| Chiefs thinking Thigpen could stick | Sunday 8/17, 11:35 PM CT |
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The Chiefs want to see more of Tyler Thigpen before making a long-term decision on the second-year player as the team’s backup quarterback, according to the Kansas City Star. Thigpen played the entire second half Saturday, completing 16 of 27 passes with a touchdown. He also threw an interception, which was thrown high and tipped by receiver Bobby Sippio, but then returned for a touchdown. Thigpen also overthrew a handful of passes to open receivers before he found Sergiori Joachim in the end zone with 15 seconds to play.
Our View: Coach Herm Edwards said the team has not ruled out signing or trading for another quarterback, but there is no rush. He said if the Chiefs need another passer, likely a veteran, good players will be available when rosters are cut in two weeks. Damon Huard is the Chiefs’ third quarterback, but he did not play in Saturday night’s 27-17 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. Edwards said Huard, a 12-year veteran, doesn’t need as many preseason snaps as Thigpen and starter Brodie Croyle. Edwards has said since training camp started that he wanted to devote more time to observing the Chiefs’ young quarterbacks, Croyle and Thigpen, who are 25 and 24, respectively. |
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| Manning to get decent workload on Monday | Sunday 8/17, 11:26 PM CT |
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New York Giants quaterback Eli Manning will probably play into the second quarter when the New York Giants face the Cleveland Browns in their second preseason game Monday night, according to ESPN.
Our View: That is a substantial load for young Manning in preseason game #2, but he has plenty to work on as he attempts to avoid complications moving forward. Anthony Wright, rookie Andre Woodson and David Carr will follow Manning. |
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| Ward nursing bum ankle | Sunday 8/17, 11:23 PM CT |
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Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward did not practice on Saturday after suffering a twisted ankle during the team's preseason game against the Buffalo Bills on Thursday, according to ESPN.
Our View: Not a big deal at all. Ward is playing cautious and is expected to return to practice this week. |
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| Rams add another offensive lineman to the IR | Sunday 8/17, 11:19 PM CT |
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St. Louis offensive guard Brandon Gorin will be placed on injured reserve with a shoulder injury sustained in the preseason opener at Tennessee, according to the Associated Press.
Our View: Gorin made eight starts at tackle and played in 11 games last year, filling in when three line starters ended the year on injured reserve. Now he joins a list of starting offensive linemen, including Mark Setterstrom, that is facing troublesome injury woes. |
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| Niners still pondering options at QB | Sunday 8/17, 11:14 PM CT |
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As the intrigue surrounding the practices for the San Francisco 49ers intensifies and more questions focus on the indecision at the quarterback position, coach Mike Nolan has begun feeling the pressure, though he has yet to indicate which player he would prefer to have behind center on Week 1, according to Pro Football Talk. “[T]here’s been no decision,” Nolan said Sunday during a media conference call. “ As soon as we do, I’ll offer it, but right now we don’t. As soon as we watch the film, grade it, and our guys are getting more involved in Chicago and we’ll go from there. No decisions. Nothing to announce.”
Our View: The signs are pointing to J.T. O’Sullivan, who pulled himself into the battle a couple of weeks ago and has started both preseason games. The other candidates are Alex Smith and Shaun Hill. We'll continue to keep you posted, but it appears Nolan is struggling to get the guy he wants. |
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| Start doesn't equal carries for Smith | Sunday 8/17, 11:05 PM CT |
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As we announced earlier, Detroit rookie Kevin Smith got the start at tailback for the Lions in preseason actin against Cincinnati this evening, but that did not translate into much work. Smith ended with just four carries for 19 yards, 16 of which came on one run.
