| McKenzie returns to practice | Monday 7/28, 11:31 PM CT |
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Cornerback Mike McKenzie returned in limited action on Monday from ACL surgery according to The Times-Picayune. "All offseason I have really been working hard, " McKenzie said. "I did a lot of conditioning work and a lot of covering, so this was the next natural progression, for me to come on out and get some team work."
Our View: McKenzie is generally considered the Saints' best pass defender and will likely be brought back slowly. A healthy McKenzie means a lot to the success of the Saints. |
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| Peterson is the first-team back...for now | Monday 7/28, 11:23 PM CT |
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SI.com reports that Adrian Peterson has received the bulk of first-team snaps for the Bears thus far in camp.
Our View: Rookie Matt Forte is right on his tail. On Sunday, Forte finally worked in with the unit a few times and was used heavily as a receiving back, displaying some nifty moves and steady hands, especially on a one-handed grab in traffic that he took the distance. |
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| Olsen is a breakout candidate at tight end | Monday 7/28, 11:17 PM CT |
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SI.com has tabbed Greg Olsen as a breakout candidate. Over the weekend "Olsen got the most consistent cheers. Without a proven bunch of receivers, OC Ron Turner says he'll lean more heavily on the second-year tight end, who came on strong around midseason last year after essentially missing the first four games to a knee injury. Olsen has been a beast at camp, snatching balls in traffic and exhibiting acrobatic abilities on one particular deep ball Saturday -- that he barely managed to fingertip to himself while staying in bounds. Tellingly, that pass came from Grossman, which Bears fans have to like if he wins the job. Olsen and Grossman never seemed to click last year. Most of his balls came from Orton or the departed Brian Griese."
Our View: We completely agree that Olsen may be the most lethal target for Bears quarterbacks this season. As a rookie, he only recorded 39 catches and two touchdowns but could more than double that production in 2008. |
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| Meester could miss Week 1 | Monday 7/28, 10:32 PM CT |
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Center Brad Meester has a strained bicep muscle that could force him to miss Week 1 according to WTLV Jacksonville.
Our View: Meester missed the first five weeks of the season last year with a cracked bone in his ankle. The Jags did fine without him them, and they should do fine without him once again. |
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| Wilson breaks his leg | Monday 7/28, 10:21 PM CT |
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Backup tackle Mark Wilson broke his leg on Monday ending his 2008 campaign, according to the Contra Costa Times.
Our View: The injury really hurts the depth on the line as Wilson was kind of a utility backup. The Raiders will now be forced to sign another offensive lineman. |
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| Rams acquire OT Wilson | Monday 7/28, 8:13 PM CT |
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The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that the Rams have acquired offensive tackle Julius Wilson from the Dolphins.
Our View: Wilson did not get into a game last season as a rookie and will only provide depth for the Rams this season. Still, offensive line depth may have been the Rams' biggest problem last season. |
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| Carey to play the season without new deal | Monday 7/28, 7:30 PM CT |
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Starting offensive tackle Vernon Carey is entering the last year of his rookie contract with the Dolphins and it looks like he'll play this season without a new deal according to the Sun-Sentinel. "It doesn't matter," Carey said when asked about pursuing a new deal. He added, "That's not important to me right now. What's important to me is winning. I want to be part of a winning team."
Our View: Winning? Good luck with that. Carey is a solid tackle and if he remains healthy he will have a big payday ahead of him. Not having a guaranteed deal likely means he will be giving 100% each play which is good news for the Dolphins. |
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| Burleson fielding punts | Monday 7/28, 7:25 PM CT |
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The Tacoma News Tribune reports that Nate Burleson has been fielding punts in training camp.
Our View: Burleson, 26, had 11 touchdowns last season, including two as a return man. He could become Matt Hasselback's top target in 2008 and should be drafted in nearly all leagues. However, he is mostly flying under the radar for now. |
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| Talib looking good | Monday 7/28, 7:18 PM CT |
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Aqib Talib has impressed coaches according to the Tampa Bay Tribune. Coach Jon Gruden said, "(Talib's) doing great. We’re really impressed with him. He had a couple big splash plays yesterday and his talent is easy to recognize. Again, he’s got to master the defense and Raheem Morris is doing a great job with him."
