| MRI clear for Boldin | Friday 8/1, 8:21 PM CT |
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Anquan Boldin's MRI showed no major damage in his left hamstring, according the the Arizona Republic. Boldin is expected to return to practice early next week.
Our View: The good news is that he appears to have avoided a major injury, though he is still unhappy about his current contract situation. If he returns to action next week as planned, there should be little reason to be concerned moving forward. |
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| Sauerbrun suspended for four games | Friday 8/1, 6:39 PM CT |
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Todd Sauerbrun has been suspended for the first four games of the 2008 season due to a confrontation last September with a cab driver, according to ESPN.
Our View: Sauerbrun remains a free agent, and this news certainly won't lead to a rush to sign him. |
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| Bowen's season could be over | Friday 8/1, 6:36 PM CT |
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Updating an earlier report, Alvin Bowen's knee injury is so serious that there is growing concern that he might miss the entire season, according to Fox Sports. "It doesn't look like it's going to be a good one, but we'll wait and see, but anticipate that he's not going to be playing much football this year," HC Dick Jauron said.
Our View: Bowen, a fifth round pick out of Iowa State, was likely battling for a backup role with the club after being a All-Big 12 performer the past two seasons. |
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| Bowen' | Friday 8/1, 6:34 PM CT |
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| Updating an earlier report, Alvin Bowen's knee injury is so serious that there is growing concern that he might miss the entire season, according to Fox Sports. "It doesn't look like it's going to be a good one, but we'll wait and see, but anticipate that he's not going to be playing much football this year," HC Dick Jauron said. |
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| Jones on roster bubble? | Friday 8/1, 6:33 PM CT |
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Matt Jones still seems to be facing up uphill battle to stay on the Jaguars roster even with injuries to fellow wideouts Jerry Porter and Reggie Williams, according to Pro Football Weekly.
Our View: Jones, who is dealing with ineffective work on the field and drug issues off it, actually might also be behind Tory Williamson and Mike Walker at this point. Stay tuned for further updates, but it is clear that Jones will never live up the hype he generated when he came out of college. |
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| Battle listed second on depth chart | Friday 8/1, 6:18 PM CT |
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Jackie Battle, and not Kevin Smith, has been listed as the Chiefs second option on the depth chart behind Larry Johnson, according to the Kansas City Star.
Our View: According to the report, Battle has looked much better than Smith, though there is certainly the chance that if something happens to LJ the team could still chose to go with the younger, more explosive Smith or Jamaal Charles who is also in the mix. |
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| Garcia day to day | Friday 8/1, 5:43 PM CT |
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Jeff Garcia is being listed as day-to-day as he will attempt to rest his strained calf to avoid a more significant injury, according to the Tampa Tribune.
Our View: Garcia will be held out of action for at least two days, but the injury doesn't appear to be very significant at this point so little concern is warranted at the moment. |
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| Griese struggling in camp | Friday 8/1, 5:40 PM CT |
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With Jeff Garcia possibly out of action for a week due to his strained calf, look for the club to turn to Luke McCown to take the majority of snaps and not Brian Griese, according to the Tampa Tribune.
Our View: Griese hasn't looked good in the early going and has clearly fallen behind McCown. Still, HC Jon Gruden is always messing with his quarterbacks, so other than Jeff Garcia starting, the backup role is far from clear. |
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| Ellis held out - back | Friday 8/1, 5:28 PM CT |
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Greg Ellis was thought to be sidelined for the Cowboys afternoon practice on Friday due to a sore back, but he still managed to make it out onto the field, according to the Dallas Morning News.
Our View: The team will likely be careful with the 33 year old this early in camp, so don't be alarmed if he misses a practice or two unless something more serious is announced. |
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| Washington suspended | Friday 8/1, 3:55 PM CT |
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Baltimore cornerback Fabian Washington was suspended for the first game of the regular season for violating the league's personal conduct policy, according to BaltimoreRavens.com.
Our View: Washington was arrested for misdemeanor domestic assault when police responded to a call from his girlfriend and saw a red mark on her neck. Washington will serve as the team's nickel back when he returns from suspension. |
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| Bowen injures knee | Friday 8/1, 3:29 PM CT |
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Buffalo Bills fifth-round pick Alvin Bowen was carted off the field after injuring his right knee, according to BuffaloBills.com. There is no word on the severity of the injury.
Our View: As a fifth-round pick, Bowen was probably going to have to make the club on special teams, but he was a productive player in college at Iowa State, leading the nation with 155 tackles in 2006. |
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| Decison on Marshall nearing | Friday 8/1, 3:07 PM CT |
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A decision on what type of discipline Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall will face will come by next week, according to the Rocky Mountain News. "We’ve got a little more work to do ... and we should be making a ruling very shortly,” said NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.