Our View: Instead it was Artose Pinner getting the bulk of the reps, taking 13 carries for 52 yards. Tatum Bell pulled five carries of his own, totaling just nine yards in those opportunities. The picture isn't much clearer for us to ponder, but it seems clear the team carries confidence in Smith and is likely to lean on him, at the very least, more often than not in 2008. |
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| Rodgers finds struggles vs San Fran | Sunday 8/17, 10:55 PM CT |
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The smooth travels for Aaron Rodgers came to an end on Saturday night, completing nine of 16 passes for 58 yards and sacked four times by San Francisco in a devastating 34-6 loss, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. San Francisco’s complex defense, which regularly shifts from a 3-4 front to a 4-3 front in an attempt to create indecision in blocking assignments, got the upper hand on Rodgers. According to offensive coordinator Joe Philbin, Rodgers audibled out of a number of running plays. Often he found nothing downfield. His hesitation made him look like a backup quarterback who hadn’t played in a long time and often he read the pass rush incorrectly, thinking he had time to pump and reload when he didn’t.
Our View: Rodgers didn’t have very good protection, his receivers were dropping balls and running poor routes and there was no running game to speak of to slow down the 49ers’ pass rush. It serves as a reminder that bumps will come in this road, and while Rodgers has impressed thus far, there will be times when he does not. Temper expectations and you won't get stung. |
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| Schouman out indefinately | Sunday 8/17, 9:55 PM CT |
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Buffalo Bills tight end Derek Schouman missed practice Sunday and is out indefinitely with a strained left knee, all but ending his chance to win the starting job out of training camp, according to SLAM Sports.
Our View: Coach Dick Jauron said trainers informed him that it will be weeks before Schouman is expected to be cleared for practice, meaning the player likely will miss the Bills' two final pre-season games. Schouman was hurt when a teammate was knocked into him while covering a kickoff in the second quarter of Buffalo's 24-21 pre-season victory over Pittsburgh on Thursday. He limped off the field and did not return. Schouman was given the opportunity to compete for the starting job after incumbent Robert Royal missed the team's spring minicamps while recovering from knee surgery. Schouman opened training camp practising with the first-string offence and started in Buffalo's pre-season opener against Washington on August 9th. |
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| Warner once again earning support for starting gig | Sunday 8/17, 9:49 PM CT |
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While the Cardinals progress through the preseason standing by Matt Leinart as their likely starting quarterback, the competition of last year is starting to come to fruition once again as veteran Kurt Warner is starting to garner support from members of the team as the man who should be starting behind center, according to AZCentral.com.
Our View: Coach Ken Whisenhunt awarded the start in the team's second preseason game to Warner, indicating the competition to start is wide open. It is hard to imagine the Cards would ask Leinart to carry the clipboard once again, but thus far the young option has not given too many indications that he is up to the challenge, struggling in his preseason work and reportedly fighting to find comfort on the field. Until Week 1 is here, the question is likely to remain open. We'll keep you posted. |
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| Bears have not announced next start at QB | Sunday 8/17, 9:23 PM CT |
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After starting Kyle Orton against the Chiefs and Rex Grossman versus the Seahawks, Bears coach Lovie Smith has yet to announce which quarterback will open Thursday night's preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Soldier Field, according to the team's official website. “We’ll evaluate all of that,” Smith said following Saturday night’s 29-26 overtime loss in Seattle. “We had made a decision how we were going to start the first two games and that’s about as far as we’ve gone. We’ll let you know on everything else.”
Our View: The third preseason game tends to resemble a dress rehearsal for games that matter, and as such the start at quarterback carries much weight. The Bears continue to watch other potential options at the position (namely Chris Simms in Tampa Bay), but for now, all signs point to Orton. Grossman has been as inconsistent as ever this preseason while Orton appears calm in the role behind center. |
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| Hardy continues to nurse hamstring | Sunday 8/17, 8:49 PM CT |
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The Bills report rookie wideout James Hardy continues to battle discomfort in his hamstring, according to the team's official website. He was excused from practice today as a result and will be monitored moving forward.
Our View: Coach Dick Jauron said the hamstring was a bit sore going into the game against Pittsburgh, but Hardy insisted on playing and, as he has all training camp long, he ran routes well and was a high point for the Bills in that game. That is one good sign for fantasy owners: The hammy is a concern, but Hardy will play hurt and put his best foot forward regardless. |
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| Texans sign Shipp | Sunday 8/17, 8:44 PM CT |
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With Ahman Green out for another two weeks with a groin injury, the Texans have signed veteran running back Marcel Shipp to add more experience and depth to the backfield, according to the Houston Chronicle.
