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| Coles likely to play on Sunday | Friday 9/5, 11:41 PM CT |
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Laveranues Coles remains listed as questionable for the Jets' week one game with a thigh injury but he did practice with the first team on Friday according to the Star-Ledger.
Our View: It's more like probable. As previously mentioned the Jets consistently place Coles on the injury report but there is no indication that he will not play in week one. |
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| Webb will be WR3 in Week 1 | Friday 9/5, 11:38 PM CT |
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Jeff Webb will be the third receiver for the Chiefs in Week 1 when they face the Patriots according to the Kansas City Star. Normally it would be rookie Will Franklin who is out with a bad knee. Dwayne Bowe and Devard Darling will be the starters.
Our View: Do not expect him to have any fantasy impact. If anything, his presence enhances the values of Bowe and Tony Gonzalez because they figure to receive more targets. |
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| Alexander says his signing is imminent | Friday 9/5, 11:32 PM CT |
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The AP reports that Shaun Alexander has no plans of retiring and calls his signing with a team "imminent." He also claims that he has been fielding "a constant flow of calls."
Our View: The Bengals have been one of the teams rumored and they make some sense as Cincinnati is his hometown, they have a mess on their hands at the position, and they could seemingly benefit from a "character" guy. Alexander is 31 and he has not been effective in two seasons. If he does sign, he would likely be a second or third string back and hold minimal fantasy value. |
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| Jones will start for the Cowboys | Friday 9/5, 9:37 PM CT |
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The Dallas Morning News reports that Cowboys' owner Jerry Jones has confirmed that Adam Jones will start on Sunday for the injured Terence Newman (groin). "I can't hide it," Jerry Jones said. "(Adam Jones) sees it in my eyes. He smells it and I'm proud of him, and I'm proud for him"
Our View: Its been a headline inducing saga for Jones since we last saw him play a meaningful football game. If he can return to his pre-suspension level of production, an already tough Dallas defense could be scary good. |
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| Young placed on injury list; expected to play | Friday 9/5, 7:18 PM CT |
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NFL.com reports that the Tennessee Titans have added starting quarterback Vince Young to their official injury report for Sunday's season opener, but he is still expected to play.
Our View: Young has tightness in his hamstring which will limit his scrambling ability and therefore his effectiveness. Until Young proves otherwise, he is not a reliable fantasy player. His lack of quality targets does not help matters. |
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| Manning is probable for Sunday | Friday 9/5, 6:53 PM CT |
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Peyton Manning is listed as probable on the NFL injury report. He has not played in the preseason due to knee surgery.
Our View: Manning will also be working without his center Jeff Saturday. It's probably too optimistic to expect the typical Manning performance against the Bears, but we wouldn't be surprised. |
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| Slaton ready to go on Sunday | Friday 9/5, 6:46 PM CT |
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The Houston Chronicle reports that rookie running back Steve Slaton, who has been nursing a turf toe, was given a clean bill of health by head coach Gary Kubiak Friday. “We gave him the day off last Saturday, but he’s been able to practice every day since,” Kubiak said. He added that the daily icings of his foot were just for precautionary purposes.
Our View: The running back situation in Houston remains questionable but Slaton is certainly in the mix. Many local writers support the rookie in his bid to become the starter. Ahman Green, Chris Taylor and Chris Brown join him in contending for the spot. |
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| Bryant is questionable | Friday 9/5, 5:56 PM CT |
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Antonio Bryant is listed as questionable on the Bucs injury report because of a bad knee. If healthy, expect him to start.
Our View: Joey Galloway and Michael Clayton are also questionable. Don't count on getting much production from the Bucs passing attack this week against the Saints. |
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| Galloway is questionable | Friday 9/5, 5:53 PM CT |
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The Tampa Tribune reports that Joey Galloway is questionable for Sunday's game against the Saints. He has missed the entire preseason due to a groin injury.
Our View: If you have another option besides Galloway, use it. As of now the chances of him playing are 50/50 at best. Even if he does play, expect him to be a little rusty. |
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| Smoot should be ready for Week 2 | Friday 9/5, 5:41 PM CT |
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Despite injuring his hip in Thursday's loss to the Giants, Fred Smoot expects to be ready to go in Week 2's matchup with the Saints according to the Washington Post. "I took a knee to the hip", Smoot said. "They [Washington's trainers] say nothing [is] out of place, nothing fractured. What is it? From a bruised hip bone to maybe a hip pointer or whatever they want to call it. I think I should be good."
