| Batch breaks collarbone | Friday 8/8, 9:08 PM CT |
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Steelers' backup quarterback Charlie Batch suffered a broken right collarbone on Friday night and is expected to miss about a month of action, according to ESPN.
Our View: Daunte Culpepper and Byron Leftwich will compete for the primary backup job while Batch is on the shelf, with Dennis Dixon also in the mix. |
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| Pennington signs with Dolphins | Friday 8/8, 8:40 PM CT |
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Chad Pennington has signed a two year deal to join the Dolphins, according to Fox Sports. Terms have not yet been announced.
Our View: Pennington will almost certainly enter Week 1 as the Dolphin's starter, and though he isn't an overly inspiring fantasy option, he makes a nice backup option now that he is in a position where he will be allowed to start. |
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| Porter amongst Jaguars injured | Friday 8/8, 6:53 PM CT |
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Jerry Porter will be one of up to 10 Jaguars players who are unavailable top play in the preseason opener, according to NFL.com.
Our View: Porter is progressing well in his comeback from hamstring surgery, but he is still a long ways off from returning to action. |
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| Details on Westbrook's deal emerge | Friday 8/8, 5:30 PM CT |
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Updating an earlier story, Brian Westbrook's newly signed deal with the Eagles appears to include an additional $13 million over what he was scheduled to make the next couple of seasons, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Our View: Westbrook will make $21 million over the next three seasons and that he cold earn up to $24 million if certain individual performances levels are reached. None of this is official yet, but a "source" for the paper stands behind the figures. |
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| McNabb strong early in camp | Friday 8/8, 5:12 PM CT |
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Donovan McNabb has looked strong early in camp firing spirals all over the field while running with the first team offense, according to Pro Football Talk.
Our View: The only real news to report here is that Kevin Kolb, and not A.J. Feeley, is the backup quarterback on the depth chart. McNabb simply needs to stay healthy to put up numbers that place him in the top-10 of quarterbacks. |
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| Smith could be on way out of San Francisco | Friday 8/8, 4:50 PM CT |
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The 49ers QB competition is still open, but if Alex Smith fails to impress and gain the starting job there is a chance the team could even go so far as to cut their former first overall selection, according to Matt Maiocco of the Santa Clara Press Democrat.
Our View: While this is unlikely to happen, the fact that the team has discussed the option shows you just how unimpressed the team has been with his lack of understanding of the new offense and performance on the field. J.T. O'Sullivan actually appears to be in the lead to start for the club right now. |
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| Bucs offer for Favre was sub par | Friday 8/8, 4:45 PM CT |
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Brett Favre apparently wanted to join Tampa Bay but with details emerging of the offer the Bucs made it is no surprise that Favre was instead sent to the Jets, according to the St. Petersberg Times.
Our View: The Bucs offered Chris Simms and a 4th round pick for Favre. However, the pick would only vest if Favre played two seasons in Tampa. If the Bucs really wanted Favre, they needed to make a better offer than that. |
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| Boldin nearing return | Friday 8/8, 4:40 PM CT |
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Anquan Boldin didn't play in the Cardinals first game but he did participate in some positional drills before their preseason opener, according to the Arizona Republic.
Our View: Boldin appears to be in line to return to practice next week and is hopeful of playing in the Cardinals game next Saturday. |
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| Westbrook agrees to new deal | Friday 8/8, 3:58 PM CT |
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Brian Westbrook has agreed to terms with the Philadephia Eagles on a new contract Friday, according to the AP. The Eagles did not disclose details of the agreement with Westbrook, who had been seeking a contract similar to the eight-year, $60 million contract that LaDainian Tomlinson signed with the San Diego in 2004. Coach Andy Reid said, "As I’ve said many times, I believe Brian Westbrook is the best running back in football. He can do it all from that position, whether it’s running, catching the football or blocking."
