| Albert on the mend | Tuesday 6/10, 11:51 PM CT |
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Branden Albert was able to throw out the first pitch at the Royals game on Tuesday despite a sprained left ankle. The rookie will miss the last week of offseason practice but expects to be ready for training camp. "For it to happen the time it did, it’s fortunate," he tells the Kansas City Star. "I’ve got a month or two to recover. There are some things I’ve still got to learn; some things I’ve still got to get used to. I’ve got the basics of it down."
Our View: The Chiefs have already plugged Albert in at left tackle, for better or worse. He'll need to stay healthy in camp to hold down that spot, though. |
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| Plummer grievance closed | Tuesday 6/10, 7:00 PM CT |
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The Bucs and Jake Plummer have reached a settlement on the grievance filed by the club. The team sought to recoup $7 million of Plummer's signing bonus when the quarterback did not show up for training camp in 2007. The two sides have agreed to a sum of roughly $3.5 million, the St. Petersburg Times reports. The Bucs will receive a 2009 salary cap credit for around $3.5 million.
Our View: Now we can sleep at night. |
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| Hilliard's shoulder improving | Tuesday 6/10, 6:56 PM CT |
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Ike Hilliard is recovering well from shoulder surgery. Really well. The receiver underwent an operation on April 9 to remove bone spurs and repair a damaged bursa sac. "My shoulder is doing a lot better now," Hilliard informs the St. Petersburg Times. "I've been cleared (to practice) for about two weeks. It was supposed to be a six- to 10-week process, but I came back early."
Our View: Hilliard emerged as a decent PPR play in the middle of the 2007 season before injuring his shoulder. He faces a lot of competition for his starting job this summer, and we're not very high on the 32-year-old wideout. The Bucs need someone to keep the heat off Joey Galloway, though. |
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| Scheffler practices on a limited basis | Tuesday 6/10, 6:49 PM CT |
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Tony Scheffler practiced on a limited basis on Tuesday. He also did conditioning work after the session, the Rocky Mountain News reports. The tight end felt a pop in his left foot last month, almost one year to the day after breaking his fifth metatarsal. He did not break any bones this time.
Our View: Scheffler has the talent and system to be a quality fantasy tight end, but this nagging left foot injury is troublesome. We'll keep him out of starter fantasy range until he shows up in training camp and proves the foot won't hold him back. |
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| Lynch returns to action | Tuesday 6/10, 6:00 PM CT |
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Marshawn Lynch worked on individual drills and did some 7-on-7 work during practice on Tuesday, the team's official web site reports. The running back had been missing time following Lasik surgery. He could be a full-go on Wednesday.
Our View: We're much more worried about Lynch's off-field activities than his eye surgery and on-field actions. His health is not a concern as we head into the summer. |
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| DeCoud in the nest | Tuesday 6/10, 5:41 PM CT |
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The Falcons came to terms with safety Thomas DeCoud on Tuesday, the team's official web site notes. DeCoud was a third-round pick (98th overall) out of California. Terms were not disclosed.
Our View: Erik Coleman and Lawyer Milloy are likely to be the starting safeties when 2008 opens, but the club apparently likes what DeCoud brings to the table. He could start later in the season and take over Milloy's spot prior to 2009. |
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| Jackson signed | Tuesday 6/10, 5:37 PM CT |
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The Falcons came to terms with cornerback Chevis Jackson on Tuesday, the team's official web site notes. Jackson was a third-round pick (68th overall) out of LSU. Terms were not disclosed.
Our View: Jackson is hoping to earn a nickel role as a rookie and eventually start opposite Chris Houston. He played well against high-end competition at LSU, but Chevis make lack the necessary speed to develop into a shut-down corner. |
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| Plackemeier undergoes surgery | Tuesday 6/10, 4:52 PM CT |
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Punter Ryan Plackemeier underwent surgery on Tuesday to repair a torn pectoral muscle, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports.
