| Hampton comes back to practice | Sunday 8/10, 11:29 PM CT |
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Steelers defensive tackle Casey Hampton has finally been allowed to practice with the team after losing enough weight to satisfy coach Mike Tomlin, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Hampton disputed the notion that he needed any extra motivation to lose weight. "I'm a grown man. I don't need no other grown man to motivate me," he said.
Our View: Hampton was taken off the PUP list and made his first practice of the season. It doesn't sound like he and Tomlin are necessarily on the same page, but as long as Hampton continues to anchor a very good Steelers defense, fantasy owners will take it. |
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| Boldin practices | Sunday 8/10, 11:16 PM CT |
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Cardinals receiver Anquan Boldin went through his first full practice for the first time since injuring his hamstring two days into camp, according to the Arizona Republic.
Our View: When Boldin is healthy, he is one of the premier receivers in the game, and a huge asset to fantasy owners. |
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| Pennington not necessarily the starter | Sunday 8/10, 11:10 PM CT |
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Chad Pennington may not be the starting quarterback for the Dolphins, and he'll have to compete for the starting job, according to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. "Chad is going to be competing. He knows that," said Dolphins coach Tony Sparano.
Our View: In all likelihood, Pennington is going to be the man behind center, but he is a few weeks behind, and coaches love the competition angle. Either way, he's an iffy fantasy prospect. |
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| Peters season is over | Sunday 8/10, 11:04 PM CT |
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Center Scott Peters was placed on injured reserve by the Arizona Cardinals due to a knee injury, according to NFL.com.
Our View: Peters was a former fourth-round draft pick who was expected to be a backup at center. |
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| Kassell put on IR | Sunday 8/10, 10:59 PM CT |
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Jets linebacker Brad Kassell was put on injured reserve today, ending his season, according to NFL.com.
Our View: Kassell provided depth at linebacker and held no fantasy value. |
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| 49ers sign Patrick | Sunday 8/10, 10:55 PM CT |
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Offensive lineman Chris Patrick has been signed by the San Francisco 49ers, according to the Sacramento Bee.
Our View: Patrick should provide depth on the offensive line should he make the squad. |
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| McGahee to have knee surgery | Sunday 8/10, 10:53 PM CT |
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Willis McGahee will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his left knee in what is being described as a "clean-up" procedure, according to the Carroll County Timees.
Our View: It is possible that McGahee could be back for the season opener, but no firm date has been set for his return. Obviously, this affects his fantasy status, and it is as important as ever to handcuff Ray Rice to McGahee in drafts. |
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| Vick to play football in '09? | Sunday 8/10, 10:23 PM CT |
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It is "98%" sure that disgraced quarterback Michael Vick will be playing football in 2009. Not in the NFL, but in the start-up United Football League, the league's commissioner, Michael Huyghue, told SI.com's Peter King.
Our View: The league will have six teams, so if Vick is suspended for the '09 season, joining one of them would allow him to be showcased for teams, so it's not out of the question that this happens. There will be a $20 million salary cap for the league, so Vick could conceivably make some nice coin. Consider him in the first round of your UFL fantasy football draft (and don't think there won't be UFL leagues). |
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| Spikes officially a Niner | Sunday 8/10, 10:04 PM CT |
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Linebacker Takeo Spikes has officially been signed by the San Francisco 49ers, according to ProFootballTalk.com.
Our View: Terms of the deal were not announced, and Spikes will join the 49ers young linebacking corps that includes Patrick Willis and Manny Lawson. |
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| Orton, Grossman still struggling | Sunday 8/10, 9:24 PM CT |
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Kyle Orton and Rex Grossman each struggled in practice today, reports the Chicago Tribune. According to the paper, Orton threw two interceptions, and Grossman was off-target with throws that were too high.
Our View: This is not shocking news. Neither will put up numbers that will affect fantasy teams - in a positive manner, anyway. |
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| King out for year | Sunday 8/10, 9:18 PM CT |
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Rams rookie cornerback Justin King will miss the rest of the season with a torn ligament in his left toe, according to the AP. The fourth-round pick suffered the injury in the team's preseason game against Tennessee.
Our View: Though the injury does not affect fantasy football, it is a blow to the Rams, as King was making a push to play significant snaps in the team's nickel and dime packages. |
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| Jones' arraignment Monday | Sunday 8/10, 8:40 PM CT |
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The arraignment for Jaguars wide receiver Matt Jones on felony drug chargers will be on Monday, according to the AP.