Our View: Westbrook got his new deal out of the way, and should resume his role as a top-5 fantasy running back this season. |
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| Rodgers sharp on Friday | Friday 8/8, 3:49 PM CT |
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Aaron Rodgers was sharp in Friday's morning practice, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. He was 10-of-15 with two touchdowns, and was 6-of-8 on his two-minute drive. Greg Jennings made an incredible one-handed grab for a touchdown to end practice. Rodgers had scrambled on the play, and then zipped a ball in late and a little high to Jennings, but he made it work.
Our View: Rodgers ranks as a solid No. 2 fantasy quarterback, with upside to be a favorable starter. |
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| Grant misses practice | Friday 8/8, 3:43 PM CT |
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Ryan Grant sat out Friday's morning practice due to a tight hamstring, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.
Our View: The severity of the ailment is yet to be disclosed. |
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| Rodgers fires agent | Friday 8/8, 3:40 PM CT |
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Aaron Rodgers has fired his agent, Mike Sullivan, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. Sullivan said, "Aaron has decided to go in a different direction as far as an agent. While I am disappointed with his decision, I wish him the best."
Our View: Sullivan has represented Rodgers since he was drafted in 2005, and no reason was disclosed as to why Rodgers fired him. |
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| Andrews medically cleared | Friday 8/8, 3:26 PM CT |
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Shawn Andrews has been medically cleared to join the Eagles, according to the Philadelphia Daily News. The Eagles play in Pittsburgh Friday night and are off Saturday, so Andrews' first workout with his teammates could be Sunday.
Our View: The Pro Bowl guard has been taking medication for depression and has started to feel better, which is good news regarding the Eagles' offensive line. |
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| Pennington on Chiefs' radar? | Friday 8/8, 3:21 PM CT |
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Chad Pennington is reportedly on the Chiefs' radar, according to the KC Star.
Our View: He would be reunited with coach Herman Edwards, who worked together for five seasons with the Jets. Pennington would serve as a more stable backup to Brodie Croyle than Damon Huard or Tyler Thigpen. Pennington is still expected to land in Miami, where he will have a chance to compete for the starting quarterback job. |
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| Harrison has bounce in his step | Friday 8/8, 3:05 PM CT |
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Marvin Harrison has reportedly shown the ability to gain separation again, and is practicing with a "bounce in his step," according to the Indianapolis Star. He dropped three balls during practice Thursday, but the Colts are very pleased with his progress from off-season knee surgery.
Our View: Defenses should be focusing on the younger Reggie Wayne this season, leaving the future Hall of Famer to take advantage of more one-on-one coverage. It would not be surprising if Harrison bounces back to put up strong numbers this season, going by what the Colts are reporting right now. |
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| Williams returns | Friday 8/8, 2:56 PM CT |
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Corey Williams missed much of training camp due to a left shoulder injury, but made an appearance in Thursday's preseason game against the Jets and made a solid impact, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer. He got in for two snaps at defensive end, and helped stuff quarterback Kellen Clemens for no gain on a 4th-and-1 on his second play.
Our View: Williams only made 35 tackles (26 solo) over 16 games with Green Bay last season, but reached seven sacks with three forced fumbles and an interception, and should hold favorable fantasy value in larger IDP leagues in his first campaign with Cleveland in 2008. |
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| Wilson performs well in opener | Friday 8/8, 2:48 PM CT |
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Travis Wilson performed well in the Browns' preseason opener against the Jets as he hauled in receptions of 17 and 18 yards, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer. The second catch, which ended on the Jets' six-yard-line, led to a one-yard touchdown by running back Jason Wright. Wilson caught the pass in zone traffic on the left side, and later made another nifty grab for 23 more yards.
Our View: Wilson has improved his bid to serve as the Browns' number three receiver in the slot opposite starters Braylon Edwards and Donte Stallworth. He could emerge as a late-round fantasy sleeper, when you consider the potency of the Browns' aerial attack, which also features stud tight end Kellen Winslow. |
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| Race at MLB remains very close | Friday 8/8, 2:23 PM CT |
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Nate Webster and Niko Koutouvides have split time almost evenly at middle linebacker with the first-team defense through training camp, according to the Rocky Mountain News. Coach Mike Shanahan said, "It's very close, and obviously practice and game situations will dictate who will start, but I feel good about both of them."
