| Grant still not practicing | Monday 8/18, 11:39 PM CT |
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Ryan Grant failed to practice again Monday because of his hamstring injury, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.
Our View: Grant said he's still on track to be ready in Week 1, but you'll want to track his progress to make sure he doesn't suffer any setbacks. |
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| Harrison leads Browns runners | Monday 8/18, 11:24 PM CT |
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Jerome Harrison rushed five times for 36 yards in the Browns' preseason loss to the Giants Monday.
Our View: Harrison always seems to perform well in the preseason but is never given much of shot in games that count. He will be third on the depth chart behind Jamal Lewis and Jason Wright. |
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| Hixon has big night | Monday 8/18, 11:18 PM CT |
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Domenik Hixon almost surely secured a roster spot with his play in Monday's preseason win over Cleveland. Hixon caught four passes for 63 yards and two touchdowns and also added an 82-yard kickoff return for a score. All of Hixon's touchdowns occurred in the first quarter.
Our View: This is all well and good for Hixon, but he will be of no use to fantasy squads this year. |
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| Petitgout suspended four games | Monday 8/18, 9:07 PM CT |
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Luke Petitgout has been suspended four games by the league, though the reason for the suspension isn't known at this time, according to CBS Sportsline.
Our View: Petitgout, who is recovering from a torn ACL, was released by the Bucs on Saturday. |
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| Brown unlikely to be traded | Monday 8/18, 9:00 PM CT |
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ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported on Monday Night Countdown that Ricky Williams has looked so good that the Dolphins may consider getting rid of Ronnie Brown, but Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald doesn't buy it. He admits that Williams has been the Dolphins' best back this offseason, but he doesn't think the team would put all their eggs in Williams' basket and also notes that the Fins are unlikely to get fair value for Brown given that he's coming off of ACL surgery.
Our View: We'll monitor this situation, but it appears very unlikely that Brown will be playing for anyone besides the Dolphins this year. |
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| Henry to re-sign with Bengals | Monday 8/18, 8:43 PM CT |
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ESPN.com is reporting that Chris Henry is on his way from Charlotte, N.C., to Cincinnati to sign a contract with the Bengals. Henry was released by the team in March following his fifth arrest in three years. The charges were later dropped, making him eligible to play in 2008. However, the NFL still suspended him for the first four games of the season.
Our View: Henry is obviously a big question mark because of his off-the-field issues, but there's no denying his talent. It's surprising that the Bengals are giving him another shot, but he definitely makes them a better football team. |
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| Anderson leaves with possible concussion | Monday 8/18, 8:24 PM CT |
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Derek Anderson had to leave Monday's preseason tilt with the Giants after suffering a possible concussion. Brady Quinn came on to relieve him.
Our View: We'll update you on Anderson's injury when more is known. |
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| Russell running ahead of Colbert and Parker | Monday 8/18, 8:20 PM CT |
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Cliff Russell has been running ahead of Keary Colbert and Samie Parker in practice of late, according to the Denver Post.
Our View: That Russell is running as a starter right now should be viewed more as negative towards Colbert and Parker than a positive for a 29-year-old with five career catches. None of the receivers will make any sort of fantasy impact. |
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| Berrian's toe problems not new | Monday 8/18, 8:04 PM CT |
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Bernard Berrian told KFAN's Dan Barreiro Monday that the toe injury that kept him out of last week's preseason game is similar to turf toe and is something he dealt with last season while with the Bears, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. The receiver said he isn't sure if he'll play this Saturday in the Vikings' third preseason game and that he and the team are taking things "day-to-day." Berrian said he is receiving "a lot of treatment" for the injury and that he spent much of last season undergoing similar treatments.
Our View: You have to be at least mildly concerned that this will be a chronic problem. We'll continue to provide updates on Berrian's situation. |
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| Boldin again asks to be traded | Monday 8/18, 7:06 PM CT |
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ESPN's Chris Mortensen has said that Anquan Boldin and his agent have again let the Cardinals know that Boldin would like to be traded. Boldin is unhappy with his contract.