Our View: Jones had three catches in the team's first preseason game, and whether or not he makes the team is up in the air at this point. Drafting him for fantasy leagues is not advisable. |
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| Arrington has sprained toe | Sunday 8/10, 8:34 PM CT |
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Rookie wide receiver Adrian Arrington has a sprained toe that could keep him out of practice for over a week, reports the AP.
Our View: Arrington had been impressing in training camp and there was buzz that he could make the final roster. This will certainly hurt those prognostications, as rookies need to see the field to make the squad. |
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| Schweigert signs on with Giants | Sunday 8/10, 8:28 PM CT |
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Safety Stuart Schweigert was signed by the New York Giants after being released by the Washington Redskins earlier in the week, according to the AP.
Our View: Schweigert had a solid campaign last season with Oakland, but was cut, then cut again by Washington. He can certainly help a club, at the very least on special teams. |
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| Henderson waived | Sunday 8/10, 8:25 PM CT |
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The Giants cut their sixth-round pick, defensive end Robert Henderson, according to the Associated Press.
Our View: Henderson was injured in the team's preseason game on Thursday, and was deemed expendable. He'll likely catch on somewhere else. |
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| Jackson catching everything | Sunday 8/10, 8:22 PM CT |
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Chargers wide receiver Vincent Jackson has been impressive in training camp, and San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers used the term "unbelievable" when describing his play, according to Pro Football Weekly.
Our View: Jackson has been tantalizing fantasy owners for a couple years now, but maybe this is the one he breaks out. He clearly has the physical talent, he just has yet to put it all together. He is certainly a draftable player, though for depth only at this point. |
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| Bell could be headed to Canada | Sunday 8/10, 7:37 PM CT |
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Mike Bell could be playing in Canada sometime soon, as TSN.com reports that the BC Lions are interested in talking with him.
Our View: Bell was a Bronco last season and was with the Texans this preseason before getting cut due to being out of shape. This would eliminate Bell's fantasy value, except in CFL fantasy leagues, of course. |
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| Spikes soon to be a 49er | Sunday 8/10, 7:32 PM CT |
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Takeo Spikes will head to 49ers training camp to take a physical, and should he pass, it is likely he will sign with the team,according to the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat.
Our View: Spikes had shoulder surgery a year ago, and he had yet to sign with a team after playing for Philadelphia last season. |
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| Favre told to run a lap for fumbling | Sunday 8/10, 7:23 PM CT |
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Brett Favre wanted to be treated like another one of the guys, and that is exactly what happened at Jets practice today. Because he fumbled during a snap exchange with center Nick Mangold, the duo had to take a lap around the field, the normal punishment doled out by Jets coach Eric Mangini for such a gaffe, according to ESPN.com.
Our View: Favre is continuing to get his body acclimated to the physical rigors of football once again, so the extra running may have done him some good. |
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| Green is day-to-day | Sunday 8/10, 7:18 PM CT |
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Houston running back Ahman Green, after being injured on his first carry of the preseason, is listed as day-to-day with a pulled groin, according to HoustonTexans.com.
Our View: Green will sit out for a while, but he should be good to go when the regular season starts. Draft him if you dare. |
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| Berger signed | Sunday 8/10, 6:56 PM CT |
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Mitch Berger was signed to a one-year deal with the Steelers today, according to ESPN.com. He will replace Daniel Sepulveda as the punter. Sepulveda tore his ACL and is out for the season.
Our View: The 36-year-old Berger kicked in five games for Arizona last season, and averaged 40.7 yards per kick. |
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| Culpepper not signed by Steelers | Sunday 8/10, 6:53 PM CT |
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Correcting earlier reports, quarterback Daunte Culpepper was not signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers, only Byron Leftwich was, according to John Clayton of ESPN.com.
Our View: Culpepper is interested in a starting job, and the Steelers obviously cannot accommodate him in that respect, so they chose Leftwich. |
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| Seau would only play for Pats | Sunday 8/10, 5:15 PM CT |
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Junior Seau would only come back to the NFL to play for the Patriots, according to the Providence Journal. "Going in and playing for another team besides the Pats, it would be a waste of my time and a waste of theirs," Seau said.