Our View: Marshall could be suspended one game, or he could be suspended four games. His stock in fantasy football is really in flux until it is known just how long he will be out. |
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| Johnsno has surgery | Friday 8/1, 2:57 PM CT |
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Al Johnson, the starting center for the Arizona Cardinals, underwent surgery on his left knee for the second time this summer, according to the Arizona Republic. He may not be ready for the regular season opener.
Our View: The Cardinals are hurting at center with Johnson on the mend and reserve Scott Peters out for the year. Arizona had serious problems a few years ago when their offensive line went down, so they can only hope Johnson makes it back sooner rather than later. |
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| Harrison out of preseason game | Friday 8/1, 2:42 PM CT |
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Marvin Harrison will not play in the Indianapolis Colts preseason game on Sunday, according to FoxSports.com.
Our View: Harrison is recovering from surgery on both knees and his fantasy status remains moderate until he can prove he is healthy. |
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| Bennett returns to practice | Friday 8/1, 2:38 PM CT |
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St. Louis Rams wide receiver Drew Bennett returned to practice for the team today after missing yesterday's activities with a sore knee, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Our View: Bennett should be the number two wide receiver in St. Louis now that Isaac Bruce is gone, and the team is counting on him to dramatically improve on his 33-catch, 375 yard season from last season. His fantasy status is higher this year than in 2007 simply because he is starting, but he should be no more than a depth player as offensive coordinator's Al Saunders scheme will rely more on Steven Jackson (if he shows up), Torry Holt and possibly tight end Randy McMichael. |
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| Sweed can see clearly now | Friday 8/1, 2:24 PM CT |
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Pittsburgh Steelers rookie wide receiver Limas Sweed should have a much easier time of it now that he can actually see. The second-round pick from Texas got contact lenses, and said he was "shocked" at how much better his vision was, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
Our View: Sweed had a great career at Texas, so think of what he can do now that he can actually see the ball being thrown to him. Not sure how much this really affects his fantasy value, but he should be even better now that the blurriness is gone, you would think. |
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| Sims still out | Friday 8/1, 2:15 PM CT |
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Detroit linebacker Ernie Sims has not returned to practice yet as he is still suffering from a bruised knee, and he will not play in the team's exhibition opener, according to MLive.com.
Our View: It's imperative for Detroit to get Sims back and healthy, so keeping him out until he is 100% is a good idea. |
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| More details on Smith fight | Friday 8/1, 2:01 PM CT |
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After punching teammate Ken Lucas, Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith was escorted off the field by Carolina general manager Marty Hurney, and then sent home, according to the AP.
Our View: The team said they would handle it internally, but Smith has gotten violent with teammates before, and it's certainly possible he could be suspended for a game. |
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| Hawkins retires | Friday 8/1, 1:35 PM CT |
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Jets defensive back Artrell Hawkins retired from the NFL today, according to NewYorkJets.com. Jets coach Eric Mangini speculated that Hawkins may move into the broadcast booth.
Our View: Hawkins had a nice year last season, posting 73 tackles and one interception. The Jets must now replace him for, if nothing else, depth. |
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| Smith has trouble ... going | Friday 8/1, 1:10 PM CT |
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Ravens quarterback Troy Smith missed the first portion of the team's practice today, but for good reason, according to the Baltimore Sun. Smith was taking a drug test, but he had problems providing a sample, so he had to wait around until he was able to go, and wound up missing more than an hour of activities.
Our View: In his absence, Kyle Boller and Joe Flacco took the snaps, and both were reportedly off their game. Smith has a real shot to be the Ravens starter at QB, but should probably drink more fluids to remain hydrated. |
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| Meester has surgery | Friday 8/1, 12:27 PM CT |
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Jags center Brad Meester underwent surgery on his bicep muscle yesterday, but no timetable for his return has been set, according to Jaguars.com.
Our View: Meester is the starting center, so getting him back and healthy is important to the team. |
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| Thurman pleads not guilty | Friday 8/1, 12:24 PM CT |
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Odell Thurman has plead not guilty to felonious assault after he allegedly broke a man's jaw in an altercation in May, according to the AP.
Our View: Thurman has been suspended indefinitely from the NFL, and he may never be able to get back on the field if he is found guilty. |
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| Phillips released | Friday 8/1, 11:58 AM CT |
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Cornerback Anwar Phillips was released by the Baltimore Ravens today, in order to make room on the roster for running back Alex Haynes, according to the Baltimore Sun.