Our View: Webster is currently ahead of Koutouvides, but there is still a long way to go before the Week 1 starter is selected. The winner of the job would have potential to rack up solid fantasy numbers. |
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| Jackson moves to split end | Friday 8/8, 2:18 PM CT |
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Darrell Jackson has been moved from the flanker position to split end, according to the Rocky Mountain News. Jackson said, "I've got to get some work at 'X' because the first two or three games Brandon won't be there. So I have to get a little more experience at the position."
Our View: Jackson is moving to split end to cover for Brandon Marshall during his suspension at the start of the season. Jackson should start in Week 1 alongside rookie Eddie Royal. When Marshall returns from his suspension, Jackson will either start at flanker or work as a backup, depending on how well Royal performs over the first three games. |
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| Johnson to get reps with starters | Friday 8/8, 2:09 PM CT |
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Coach Jeff Fisher indicated that the first-team offense will play into the second quarter in Saturday's preseason game against the Rams, and Chris Johnson is expected to gets reps with the starters, according to the Nashville City Paper.
Our View: LenDale White will start the game, but Johnson is going to push him for the starting gig at running back. O.C. Mike Heimerdinger likes to throw the ball, and loves Johnson's potential and ability as a pass-catcher. |
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| Bironas remains out | Friday 8/8, 2:05 PM CT |
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Rob Bironas remains out while he recovers from a groin ailment, according to the Nashville City Paper.
Our View: The team trainers expect him to be fine, and he will be held out to insure he is ready for Week 1. |
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| Lowry misses practice | Friday 8/8, 1:59 PM CT |
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Calvin Lowry missed practice Thursday because of a lower back strain suffered in the morning special teams session, according to the Nashville City Paper.
Our View: The injury is not believed to be serious, and he is considered day-to-day. He is projected to back up Chris Hope at strong safety, and his fantasy value will be limited. |
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| Vikings not likely to add Pennington | Friday 8/8, 1:53 PM CT |
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The Vikings are not believed to be among the teams interested in recently released field general Chad Pennington, according to the Star-Tribune.
Our View: There was speculation that Pennington would be a good fit with the Vikings, but they are committed to Tarvaris Jackson as their starter and are content with Gus Frerotte as the primary backup. The Dolphins are said to be the most likely to sign Pennington. |
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| Salaam undergoes surgery | Friday 8/8, 1:35 PM CT |
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Ephraim Salaam underwent arthroscopic surgery to repair cartilage damage in his left knee Friday and is expected to be out three to four weeks, according to the Houston Chronicle. Coach Gary Kubiak said, "Ephraim got up Thursday morning and felt something under his kneecap. He got an MRI, and they did the scope after it. We expect him to be back for the start of the season."
Our View: He was competing with first-round pick Duane Brown for the starting job at left tackle. The team feels Brown's athleticism will fit their blocking system well. |
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| Robinson nursing tailbone injury | Friday 8/8, 1:29 PM CT |
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Laurent Robinson is not expected to play much, if at all, in the Falcons' first preseason game due to a tailbone injury, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Our View: He has missed camp time and is listed as day-to-day, but has not lost ground to Michael Jenkins in his bid to start opposite Roddy White this season. |
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| Moore performing well | Friday 8/8, 1:25 PM CT |
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Rookie Kareem Moore has been performing well so far in training camp, according to the Washington Post.
Our View: The team is especially pleased with his body control and the efficiency of his movement. The sixth-round pick out of Nicholls State should see a lot of action in Saturday's preseason game, but isn't going to challenge for a starting spot this season, behind Laron Landry and Reed Doughty. |
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| Schable leaves clinic | Friday 8/8, 1:16 PM CT |
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A.J. Schable has been released from the Cleveland Clinic Friday after leaving Thursday's preseason battle against the Browns on a stretcher, according to the NY Daily News.