Our View: Seau is recovering from a rotator cuff injury, and he'll likely only be needed by New England if they suffer an injury. |
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| Edwards injures foot | Sunday 8/10, 5:09 PM CT |
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Braylon Edwards had to go to the hospital to get his foot stitched up after teammate Donte Stallworth stepped on it, according to Cleveland.com. Edwards did not have shoes on and was wearing only socks participating in a "mock race" with Stallworth when the incident happened.
Our View: Edwards will not practice while the stitches are in his foot, and it is possible he will miss the team's next preseason game. It doesn't seem to be a very big deal, but fantasy owners and Browns fans would appreciate it if from now on their No. 1 receiver wore shoes at all times on the field. |
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| Steelers sign Leftwich | Sunday 8/10, 5:03 PM CT |
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Quarterback Byron Leftwich was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers today, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
Our View: Leftwich will be the backup to Ben Roethlisberger as Charlie Batch broke his collarbone and will miss more than a month. |
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| Andrews reports to camp | Sunday 8/10, 5:01 PM CT |
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Eagles guard Shawn Andrews has reported to training camp after a lengthy absence, according to ProFootballTalk.com.
Our View: Andrews was put on the PUP list upon arriving. He has missed time due to a bout with depression. |
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| Moore released | Sunday 8/10, 2:42 PM CT |
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Brandon Moore has been released by the 49ers, according to the Sacramento Bee.
Our View: Moore may have been released to make room for Takeo Spikes. Moore was competing for a backup role at inside linebacker prior to his release. |
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| Harrison back in starting lineup | Sunday 8/10, 2:00 PM CT |
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Marvin Harrison is back in the Colts' starting lineup and favorably hauled in three receptions for 22 yards in his first preseason outing against Carolina, according to the Indianapolis Star.
Our View: He was on the field for 15 plays, and the team felt he looked good and Jim Sorgi mentioned that he was in a groove. As of now, Harrison should be drafted as a No. 2 fantasy receiver. |
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| Dawson waived | Sunday 8/10, 1:50 PM CT |
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Clifton Dawson has been waived by the Colts, according to the Indianapolis Star.
Our View: Dawson had no chance to make the Colts, with Joseph Addai, Dominic Rhodes, Mike Hart, and Kenton Keith all firmly planted on the depth chart. |
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| Thomas signed by Lions | Sunday 8/10, 1:47 PM CT |
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Kiwaukee Thomas has been signed by the Lions, according to the Detroit Free Press. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Our View: He was released by the Bills last season after sustaining a groin injury. He replaces Stanley Wilson on the roster, who is out for the season. |
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| McDonald to be removed from PUP | Sunday 8/10, 1:44 PM CT |
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The Detroit Free Press indicates that the Lions are expected to remove Shaun McDonald from the PUP list Monday. He has been recovering from right knee surgery.
Our View: He will have a lot of work ahead of him as he tries to nail down the slot role in the Lions' aerial attack. Mike Furrey and Kenneth Moore are his top competition for the job. If he does manage to hold onto the slot role, he isn't likely going to challenge 79 receptions again with O.C. Mike Martz no longer calling the shots. |
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| Browns sign Mitchell | Sunday 8/10, 1:33 PM CT |
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Brandon Mitchell has been signed by the Browns, according to the Sporting News. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Our View: He spent his rookie campaign in 2007 on the Texans' practice squad. He has a fair shot to make the Browns' final roster, as the team is very thin at the cornerback position. |
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| Cargile waived | Sunday 8/10, 1:29 PM CT |
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Steve Cargile has been waived by the Browns, according to the Sporting News.
Our View: Cargile was claimed off waivers from Denver in May. He was not going to see much action at safety with Cleveland this season, and was trying to make the team as a special-teams contributor. |
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| Harper sustains concussion | Sunday 8/10, 1:26 PM CT |
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Nick Harper sustained a mild concussion on the first play from scrimmage in the Titans' preseason opener against the Rams Saturday, according to the Nashville City Paper.
