| Winslow misses game with injury | Thursday 8/7, 11:23 PM CT |
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Browns tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. missed the team's first preseason game because of a sore hamstring, according to the Associated Press.
Our View: It was the first preseason contest, so Winslow missing the game was not altogether surprising. He should be back soon, as the injury is not thought to be serious. |
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| Jones gets just 11 yards | Thursday 8/7, 10:49 PM CT |
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Thomas Jones ran the ball just four times for 11 yards as the Jets beat Cleveland in Thursday's preseason contest.
Our View: Jones didn't see much time, and what fantasy owners want to know is if he can get the job done at the goal line and score more than the one touchdown he rushed for last season. |
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| Anderson plays well in short time | Thursday 8/7, 10:47 PM CT |
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Derek Anderson threw just five passes, though he completed four of them, including one for a touchdown to Braylon Edwards in the Browns loss to the Jets.
Our View: Nice job by Anderson, who is the clear No. 1 guy in Cleveland, despite the presence of Brady Quinn. So don't be afraid of the Quinn factor in fantasy drafts. Anderson is the guy and should have another quality season. |
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| Clowney goes off | Thursday 8/7, 10:43 PM CT |
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David Clowney had to make an impression on the Jets, as he caught four passes for 163 yards and two touchdowns.
Our View: Great performance by Clowney, and though he probably won't be much more than a depth player this season, maybe Brett Favre saw something he liked while watching from the sideline. |
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| Rucker makes nice debut | Thursday 8/7, 10:41 PM CT |
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Tight end Martin Rucker, the Browns fourth-round draft pick out of Missouri, had a very good debut for the team, hauling in five passes for 70 yards. Both of the totals led the team.
Our View: Rucker made a lot of catches in college, though he will back up Kellen Winslow, Jr. this season. If Winslow goes down to injury, though, keep Rucker in mind. |
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| Orton is average | Thursday 8/7, 10:36 PM CT |
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Bears quarterback did not play poorly, but he was not great either, connecting on seven of 10 passes for 56 yards. He also fumbled, but did not lose the ball.
Our View: Neither he nor Grossman did much to establish themselves one way or the other, so the epic battle between the two will continue. |
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| Forte rushes seven times | Thursday 8/7, 10:18 PM CT |
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Rookie running back Matt Forte ran the ball seven times for 25 yards in the Bears preseason loss to Kansas City.
Our View: Forte's longest run was seven yards, so he didn't do anything spectacular, but he was not awful by any means. He very easily could wind up being the starter for Chicago. |
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| Johnson gets eight carries | Thursday 8/7, 10:16 PM CT |
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Chiefs running back Larry Johnson got a solid amount of work, rushing eight times for 18 yards in Kansas City's first preseason game.
Our View: Johnson didn't have great numbers, but he will get plenty of carries in the season, and those are the ones fantasy owners care about. |
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| Croyle is average | Thursday 8/7, 10:13 PM CT |
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Brodie Croyle went 6-for-10 for 82 yards in the Chiefs 24-20 win over the Bears.
Our View: Croyle played the entire first quarter, and played an okay game, fumbling once but not losing it. He has little fantasy value. |
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| Bush still can't get over four yards per carry | Thursday 8/7, 10:00 PM CT |
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Reggie Bush has not rushed for over four yards per carry in either of his two seasons, and he began the preseason rushing seven times for 22 yards, a 3.1 average. Half of his yards came on one carry.
Our View: Bush is always a solid option in PPR leagues, but in standard leagues, owners should get used to the notion that he's nothing more than a complementary player. |
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| Leinart is solid | Thursday 8/7, 9:58 PM CT |
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Matt Leinart completed seven of his eight pass attempts for 91 yards as Arizona lost to the New Orleans Saints.
Our View: Leinart looked sharp, and did nothing to dispel the notion he would be the starter in Week 1. Fantasy owners may want to take a gamble on him, because it could pay big dividends if he establishes a rapport with his talented receiving corps. |
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| Meachem picks up 139 receiving yards | Thursday 8/7, 9:55 PM CT |
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Former first-round pick, wide receiver Robert Meachem, had a great preseason debut, catching four passes for 139 yards and a score as the Saints beat Arizona 24-10.
