| Parker could be goal line back? | Tuesday 8/5, 11:51 PM CT |
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Running back Willie Parker scored in his only goal line attempt on Tuesday, and he talked about the role afterwards. "You know I want to score some touchdowns," Parker informs TimesOnline.com. "That’s why I told (coach Mike Tomlin) to throw me in there. I want to score. I want to be the go-to guy down there. After I drive the ball down the field, I want to be the guy who scores the touchdown." Najeh Davenport often filled in as the goal line back in 2007, but Tomlin says he is at least considering Parker for the role in 2008.
Our View: The common assumption is that rookie Rashard Mendenhall will step into the short-yardage role, but it sounds like the Steelers are still working that out. Or, at the least, they're not tipping their hand. Fantasy owners who draft one Steelers back will ideally complete their handcuff. |
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| Pinnock practices | Tuesday 8/5, 11:46 PM CT |
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Fullback Andrew Pinnock practiced on Tuesday for the first time since undergoing microfracture surgery on his left knee seven months ago, the team's official web site reports. "It was a big hurdle to me," Pinnock says. "I was able to put my pads on, get some reps, hit the bag and explode off. Coming out of my steps it felt good. I had a couple of passes where I really wanted to see where I was at as far as taking a flat route to my left and turning up on my left. I stuck my foot in the ground pretty hard a couple times and I didn’t feel anything different, so that was a relief."
Our View: The Chargers are hoping Pinnock can replace Lorenzo Neal as the starting fullback, but that's a pretty tall task for a guy coming off major surgery. One step at a time. |
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| Starters to play roughly one quarter | Tuesday 8/5, 11:05 PM CT |
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Drew Brees and the rest of the Saints starters are expected to play as much as a quarter in Thursday's preseason opener. The quarterback will be without two of his top targets, as Jeremy Shockey (leg) and Marques Colston (knee) will sit out, the New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.
Our View: The initial preseason game rarely tells us much, but it'll be interesting to see if some of the Saints other pass-catchers can step up to help Brees - namely Robert Meachem. |
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| Reed dealing with sore back | Tuesday 8/5, 10:40 PM CT |
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Josh Reed is missing practice time due to a sore back, the team's official web site reports. "I know that our doctor will be back (Wednesday) to re-check Josh," head coach Dick Jauron says. Reed underwent back surgery this offseason.
Our View: Reed is trying to beat out rookie James Hardy for the No. 2 role, but both receivers have been dealing with ailments. The Bills may once again end up with only one usable wideout in fantasy leagues (Lee Evans). |
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| Rivers signs five-year deal | Tuesday 8/5, 10:35 PM CT |
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Linebacker Keith Rivers has signed a five-year deal with the Bengals, the Cincinnati Enquirer reports. "I’m glad to be here with the other guys, to be officially a part of the team," Rivers says in a statement. The rookie missed 10 days of camp.
Our View: Rivers won't be handed the starting job, especially after this holdout. We expect the talented first-round pick to earn the weakside spot, but Brandon Johnson has been playing well while Rivers was holding out. |
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| Robison to miss two weeks | Tuesday 8/5, 9:47 PM CT |
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Defensive end Brian Robison will undergo surgery on a varicose vein in his left leg this week. He will miss a couple weeks, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.
Our View: The missed time isn't good, but Robison will likely retain his role at Jared Allen's primary backup. |
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| Brown dealing with bumps, bruises | Tuesday 8/5, 9:42 PM CT |
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Linebacker Ricky Brown has been dealing with minor back and knee injuries, but he remains the starter alongside Kirk Morrison and Thomas Howard, the San Jose Mercury News reports.
