| Favre could be traded to Vikings | Sunday 8/3, 11:41 PM CT |
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Brett Favre might be back with the Packers, but according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and an unnamed source, the team contacted the Vikings as recently as Friday to let them know that Favre could still be had in a trade.
Our View: It was a record, we almost went a whole 10 hours without a Favre update. The report indicates that the Vikings would only be willing to part with a fourth of fifth round draft pick for the Packers great. |
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| Marshall suspended three games | Sunday 8/3, 11:12 PM CT |
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Brandon Marshall will be suspended for three games by the NFL for violating the leagues personal conduct policy, according to a report by Adam Schefter on Pro Football Talk. Schefter also stated that the suspension could be reduced to two games if Marshall agrees to attend counseling.
Our View: Our advice is to avoid drafting Steve Smith and Marshall this season, that is unless you want to lose Weeks 1 and 2. Perhaps Marshall will use the time away to continue to work on rehabbing his surgically repaired arm so that when he is activated he can be back to 100 percent. |
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| Burress tests ankle | Sunday 8/3, 10:08 PM CT |
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Plaxico Burress (ankle) did some running on Sunday for the first time since camp opened, according to NFL.com.
Our View: The current issue has nothing to do with the health concerns Burress faced last year, but that doesn't make it any less concerning. He proved last year he could excel at less than 100 percent, hopefully he won't have to do so again this season. |
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| Quinn struggles in early going | Sunday 8/3, 10:05 PM CT |
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Brady Quinn hasn't been on his game early in camp as he continues to "overthrow wide open receivers", according to the Akron Beacon Journal.
Our View: Derek Anderson will start the year for the Browns, but it is clear that the Browns aren't 100 percent convinced that he is the answer under center. Quinn could eventually see some playing time, but only if Anderson struggles and he shows more accuracy with his passes. |
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| Niners quarterbacks to equally share snaps | Sunday 8/3, 8:17 PM CT |
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Alex Smith, Shaun Hill and J.T. O'Sullivan will split the reps equally over the Niners 15 remaining practices in training camp, according to the Santa Clara Press Democrat.
Our View: Obviously Smith has failed to impress in his comeback from shoulder surgery while Sullivan continues to offer more than the club thought he would. We still have to believe that Smith will emerge the starter, but this latest announcement proves that even the team isn't sure. |
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| Brady suffers scare | Sunday 8/3, 7:36 PM CT |
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Tom Brady appeared to injure his calf on a play at practice though he doesn't appear to have been seriously injured, according to the Boston Herald.
Our View: Brady limped around for a while, but eventually returned to the field after being looked at by trainers. He ran with the club at the end of practice, and therefore appears to be fine. We can see it now - Brady will be listed on the team's injury report all year with both a bad shoulder and bad calf. |
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| Mayo playing with first team | Sunday 8/3, 7:32 PM CT |
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Jerod Mayo has continued to defy the odds as the rookie continues to work out with the Patriots first team on defense, according to the Boston Herald.
Our View: Rookies generally don't start at LB in the Patriots system, but given the high hopes they have for him, not to mention his production, Mayo seems to be changing a few minds in Boston. |
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| Ryan working with second team | Sunday 8/3, 7:26 PM CT |
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Matt Ryan worked out with the Falcons second offensive unit on Sunday as Chris Redman worked as the starter, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution. "We were down in numbers so there were some guys that had been working with the first team that were running with the other side," coach Mike Smith said. "I told players beforehand, don't read anything into the depth chart for this game."
Our View: Ryan should still have a shot to start in Week 1 for the Falcons as the preseason will go a long way to helping the Falcons to make up their mind as to who gives the club the best chance to win on a weekly basis. |
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| Clayton back on the field | Sunday 8/3, 7:23 PM CT |
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Mark Clayton (shoulder) returned to practice on Sunday and appears to be just fine, according to the Baltimore Sun.
Our View: Clayton has looked strong in camp this far and appears to be the teams WR2 this season behind Derrick Mason, though Demetrius Williams could eventually see some passes once healthy. |
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| McGahee could miss first preseason game | Sunday 8/3, 7:21 PM CT |
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Willis McGahee might end up missing the Ravens preseason opener on Thursday, according to the Baltimore Sun. "Right now, we need to get the fluid out of his knee and get that thing settled down a little bit," HC John Harbaugh said.