Our View: It doesn't sound like Boldin is a threat to hold out, but it's clear that he wants to get paid or to be moved to another franchise. The Eagles supposedly have some interest in acquiring Boldin, but you can bet teams will line up to trade for him should Arizona make it known that he's available. |
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| O'Sullivan will start again | Monday 8/18, 6:36 PM CT |
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J.T. O'Sullivan will start his third straight preseason game on Thursday, according to the Sacramento Bee.
Our View: Mike Nolan refuses to name O'Sullivan the starter, but it's not often that a quarterback starts his team's first three preseason games and then doesn't start in Week 1. |
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| Jackson still might play Saturday | Monday 8/18, 6:29 PM CT |
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Coach Brad Childress admitted that Tarvaris Jackson was limited in practice Monday due to a sprained MCL, but he wouldn't rule Jackson out for Saturday's preseason tilt against the Steelers, according to the Pioneer Press. "Guys don't always feel chipper the first part of the week when they get dinged up but they find a way to push to Saturday," Childress said. "That's how he's approaching the thing and that's how we're approaching the thing."
Our View: Jackson is expected to be ready for Week 1 regardless of whether he plays anymore during the exhibition season or not. That said, we wouldn't expect much from a rusty quarterback who wasn't very good to begin with. |
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| Ryan to start third preseason game | Monday 8/18, 6:24 PM CT |
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Matt Ryan will start the Falcons' third preseason game on Friday and will play into the third quarter, coach Mike Smith told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Our View: Traditionally, whoever starts in the third preseason game usually starts in Week 1. The Falcons had been leaning towards throwing Ryan into the fire right away, so this isn't a surprise. |
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| Allen placed on IR | Monday 8/18, 6:21 PM CT |
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The Vikings placed Kenderick Allen on injured reserve Monday, ending the defensive tackle's season. He is dealing with a wrist injury.
Our View: Allen was competing for a backup spot. |
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| Roth now starter at outside linebacker | Monday 8/18, 6:19 PM CT |
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After occupying the left defensive end spot on the depth chart that past two weeks, Matt Roth is listed as the starting strong outside linebacker on the newest chart, according to the Palm Beach Post.
Our View: This makes sense, as Roth is way too small for end in a 3-4 scheme. |
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| Langford listed as starter at end | Monday 8/18, 6:15 PM CT |
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Kendall Langford is listed as the starter at left defensive end over Randy Starks, according to the Palm Beach Post.
Our View: Langford can play all three positions on the line and he'll likely rotate in and out of the starting lineup. |
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| Jackson will start again over Tapp | Monday 8/18, 6:11 PM CT |
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First-round pick Lawrence Jackson will start his second straight preseason game at defensive end over veteran Darryl Tapp, according to the Seattle Times.
Our View: Jackson is better against the run than the pass, so he doesn't figure to get much love in IDP leagues. |
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| Williams to be the Fins' workhorse? | Monday 8/18, 4:14 PM CT |
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It's looking more and more like Ricky Williams will at least begin the season as the Dolphins' workhorse running back, according to the Miami Herald. Williams has looked good this offseason and in the preseason, and Ronnie Brown is coming back from a torn ACL and now has a thumb injury to deal with.
Our View: The Herald suggests that Brown will be worked in sparsely in the first few weeks, but he's likely to assume at least half of the workload once he gets back up to full speed. However, Ricky may just run away with the starting job. You might want to swap Ricky and Ronnie in your rankings. |
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| Simms update | Monday 8/18, 3:42 PM CT |
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The Fort Myers News-Press reports that scouts from 20 pro teams were in attendance for Sunday's preseason game against New England, possibly tracking the performance of Chris Simms. Simms said, "I think if I’m here two weeks from now, they’re going to release me. Other than that, if I get traded before then, then I get traded. But if it comes down to the last cut, and I’m still here, they’re going to release me. I don’t think there’s any doubt about that." Simms went 2-for-4 with 24 passing yards in the game.