Our View: Brown hasn't seen much defensive action in his first two seasons, but he has been a valuable special teams guy. Apparently his hard work has paid off with a job as the strongside starter. We don't expect good IDP value. |
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| Welker was dealing with sore groin | Tuesday 8/5, 9:35 PM CT |
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Wide receiver Wes Welker opened training camp on the PUP list due to a groin injury, the Providence Journal reports. He was taken off the list over the weekend, but previous sources failed to reveal the ailment
Our View: ProJo writer Robert Lee might be fined for this work. Doesn't he know that Bill Belichick's rule is that the local papers don't ask about and don't reveal injuries? |
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| Rivers arrives at camp | Tuesday 8/5, 9:31 PM CT |
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Linebacker Keith Rivers has arrived at Bengals camp, will sign his contract soon, and could practice on Wednesday morning, the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.
Our View: Rivers can now concentrate on winning a job and (hopefully) helping IDP fantasy teams. He'll have to make up for lost time and try to unseat Brandon Johnson, who had a very good first week of camp. |
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| Kent, Obomanu impress | Tuesday 8/5, 9:27 PM CT |
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Jordan Kent and Ben Obomanu both turned in impressive performances at training camp on Tuesday, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports.
Our View: Logan Payne has also been earning some good reviews, and it's too early to truly say how all the young Seahawks will shake out behind Bobby Engram and Nate Burleson. All we know is that Courtney Taylor better start putting in some good work. |
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| Orton to start first preseason game | Tuesday 8/5, 8:48 PM CT |
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Kyle Orton will start in the Bears preseason game against the Chiefs on Thursday night, the Chicago Sun-Times reports. Rex Grossman will get the starting nod on August 16 against the Seahawks.
Our View: This news may mean that Orton has a slight edge over Grossman, but we can't read too much into it. Fantasy owners should continue to ignore both quarterbacks. |
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| Johnson to miss preseason opener | Tuesday 8/5, 8:42 PM CT |
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Andre Johnson is not expected to suit up for the preseason opener on Saturday. "There is a good chance that one doesn’t play," head coach Gary Kubiak informs the team's official web site.
Our View: Johnson is coming off knee surgery and has been dealing with a sore groin. Even if he was fully healthy, though, there wouldn't be much reason for him to take the field. |
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| Snee has shoulder tendinitis | Tuesday 8/5, 8:40 PM CT |
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The MRI revealed that guard Chris Snee is dealing with tendinitis in his left shoulder, the AP reports.
Our View: Show us an offensive lineman and we'll show you a guy with sore shoulders. It's excellent news that this injury isn't something worse. |
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| Green to start | Tuesday 8/5, 8:38 PM CT |
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Ahman Green will start when the Texans face the Broncos on Saturday. "He’s had a great offseason and having a good camp," head coach Gary Kubiak tells the team's official web site. "He needs to play. His stages need to pick up as we go through preseason."
Our View: Can they put Ahman in bubble wrap? It's no surprise that Green is the starter, and we expect him to have that role come Week 1. The question, of course, is how long his oft-injured body will hold up. |
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| Burress contract talks continue | Tuesday 8/5, 8:30 PM CT |
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Assistant general manager Kevin Abrams and agent Drew Rosenhaus engaged in contract talks regarding Plaxico Burress on Tuesday, the AP confirms.
Our View: Talking is good. It's no secret that Plax wants a new deal, but the talented receiver has also said he won't let the issue affect him once the season starts. |
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| James out for season | Tuesday 8/5, 8:27 PM CT |
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The Falcons waived linebacker Robert James on Tuesday, the AP confirms. James was a fifth-round pick out of Arizona State, and he has been struggling to return from a concussion. The Falcons will retain his rights, but James will miss the 2008 season.
Our View: This news doesn't affect fantasy leagues at all, but we feel bad for the young linebacker. |
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| Nalen may miss rest of preseason | Tuesday 8/5, 8:15 PM CT |
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Center Tom Nalen could miss the remainder of training camp due to soreness in his surgically repaired left knee, the AP reports. "Any time Tom sits out of practice it is not just another injury because it is tough to keep him out of practice," head coach Mike Shanahan explains. "I think he has the experience where he doesn't really need the preseason games, and he is working hard in the weight room to make sure his conditioning level stays at a certain point." A recent MRI showed no need for surgery.