Our View: It matters little whether or not he suits up in the game on Thursday, but McGahee might be getting a little antsy given the strong work of rookie back Ray Rice in camp. |
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| Suggs still staying away | Sunday 8/3, 7:15 PM CT |
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Terrell Suggs and the Ravens continue to remain in contact with one another, but the team still is not certain when their franchise player will report to camp, according to the Baltimore Sun.
Our View: Suggs is expected to possibly miss the entirety of camp, but we are simply speculating at the moment without more concrete data. |
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| Manning recovering nicely | Sunday 8/3, 7:08 PM CT |
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Peyton Manning has begun the rehab process on his left knee after having the joint immobilized so that doctors could treat an infection, according to the Indianapolis Star.
Our View: According to the report, the infection has subsided and Manning will move on to range of motion exercises before being cleared for strength work. He remains on track to start in Week 1. |
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| Duckett to eventually be released? | Sunday 8/3, 5:22 PM CT |
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T.J. Duckett may or may not even make the Seahawks this season, according to Pro Football Weekly.
Our View: The report says that Duckett will likely make the team if they keep five backs, but if they cut back to four then rookie Owen Schmidt would likely be kept over Duckett. |
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| Branch looks good early on | Sunday 8/3, 5:20 PM CT |
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Deion Branch (knee) is progressing well in his comeback and has looked very good in agility drills and running sprints in the first week of practice, according to Pro Football Weekly.
Our View: Branch could still miss the start of the regular season, but that might lower his draft day value to the point of being a steal if he could produce as he has in the past in the second half. |
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| SJax wants more money guaranteed | Sunday 8/3, 5:17 PM CT |
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Steven Jackson has already been fined over $100,000, but he continues to hold out waiting for an offer with more guaranteed money, according to Pro Football Weekly.
Our View: Jackson is looking for at least $20 million guaranteed while the Rams want that number to be lower. It's still early on so the holdout doesn't make us too nervous, but it would be nice to see something get done. |
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| Bailey dealing with knee problems | Sunday 8/3, 5:09 PM CT |
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Boss Bailey missed his second straight day of practice due to a sore right knee, according to the Denver Post. "I'm just trying to be smart about it, not trying to push it over the limit," Bailey said. "It didn't swell up or anything like that. It's just a fatigue factor."
Our View: Bailey has long had a history of knee problems, so the team is being careful not to aggravate things this early in camp. Bailey should be back in pads on Monday. |
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| Marhshall solid on field | Sunday 8/3, 5:07 PM CT |
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Brandon Marshall has yet to hear what the league will rule in regards to his off-field issues, but on the field he looked fantastic on Saturday, according to the Denver Post.
Our View: Marshall showed little after effects of his injured arm, but the concern now is how many games he will be suspended for violating the leagues conduct policy. |
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| Rudi injures hamstring | Sunday 8/3, 5:03 PM CT |
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Rudi Johnson suffered what is being called a "mild hamstring pull" that will keep him out of action for a couple of days, according the Bengals Official Site.
Our View: After so many positive vibes with Rudi so far reality has finally returned. Johnson had the worst season of his career last year since establishing himself in the NFL, and the injuries that dogged him last season are already starting to rear their ugly head. Monitor this situation closely as he dealt with hamstring issues most of last season. |
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| Stewart held out of contract drills | Sunday 8/3, 4:59 PM CT |
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Jonathan Stewart continues to be held out of contact drills as the team is hoping more rest will help to ensure that his surgically repaired toe doesn't flare up when the games count, according to the Gaston Gazette.
Our View: With Steve Smith out for two games, the Panthers will likely need to move the chains on the ground early with Stewart being the power and DeAngelo Williams the dash. Williams, for his part, has looked great in camp so far. |
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| MRI clean for Dorsey | Sunday 8/3, 4:55 PM CT |
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Glenn Dorsey had an MRI on his knee that came back negative signaling that his knee is only sprained, according to Pro Football Talk.
Our View: The Chiefs must be relieved at this news. Dorsey will miss the teams first preseason game on August 7th, and he is also questionable for the follow up encounter on August 16th, though he should be back in action sooner rather than later. |
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| Fitzgerald looks great | Sunday 8/3, 4:52 PM CT |
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Larry Fitzgerald has been "impressive" running every route so far in camp at full speed and has worked incredibly hard, according to the Arizona Republic.