Our View: Washington's defense did not look good on Thursday and an injury to Smoot would certainly hurt them. We will continue to monitor his availability. |
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| Burleson faces increased role | Friday 9/5, 5:04 PM CT |
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With Bobby Engram and Deion Branch both out of action in Week 1, expect Nate Burleson to receive plenty of targets.
Our View: Burleson had 10 touchdowns last season on just 50 catches. He should match that total again this season if he remains healthy and is a good fantasy option for 2008. |
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| Boldin wants a trade | Friday 9/5, 4:47 PM CT |
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The Arizona Republic reports that Anquan Boldin's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, maintains that his client wants to be traded out of Arizona. He says there is no chance of Boldin signing an extension with the Cardinals.
Our View: Apparently this will not effect Boldin's play this season according to the receiver. However, we've seen disgruntled players go both ways as far as production. |
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| Dawson lands on injury report | Friday 9/5, 4:28 PM CT |
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Phil Dawson was a late addition to the injury report because of a back injury according to scout.com. He is listed as probable.
Our View: We expect him to go, but if you have a second kicker on your roster, he would probably be a safer play. |
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| Ronnie Brown will see significant playing time | Friday 9/5, 4:22 PM CT |
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Head coach Tony Sparano told the Palm Beach Post that although Ronnie Brown will not start Sunday, he "is going to play a bunch."
Our View: Brown is returning from ACL surgery and also had injured his thumb previously in the preseason. Ricky Williams is the better fantasy play early on this season. Expect 10-15 carries out of Brown in Week 1. |
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| Newman questionable for Sunday | Friday 9/5, 4:12 PM CT |
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Terence Newman is listed as questionable for Sunday's game in Cleveland according to FoxSports.com. Newman has not participated much at all in training camp and the preseason while recovering from a slightly torn groin muscle. He returned to practice last week and was listed as limited participation going through drills Friday.
Our View: Adam Jones would likely start in his place. Newman is a Pro Bowl-caliber player, but the Cowboys' depth will prohibit this from becoming a big problem. |
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| Posluszny questionable | Friday 9/5, 3:56 PM CT |
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Paul Posluszny is questionable for Sunday's game against Seattle due to a twisted ankle, according to the Seattle Times.
Our View: Posluszny was able to practice during the week, and the team remains hopeful he will be able to play. The Bills cannot afford to be without him, as they already lost Angelo Crowell for the entire season due to injury. |
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| Kelly may play in Week 2 | Friday 9/5, 3:49 PM CT |
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Malcolm Kelly, who is recovering from his knee ailment, is slated to resume practicing next week and has a shot to make his regular season debut in Week 2 against the Saints, according to the Washington Post.
Our View: He is still trying to get a grip on the mental and physical aspects of the NFL. Coach Jim Zorn is hoping he comes on strong and would like to have him active for the next game, especially after suffering a disappointing loss to the Giants in Thursday's opener. Kelly has a bright future with the club, but it will take some time before he is fantasy worthy. |
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| Branch ruled out for Week 1 | Friday 9/5, 3:38 PM CT |
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Deion Branch participated in a limited practice of individual drills on Thursday, but has been ruled out for Sunday's contest against Buffalo, according to the AP.
Our View: Branch was trying to return in time for the season opener just seven months after having major reconstructive surgery on his left knee, but he and the team opted to wait at least another week instead.
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| Green to get up to 15 carries | Friday 9/5, 3:34 PM CT |
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Ahman Green is going to get up to 15 carries in Sunday's battle with the Steelers, according to the Texans' official website. He had been dealing with a pulled hamstring but was able to fully practice for a few weeks and will get the start.
Our View: Green is going to serve in a rotation with rookie Steve Slaton and Chris Taylor, and the Texans plan to pound the ball early in an attempt to set up manageable first-down conversions. |
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| Jones cut by Ravens | Friday 9/5, 3:28 PM CT |
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Edgar Jones has been cut by the Ravens, according to the Baltimore Sun. The team let him go to make room for former Bengals' tackle Willie Anderson on the roster.