Our View: Nalen is a key cog in the middle of the Broncos line, although Casey Wiegmann is an experienced backup. We'll feel much better about Jay Cutler, Selvin Young, and crew if Nalen's pain subsides in the coming weeks. |
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| Smith, Hill, O'Sullivan remain tied | Tuesday 8/5, 7:49 PM CT |
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Alex Smith, Shaun Hill, and J.T O'Sullivan are all listed as the No. 1 quarterback on the 49ers first "unofficial" depth chart, the San Jose Mercury News reports. Kyle Wright is the No. 2 quarterback.
Our View: Either Mad Mike Martz has designed a new offense which features three quarterbacks or the 49ers aren't tipping their hand. Do you think Wright feels a little lonely as the only man in the No. 2 spot? |
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| Jackson way down the depth chart | Tuesday 8/5, 7:37 PM CT |
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DeSean Jackson is listed as the Eagles starting punt returner, but he is also ranked as a fourth-string option on the wide receiver depth chart, the team's official web site reports.
Our View: We're not reading very much into this early depth chart. Jackson is reportedly doing a good job in camp. At best, the rookie will work his way up to a slot role, but that position doesn't carry much upside in this offense. |
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| Vilma practicing once per day | Tuesday 8/5, 7:32 PM CT |
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Jonathan Vilma has taken a step back and practiced only once per day recently. Head coach Sean Payton informs the New Orleans Times-Picayune that Vilma is "one of those guys you've got to pull back because they're not going to pull back themselves." The linebacker is recovering from left knee surgery.
Our View: We're fairly optimistic about Vilma's ability to help IDP fantasy teams in 2008, but his projections will drop if we believe his left knee is still bothering him. It sounds like the Saints are just being cautious. |
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| Favre placed on non-football injury list | Tuesday 8/5, 7:28 PM CT |
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Brett Favre has been placed on the Declared Non-Football Injury list due to a lower abdominal ailment, NFL.com reports. He remains on the 80-man roster but is not being paid.
Our View: This news means about as much telling you what Favre is having for dinner on Tuesday night. His situation basically remains the same. |
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| Jackson hurting future free agent time? | Tuesday 8/5, 7:25 PM CT |
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Steven Jackson remained away from Rams camp on Tuesday, and he hit a potentially significant deadline. According to the collective bargaining agreement, a player must be in training camp 30 days before the start of the regular season or risk losing an accrued season of experience, NFL.com reports. Jackson now falls under that rule, which means the running back may push back his timeline for becoming eligible for free agency.
Our View: Jackson is seeking a long-term contract from the Rams, which means he probably isn't thinking about becoming a free agent. If he gets paid soon, this worry is out the window. |
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| Marshall officially suspended three games | Tuesday 8/5, 7:01 PM CT |
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The NFL has officially handed wide receiver Brandon Marshall a three-game suspension for violating the personal conduct policy, the Denver Post confirms. If Marshall seeks counseling and complies with other conditions, the suspension may be reduced to two games. The receiver won't be able to practice with the Broncos from September 2 until after Week 3.
Our View: The official report matched the rumors that came out two days ago. The suspension will cause Marshall to fall in the fantasy rankings, but the bigger concern may be if you trust Brandon to clean up his act and not open himself up to further suspensions. The Broncos passing game may need to lean heavily on Darrell Jackson and Tony Scheffler in the early weeks. |
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| Breaston to take Boldin's place | Tuesday 8/5, 6:35 PM CT |
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Steve Breaston will start in place of Anquan Boldin (hamstring) in Thursday's preseason game against the Saints, head coach Ken Whisenhunt informs the East Valley Tribune.
