| Asomugha sufferes mild foot injury | Tuesday 8/12, 11:31 PM CT |
|
Oakland Raiders cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha injured his foot during Tuesday's practice, according to the Oakland Tribune. “(Nnamdi’s) foot was bothering him about a third of the way through practice, so we sent him to get an X-ray,” coach Lane Kiffin said.
Our View: Asomugha sat out a good deal of Monday night’s practice as well, but Kiffin said the first the team heard about any problem was Tuesday. The injury doesn't sound serious, but if it is, we will keep you posted. |
|
| Porter returns to practice | Tuesday 8/12, 11:26 PM CT |
|
Linebacker Joey Porter returned to practice Tuesday evening, after sitting out Saturday's exhibition game and the first two practices this week with a sore back, according to the Palm Beach Post. Porter rode the exercise bike and didn't practice in the morning, but he joined his teammates in the evening. "I'd rather practice," he said. "The sideline working out is worse than practice."
Our View: Porter is a key ingrediant to the Miami pass rush, an aspect they will need if they hope to compete this season. The injury is minor and the Fins are looking to keep him fresh regardless. |
|
| Green returns to practice with Pats | Tuesday 8/12, 11:23 PM CT |
|
New England defensive end Jarvis Green has returned to practice and appears to be on pace for playing on Week 1 of the regular season, according to the Providence Journal.
Our View: Green has been rehabilitating his surgically-repaired shoulder but worked hard to stay in shape. He's reportedly five pounds under his normal playing weight, but the reports from camp today suggest he is in fine form and looking to get right back into work that ranked him as one of the top young defenders in the game last season. His shoulder pain began midway through last season, but Green dealt with it and played in all 19 of New England’s games last season, recording 64 tackles, 7½ sacks, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. Green’s return adds valuable depth to the Patriots’ defensive line. When Richard Seymour began last year on the physically unable to perform list, it was Green who started in his place. |
|
| Steelers still battling at center | Tuesday 8/12, 11:04 PM CT |
|
The Pittsburgh Steelers continue to move forward with hopes of identifying their starting center, though the choice is proving more difficult than first expected, according to SLAM Sports. Offseason free-agent acquisition Justin Hartwig will start Thursday night against the Buffalo Bills in Toronto after last season's starter, Sean Mahan, started the pre-season opener against Philadelphia last week.
Our View: Mahan-Hartwig is the hottest competition for a Pittsburgh starting spot. The only other clear-cut battle is at punter, where veterans Paul Ernster and Mitch Berger will each get equal opportunities to punt in the final three pre-season games until Tomlin decides on a replacement for Daniel Sepulveda, who is out for the season after knee surgery. Either can fill the role admirably, and we expect both to see snaps in crucial situations this season. |
|
| Hester working behind Chicago center? | Tuesday 8/12, 10:54 PM CT |
|
As if the situation in Chicago isn't troubling enough, reports from training camp today indicate the Bears are experimenting with plays that will line return phenom-turned-receiver Devin Hester behind center to throw passes, according to the Chicago Sun Times.
Our View: The team wants to get Hester involved, no doubting that, and now they appear ready to make him a complete threat matched by few in the league. Stay tuned. |
|
| Jones likely won't play | Tuesday 8/12, 10:36 PM CT |
|
Running back Kevin Jones said it is unlikely he will play in the Bears next preseason game, according to ChicagoBears.com.
Our View: Jones said it's not for sure that he will sit out, but he probably will. Jones also added that he very well could play the week after this. Check out our Fantasy Football Impact Report on Jones at the top of this page for more on his fantasy status. |
|
| Rodgers-Cromartie injures ankle | Tuesday 8/12, 9:35 PM CT |
|
Cardinals first-round draft pick Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie was carted off the field when he injured his right ankle in practice, according to the AP.
Our View: There was no information on exactly what the injury was, or how long Rodgers-Cromartie will be out. The team said they will know more tomorrow. |
|
| Sanders, Freeney nearing return | Tuesday 8/12, 9:00 PM CT |
|
The Colts expect both defensive end Dwight Freeney and safety Bob Sanders to return to practice after they are removed from the PUP (physically unable to perform) list later this week, according to the Indianapolis Star.