Our View: Fitzgerald missed a game last season but still pulled in 100 receptions for the second time in three seasons. His value depends somewhat on who ends up under center for the club, but no matter who is tossing the passes Fitzgerald will be a WR1 this season. |
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| Leinart, Warner in battle | Sunday 8/3, 4:49 PM CT |
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With one week in the books, the Cardinals quarterback competition is "close", according to the Arizona Republic.
Our View: Kent Summers, the source of this report and a trusted name in NFL circles, says that both Matt Leinart and Kurt Warner have had their ups and downs early on with neither signal caller distancing himself from the other. Leinart appears to be the slight favorite, but Warner would likely produce better numbers. |
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| Favre's back, and he will compete for the job | Sunday 8/3, 3:33 PM CT |
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In the continued line of intrigue and suspense that has been the fight by Brett Favre to rejoin the Packers, team President and CEO Mark Murphy has announced the team will welcome Favre back and he will compete for the starting job, according to Packers.com.
Our View: It's done. To be clear, Murphy announced Favre will join the team at camp tomorrow and coach Mike McCarthy will be speaking to the team about how they will proceed at quarterback, but several sources close to Favre claim to have spoken with the veteran passer and are reporting he has been assured that he will be given every opportunity to start for the Green Bay Packers on Week 1. So there ya' have it... start drafting Favre in your fantasy leagues. |
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| Peters absence causing problems in Buffalo | Sunday 8/3, 2:56 PM CT |
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With offensive tackle Jason Peters continuing to avoid contact with the team and rumors ramping on his mental state as a result, the Bills are looking to prepare for his absence in games that matter, according to BuffaloRumblings.com.
Our View: The Bills realize the window to find a comparable replacement for Peters is gone, thus they are looking to promote from within. Brad Butler would be moved to the outside, filling in at right tackle (where he played in college). That leaves the gamble at right guard where one of three candidates, including Jason Whittle, Christian Gaddis and Duke Preston, would fill the void. If this comes true, there will be problems and fantasy owners might want to hedge bets on rusher Marshawn Lynch and both quarterbacks Trent Edwards and J.P. Losman. We'll track the situation as it progresses, but the hope is to see Peters arrive at camp. |
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| Skins missing Thomas, others vs Colts | Sunday 8/3, 2:17 PM CT |
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The Redskins will hook up with the Colts this evening to get the NFL's preseason schedule going, though the Skins will be missing more than a few pieces due to injury, including rookie receivers Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly, according to the Sporting News.
Our View: Both receivers have battles hamstring issues and thus will be allowed to rest this evening. The Skins will also go without newly-signed veteran defensive end Jason Taylor, rusher Clinton Portis, and linebacker London Fletcher. |
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| Meester out 8-to-10 weeks | Sunday 8/3, 2:02 PM CT |
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Having undergone surgery to repair his torn bicep muscle, Jacksonville center Brad Meester will miss eight-to-ten weeks of action, according to the Sporting News.
Our View: Meester's operation was a success and now he will take it easy and repair for the regular season. The Jags believe he could return by Week 4 or 5 of the regular-season schedule. Meester missed four games last season with a broken ankle, also missing the final four games of the 2005 season with a torn left biceps muscle. |
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| Prater showing well in camp | Sunday 8/3, 1:29 PM CT |
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One of the bigger question marks of this season may be the state of the kicking game in Denver, but projected starter Matt Prater is giving fans something to talk about as training camp moves on, according to The Sporting News. Prater needs to get work done in games, touting just one field-goal attempt in real NFL action thus far. However, in camp he has been amazing, making all 10 of his field-goal attempts on Saturday including a 68-yard pooch that reporters suggest would have been good from another five-yards out. During the team's final two-minute drill to end practice, he put another long one between the uprights, hitting from 54 yards with three seconds left on the clock. That brings Prater to 31-of-34 through camp thus far.
