| Merriman has virus | Thursday 8/14, 11:32 PM CT |
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Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman has missed practice for three consecutive days and he may not play in the team's preseason game against St. Louis due to a virus, according to the AP.
Our View: The report states that Merriman is suffering from a fever and strep throat, but has been feeling better recently. |
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| Delhomme's elbow passes another test | Thursday 8/14, 11:17 PM CT |
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Jake Delhomme was average in Carolina's exhibition loss to the Eagles on Thursday, though his surgically repaired elbow passed the test. Delhomme threw 14 passes and completed nine of them, or ten if you count the interception he threw. Those completions accounted for a measly 54 yards, an average of 3.9 yards per attempt.
Our View: Not necessarily a great night for presumed starting quarterbacks this evening. Both Delhomme and McNabb have seen better games and will need to play better for their squads to win during the regular season. |
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| Jackson catches seven passes | Thursday 8/14, 11:13 PM CT |
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Philadelphia second-round pick DeSean Jackson had a very productive game for the Eagles, snaring seven passes for 71 yards and returning five punts for 46 yards in his team's exhibition win over Carolina.
Our View: Jackson has a much better chance to positively affect the Eagles through special teams than he does as a receiver, and will probably help fantasy owners most by scoring return touchdowns for the Eagles D/ST unit. |
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| Stewart gains three yards | Thursday 8/14, 11:09 PM CT |
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Panthers first-round pick Jonathan Stewart is still recovering from his injured toe, and it showed in the team's 24-13 exhibition loss to Philadelphia. Stewart carried the ball four times and gained only three yards total.
Our View: That was an ugly performance by Stewart. He can afford to go to the toe excuse once or twice, but if he is going to play as much as fantasy owners think he will, Stewart will need to step up from here on out. |
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| McNabb shaky | Thursday 8/14, 11:05 PM CT |
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Quarterback Donovan McNabb had a shaky night in the Eagles preseason game against the Panthers, going 11-for-24 for 98 yards, an average of just 4.1 yards per pass.
Our View: 4.1 is a good average ... for a running back. This is not the McNabb that people want to see. He's never been the most accurate quarterback in the world, but he'll need to improve on Thursday's performance. |
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| Mendenhall gains 30 yards | Thursday 8/14, 10:18 PM CT |
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Steelers first-round pick, running back Rashard Mendenhall, got the ball 11 times on Thursday, but gained just 30 yards, though he did score a touchdown in his team's 24-21 preseason loss to Buffalo.
Our View: Head coach Mike Tomlin had said that Willie Parker would be the one to get the goal-line carries, but obviously Mendenhall received those duties Thursday. It may not mean much, however, except that Parker's night was done. |
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| Edwards throws two touchdowns | Thursday 8/14, 10:14 PM CT |
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Bills quarterback Trent Edwards threw two touchdowns in his 9-for-11 performance as the Bills took down the Steelers 24-21 in preseason action. Edwards finished with 104 yards.
Our View: Edwards still can't be a guy trusted to fantasy teams, but this performance bodes will for the young quarterback's confidence heading into the season. |
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| McKelvin returns kick for TD | Thursday 8/14, 10:10 PM CT |
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A prolific return man in college, Bills first-round selection Leodis McKelvin showed that skill in tonight's preseason game against the Steelers, returning a kick 95 yards for a touchdown.
Our View: McKelvin can be a boon for fantasy owners interested in drafting the Bills D/ST unit for their squad. It is not yet known if McKelvin will return kicks during the regular season, but it will be difficult for the Bills to ignore his talents. |
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| Roethlisberger looks good | Thursday 8/14, 10:08 PM CT |
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Ben Roethlisberger had a good game in the Steelers preseason contest against Buffalo, throwing 11 passes and completing nine of them for 142 yards with one touchdown and one interception.
Our View: Roethlisberger avoided injury and hooked up with Santonio Holmes for a 40-yard touchdown. Solid night that fantasy owners will take. |
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| Hayden injures heel | Thursday 8/14, 8:41 PM CT |
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Colts cornerback Kelvin Hayden injured his right heel at Colts practice, but it is just thought to be a bruise, according to the AP. "I don't think it's too serious," head coach Tony Dungy proclaimed.