Our View: Talib could be a late IDP sleeper in deep leagues. It appears that he is in line to start on a talented Bucs defense. |
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| Graham not named the starter just yet | Monday 7/28, 7:12 PM CT |
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The Tampa Bay Tribune reports that Jon Gruden is not ready to announce Earnest Graham as the starting tailback just yet. Gruden said, "Well I’m not going to get into who’s starting and all that right now, but obviously if you watched him today he made some great runs inside the red zone. We worked exclusively in the plus-20 area today and he made some outstanding runs and a couple good blitz pickups. He’s a heck of a back."
Our View: Graham has plenty of competition. Cadillac Williams is trying to bounce back from a torn ACL, Warrick Dunn was signed in the offseason, and Michael Bennett is still with the team. Still, he has to be considered the favorite at this point. |
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| Bironas suffers strained groin | Monday 7/28, 6:49 PM CT |
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Rob Bironas strained his groin on Monday according to the AP. The injury is not believed to be serious.
Our View: Bironas will be ready to go. He warrants considerable fantasy consideration due to his big leg. He had four field goals over 50 yards and nine over 40. The Titans have had difficulty getting into the end zone ever since Vince Young has taken over the quarterback spot and Bironas has become one of the most valuable kickers in fantasy. |
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| Blades to undergo surgery | Monday 7/28, 6:37 PM CT |
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H.B. Blades will undergo arthroscopic surgery this week according to the Washington Post. He is the primary backup to London Fletcher.
Our View: He is expected back by Week 1 but won't figure in fantasy league's unless the ultra-durable London Fletcher goes down. |
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| Newman strains groin | Monday 7/28, 6:33 PM CT |
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Terence Newman left Monday's practice with a strained groin according to the AP. Coach Wade Phillips said Newman got tangled up with a receiver during a play and twisted his leg awkwardly.
Our View: Phillips doesn’t consider the injury serious. Newman went to his first Pro Bowl last season and we expect him to see his second this season. |
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| Jackson could start in Denver | Monday 7/28, 6:21 PM CT |
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The Denver Post reports that Darrell Jackson has been working ahead of Keary Colbert in training camp. Both players could likely start if Brandon Marshall serves a suspension.
Our View: Jackson is only 29 and had 10 touchdowns in 2006. He has some late round sleeper value, expecially if he is the regular starter. |
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| Cutler throwing well | Monday 7/28, 6:13 PM CT |
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The Denver Post reports that insulin shots have renewed the velocity in quarterback Jay Cutler's passes. "Coach made a comment about trying to catch his 90 mph fastball," said running back Selvin Young. He added, "It looks good. He's kicking that leg up and launching it right now."
Our View: This is good news. Cutler had looked good in his first two seasons and should progress even further in 2008. Brandon Marshall could serve a suspension which would hurt, but look for Cutler to be a top-10 quarterback this season. |
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| Pitcock yet to report | Monday 7/28, 5:53 PM CT |
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Quinn Pitcock has yet to report to the Colts training camp according to the Indianapolis Star. There's a report out there that Pitcock has lost his desire to play.
Our View: This would be a blow to the Colts, who appeared set with a strong four-man rotation at defensive tackle. Pitcock, drafted in 2007, is a young guy and may just be in a funk. Colts' fans have to hope that he comes around soon. |
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| Clayton looks like the starter | Monday 7/28, 5:15 PM CT |
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The Baltimore Sun reports that Mark Clayton has been running exclusively with the first team because Demetrius Williams is on the physically-unable-to-perform list with an injury to his lower left leg.
Our View: He didn't score a touchdown last season and averaged 2.9 yards after the catch. He had three or fewer catches in 11 of 16 games. The article points out that he was dealing with a divorce with his wife who was pregnant with his child throughout the 2007 season. He was a 2005 first round pick and could be poised to have a breakout season.