Our View: Fantasy owners should take note. More often than not, it would seem wise to wager on proven reliability, but these reports suggest Prater is likely to get his fair share of long-range opportunities. If you play in a league rewarding those bombs, you might want to consider using a bit of risk to add the mile high kicker. |
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| Favre looking for money or trade? | Sunday 8/3, 1:11 PM CT |
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The headline hits keep coming for Brett Favre , heading back to Green Bay today with his family to face the team that no longer wants him in the fold. The latest reports indicate Favre may be making the trip with his family in an effort to advance negotiations regarding a marketing agreement that would pay Favre millions of dollars not to play are continuing, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Writes Tom Silverstein of the Journal-Sentinel: “[T]here’s some thought that Favre, who is coming to Green Bay with his agent, James (Bus) Cook, and his family, may be reporting to force the Packers to meet his financial demands. The negotiations are believed to be all about money.”
Our View: It sounds to us like Silverstein has a source with the team, and that source believes (as does the team) that Favre is bluffing. We tend to disagree and think more of the power may lie in the hands of Favre than thought. He has told local reporters that he wants to push for a deal to Minnesota and we have every reason to believe the NFL is going to encourage the Packers to make some kind of deal if Favre does in fact want to play. Right now, it appears Minnesota may be the only team offering what could be perceived as value for the passer, and thus it may be that Favre has a desire to push those efforts along more than the retirement offer to work as a marketing agent for the team (seems like he could do that over the phone, right?). We continue to keep you posted as news is released. |
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| Tebucky Jones arrested | Sunday 8/3, 12:57 PM CT |
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Former NFL player Tebucky Jones , a first-round pick of the Patriots in 1998, has been arrested in Connecticut on a variety of charges, according to TheDay.com. The former New England Patriots player and Connecticut native was arrested early Friday morning at Mohegan Sun after he allegedly sexually assaulted a woman and got in a fight with two other men.
Our View: Tebucky Jones, 33, of Farmington, was charged with breach of peace, third-degree assault and fourth-degree sexual assault, according to state police. The former safety, who was a part of the Patriots' 2001 Super Bowl win, allegedly made inappropriate contact with a woman in the casino's hotel lobby about 1 a.m. Friday, according to a police report. The woman's boyfriend, Nikolaos Papathanasiou, 24, of Quaker Hill, and Jones then started yelling at each other before the fight, police said. Jones spent five years with the Pats. He was traded to the Saints in 2003 while wearing the franchise tag. After two seasons with the Saints, he played for the Dolphins in 2005, and re-signed with the Pats in April 2006. After spending the entire season on injured reserve, Jones was cut in April 2007. |
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| Talib impressing on the field, a concern off | Sunday 8/3, 12:38 PM CT |
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We can't seem to get a consistent feeling on top rookie cornerback Aqib Talib in Tampa Bay. Early last week we received word that the former Kansas Jayhawk was enjoying a strong training camp and has impressed coaches with his nose for the ball and ability to translate his skills to the NFL game. However, today we receive word the Bucs are not as happy with his performance off the field, according to St. Petersburgh Times. Before training camp, coaches say, the cornerback was late to meetings. He got into an argument and shoving match with a teammate at the NFL rookie symposium. He even missed the team flight to Canton, Ohio, when the Bucs' rookies visited the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Coach Jon Gruden indicated Saturday that the team has fined Talib heavily — and repeatedly — for violating rules
Our View: At the scouting combine in February, Talib admitted to testing positive for marijuana three times while at Kansas, thus the word on his lack of common sense off the football field was well known. Now the Bucs are hoping to get him steered in the right direction and early reports indicate the lessons are not taking. We will see if he can improve, but it is fair to state his work to gain a starting job is likely to be hampered by his lack of discipline. Stay tuned. |
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| Bradshaw's violation remains a mystery | Sunday 8/3, 12:26 PM CT |
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Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw , who spent a month in jail this offseason for an undisclosed probation violation, has yet to reveal what he did to violate his probation and it now appears we may never know what he did to get back in trouble, according to the ProFootballTalk.com. The Bristol Herald Courier, a local newspaper that covers the area where Bradshaw served 28 days at the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail, sued to have Bradshaw’s records unsealed. However, a judge has ruled against the paper and said he will keep Bradshaw’s record confidential.