Our View: Phillips was waived by the Saints a few weeks ago, and was nothing more than a practice player. |
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| Bryant needs surgery | Friday 8/1, 11:48 AM CT |
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The Seahawks fourth-round selection, defensive tackle Red Bryant, will need to have arthroscopic surgery on his knee and he will miss the remainder of training camp, according to the Tacoma News Tribune.
Our View: This makes it less likely that Bryant will be much of a contributor this year, but it also means that players like Larry Tripplett will get more snaps. The 'Hawks have a deep group of defensive tackles, so they should be okay at the position until Bryant returns. |
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| McFadden wowing people | Friday 8/1, 11:43 AM CT |
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Oakland running back Darren McFadden has continued to be impressive in training camp, especially with how well he has learned the playbook, according to ESPN.com.
Our View: We keep hearing how well McFadden is performing, and expectations for the fourth overall pick are beginning to rise. Justin Fargas will get his share of carries for the Raiders, but by the end of the year it would not be a shock if McFadden were carrying the bulk of the load. |
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| Walker struggling | Friday 8/1, 11:40 AM CT |
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Oakland wide receiver Javon Walker has struggled so far in training camp, as he has not recovered fully from his knee problems and will need to put in extra work, according to ESPN.com.
Our View: The contract the Raiders gave to Walker was amazing, especially considering they had to know his knee was still an issue. Walker has enough talent to be a contributing fantasy player, but only if his health allows it. |
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| Bulger on point in camp | Friday 8/1, 11:26 AM CT |
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Rams quarterback Marc Bulger has been impressive in camp, throwing balls with great accuracy and showing leadership, according to Mike Sando of ESPN.com.
Our View: Bulger, when healthy, is one of the most accurate passers in the game, and if his offensive line stays healthy and is able to afford him protection, he could turn in another very solid year for fantasy players. |
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| Smith could face discipline | Friday 8/1, 11:22 AM CT |
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Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith may face "harsh discipline" for getting in a fight with teammate Ken Lucas and could face a suspension, according to ESPN.com.
Our View: In 2002, Smith was suspended for punching teammate Anthony Bright during a film session. He was also sued by Bright, which was settled out of court. |
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| Contract talks with Grant stalling | Friday 8/1, 11:04 AM CT |
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The Green Bay Packers and running back Ryan Grant are nowhere close to getting a deal done that will keep him in Green Bay, and the situation could last for some time, according to Pro Football Weekly.
Our View: Grant is currently not in camp,and Brandon Jackson is getting the reps in his absence. With how far apart the sides are, there may not be a resolution coming anytime soon. Fantasy players who draft Grant should make it a priority to handcuff Jackson, even if it means doing it a few rounds earlier than usual. |
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| 49ers not sold on Smith | Friday 8/1, 10:55 AM CT |
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Instead of doing their best to make sure former first overall pick Alex Smith is progressing as a quarterback, the San Francisco 49ers are giving repetitions to J.T. O'Sullivan in order to be "fair" and not give anyone an advantage in the three-way battle to be the starting quarterback, according to Mike Sando of ESPN.com.
Our View: Sando said it perfectly in the article: "The 49ers wouldn't want to do anything that would give Smith an advantage and help him finally prove his worth as a top pick?" It really doesn't make much sense that the 49ers would hold back Smith instead of giving him every opportunity to win the job and redeem his career. |
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| Brackett will miss first preseason game | Friday 8/1, 10:45 AM CT |
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Colts middle linebacker Gary Brackett has a hip injury that will cause him to miss the team's first exhibition game on Sunday against the Redskins, according to the Indianapolis Star.
Our View: Brackett underwent an MRI, but Colts coach Tony Dungy said it was not serious and he should be back shortly. Brackett racked up 116 tackles, intercepted four passes and scored one touchdown on a fumble recovery. He could possibly be a factor in fantasy in IDP leagues should he stay healthy. |
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| Smith, Lucas fight in practice | Friday 8/1, 10:32 AM CT |
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Panthers receiver Steve Smith and his teammate, cornerback Ken Lucas, got into a fight in practice that led to Lucas being carted off the field with an ice pack over his eye, according to the Charlotte Observer. One report had Smith being kicked out of practice following the scuffle, but the Observer made no mention of it.
Our View: Smith has done this kind of thing before, having been suspended in 2002 for punching a teammate during film study. We'll keep you updated on any disciplinary action that may be taken on either player. |
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| Burress talks not progressing | Friday 8/1, 9:49 AM CT |
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The New York Giants have made little progress in their talks with wide receiver Plaxico Burress, and negotiations on a new contract may soon come to a screeching halt, according to the Newark Star-Ledger.