Our View: Reynaldo Hill replaced him at left cornerback. Harper suffered a concussion last season as well, so the club will likely proceed with caution the remainder of the preseason. Harper is projected to start this season opposite Cortland Finnegan. |
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| Jones draws praise | Sunday 8/10, 1:20 PM CT |
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Jason Jones garnered praise from his team-mates Saturday after the Titans' preseason opener against the Rams, according to the Tennessean. He grabbed running back Brian Leonard in the backfield in the first quarter and tossed him for a 3-yard loss. He ended his outing with four tackles and veteran Albert Haynesworth said, "Including my rookie year, I've never seen a rookie that far along. If he keeps working like he is, he's going to be really, really good."
Our View: Jones could develop into a starter for the Titans, but should work as a backup in his first season, and his fantasy value will be limited. |
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| Mason has strong showing | Sunday 8/10, 12:55 PM CT |
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Marcus Mason had a strong showing in Saturday's preseason contest against the Bills, according to the Washington Post. Mason broke loose for 80 rushing yards on 16 carries.
Our View: That was the second good outing for him in the preseason, and the team will have a hard time keeping him in Washington if they try to stash him on the practice squad. Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts are locks to make the team, and Rock Cartwright is likely safe, so Eric Shelton could be the odd man out if the team decides to keep Mason. As a fantasy prospect, Mason would not hold much value as a fourth-string rusher. |
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| Dorsey could make debut Saturday | Sunday 8/10, 12:06 PM CT |
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Glenn Dorsey has missed a week due to a sprained left knee, but he has now returned to individual drills, and could play in Saturday's preseason contest against Arizona, according to the KC Star. Coach Herman Edwards said, "We’re bringing him along slowly. We don’t know what’s going to happen this week. We’ll see where he’s at. It’s good to see him back out there, that’s for sure."
Our View: Dorsey is projected to start at defensive tackle, and attempt to improve a Chiefs' run defense that ranked 28th in yards allowed per game in 2007. |
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| Poole released | Sunday 8/10, 12:02 PM CT |
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Will Poole has been released by the Chiefs, according to the KC Star.
Our View: Poole's career has been ruined by injuries, namely a torn ACL he sustained in 2005, and was not able to do enough to keep himself in the running for a roster spot with the Chiefs. |
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| Burress improving | Sunday 8/10, 11:58 AM CT |
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Plaxico Burress' injured right ankle is improving, according to Newsday. Coach Tom Coughlin said, "They think he is making progress and he's excited about it. I think his running has increased and hopefully we'll get something done here."
Our View: Burress has been wearing specially made shoes with orthotics both on and off the field for about a week. Coughlin is hoping to have Burress back on the field before the team leaves Albany next weekend.
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| Wilson released | Sunday 8/10, 11:53 AM CT |
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Injured offensive tackle Mark Wilson has been released by the Raiders, according to the Oakland Tribune.
Our View: Wilson sustained a season-ending broken leg, and he reached an injury settlement with the team. |
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| Thomas leaves practice | Sunday 8/10, 11:50 AM CT |
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William Thomas left practice Sunday, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Our View: The team did not disclose any information regarding an injury. Thomas is the anchor of the Eagles' offensive line at left tackle and the team cannot afford for him to be hurt, especially with Pro Bowl guard Shawn Andrews dealing with depression (was a no-show at morning practice). |
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| Samuel returns to practice | Sunday 8/10, 11:44 AM CT |
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Asante Samuel has returned to practice Sunday for the first time since July 26 due to a strained hamstring, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Our View: His return left Lito Sheppard and Sheldon Brown rotating at right cornerback with the first-team defense.
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| Andrews a no-show | Sunday 8/10, 11:40 AM CT |
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Shawn Andrews, who has been medically cleared to join the Eagles after feeling better and taking medication for depression, was not on the practice field for the Sunday morning session, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Our View: A team spokesman said Andrews was not yet at training camp and coach Andy Reid would address the two-time Pro Bowl guard's situation after practice. We will keep you posted when more news is disclosed regardinh his status. |
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| von Oelhoffen released | Sunday 8/10, 11:37 AM CT |
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Kimo von Oelhoffen has been released by the Eagles, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Our View: The Eagles replaced von Oelhoffen by signing rookie free agent defensive tackle Mike Marquardt.
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| Bryant fares well | Sunday 8/10, 11:33 AM CT |
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Antonio Bryant fared well in Saturday's preseason game against Miami, according to the St. Petersburg Times. He displayed toughness as he hauled in three difficult catches in traffic. Bryant said, "The hard part is timing and consistency. Guys have to know you. You don't run your routes exactly like you do on paper. But I think it felt good to get a live look again."