Our View: This is the type of performance fantasy owners thought was possible for Meachem. He missed most of last season and did not catch a pass, but he could be in line for a decent year, and fantasy owners should pay more attention to how he plays in future preseason contests. |
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| Flacco awful | Thursday 8/7, 9:52 PM CT |
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Reports were that Joe Flacco had not been real good in training camp for the Ravens, and he surely wasn't good for Baltimore in their preseason game. Flacco attempted three passes and completed none of them, and he also lost a fumble.
Our View: Ugh. Not that fantasy players were going to select Flacco, but it would have been nice to see a little more out of him anyway. |
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| Jordan rushes for 76 yards | Thursday 8/7, 9:50 PM CT |
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Running back LaMont Jordan carried the ball 19 times, gaining 76 yards while scoring a touchdown for New England in their preseason contest against Baltimore.
Our View: He had the most carries on the team by far, and really took advantage of them. He won't displace Laurence Maroney, but he could sneak some of his carries away from him. |
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| Boller commits two turnovers | Thursday 8/7, 9:47 PM CT |
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Ravens quarterback Kyle Boller did not have a good start to the preseason. Though he completed 11-of-15 passes for 102 yards, he also threw an interception and lost a fumble as the Ravens beat New England.
Our View: None of the Ravens quarterbacks had a stellar evening, but turnovers have been Boller's problem, and he certainly didn't prove he could hold onto the ball today. |
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| Smith gets 22 yards | Thursday 8/7, 9:11 PM CT |
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Kevin Smith ran the ball eight times for a total of 22 yards, and seven of those yards came on one carry as the Lions beat the New York Giants 13-10.
Our View: No Lions running back averaged at least four yards per carry, so Smith was not the only one with an uninspiring performance. |
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| Bell performs poorly | Thursday 8/7, 9:09 PM CT |
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Lions running back Tatum Bell did not have a great game against the Giants, rushing seven times for a total of eight yards, a 1.1 average.
Our View: Bell is fighting rookie Kevin Smith for playing time, and this performance certainly won't help much. |
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| Carr has solid game | Thursday 8/7, 9:08 PM CT |
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David Carr had a nice game for the Giants, going 9-of-12 for 91 yards and a touchdown as New York lost to the Lions.
Our View: It is important for Carr to play well, as he is the presumptive backup behind Eli Manning. He obviously has no fantasy value. |
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| Kitna performs well | Thursday 8/7, 9:05 PM CT |
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Lions quarterback Jon Kitna played well in his first preseason action of the year, completing six passes in seven attempts and throwing one touchdown in the Lions 13-10 win over the Giants.
Our View: Kitna is firmly entrenched as the Lions starter, and remains a viable backup in fantasy leagues. |
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| Hardy to play in preseason game | Thursday 8/7, 8:42 PM CT |
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Buffalo Bills second-round pick, wide receiver James Hardy, will play in the team's preseason game, as he has sufficiently recovered from his hamstring injury, according to BuffaloBills.com.
Our View: Hardy will be trying to win a starting job to complement Lee Evans, so every snap is important for him. But as most fantasy players realize, rookie wide receivers do not a great selection make. |
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| Williams out with injury | Thursday 8/7, 8:39 PM CT |
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Patriots safety Tank Williams suffered from a knee injury during tonight's game, reports the Providence Journal. He was taken out and will not return.
Our View: No word on how long Williams will be out or what the nature of the injury is. |
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| Redman will start preseason game | Thursday 8/7, 8:35 PM CT |
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Chris Redman will start at quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons in their preseason opener against the Jaguars instead of rookie Matt Ryan, according to the Associated Press.
Our View: The preseason is still far from over, and even if Redman does win the starting job, it will not affect fantasy teams any because he has no business being on rosters. |
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| Six teams have eye on Pennington | Thursday 8/7, 8:21 PM CT |
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There are six teams that have an interest in signing quarterback Chad Pennington, reports ESPN.com. However, he likely won't sign for a few days because of the plethora of preseason games going on right now.