Our View: Hayden had a great year and will once again start on the outside for the team's defense, which is certainly a fantasy-worthy group should they stay relatively healthy. |
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| Burnett to have surgery | Thursday 8/14, 8:38 PM CT |
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Kevin Burnett will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his left knee to remove loos cartilage and will be back in around a week, according to the AP.
Our View: The injury is not serious, as the MRI he had earlier found no damage to the ACL or any other major parts in the knee. |
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| Favre cuts back on throws | Thursday 8/14, 7:32 PM CT |
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Brett Favre has seen fewer reps at practice due to his tired arm, according to the New York Post.
Our View: Favre is simply getting acclimated to the rigors of football once again, and a sore arm is part of that process. He should be fine for the team's preseason game. |
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| Ainge not long for Jets | Thursday 8/14, 6:58 PM CT |
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The Jets fifth-round selection, quarterback Erik Ainge, has not been impressive in camp and he is a prime candidate to get cut, according to the New York Daily News.
Our View: Ainge has not been getting many reps in practice, and he is currently behind Brett Ratliff on the depth chart. |
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| Bush out for preseason game | Thursday 8/14, 6:53 PM CT |
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In his quest to prove that he will not be a bust, the Saints game against the Texans loomed large for Reggie Bush because he would be taking the field against the player he will always be compared to - Texans DE Mario Williams. Alas, that will not happen, because Bush will not play in the game due to swelling in his left knee, according to the New Orleans Times-Picayune.
Our View: Bush tore his posterior cruciate ligament in the same knee last year, but the injury is not thought to be serious, and sitting out is simply a precaution. |
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| Russell struggling | Thursday 8/14, 6:21 PM CT |
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Quarterback JaMarcus Russell was not impressive overall in training camp, according to Jerry McDonald of the Contra Costa Times.
Our View: Quarterbacks traditionally take some time to develop, and Russell is on that path after missing so much time due to his contract impasse last season. He has little to no fantasy value. |
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| Barrett restructures contract | Thursday 8/14, 6:16 PM CT |
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Cornerback David Barrett has restructured his contract in hopes of avoiding becoming a salary cap casualty, according to the New York Daily News.
Our View: Barrett had a solid year last season, but he will make $2.4 million in base salary, down from $3.6 just to make sure he remains on the squad. |
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| Warner will make start | Thursday 8/14, 6:11 PM CT |
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Kurt Warner will start for the Cardinals during their preseason game against the Chiefs, according to the East Valley Tribune.
Our View: Don't read too much into this. Matt Leinart is still going to be the starter, but Whisenhunt wants to get Warner some reps with the first-team offense. |
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| O'Sullivan will start game | Thursday 8/14, 6:07 PM CT |
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J.T. O'Sullivan will start the team's preseason game against the Packers, according to ProFootballTalk.com.
Our View: O'Sullivan has been the best performer in practice according to reports, so now he will have his chance to go up against another team's No. 1 defense. |
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| McKinnie could get four game suspension | Thursday 8/14, 5:52 PM CT |
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Vikings tackle Bryant McKinnie will likely get suspended four games for violations of the NFL's personal conduct policy, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. McKinnie has had a number of off-field incidents, and was last arrested in February after a brawl.
Our View: McKinnie is a big part of the Vikings offense, so this will be a difficult loss to overcome. |
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| Olivea placed on IR | Thursday 8/14, 3:51 PM CT |
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Shane Olivea has been placed on the IR due to his ailing back, according to the Star-Ledger. He hurt his back early in camp following one of his strongest practices. The team was hopeful he was improving but he never returned to the field.
Our View: Olivea was released by the Chargers after a bout with painkillers affected him on and off the field. Olivea is expected to be released with an injury settlement by the Giants once he gets healthy.
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| QB battle remains tight in Chicago | Thursday 8/14, 2:51 PM CT |
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Bears' O.C. Ron Turner stated that the quarterback competition between Rex Grossman and Kyle Orton is about even, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. That makes the second preseason game Saturday against the Seahawks one of the most important games of the year. The Bears gravely need one of the quarterbacks to step forward and direct a couple of solid scoring drives. They need something to produce some confidence in this offense. Turner added, "This game is going to be huge."