Our View: The Vikings, Cowboys, Colts, and Ravens all could be looking to make upgrades at backup quarterback soon. |
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| Royal to remain starter | Monday 8/18, 3:30 PM CT |
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Rookie Eddie Royal is expected to remain a starting wide receiver after Brandon Marshall returns from his suspension, according to the Rocky Mountain News. Brandon Stokley should also remain in the slot, so that means Darrell Jackson will serve as the No. 4 receiver.
Our View: Royal has great speed and quickness and is very dangerous in the open field. He should provide a spark to the Broncos' aerial attack and serve as a solid complement to Marshall. Royal is worth targeting in the late rounds of fantasy drafts as a rookie sleeper. |
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| Orton named starter | Monday 8/18, 3:22 PM CT |
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Kyle Orton has been named the Bears' starting quarterback for Week 1, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Rex Grossman will serve as the primary backup.
Our View: Orton has the job for now, but is only a few bad performances away from being yanked for Grossman. Orton should only be considered as a deep backup in fantasy drafts. |
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| Terry returns to practice | Monday 8/18, 2:30 PM CT |
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Adam Terry, who has been dealing with a sprained left ankle, returned to practice Monday, according to the Baltimore Sun.
Our View: Now the Ravens need to get left tackle Jared Gaither on the field, who is battling an ankle injury. If Gaither is not ready for Week 1, Terry could potentially move over from his post at right tackle to the left side. |
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| Saints sign Schulters | Monday 8/18, 2:22 PM CT |
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The Saints have signed free agent safety Lance Schulters, according to the New Orleans Times-Picayune. He said, "I've just been working out, staying in shape."
Our View: The 33-year-old was a Pro Bowler with the 49ers back in 1999, but did not see much action over the previous two seasons during stints with Atlanta and Miami. He was likely added as insurance for John Bullocks, who is recovering from off-season knee surgery. |
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| Johnson vows to be ready | Monday 8/18, 1:56 PM CT |
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Chad Johnson, who has been diagnosed with a sprained left shoulder, is expected to miss the remainder of the preseason but vows to be ready to play Week 1 against the Ravens, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.
Our View: As previously stated, coach Marvin Lewis also believes he will be ready for Week 1, so his fantasy ranking should not drop at this time. |
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| Suggs signs one-year tender | Monday 8/18, 1:50 PM CT |
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As expected, franchise player Terrell Suggs has signed his one-year tender for $8.5 million, according to the Baltimore Sun.
Our View: He returned to practice with the Ravens, and is slated to play around 15 snaps in Saturday's preseason game against the Rams. He should be ready to go for Week 1 against Cincinnati. |
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| Beck on Cowboys' radar? | Monday 8/18, 1:46 PM CT |
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The Miami Herald states that John Beck is on the Cowboys' radar. They are showing mild interest in the second-year quarterback.
Our View: The Cowboys are not content with their current options at quarterback behind starter Tony Romo. |
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| Bellamy suffers a concussion | Monday 8/18, 1:40 PM CT |
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Wide receiver Ron Bellamy suffered a concussion during preseason battle against the Bengals, according to the Detroit Free Press.
Our View: Bellamy was a longshot to make the Lions' final roster at receiver. |
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| Koutouvides viewed as leader? | Monday 8/18, 1:31 PM CT |
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Niko Koutouvides only made one tackle against Dallas Saturday, but is being viewed as a leader, according to the Denver Post. He looked confident (at middle linebacker) in leading the starters, and the unit responded by holding the Cowboys' first-team offense scoreless. DJ Williams commented, "He was great today. He's a natural leader, so having him in the huddle helps me out a lot."
Our View: This news will help in his bid to beat out Nate Webster for the starting job at middle linebacker. The battle between the two competitors remains tight. |
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| Broncos hope Bailey returns Monday | Monday 8/18, 1:25 PM CT |
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The Broncos are hoping Champ Bailey is ready to return to practice today, according to the Denver Post. Bailey has not practiced since August 4 because of a sore hamstring.