Our View: Jones held no fantasy value prior to his release. |
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| Grant held out of practice | Friday 9/5, 3:21 PM CT |
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Ryan Grant was held out of Friday's practice, but the team indicated it was just for precautionary reasons, according to the AP. He has been dealing with a hamstring ailment.
Our View: The team is yet to list his status, but it appears to be a good bet he will suit up for Monday's NFC North battle against the Vikings. |
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| Watson doubtful for opener | Friday 9/5, 3:09 PM CT |
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Ben Watson is doubtful for Sunday's opener against the Chiefs, according to the Boston Globe. He is battling a knee injury, which prevented him from practicing all week.
Our View: Dave Thomas is likely to start Sunday in Watson's place, and could rank as a sleeper for larger leagues against Kansas City, when you consider how many touchdown passes Tom Brady fired in 2007. |
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| Reed questionable for Sunday | Friday 9/5, 3:05 PM CT |
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Ed Reed is questionable for Sunday's battle with Cincinnati, according to the Baltimore Sun. He had been hindered by lingering nerve issues in his shoulder and neck.
Our View: Reed's injury could heal on it's own without surgery, but it could take some time. We will keep you posted on his status. |
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| Heap probable for opener | Friday 9/5, 3:00 PM CT |
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Todd Heap is listed as probable for Sunday's game against the Bengals, according to the Baltimore Sun. He had been nursing a knee injury.
Our View: He had been limited throughout the week, but looks to start Sunday. He should be productive with rookie quarterback Joe Flacco likely to target him on short high percentage routes throughout the game. |
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| McGahee probable | Friday 9/5, 2:55 PM CT |
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Willis McGahee is slowly recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery, but is listed as probable on the Ravens' injury report, according to the Baltimore Sun.
Our View: McGahee could be active for Sunday's opener against Cincinnati, but it was previously reported that Ray Rice is being prepped to start, and McGahee would probably serve in a limited role. |
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| Smith may have surgery after season | Friday 9/5, 2:29 PM CT |
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Steve Smith is experiencing lingering pain in his shoulder and may need to undergo surgery following the season, according to the Rock Hill Herald. He sustained the injury in the preseason game against the Redskins and said, "I’m not sure what we’ll do at the end of season. I’ll talk to more than one doctor to get a fair assessment on the best procedure to minimize that pain that I have on a day-to-day basis. It really doesn’t concern me too much. I’ll play this season."
Our View: Smith has a two-week rest for the ailment to get better due to his suspension. |
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| Lewis to be game-time decision | Friday 9/5, 2:15 PM CT |
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Jamal Lewis is going to be a game-time decision for Sunday's opener against Dallas, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer. He is dealing with a hamstring injury.
Our View: If Lewis is unable to go, Jason Wright and Jerome Harrison would split the workload at running back. |
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| Smith's illness rare | Friday 9/5, 2:11 PM CT |
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The Ravens' medical staff stated that Troy Smith's form of tonsilitis is very rare and was contracted by only 100 people in the last 50 years, according to ESPN.
Our View: Smith has lost 20 pounds due to the illness and is going to need two to three more weeks to get back into playing weight in order to return to the gridiron. |
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| McAllister questionable | Friday 9/5, 2:05 PM CT |
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Deuce McAllister (recovery from knee surgery) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers, according to the New Orleans Times-Picayune. Aaron Stecker is also questionable.
Our View: Reggie Bush will see an expanded role running the ball, and Pierre Thomas would likely also play a more prominent role if one or both ailing backs are unable to go on Sunday. |
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| Porter out for Week 1 | Friday 9/5, 1:55 PM CT |
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Jerry Porter has been ruled out for Week 1, according to the Florida Times Union. Coach Jack Del Rio said, "I feel the same way I felt before he started practicing. I think he needs two weeks. I think you need to work conditioning-wise, rapport with the quarterback, he just needed to work. When I first laid that out there, I kind of did it so y’all would quit asking. But I also laid it out because it’s really what I thought."