Our View: Bradshaw’s first offense was committed as a juvenile, thus it is understandable that juvenile records are sealed. However, we wonder what the reason could be for keeping his record sealed now that he’s serving time behind bars as an adult. Bradshaw has still not spoken publicly about his jail sentence, and neither he nor the Giants have explained what he did to violate his probation. Bradshaw reportedly received preferential treatment during his time in jail. He will not face league discipline, as the NFL ruled that he was not yet an NFL player at the time of his probation violation, whatever that violation was. Thus, for now, it appears the issue is no longer a concern. If that changes, we'll let you know. |
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| Agent claims Harvey not getting numbers from Jags | Sunday 8/3, 12:19 PM CT |
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Agent Ken Kremer explains that his client, Jaguars defensive end Derrick Harvey , is holding out of the team's training camp merely because he wants a “market deal” from the team that made him the 8th-overall pick in this year's NFL Draft, according to the Florida Times-Union. “Derrick Harvey wants to be a Jaguar, and he wants to be paid fairly,” Kremer told Vito Stellino of the Times-Union. ”He’s just asking for a market deal below the guy in front of him.”
Our View: The issue is the extent of the increase Harvey should receive in relation to the player taken with the 8th-overall selection in 2007, Falcons defensive end Jamaal Anderson. Saints defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis pocketed a sizeable increase over the contract signed by last year’s 7th-overall pick, Vikings running back Adrian Peterson. Per Kremer, the Jaguars are offering increases of 11.8 percent in guaranteed money over Anderson’s deal, 10 percent in base money, and 6.8 percent in the so-called “superstar package.” Ellis received increases of 15 percent, 75 percent and 21 percent over those same figures from Peterson’s 2007 contract. Coach Jack Del Rio has said that a 75 percent increase is unreasonable. |
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| Dallas using Barber... at fullback | Sunday 8/3, 12:12 PM CT |
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Will he be an every-down back? Earlier this offseason reporters put that question to Dallas coach Wade Phillips concerning running back Marion Barber , and the answer was "yes." Today's report out of Dallas indicates that is true, though he may not be carrying the ball on each of those downs. The Cowboys are experimenting with using both Barber and rookie Felix Jones in the same backfield — one formation that has Barber as a fullback and Jones lined up behind him, and another where Barber is in a one-back formation and Jones flexes out, according to Pro Football Weekly.
Our View: The thought of using Barber as a fullback should sicken most fantasy owners, especially considering the price paid to add him to the roster in most fantasy leagues. However, you can bet Jones is going to get playing time and thus the news should not be that shocking. More than anything, the threat of additional opportunity for injury in serving as a lead blocker might be cause for concern. Meanwhile, the news of using Jones as a receiver is refreshing and could raise the rook's fantasy value. |
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| Trade talks increase, Favre can't veto | Sunday 8/3, 11:45 AM CT |
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Future Hall of Fame passer Brett Favre has dominated on the gridirons of the NFL for many years, and now he is looking to dominate the headlines for August 3rd. We are now receiving reports that the Packers are indeed looking to ramp up their efforts to trade Favre, and it is indicated in those reports that, as part of his reinstatement from retirement, Favre will no longer carry the right to veto any trade agreement reached by the Packers, according to FoxSports.com.
Our View: Jay Glazer of FOXSports.com reports Favre no longer will have the power to veto any trade by refusing to seek reinstatement. Of course, if Favre doesn’t want to play for the team to which he’s traded, he can simply retire again. |
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| Brennan looking to shine in preseason opener | Sunday 8/3, 11:40 AM CT |
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With the Colts and Redskins set to kick off this year's preseason schedule tonight, the world of the football fan seems likely to focus on several top rookies hoping to find employment on these NFL rosters, including Washington passer Colt Brennan , according to the Washington Post. The move by the NFL in limiting training camp rosters to 80 players this summer has created a situation that fails to allow as much opportunity to these young hopefuls as in season's past, and thus these early games carry heavy implications for those riding the bubble of potential NFL employment. As a result, the Post reports Brennan is going to get a good, strong look this evening as he attempts to gain favor from new coach Jim Zorn.