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| Lewis could miss all of 2008 | Monday 7/28, 5:05 PM CT |
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Trey Lewis could miss all of 2008 according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He reinjured his surgically repaired knee walking down stairs in the offseason, and is on the active/non-football injury list. He could end up on the physically unable to perform list. "We haven't decided what he'll be on because he can be on either of the two," Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff said.
Our View: Lewis played in nine games last season but was not a difference maker. He is not relevant in fantasy leagues. |
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| Young appears to be the starter | Monday 7/28, 5:00 PM CT |
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The Denver Post has named Selvin Young the "clear starter" in the Denver Broncos' backfield. The same article mentions that undrafted rookie running back Anthony Alridge is making his case for a roster spot. Alridge, with his speed and shifty moves, had the most electric runs of any running back Monday morning.
Our View: Young averaged 5.2 yards per carry last season and also hauled in 35 passes in limited duty. If he is indeed the clear starter, he has top-10 running back fantasy potential playing on the Broncos. However, Mike Shannahan has been known to shuffle running backs throughout the season so a further monitoring of this situation is needed before crowning Selvin as a big time 2008 producer. |
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| Haggans ready to make a difference | Monday 7/28, 4:53 PM CT |
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Clark Haggans is ready to make an impact with his new team in Arizona. The 31-year-old Haggans is expected to provide depth at linebacker. With 31 1/2 career sacks, he’ll be deployed mostly as a pass rusher, according to the AP. Caoch Ken Whisenhunt said "I know in preparing (to play) the Steelers last year, we thought he was one of their better players. He was one of the guys that we were worried about. So I feel very fortunate that we have a player of his caliber on our team."
Our View: For now, Haggans will provide depth at linebacker but could play his way into the starting lineup in training camp. If so, he has shown the ability to get sacks and pile up tackles. |
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| Williams not working with first team | Monday 7/28, 4:38 PM CT |
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Demorrio Williams, who was signed to a long term deal in May, has not been working much with the first team thus far in camp according to the Kansas City Star.
Our View: It looks like Napolean Harris will stay at MLB with Donnie Edwards atarting on the weak side. Williams will have to play much better to earn a starting position by Week 1. |
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| Odom has a sprained foot | Monday 7/28, 4:31 PM CT |
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Antwan Odom has been diagnosed with a sprained foot after being carted off the field during Monday's practice. He has not timetable to return at this point.
Our View: He left the locker room on crutches and a protective boot after sustaining an ankle injury. The Bengals have a lot invested in Odom. He was brought in to improve a pass rush that ranked among the worst in the NFL in 2007. |
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| Gore to be used everywhere | Monday 7/28, 4:28 PM CT |
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As expected, Frank Gore will be used extensively in the passing game as well as the running attack according to Mike Martz. The Press Democrat reports Martz recently said "We'll use (Gore) everywhere we can in the running game, of course. And then in the passing game, we'll use him every way possible, as a deep threat, a short threat and a crossing threat. Watching him out there, he's really comfortable with himself. We have to be careful not to overload him and take away from what he's there for and what he really does well, which is run the football. But we'll create some scenarios for him, too."
Our View: Gore has been one of the better fantasy backs in the league over the past two years and owners are hoping that a pass-happy OC won't diminish his value. It would seem they will get their wish as Martz indicates his realization that Gore is the most valuable offensive player on his new team. |
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| Davis could see looks at tight end | Monday 7/28, 4:24 PM CT |
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Vernon Davis continues to field praise from new OC Mike Martz, according to the Press Democrat. "What we'll try to do with him is try to take advantage of his speed more, probably, than what they've done in the past. We'll try to get him down the field, more or less like a wide receiver -- move him out, move him around. At first it was so different for him, but he's really adapted well to it. He's really kind of thrived with it."