Our View: Only the Dolphins were mentioned as one of the teams, but there are a number of places Pennington could wind up. His fantasy value depends entirely on where that is. |
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| Aiken leaves game | Thursday 8/7, 7:56 PM CT |
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Wide receiver and kick receiver Sam Aiken left tonight's game with an injury and will not return, according to the Providence Journal.
Our View: Aiken was trying to make the team as a backup wide receiver and held little fantasy value. |
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| Williams out entire season? | Thursday 8/7, 7:40 PM CT |
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Bears first-round pick, offensive tackle Chris Williams, underwent surgery to repair a herniated disc in his back, and it is possible he could be out for the entire season, according to ProFootballTalk.com.
Our View: This explains why the Bears are trying to acquire Fred Miller, and it would be a big blow to a Bears team whose offensive line is shaky, at best. |
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| Bell has knee surgery | Thursday 8/7, 7:28 PM CT |
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Browns rookie linebacker Beau Bell had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee to take care of loose cartilage, the AP reports.
Our View: Bell was the team's first draft pick - albeit in the fourth round - and he was competing for playing time. It is unknown how long he will be out. |
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| Stokley will remain in slot | Thursday 8/7, 7:03 PM CT |
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Broncos wide receiver Brandon Stokley will not play on the outside, instead concentrating on getting snaps solely in the slot, according to the Rocky Mountain News. "I think he's the best slot receiver in the National Football League," Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said.
Our View: Denver believes Stokley is much better suited to the slot, so he hasn't seen even one snap on the outside in training camp. His fantasy value is somewhat mixed, as he may see reduced playing time this season. On the other hand, he caught 40 balls and five touchdowns last season, and has the potential to put up some nice totals in given weeks. |
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| Houshmandzadeh likely out for preseason opener | Thursday 8/7, 6:32 PM CT |
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T.J. Houshmandzadeh is unlikely to play in Cincinnati's initial preseason game against the Packers on Monday, according to Bengals.com.
Our View: Houshmandzadeh has been dealing with a tight hamstring, and there is no reason to push him now, which fantasy owners are sure to appreciate. |
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| Miller back to Bears? | Thursday 8/7, 6:28 PM CT |
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Offensive tackle Fred Miller will decide whether to sign with Chicago, Houston or Baltimore soon, with his preference being the Bears, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Our View: The Bears are dealing with a lot of injuries on the offensive line, so Miller, who they cut in the winter, would be a nice pickup. |
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| Spencer released | Thursday 8/7, 6:25 PM CT |
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Offensive lineman Charles Spencer was released by the Panthers because he was overweight, according to the Houston Chronicle.
Our View: Spencer was the first pick of the third round in 2006, so he was highly thought of at one point. Maybe if he can get in better shape, he'll get another chance with somebody else. |
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| Bears uninterested in Pennington | Thursday 8/7, 5:07 PM CT |
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The Chicago Bears are probably do not have any interest in acquiring quarterback Chad Pennington, reports the Chicago Sun-Times.
Our View: The team still wants Kyle Orton or Rex Grossman to lead them, for reasons known only to them. Fantasy owners assuredly know better than to let Orton or Grossman lead their teams. |
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| Portis will play Saturday | Thursday 8/7, 4:47 PM CT |
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It turns out that Redskins running back Clinton Portis will play on Saturday against Buffalo, according to the Washington Post. It has been previously reported that Portis would sit that game out. He seemed none too thrilled with the news, saying, "s this [going to be] good? For who? For y'all? For the media? For the public? I guess. But what's good for [No.] 26 is rest. Rest is important. Rest is vital."
Our View: Fantasy owners are likely to agree with Portis, and are just hoping he doesn't get hurt. The chances of that are not great, however, as he will be out there for a very limited number of snaps. |
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| Samuel will miss preseason opener | Thursday 8/7, 4:35 PM CT |
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New Eagles cornerback Asante Samuel will not be available to play when the team opens the preseason against the Steelers, reports NFL.com. Samuel is still suffering from a strained hamstring.