Our View: He suffered an apparent neck injury in a head-to-head collision with an unidentified Browns' player, and was motionless for several minutes on the field. Coach Eric Mangini noted that Schable has regained movement in his arms and legs. |
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| Harrison cleared for Carolina | Friday 8/8, 12:27 PM CT |
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Coach Tony Dungy expected Marvin Harrison to miss at least the first two preseason games, but he has now been cleared to play with the first-team offense against Carolina on Saturday, according to the TribStar.com. Dungy said, "He actually wanted to work those two practices Thursday. Made it through okay. Felt good and wants to get a little bit of work in at Carolina. He really hasn't had a setback all camp. He feels good. So that's been one of the better pieces of news coming out of camp."
Our View: Harrison's fantasy stock looks to be back on the rise, and could prove to be a draft day steal if he continues to progress at his current pace. |
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| Walker fully committed | Friday 8/8, 12:19 PM CT |
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Javon Walker commented that he is fully committed to the Raiders and wants the team to forget that he considered retiring, according to ESPN. He said, "I want people to know why I thought about it, but I also want it to go away, too. But people need to know I am fully committed to this team. I will not leave. I am very excited about the season. I had had a lot of things going on internally."
Our View: This is encouraging news, but he remains a risky fantasy prospect, due to his durability. |
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| Blakley to miss two weeks | Friday 8/8, 12:15 PM CT |
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Dwayne Blakley is expected to miss about two weeks due to a strained groin, according to the Nashville City Paper.
Our View: He will miss valuable practice time, but coach Jeff Fisher feels he has been going a really good job in camp, and thinks he is a smart player and a solid blocker. He should make the Titans' final roster. |
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| Hanson sustains thigh injury | Friday 8/8, 11:20 AM CT |
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Jason Hanson strained his left thigh while kicking a 50-yard field goal against the Giants Thursday, according to the Detroit Free Press.
Our View: The severity of the ailment is yet to be revealed. |
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| Harrison practices twice a day | Friday 8/8, 11:12 AM CT |
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Marvin Harrison practiced twice a day Thursday for the first time, according to the Indianapolis Star. He was previously only working once a day since his return from an offseason arthroscopic procedure on his right knee.
Our View: He isn't expected to play Saturday, but Tony Dungy believes he may be ready to play next week or against Buffalo August 24. |
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| Archer waived | Friday 8/8, 11:08 AM CT |
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Injured linebacker Brandon Archer has been waived by the Colts, according to the Indianapolis Star.
Our View: The team claimed Danny Verdun-Wheeler off waivers from Washington to take Archer's spot on the roster. |
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| Lehan behind schedule | Friday 8/8, 11:04 AM CT |
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Michael Lehan is way behind schedule in his recovery from an ankle injury, according to the Palm Beach Post. He cannot run without a limp and has trouble coming to a quick stop, putting a lot of pressure on the joint.
Our View: He was competing for the starting job at cornerback opposite Will Allen, but now looks to begin the season as a backup. |
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| Williams not in danger of missing 08? | Friday 8/8, 10:31 AM CT |
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Chris Williams underwent surgery to repair a herniated disc in his back, but team GM Jerry Angelo does not believe the rookie offensive tackle is in jeopardy of missing the entire season, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Angelo said, "Well, you know the good news is we'll get him back in the season, at some point during the season. We have to wait and see probably for a few weeks and see how the rehab is. We were hoping it was muscular, meaning it was spasms. When they gave him another look they determined it was a herniated disc and so, but the good news is we're going to get him back."
Our View: John Tait may now be forced to start at left tackle heading into Week 1, where he is less effective. Williams' absence will not bode well for the Bears' passing game. |
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| Figurs has good night on ST | Friday 8/8, 10:25 AM CT |
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Yamon Figurs had a good night on special teams in Thursday's preseason game against the Patriots, according to the Baltimore Sun. He returned a punt 52 yards to set up a Ravens' touchdown, and later ran a kick return back for 48 yards. Figurs made an explosive stutter-step move on the punt return, buying enough time before he found a lane down the left sideline. He stepped out at the Patriots' 2-yard line.