Our View: Maurice Stovall started the game in place of Joey Galloway, who sat out due to his groin injury. Bryant made a solid debut with the Buccaneers after being out of football in 2007, and he ranks as a dark-horse as a fantasy receiver for 2008. |
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| Anderson injured | Sunday 8/10, 10:52 AM CT |
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Charlie Anderson has sustained a hamstring injury during Saturday's game against Tampa Bay, according to the Miami Herald.
Our View: The team is yet to determine the severity of the injury. |
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| Pennington comments on mechanics | Sunday 8/10, 10:38 AM CT |
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Chad Pennington commented on his mechanics for the new season, according to the Miami Herald. He said, "I spent a lot of time this offseason really taking a look at the criticisms of me as a professional and seeing what I can do in bettering myself. One thing I tried to do was totally change my mechanics. I wanted to create the consistency on the down-the-field throws and velocity on the ball. It's never been a question on the velocity, but the consistency is where the criticisms always come from. It's a work in progress, but I found some really good results in training camp up to this point."
Our View: Pennington will be a sizable upgrade at the position for Miami, but his fantasy value could be hindered by a lack of a strong receiving corps and an unstable offensive line. |
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| Brown sees some action | Sunday 8/10, 10:33 AM CT |
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Ronnie Brown, who was a game-time decision, saw some action in Saturday's preseason game against the Buccaneers, according to the Miami Herald. He only rushed for four yards on three carries, but was viewed as a positive outing for him in his progress from reconstructive knee surgery. He said, "It's kind of weird. I felt good throughout camp and just coming in today, every now and then I got a little soreness. I expected a little bit of that during the game, but coming out I felt really good. I was surprised. It's kind of like, 'Hold on. Where the soreness at?"
Our View: This is a good step for him, and gives him a lot to build on in his preparation for Week 1. |
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| Williams looks great | Sunday 8/10, 10:27 AM CT |
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Ricky Williams looked great in Saturday's exhibition against the Buccaneers, according to the Miami Herald. He rushed four times for 32 yards, with a long of 12.
Our View: As said before, Williams appears worthy of a late-round pick in fantasy drafts. |
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| Dolphins may keep four quarterbacks | Sunday 8/10, 10:22 AM CT |
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Coach Tony Sparano noted that the Dolphins may carry four quarterbacks heading into Week 1, according to the Miami Herald. Sparano said, "Throughout the rest of training camp we'll see how things go. I expect that we'll have four quarterbacks for a while. We might just keep four quarterbacks at the end of this thing."
Our View: Chad Pennington looks to be the starter, with Josh McCown the projected primary backup. That will leave rookie Chad Henne and John Beck to fight for clipboard duty as the third quarterback on the depth chart, but it looks like both will make the final roster. |
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| Lions sign Cook | Sunday 8/10, 9:57 AM CT |
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The Lions have signed Damion Cook, according to MLive.com.
Our View: He hasn't been in the NFL since 2005, and isn't expected to make the final roster. |
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| Jeanty dealing with leg injury | Sunday 8/10, 9:52 AM CT |
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Rashad Jeanty could be out until the Bengals' third or fourth preseason game due to a leg injury, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.
Our View: He had a good chance to start at strongside linebacker this season, but will now fall behind Eric Henderson, Ahmad Brooks, and Daryl Blackstock in the competition for the job. |
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| Rivers may be listed as starter | Sunday 8/10, 9:47 AM CT |
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Rookie Keith Rivers missed 10 days and 12 practices of training camp during his holdout, but is quickly picking up the Bengals' defense and could be listed as the starting weakside linebacker on their new depth chart next week, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.
Our View: He would pass Brandon Johnson, and Rivers has the skills to generate solid numbers right away as a rookie if he nails down the starting job. |
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| Houshmandzadeh sits out | Sunday 8/10, 9:41 AM CT |
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T.J. Houshmandzadeh missed Saturday's practice as he is still dealing with a minor hamstring ailment, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.
Our View: Houshmandzadeh is doubtful for Monday's game against the Packers, but shouldn't be out too long. |
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| No. 3 role at receiver is tight | Sunday 8/10, 9:33 AM CT |
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Andre Caldwell is among five receivers battling for the number three role at wide receiver with the Bengals, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. Caldwell is a good blocker and willing to work on special teams, but looks slow and hesitant on pass routes while still learning the offense. He said, "I'm learning the defenses are a lot more complex, so I'm picking them up. We run our routes a little different here."