Our View: Face it, the 49ers need someone to catch passes in a scheme that could throw 60-70% of the time. Isaac Bruce and Bryant Johnson will get their share of looks, but Martz's early praise of Davis has some thinking that he could haul in up to 80 passes this season. Probably the biggest thing standing in his way is committing to memorize the new playbook. |
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| Brown taking part in two-a-days | Monday 7/28, 4:02 PM CT |
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Ronnie Brown has been participating in all of the Dolphins' practices so far according to the Sun-Sentinel. Coach Tony Sparano doesn't think his running back has been favoring the surgically repaired knee. Sparano said, "I really didn't notice it out here. I think maybe just a little bit stiff. Those type of things. I didn't notice it that way. We got him out there. We got him involved, tried to get him going early that way during the course of practice. Again, you know, with Ronnie, I'm sure it's going to be a little bit of a slow process here. We got three solid practices out of him and then he came out here today. It was a little stiff. We got the fourth solid practice out of him. I think Ronnie will be fine. It's going to take us a little bit time to get to where we need to be."
Our View: As of now, it looks like Brown will be ready to go for Week 1 which is great news for the Dolphins. Brown was the best fantasy back going before he tore his ACL last season, and he's made a very quick recovery. We'll continue to monitor the situation closely, but for now, Brown is inching up draft boards. |
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| Sims receives MRI results | Monday 7/28, 3:54 PM CT |
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Ernie Sims' MRI on Monday revealed that he only sustained a bone bruise to his right knee, according to the Detroit Free Press.
Our View: Sims could return to practice when the swelling subsides. That could keep him out for a few days, or as long as 10 days. Either way, his injury proved to be minor and the rising star's fantasy stock remains strong for 2008. |
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| Carr passes physical | Monday 7/28, 3:48 PM CT |
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David Carr passed his physical with the Giants and will continue practicing with the team, according to the Star-Ledger.
Our View: Carr has no chance to push reigning Superbowl MVP Eli Manning for the starting spot at quarterback, and will hold no fantasy value as long as Manning stays intact. Carr held a dismal 58.3 efficiency rating over 136 passing attempts with Carolina in 2007. |
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| Draft working as starting SLB | Monday 7/28, 3:41 PM CT |
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Chris Draft is currently working as the starting strongside linebacker in Rams' camp, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Our View: Quinton Culberson is getting some reps with the first-team at the position too, but it is Draft's job to lose. Either way, whoever starts on the strongside isn't likely going to post good enough numbers to merit fantasy attention. |
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| Falcons ink Jackson | Monday 7/28, 3:30 PM CT |
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Grady Jackson has signed a one-year deal with the Falcons, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Our View: He will be expected to shore up the Falcons' defensive line, which is a main weakness of the team heading into the new season. He could help the team, but is no longer fantasy worthy at 35 years old. |
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| Robinson injury update | Monday 7/28, 2:59 PM CT |
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Michael Robinson is yet to receive his MRI results on his sprained right knee, but coach Mike Nolan commented that he may need to be scoped, according to the Sacramento Bee.
Our View: That does not sound encouraging. Robinson is third on the 49ers' depth chart behind starter Frank Gore and DeShaun Foster, but is still an important member of the club, namely as a situational back, and Mike Martz previously mentioned that he likes Robinson's pass-catching ability. We will keep you posted when more details on his injury surface. |
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| Lelie underwent MRI | Monday 7/28, 2:53 PM CT |
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Ashley Lelie underwent an MRI on his injured calf Monday morning, according to the Sacramento Bee. He could be out anywhere from a few days to a week.
Our View: Lelie cannot afford to miss time in training camp, as he could be on the bubble to make the club behind Isaac Bruce, Bryant Johnson, Arnaz Battle, Jason Hill, and rookie Josh Morgan. |
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| Lenon working as starting MLB | Monday 7/28, 2:48 PM CT |
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Paris Lenon is working as the starting middle linebacker at the beginning of training camp, according to the Detroit Free Press. Defensive coordinator Joe Barry said, "Paris Lenon is our mike backer. He's our quarterback of our defense. There's no thought of moving him right now. Not at all."
Our View: Rookie Jordon Dizon is expected to compete for the role, but for now it appears to be Lenon's job to lose. If Dizon does manage to unseat him at some point during the season, Lenon would likely still start, but on the strongside, which would greatly lower his fantasy value. |
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| Jackson still absent | Monday 7/28, 2:39 PM CT |
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Steven Jackson remains absent from Rams' training camp, according to the AP. The team is uncertain when he will report, and has officially been listed as a contract holdout. Coach Scott Linehan said, "Jackson just says, ‘I’m working, I ran today, lifted, how’d practice go,’ that kind of stuff. We just kind of let him know where we’re at and things that are going on. He’s real focused on what’s going on at camp, so his head’s definitely in the right place."