Our View: This is what happens when you fool around in the weight room, kids. The Seahawks don't know when their punter will return, and fantasy owners don't have to care. |
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| Jurevicius not be ready by Week 1? | Tuesday 6/10, 4:01 PM CT |
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Joe Jurevicius, who is recovering from off-season knee surgery, may not be ready by the start of the regular season, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
Our View: Jurevicius has been reduced to the number three receiver spot following the addition of Donte' Stallworth, and has already decided that he is going to retire at the end of the season. Travis Wilson is likely the favorite for the number three spot if Jurevicius is not ready to handle the role. |
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| Cribbs fails to take advantage | Tuesday 6/10, 3:53 PM CT |
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Josh Cribbs saw a lot more practice time on Tuesday, as Donte Stallworth (death in family) and Joe Jurevicius (knee) were not on the field, but he failed to take advantage and prove his worth to the team, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer. He dropped two short passes over a three play span, and had issues securing the ball.
Our View: Cribbs only caught three passes for 37 yards in 2007, and isn't likely to make an impact as a fantasy receiver this season. |
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| Winslow had favorable practice | Tuesday 6/10, 2:58 PM CT |
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Kellen Winslow Jr didn't participate in team drills Tuesday, but he reportedly bounced around nimbly in other portions of practice, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
Our View: It doesn't appear he will hold out, as this was the first day of a manadatory minicamp that goes through Thursday. But it remains to be determined if he will be ready for training camp, as he is still recovering from knee surgery in February. |
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| Heiden returned to practice | Tuesday 6/10, 2:52 PM CT |
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Steve Heiden returned to practice on Tuesday after missing six weeks following back surgery, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
Our View: Coach Romeo Crennel stated that the team must limit Heiden so that he can compete in training camp without limitations.
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| Rookie Keller performing well | Tuesday 6/10, 2:48 PM CT |
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Rookie Dustin Keller has been performing well, and has been lining up all over the field, according to Newsday. He is running fluid routes, displaying good hands, and the Jets' linebackers haven't been able to cover him.
Our View: Keller has a solid skill-set to develop into a productive NFL tight end, but rookies at the position are known to struggle, and he still needs a lot of work as a blocker, which will further limit his chance to make an impact this season. |
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| Stuckey enters camp as number three | Tuesday 6/10, 2:39 PM CT |
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Chansi Stuckey will enter training camp as the Jets' number three receiver, according to Newsday.
Our View: Stuckey spent his rookie campaign in 2007 on the injured reserve due to foot problems that plagued him through college. He does have the tools to develop into a strong possession receiver, but needs to get healthy and gain some experience first. His fantasy value will likely be limited this season, especially with uncertainty at the quarterback position. |
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| Jones hindered by soft-tissue injuries | Tuesday 6/10, 2:26 PM CT |
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Matt Jones has been hindered by soft-tissue injuries that continue to cut into his practice time, according to Jaguars.com. Receivers' coach Todd Monken commented, "When Matt’s been healthy, I think he’s made tremendous strides. I think he’s made more contested catches, the possibility of getting hit. I’ve been excited to see Matt compete."
Our View: Jones has fared well when able to practice, but could ultimately be in jeopardy of not making the final roster. Jerry Porter and Reggie Williams are projected to start, with Mike Walker and Dennis Northcutt battling for positioning as the third and fourth receivers. Troy Williamson is working behind them, and is said to be a favorite to make the team. Jones would be out of the mix if the team doesn't decide to carry six receivers. |
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| Williams solidifies number two spot | Tuesday 6/10, 2:16 PM CT |
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Reggie Williams had another impressive practice on Tuesday and has further solidified his number two spot at receiver, according to Jaguars.com. Receivers' coach Todd Monken said, "Reggie’s improved. I think he’s matured. I think he’s more receptive to coaching. I think he’s understanding concepts."