Our View: Coach Lovie Smith previously noted when camp opened that he'd like to have a starting quarterback selected in time for the August 21 game against San Francisco at Soldier Field, the third preseason game that traditionally serves as a dress rehearsal. Both options will hold low fantasy value in 2008. |
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| Rams sign Davis | Thursday 8/14, 2:44 PM CT |
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The Rams have signed Tanard Davis, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Our View: He worked on the Eagles' practice squad last season, and is not likely to see the field much if he manages to make the Rams' final roster. |
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| Burress guarantees he'll be ready | Thursday 8/14, 2:33 PM CT |
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Plaxico Burress guarantees he will be ready to play in Week 1 against Washington, according to the NY Daily News. His injured right ankle is doing well. His bigger issue at the moment is getting used to the orthotics that he’s now required to wear in both shoes (because, he said, he’s got flat feet). As a result, both of his feet are sore, and he said the orthotics are going to take some getting used to.
Our View: Burress noted he will not return to practice fully until he is 100 percent, but he expects to be near that by the time the Giants play the Redskins, which will be a Thursday night game.
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| Taylor in good spot | Thursday 8/14, 2:27 PM CT |
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Coach Mike Holmgren commented that he expects the starting flanker to lead the Seahawks in catches this season, and Courtney Taylor is currently working in that spot with Deion Branch and Bobby Engram both on the shelf with injuries, according to the News Tribune. Nate Burleson is expected to play at split end.
Our View: Taylor could emerge as a super-sleeper to employ at the start of the season. Ben Obamanu is also in the mix for the flanker job for Week 1. |
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| Kerney back at practice | Thursday 8/14, 2:19 PM CT |
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Patrick Kerney has returned to practice Thursday, according to the Seattle Times. He has been dealing with a strained calf.
Our View: If healthy, Kerney would be a top-10 defensive lineman for IDP leagues. He is coming off a strong 2007 campaign in which he racked up 60 tackles (49 solo), 14.5 sacks, and one interception with five forced fumbles. |
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| Hasselbeck returns to practice | Thursday 8/14, 2:15 PM CT |
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Matt Hasselbeck has returned to practice Thursday, according to the Seattle Times.
Our View: Hasselbeck may miss the next preseason game Saturday, but should get plenty of work in during the Seahawks' third exhibition outing. |
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| Martin dealing with concussion | Thursday 8/14, 2:03 PM CT |
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Ruvell Martin sustained a concussion on Monday when Marvin White knocked him out of action during the Packers' preseason battle with Cincinnati, according to the Green Bay Press-Gazette. Martin called it the best shot he has ever taken, and added, "I got blasted in my jaw and was out."
Our View: Martin said he feels OK, but coach Mike McCarthy all but ruled him out for the Packers' next preseason game on Saturday. |
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| Flynn pushing for No. 2 role | Thursday 8/14, 1:58 PM CT |
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Matt Flynn is pushing Brian Brohm for the primary backup job at quarterback behind starter Aaron Rodgers, according to the Green Bay Press-Gazette. Brohn currently leads the competition but coach Mike McCarthy said, "I think Matt’s definitely closing the gap, there’s no doubt about it. I think he’s really been pushing Brian here probably about the last eight to 10 days. I think Matt is getting more comfortable."
Our View: Flynn was a seventh-round draft pick out of LSU. Flynn is intelligent and makes good decisions, but lacks a strong arm and a quick release, and has far less upside than Brohm at the NFL level. |
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| Wynn to miss next game | Thursday 8/14, 1:51 PM CT |
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DeShawn Wynn will not play in the Packers' next preseason game due to an ankle ailment, according to the Green Bay Press-Gazette.
Our View: Wynn cannot afford to miss preseason action, as he is battling Vernand Morency and Noah Herron for a roster spot behind starter Ryan Grant and primary backup Brandon Jackson. |
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| Harvey holdout update | Thursday 8/14, 1:40 PM CT |
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Derrick Harvey's holdout has now reached 20 days, according to the Florida Times-Union.