Our View: Figurs once again ranks as a solid prospect as a return man in leagues that reward points for special teams. |
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| Smith to start 2nd preseason game | Friday 8/8, 10:17 AM CT |
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Coach John Harbaugh decided that Troy Smith will start the Ravens' next preseason game, according to the Baltimore Sun. Boller started the first game of the preseason against the Patriots, and had two costly turnovers. Joe Flacco failed to impress as well.
Our View: Smith has a good shot to be the starting quarterback for the Ravens, and will improve his chances if he fares well in his next outing with the first-team offense. |
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| Cherilus struggles | Friday 8/8, 10:10 AM CT |
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Rookie offensive tackle Gosder Cherilus gravely struggled in his preseason debut against the Giants Thursday, according to the Detroit Free Press. He was flagged for three penalties in the outing, a hold and two false starts.
Our View: He was projected to start at right tackle right away as a rookie this season, but is off to a very poor start so far in the preseason. Hopefully his next outing will be better, for the sake of the Lions' offense. |
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| Cowboys thrilled with Jones | Friday 8/8, 9:34 AM CT |
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The Cowboys are thrilled with rookie running back Felix Jones, namely for his potential as a pass-catcher, according to the Star-Telegram. The team feels Jones can make an immediate impact in the aerial attack, and in change-of-pace situations.
Our View: Marion Barber will likely get most of the carries on the ground, but Jones could hold favorable fantasy value in PPR leagues as a weapon in the passing game. |
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| Dizon fares well in preseason debut | Friday 8/8, 9:17 AM CT |
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Rookie linebacker Jordon Dizon fared well in his preseason debut Thursday against the Giants, according to MLive.com. He most notably made an outstanding tackle on fourth-and-1 near midfield to force the Giants' offense to surrender the football on the opening possession of the second half.
Our View: He is off to a good start in his bid to claim the starting job at middle linebacker.
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| Johnson puts back injury behind him | Friday 8/8, 9:14 AM CT |
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Calvin Johnson has seemingly put his back injury from 2007 behind him, as he hauled in four receptions for 78 yards (all in the first quarter) in the Lions' preseason opener Thursday against the Giants, according to MLive.com.
Our View: Johnson could be on the verge of a breakout campaign with the Lions, evidenced by last night's strong performance. |
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| Jackson fails to impress | Friday 8/8, 9:07 AM CT |
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Chad Jackson failed to impress in his bid for the number three role at receiver with the Patriots, as he only caught one pass for zero yards in Thursday's preseason game against Baltimore, according to the Boston Globe. He looked rusty, dropped a pass he should have hauled in, then was involved in a public dispute with Matt Cassel after the quarterback's pass was intercepted by Fabian Washington in the first quarter. On the play, Jackson kept going while Cassel was trying to throw the ball to his back shoulder on a stop fade. Jackson also gave up on a crossing route in the second quarter.
Our View: Jackson was not available for comment after the game. He looked solid in training camp, and has reportedly been making strides, but has taken a step backwards following his dismal performance in the preseason opener. |
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| Texans add Tucker | Friday 8/8, 8:48 AM CT |
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Free agent offensive tackle Torrin Tucker has signed with the Texans, according to the Houston Chronicle.
Our View: Tucker failed to hang on with the Buccaneers, Cowboys, and Raiders, but was added to the Texans as Ephraim Salaam (knee), Scott Jackson (foot), and Fred Weary (leg) are all nursing injuries. |
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| Bell placed on waivers | Friday 8/8, 8:44 AM CT |
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Mike Bell has been placed on waivers by the Texans, according to the Houston Chronicle.