Our View: He is expected to join Jerry Porter as the Jaguars' starting receivers for 2008. He only racked up 38 receptions last season, but converted 10 of them for touchdowns. |
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| Rookie Jackson slowed by hamstring | Tuesday 6/10, 2:11 PM CT |
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Rookie DeSean Jackson (California) has been slowed by a hamstring injury that forced him to miss several valuable OTA practices, according to the Trenton Times.
Our View: The severity of the ailment is yet to be revealed. If he doesn't return soon, he will be hard-pressed to beat out Hank Baskett and Jason Avant for the third receiver role. Jackson is more talented and explosive than either of those receivers, but they will hold a significant experience edge over him. |
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| Walker garners praise after practice | Tuesday 6/10, 2:03 PM CT |
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Mike Walker had a solid day of practice on Tuesday, and most notably made a pair of diving catches, according to Jaguars.com. He garnered praise from receivers' coach Todd Monken, who said, "He had a couple of nice catches. As he builds himself into shape, he’ll only get better. He caught the ball well, which I think he’ll always do."
Our View: He is still recovering from knee surgery, but is making favorable progress. He has the tools to develop into a number one receiver in Jacksonville, but he will need to get (and remain) healthy. |
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| Williamson has strong practice | Tuesday 6/10, 1:55 PM CT |
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Troy Williamson had another strong practice with the Jaguars on Tuesday, according to Jaguars.com. He is hanging on to the ball for the first time in his pro career, and is a favorite to make the final roster.
Our View: The former first-round pick was a bust with the Vikings, and is doing well with a fresh start in Jacksonville, but he still has a long way to go before he proves himself worthy of drafting as a fantasy receiver. |
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| Jones comments on Owens | Tuesday 6/10, 12:34 PM CT |
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Cowboys' owner Jerry Jones commented on the situation regarding Terrell Owens and an increase in drug tests, according to the Dallas Morning News. Jones stated, "I think it's important to note that every player in the off-season has to be ready for six tests. I notice where he's got to be available for potentially 24 tests, but every player in the league has to be available for 6-10 tests. We have a comprehensive and thorough program. I know that our level of testing that we have on street substance is higher than air traffic controllers and in a lot of cases you're tested more often than air traffic controllers to give you an idea as to how thorough the testing is in the NFL."
Our View: Jones reiterated he was aware of Owens' discussions with the league regarding Owens' placement in the "reasonable cause" program before giving him a $12.9 million signing bonus last week.
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| Griffin excused from practice | Tuesday 6/10, 12:27 PM CT |
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Cornelius Griffin remains excused from practice to attend to a family matter, according to the Washington Post. Coach Jim Zorn said, "It's a great situation and I'll let him explain it if he chooses."
Our View: Griffin should serve another season as a starting defensive tackle in Washington. He remains a marginal fantasy prospect for larger leagues, as he made 42 tackles and 2.5 sacks in 2007. |
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| McIntosh progressing with more work | Tuesday 6/10, 12:19 PM CT |
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Roger McIntosh, who is recovering from reconstructive knee surgery (performed around five months ago), was working with the first-team defense in the walk-through portion of practice on Tuesday, and continues to do more work, according to the Washington Post.
Our View: Coach Jim Zorn remains encouraged and excited about his progress, although McIntosh is not cleared for contact drills yet. It is still believed that he is on target for a return during training camp. But he will be hard-pressed to play at a high level over a full sixteen game slate, as normal rehab for a torn ACL is 9-12 months.
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| Delhomme not restricted on reps | Tuesday 6/10, 11:37 AM CT |
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Jake Delhomme is coming off Tommy John surgery, but is not believed to be restricted to a set pass count, according to the Rock Hill Herald.
Our View: He is making excellent progress in his recovery, and is putting great "zip" on his passes and isn't being held back physically, but his numbers could still be limited, as the team wants to employ a power-running game to chew up the clock, following the addition of punishing rookie rusher Jonathan Stewart. |
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| Reed has resumed practicing | Tuesday 6/10, 11:28 AM CT |
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Josh Reed has resumed practicing in the Bills' OTA, according to the Bills.com. This is good news, as he twisted his knee late last week.