Our View: Shipp, who turned 30 this month, was waived by Arizona, where he played the last seven seasons after signing as an undrafted free agent in 2001. Shipp, 5-11, 224, should be at practice Monday. He joins veterans Chris Brown, Chris Taylor, Darius Walker and rookie Steve Slaton in a crowded backfield. |
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| Meriweather helped off field | Sunday 8/17, 8:22 PM CT |
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Patriots second-year defensive back Brandon Meriweather went down with an apparent leg injury with 6:55 remaining in the first quarter of tonight's preseason matchup with Tampa Bay, according to the Providence Journal.
Our View: Meriweather tried to limp off the field on his own power but ultimately he had to be helped off the field by two trainers. If the injury is serious it could be a big blow to an already depleted secondary. Defensive backs Jason Webster, Jonathan Wilhite, Lewis Sanders, James Sanders, and Rodney Harrison were not out on the field for warmups before the game started. |
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| Slaton keeps impressing in Houston | Sunday 8/17, 7:48 PM CT |
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Texans head coach Gary Kubiak spoke to the media on Sunday with Houston’s 31-27 win over the New Orleans Saints in the books and the team preparing to face the Dallas Cowboys on Friday at Texas Stadium, and one of the high points of the conversation came when the discussion turned to rookie rusher Steve Slaton , according to the team's official website.
Our View: Kubiak said he could feel running back Steve’s Slaton speed on the field Saturday night. After watching game footage, the head coach got to see just how much the rookie had improved in one week, especially in pass protection. Slaton picked up a blitz late in the third quarter, allowing quarterback Sage Rosenfels to connect with wide receiver David Anderson on a 43-yard pass. On the ground, Slaton looked more comfortable in the zone scheme, making single-cut runs and hitting holes instead of zigzagging around in the backfield like he did against Denver. He led the team with 13 carries for 57 yards rushing, and Kubiak would like to see Slaton get reps with the first unit when the team takes on Dallas. |
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| Steelers sign Roye | Sunday 8/17, 7:41 PM CT |
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The Steelers have signed one of their former defensive ends, free agent Orpheus Roye, and he joined the squad for their final practice at Saint Vincent College today, according to the Pittsburgh Post Gazette.
Our View: Roye, 35, was drafted by the Steelers in 1996 and played four years before leaving as a free agent to play for the Cleveland Browns. The Browns released him this year. |
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| Rookie Smith gets start in preseason game #2 | Sunday 8/17, 7:36 PM CT |
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Rookie tailback Kevin Smith was announced as the starting tailback for Sunday night's exhibition game against the Cincinnati Bengals, according to the Detroit News.
Our View: Coach Rod Marinelli had not announced a starter at the position. In the first game, veteran Tatum Bell started but gained only eight yards on seven carries. That can't be sitting too well for a team that has proclaimed a new-found focus on the run will rule the offensive day in Detroit, thus the need to get Smith productive now seems reasonable. We'll update his performance later this evening. |
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| Rudi takes the night off | Sunday 8/17, 7:33 PM CT |
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Tailback Rudi Johnson, expected to play tonight against the Lions in the second preseason game, was a late scratch for the Bengals, according to Cincinnati.com. Chris Perry will start in his place.
Our View: There is mention regarding the reason for pulling Johnson, but we have no reason to believe he is nursing any serious injuries. Keeping him healthy for the regular season should be priority #1, and thus we find this news to be positive for fantasy owners. If we get wind of the reasoning for Johnson's absence from the lineup, we will pass it along. |
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| Setterstrom may be done for the year | Sunday 8/17, 7:30 PM CT |
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St. Louis Rams guard Mark Setterstrom injured his left knee in a preseason game against the San Diego Chargers on Saturday and could miss the rest of the season, according to the Kansas City Star. Setterstrom, a seventh-round pick of the Rams in 2006, was carted off the field in the second half, and though the timetable of his return is not known, head coach Scott Linehan believed he could have fractured his patella, which would keep the 24-year-old out the remainder of the year.