Our View: Porter had a tough match-up against the Titans anyway, and wasn't going to be worthy of starting in fantasy lineups. Matt Jones will start in his place alongside Reggie Williams. |
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| Brown considered doubtful | Friday 9/5, 1:50 PM CT |
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Reggie Brown missed Friday's practice due to his hamstring ailment and is considered doubtful for Sunday's game against St. Louis, according to the Eagles' official website. He re-aggravated the injury during practice Wednesday and coach Andy Reid said, "He went out and practiced and it just didn't feel too right to him. He stretched out for a ball and felt a kind of a tug in there, so we backed off immediately on him. We'll see how he does here in the next day. Right now, obviously, it's what it says, it's doubtful."
Our View: The team is already without Kevin Curtis, last season's leading receiver, and it looks like they will have to manage without Brown as well. Rookie DeSean Jackson will be forced to serve a more prominent role in he game, and would have a great opportunity to earn more playing time if he steps up with a solid performance. |
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| Peters ends holdout | Friday 9/5, 1:41 PM CT |
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Jason Peters has decided to end his holdout only a few days before the Bills' season opener against Seattle, according to NFL.com. Peters informed the Bills on Friday that he plans to report to the team on Saturday. Peters will not be coming to Buffalo with the new contract he had wished for. But both sides have agreed to maintain an open dialogue throughout the season with the hopes of agreeing to a deal that will satisfy both sides. Peters has three years left on his contract.
Our View: The Bills have already decided that Peters will not play in Week 1, but he already has applied to the league for reinstatement and the NFL is expected to grant the Bills a two-game roster exemption. He could play as soon as Week 2 against Jacksonville.
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| Costanzo added to 53-man roster | Friday 9/5, 1:34 PM CT |
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Blake Costanzo has been added to the Bills' 53-man roster following the season-ending knee injury sustained by Angelo Crowell, according to the Buffalo News.
Our View: He will provide depth at strongside linebacker behind new starter Keith Ellison. Costanzo should also be involved on special teams, as the team has been pleased with his skills in that area. |
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| Bailey deemed healthy for Week 1 | Friday 9/5, 1:28 PM CT |
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Boss Bailey had been slowed by a high ankle sprain through the preseason but deemed himself healthy and ready to go for Monday's opener against the rival Raiders, according to the Denver Post. He said, "I'll be there. The last few days, it felt good. And I feel like there's no going backward now."
Our View: He looks to play Monday, but it remains to be seen if Bailey or Jamie Winborn will start at strongside linebacker. Either way, Bailey should not be considered a starter in standard IDP leagues. |
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| Nance auditions for Steelers | Friday 9/5, 1:23 PM CT |
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Martin Nance, who was recently cut by the Vikings, auditioned for the Steelers Thursday, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
Our View: He provides a big target at 6-3 212 pounds and was a college teammate of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger at Miami (Ohio), but would be hard-pressed to make an impact in a crowded and very talented Steelers' receiving corps. |
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| Mendenhall to get 10 to 15 plays? | Friday 9/5, 1:19 PM CT |
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Steelers' offensive coordinator Bruce Arians indicated that Rashard Mendenhall is expected to get 10 to 15 plays in Week 1 against Houston while spelling Willie Parker, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Arians added, "If Willie gets tired, he'll be in there. No special roles."
Our View: The team remains uncertain who will be the short-yardage/goal-line back. Mendenhall was previously the leading candidate for the job, but fell out of favor due to ball-security issues in the preseason. |
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| Garcia nursing finger injury | Friday 9/5, 1:12 PM CT |
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The Tampa Tribune indicates that Jeff Garcia is nursing a sprained right pinky finger. Garcia said, "I actually sprained it in the one exhibition game I played. My hand came down on someone’s shoulder pad and I sprained it. But it’s fine really. It’s not a problem at all. I don’t even know why it would be an issue."
Our View: He hasn't been limited at practice and the team is not concerned with the ailment, so he should be fine to start Sunday at New Orleans. |
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| Jackson auditions for Dolphins | Friday 9/5, 1:08 PM CT |
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Chad Jackson is auditioning for the Dolphins after leaving Oakland and Cincinnati without a contract, according to the Boston Herald.