Our View: He returned just in time, as today is the final OTA before mandatory minicamp. Reed couldn't afford to miss much practice time, as he is being pushed by promising rookie James Hardy for the starting job at receiver opposite Lee Evans. Reed hauled in 51 receptions for 578 yards in 2007, but failed to score a single touchdown. Hardy provides the team with a more physical presence at 6-5 215 pounds, and could namely be more of a factor in the red zone. Reed has a tough battle ahead of him. |
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| Thomas will sit out remainder of OTA | Tuesday 6/10, 11:20 AM CT |
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Pierre Thomas will sit out the remainder of the Saints' OTA sessions due to a sore groin, according to the Biloxi Sun Herald.
Our View: Coach Sean Payton wants to rest him until training camp. Payton is also very high on him, and his status with the team will not change while missing practice time. Thomas was working to share some of the load with Reggie Bush on third-downs. He has also spent time working with the first-team offense. |
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| McNabb shut down | Tuesday 6/10, 10:36 AM CT |
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Donovan McNabb has been shut down for the balance of the week due to tendinitis in his shoulder, according to ProFootballTalk.com. McNabb previously downplayed the condition of his shoulder, but now it has been revealed that he has in fact been nursing an ailment.
Our View: Kevin Kolb will benefit, as he will be getting the bulk of the reps with the first-team offense. McNabb's injury is said to be the result of lifting weights. |
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| Kiwanuka expected to stay at SLB | Tuesday 6/10, 10:28 AM CT |
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Following the retirement of defensive end Michael Strahan, Mathias Kiwanuka is expected to stay at strong-side linebacker, according to the NY Post.
Our View: The team lacks another option that is equipped to effectively handle the strong-side role, so Kiwanuka will maintain that spot. Justin Tuck is expected to fill Strahan's starting spot opposite Osi Umenyiora, and is up to the task as he made 64 total tackles and 10 sacks in 2007 while in a rotation with Strahan. The Giants also have good depth at end following the signing of Renaldo Wynn. |
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| Wade must fight for return man job | Tuesday 6/10, 10:21 AM CT |
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Bobby Wade will be pushed for his job as a punt and kick returner, according to the Star Tribune. The top contenders who will compete to unseat him will be speedy cornerback Charles Gordon, and receiver Aundrae Ellison. Bernard Berrian is said to get a look as well.
Our View: Former 49ers' running back Maurice Hicks is already believed to be the favorite for the role on kick returns. Wade still has a good shot to hold on to his duty on punts, and holds an experience edge over speed. |
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| Colbert compared to Rod Smith | Tuesday 6/10, 9:37 AM CT |
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Keary Colbert has been compared to Rod Smith by coach Mike Shanahan, according to the Rocky Mountain News. Shanahan said, "He was in an offense that didn't have a lot of success throwing the ball, but we believe he's got the ability, much like Rod Smith, to do a number of things for our offense and do it well. He blocks well, he catches well, really an experienced guy that's exceptionally bright. He's a guy that's very similar to the Rod Smiths of the world, a hard worker, works his rear end off on every play."
Our View: Colbert will be competing with Darrell Jackson for the starting job opposite Brandon Marshall this season. Jackson failed to make an impact in San Francisco and Shanahan seemingly favors Colbert, namely due to his solid blocking skills. This should be a tight battle through training camp. |
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| Bentley cleared to practice | Tuesday 6/10, 9:29 AM CT |
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LeCharles Bentley has been cleared to practice in minicamp with the Browns, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer. GM Phil Savage said the Browns were excited about Bentley's performance in his physical Monday night, namely the running drills.
Our View: The clearance came almost two years after Bentley went down on the first day of contact drills in 2006 with a torn patella tendon. After surgery to repair the tendon, Bentley tore it slightly again and then suffered a staph infection in the left knee that required three more surgeries. Bentley was an elite center prior to getting hurt, and will provide a significant boost to the Browns' offensive line if he proves to be healthy and effective again.