Our View: Samuel has been sidelined for some time with this hamstring injury, and the date of his return is still up in the air. |
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| Coe out two months | Thursday 8/7, 4:31 PM CT |
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Michael Coe underwent surgery on his knee and will be out of commission for two months, according to Pro Football Weekly.
Our View: Coe was a backup who only made ten tackles a season ago and has no value in fantasy football. |
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| Pennington released | Thursday 8/7, 3:32 PM CT |
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As expected, Chad Pennington has been released by the Jets, according to ProFootballTalk.com. Jets' GM Mike Tannenbaum stated, "I have all the respect in the world for Chad as a person and a player. We have accomplished a lot of great things with Chad, including winning playoff games, which is very hard to do. He gave his heart and soul to this organization for a long, long time. I really appreciate everything he has done."
Our View: There are a handful of teams he can compete for a starting job with, such as Miami, who are believed to be targeting him now that he has been released by the Jets. |
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| Jarrett remains inconsistent | Thursday 8/7, 3:12 PM CT |
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Dwayne Jarrett remains inconsistent through training camp and the Panthers are still waiting for him to perform up to his potential, according to the Rock Hill Herald. Offensive coordinator Jeff Davidson said, "You know, Dwayne I think is, each day we try to make steps with him. Some days we feel better than others. He’s got to get a level of consistency that we’re all comfortable with, including himself."
Our View: Jarrett is not likely going to earn a spot higher than fourth on the depth chart coming out of training camp, and he shouldn't be counted on to make an impact this season. |
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| Brown to be game-time decision | Thursday 8/7, 2:59 PM CT |
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Ronnie Brown will be a game-time decision for Saturday's exhibition game against Tampa Bay, according to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. Brown said, "It's been a while since I've been on the field in a game situation, so I'm excited to be out there and have an opportunity to play against another team. We have to see how it feels come Saturday and call it from there . Obviously I have to keep everything in perspective and not get too excited about being out there."
Our View: Brown is less than 10 months into rehabbing his surgically repaired right knee, and his status will depend on how he looks in the final practices leading up to Saturday's kickoff. His knee and body are responding well, but his progress really cannot be graded until we see him in live game action.
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| Jaguars add Mahelona | Thursday 8/7, 2:44 PM CT |
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The Jaguars have signed former Falcons' defensive tackle Jesse Mahelona, according to the Florida Times Union. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Our View: He has also spent time with Miami and Tennessee, and will be hard-pressed to nail down a backup spot with Jacksonville. |
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| Lovell waived | Thursday 8/7, 2:38 PM CT |
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Kevin Lovell has been waived by the Falcons, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The team also signed offensive lineman Doug Datish.
Our View: Lovell was signed as a free agent back in April, and was not going to push Jason Elam for the placekicking job. |
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| Johnson not expected for Saturday | Thursday 8/7, 2:05 PM CT |
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Andre Johnson is not expected to play Saturday against the Broncos due to his groin injury, according to the Houston Chronicle. He has been running on the side during practices, but the doctors don't want to rush him back and take a risk on aggravating the injury.
Our View: If this was a regular season contest, coach Gary Kubiak would be pushing him to play. The injury is not serious, and he is feeling better. |
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| Hamilton re-signs with Redskins | Thursday 8/7, 1:39 PM CT |
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Justin Hamilton has re-signed with the Redskins, according to the Washington Post. Terms were not disclosed.
Our View: He will compete for a backup role in the Redskins' secondary, and should see time on special teams as well, but his fantasy value will remain limited. |
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| Rice impressing | Thursday 8/7, 1:30 PM CT |
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Ray Rice has been impressing the Ravens' coaches so far in training camp, according to the Baltimore Sun.
Our View: Rice will start Thursday's preseason game against the Patriots, and will be on our radar as he has potential to make some noise this season, namely if Willis McGahee's knee issues linger. Rice should be "handcuffed" as well if you decide to draft McGahee. |
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| Ndukwe could miss up to six weeks | Thursday 8/7, 1:16 PM CT |
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It was initially believed that Chinedum Ndukwe would be fine, but the Bengals' official team website indicates that he could miss up to six weeks due to a "lower leg" injury.