Our View: The Rams and Jackson’s agent, Eugene Parker, have been negotiating a long-term extension, and signing him is a priority, according to Linehan. We will keep you posted on Jackson's status.
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| Westbrook wants deal before season | Monday 7/28, 2:26 PM CT |
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Brian Westbrook stated that he wants a new contract before the start of the regular season, according to the Philadelphia Daily News. Westbrook is in camp, but when asked if he would participate in the first preseason game, August 8 at Pittsburgh, Westbrook said he would cross that bridge when he came to it.
Our View: Westbrook is the focal point of the Eagles' offense, and the team intends to ink him to a new deal, but it remains to be seen if it comes prior to Week 1 of the regular season. |
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| Jones asked to trim weight | Monday 7/28, 2:19 PM CT |
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Kevin Jones has been asked by the Bears to trim around 10 pounds off his frame while he is on the PUP list recovering from ACL surgery, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
Our View: The rationale is Jones will better be able to handle the wear and tear on his surgically repaired right knee if he's a little bit lighter. Jones had surgery to repair a torn ACL in January and is at least a decent bet to begin the season on the PUP list, and it is uncertain when he will begin practicing with his new club. Jones is currently listed at 228 pounds.
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| Beck remains inconsistent | Monday 7/28, 1:58 PM CT |
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John Beck remains inconsistent, according to the Palm Beach Post. He is efficient with underneath passes, but he keeps sailing throws on longer routes to the sideline.
Our View: Josh McCown is far from a solid quarterback, but in Miami, he continues to hold an edge for the starting gig. |
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| Ayodele expected to start | Monday 7/28, 1:53 PM CT |
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Akin Ayodele is expected to start on the inside at linebacker in the Dolphins' 3-4 defense, according to the Palm Beach Post.
Our View: Channing Crowder is the other projected starter on the inside, with Reggie Torbor serving as the top backup. Ayodele will have a chance to rack up solid tackling totals if he holds up as a starter on the inside over the full 16-game slate, and is worthy of a late-round pick in IDP league drafts. |
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| Bodiford placed on IR | Monday 7/28, 1:45 PM CT |
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Shaun Bodiford has been placed on the IR after undergoing surgery about 10 days ago, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. The details of his operation were not disclosed.
Our View: His season is over, but he was not likely going to make the Packers' roster at receiver anyway. |
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| Pickett leaves field | Monday 7/28, 1:38 PM CT |
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Ryan Pickett left the field after walkthroughs Monday, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.
Our View: He is nursing a tweaked muscle, and is considered day-to-day. He is projected to start at defensive tackle this season, so the club cannot afford him to be hurt. |
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| Brown dealing with injuries | Monday 7/28, 1:32 PM CT |
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Chris Brown is already being forced out of action with aches and pains, according to the Houston Chronicle. Brown missed Monday's practice with a sore back.
Our View: Brown was brought in to spell Ahman Green this season, but is not off to an encouraging start. Brown has missed 17 games over the past two seasons due to injuries. |
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| Smith has strong day of practice | Monday 7/28, 1:27 PM CT |
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Troy Smith had the best day of practice Monday among the Ravens' quarterbacks, according to the Baltimore Sun. Smith rolled out twice for touchdowns in goal-line situations against the starting defense. Smith's best play of the day came when he pump-faked to a running back in the right flat, then fired a pass to rookie wide receiver Justin Harper, who was wide open 20 yards downfield and jogged into the end zone.
Our View: Kyle Boller was given the bulk of the reps with the first-team offense, but didn't do anything to stand out, nor did rookie Joe Flacco. Smith continues to hold a slight edge in the battle for the starting quarterback job in Baltimore. |
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| Pittman removed from PUP list | Monday 7/28, 1:21 PM CT |
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David Pittman has been removed from the PUP list following his bout with a foot ailment, according to the Baltimore Sun.