Our View: He is the only first-round pick still unsigned. The Jaguars had intentions of starting him at right defensive end this season, but now he is leaving the team with a void at the position. |
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| Williams has resumed running | Thursday 8/14, 1:36 PM CT |
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Reggie Williams, who is recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery, has resumed running and could return to practice at some point next week, according to the Florida Times-Union.
Our View: There is no indication that Williams has lost his starting spot while unable to practice. Williams would likely be the No. 2 option with Jerry Porter expected to be the top target, but Williams would still have a shot to lead the receiving corps in touchdowns, as he scored 10 times on only 38 receptions in 2007. |
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| Henry could land in Baltimore? | Thursday 8/14, 1:28 PM CT |
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Sports Illustrated suggests that the Ravens may be interested in free agent receiver Chris Henry. Former Bengals' wide receivers coach Hugh Jackson is now an assistant with Baltimore.
Our View: Henry is a load to deal with, but there is no denying he is a very talented receiver, and he would provide a spark to the Ravens' aerial attack while working alongside Derrick Mason and Mark Clayton. The source also indicates that there is a 50/50 chance Henry can return to Cincinnati after the team previously ruled out that possibility. The Bengals are looking for a No. 3 receiver, but none of their current candidates have stood out. |
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| McIntosh expected to play Saturday | Thursday 8/14, 1:15 PM CT |
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Roger McIntosh, who is recovering from knee surgery, is expected to play Saturday against the Jets, according to the Washington Post.
Our View: This is encouraging news for McIntosh, but if healthy he would serve on the strongside at linebacker, hence limiting his fantasy value. |
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| Rogers ready for game action | Thursday 8/14, 1:10 PM CT |
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Carlos Rogers, who is trying to bounce back from reconstructive knee surgery, is ready for game action, according to the Washington Post.
Our View: He is scheduled to play Saturday against the Jets. If healthy, he will help solidify the Redskins' secondary, but his fantasy value will likely remain low. |
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| Manning on track for Week 1 | Thursday 8/14, 1:06 PM CT |
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Coach Tony Dungy once again stated that Peyton Manning is on pace to start in Week 1 against the Bears, according to the Indianapolis Star. He is having no setbacks while recovering from knee surgery.
Our View: Manning shall remain ranked as a top-2 fantasy quarterback. |
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| Beck speculation disputed | Thursday 8/14, 12:58 PM CT |
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The Miami Herald disputes the rumor circulating that John Beck is close to being released by the Dolphins.
Our View: Beck participated in drills and is readying for the next practice in a couple of hours, meaning he is still a member of the Dolphins. Beck was a second-round pick in 2007, and didn't fare too bad despite a lack of a good supporting cast, so it does seem odd that he would be released.
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| Stewart to undergo surgery | Thursday 8/14, 11:59 AM CT |
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David Stewart will undergo arthroscopic knee surgery on Thursday and will miss at least two preseason games, according to the Tennessean. Stewart signed a six-year, $38.9 million deal with the Titans earlier this offseason.
Our View: He’s expected to be replaced in the starting lineup for Friday night’s game against the Raiders by fourth-year player Daniel Loper. There’s a chance Stewart could return for the final preseason game at Green Bay on August 28. He is expected back in time for the regular season opener against Jacksonville on September 7.
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| Thomas to miss two months | Thursday 8/14, 11:55 AM CT |
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Hollis Thomas will miss a minimum of two months due to a torn triceps muscle, according to the New Orleans Times-Picayune. Thomas suffered the injury during 1-on-1 pass-rushing drills on Wednesday, and he had surgery on Thursday morning.
Our View: There is a strong chance that Thomas could be placed on the IR at some point, ending his 2008 season. Thomas was working for a backup role at defensive tackle. |
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| McAllister expects to play Saturday | Thursday 8/14, 11:51 AM CT |
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The Biloxi Sun Herald indicates that Deuce McAllister is expected to see some action in Saturday's exhibition game against the Texans. It would mark his first game action since multiple knee surgeries in September.