Our View: Dexter Jackson will now be the Bengals' starting strong safety for Week 1. Ndukwe is still worth selecting as a late-round value pick, as he should unseat Jackson at some point during the season, and generate solid numbers. |
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| Pennington on Dolphins' radar? | Thursday 8/7, 1:09 PM CT |
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The Dolphins are going to target Chad Pennington if he is released by the Jets as expected, according to the Miami Herald.
Our View: Bill Parcells drafted Pennington back in 2000 when he was with the Jets. Pennington would likely start over Josh McCown or John Beck, but his situation would not be favorable as the Dolphins lack a stable offensive line, and their receiving corps is less talented than the Jets, with Ted Ginn being their top target. |
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| Brown expected to miss game | Thursday 8/7, 12:56 PM CT |
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Reggie Brown is expected to miss the Eagles' first preseason game due to a strained Achilles' tendon, according to the Philadelphia Daily News.
Our View: Greg Lewis is expected to replace him at receiver with the first-team offense opposite Kevin Curtis. He is considered day-to-day, and is yet to miss a game over three seasons in the NFL, so fantasy owners should not drop him down draft boards. |
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| Davis looks ready to contribute | Thursday 8/7, 12:44 PM CT |
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Craig Davis looks ready to be a steady receiving option for the Chargers in his second season, according to Sporting News Today. Last year's first-round pick has been catching balls consistently and has been running strong all throughout camp.
Our View: Davis is still way down on th priority list for quarterback Philip Rivers, but he could emerge as a solid slot receiver this year and would be in line for bigger things should Chris Chambers and/or Vincent Jackson go down with an injury. |
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| Bush looking good in short-yardage situations | Thursday 8/7, 12:39 PM CT |
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With Justin Fargas' emergence and the drafting of Darren McFadden, Michael Bush has been a forgotten man in Oakland. But Bush had a "special" day during Wednesday's practice, according to coach Lane Kiffin. He is being groomed for short-yardage and goal-line situations and has excelled in said areas so far in camp, according to Sporting News Today. Bush is making a push to be a regular contributer on offense.
Our View: It's possible Bush, who missed all of last season while recovering from a broken leg, could receive a good chunk of the goal-line work this season. He's worth a late-round flyer in drafts. |
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| Torain undergoes surgery | Thursday 8/7, 12:37 PM CT |
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Ryan Torain underwent surgery Thursday to repair a torn ligament in his left elbow, according to the Rocky Mountain News.
Our View: His recovery time could be as long as three months, which means the Broncos will have to make a decision by the end of camp on whether or not to place him on the IR, which would make him ineligible to play this season.
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| Barber considered every-down back | Thursday 8/7, 12:31 PM CT |
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Cowboys' offensive coordinator Jason Garrett considers Marion Barber an every-down back, according to the Dallas Morning News.
Our View: Garrett also calls rookie Felix Jones a special complementary back. Barber should be a top-10 fantasy back this season, and should see at least 250 carries over a full 16-game slate. |
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| Aldridge getting extended snaps | Thursday 8/7, 12:31 PM CT |
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With the injury to Ryan Torain, undrafted rookie Anthony Aldridge has gotten extended snaps at running back and has shown shiftiness in the open field as well as a terrific burst, according to Sporting News Today.
Our View: Aldridge is behind Selvin Young and Andre Hall on the depth chart, but given how much Mike Shanahan changes his mind with regard to his running backs, this former Houston Cougar is at least worth tracking during the preseason. Remember that Young was an undrafted free agent last year, as well. |
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| Landry frustrated | Thursday 8/7, 12:25 PM CT |
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LaRon Landry is still unable to participate in full drills because of his injured left hamstring and is feeling really frustrated right now, according to the Washington Post. He has been hindered since early in camp, and said, "If I want to push on it or really get after it running, I'm really not feeling it mentally. Physically, I'm about 80 percent. Mentally, I'm just not ready. When I feel that pain, I know I have to shut it down because I know how bad it would be if I pulled it."