Our View: Neither has been cleared to hit anybody -- teammate or otherwise -- by team physicians. Each opened training camp on PUP, Sanders for a third consecutive summer following offseason shoulder surgery and Freeney after undergoing surgery on his left foot that forced him to miss eight games last season, including the playoff loss to San Diego. The target date for their return has been Friday. There's a chance it might be moved up a day or two. |
|
| Chargers using patience with Jackson | Tuesday 8/12, 8:56 PM CT |
|
Chargers receiver Vincent Jackson returned to practice today, but he only participated in individual work, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune.
Our View: Jackson is nursing a pulled hammy, not a serious concern at all. However, he's played so well early on the Bolts want to insure he is all good to go for Week 1 of the regular season. Thus you can expect a light load the rest of the way through training camp. |
|
| Texans sitting Johnson versus Saints | Tuesday 8/12, 8:29 PM CT |
|
Houston wideout Andre Johnson is likely miss the teams upcoming preseason game versus the New Orleans Saints, according to the team's official website. Coach Gary Kubiak visited with reporters today and was asked about AJ and his potential appearance in the upcoming preseason battle, to which he responded, “No, I don’t see that right now. I think he could; he could push. We went through an individual with him today, and he actually did a little bit more. But I don’t think it makes sense right now to push him to that point this week.”
Our View: Ask any fantasy owner and we hope you would find relief in this decision. We do not want this top target risking further injury in a meaningless game, and thus Kubiak has provided a bit of relief. There is no reason to believe these health issues will last into the regular season, but we will continue to track the news on him moving forward. |
|
| Morgan could be a starter | Tuesday 8/12, 8:27 PM CT |
|
49ers wide receiver Josh Morgan could wind up being one of the starters for the offense because of how well he's played, according to the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat.
Our View: Morgan is a rookie sixth-round selection, and those type of players rarely contribute immediately, especially at receiver, but Morgan has been the talk of camp so far. Don't go so far as to draft him on your fantasy squad, but pay close attention to how he does early in the season. |
|
| CJ wants to be Ocho Cinco... literally | Tuesday 8/12, 8:06 PM CT |
|
It appears Cincinnati receiver Chad Johnson is finally jumping with both feet into the crazy pool as we learn he has taken the first steps in the state of Florida toward legally changing his last name to Ocho Cinco, according to Pro Football Talk.
Our View: Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson was fined $5,000 for wearing “Ocho Cinco” on the back of his jersey before a game in 2006. If Johnson follows through on this, his actual, legal name will be Chad Ocho Cinco, and the NFL would then (we assume) allow him to put his new last name on the back of his jersey. |
|
| Stanley playing defense as well | Tuesday 8/12, 8:03 PM CT |
|
Rams receiver Derek Stanley spent some of today's practice playing on the defensive side of the ball, according to ESPN.com. "Derek is such a great athlete and has played the position before. It is something that I wanted to look at," said Rams head coach Scott Linehan.
Our View: This is probably a good thing for Stanley, because the more he can do, the better chance he has at staying on the team. He has no fantasy value either way, and is still fighting to make the roster. |
|
| Lions rejected by Bentley | Tuesday 8/12, 8:00 PM CT |
|
It wasn't too long ago we reported the Lions had withdrawn their name from negotiations for the services of free-agent center LeCharles Bentley . Today we learn Detroit was interested, had made an offer, and Bentley said, "No thanks," according to Pro Football Talk.
Our View: A league source tells PFT the Lions actually offered Bentley a one-year deal worth in excess of $1 million, and that Bentley passed. We continue to hear several teams are interested in Bentley, but the prevailing attitude is that he should sign a one-year deal for relatively low money in order to prove that he’s healthy. Bentley is looking for more, and thus we wait to see how this ends. We'll track the situation and keep you posted. |
|
| Runyan doesn't necessarily believe Andrews | Tuesday 8/12, 7:56 PM CT |
|
Offensive tackle Jon Runyan doesn't know whether or not to believe teammate Shawn Andrews that he was suffering from depression, according to ESPN.com. "It's hard to believe it because I know how he is. Knowing him, he could be playing a joke on all of us," he said.
