Thursday, September 30, 2010

Mathews, Rice practicing this week

It sounds as if there's a slight chance Baltimore running back Ray Rice (knee) will be able to play this week. He practiced Thursday but was wearing a red no-contact jersey. Owners probably shouldn't count on his availability this weekend.

St. Louis Rams running back Kenneth Darby spent all his time with the first team during practice Wednesday. Owners shouldn't read too much into that because veterans, such as Steven Jackson, traditionally take it easier during Wednesday practices. Keep monitoring the situation.

At Detroit, neither running back Jahvid Best (toe) nor quarterback Matt Stafford (shoulder) was practicing. Stafford will almost surely not play but Best is considered questionable.

San Diego running back Ryan Mathews (ankle) is back practicing but is still listed as questionable. Considering he was struggling even before his injury, it's best to wait until he has a game under his belt before making him active.

Those owners who have been holding on to Houston tight end Owen Daniels (leg) in the hopes that he will regain his pre-injury form from 2009 should probably give it up. He seems to be limited in practice every week and do not appear close to 100 percent. There are too many tight ends out there who are actually producing to waste a roster spot on Daniels.

In case you missed it, Arizona receiver Steve Breaston had knee surgery this week and will miss at least 2-4 weeks. His fantasy value was minimal anyway.

Indianapolis running back Joseph Addai (knee) went through a full practice Wednesday and should be good to go this weekend.

Don't expect Colts wideout Pierre Garcon (hamstring) to play this week. He missed Week 3 and was not able to practice on Wednesday.

The news out of Philadelphia is that both wide receiver Jeremy Maclin (back) and tight end Brent Celek (wrist) practiced in full on Wednesday and should play in Week 4.

Check back here for more update. Also, check out the Fantasy Forum in the print edition every Tuesday.

Monday, September 27, 2010

Rice, Best leave games with injuries

Here are some injury updates from Sunday's games:

Denver rookie wide receiver Demaryius Thomas injured his left hand or wrist in the fourth quarter and ended up with just two catches for 43 yards. His status for Week 4 is unknown.

St. Louis running back Steven Jackson had to leave the game against Washington in the first half with groin injury. The extent of the injury has not yet been released.

Arizona running back Beanie Wells made his first appearance of the season Sunday and rushed 14 times for 75 yards. Unfortunately for his owners, he twisted his right knee during the game. An update on his condition should be released Tuesday.

Detroit running back Jahvid Best left Sunday's game against Minnesota with a toe injury. It has been diagnosed as a grade 2 turf toe injury which means he is considered day-to-day.

Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten will have an MRI on the knee he injured Sunday. His status for Week 4 is unknown. 

Minnesota tight end Visanthe Shiancoe apparently tweaked his hamstring against Detroit. His status will be upgraded after this week's bye.

Baltimore running back Ray Rice suffered a knee injury Sunday and the extent of the injury has not yet been released.

New England running back Fred Taylor re-injured his toe and had to leave Sunday's game in the third quarter. His status for Week 4 is unknown.

Houston wideout Andre Johnson said he aggravated his high ankle sprain in Week 3 and is not sure if he will be able to play in Week 4.

For an update on waiver wire pick-ups, check out Tuesday's Fantasy Forum in The Free Press print edition.

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Moreno out, Turner still in for Week 3

Denver Broncos running back Correll Buckhalter will get the start in Week 3 in place of Knowshon Moreno. Moreno suffered a hamstring injury in practice, although reports are that it was not the same hamstring that sidelined him for much of the preseason. He is expected to miss at least the next three games. Laurence Maroney is also expected to rotate into the running back spot this weekend. If you need a starting running back, Buckhalter would not be a terrible option.

Atlanta running back Michael Turner (groin) was not held back in practice Friday and is listed as probable for Week 3. He is expected to start which means this week's most popular waiver wire pick-up, Jason Snelling, should only be used as a last resort.
 
San Diego running back Ryan Mathews (ankle) did not practice Friday and will not play in Week 3. Mike Tolbert will replace him in the starting lineup and is a solid No. 2 back this weekend.

Houston wide receiver Andre Johnson (ankle) was limited in practice for the second straight day but will start in Week 3. He won't be 100 percent game but keep him in your starting lineup

Oakland running back Michael Bush (thumb) is expected to make his first appearance of the season this weekend but will be limited. Keep him benched until you see how he is used and how he performs.