Our View: He noted that he would need to play four full quarters in the preseason to feel prepared to start in Week 1 against the defending champion Giants. |
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| Davis' role to increase? | Thursday 8/7, 12:01 PM CT |
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Vernon Davis stated that his role in going to increase "big time" with Mike Martz in control of the offense, according to the SF Chronicle. He believes he can be the top tight end in the NFL and said, "I'm going to be No. 1. That's my goal, nothing less. With this offense, I believe I can do it. I'm saying I'm going to have a great season. An awesome one. Under Martz, my role is going to increase big time. Way more touches. This is a new beginning. This is a breakout season."
Our View: Isaac Bruce and Bryant Johnson will be the starting receivers this season, but Davis is the most dangerous of the three, and could actually lead the 49ers in receptions and touchdowns in 2008. |
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| Cromartie sets lofty goal | Thursday 8/7, 11:41 AM CT |
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Antonio Cromartie thinks he can snatch an NFL record 15 interceptions this season, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. When questioned about his lofty goal he said, "That's a very serious statement. A very, very serious statement."
Our View: If he were to reach 15, he would break Dick "Night Train" Lane's 56-year-old record. Cromartie led the NFL with 10 interceptions last season, despite only starting eight games. |
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| Smith will not play against Chicago | Thursday 8/7, 10:51 AM CT |
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Kolby Smith will not play in Thursday's preseason game against the Bears due to his groin injury, according to the KC Star.
Our View: Smith cannot afford to miss much time in the preseason, as he is being pushed hard by rookie Jamaal Charles for the primary backup role behind starter Larry Johnson. |
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| Albert injury update | Thursday 8/7, 10:46 AM CT |
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Branden Albert expects to miss the remainder of the preseason due to his sprained foot, according to the KC Star.
Our View: Albert wore a walking boot and used crutches to walk this week. Albert did not play tackle at Virginia, so he won't be able to effectively start at left tackle when he is ready to return, hence weakening the Chiefs' offensive line. |
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| Bills sign Jones | Thursday 8/7, 10:42 AM CT |
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Derrick Jones has signed with the Bills, according to BuffaloBills.com. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Our View: Jones was released by the Falcons in June, and shouldn't crack the Bills' rotation at defensive tackle, meaning he won't hold any fantasy value. |
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| Bly injured | Thursday 8/7, 10:33 AM CT |
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Dre Bly suffered an arm injury during the morning workout Wednesday and did not return, according to the Denver Post.
Our View: The team is yet to determine the severity of the ailment. Bly only recorded 51 tackles in 2007, but holds value in IDP leagues that put an emphasis on interceptions, as he hauled in five. |
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| Shanahan praises injured rookie RB | Thursday 8/7, 10:29 AM CT |
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Coach Mike Shanahan praised injured rookie running back Ryan Torain, according to the Denver Post. Shanahan said, "He's one of the most gifted running backs I've been around for a long time. He is very similar to Terrell Davis when he came in. It's a big loss. I thought he had a chance to compete to be the starting running back."
Our View: Torain possesses a nice combination of agility and quickness for a 225-pound back, and had a shot to beat out Selvin Young for the starting gig at running back, and it is unfortunate that Torain will be out at least 6-8 weeks due to a broken elbow. But he should still move up keeper league draft boards following Shanahan's comments. |
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| Pennington to be released? | Thursday 8/7, 10:23 AM CT |
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Adam Schefter of NFL Network indicates that Chad Pennington is expected to be released by the Jets today, according to ProFootballTalk.com.
Our View: The Chiefs, Dolphins, Falcons, Bears, and Vikings, could be possible destinations for him if he wants a chance to start. The signing of Brett Favre made him expendable to the Jets, as they favor Kellen Clemens as their primary backup. |
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| Hood ailing | Thursday 8/7, 10:00 AM CT |
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Roderick Hood is nursing a slight contusion in his foot, but an MRI revealed nothing serious, according to the East Valley Tribune.
Our View: Hood has missed the last two practices but went through Wednesday’s walkthrough and will test his foot before Thursday's game against the Saints. He wants to play and will try to do so. He is projected to start at cornerback this season.
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| Rolle will get look on special teams | Thursday 8/7, 9:56 AM CT |
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Antrel Rolle will be given a look as a kick returner at some point during the preseason, according to the East Valley Tribune.