Our View: Not surprising coming from the world of football, where macho is confused with being tough, and if you can't see an injury, it doesn't exist. The NFL is just now understanding how to deal properly with concussions, and they'll eventually start recognizing issues like this, but it may take a while. |
|
| Steelers sign DE Huntley | Tuesday 8/12, 7:33 PM CT |
|
The Steelers have signed defensive end Kevin Huntley and released rookie defensive tackle Kyle Clement, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune Review.
Our View: The 6-foot-7, 270-pound Huntley, who was recently waived by the Redskins, has played parts of two NFL seasons. He had 10 tackles and 2 1/2 sacks for the Raiders in six games in 2006. Playing in five games for the Falcons last season, the 26-year-old Huntley was credited with three tackles. |
|
| Rogers progressing | Tuesday 8/12, 7:27 PM CT |
|
Redskins cornerback Carlos Rogers is making progress with his knee, and may see some playing time in the team's next preseason game, reports the Washington Post. Rogers, a former first-round selection, underwent reconstructive knee surgery last year.
Our View: Rogers has not been a bad player, nor has he excelled. He suffered the knee injury in Week 8 last season, and has been out ever since. |
|
| Moore officially a Cardinal | Tuesday 8/12, 7:22 PM CT |
|
Updating an earlier story, linebacker Brandon Moore has officially signed with the Arizona Cardinals, keeping him in the same division of his former squad, the San Francisco 49ers, according to the AP.
Our View: Moore will probably serve as depth for the Cardinals, and can play either inside or outside. |
|
| Coe done for the year | Tuesday 8/12, 7:02 PM CT |
|
A few days ago the Colts announced defensive back Michael Coe would miss two weeks after undergoing knee surgery, but today we learn he is likely to miss the entire season as the Colts have decided to place him on the injured reserve list, according to the Associated Press.
Our View: Coach Tony Dungy had said Coe was likely to miss at least eight weeks and Indianapolis hoped to wait until the two roster cutdowns before making a decision. The plan changed Tuesday when Dungy announced they couldn't wait for Coe to return because they needed a roster spot. |
|
| Burress practices | Tuesday 8/12, 7:00 PM CT |
|
Plaxico Burress made his first practice in pads this season, according to the AP. He did not go full bore, but did run a few routes.
Our View: Burress has an ankle injury, so he has missed all of camp. He also wants a new contract, though this injury situation is not believed to be some type of ploy. Burress is a valuable commodity on fantasy squads, so his improving health is an encouraging sign. |
|
| Fins may think two passers are enough | Tuesday 8/12, 6:57 PM CT |
|
The early suggestions that the Dolphins would rotate all of their quarterback options through work with the first-team offense have been scrapped, according to Florida Sun Sentinel. For the past two days newly acquired veteran Chad Pennington has worked exclusively with the first team while rookie quarterback Chad Henne , who had an impressive exhibition showing on Saturday night, got the bulk of the work with the second team.
Our View: We have every reason to believe, following this and various reports since Pennington was added upon his release from the Jets, that the John Beck experiment in Miami is over, and now we wonder if Josh McCown is safe as well. When asked about McCown and Beck taking very few snaps - if any at all - during team drills, coach Tony Sparano said he's seen enough of the two over the course of training camp's first two weeks and in the team's organized training activities in the summer to understand what they offer and where they stand with the plan moving forward. The coach went on to emphasize that the Fins want to get Henne as many reps as possible in the preseason, and that leads us to believe they may view him as a worthy backup candidate that could allow the team to move forward with two quarterbacks. We'll keep on eye on the situation, but there is almost no reason to believe Beck will be with the team much longer.
|
|
| Horn wants out | Tuesday 8/12, 6:57 PM CT |
|
Joe Horn truly wants out of Atlanta. So much so that he may be willing to give up some of his $2.5 million salary he is owed if a trade can be worked out, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "I'm even contemplating giving some money back to further this thing along," he said.
Our View: Horn is being placed behind younger receivers, so he is getting few opportunities to play. His fantasy value is insignificant at the moment, but moving to another club would raise it. |
|
| Elam working to correct technique issues | Tuesday 8/12, 6:49 PM CT |
|
Reports out of Atlanta have kicker Jason Elam working on technique following two missed field goals, coming from 49 and 54 yards, against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the Falcons' first preseason game of the season, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution.