Our View: He is competing with Antonio Chatman, Glenn Holt, Marcus Maxwell, and fellow rookie Jerome Simpson, who was taken one round ahead of Caldwell in the draft. Chatman could have the edge for the job as he is the most experienced, but has been hindered by poor durability during his time in Cincinnati. |
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| Gostkowski sharp | Sunday 8/10, 8:57 AM CT |
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Stephen Gostkowski was sharp in Thursday's preseason opener against Baltimore as he went 3-for-3 on field goals, at distances of 36, 44, and 40 yards, according to the Boston Globe.
Our View: Gostkowski should remain a top-5 fantasy kicker in 2008. |
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| Woods makes impact | Sunday 8/10, 8:52 AM CT |
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Pierre Woods made a solid impact in Thursday's preseason outing against the Ravens, according to the Boston Globe. He saw significant action in the game, and generated a sack (on rookie Joe Flacco), and forced a fumble with a recovery. He said, "I just rushed up the field hard, and the ball was right there so I stripped it, and luckily I recovered it." He started opposite Adalius Thomas in the contest.
Our View: Woods should have no problem making the team, but his fantasy value will be limited while projected to back up Mike Vrabel. |
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| Sweed has solid debut | Sunday 8/10, 8:23 AM CT |
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Limas Sweed had a solid preseason debut against the Eagles, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Sweed only caught three passes for 23 yards, but displayed toughness on a three-yard grab in the second quarter. Rookie quarterback Dennis Dixon threw high to him over the middle on the play, but the 6-4 rookie jumped, caught the ball, was hit and landed on his head and shoulders, but hung onto the ball.
Our View: Sweed could be the eventual replacement for Hines Ward when he decides to hang up his cleats, and is off to a good start in his battle with Nate Washington for the number three role at receiver this season. |
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| Timmons stepping up | Sunday 8/10, 8:17 AM CT |
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Lawrence Timmons helped keep the Eagles out of the end-zone with two excellent plays on their first drive in the Steelers' preseason opener, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. On first down at the 13, quarterback Donovan McNabb completed a pass on the right side to Correll Buckhalter that mustered just three yards because Timmons closed quickly on the play and tackled him. Then, on third down from the 10, McNabb threw a pass into the left back corner of the end zone to Jason Avant that Timmons knocked away. Coach Mike Tomlin is excited about Timmons and said, "It was really what we expected. He showed us the things that he has been showing us in Latrobe and that he has been showing us even going back into the spring at the South Side facility. Lawrence is a run-and-hit guy. He did that tonight and made some plays for us."
Our View: Timmons is projected to start over veteran Larry Foote at inside linebacker this season, alongside James Farrior. Timmons, who was a first-round pick for Pittsburgh last season, has potential to emerge as a solid sleeper for 2008. |
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| Anderson stands out | Sunday 8/10, 7:53 AM CT |
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David Anderson stood out in Saturday's preseason outing against the Broncos, as he led the Texans with six receptions for 67 yards, according to the Houston Chronicle. He hauled in a 16-yard yard touchdown reception, which was his longest catch of the night. Star receiver Andre Johnson said, "I really like David. He’s real scrappy. You look at him, he’s a smaller guy, but he goes out and plays with a big heart, and that’s all that matters."
Our View: Anderson should make the team and is off to a solid start in the preseason, but his fantasy value will be limited while fighting for pass targets behind Andre Johnson, Kevin Walter, Jacoby Jones, and Andre Davis. |
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| Rosenfels is efficient against Denver | Sunday 8/10, 7:46 AM CT |
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Sage Rosenfels was efficient against Denver in Saturday's preseason contest, as he went 10-of-15 for 137 yards, according to the Houston Chronicle. He threw a touchdown pass to David Anderson, and also connected with Jacoby Jones on a 41-yard completion that set up a field goal.
Our View: The Texans are in good shape if Matt Schaub gets hurt. Rosenfels fired 15 touchdown passes in 2007, with a solid 64.2 completion percentage. |
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| Kris hits game winner | Sunday 8/10, 7:41 AM CT |
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Kris Brown hit a 25-yard field goal with no time remaining to lead the Texans to a 19-16 win over the Broncos in preseason action, according to the Houston Chronicle.