Our View: Brennan was a beast at the college level but joins a list of Heisman-caliber passers struggling to translate his production to the professional level. With Jason Campbell all but solidified as the team's face of the future, a kid like Brennan is hoping to find work as a backup that could bring interest from other teams lacking quarterback depth in the not-so-distant future. Putting a large group of young receivers to work tonight and posting numbers would do Brennan a world of good. |
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| Eagles have no timeline for Samuel | Sunday 8/3, 11:32 AM CT |
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The Eagles report they have yet to identify a reliable timeline for the return of cornerback Asante Samuel , according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. Samuel, who signed a six-year, $57 million contract with the Eagles in the off-season, has missed the last week of practice. Coach Andy Reid has told reporters he is unsure of when Samuel will be cleared to return to practice.
Our View: In recent days, Samuel has done more running and leg exercises, perhaps in anticipation of a return to practice. While the signs remain positive, there is no certain expectation as laid by the team thus far. We'll keep you posted when that changes. |
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| Carpenter won't be denied in Dallas | Sunday 8/3, 11:23 AM CT |
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Reports from Dallas indicate linebacker Bobby Carpenter is making it awfully difficult to keep him out of the mix for snaps despite the deep roster of options at the position, according to the Dallas Morning News. Carpenter has spent the first week of training camp playing both inside linebacker positions and had his most productive practice Saturday morning. He intercepted a Tony Romo pass for what would have been a touchdown, knocked away a pass to tight end Martellus Bennett and put a hit on wide receiver Miles Austin.
Our View: For the loyal IDP fantasy owner, Carpenter has been on the radar for some time, but a lack of opportunity has hampered his rise. Thus far he has been penciled into the backup spot behind veteran Zach Thomas in the middle, but there is reason to believe that such status should not hide his potential. Thomas is no spring chicken and the Cowboys are going to need to keep him fresh by pushing Carpenter to the field to provide relief. Of course, Bradie James and Kevin Burnett are lined up on the inside as well, giving the Cowboys enviable depth and talent. That opens the door to trade rumors, but it sounds like Carpenter is a player to keep. We'll keep an eye on the situation as the fantasy implications could be rather sizeable. |
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| Favre reinstated | Sunday 8/3, 11:02 AM CT |
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Adding to the report we just filed from ESPN, confirming Brett Favre and family are on a plane headed for Green Bay, Ed Werder also reports NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has approved his request for reinstatement to the NFL, according to ProFootballTalk.com.
Our View: He's ready to play, he's on his way to Wisconsin, and his family is in tow for the Packers' Family Night event at training camp this evening. Reports had surfaced earlier in the day that stated Favre and family wouldn't be attending, but now they are confirmed in the air and on their way. It seems likely the veteran passer is going to push for resolution, be it a lucrative agreement to not play at all or a trade to another squad. We'll keep you posted as we get updates. |
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| Favre on his way to Green Bay | Sunday 8/3, 10:54 AM CT |
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We have reports that Brett Favre has boarded a plane and is on his way to Green Bay, according to ESPN.
Our View: Packers quarterback Brett Favre will be leaving Mississippi in ninety minutes with his wife and children and heading to Green Bay, according to Ed Werder of ESPN. Get ready folks... we are on our way to an intriguing day in Green Bay (sorry for the annoying rhymes). |
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| Saints blessed with options at WR | Sunday 8/3, 10:17 AM CT |
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While the receiving picture in New Orleans is one of depth, an asset the rest of the league is likely to covet, there is belief that a player of value could be left off the active roster, according to Pro Football Weekly. Sources indicate both Robert Meachem, coming off an injury-plagued rookie season, and 7th-round draft pick Adrian Arrington are working as the shining models to follow in training camp. Meanwhile injuries have kept Devery Henderson out of the mix as he nurses a bad hamstring. However, it is believed the Saints view Henderson as the team's best deep threat and have no intentions of moving forward without him on the roster. Thus, with no open positions in special teams to keep both Meachem and Arrington in work, it seems likely one will be left to join the practice squad.
Our View: We had believed it would be Henderson working on the opposite side of Marques Colston despite the injuries, and PFW confirms it. Look for Meachem to earn the job in the slot, a position he seems likey to shine in based on his work in college. However, if Henderson fails to regain health and his issues for durability continue into the season, Arrington could be a player to watch. |
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| Atlanta tight ends failing to impress | Sunday 8/3, 10:10 AM CT |
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Reports from training camp for the Falcons indicate the tight ends are all but non-existant in terms of targets, noting Ben Hartsock and Martrez Milner are both struggling to show promise as reliable receivers and thus are rarely seeing offensive opportunties in the team's passing offense, according to Pro Football Weekly.