Our View: Jackson has ties to the state as he played on the collegiate level at Florida, and the Dolphins have one of the thinnest receiving corps in the NFL. Jackson, who was recently cut by the division rival Patriots, would seemingly be a good fit in Miami. |
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| Merriman's playing time unknown | Friday 9/5, 12:52 PM CT |
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The North County Times reports that the Chargers won't know how much playing time Shawne Merriman will be able to handle in Sunday's opener against Carolina until they see how he is holding up.
Our View: Merriman is playing with two torn ligaments in his knee, and fantasy owners will be playing Russian Roulette with him in the lineup, as he can go down at any given moment. |
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| Snyder to start at guard | Friday 9/5, 12:46 PM CT |
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Adam Snyder will start at left guard over David Baas in Sunday's opener against Arizona, according to the Santa Rosa Press Democrat.
Our View: Baas will serve as the top backup at guard and Barry Sims will be the top reserve at tackle. Snyder has beaten out Baas, but is not considered a solid pro. |
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| Spikes to split time with Ulbrich | Friday 9/5, 12:42 PM CT |
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Takeo Spikes is expected to split playing time with Jeff Ulbrich at the "Ted" position in the 49ers' linebacking corps in Week 1, according to the Santa Rosa Press Democrat.
Our View: Ulbrich should see more time among the pair, namely since he has more experience within the defense and Spikes has been with the club for less than a month. Spikes should only be considered as a deep reserve in IDP leagues as of now. |
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| McCareins back at practice | Friday 9/5, 12:37 PM CT |
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Justin McCareins is back at practice after sitting out Wednesday due to flu-like symptoms, according to the Tennessean.
Our View: McCareins looks fine to start Sunday opposite Justin Gage at receiver, but will draw a tough assignment against the Jaguars' secondary anchored by rising star Reggie Nelson. |
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| Bironas to play in Week 1 | Friday 9/5, 12:33 PM CT |
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Rob Bironas has not kicked in a game since the Pro Bowl in February, but is set to return this Sunday against the Jaguars, according to the Tennessean. He had been dealing with a groin injury.
Our View: He did his best to keep his body in shape, and missed Thursday's practice just for an added day of rest and not due to a setback. He should be safe to pencil into fantasy lineups for Week 1. |
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| Fine out for Sunday | Friday 9/5, 12:17 PM CT |
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Derek Fine has been ruled out for Sunday's game against Seattle, according to the Rochester Democrat. He is dealing with a thumb injury.
Our View: The rookie was not expected to make an impact against Seattle while working behind starter Robert Royal at tight end. |
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| Tatupu makes appearance Thursday | Friday 9/5, 12:07 PM CT |
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Lofa Tatupu practiced briefly on Thursday, according to the Seattle Times. He is dealing with a bruised knee.
Our View: He believes he is ready for Sunday's game at Buffalo, and he increased his chances of playing by Thursday's appearance. |
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| Walker expected back to practice | Friday 9/5, 12:03 PM CT |
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Javon Walker is expected back at practice today, according to the Sacramento Bee.
Our View: He is dealing with a hamstring ailment and was held out of Thursday's practice. If he misses practice today or suffers a setback, then Ashlie Lelie would be the top candidate to replace him in the starting lineup Monday against Denver, who he was drafted by in 2002. |
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| Jones upgraded | Friday 9/5, 11:26 AM CT |
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Sean Jones has been upgraded to full participation in practice, according to the Akron Beacon-Journal. He had been dealing with a swollen knee.
Our View: Jones is probable for Sunday's opener against the Cowboys, and the elite safety should be penciled into fantasy lineups. |
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| Pool misses practices | Friday 9/5, 11:22 AM CT |
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Brodney Pool missed Thursday's practice while recovering from a concussion, according to the Akron Beacon-Journal.
Our View: It is now less likely he will be cleared to play Sunday against the Cowboys. Nickelback Mike Adams would start at free safety in his place if needed. Pool practiced on a limited basis Wednesday and the team did not specify whether he suffered a setback in his recovery. |
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| Rice being prepped to start | Friday 9/5, 11:15 AM CT |
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Rookie Ray Rice is being prepped to start on Sunday against the Bengals, according to the Baltimore Sun.
