the best players in all of football, and certainly the number one overall pick for the majority of fantasy owners. |
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| Hardwick still out | Thursday 9/4, 11:00 AM CT |
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Chargers starting center Nick Hardwick is still trying to recover from surgery he had on his foot during the offseason, and he will not play Week 1, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune.
Our View: There is no word on exactly how long Hardwick will be out, but for the time being, he will be replaced at center by Jeremy Newberry. |
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| Culpepper calls it a career | Thursday 9/4, 10:59 AM CT |
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Daunte Culpepper has announced his retirement from the NFL, according to ESPN.com. "After taking a long look at my career and my personal convictions, I have decided to begin early retirement from the NFL effective immediately," Culpepper said
Our View: Not exactly the way Daunte wanted to go out. We have a hunch he'll consider coming back at some point next year, but we'll see. |
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| Anderson will play some defensive tackle | Thursday 9/4, 10:40 AM CT |
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Hoping to apply more pressure on the quarterback this season, the Atlanta Falcons will put defensive end Jamaal Anderson at defensive tackle on some passing downs, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Our View: The only problem with this is that Anderson didn't put any pressure on the quarterback last season from his regular position of defensive end. He accounted for zero sacks during his rookie campaign. |
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| Hall removes cast | Thursday 9/4, 9:54 AM CT |
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Despite having ligament damage to his right hand, DeAngelo Hall took off the cast he had been wearing and will play without it Week 1, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.
Our View: Not wearing a cast should make it easier for Hall to catch the ball for interceptions. This is good news for those who have him in IDP leagues. |
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| Johnson will play Week 1 | Thursday 9/4, 9:51 AM CT |
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New Lions running back Rudi Johnson will be playing for the Lions Week 1, according to the Detroit Free-Press.
Our View: It's difficult to assess Johnson's fantasy value because just how much of the playbook he knows, and how he will be utilized is up in the air at this point. More will be known after the game against Atlanta Sunday. |
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| Moore out at least a month | Thursday 9/4, 9:46 AM CT |
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Panthers quarterback Matt Moore will be out 4-6 weeks with a broken fibula, but he is only wearing a walking cast and will not be placed on injured reserve, according to the Charlotte Observer.
Our View: Moore was the backup to Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme, so his absence should not affect fantasy owners. |
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| Brown ailing | Thursday 9/4, 9:30 AM CT |
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Though Reggie Brown returned to the practice field, he was limited in what he could do because of a hamstring strain, and how much he'll be able to go Week 1 remains to be seen, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. "We'll just play it day by day and see how he does," Eagles coach Andy Reid said.
Our View: Hamstring injuries are nagging, which makes Brown a risky start for fantasy owners. Unless he is fully cleared by Sunday, it may be wise to look a different direction. |
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| Rookie Jackson to make start | Thursday 9/4, 9:28 AM CT |
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Eagles rookie wide receiver DeSean Jackson will be one of the starting wide receivers Week 1 when Philadelphia faces off against the Rams, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Our View: Jackson had been impressive during training camp for the Eagles, and now will get a chance to do it for real. He is certainly worth a late-round flier in fantasy drafts, or picking up off the waiver wire if your team needs a wide out. |
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| Tatupu will play | Thursday 9/4, 8:54 AM CT |
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Lofa Tatupu took part in the Seahawks practice on Wednesday and was deemed ready to start Week 1, according to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.
Our View: Tatupu suffered from a bruised knee, but should be fine and ready to lead fantasy owners who have Seattle's D/ST unit to a solid campaign. |
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| Carlson will start | Thursday 9/4, 8:52 AM CT |
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Rookie second-round pick, tight end John Carlson, will start for the Seahawks during Week 1, according to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. "It's an opportunity for me, and I'm grateful for that. Now I need to go prove I deserve it," Carlson said.
Our View: Carlson should be fairly productive for fantasy owners this season, but until more is known about how he will be utilized, it is not wise to put him in starting lineups. |
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| Colts may kick to Hester | Thursday 9/4, 8:42 AM CT |
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The Indianapolis Colts are well aware of the danger Devin Hester presents on kickoffs, but they will have to boot it to him occasionally, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. "We certainly don't want to kick it out of bounds on the kickoff, so there's going to be a chance he's going to get the ball. I don't think we're just going to kick it high and down the middle to the 1-yard line to him," Colts coach Tony Dungy said.
Our View: Hester will start at wide receiver, so he holds fantasy value in that role, as well as for the Bears D/ST unit. Kicking the ball out of bounds puts the ball on the 40-yard line, which is not an option, so Hester will get some chances. |
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| Brooks wins punting job, Frost unhappy | Thursday 9/4, 8:38 AM CT |
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Sixth-round pick Durant Brooks won the job as the Redskins punter in training camp, but Derrick Frost, who Brooks beat out, said the competition was not on the up and up, according to the Washington Times. "They said the competition was even, but it definitely wasn't. I started the last game, and I definitely outplayed him after they said it was even going in. It was a sham. There was no competition," Frost said.
Our View: Frost has since caught on with Green Bay, and is apparently still quite bitter about the whole thing. |
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| Harris practices, will start | Thursday 9/4, 8:33 AM CT |
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Bears defensive tackle Tommie Harris is wearing a knee brace on his left knee - the same one he had surgery on in January - but did practice some and is expected to start against Indianapolis, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
Our View: There had been speculation that Harris' knee problems were more serious than let on, but he sounds ready to go. He is an integral part of the Chicago D/ST unit for fantasy owners, who should monitor his progress to make sure he is healthy. |
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| Berrian will play | Thursday 9/4, 8:17 AM CT |
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Vikings wide receiver Bernard Berrian says he will play in the team's Monday night opener against the Packers despite persistent toe pain, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. "I wish we had a little bit more time to get it perfect, but we don't, so I'll be playing," he said.
Our View: Berrian would not classify the injury as turf toe, but said it was something he has been dealing with for a while. He projects to be a solid No. 2 or 3 receiver on fantasy squads this season, health permitting. |
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| Edwards named captain | Thursday 9/4, 8:03 AM CT |
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Bills quarterback Trent Edwards has been named a captain for the upcoming season, according to the Buffalo News. Also named captain were Lee Evans, Donte Whitnerm Chris Kelsay, Brian Moorman and George Wilson.
Our View: This is clearly Edwards' team now, and though he isn't someone fantasy owners should count on, his team surely is. |
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| Everett to receive award | Thursday 9/4, 8:00 AM CT |
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Former Bills tight end Kevin Everett will receive the George Halas Award, given to him by the Professional Football Writers of America, according to the Buffalo News. The award is handed out to a player who showed courageousness and perseverance in the last season.
Our View: Everett's recover from a spinal cord injury is nothing short of remarkable, and he has started the Kevin Everett Foundation to help research in that area. |
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| Pace feeling good | Thursday 9/4, 7:57 AM CT |
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Rams All-Pro offensive tackle Orlando Pace is feeling healthy and ready to go after battling soreness from his shoulder during training camp, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. "I feel really good, probably the best I've felt since last year," Pace said.
Our View: This is very good news for any fantasy owner with a member of the St. Louis Rams on their squad. Pace changes their offense when he is on the field, allowing Marc Bulger time to hit Torry Holt while opening up lanes for Steven Jackson. |
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| Avery does not practice | Thursday 9/4, 7:55 AM CT |
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Rams rookie Donnie Avery did not practice with the team on Wednesday, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Our View: Avery is dealing with knee pain, and his status for Sunday is not known. He does not make for a quality option in fantasy right now, but could contribute later in the year. |
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