Our View: Elam evaluated tape of his kicking motion during the game and in practice leading into the loss and realized his mechanics were off. He has spent the past two days making corrections. We will see if he can improve in the Falcons' preseason home opener on Saturday against Indianapolis. |
|
| Whitner back in practice | Tuesday 8/12, 6:37 PM CT |
|
Bills safety Donte Whitner returned to practice today, missing recent sessions with a bum ankle, and participated in all team activities both on and off the field, according to the team's official website. "The ankle feels good," said Whitner after practice. "There's a little bruise on there. It's just a minor injury that you play through. You just want to get healthy at this time so when the season rolls around it's not holding you back from playing your best."
Our View: Whitner is a crucial part of this effort and will be needed if the Bills are going to compete with their division mates in the AFC East. Whitner admits there is still some discomfort, but believes he can play through it. As for his status for Thursday night the Bills strong safety wants to see how his ankle responds to the day's work, but Dick Jauron believes Whitner will suit up for the Steelers game. |
|
| Kaeding appears to be on track and ready | Tuesday 8/12, 6:27 PM CT |
|
Chargers kicker Nate Kaeding says that he feels as strong and as confident as he ever has, and Saturday’s preseason opener provided the fifth-year kicker with an opportunity to show just how good he’s feeling, according to the team's official website. Kaeding suffered a fractured fibula in his plant leg late last season, but he appears to be in full health after booting a 53-yard field goal in the second half of the Bolts’ win over the Dallas Cowboys Saturday to continue what has been an impressive training camp from the former Iowa Hawkeye.
Our View: Kaeding was a perfect 4-for-4 on field goals in the AFC Championship Game, just four weeks after suffering the injury. He took some time off to let his leg heal and then immediately went back to work. Kaeding spent an extensive amount of time this offseason targeting areas where he could improve his physical strength. He joined other NFL kickers, NBA players and an assortment of athletes at St. Vincent’s in Indianapolis where he trained for several weeks. In addition to improving his strength, Kaeding tweaked a couple of his techniques in hopes of improving his game. Thus far in training camp, it looks like the work has paid off. |
|
| Ngata returns to practice | Tuesday 8/12, 5:14 PM CT |
|
Ravens defensive tackle Haloti Ngata returned to practice for the first time since spraining his MCL, though he only participated in individual drills, according to BaltimoreRavens.com.
Our View: Ngata eats up blockers in the middle of the Baltimore defense, so his return is a welcome sight to Ravens defenders and those who have drafted their D/ST unit. |
|
| Clemens now in battle for No. 2 job | Tuesday 8/12, 4:44 PM CT |
|
Jets quarterback Kellen Clemens came into training camp with the opportunity to earn the starting job with the team. Then Brett Favre was acquired, and everything changed. It has changed so much, in fact, that Clemens is now fighting Brett Ratliff for the backup job to Favre.
Our View: Talk about a dramatic fall. As things go along, it's still likely Clemens will retain the No. 2 job, but he needs to step it up in preseason games. He has no value in fantasy football. |
|
| Galloway may not play in preseason | Tuesday 8/12, 4:40 PM CT |
|
Joey Galloway likely will not play a down of football in the preseason, according to the St. Petersburg Times. "We rested him last year and I'm still resting him," Bucs head coach Jon Gruden said.
Our View: Galloway is suffering from a strained groin, and though he did not play much last year in the preseason and still excelled, you have to wonder if he can just turn on the jets out of the gate in Week 1. Fantasy owners should keep this in mind before drafting him. |
|
| Taylor misses practice | Tuesday 8/12, 4:35 PM CT |
|
Redskins defensive end Jason Taylor is suffering from a case of plantar fasciitis and missed practice today, according to the Washington Post.
Our View: The malady could show up from time to time, but the Redskins say they will monitor the situation. |
|
| Newman back soon | Tuesday 8/12, 4:32 PM CT |
|
Cowboys corner Terence Newman will be back practicing with the Cowboys shortly, according to the Dallas Morning News.