Our View: This shouldn't be too shocking for fantasy owners, but it certainly reaffirms those that feel a move to avoid fantasy commodities in Atlanta is the right choice for this season. If you have Hartsock as a sleeper to target in deeper leagues, take him off your radar. |
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| Favre wants to wear purple and gold | Sunday 8/3, 9:24 AM CT |
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In the latest chapter of the drama that is Brett Favre and his pending return from retirement, the veteran passer has told reporters that he has every desire to play for the Minnesota Vikings and is now motivated by his wish to compete against his former employer, the Green Bay Packers, according to the Wisconsin State Journal. In a text message sent to the Journal, Favre states, "My intentions have been to play, and with Green Bay. They say no, so I still want to play in this division for obvious reasons, which I made clear to management. If they won't let me play in Green Bay, let me play against you. That's where I am."
Our View: As the world turns... and we are expecting commissioner Roger Goodell to act on this matter tomorrow. It is hard to imagine this will be resolved any time soon, but it would seem likely the NFL would encourage the Packers to do what they must to get Favre on the playing field, whether it be in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, or on the moon. Having all of the power, Packers team management (namely GM Ted Thompson) is under the gun and feeling pressures from all sides. A trade to Minnesota or Chicago would be a last-resort option, but as time moves on, it is starting to seem like a more-than-reasonable outcome. Stay tuned. |
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| Smith under no-tolerance policy in Carolina? | Sunday 8/3, 9:18 AM CT |
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Following his most recent incident, it is now rumored that the Panthers are looking to establish a "no-tolerance policy" against actions by embattled receiver Steve Smith , according to the Charlotte Observer. Smith has been suspended for the Panthers' games against San Diego and Chicago, both good teams, and Ken Lucas, the defensive back Smith punched in practice on Friday, has a broken nose and an uncertain return-to-practice date.
Our View: Coach John Fox was asked about the rumored policy and wouldn't make a statement, but he did acknowledge that Smith had been given certain conditions for the future. If he remains hostile, there is concern for fantasy owners. To be fair, Smith has had outbursts like this in the past and they tend to subside as the season approaches and Smith puts his best on the field. This year, he needs to show and prove after a somewhat disappointing 2007 season, and thus this is a bit more worrisome than normal. We'll keep you posted on the tone in camp moving forward. |
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| Galloway working towards return with HS QB | Sunday 8/3, 9:00 AM CT |
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The reports from Tampa Bay have veteran wide receiver Joey Galloway working with a high-school phenom, namely Tampa Catholic quarterback D.J. Williams, son of former Bucs QB Doug Williams, as he works his way back from a strained groin, according to TBO.com.
Our View: The younger Williams is throwing passes to Galloway, who is running routes at about 80 percent speed. Galloway is looking sharp, and at this rate, should be able to practice this week. |
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| Bears continue to cut Manning short | Sunday 8/3, 8:39 AM CT |
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It is starting to sound like Chicago could be doing something about disgruntled defensive back Ricky Manning , and they may be doing it soon, according to ProFootballWeekly.com. PFW reports Manning is losing more repetitions with the first-line defense as the Bears focus on progressing three young replacements, including Corey Graham, Trumaine McBride and Zackary Bowman. Manning was seen approaching both head coach Lovie Smith and defensive coordinator Bob Babich on the sidelines, and while the discussion was not heated, it was prolonged.
Our View: It is no secret Manning is upset with the situation and has been more than vocal about his displeasure with the treatment he feels he is suffering through in camp. If the Bears are able to find the right partner (i.e. in the AFC), they may consider sending Manning along via trade at a reasonable price. We'll keep you posted. |
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| Rouse aiming for starting duties | Sunday 8/3, 8:33 AM CT |
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Spectators at the Packers' training camp may be too focused on the potential arrival of Brett Favre and the pending arrival of the recently-signed Ryan Grant, but those paying attention to the field are watching second-year safety Aaron Rouse push veteran Nick Collins for the starting job, according to ProFootballWeekly.com.