Our View: Pittman will hold no fantasy value as a reserve cornerback for Baltimore this season. |
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| McGahee returned to practice | Monday 7/28, 1:17 PM CT |
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Willis McGahee has returned to practice Monday, according to the Baltimore Sun.
Our View: He missed one day of practice due to a lower leg injury. His left knee was taped Monday, but no issues were reported regarding his health. |
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| Kelly dealing with hamstring ailment | Monday 7/28, 1:11 PM CT |
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Malcolm Kelly is battling a hamstring injury, according to the Washington Post. Kelly is a future starter in Washington, but will likely work as a backup in his debut campaign behind speed demon Santana Moss and Antwaan Randle-El.
Our View: Coach Jim Zorn noted he is getting close to practicing and the injury is not believed to be serious. It does not seem likely he will be fit to play in Sunday's Hall of Fame Game. |
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| Adeyanju out 2-4 weeks | Monday 7/28, 1:04 PM CT |
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Victor Adeyanju will miss two to four weeks with a broken finger sustained in Sunday’s practice, according to the AP. He is scheduled to undergo surgery on Monday to have pins put into his right middle finger. Scott Linehan said, "It’s anywhere from a two to four-week injury, from being cleared to play. But once he gets that wound healed, he’ll be able to get some work done with a club on that hand."
Our View: Adeyanju is competing for a backup job at defensive end, and doesn't merit fantasy consideration as an IDP prospect. |
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| McDonald to remain out | Monday 7/28, 12:57 PM CT |
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Shaun McDonald, who is recovering from right knee surgery, is not expected back until the Lions' third preseason game, according to MLive.com.
Our View: McDonald will be hard-pressed to challenge his numbers from 2007 (79 receptions for 943 yards) with Mike Martz out of the mix as offensive coordinator. He is also in jeopardy of losing his slot role, with Mike Furrey and Kenneth Moore the top competitors for the job. He should be avoided in fantasy drafts. |
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| Bradley working as backup | Monday 7/28, 12:35 PM CT |
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Mark Bradley is working as a backup receiver, and has reportedly been limping at times on his right knee during workouts, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
Our View: He had arthroscopic surgery in May and still may be working his way back into form. We will keep you posted on his progress while competing for a role in a thin Bears' receiving corps. |
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| Pennington vs. Clemens update | Monday 7/28, 12:30 PM CT |
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Chad Pennington has performed better than Kellen Clemens in the early going of training camp, according to the Star-Ledger. Pennington hasn't been impressive, but Clemens has been a downright disappointment. Clemens still looks uncomfortable in the pocket, and has already thrown four interceptions, while Pennington is yet to throw one.
Our View: As of now, the conservative Pennington looks to be ahead of Clemens for the starting job. |
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| Williams set goal to return | Monday 7/28, 12:19 PM CT |
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Cadillac Williams commented that he feels a return during the first part of the season is a "good goal," according to the Tampa Tribune.
Our View: It is encouraging that he is optimistic, but the team is yet to set a timetable for his return, and he will be brought along very slowly. His role would likely be small while fighting for playing time behind Earnest Graham, Warrick Dunn, and Michael Bennett, and is not worth taking a chance on in fantasy drafts. |
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| Sims scheduled for MRI | Monday 7/28, 12:13 PM CT |
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Ernie Sims is scheduled for an MRI Monday after sustaining a knee injury Sunday, according to MLive.com.
Our View: The test is precautionary and the Lions hope Sims can return to practice in a day or two. |
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| Odom carted off field | Monday 7/28, 12:09 PM CT |
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Antwan Odom was carted off the field during Monday's practice, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.