Our View: The setback comes almost a year after Setterstrom, who started the 2007 campaign as the club's starting left guard, tore his left ACL which sidelined him for the final 13 games of last season. This would be troubling news for fantasy owners that have already gambled on Steven Jackson despite his decision to hold out of camp. Now one of his key blockers is down and will be replaced by an unknown commodity that is likely to struggle (not that this line was a concern already). |
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| Ocho Cinco suffers minor shoulder injury | Sunday 8/17, 7:27 PM CT |
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Ocho Cinco took a fall today as the Bengals progress through the preseason. Cincinnati receiver Chad Johnson landed awkwardly while trying to make a catch in the first quarter against Detroit on Sunday night, then left the game to have his left shoulder treated, according to the Associated Press.
Our View: Cornerback Brian Kelly hit Johnson as he tried to pull in a pass from Carson Palmer on the Bengals' first series, jarring the ball loose. Kelly came up with the interception and an off-balance Johnson landed on his left side. The Pro Bowl receiver rolled around on the field for several seconds, then got up and went to the sideline. Trainers examined the shoulder on the field before Johnson went to the locker room. The team has filed no official update, but we are tracking the situation. |
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| Favre feels he belongs with Jets | Sunday 8/17, 3:50 PM CT |
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Brett Favre feels like he belongs with the Jets, according to the AP. The ex-Packer said, "It’s like starting all over again. I had some feelings that I haven’t felt in 17 years. Ten days ago, I was doing yard work. I felt like I’m a Jet, I do. Believe me, I feel very comfortable here. The guys have been great. They’ve welcomed me. I feel like I’m here for a reason. As I’ve told the guys, ‘I’m here for one reason, to help you win.’ I’ll do whatever that takes and I hope it works out."
Our View: Favre could bring the Jets stability at quarterback which the offense has been gravely lacking over the past few years, meaning he could help improve the fantasy value of his new team-mates, such as Jerricho Cotchery. |
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| Austin injured | Sunday 8/17, 2:58 PM CT |
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Miles Austin has sustained a sprained MCL in his knee, according to DallasCowboys.com.
Our View: Austin will undergo an MRI on the knee Sunday, but Cowboys owner Jerry Jones doesn't expect Austin to play in the final two preseason games. Jones said the injury would not require surgery and he is optimistic it would not linger much into the regular season. He had the inside track on the No. 3 receiver role over Sam Hurd, but he could now fall behind in the race due to the injury. He has been playing the best football of his career prior to getting hurt.
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| Huntley released | Sunday 8/17, 2:33 PM CT |
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Kevin Huntley has been released by the Steelers, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Huntley was claimed off waivers last Tuesday, but he failed his physical.
Our View: Huntley was not going to see much playing time in the Steelers' rotation at defensive end if he made the final roster. |
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| Dekker out for season | Sunday 8/17, 2:30 PM CT |
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Jon Dekker will miss the entire 2008 season due to a torn ACL in his right knee, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Dekker has been placed on the waived/injured list and the Steelers signed tight end Lee Vickers.
Our View: Dekker was competing for the No. 3 role at tight end with the Steelers, and held no fantasy value. |
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| Foote still holds edge | Sunday 8/17, 2:26 PM CT |
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Larry Foote is being pushed by Lawrence Timmons at right inside linebacker, but the Pittsburgh Tribune Review believes Foote remains the favorite for the job.
Our View: The seventh-year vet worked with the first-team base defense Saturday. Timmons does have more upside than Foote, however, namely as a pass-rusher, and Foote will be hard-pressed to hold off Timmons over the long course of the season.
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| Andrews comments on depression | Sunday 8/17, 2:19 PM CT |
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Shawn Andrews commented on his depression and described himself as being "lost" and "alone," according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. Andrews said, "My mentor, who I have known for nine years and never opened up to, he basically came to my house. I was in my room talking to people and thinking. They were very concerned. I was on the edge. Things weren't going well. I felt I must open up before it's too late." He never admitted to considering suicide but added, "I won't say that I contemplated suicide, but I had some very, in my mind, unrealistic thoughts about a lot of things. I was really lost and just really felt there was no outlet."