Our View: Burress hasn't been practicing because of an ankle injury, and for his part, he says he's just moved on and is not thinking about his contract. Fantasy owners hope so, as he is a valuable asset at the WR position who hauled in 12 touchdown grabs last season. |
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| Bears not interested in Favre | Friday 8/1, 8:50 AM CT |
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The Chicago Bears are not interested in acquiring the services of Brett Favre, according to Sporting News Today. Offensive coordinator Ron Turner said he is happy with quarterbacks Rex Grossman and Kyle Orton.
Our View: Apparently Turner is seeing something that the rest of us are not. It's one thing if the Bears don't want to surrender the compensation to acquire Favre, but to say they'd rather have Grossman or Orton is lunacy. |
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| Baker running with first team | Friday 8/1, 8:45 AM CT |
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Falcons first-round pick, offensive tackle Sam Baker, has been practicing with the first team offense, but he has been getting run ragged by defensive end John Abraham, according to Sporting News Today.
Our View: Baker has a lot to learn, and the Falcons are full of young players just like him. Eventually he will be the starting left tackle and will have to deal with the Abraham's of the world, so getting him acclimated now can only be helpful. |
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| Lions have no interest in Lynch | Friday 8/1, 8:26 AM CT |
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Detroit Lions head coach Rod Marinelli said the team is not interested in acquiring safety John Lynch, according to the Detroit News. "We're not looking right now," Marinelli said.
Our View: Marinelli was an assistant at Tampa Bay when Lynch was a Buccaneer, hence the connection. But the Lions signed Dwight Smith, and also have Gerald Alexander and Daniel Bullocks at safety. |
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| Albert showing well | Friday 8/1, 8:22 AM CT |
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Chiefs first-round pick, tackle Branden Albert, has really been impressing people in his training camp, and has been described as "the best tackle in camp," according to Sporting News Today.
Our View: For a guy who played guard in college, we're not sure Albert being the best tackle in Chiefs camp is more of a reflection on Albert or on the Chiefs other tackles. |
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| Tyree targeting return | Friday 8/1, 8:14 AM CT |
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Super Bowl hero David Tyree, who had knee surgery in the offseason, said his goal is to be ready to play in the team's season opening contest against the Redskins on September 4, according to the New York Daily News. "I can't see myself missing that Thursday night game," he said.
Our View: Tyree probably won't play in any preseason games, which makes it difficult to believe he'll be back in Week 1. Either way, his fantasy value is limited at best. Despite his Super Bowl performance, Tyree had just four catches in the regular season. |
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| Jarrett has new attitude | Friday 8/1, 8:08 AM CT |
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The Panthers second-round pick from last year, wide out Dwayne Jarrett, has come to camp with a new attitude and has been impressing people so far, according to the Charlotte Observer.
Our View: Jarrett was supposed to be the complement to Steve Smith last season, but that never got close to materializing, as Jarrett snared just six receptions for 73 yards all season. He could see more playing time this year, but he has to compete with D.J. Hackett and Muhsin Muhammad for playing time, so don't count on much fantasy production quite yet. |
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| Robinson hurts knee | Friday 8/1, 8:05 AM CT |
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Panthers receiver and return man Ryne Robinson injured his left knee while attempting to catch a pass, according to the Charlotte Observer. There was no word on the severity of the injury.
Our View: Robinson had been in the lead to be the primary kickoff and punt returner for the Panthers. Rookie Jonathan Stewart handled kickoff duties in practice with Robinson out. |
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| Rodgers perfroming well at camp | Friday 8/1, 7:52 AM CT |
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Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers has performed well so far in training camp, and the Packers are happy with his progress, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. "He's protecting the ball. He's throwing the ball well. He's handling the offense. He's checking plays," said offensive coordinator Joe Philbin.
Our View: Either way, the Packers weren't going to come out and say he was struggling, not with The Brett Favre Situation still simmering. Make no mistake, the Packers will do everything in their power to help Rodgers succeed. |
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| Team expected to use RB's in passing game | Friday 8/1, 7:45 AM CT |
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The Seattle Seahawks are planning on using their running backs in the passing offense more, according to the Seattle Times. "I'm doing a lot of different things than I've ever done before. Things that I've always wanted to do but I was never allowed to do in Dallas," Julius Jones said.
Our View: The running back situation may still wind up being the dreaded running back by committee, but knowing that Jones and the others will be used in the passing game is a boon for fantasy players. In the past, Seattle had not used Shaun Alexander much to catch the ball. |
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