Our View: He left the locker room on crutches and a protective boot after sustaining an ankle injury. The Bengals have a lot invested in Odom. He was brought in to improve a pass rush that ranked among the worst in the NFL in 2007. |
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| McClure injured | Monday 7/28, 11:16 AM CT |
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Todd Mcclure was carted off the field Monday morning after injuring his back while warming up prior to the morning training camp session, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Our View: Coach Mike Smith does not believe the injury is serious. The Falcons offensive line is already on shaky ground, and cannot afford to lose their starting center, who could be the only solid starter of the unit. |
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| Rivers increases velocity | Monday 7/28, 11:12 AM CT |
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Philip Rivers' velocity on his passes has increased, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. He had a very good off-season in the weight room and said, "I feel crisper. I don't know if it's a zip, but it's coming out crisp."
Our View: He namely strengthened the muscles in his legs, which has given him a new bounce. This is good news in his progress from ACL surgery. |
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| Lynch not facing penalties | Monday 7/28, 11:05 AM CT |
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Marshawn Lynch is not facing any penalties from the NFL as it has been decided he didn't violate the personal conduct policy in his hit-and-run incident, according to BuffaloBills.com.
Our View: If there was any risk drafting Lynch this season due to the hit-and-run case, it is now gone. |
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| Manningham dealing with quad injury | Monday 7/28, 10:58 AM CT |
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Rookie Mario Manningham was pulled from Monday's practice due a quad ailment, according to the Star Ledger.
Our View: The source suggests that it may be a lingering effect of a quad injury that ended his rookie minicamp early. This could explain why he fared so poorly during the early sessions of training camp. |
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| Burress expected back soon | Monday 7/28, 10:54 AM CT |
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Coach Tom Coughlin stated that Plaxico Burress is expected to return to Giants' practice within the next few days, according to the Star-Ledger. Burress is dealing with a different ankle injury than the one that bothered him in 2007. Coughlin said, "This is different. It's not the same problem. I just think it's a little bit of structure and something he's going to have to deal with. Same ankle, but not the same injury."
Our View: Burress will be closely monitored, but Coughlin doesn't seem too concerned about the ailment right now. |
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| Robinson underwent MRI | Monday 7/28, 10:47 AM CT |
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Michael Robinson underwent an MRI after spraining his right knee during practice in an 11-on-11 drill Sunday, according to the SF Chronicle. He said, "My foot got stuck in the ground while I was cutting. I don't think it's anything serious."
Our View: Coach Mike Martz likes Robinson's potential as a pass-catcher, and he has a chance to make an impact as a complement to Frank Gore, assuming his knee injury isn't serious. |
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| Pope returns | Monday 7/28, 10:09 AM CT |
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Leonard Pope returned to practice for the first time since sustaining a dislocated ankle and fractured leg in the 13th game last season, according to the Arizona Republic. He said, "I'm trying to get back into the swing of things. I'm not way behind. It's just that I haven't played in a while."
Our View: Pope could not afford to miss much practice time, as he is being challenged by Ben Patrick for the starting role at tight end. The team has Jerame Tuman pushing for playing time as well. |
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| Arrington working with fourth-team | Monday 7/28, 10:00 AM CT |
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The Arizona Republic indicates that J.J. Arrington is currently working with the fourth-team offense.
Our View: He is running behind Edgerrin James, Marcell Shipp, and rookie Tim Hightower. He has not been consistent and could be in jeopardy of getting cut, especially following his arrest for drunk and disorderly conduct back in June. |
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| Expectations high in Buffalo | Monday 7/28, 9:53 AM CT |
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Chris Kelsay indicated that expectations are high in Buffalo for the 2008 season, according to The Buffalo News. Kelsay said, "This is as high expectations as I’ve seen around here, and this is my sixth season here. Everybody I’ve spoken to, from teammates to Chief Operating Officer Russ Brandon, coach Jauron, our position coaches, everybody’s on the same page. Everybody wants to get the same thing accomplished — first and foremost, get to the postseason.”
Our View: Kelsay may not be fantasy worthy as an IDP this season, but the Bills team defense could make some noise as second-year linebacker Paul Posluszny is back healthy to anchor the linebacking corps in the middle, and the team improved the secondary with their selection of cornerback Leodis McKelvin in the first round of the draft. Marcus Stroud will also help shore up the unit up front and take up space, which will help the pass rush from the outside. They should provide a solid option to fantasy owners who like to wait to the later rounds of the draft to address the defense. |
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| Jets cancel Monday's practices | Monday 7/28, 9:43 AM CT |
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The Jets have cancelled both practices for Monday, according to ProFootballTalk.com.