Our View: He isn't going to play in the team's next preseason game, but he could be back the week after. Dallas has a deep group of corners, but Newman remains a key part of their defense. |
|
| Moore close to signing with Big Red | Tuesday 8/12, 4:28 PM CT |
|
Linebacker Brandon Moore, previously cut by San Francisco, is close to signing a contract with the Arizona Cardinals, according to the Arizona Republic.
Our View: Moore was a backup in San Fran last season and would likely fill the same role in Arizona. |
|
| Hamstring lingering for Landry | Tuesday 8/12, 3:20 PM CT |
|
LaRon Landry's most recent MRI of his hamstring revealed a lingering strain, according to the Washington Post.
Our View: Although this has been an ongoing problem for the past three weeks, Coach Zorn says Landry will be fine for the start of the season, and we have no reason not to believe him...yet. |
|
| Franks in familiar territory | Tuesday 8/12, 3:09 PM CT |
|
Everything isn't new for Brett Favre in New York. His former go-to guy tight end Bubba Franks is a familiar face, and is lending a helping hand, according to the AP. “I’m here when he needs me,” said Franks, who played with Favre for eight seasons with the Packers. “Our lockers are right next to each other. I’m here if he needs me. If he has any questions, he knows who to ask.”
Our View: Franks hasn't been fantasy relevant for sometime, even in New York expect more of the same this year. |
|
| Pennington getting most reps | Tuesday 8/12, 2:43 PM CT |
|
The evidence that Chad Pennington is in fact the starting quarterback for the Dolphins continues to show itself during team practices. John Beck and Josh McCown continue to be bystanders during practice, according to the Orlando Sun-Sentinal. "What I have seen is, I've seen between spring and now, about over 500 throws," Tony Sparano told the paper. "I've seen an awful lot of them. I'm starting to get a pretty good picture one way or the other. I need to see, certainly more Chad Pennington."
Our View: Sparano seems to be playing off Pennington's current status. Coaches in the league knows what they have with Pennington, and a team isn't going to sit their starter on the sidelines during the heat of training camp to evaluate a backup. Pennington is the 'Phins starter Week 1 barring an injury. |
|
| Feely officially released | Tuesday 8/12, 2:36 PM CT |
|
Following up on an earlier report, Jay Feely was in fact released by the Dolphins, this according to the Orlando Sun-Sentinel. "The decision was based purely on numbers and performance, and (Dan) Carpenter has outperformed him right now," said coach Tony Sparano. "That's the bottom line. We charted a ton of categories with the kickers and Carpenter has outperformed him."
Our View: Dan Carpenter will begin the season as the Dolphins place kicker. His fantasy value is directly related to the Miami offense. 'Nuff said. |
|
| Taylor to benefit | Tuesday 8/12, 1:32 PM CT |
|
With both Deion Branch and Bobby Engram out, it looks like Courtney Taylor could be the huge beneficiary. Courtney Taylor will compete with Ben Obomanu for the No. 2 spot at wide receiver across from Nate Burleson.
Our View: Taylor could be a huge sleeper if he can claim the job. |
|
| Dawson re-signed by Colts | Tuesday 8/12, 1:20 PM CT |
|
Running back Clifton Dawson has been re-signed by the Colts, according to the Indianapolis Star.
Our View: With Addai, Rhodes, Hart, and Keith all ahead of him on the depth chart, Dawson is very unlikely to make the opening day roster. |
|
| O'Sullivan leading QB battle | Tuesday 8/12, 12:42 PM CT |
|
On his radio show Tuesday morning, Coach Mike Nolan confirmed that J.T. O'Sullivan is currently leading the 49ers' quarterback competition, according to the Santa Rosa Press Democrat.
Our View: Expect the QB competition to continue, although it seems offensive coordinator Mike Martz is a strong O'Sullivan backer. |
|
| Broncos ink Dada | Tuesday 8/12, 12:10 PM CT |
|
The Broncos have signed Defensive back Omowale Dada, according to NFL.com.