Our View: Andrews was welcomed back to practice without prejudice or judgment from his team-mates, and noted that Coach Andy Reid showed him he cared about him. He has team support and is feeling better and more upbeat, and Reid did not rule the Pro Bowl guard out for the next preseason game against New England. |
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| O'Sullivan will be starter? | Sunday 8/17, 2:07 PM CT |
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The Mercury News states that J.T. O'Sullivan will be the 49ers' starting quarterback for Week 1. He did not perform great against the Packers but was good enough. Coach Mike Nolan said, "It reinforces what I thought about him, and that's real key." Alex Smith did not do much with his 12 passing attempts, and Shaun Hill was limited to five passes. Nolan is officially yet to choose his opening day starter.
Our View: O'Sullivan would be an intriguing fantasy prospect as the 49ers' starter while under the direction of pass-happy O.C. Mike Martz. |
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| Smith not expected for Monday | Sunday 8/17, 1:58 PM CT |
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Steve Smith is not expected to play Monday against the Browns due to a hamstring ailment, according to Giants.com.
Our View: Fellow receivers Amani Toomer (knee), Plaxico Burress (ankle), and rookie Mario Manningham (quad) are not expected to play in the game either. Smith was projected to be the No. 3 receiver this season, but has missed significant time due to injuries. |
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| Brown could miss a few days | Sunday 8/17, 1:50 PM CT |
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The Eagles' team website indicates that Reggie Brown could miss a few days of action due to his strained hamstring.
Our View: The injury is not on the same leg as Brown's Achilles injury which forced him to miss the preseason opener in Pittsburgh. If healthy, Brown would rank as a solid No. 3 fantasy receiver, with potential to serve as a No. 2.
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| Groves fails to make impact | Sunday 8/17, 1:43 PM CT |
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Second-round rookie Quentin Groves started in place of the injured Reggie Hayward (sore hamstring) against the Dolphins, but failed to make an impact, according to the Florida Times-Union. He didn't register any tackles and was unable to pressure quarterback Chad Pennington. Groves was consistently blocked by five-year veteran Vernon Casey.
Our View: This is disappointing as Groves was drafted to improve the Jaguars' pass rush. Fellow rookie defensive end Derrick Harvey remains a holdout as well. |
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| Jackson has sprained MCL | Sunday 8/17, 1:35 PM CT |
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ProFootballTall.com states that Tarvaris Jackson sustained a sprained MCL during battle with the Ravens.
Our View: He is expected to be able to return for the team’s final preseason game, and is already riding a stationary bike at the team facility. He shouldn't fall down fantasy draft boards at this time. |
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| Sims ready to take next step | Sunday 8/17, 1:18 PM CT |
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Ernie Sims is ready to take the next step for the Lions' defense, according to MLive.com. Sims said, "There's always more to learn (in the Tampa-2 defense). I'm better, but not all the way. I'm always learning every day. New things are always going to come up. It's one thing to know the defense, but offenses change, too, different schemes happen." He was overlooked for the Pro Bowl last season with 134 tackles (97 solo) and three forced fumbles), but said, "I'll take it as it goes. I'm not going to complain about it, I'm going to go out there and do my job and hope somebody will recognize it."
Our View: Sims has made strides in each of his first two seasons in the NFL, and has a shot to join the elite class among fantasy linebackers in 2008. |
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| Hill leads defense in win | Sunday 8/17, 1:11 PM CT |
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LeRoy Hill led the defense in Saturday's 29-26 preseason win over the Bears, according to the News Tribune. He racked up four solo tackles, with a sack and an interception. Hill said, "We consider ourselves a play-making defense. Obviously that’s what John Marshall, (defensive coordinator) wants us to do. And it shows we’re in the right position to make plays. It’s a preseason game and everything, but it shows where we are at."