Our View: If healthy, he would rank as a top-20 defensive back for IDP leagues. |
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| Galloway yet to return to field | Monday 8/18, 1:19 PM CT |
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Coach Jon Gruden is starting to lose his patience with Joey Galloway's groin injury, according to the St. Petersburg Times. Gruden said, "He's got to get back on the field, We need to get him back out there. This guy hasn't worn a football uniform since the Giants game (playoffs)."
Our View: Galloway is not in jeopardy of being cut, but there remains no timetable as to when he may begin practicing. It is uncertain if he will be ready to go in Week 1. |
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| Young still has hole in quad? | Monday 8/18, 12:56 PM CT |
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Vince Young said there is still a little hole in the quadriceps muscle he injured last season, during an interview with John Clayton of ESPN. Young stated, "My quad, man, it was bad. Every week you get it better, then you go out and play and hurt it again. The quad would get weak. I was taking those pills for the pain. I was running around trying to make plays when it's not there. The quad is definitely back where it needs to be although I still have a little hole in there."
Our View: Young is only 7-of-19 with no touchdown passes so far in the preseason, but is making plays with his legs, as he broke loose for a 35-yard run in the preseason opener against the Rams. His quad doesn't look to be a problem, and Young is worth drafting as a No. 2 fantasy quarterback. |
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| Gholston has another quiet game | Monday 8/18, 12:39 PM CT |
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First-round rookie (sixth overall) Vernon Gholston had another quiet game in the preseason against Washington, according to the Star-Ledger. He registered three tackles, but failed to make any big plays.
Our View: The Jets are being patient with him, but equally have to be anxious to see him make a positive impact on defense. |
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| Moore enjoying a strong camp | Monday 8/18, 12:34 PM CT |
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The Star-Ledger reports that Brandon Moore is having a strong training camp with the Jets.
Our View: Moore seems set for another solid season as the Jets' starting right guard. |
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| McKinney released | Monday 8/18, 12:30 PM CT |
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Steve McKinney has been released by the Dolphins, according to the Palm Beach Post. Coach Tony Sparano said, "At this point he wasn't where we thought we needed to have him, so we need to move on."
Our View: He was competing for a backup job as an offensive lineman. He tore the ACL in his left knee with Houston last season, and was unable to make a favorable recovery with Miami. |
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| Brown considered day-to-day | Monday 8/18, 12:27 PM CT |
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Ronnie Brown is considered day-to-day with his sprained right thumb, according to the Palm Beach Post.
Our View: He is not going to practice Monday, and could be out a few more days. His absence will allow Ricky Williams more reps in practice, namely with the first-team. |
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| Clowney injures collarbone | Monday 8/18, 11:57 AM CT |
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David Clowney has sustained a collarbone injury during preseason action against Washington Saturday, according to the Star-Ledger.
Our View: He could be out several weeks, if not longer, due to the injury. He was having a strong training camp and was the Jets' leading receiver in the preseason with eight catches for 222 yards and two scores. The injury could open up a roster spot for rookie receiver Marcus Henry. |
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| Hunt working as fullback | Monday 8/18, 11:52 AM CT |
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Tony Hunt is getting reps at fullback with the starting offense, according to the Eagles' team website.
Our View: Hunt has impressed coach Andy Reid with his offensive skills through training camp and the preseason, and is being tried out at fullback in an attempt to get him on the field. |
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| Nugent aggravates Mangini | Monday 8/18, 11:48 AM CT |
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Mike Nugent aggravated coach Eric Mangini when he missed two field goal attempts on Saturday against Washington, according to the NY Post. He missed wide right on a 43-yard attempt, and hit the left upright on a shorter try from 23-yards. Mangini said, "Those field goals are pretty high-percentage field goals, in the 90 percent range league-wide. Those you have to make. It's a chip shot. The 43-yarder is a lot tougher, but when you're that close (23 yards), those have to be like gimmes."