Our View: Willis McGahee has been slow to recover from arthroscopic knee surgery and is going to be a game-time decision for Sunday. The team is planning on Rice to start, and will consider it a bonus if McGahee is available. Ray Rice would merit starting consideration in fantasy leagues at home against the Bengals if McGahee doesn't play, and should still be productive if McGahee does make it onto the field, as the veteran would likely be limited. |
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| Kiwanuka is fine | Friday 9/5, 11:05 AM CT |
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Mathias Kiwanuka said he is fine and X-rays on his lower left leg proved to be negative, according to the NY Daily News.
Our View: He gave the team a scare after going down on the final play of Thursday's opener against the Redskins, but now the team can relax following his positive diagnosis. The club cannot afford for him to be injured after losing Osi Umenyiora for the season, and with Michael Strahan enjoying his retirement. |
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| Johnson excited to begin new season | Friday 9/5, 10:37 AM CT |
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Larry Johnson is excited to begin his 2008 campaign, according to the Kansas City Star. Johnson said, "I know everybody else is excited, but I’ve been waiting to play since week nine of last year. I’m doing pretty well with it."
Our View: Johnson has a tough match-up against the Patriots on their home field Sunday, but Johnson should still see a heavy workload with offensive coordinator Chan Gailey at the controls of the offense. |
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| Smith added to injury report | Friday 9/5, 10:32 AM CT |
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Kolby Smith has been added to the injury report with a back ailment, according to the Kansas City Star. He did not practice Thursday.
Our View: If he plays, Smith will not see many carries behind Larry Johnson, especially since the Chiefs will likely fall behind the Patriots early, so his injury holds little fantasy significance for this week. |
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| Whisenhunt wary of Gore | Friday 9/5, 10:19 AM CT |
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The 49ers will battle the Cardinals in Week 1 and coach Ken Whisenhunt is wary of opposing rusher Frank Gore, according to the Arizona Republic. Gore broke loose for 116 rushing yards and 98 receiving yards in Week 12 of the 2007 campaign and Whisenhunt said, "He kind of ripped us up pretty good. He is an outstanding football player. The more I see him, the more I understand what a dynamic player he is. He is really somebody you'd better account for, or he's going to really hurt you, whether it's catching the ball out of the backfield or even on the run game."
Our View: Frank Gore is a must-start for Week 1, and opposing fantasy teams should be just as wary as Whisenhunt. |
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| Watson added to injury report | Friday 9/5, 10:09 AM CT |
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Kenny Watson has been added to the Bengals' injury report, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. He was reported as being limited in practice due to a hamstring ailment.
Our View: His ailment should afford more carries to starting running back Chris Perry in Sunday's opener against Baltimore. |
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| Grant could handle full workload | Friday 9/5, 9:55 AM CT |
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Packers' running back coach Edgar Bennett noted that Ryan Grant could handle a full workload of 20+ carries Monday night against Minnesota if needed, according to the Green Bay Press-Gazette. He had been dealing with a hamstring ailment.
Our View: The Vikings' run defense presents a tough match-up, but fantasy owners should not sit Grant based solely on fear that he won't get a solid number of carries due to his hamstring. |
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| Hawk returns to practice | Friday 9/5, 9:48 AM CT |
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A.J. Hawk returned to practice Thursday, according to the AP. Hawk has been out since spraining a chest muscle in the Packers' preseason opener.
Our View: He was limited during practice, but was still right in the middle of the action. The team believed the injury was minor and he made rapid progress in his recovery, but is yet to officially get the green light to start on Monday night against Minnesota. |
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| Johnson to share workload | Friday 9/5, 9:39 AM CT |
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MLive.com indicates that Rudi Johnson was not brought in to Detroit to serve as a specialty back (short yardage/goal-line) and will share the workload with rookie Kevin Smith, regardless of who is considered the starter.
Our View: As for Week 1, it remains to be seen which back will see more carries against Atlanta. The pair should be "handcuffed" on fantasy rosters. |
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| Alexander to hold off Bullocks? | Friday 9/5, 9:33 AM CT |
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MLive.com believes Gerald Alexander will hold off Daniel Bullocks as the starting strong safety.