Our View: Hill is one of the best pass-rushers on the Seahawks, and also ranks among the most under-rated linebackers in the NFL. He should enjoy another solid campaign, and will hold favorable fantasy value as a backup and spot-starter in IDP leagues. |
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| Carlson has tough game | Sunday 8/17, 1:04 PM CT |
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John Carlson had a tough outing against the Bears Saturday, as he was flagged for three penalties (two false starts and a holding call), according to the News Tribune. The rookie tight end said, "False starts are always a lack of concentration. I don’t have any excuse for it. It’s my fault. It’s something that I need to improve upon and make sure it doesn’t happen again." He had one catch for eight yards.
Our View: Carlson is projected to start as a rookie and could be productive as the Seahawks' receiving corps has been thinned out by injuries, but he will not last long if he continues to rack up penalties. |
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| Locklear injures knee | Sunday 8/17, 12:57 PM CT |
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Sean Locklear has sprained his left knee during preseason battle against Chicago, and will miss the remainder of the preseason, according to the News Tribune.
Our View: The Seahawks will know more about Locklear’s status after he receives an MRI scan today. Locklear is projected to start at right tackle, so his absence could weaken the Seahawks' offensive line if he is not ready to go in Week 1.
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| Young effective against Dallas | Sunday 8/17, 12:16 PM CT |
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Selvin Young was effective in Saturday's preseason win over Dallas as he rushed for 36 yards on nine carries, according to the Denver Post. He also caught one pass, but for a three-yard loss.
Our View: Young should be drafted as a No. 3 fantasy running back, with potential to be a solid starter. |
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| Vilma plays first half | Sunday 8/17, 11:59 AM CT |
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Jonathan Vilma, who is recovering from knee surgery, played the entire first half Saturday against the Texans, according to the Biloxi Sun Herald. Vilma took all the snaps at middle linebacker with the first-team defense and tallied two total tackles. He said there were no issues regarding his knee, and added, "It felt good being out there. It was good to get out there and play with my teammates. That was very exciting. I guess I just have to go from here."
Our View: Vilma could be a steal in IDP leagues if he proves to be healthy over a full 16-game slate, and Saturday's outing was an encouraging step in his progress. |
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| McFarland to visit Saints | Sunday 8/17, 11:52 AM CT |
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Free agent Anthony McFarland will visit the Saints Sunday, according to the New Orleans Times-Picayune.
Our View: The Saints will give him a look after losing Hollis Thomas, but are not in desperate need of help as they have depth at the position with Brian Young and Kendrick Clancy. |
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| Clemons is day-to-day | Sunday 8/17, 11:44 AM CT |
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Chris Clemons is considered day-to-day due to his calf strain, according to the Philadelphia Daily News.
Our View: His development has been hindered by the ailment, as the former member of the Raiders is trying to learn a new defense. Clemons was brought in to improve the Eagles' pass rush as he racked up eight sacks in 2007. |
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| Reagor to undergo surgery | Sunday 8/17, 11:40 AM CT |
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Montae Reagor will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his left knee Monday, according to the Philadelphia Daily News.
Our View: Coach Andy Reid is uncertain how much time Reagor will be out during his recovery. Reagor was competing for a backup job and his absence will not weaken the Eagles' defensive line. |
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| Gates feeling closer to normal | Sunday 8/17, 11:26 AM CT |
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Antonio Gates, who is recovering from a surgically repaired toe, ran about 20 routes before the Chargers preseason game against the Rams and is feeling closer to normal again, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. quarterback Philip Rivers said, "He looked really good. That's encouraging for us."
Our View: Gates ran short and deep routes, and at full speed, and came in and out of breaks very well. He walked off the field without a limp and less-than-usual discomfort afterward. This is encouraging news, and Gates should be drafted as the No. 1 fantasy tight end. Even if he gets off to a slow start early in the year, he should still generate strong numbers over the course of the season to justify his ranking. |
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| Anderson had strong camp | Sunday 8/17, 11:14 AM CT |
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Derek Anderson had a strong training camp as the Browns' starting quarterback, according to the Akron Beacon-Journal. Anderson displayed great chemistry with Braylon Edwards before the receiver cut his foot a week ago. Anderson also relied on tight end Winslow and seems to be developing good rhythm with Donte' Stallworth. Anderson's mechanics looked improved, with his biggest weakness his lack of touch on swing passes to the running backs. Coach Romeo Crennel said, "He's more comfortable with the system, with the players who surround him; that allows him to be better. He knows he's the guy in charge and he knows the system. He's been improving ever since camp started."