Our View: The team wants to make sure he gets enough carries in the preseason to get a solid estimate of his progress. He may not challenge strong rushing totals this season, but could still see plenty of scoring chances to collect touchdowns in the Saints' dynamic offense. |
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| Johnson aims at Rookie of the Year | Thursday 8/14, 11:16 AM CT |
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Chris Johnson commented that his primary goal is to be named Offensive Rookie of the Year, according to the Tennessean. He said, "My main goal is to win rookie of the year. I want to come in and do the same thing Adrian Peterson came in and did last year. I think that is possible."
Our View: He is expected to split carries with LenDale White and could finish the season ranked near the top on the team in receptions, as the Titans loves his potential as a pass-catcher. The source even suggests that he may unseat White as the starter at some point this season. |
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| Arrington out with sprained toe | Thursday 8/14, 10:53 AM CT |
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Adrian Arrington could be out of action until the fourth game of the preseason due to his sprained toe, according to the Biloxi Sun Herald. Coach Sean Payton said, "For a young player, it's always challenging when you're injured because you're missing time and you're missing opportunities to prove yourself. Hopefully we get him back soon enough to see where he's at."
Our View: Arrington looked good in training camp and made a few solid catches against the Cardinals in the preseason, but the seventh-round rookie may be in jeopardy of not making the final roster. |
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| Lynch agrees to terms | Thursday 8/14, 9:26 AM CT |
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John Lynch has agreed to terms to play for the Patriots, according to ProFootballTalk.com. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Our View: Lynch is not going to compete for a starting job at safety, and would likely be used in special packages as a linebacker, which would keep him closer to the line of scrimmage. He could hold solid value to the Patriots, but his fantasy value will be limited. |
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| Burnett undergoes MRI | Thursday 8/14, 9:20 AM CT |
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Kevin Burnett underwent an MRI on his sprained left knee, according to the Dallas Morning News.
Our View: The injury is believed to be minor, but the team will not know for sure until after the MRI. Burnett is working for a backup job at inside linebacker. |
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| Brady eager to return | Thursday 8/14, 8:42 AM CT |
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Tom Brady sat out Thursday's preseason opener against Baltimore, and he is eager to return to action, according to the Boston Globe. He is expected to play this Sunday against the Buccaneers and said, "It will be nice to be out there and play a little bit, and see if we can make improvements from last week."
Our View: Randy Moss and Wes Welker also may suit up for Sunday. |
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| Henry battling for No. 3 spot | Thursday 8/14, 8:23 AM CT |
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Chris Henry is battling Quinton Ganther for the No. 3 role at running back, according to the Tennessean. Henry said, "I just want to get in and run. I don't know any team around the league that survives the entire season with just two backs. I'm getting in wherever I can."
Our View: The Titans spent a second-round pick on Henry in 2007, but he will not get many carries this season while working behind LenDale White and rookie Chris Johnson, assuming Henry holds off Ganther for the job. |
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| Diles impresses Ryans | Thursday 8/14, 8:00 AM CT |
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Zach Diles has impressed DeMeco Ryans in the Texans' first preseason game as he led the team with six tackles, according to the Houston Chronicle. Ryans said, "Zac did a good job for us. He’s one of the strongest linebackers we have. He’s making some good tackles out there for us. He’s got a lot of room for improvement. I’m just eager to sit back and watch to see how he develops and comes into his own."
Our View: Diles is projected to start at strongside linebacker this season. He is seemingly headed for a solid campaign, but won't likely rack up enough tackles from the strongside to make him fantasy worthy as anything more than a backup. |
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| Weaver dreams of being healthy | Thursday 8/14, 7:55 AM CT |
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Anthony Weaver dreams about the time when he will be fully recovered from knee and shoulder injuries that have hindered him over the past two seasons, according to the Houston Chronicle. He cannot wait to play without his knee brace and said, "I’m progressively getting better, but I’m not where I think I should be. I can do more. Hopefully, I can get back to the old me. I haven’t been that way since early in my first year here. I’m not trying to make excuses, but since that knee started bothering me it really hasn’t been the same. I’m close. I’m easing myself out of that brace. That’s the thing that’s holding me back right now."