Our View: The team did not disclose the reason for shutting down camp for a day. Practice is scheduled to resume Tuesday, with two sessions. |
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| Northcutt day-to-day | Monday 7/28, 9:36 AM CT |
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Dennis Northcutt is day-to-day after sustaining a strained back Sunday, according to the Florida Times Union.
Our View: The Jaguars' receiving corps is really banged up with Jerry Porter and Reggie Williams also out of action. With that said, the source states that the club may consider auditioning Terry Glenn. |
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| Garcia returns | Monday 7/28, 9:20 AM CT |
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Jeff Garcia has returned to the Buccaneers after taking a few days away from the team to attend a family engagement, according to the St. Petersburg Times.
Our View: Garcia will work as the Buccaneers starter, unless the club ends up with Brett Favre. |
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| Galloway remains out | Monday 7/28, 9:12 AM CT |
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Joey Galloway missed his third straight day of practice Monday as he continues to be hindered by a groin ailment, according to the St. Petersburg Times.
Our View: The ailment is believed to be minor and the 36-year-old vet isn't going to be hurt much by missing some camp time. |
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| Abiamiri injures wrist | Monday 7/28, 9:06 AM CT |
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Victor Abiamiri sustained a right wrist injury during Sunday's morning practice, according to the team website. He will undergo further tests and evaluations by doctors today.
Our View: He was expected to play a big role in the Eagles' rotation at defensive end this season, but may miss significant time in training camp due to the injury. |
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| Williams remains out | Monday 7/28, 9:02 AM CT |
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The Chicago Sun-Times reports that Chris Williams is still out due to soreness in his lower back. Coach Lovie Smith said, "Chris is getting better, and we need to get him out there."
Our View: The Bears do not believe the injury is serious, but do not have a timetable as to when he will return to the practice field. |
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| Johnson hasn't been cleared | Monday 7/28, 8:41 AM CT |
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Chad Johnson hasn't been cleared to practice with the Bengals Monday, according to the Dayton Daily News.
Our View: He is recovering from minor surgery on his ankle, and the team expects him to be limited for the early part of training camp. The team also expects him to be recovered and ready to go for Week 1 against Baltimore. |
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| Kaczur activated from PUP list | Monday 7/28, 8:34 AM CT |
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Nick Kaczur has been activated from the PUP list, according to the Boston Globe. Coach Bill Belichick said, "Nick's been a good player for us, he's played a couple different spots. We will probably be able to use that versatility now that our numbers are a little bit low. Hopefully they will climb back soon." During his brief absence, the Patriots were shorthanded on the offensive line.
Our View: It was never revealed if he was placed on the PUP list due to an ailment or just to give him time to settle his legal matter. |
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| Restraining orders against Marshall? | Monday 7/28, 8:11 AM CT |
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Three people were reportedly granted restraining orders against Brandon Marshall for stalking, according to CompleteColorado.com. None of those individuals were Marshall's ex-girlfriend, Rasheeda Watley.
Our View: This news will not bode well for him in an upcoming decision from the NFL on a possible suspension. |
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| McMichael pleased to be targeted | Monday 7/28, 7:27 AM CT |
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Randy McMichael is pleased to be targeted again in the Rams' aerial attack, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. He was an afterthought in the Rams' offense last season as he only caught 39 passes, but he is now grinning from ear to ear while under the direction of new offensive coordinator Al Saunders, whose playbook made Chiefs' tight end Tony Gonzalez a future Hall of Famer and produced a Pro Bowl tight end eight consecutive seasons (seven by Gonzalez and one by Chris Cooley of Washington). Saunders views tight ends as receivers with a little extra girth, and McMichael said, "Man, I'm just having a good time."
Our View: McMichael noted that he is going to work hard to extend Saunders' Pro Bowl streak to nine, and he surely has the skills to do so. McMichael could prove to be the top sleeper at the position this season, and has a chance to set new career highs across the board. |
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