Our View: This news further solidifies his ranking as a top-10 fantasy quarterback for 2008. |
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| Forte struggles behind poor line | Sunday 8/17, 10:55 AM CT |
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Matt Forte struggled behind a poor offensive line as he only mustered 17 rushing yards on seven carries against Seattle Saturday, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. He only ran 25 yards on seven times in his previous outing against the Chiefs as well.
Our View: Forte is the favorite to start at running back, but his fantasy value could be seriously compromised by the Bears' weak offensive line and the lack of a solid supporting cast. |
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| Brohm fails to impress | Sunday 8/17, 10:44 AM CT |
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Brian Brohm failed to impress in Saturday's preseason game against the 49ers, as he only completed 4-of-9 passes for 33 yards. Fellow rookie Matt Flynn had better accuracy as he completed 5-of-6 passes for 33 yards.
Our View: Brohm is being pushed by Flynn for the primary backup role behind Aaron Rodgers, and neither contender did much to help their bid Saturday. |
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| Croyle unimpressive | Sunday 8/17, 10:13 AM CT |
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Brodie Croyle was unimpressive in Saturday's exhibition game against the Cardinals, according to the KC Star. He only completed 7-of-13 passes for 38 yards, with no touchdowns or interceptions.
Our View: Croyle should be the Week 1 starting quarterback, but should be avoided in fantasy drafts. |
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| Dorsey sees some action | Sunday 8/17, 10:06 AM CT |
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Glenn Dorsey was a game-time decision for Saturday's game against the Cardinals due to his ailing knee, but he ultimately got the green light and worked a handful of snaps, according to the KC Star. He made his preseason debut as a starting defensive tackle and said, "I’m making good progress. It’s feeling good. It was good to finally get out there in that environment. It took a couple of plays to get warmed up. You’ve got to see the type of guy you’re playing against. I think I made some progress, though. It’s not even sore. I look forward to getting more playing time next week."
Our View: He registered one tackle when he stopped Edgerrin James for a 1-yard gain, and coach Herman Edwards indicated that the prized rookie will play a lot more next week, and thought he performed OK in his debut. |
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| Mayo passes Hobson | Sunday 8/17, 9:51 AM CT |
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Jerod Mayo has passed Victor Hobson on the Patriots' depth chart at the starting weakside spot at inside linebacker, according to the Boston Herald.
Our View: Mayo has picked up the Patriots' defense very quickly and Hobson has struggled while transitioning from the outside (with the Jets) to the inside. If Mayo holds onto the starting spot through the remainder of the preseason, he has potential to be a strong IDP sleeper for 2008. |
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| No RB controversy in Baltimore | Sunday 8/17, 9:04 AM CT |
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Ray Rice broke loose for 77 rushing yards and a score on eight carries against Minnesota Saturday, but coach John Harbaugh made it clear that there is no running back controversy, according to the Carroll County Times. Harbaugh said, "When Willis is healthy and ready to go, he’s our starter, but both those guys will play."
Our View: Rice should be a top priority as a "handcuff" if you select Willis McGahee (recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery) in fantasy drafts. |
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| Flacco climbs back into race | Sunday 8/17, 8:58 AM CT |
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Joe Flacco did not fare well in his preseason debut but has climbed back into the competition for the starting spot at quarterback with a solid performance against Minnesota Saturday, according to the Carroll County Times. Flacco led the team with 74 passing yards, while completing 10-of-15 attempts. Kyle Boller completed 8-of-12 passes for only 40 yards, and Troy Smith went 3-for-5 with 25 yards and an interception.