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| Westbrook comments on workload | Tuesday 6/10, 9:12 AM CT |
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Brian Westbrook commented on his workload for the upcoming season, according to the Philadelphia Daily News. Westbrook said, "They haven’t talked to me about lightening my workload, or anything like that. I’m a fan of carrying the ball, and having the ball in my hands, but I also want the best for this team. I know sometimes it’s better to spread the ball, allow them to get the ball into different people’s hands so that we can present problems for a defense."
Our View: Westbrook should continue to be the focal point of the Eagles' offense, especially when you consider the news circulating that Donovan McNabb may have a shoulder ailment. |
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| Johnson participates in full practice | Tuesday 6/10, 8:59 AM CT |
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Al Johnson took part in his first full practice Monday, according to the Arizona Republic. Johnson underwent off-season knee surgery.
Our View: Coach Ken Whisenhunt said there should be no problems with Johnson being ready for the start of training camp. This is good news for the Cardinals' starting center.
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| Lynch's attorney and D.A. meet | Tuesday 6/10, 8:30 AM CT |
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Marshawn Lynch's attorney (Michael Caffery) met with Erie County D.A. Frank Clark on Monday, according to NFL.com. Clark didn't rule out impaneling a grand jury to compel those passengers to testify who was driving Lynch's 2008 Porsche SUV early May 31, when it sped off after it hit and injured a female pedestrian. Clark said, "There were a number of people that were with him that night. How quickly we get to the bottom of this will depend on how cooperative people are. Whether it takes me a day, a week or a month, it'll get resolved." Clark noted there were numerous surveillance cameras operating in the area of the accident, which occurred at an intersection near Buffalo's downtown bar district. Clark spoke after a meeting with Michael Caffery ended with no information being exchanged. Clark said Caffery opened the meeting asking for certain preconditions before speaking on behalf of his client. Clark refused. Clark said the meeting concluded when Caffery said it was "in his client's best interest not to say anything."
Our View: Nothing was resolved during the meeting, but Lynch is still open to providing a statement at some point.
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| Plummer nearing settlement | Tuesday 6/10, 8:01 AM CT |
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Jake Plummer is nearing a settlement with the Buccaneers, according to the Denver Post. He is close to reaching a settlement with the team for around $3.5 million. The Buccaneers were initially seeking around $7 million in prorated signing bonus from Plummer, arguing that by retiring, the quarterback did not fulfill his contract agreement. In the middle of this dispute was the Broncos. Plummer and the Broncos renegotiated their contract in March of 2005, a deal that was transferred two years later to the Buccaneers in a trade for a conditional draft pick.
Our View: The settlement would save Plummer another $3.5 million because precedent was on Tampa Bay's side. |
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| Fowler faces suspension | Tuesday 6/10, 7:39 AM CT |
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Ryan Fowler faces a suspension after his name came up among those linked with former Steroids dealer David Jacobs, according to the AP.
Our View: Fowler has never tested positive for a banned substance in his NFL career. It is unknown how long his suspension may be. |
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| Winslow will attend three-day camp | Tuesday 6/10, 7:33 AM CT |
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Kellen Winslow Jr will attend the Browns' mandatory three-day minicamp today, according to the Akron Beacon Journal. The Browns will hold two practices Tuesday and Wednesday and one on Thursday that will cap a month of off-season training activities.
Our View: His level of participation is unclear after he underwent a procedure to clean out his right knee following the Pro Bowl. |
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| Sims has resumed practicing | Tuesday 6/10, 7:27 AM CT |
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Rob Sims has resumed practicing with the Seahawks, according to the News Tribune. He practiced for the first time since undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his right knee.
Our View: He is reportedly bigger, and could be the strongest player on the team. He had the surgery in early May, and is recovering at a favorable rate. |
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