Our View: Mangini is upset right now, but Nugent shouldn't be in jeoparady of losing his job. His fantasy value has improved since Brett Favre joined the team, as there should be more scoring chances with a more efficient and balanced offense. |
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| Williamson sees some action | Monday 8/18, 11:39 AM CT |
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Troy Williamson saw some preseason action for the first time with the Jaguars Saturday (against Miami), but did not register a catch, according to the Florida Times-Union. He has been dealing with groin and hip flexor ailments. After the game he said, "It felt real good to run around out there and get in the football mode. This will make us work harder with what we've got to do for our next game next week."
Our View: He had a great opportunity to etch out a solid role with the Jaguars with Reggie Williams and Jerry Porter both out of action due to injuries, but he failed to stay healthy as well. |
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| Manning could miss Week 1? | Monday 8/18, 11:05 AM CT |
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Peter King of Sports Illustrated believes there is up to a 35 percent chance Peyton Manning is not ready to suit up in Week 1. King asked coach Tony Dungy if he may miss the opener and he replied, "It could be. Because we're not going to bring him back too fast."
Our View: Manning isn't suffering any setbacks, but is still yet to practice following his knee surgery. |
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| Green could be cut? | Monday 8/18, 10:59 AM CT |
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The Houston Chronicle suggests that Ahman Green could be released by the Texans if he doesn't recover from his pulled groin in time to participate in the preseason.
Our View: The team added Marcell Shipp, and he joins a crowded backfield with Chris Brown, Darius Walker, Chris Taylor, rookie Steve Slaton, and Green. The team could afford to let Green go, who would remain an injury risk if kept. |
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| Burress won't play tonight | Monday 8/18, 9:59 AM CT |
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Plaxico Burress did not practice Saturday and will not play Monday night against the Browns, according to the Star-Ledger.
Our View: He practiced in a limited capacity on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, but was out Saturday due to lingering ankle soreness. It's uncertain if he'll practice when the team returns to work at Giants Stadium on Wednesday. He previously guaranteed that he will be ready to play in Week 1 against Washington.
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| Johnson expected to play Friday | Monday 8/18, 9:55 AM CT |
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Andre Johnson, who has been dealing with a groin injury, is expected to play Friday against Dallas for the first time during the preseason, according to the Houston Chronicle. Coach Gary Kubiak said, "We’ll proceed with Andre as if he’s ready to go this week. I think he could have played last week. He practiced with us in every phase except for the times we were going to bang around."
Our View: If healthy over a full 16-game slate, Johnson would have a solid shot to rack up 100 receptions as the go-to guy in the Texans' offense. His first preseason game will be closely monitored. |
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| Brady comments on injury | Monday 8/18, 9:49 AM CT |
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Tom Brady told Boston radio station WEEI that the injury to his ankle is on the same side of the body, and same leg, but not the same injury as the one that hindered him during last season's Super Bowl, according to the Boston Globe. He also stated, "I spent some time this weekend getting treatment on it, and hoping that it responds quickly like it usually does. The key is not to go out there and aggravate anything when I'm not ready to go."
Our View: Brady isn't sure about his status for Friday's third preseason game against the Eagles.
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| Kitna has another efficient outing | Monday 8/18, 9:27 AM CT |
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Jon Kitna finished with a perfect 158.3 efficiency rating for the second straight week in preseason play, according to MLive.com. He completed 3-of-3 passes for 76 yards and a touchdown (Sunday against the Bengals), which was hauled in for 27 yards by Calvin Johnson. Kitna connected with Johnson on a 40-yard bomb in the game as well.
Our View: Kitna should have a firm grip on the starting job at quarterback, and should serve as a solid fantasy backup. |
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| Johnson continues to excel | Monday 8/18, 9:21 AM CT |
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Calvin Johnson had another strong outing in the preseason, as he hauled in three passes for 76 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's win over Cincinnati, according to MLive.com. Jon Kitna said, "He's a freak of nature." On the first play of the game, Kitna threw a bomb up the left sideline to Johnson for a 40-yard gain.