Our View: The depth chart at quarterback remains undefined, and coach John Harbaugh is uncertain who will start the Ravens' next preseason game against the Rams. Flacco is the longshot, but still remains in the competition for the starting job. |
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| Houston out with dislocated shoulder | Sunday 8/17, 8:50 AM CT |
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Chris Houston has missed the Falcons' first two preseason contests due to a dislocated left shoulder, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Our View: He was the projected starter at right cornerback. He was able to practice during the week. |
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| Dorsey expected to play | Sunday 8/17, 8:36 AM CT |
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DeDe Dorsey has been dealing with a hamstring ailment, but is expected to play Sunday against Detroit, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.
Our View: This is good news for him as he cannot afford to miss more time while fighting for a roster spot at running back. |
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| Rivers promises to be sharper | Sunday 8/17, 8:32 AM CT |
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Keith Rivers led the Bengals with seven tackles in his preseason debut against Green Bay, but promises to be sharper in Sunday's game against Detroit, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. He was unaware he led the team in tackles and said, "I didn't feel like I was as sharp as I should have been. I should do better. I don't like to get yelled at. I try to do my job the best I can."
Our View: He could start at weakside linebacker against the Lions, and could stay there heading into Week 1 if he performs well. |
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| Townsend retains starting spot | Sunday 8/17, 8:23 AM CT |
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Deshea Townsend retains his starting spot at cornerback, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. He has held off Bryant McFadden, who will serve in the No. 3 role.
Our View: Townsend has lost time due to a groin injury, but McFadden did not impress the team enough to unseat Townsend as a starter. |
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| Brown has poor performance | Sunday 8/17, 8:15 AM CT |
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Chris Brown saw his first action of the preseason but struggled against the Saints, as he only mustered 18 yards on nine carries, according to the Houston Chronicle. His longest carry was only five yards.
Our View: Brown has fallen behind while dealing with a sore back, and is not a lock to make the final roster while competing with Ahman Green, Chris Taylor, Darius Walker, and rookie Steve Slaton. |
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| Pittman has strong outing | Sunday 8/17, 8:02 AM CT |
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Antonio Pittman had a strong outing against the Chargers, as he rushed nine times for 67 yards, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. He had runs of 14,15, and 18 yards, all on one drive. He also caught one pass for six yards.
Our View: Pittman would be the Week 1 starter if Steven Jackson continues his holdout. |
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| Morgan leads 49ers' receivers | Sunday 8/17, 7:42 AM CT |
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Josh Morgan led the 49ers' receiving corps with five grabs for 114 yards and a score in Saturday's 34-6 win over the Packers. His touchdown covered 59-yards, and was delivered by J.T. O'Sullivan.
Our View: The sixth-round rookie out of Virginia Tech should make the final roster, but will not likely be fantasy worthy while fighting for playing time behind Isaac Bruce, Bryant Johnson, Arnaz Battle, and Jason Hill. |
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| Walker needs to earn No. 1 title | Sunday 8/17, 7:28 AM CT |
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Javon Walker is considered to be the No. 1 receiver for the Raiders, but coach Lane Kiffin commented that he needs to start earning his title, according to the SF Chronicle. Walker was given a six-year deal worth $55 million and Kiffin did not feel he played up to the contract on Friday against Tennessee. Walker did not register a catch, and dropped a pass he should have hauled in. Kiffin said, "There's a couple of balls there that we would have liked him to come up with. That's discouraging because he was paid an awful lot of money, paid like one of the top five receivers in the NFL. We need him to make those plays."
Our View: Walker reported to the team in less than solid shape in the off-season, and worried the team when he considered retirement. Walker could be a top-30 fantasy receiver, but should not be selected with a high pick to be safe. |
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| Allen registers two sacks | Sunday 8/17, 7:03 AM CT |
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Jared Allen registered two sacks in Saturday's preseason game against the Ravens, according to the Star Tribune. He almost notched a third sack, but Tarvaris Jackson got out of Allen's grasp and ran for 18 yards.
Our View: Allen is off to a strong start with Minnesota, and is worthy of being selected as the No. 1 defensive lineman in IDP leagues. |
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| Berrian sits out | Sunday 8/17, 6:59 AM CT |
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Bernard Berrian sat out Saturday's preseason game due to a toe injury, according to the Star Tribune.
Our View: The team did not disclose the severity of his ailment. |
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