Our View: The Broncos released CB Lamont Reid to clear room for Dada. |
|
| Ravens sign fullback Neal | Tuesday 8/12, 12:06 PM CT |
|
The Ravens have signed four-time Pro Bowl fullback Lorenzo Neal , according to the Baltimore Sun.
Our View: Neal, although 37, adds much needed versatility and depth to the Ravens backfield. |
|
| Gates runs and catches | Tuesday 8/12, 11:59 AM CT |
|
Chargers tight end Antonio Gates ran routes and caught passes on the sidelines before team practices on Tuesday, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. Although he is progressing, Gates is still experiencing a lot of discomfort saying, "It's not as comfortable as it looks. I got through it. The pain is tolerable.”
Our View: Gates is on the PUP list and has yet to practice with the team this training camp. Although Gates has made some strides forward, there's still a chance he could miss the start of the season. |
|
| McCareins rejoins practice | Tuesday 8/12, 11:31 AM CT |
|
After missing 11 days with a sore hamstring, Justin McCareins has returned to Titans practice, reports the Nashville City Paper.
Our View: McCareins injury was minor and shouldn't effect him once the season begins. |
|
| Andrews yet to practice | Tuesday 8/12, 10:55 AM CT |
|
A team source said Shawn Andrews likely would not line up on the field until the Eagles break camp and begin practicing at the NovaCare Complex this weekend, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer & Daily News.
Our View: Andrews was put on the PUP list upon arriving. He has missed time due to a bout with depression. |
|
| Bess primary slot reciever | Tuesday 8/12, 10:51 AM CT |
|
It appears undrafted rookie receiver Davone Bess has taken over as the Dolphins primary slot reciever, according to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Our View: Bess seems to have earned a roster spot at a thin position in Miami. |
|
| Melton inked by Ravens | Tuesday 8/12, 9:16 AM CT |
|
The Ravens have signed linebacker Terrence Melton, according to the Carroll County Times.
Our View: Don't expect Melton to be ready for week 1. The Ravens signed Melton to beef up their special teams unit. |
|
| Campbell signed by Ravens | Tuesday 8/12, 9:13 AM CT |
|
The Ravens have signed defensive tackle Darrell Campbell, according to the Carroll County Times.
Our View: Don't expect Campbell to be on the week 1 roster. |
|
| Bodden ready to retake starting role | Tuesday 8/12, 9:09 AM CT |
|
Cornerback Leigh Bodden recieved a $27 million contract extension just after training camp started, yet he is still seeing most of his practice reps with the second team. We can expect that to change as defensive coordinator Joe Barry has said, "“If we started the game tomorrow and the offense (required three cornerbacks), Leigh Bodden would start the game,” reports the AP.
Our View: With that sort of money invested we fully expect Bodden to be a starter come week 1. |
|
| Leinart gets red zone action | Tuesday 8/12, 8:55 AM CT |
|
Matt Leinart is expected to stay in games when the Cardinals are in the red zone this season, according to the East Valley Tribune. Coach Ken Whisenhunt said Leinart is "much better this year" in terms of changing plays at the line.
Our View: Last year Kurt Warner, even when he was backing up Leinart, came in when the Cardinals had a goal-line situation. This year, indications are that Leinart will be in the game no matter where the offense has the ball. |
|
| Dolphins will release Feely | Tuesday 8/12, 8:50 AM CT |
|
The Dolphins will release Jay Feely, according to Profootballtalk.com.
Our View: Feely's kicking days in Miami are now over. He will have to earn a spot kicking for another team (Denver? Kansas City?) if he wants to resume his football career. Undrafted rookie Dan Carpenter will take over the kicking duties in South Beach. |
|
| Williams hurts neck | Tuesday 8/12, 7:57 AM CT |
|
Vikings saftey Madieu Williams could miss up to six weeks with a neck injury, leaving his status for Weeks 1-3 up in the air, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.
Our View: It is not clear when Williams injured his neck or the extent of the damage, but he was held out of contact as early as August 4. |
|
| Janikowski returning soon | Tuesday 8/12, 7:44 AM CT |
|
Sebastian Janikowski is expected back by the Raiders' third preseason game, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.
Our View: The Raiders are calling his injury only a minor "tweak" so this shouldn't effect his regular season performance. |
|
|
|