Our View: Brown is a solid clutch kicker, and has a strong leg as he nailed all five attempts from 50+ yards in 2007. He is off to a solid start in the preseason, and should remain a good value pick at the position. |
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| Pace looks rusty | Sunday 8/10, 7:34 AM CT |
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Orlando Pace worked 17 plays against the Titans in his first game since suffering a shoulder injury in the 2007 regular-season opener, and reasonably looked rusty, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. He was lined up against Pro Bowl end Kyle Vanden Bosch and Pace said, "It's a lot of rust to knock off. I had no real problems as far as pain or anything like that. My thing is more mental and just using the shoulder without thinking about it. And getting comfortable and doing the things I'm used to doing."
Our View: Pace has time to get sharp before Week 1, and his performance against the Titans could be viewed as a positive, as he had no issues with his surgically repaired shoulder. |
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| Rams' offense struggles | Sunday 8/10, 7:29 AM CT |
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With Steven Jackson away from the team due to a holdout and with Torry Holt limited, the Rams' starting offense struggled to move the ball against the Titans in exhibition action, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The starters only managed a 44-yard field goal on three possessions, and Marc Bulger completed a mere 3-of-9 passes for 29 yards, with an interception.
Our View: Bulger's performance was poor, but he (and the Rams' offense) still have plenty of time to get on track prior to Week 1. Hopefully Jackson will end his holdout soon. |
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| Branch needs surgery | Sunday 8/10, 7:17 AM CT |
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Tyvon Branch needs surgery on his injured thumb, according to the SF Chronicle. The team did not indicate when the rookie cornerback will be ready to return.
Our View: His absence will reopen the competition at kick returner. Johnnie Lee Higgins should be the top candidate, but Jonathan Holland will also get a look. |
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| Walter continues to perform well | Sunday 8/10, 7:13 AM CT |
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Andrew Walter continues to perform well, as he completed 10-of-12 passes for 82 yards in Saturday's exhibition against the 49ers, according to the SF Chronicle. Coach Lane Kiffin said, "Anytime someone plays that well, especially at that position, it builds your confidence in him. Andrew has gone through a lot, and I think it made him stronger."
Our View: The Raiders are content with him as their primary backup behind JaMarcus Russell, which is why the club didn' make a run at any free agents at the position. |
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| Bailey injured | Sunday 8/10, 7:00 AM CT |
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Boss Bailey sustained a sprained ankle during preseason action against the Texans Saturday, according to the Denver Post.
Our View: He is having trouble staying healthy, as he was previously dealing with a sore right knee in practice. His ankle could put him out for a few weeks, but an MRI will give the Broncos a better estimate. |
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| Rookie Hester rushes for 2 TDs vs Dallas | Sunday 8/10, 12:40 AM CT |
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As the Chargers look to solidify their roster for the coming season, rookie fullback-in-training-for-tailback Jacob Hester is making a strong case to join the squad as the team's secondary rusher, according to the Associated Press. Hester ran for two touchdowns and the Chargers defeated the Dallas Cowboys 31-17 Saturday night in the first preseason game for each team. San Diego’s third-round draft pick out of LSU, Hester scored on runs of 1 and 2 yards. He gained 49 yards on 13 carries.
Our View: Hester is competing with Darren Sproles to replace Michael Turner as the backup for two-time defending NFL rushing champ LaDainian Tomlinson. Sproles gained 7 yards on five carries and had a 5-yard touchdown run, one of three first-half rushing TDs for San Diego. |
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| Ryan impresses in NFL debut | Sunday 8/10, 12:09 AM CT |
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New Falcons coach Mike Smith, who came to Atlanta after five years as the Jaguars’ defensive coordinator, played each of his four quarterbacks in tonight's preseason opener against his former employer, including 1st-round pick Matt Ryan , according to the Associated Press.
Our View: Ryan completed 9 of 15 passes for 113 yards and a touchdown. Smith said he sent Ryan in the game after only two series because he wanted to make sure the rookie faced the Jacksonville first-team defense, and he failed to let the opportunity slip by. If he keeps this up, it will be hard to deny him a shot as the starter in the regular season. Stay tuned. |
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