Our View: Bell showed up to camp out of shape, then he sustained a hamstring injury. The Texans have several talented backs fighting for a roster spot at running back, like rookie Steve Slaton and former Titan Chris Brown, and Bell was not likely to make the team in his current condition. |
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| Bowen placed on IR | Friday 8/8, 8:40 AM CT |
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As expected, rookie linebacker Alvin Bowen has been placed on the IR after tearing the ACL in his right knee last week, according to the Buffalo News.
Our View: Bowen had the skills to be a future starter with the Bills, but now his development will be hindered following his season-ending injury. |
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| O'Neal working as punt returner | Friday 8/8, 8:36 AM CT |
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Deltha O'Neal currently ranks ahead of Antonio Chatman as the Bengals' primary punt returner, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.
Our View: O'Neal is not competing for a starting job at cornerback, and trails David Jones for the number three spot, so the team is giving him a chance to hold a solid role on special teams. |
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| Parker to prove leg has healed | Friday 8/8, 8:08 AM CT |
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Willie Parker will get his first chance to show that his broken leg has healed sufficiently when the Steelers face the Eagles in tonight's preseason opener, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. He has looked fast in training camp and said, "I keep talking about this leg. I'm tired about talking about this leg."
Our View: He will work with the first-team offense in the game, which means he won't see much action. |
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| Brackett returns to practice | Friday 8/8, 8:00 AM CT |
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Gary Brackett returned to practice Thursday, which was four days earlier than expected, according to ESPN. He has been dealing with hip and groin ailments. Coach Tony Dungy said, "Yes, Gary's back and it's good to have him back."
Our View: The team did not indicate if Brackett, who racked up 116 tackles in 2007, will play in Saturday's preseason game against the Panthers. |
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| Jackson holdout update | Friday 8/8, 7:46 AM CT |
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Steven Jackson's holdout has reached 14 days, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. He has missed 18 total practices and has been fined $211,624.
Our View: Every day that he misses moves him one step closer to not being ready to play in Week 1 against the Eagles. |
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| Witherspoon nursing ailment | Friday 8/8, 7:41 AM CT |
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Will Witherspoon sustained a bruised shoulder during practice Wednesday, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Our View: He is just feeling sore, and should be fine to suit up for Saturday's exhibition game after getting some rest. |
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| O'Sullivan in QB race | Friday 8/8, 7:36 AM CT |
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J.T. O'Sullivan is in the competition for the starting job at quarterback, and had another solid day of camp Thursday, according to the SF Chronicle. On the day, he completed his first 12 passes, the latter six on downfield throws in 11-on-11 drills. Only a drop by Josh Morgan on a deep pass kept O'Sullivan from a perfect 15-for-15 day. Alex Smith had a pair of nice touchdown passes, but was intercepted once, and almost twice. Shaun Hill did nothing special, and went 12-for-17.
Our View: O'Sullivan is expected to start tonight's game against the Raiders, but does not mean he is at the top of the 49ers' depth chart. We will keep you posted on his progress. |
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| Bruce may not play tonight | Friday 8/8, 7:29 AM CT |
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Isaac Bruce may not play tonight in the 49ers' preseason opener against Oakland, according to the SF Chronicle.
Our View: He isn't hurt, and the 49ers just want him well-rested for the regular season, and already know what he can do. |
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| Higgins to field punts | Friday 8/8, 7:27 AM CT |
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Johnnie Lee Higgins will field punt returns in tonight's game against the 49ers, according to the SF Chronicle.
Our View: He has the speed and athleticism to be dangerous in the open field, and could excel as a return man. He is also competing for the slot role at receiver. |
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| Raiders expected to sign Elling | Friday 8/8, 7:24 AM CT |
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The Raiders are expected to sign free agent kicker Aaron Elling, according to the SF Chronicle.
Our View: Sebastian Janikowski "tweaked" his left kicking leg during two-a-days Wednesday, and is doubtful for tonight's preseason game against the 49ers. The Raiders do not have another placekicker on the roster. |
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