Our View: We already pegged Breaston as the frontrunner for the No. 3 role, and this report strengthens that feeling. Boldin has missed regular season action in three of the last four years, and Breaston could end up having a little waiver wire value at some point in 2008. |
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| Boley pleads not guilty | Tuesday 8/5, 6:28 PM CT |
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Linebacker Michael Boley plead not guilty a misdemeanor battery charge on Tuesday, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. He was arrested in early May after an alleged physical confrontation with his wife.
Our View: Boley didn't even have to appear in court, which is nice for him. The judicial system wouldn't want to ruin his practice day. |
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| Baxter undergoes knee surgery | Tuesday 8/5, 6:24 PM CT |
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Safety Gary Baxter underwent knee surgery on Tuesday morning, the the team's official web site reports. He had loose cartilage removed. Baxter tore the patella tendons in both knees on October 22, 2006 and hasn't been on the active roster since that time.
Our View: The Browns don't have a timetable for Baxter's return, but it's a miracle of modern science that he has even been able to compete decently in camp. |
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| Favre not mentally, physically ready | Tuesday 8/5, 6:20 PM CT |
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Head coach Mike McCarthy discussed Brett Favre again after practice on Tuesday, and he informs the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that the quarterback told the coach that he "wasn't in the right mindset to play (in Green Bay)." McCarthy adds that Favre does want to play. The quarterback also has a lower abdominal strain that would have kept him from practicing.
Our View: We take from the report that Favre is neither mentally nor physically ready for, at the least, work with the Packers. Does that mean he'd be more prepared to work for a different club? Are we reading too much into this? Is anyone not completely tired of this situation yet? |
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| Taylor to start in middle | Tuesday 8/5, 6:12 PM CT |
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Tony Taylor will start at middle linebacker when the Falcons open their preseason on Saturday. "Tony is looking good," head coach Mike Smith tells the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "He's been playing the mike (middle) linebacker for us and he's done a nice job in communicating. It will be a great opportunity for him as the starting mike linebacker in this first game." Taylor was an undrafted product out of Georgia and is in his second season.
Our View: We expect Curtis Lofton to continue pushing Taylor for the starting gig, but the new coaching staff clearly likes what Tony has been bringing to practice. Of course, IDP owners probably know that Keith Brooking and Michael Boley might not leave too many tackles for the man in their middle. |
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| Starting QB still undecided | Tuesday 8/5, 6:03 PM CT |
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Head coach Eric Mangini hasn't decided whether to start Chad Pennington or Kellen Clemens in Thursday's preseason game against the Browns. "Because there's a lot of factors that go into that, I'll get together post-practice, watch the tape," Mangini informs ESPN.com.
Our View: We're not sure why Mangini doesn't take the traditional route of starting, say, Pennington against the Browns and Clemens next week against the Redskins. Fantasy owners should continue to steer way clear of this situation. |
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| Tampa Bay discussing trade for Favre | Tuesday 8/5, 3:46 PM CT |
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ESPN's Ed Werder reports that the Packers and Buccaneers are currently discussing a Brett Favre trade.
Our View: Favre has previously said he didn't want to go to Tampa Bay, but given how his situation has played out, he may end up changing his mind. |
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| McGill gets cut | Tuesday 8/5, 3:27 PM CT |
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The Saints have waived DT Tim Mcgill, according to neworleanssaints.com.
Our View: McGill will have to sign with another team if he wants to make it in the NFL. |
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| Vrabel returns from PUP list | Tuesday 8/5, 2:58 PM CT |
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The New England Patriots removed linebacker Mike Vrabel from the PUP list Tuesday, according to PA Sports Ticker.
Our View: Vrabel, who has been on the PUP list since July 24, participated in the Patriots’ practice Tuesday afternoon at Gillette Stadium. |
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| Favre doesn't participate | Tuesday 8/5, 2:06 PM CT |
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Brett Favre has left Packers camp for the day and will not attend practice today, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.