Our View: Steve Breaston's job as the primary return man does not appear to be in jeopardy right now, but the team does want to give Rolle a look as they like his ability to make things happen in the open field after he returned two interceptions for touchdowns last season against Cincinnati, and three overall. |
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| Leinart to start tonight | Thursday 8/7, 9:52 AM CT |
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Matt Leinart is going to start tonight's preseason game against the Saints, according to the East Valley Tribune. He is likely to see 15-20 plays, along with the rest of the first-team offense. Ken Whisenhunt said (regarding the starters), "Hopefully, we’ll get some good work out of them and have a couple good drives, and we can start looking at the younger guys." He added, "If we do well, move the ball and decide to keep the line in there just a little bit longer, then Kurt Warner will play. It’s really going to be dictated by how the game goes."
Our View: Leinart hasn't played since the fifth game of last season, and Whisenhunt wants to make sure he gets a good number of plays. The competition at quarternack between Leinart and Warner remains very close. |
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| Hackett displaying poor durability | Thursday 8/7, 9:44 AM CT |
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D.J. Hackett has displayed poor durability with the Panthers so far, and was carted off the field during practice Wednesday due to a toe injury, according to the Rock Hill Herald.
Our View: The injury is not believed to be serious, but fantasy owners should draft him with caution this season. He has potential to be a strong starting receiver, but will be hard-pressed to remain intact for a full 16-game slate. |
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| Robinson hopes to back for Week 1 | Thursday 8/7, 9:40 AM CT |
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Ryne Robinson is suffering from a sprained MCL and PCL in his left knee, but is hopeful to be ready for Week 1 against the Chargers, according to the Rock Hill Herald.
Our View: Robinson has performed well prior to getting hurt, and was a top candidate for the kick and punt returner role. |
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| Dizon to be watched closely | Thursday 8/7, 9:34 AM CT |
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The team has praised rookie Jordon Dizon's speed, athleticism, and high energy, but it remains to be seen if the undersized linebacker can handle the pounding and punishment from bigger and stronger NFL running backs, blockers, and tight ends, according to MLive.com.
Our View: He will be given his first real test tonight when the Lions face the Giants in preseason action. He is competing for a job at middle linebacker, and could potentially hold solid IDP value if he nails down the job. |
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| Smith to get 8-10 carries | Thursday 8/7, 9:29 AM CT |
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Kevin Smith will get 8-10 carries in his first preseason game tonight against the defending champion Giants, according to MLive.com. If he performs well, expect the talk to heat up about Smith stealing the starting job at running back from Tatum Bell.
Our View: Smith has potential to be a solid rookie sleeper, and will be on our radar tonight and through the remainder of camp. He has far more upside than Tatum Bell, who has already proven he cannot effectively handle a full workload with Denver. |
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| Jenkins to fill in for Newman | Thursday 8/7, 9:22 AM CT |
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Mike Jenkins will fill in for the injured Terence Newman at left cornerback in Saturday's preseason game against San Diego, according to the Dallas Morning News. Jenkins said, "I probably will be hyped up, but my main focus is to stay calm and work in the system."
Our View: Jenkins is talented enough to start right away in the NFL, but the Cowboys are deep at the position (if Pacman Jones gets reinstated), and Jenkins should be limited to a nickel or dime role as a rookie. |
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| Cassel batting Gutierrez | Thursday 8/7, 9:09 AM CT |
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Matt Cassel is battling Matt Gutierrez for the number two role at quarterback, according to the Boston Globe.
Our View: They will compete in preseason action tonight, when New England hosts Baltimore. Neither QB will hold any fantasy value as long as Tom Brady remains intact. |
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| Joseph having strong camp | Thursday 8/7, 8:39 AM CT |
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Johnathan Joseph is having a strong training camp, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. He has been covering Chad Johnson this week, and hauls in at least one interception a day.
Our View: He worked hard in the off-season conditioning program, and is also healthy after undergoing foot surgery in June 2007. He will start opposite Leon Hall this season, and is worth a look in IDP leagues as a late-round value pick. |
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| Sweed excited about Friday | Thursday 8/7, 8:00 AM CT |
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Limas Sweed is excited about his first preseason game against the Eagles Friday, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The rookie receiver said, "I feel like I'm capable of doing a lot of things and come Friday night I finally get a chance to show what I can really do."