Our View: According to PFW, the key to Rouse having a shot at taking over as the starting free safety over Collins will be his ability to make more tackles in space. Rouse already rates an edge over Collins as a playmaker after a very active rookie season. |
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| 7th-Round Linebacker making waves in Cleveland | Sunday 8/3, 8:29 AM CT |
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Reports out of Cleveland indicate 7th-round draft pick linebaker Alex Hall has been the defensive standout in training camp thus far, according to the Dayton Daily News. The 6-foot-5, 250-pound prospect, possessing size and speed, he might develop into a pass-rushing specialist. In the Browns' practice in front of more than 26,000 fans at Family Night on Friday, he showcased those skills by getting a sack.
Our View: Hall is likely to get a strong test while veteran Antwan Peek battles to regain health. If Hall plays this well moving forward, it would not be shocking to see him rotated into passing schemes as both Peek and Willie McGinest are likely to need rest along the way. Keep an eye on Hall looking ahead as he could prove worthy of a late-round gamble in IDP leagues. |
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| Brown tuning mental game | Sunday 8/3, 8:23 AM CT |
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Miami rusher Ronnie Brown spoke with reporters on Saturday and indicates he feels his physical hurdles, returning from season-ending knee surgery, have been cleared and all that remains are mental adjustments to life back on the field, according to the Miami Herald. ''Physically, I put in all the work, but from a mental aspect it may take some time just to be out here, being a part of practice and taking those licks where you're not thinking about it,'' Brown said after Saturday's scrimmage. ``Being in situations where we do have some contact stuff, going through drills and running the ball where I have that contact, it's going to help me over the next few weeks to get over the mental part of not being hit for a while -- since what, Week 7 [of last season].''
Our View: The Dolphins are trying to ease him back into action, though Brown has not been limited in drills and appeared fine during Saturday's scrimmage. Coach Tony Sparano will determine before the team's exhibition opener whether Brown will play against Tampa Bay on Saturday. |
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| O'Sullivan pushing for consideration | Sunday 8/3, 8:16 AM CT |
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Those on hand to watch the proceedings at San Francisco's training camp are suggesting it may be hard to deny J.T. O'Sullivan should be given full consideration to start at quarterback, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.
Our View: O'Sullivan looked best of the three again Saturday, and Nolan did not object to a characterization that placed O'Sullivan as the starter if the season started today. Any answer he gives on that or any quarterback-related question has to be taken in context, given that he has already backtracked on the number of quarterbacks in competition for the job. He now states, after asserting it was all but assured that Alex Smith would be the man, that all three passers (including Shaun Hill) are putting together worthy performances and thus the team must consider all three. According to the Chronicle, if the performance in camp thus far is any indication, it could be O'Sullivan lining up behind center in Week 1. We'll keep you posted. |
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| Westbrook suffering from flu | Sunday 8/3, 8:10 AM CT |
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Running back Brian Westbrook was excused from training camp practices on Saturday due to flu-like symptoms, according to Philly.com.
Our View: Coach Andy Reid sent Westbrook off the field fearing he would be contagious. We didn't want fantasy owners to worry, but it will likely be a few days before you see Westbrook struggling out in the heat (and that might be a relief for owners hoping to see their top commodity resting rather than straining). |
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| Asomugha showing and proving in camp | Sunday 8/3, 8:03 AM CT |
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With his training camp started thanks to a one-year agreement signed the day before it started, defensive back Nnamdi Asomugha is working as a standout performer thus far in training camp, according to the Mercury News.
Our View: On Saturday morning, Asomugha stepped in front of a JaMarcus Russell pass intended for receiver Johnnie Lee Higgins and returned it for a touchdown. That upped his total to four interceptions through the early days of training camp, including three returned for scores. |
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| Keller scores in Green-White game | Sunday 8/3, 7:59 AM CT |
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Dustin Keller did a bit more to earn the attention of fantasy owners yesterday, catching a 55-yard pass from quarterback Kellen Clemens in the Jets' annual Green-White game, an intersquad scrimmage that allowed Clemens to work directly against his competition for the starting job (veteran Chad Pennington), according to the New York Post.
Our View: While most eyes were on the quarterbacks, neither candidate for the starting duties stood apart from the other. Pennington was 8-for-14 passing with 115 yards and one touchdown, balancing Clemens' 8-for-22 for 137 yards and a score. However, the catch by Keller was the highlight of the day and may have officially put Chris Baker (embattled with unmet contract demands) on the hot seat. We'll keep you posted on his progress. |
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