Our View: If healthy, he could start alongside Mario Williams at defensive end. He could challenge a handful of sacks, but his tackle totals won't likely be good enough to merit fantasy consideration as anything more than a deep backup. |
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| Jackson holdout update | Thursday 8/14, 7:45 AM CT |
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Steven Jackson's holdout has reached 20 days on Wednesday, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. He missed 23 practices and one preseason game, with fines totaling $302,320.
Our View: Each day that Jackson misses pushes him one step closer to not being ready for Week 1 against the Eagles. |
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| Caldwell in running at receiver | Thursday 8/14, 7:40 AM CT |
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Reche Caldwell is in the running for a favorable role with the Rams, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Caldwell had three receptions for 30 yards Saturday against the Titans, and coach Scott Linehan said, "He's playing through some aches and pains, just like everybody, but he made a couple of nice plays in the game. It's not surprising. I think Reche's a really good receiver."
Our View: Caldwell could beat out Dane Looker for the fourth spot on the depth chart, and could also see time in the slot if rookie Donnie Avery struggles. |
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| Klopfenstein had strong camp | Thursday 8/14, 7:34 AM CT |
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Joe Klopfenstein recovered from his lower-back problem and went on to have his best training camp with the Rams, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. He is excited about new offensive coordinator Al Saunders' aggressive approach, and said, "I love the playbook. So there's plenty of room for Randy McMichael and me and Anthony Becht and whoever else. There's a lot of things that need to be done at the tight end position, and there's going to be more than one person doing them."
Our View: Klopfenstein could be worthy of a waiver wire pick-up if Randy McMichael gets hurt this season. |
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| Shields questionable for Friday | Thursday 8/14, 7:21 AM CT |
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Arman Shields is questionable for Friday's preseason game, according to the SF Chronicle.
Our View: The fourth-round rookie cannot afford to miss time in the preseason, while fighting for a roster spot with Javon Walker, Ronald Curry, Drew Carter, Johnnie Lee Higgins, Todd Watkins, and fellow rookie Chaz Schilens. |
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| Lechler out a week | Thursday 8/14, 7:17 AM CT |
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Shane Lechler will be out of action for a week due to a quad injury, according to the SF Chronicle.
Our View: He should be fine for Week 1 of the regular season. |
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| Kiffin comments on Walker | Thursday 8/14, 7:14 AM CT |
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Coach Lane Kiffin commented on new receiver Javon Walker, according to the SF Chronicle. Kiffin said, "He's put together a couple really good practices. He looks to be in the right frame of mind lately and so if we can continue to work on that and push that, it's going in a positive direction."
Our View: Walker is feeling great and ready to start playing games. His weight is 206 pounds, which is the lightest he has been in his seven seasons in the NFL. This is encouraging news, but he remains a risky fantasy prospect due to his durability.
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| Hall to get third opinion | Thursday 8/14, 7:10 AM CT |
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DeAngelo Hall will get a third opinion on his injured right hand, according to the SF Chronicle. Hall feels he has a broken bone, but coach Lane Kiffin thinks the injury appears to be a bruise with a possible sprain. Kiffin said, "We're going to get this last opinion on it and he can be a guy who can possibly play very little or not at all."
Our View: Stanford Routt will start in Hall's place if he is to miss the Raiders' next preseason game. Hall still cannot touch anything without pain. |
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| Hartwell released | Thursday 8/14, 6:58 AM CT |
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Edgerton Hartwell has been released by the Raiders, according to the Sacramento Bee.
Our View: Hartwell was competing for the starting job at strongside linebacker, but he fell behind in the race and was viewed as expendable to the team. |
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| Williams targets Grant | Thursday 8/14, 12:02 AM CT |
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Vikings defensive tackle Pat Williams really believes his team will beat Green Bay in the season opener, and he wants to make sure Packers running back Ryan Grant does not have a good game, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. First though, he started talking about Aaron Rodgers by saying, "when we go down there it'll be the kid's first start and his first damn loss." He then expounded on his plans for Grant and his 100 yard game versus them last season. "That ain't going to happen Monday night [in the opener]. Trust me it ain't going to happen."
Our View: There's nothing wrong with some good old-fashioned trash talking. And Williams may have a point. While the Packers were going through all of their Brett Favre drama, the Vikings were simply training and working. Stay tuned for any response by Grant or the Packers. |
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