Our View: Sweed is expected to play a lot against the Eagles, as Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes will likely only work for one series. |
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| Weary still ailing | Thursday 8/7, 7:50 AM CT |
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Fred Weary was supposed to be 100 percent recovered from his surgery to repair his tibia and fibula by now, but has been struggling since the onset of camp, according to the Houston Chronicle. Coach Gary Kubiak said, "It’s a concern right now. We thought he was in position where we could work him into it slowly. Obviously, he had other setbacks because of the surgery. He has a hamstring issue right now."
Our View: Weary was projected to start at right guard this season, but that looks to be in question now. He is a solid pro (when healthy) and would be a tough loss for the Texans' offensive line. |
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| Faggins solid in return | Thursday 8/7, 7:46 AM CT |
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DeMarcus Faggins has returned from his hamstring ailment, and put in three good practices so far, according to the Houston Chronicle. Coach Gary Kubiak said, "He seems to be OK health-wise. We’re going to have some tough calls at cornerback, so those guys have to play a lot. It’s going to be a tough group to make, so they’ve got to step up and do it."
Our View: Faggins struggled last season, but is still going to compete for a role with the team. He has a shot to start, as the Texans are thin at the position, but won't likely hold much fantasy value in IDP leagues. |
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| Davis pushing for starting spot | Thursday 8/7, 7:41 AM CT |
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Andre Davis is pushing for a starting spot at wide receiver opposite Andre Johnson, according to the Houston Chronicle. Quarterback Matt Schaub said, "He’s coming in with a lot of confidence. He attacked this offseason to get better and improve his intermediate route game. He’s been a big deep threat for us, but he’s developed into a much better all-around receiver for us. He’s had a tremendous two weeks here for us so far, and I’m excited to get him out there and find him in the air."
Our View: Davis finished the 2007 season strong, and returned two kickoffs for touchdowns in the finale against the Jaguars. He is battling Kevin Walter for the job, but is more explosive and more of a vertical threat than Walter. Davis has potential to be a late-round sleeper this season. |
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| Russell good to go Friday | Thursday 8/7, 7:16 AM CT |
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JaMarcus Russell is nursing a sore right elbow, but said he is good to go for Friday's exhibition against the 49ers, according to the SF Chronicle. Andrew Walter is also nursing a tired arm, but Coach Lane Kiffin said the injury is not a long-term concern.
Our View: Russell has been performing well in training camp, and his fantasy stock could rise with a solid showing in preseason action, starting Friday against San Francisco. |
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| Bush ready for game-day debut | Thursday 8/7, 7:09 AM CT |
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Michael Bush will make his game-day debut with the Raiders on Friday against the 49ers, according to the SF Chronicle. He knocked safety Gibril Wilson to the ground on a blitz Wednesday, which was one of many highlights for him so far through training camp. Coach Lane Kiffin said, "If he could practice like that every day, we'd really have something."
Our View: Bush could be a bruiser in the Raiders' offense, and should hold some fantasy value as he is projected to be a short-yardage and goal-line specialist, but his yardage will likely be limited while Justin Fargas and Darren McFadden handle most of the workload. |
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| Chiefs to give starters extended play | Thursday 8/7, 12:01 AM CT |
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The Chiefs are planning on letting the bulk of their starters (not including running back Larry Johnson and tight end Tony Gonzalez) work extended periods into their first preseason game of the season, played on Thursday night against the Chicago Bears, according to the Kansas City Star. “The young guys need to play a lot,” coach Herm Edwards said. “It’s according to what kind of team you’ve got. That’s the point we’re at right now. We’re not a veteran football team anymore. We’re the other way, so these guys have to play a lot."
Our View: The Chiefs are relying on a multitude of young players this year and thus the need to get comfort on the field is a priority. That will allow fantasy owners to get a decent view of the starting lineups (and see if there are any hidden gems beyond LJ, Gonzo, and Dwayne Bowe). |
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