Our View: Alexander progressed and performed well through training camp and the preseason while Bullocks was unable to compete while recovering from his injury (torn ACL), and the source believes Alexander will maintain the starting gig unless he struggles mightily. Alexander is worthy of a flier in IDP leagues. |
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| Lions to feature more 2-tight end sets | Friday 9/5, 9:29 AM CT |
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MLive.com indicates that the Lions are expected to feature more two-tight end sets this season, and Dan Campbell would be involved if he had been fully healthy for the start of the season.
Our View: After his recovery from an elbow problem, a hamstring pull kept him out of the last three preseason games. The Lions don't think he'll be fully football-ready until after their bye in Week 4. The team will feature some two-tight end sets now, but even more when Campbell is ready. He could be worth a look in deeper leagues as a backup. |
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| McDonald is No. 3 receiver | Friday 9/5, 9:23 AM CT |
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Shaun McDonald is the No. 3 receiver for the Lions, according to MLive.com.
Our View: McDonald will be the first receiver to enter the game in the slot, but the source believes that Mike Furrey would get the nod if starters Roy Williams or Calvin Johnson suffered an injury. |
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| Hicks misses practice | Friday 9/5, 9:06 AM CT |
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Maurice Hicks missed Thursday's practice due to his sprained foot, according to the Star Tribune. He may not be ready to play in the opener Monday.
Our View: Hicks wouldn't see many carries as the No. 3 running back in Week 1 against the Packers, but will still be missed if he cannot play, as he is the primary kick returner. |
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| Jackson fully practices | Friday 9/5, 9:01 AM CT |
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Tarvaris Jackson continued to wear a knee brace Thursday but he was able to fully practice, according to the Star Tribune. He said he felt good afterward, and added, "I'm not going to overcompensate for it. It's to the point where I'm more and more comfortable and just know that it's OK to where I'm not going out there playing like I'm hurt."
Our View: He vows to play Monday night against the division rival Packers, but Jackson should only be considered for fantasy lineups as a reserve. He would prefer not to wear the knee brace Monday, but a decision is yet to be made. |
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| Henderson named defensive captain | Friday 9/5, 8:56 AM CT |
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E.J. Henderson has been named the Vikings' defensive captain for 2008, according to the Star Tribune. Henderson commented, "It's one of the greatest achievements of my career. To be voted by your teammates at this point of my career as a captain. It's special. I'm going to take it with pride and wear (the C) with honor. Make sure I represent this defense well."
Our View: Henderson will also wear the Vikings' defensive headset, meaning he should enjoy another solid and productive season while playing most of the snaps. |
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| Gostkowski sits out practice | Friday 9/5, 8:34 AM CT |
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Stephen Gostkowski did not participate in practice Thursday, but the reason was not injury-related, according to the Boston Globe.
Our View: Gostkowski is a top-5 fantasy kicker, and should be penciled into lineups Sunday against Kansas City. |
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| Hochstein fully practices | Friday 9/5, 8:31 AM CT |
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Russ Hochstein is fully practicing again for the first time since sustaining a groin injury in the preseason opener, according to the Boston Globe.
Our View: The team is pleased to have him back as he provides depth behind starter Dan Koppen at center, and also has the versatility to be used at guard. |
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| Welker remains secretive | Friday 9/5, 8:26 AM CT |
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Wes Welker remains secretive regarding the status of his rib injury, according to the Boston Globe. He did not give a straight answer when asked about his injury and his pain level, and simply stated, "I'm just excited to be out there. I'm excited to get out there and compete a little bit and have a little fun with it."
Our View: Welker should be active in fantasy lineups Sunday, but it remains a mystery as to how much action he is expected to see due to the ailment. |
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| Thomas ready to step up | Friday 9/5, 8:19 AM CT |
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Ben Watson's availability for Sunday's opener against the Chiefs looks grim due to a knee injury, and David Thomas believes he is ready to step up, according to the Boston Globe. He would be expected to play a more significant role if Watson cannot go, and Thomas said, "In the preseason, we do a lot of different things and we work on a lot of packages. My job is to do whatever they call me to do to try to execute the best I can."