Our View: Stay tuned as the Favre saga continues to play out over the next couple days. |
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| Garcia likely to miss game | Tuesday 8/5, 1:21 PM CT |
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Tampa Bay quarterback Jeff Garcia , out since Thursday with a calf strain, said Tuesday morning that he doubts he will play in Saturday’s preseason opener against the Dolphins, according to the St. Petersburg Times.
Our View: Garcia said he is improving and he didn’t see missing much more time, but admitted being frustrated by the injury. |
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| Thigpen moves up | Tuesday 8/5, 12:52 PM CT |
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Tyler Thigpen has passed Damon Huard for the number two spot on the Chiefs depth chart, according to the Kansas City Star.
Our View: Thigpen is getting most of the snaps behind starter Brodie Croyle. If Croyle falters for any reason, Thigpen could find himself in a starting role. |
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| Johnson will receive work | Tuesday 8/5, 12:34 PM CT |
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Larry Johnson will get some carries during the preseason, according to the Kansas City Star. “He’ll have to play in the preseason, get his carries and his runs and his timing with the offensive line,” coach Herm Edwards said.
Our View: We saw what happened after Johnson missed the majority of last years preseason. Staying healthy and getting on the same page as the rest of the offense will be key if LJ wants to return to glory. |
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| Wilford demoted to second-team | Tuesday 8/5, 11:19 AM CT |
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Miami Dolphins wide receiver Ernest Wilford was demoted to the second-team offense, according to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Our View: Ernest is competing for a starting spot opposite of Ted Ginn Jr. |
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| Boller will start | Tuesday 8/5, 11:03 AM CT |
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Kyle Boller will start at quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens in their preseason opener against the New England Patriots, according to the AP.
Our View: Coach John Harbaugh gave Boller the edge because of his experience, but look for the competition to heat up between Boller, Smith, and Flacco, as week one approaches. |
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| Thrash named third receiver | Tuesday 8/5, 10:56 AM CT |
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Jim Zorn has named James Thrash the Redskins' third receiver, according to the Washington Post.
Our View: As long as Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly are out injured, look for Thrash to fill the void behind Santana Moss and Antwaan Randle El. |
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| Kemoeatu returns from PUP list | Tuesday 8/5, 10:27 AM CT |
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Steelers left guard Chris Kemoeatu was able to practice for the first time at training camp this year after he was taken off the PUP list, according to footballguys.com.
Our View: Kemoeatu wore a protective brace around his left triceps and said he felt fine after a 90-minute practice. |
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| Thomas competes for touches | Tuesday 8/5, 10:03 AM CT |
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Pierre Thomas continues to fight for a share of the workload down in New Orleans, reports the Baton Rouge Advocate. “He’s competing for a lot of touches and doing well. We have a lot of confidence in him as a runner and it’s something that he’s demonstrated consistently now," said head coach Sean Payton.
Our View: Although Thomas is having a strong camp he will still most likely be behind both Deuce McAllister and Reggie Bush come week one. |
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| Houshmandzadeh sits out | Tuesday 8/5, 9:50 AM CT |
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T.J. Houshmandzadeh has sat out several recent Bengals practices with a hamstring injury, reports bengals.com.
Our View: His injury isn't considered to be too serious and he should just be considered day-to-day. |
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| Rivers to play one quarter | Tuesday 8/5, 9:43 AM CT |
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Philip Rivers will play about one quarter in the Chargers' exhibition opener Saturday against Dallas, reports the San Diego Union-Tribune.
Our View: Rivers will get to test his surgically repaired knee against another team. |
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| Favre on his way out? | Tuesday 8/5, 7:48 AM CT |
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Although no official announcement has been made. Brett Favre is unlikely to return as a Packer following Monday night's one-on-one meeting with coach Mike McCarthy, according to FOXSports.com's Jay Glazer.
Our View: Stay tuned as the Favre saga continues to play out over the next couple days. |
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