Our View: Johnson could be headed for a big year, if he can just stay healthy. |
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| Sartz a longshot | Monday 8/18, 9:09 AM CT |
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Dallas Sartz is considered a longshot to make the Seahawks' final roster at linebacker, according to the Seattle Times.
Our View: The team is deep at the position with Lofa Tatupu, Leroy Hill, Julian Peterson, D.D. Lewis, and Lance Laury, and Sartz lacks the speed and athleticism needed for their system. |
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| Forsett will make Seahawks | Monday 8/18, 9:04 AM CT |
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Rookie seventh-rounder Justin Forsett is projected to make the Seahawks' final roster, according to the Seattle Times. He lacks size and great speed, but impressed the club with his 136-yard preseason performance against the Bears.
Our View: He will sit on the bottom of the depth chart at running back, meaning he will hold little fantasy value, unless the team works him into the offense as a pass-specialist. Forsett can also work as a return man. |
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| Kent expected to make final roster | Monday 8/18, 8:59 AM CT |
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Jordan Kent is expected to make the Seahawks' final roster, according to the Seattle Times.
Our View: He should make the team unless he struggles in the Seahawks' remaining preseason contests. He would work behind Deion Branch, Nate Burleson, Bobby Engram, and Courtney Taylor, meaning his fantasy value will be limited. |
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| Suggs expected to end holdout today | Monday 8/18, 8:53 AM CT |
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Terrell Suggs is expected to end his holdout today and report to practice, according to the Baltimore Sun. He will sign his one-year tender, which will be for $8.5 million. He will see some action in the Ravens' next preseason game.
Our View: He looks to be on pace to be ready for Week 1 against the Bengals. |
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| Jackson's next start in question | Monday 8/18, 8:45 AM CT |
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Tarvaris Jackson's next start in the preseason is uncertain due to his sprained MCL, according to the Star Tribune. He could miss Saturday's contest against the Steelers, which is an important game, as it is considered a dress rehearsal for the regular season. Jackson's status for the preseason finale at Dallas on August 28 also is unknown.
Our View: The team is expected to give an update on his status today after practice. The coaching staff has been pleased with Jackson's progress this off-season and through training camp, but his development is being compromised by the injury.
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| Bulger may be limited | Monday 8/18, 8:37 AM CT |
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Marc Bulger may be limited throwing today in practice after taking a brutal shot to his throwing shoulder late in the first half against the Chargers in preseason action, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Coach Scott Linehan said, "We'll just see how he feels throwing Monday. The doctors weren't concerned about it. Afterwards, they tested his strength, it was pretty good. We'll see. Sometimes guys wake up and they're pretty sore. So we'll see if he has to be limited at all." Bulger only completed 10-of-23 passes for 85 yards in the preseason but Linehan added, "Marc's making a lot of progress. It's a new system, got some new players and all those things. As soon as we get our timing down, he's going to continue to play winning football for us."
Our View: Bulger could be a reliable weekly fantasy starter in 2008, but the team needs Steven Jackson to end his holdout, and Orlando Pace needs to stay healthy as the anchor of the offensive line. |
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| Jackson holdout update | Monday 8/18, 8:29 AM CT |
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Steven Jackson's holdout has reached 24 days on Sunday, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. He missed 24 practices, two preseason games, and has been fined $362,784. Coach Scott Linehan stated, "It is getting critical to where time now becomes more of an issue for just the physical part of getting ready for the opener. Every day we miss now does start to factor in as to what the workload will be from the start. I know he's working hard. And I know he's training. And he'll be in very good shape when he does get in."
Our View: Jackson could start slipping down a few slots in the first round of fantasy drafts as the regular season draws closer. |
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| Vrabel back in action | Monday 8/18, 8:21 AM CT |
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Mike Vrabel made his preseason debut Sunday against the Buccaneers after beginning training camp on the PUP list, according to the Boston Globe. Vrabel started at left outside linebacker, and made six tackles (two solo).