Our View: Thomas moved up to the No. 2 role at tight end following the release of Marcus Pollard. The Patriots ran approximately 68 percent of their plays with three or four receivers on the field in 2007, but the tight end remains important, as Watson hauled in six touchdowns. Thomas could have success Sunday against the Chiefs, and is worth a look if you lack a more favorable option at the position. |
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| Baker moving up depth chart | Friday 9/5, 8:08 AM CT |
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Dallas Baker has held off Willie Reid for the final receiving spot on the 53-man roster, and has moved past Limas Sweed for the No. 4 role, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Coach Mike Tomlin said, "Quite simply, he's been productive. You look at his production last preseason, it was next to nothing. This year he caught balls, critical balls, a variety of balls, and shown he's capable of playing in the slot."
Our View: The seventh-round pick of 2007 spent his rookie campaign on the practice squad, but had a solid preseason in 2008, as he hauled in eight receptions for a 14.3 yard average. Baker has good size at 6-3 208 pounds and has shown the Steelers he can make plays. If any of the Steelers' top three wideouts go down (Santonio Holmes, Hines Ward, Nate Washington), Baker could be worth targeting on the waiver wire. |
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| Frye re-signed to practice squad | Friday 9/5, 7:46 AM CT |
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Brandon Frye was cut by the Texans earlier in the week, but has been brought back as a member of the practice squad, according to the Houston Chronicle. Gabe Long was released to make room on the practice team.
Our View: Frye didn't play at all as a fifth-round rookie in 2007, but did make a favorable adjustment from tackle to guard. His versatility can help him stick with the organization. |
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| Schaub comments on Steelers | Friday 9/5, 7:41 AM CT |
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Matt Schaub commented on Sunday's opponent, the Pittsburgh Steelers, according to the Houston Chronicle. Schaub said, "This is one of those games that you basically have eight months to prepare for. You start watching this opponent early on in the offseason and you really get into depth into what they do. Again, it’s the first game. You can look at players all you want, but they could come out with something totally new and totally different. You always have to diagnose what they are doing early and be able to attack those things."
Our View: Schaub is expected to serve as a solid No. 2 fantasy quarterback this season, and a solid performance against an imposing Steelers' defense will help solidify that belief. |
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| Rams' starting line intact for Week 1 | Friday 9/5, 7:23 AM CT |
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The Rams' offensive line was plagued by injuries in 2007, but is fully intact for the start of the new campaign, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Starting right guard Richie Incognito said, "It's nice to be settled in. We'll see what happens in the season, but for right now, there's some good continuity between the front five. And no injuries."
Our View: Assuming the line can remain healthy, the Rams' offense looks to make a strong comeback in 2008, especially with the addition of new coordinator Al Saunders. |
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| Romberg practices | Friday 9/5, 7:18 AM CT |
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Brett Romberg practiced without restrictions Thursday for the first time since breaking his right hand near the beginning of training camp, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Romberg said, "I started snapping Monday, and it felt pretty decent. So, hopefully by next week this thing is going to feel like I never broke it."
Our View: Romberg is back at practice, but lost his starting gig at center to Nick Leckey while he was unable to compete. |
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| Hodge auditions for Raiders | Friday 9/5, 7:10 AM CT |
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Abdul Hodge, who was recently cut by Green Bay, got a workout with the Raiders following Thursday's practice, according to the SF Chronicle.
Our View: The Raiders could use depth at linebacker but he isn't going to push Kirk Morrison or Thomas Howard for a starting job, and lacks the size to hold up on the strong side. |
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| Lelie may need to step up in Week 1 | Friday 9/5, 7:06 AM CT |
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Ashley Lelie could start in Monday's game against the Broncos if Javon Walker is unable to play due to his ailing hamstring, according to the SF Chronicle.
Our View: Lelie went from being cut by the 49ers, to potentially starting on the other side of the bay with the Raiders. Lelie would be a risky fantasy option as a starter, but the match-up is still intriguing while facing his original team (Denver drafted him in 2002). |
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| Edwards remains out | Friday 9/5, 7:00 AM CT |
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Kalimba Edwards remains out with a groin ailment, according to the SF Chronicle.
Our View: The Raiders' pass rush will be weakened in Monday's battle with the Broncos if Edwards cannot play, and rookie Trevor Scott would replace him on passing downs. |
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