Our View: Vrabel racked up 12.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, and 77 tackles (55 solo) in 2007, and looks to be a safe IDP prospect again, evidenced by Sunday's solid outing. |
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| Gostkowski on target | Monday 8/18, 8:15 AM CT |
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Stephen Gostkowski is on target so far in the preseason as he is 4-for-4 on field goal attempts, according to the Boston Globe. One of his field goals was from 53-yards, which is longer than any kick he made or attempted last season.
Our View: Gostkowski should remain reliable as a top-5 fantasy kicker in 2008. |
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| Shields on the bubble | Monday 8/18, 8:03 AM CT |
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Rookie receiver Arman Shields is on the roster bubble, according to the SF Chronicle. He has missed most of training camp with a knee injury.
Our View: He is athletic with solid hands, but is having trouble recovering from the knee injury that wiped out most of his 2007 campaign at Richmond University. |
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| Janikowski remains sidelined | Monday 8/18, 7:57 AM CT |
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Sebastian Janikowski remains sidelined by his hamstring ailment, according to the SF Chronicle. Aaron Elling will continue to handle kicking duties while he is out.
Our View: Janikowski is not regarded as a top-25 fantasy kicker for 2008, meaning he is not worth taking a chance on. |
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| Johnson has sprained shoulder | Monday 8/18, 7:38 AM CT |
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Chad Johnson sustained a sprained left shoulder when he landed awkwardly while trying to make a catch in the first quarter against the Lions on Sunday night, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. Coach Marvin Lewis said, "We'll be able to treat it conservatively, and he'll have to get his strength back in it. It came out and went right back in on the field."
Our View: He will miss the Bengals' third preseason game Saturday. Coach Lewis thinks he will be ready for Week 1, but noted that he needs to gain the strength in his shoulder and see how he feels. |
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| Houshmandzadeh nursing hamstring | Monday 8/18, 7:33 AM CT |
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T.J. Houshmandzadeh did not play in Sunday's game against the Lions due to his hamstring ailment, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. He did work out on the field prior to the game, and ran some sprints down the sideline. Houshmandzadeh hasn't practiced since the first week of training camp in late July, but he said, "I'll be all right. I know what happened before, in 2003. I kept coming back too soon."
Our View: The ailment is not a serious condition and he personally believes he will be fine. If healthy, he ranks as a top-8 fantasy receiver for 2008. |
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| Caldwell in crutches | Monday 8/18, 7:19 AM CT |
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Andre Caldwell was on crutches and sporting a walking boot following the Bengals' preseason game Sunday, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. He has a sprained foot.
Our View: Caldwell is competing with Antonio Chatman, Glenn Holt, Marcus Maxwell, and fellow rookie Jerome Simpson for the No. 3 role at receiver, and cannot afford to miss time with the injury. |
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| Miller's production could decrease? | Monday 8/18, 7:02 AM CT |
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The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette believes Heath Miller's production could decrease in 2008. Twelve players have caught passes in the Steelers' two preseason games, but Miller was not one of them. Miller said, "I've been out on some routes. As always, the coverage kind of dictates where the ball goes. It's not like I've taken a lot of snaps so far, so I'm not really concerned about it."
Our View: The team drafted wide receiver Limas Sweed, who will provide Ben Roethlisberger with a big target, namely in the red zone. Santonio Holmes is on the verge of a breakout campaign and Mewelde Moore should be active as a pass-catcher as a third-down back, meaning Miller is not likely to top the 47 receptions he made in 2007. He will still be productive enough to rank as a top-10 fantasy tight end. |
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| Hawkins wearing boot | Monday 8/18, 12:02 AM CT |
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Rookie receiver Lavelle Hawkins is wearing a walking boot on his left ankle, and coach Jeff Fisher said an MRI exam showed a sprain that likely will keep him out of Tennessee's third exhibition game, at Atlanta, according to AZCentral.com.
Our View: The rookie said he's a fast healer and hopes to return quickly enough to play Friday night. Hawkins caught two passes for a team-high 70 yards in the Titans' 17-16 win over Oakland, including a 51-yard touchdown for his first in the NFL. |
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