This is the make or break week for Minnesota wideout Bernard Berrian. If he can't post decent fantasy numbers against the Detroit Lions, he should be dropped in all leagues.

Berrian's teammate, Percy Harvin (hip, migraines) practiced in limited fashion Friday but is listed as probable for Sunday. Despite the Vikings' offensive woes, he is a strong start against the Lions.

Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten (head) was not limited in practice Friday and is considered probable for Week 3. Although he hasn't done much fantasy wise, he's a must start.

It looks as if running back Tim Hightower will be the man for Arizona again this weekend. Teammate Beanie Wells (knee) is listed as questionable and probably won't play much, if at all, for the Cardinals.

St. Louis Rams wide receiver Laurent Robinson (foot) did not practice Friday and is listed as doubtful for this weekend. Danny Amendola or Brandon Gibson will likely start in his place but neither has any fantasy value.

Washington running back Clinton Portis practiced fully on Friday. Although he is listed as questionable, he is expected to start. Since he's one of the few healthy running backs on the roster, he's a decent play in Week 3.

Carolina wide receiver Steve Smith (thigh, wrist)  practiced on a limited basis Friday but is probable and should start.
Owners of wide receiver Pierre Garcon of the Indianapolis Colts might want to think about starting somebody else. He has not practiced much this week with a hamstring injury and is questionable for Week 3.

For more fantasy football information, check out the Fantasy Forum every Tuesday in The Free Press print edition.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Vick is in, Johnson's out for Week 3

Here are some quick hitters from this week in case you missed them:

Michael Vick has been named the starter at quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles, even if Kevin Kolb is completely recovered from the concussion he suffered in Week . Vick put up big numbers last week and is worth a short-term gamble.

Washington running back Larry Johnson has been released and he has not been picked up by any other team. Clinton Portis is the definite No. 1 for Washington and Ryan Torrain appears to be the first back-up. 

Back-up running backs Kevin Faulk of New England and Jerious Norwood of Atlanta both suffered torn ACL's last week and will miss the rest of the season. The Patriots are starting to get thin at running back as they traded away Laurence Maroney last week. Assuming Fred Taylor is already owned in your league, Ben Jarvis Green-Ellis might be a decent pick-up at this point. In Atlanta, Jason Snelling becomes the primary back-up to starter Michael Turner. Snelling may have to play this weekend if Turner is not recovered sufficiently from a groin injury he suffered on Sunday.

Oakland quarterback Jason Campbell has been benched in favor of Bruce Gradkowski. Neither quarterback has any fantasy value.

Detroit wide receiver Nate Burleson has a high ankle sprain that will cause him to miss at least 2-3 weeks. He is safe to drop until he becomes a key part of the offense.

New York Jets' receiver Braylon Edwards was arrested for DWI on Tuesday. The coaching staff has already said he will not start on Sunday and will have a limited, if any, role in the offense. In the wake of this news, Jerricho Cotchery's value increases a few notches.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Bush fractures fibula, out at least a month

It's official for New Orleans running back Reggie Bush. He has a broken fibula and will be out at least a month. Six weeks is probably a more realistic timeline but more tests are being done today. With Bush out Pierre Thomas becomes The Man in New Orleans.

Monday, September 20, 2010

Week 2 injury round-up

Here's a quick update on injuries suffered on Sunday:

Philadelphia quarterback Kevin Kolb was held out of Sunday's game with a concussion. Barring any setbacks, he is scheduled to start in Week 3.

Atlanta running back Michael Turner suffered a groin injury Sunday and did not return to the game. The coaches are saying the injury is not serious but his status for this weekend is unknown.

San Diego running back Ryan Mathews tweaked his ankle during Sunday's game. The Chargers said he could have returned to the game if they needed him but, by that time, San Diego was comfortably ahead. Owners should know more about his status on Tuesday.

Houston wideout Andre Johnson is scheduled to have an MRI on the ankle he injured during Week 2. The severity of the injury is not yet known.

Detroit wide receiver Nate Burleson also suffered an ankle injury and his status for next week is unknown.

The Vikings' Percy Harvin aggravated his hip injury during Sunday's game and was unable to contribute much in the second half. Right now he is considered questionable for Week 3.

Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten suffered a blow to the head during Week 2 against Chicago and had to leave the game. He looked fairly clear-headed on the sidelines and should be able to play this weekend.

For the ramifications of these injuries and a waiver wire update, check out Tuesday's Fantasy Forum in the print edition.

Saturday, September 18, 2010

Nicks, Wells, Harvin could be game-time decisions

It looks as if fantasy owners of New York Giants receiver Hakeem Nicks (ankle) are going to have to wait and see on whether he plays or not this weekend. Nicks traveled with the team to Indianapolis but was still listed as questionable Saturday afternoon.

The same is true for owners of  Arizona's Beanie Wells. The running back (knee) had some swelling after workouts this week and was limited in practice. He is considered a game-time decision.

There are conflicting reports on Minnesota wideout Percy Harvin's status. Harvin is nursing a sore hip. One report says he is a game-time decision but Steve Wyche of NFL Network's Total Access says "all indications" are that Harvin will only only play, but start. Keep monitoring the situation up until game time.


Vikings rookie Toby Gerhart (knee) will see his first action of the season Sunday against the Dolphins. Unless head coach Brad Childress decides to use Gerhart as the team's goal-line back, he has little fantasy value.

Good news for Larry Fitzgerald (knee) owners. The Arizona Cardinals wideout practiced in full on Friday and is listed as probable for the team's Week 2 game against the Atlanta Falcons.

The news is also good for Cincinnati running back Cedric Benson (shoulder). He practiced Friday and is considered probable for this weekend.

Washington's Donovan McNabb is still bothered by a sore ankle but is expected to start this weekend. He is officially listed as questionable.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Door is open for Vikes trade for Jackson

San Diego Chargers wide receiver Vincent Jackson's suspension will be reduced to four games if he is traded by Wednesday (Sept. 22). The NFL and the players union agreed on Thursday that he can be traded provided the Chargers can come to terms with another team.

The agreement, in effect, reduces Jackson's six-game suspension to four games if he is traded. His suspension is a result of his violating the league's substance abuse policy.

The Vikings are rumored to be one of a handful of teams interested in acquiring Jackson so keep following this story. Should Minnesota get him, Jackson becomes an immediate low-end No. 1 or  high-end No. 2 receiver the day he becomes eligible.

It's official in Philadelphia, Michael Vick will start at quarterback for the Eagles in place of the injured Kevin Kolb (concussion). It is possible Kolb could be cleared to play as a second or third QB for the game.

Laurence Maroney may have found a new home in Denver but don't expect him to contribute much unless some players in front of him get hurt. The former New England running back will likely follow Knowshon Moreno and Correll Buckhalter in the running rotation.

FOXSports.com is reporting that the Vikings will offer a high draft pick to the San Diego Chargers for wide receiver Vincent Jackson if Jackson wins his grievance hearing today. If signed, Jackson would immediately be a low-end No. 1 or high-end No. 2 receiver in fantasy upon his return from suspension.

Bad news for owners of wideout Early Doucet of the Arizona Cardinals. He is being examined for a sports hernia today and, if the tests come back positive, he will likely have surgery and have to sit out at least a few weeks. Now might be a good time to drop Doucet in favor of another back-up receiver.

Tampa Bay rookier running back Kareem Huggins is in a similar situation with groin issues. He likely won't need surgery but probably won't be 100 percent for at least a few weeks. A sleeper in most fantasy drafts this year, Huggins should probably be dropped for a healthy back who will actually play.

It's looking doubtful that Cleveland quarterback Jake Delhomme (ankle) will be able to play this weekend. If he can't go, Seneca Wallace will take his spot. If Wallace plays, there are no Browns worth playing in fantasy this weekend.

Baltimore tight end Todd Heap has a shoulder injury that may keep him out for Week 2. If he can't go, Ed Dickson would replace him in the lineup. Dickson has no fantasy value.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Grant is done for the year

Reports out of Wisconsin are that starting running back Ryan Grant will out for the season. What was originally thought to be a high ankle sprain is actually a severe sprain along with a fracture below the right kneecap. He will be moved to injured reserve shortly.

This makes Brandon Jackson the starter in Green Bay. Although he probably won't be as productive in fantasy football as Grant was expected to be by his owners, Jackson should be a decent No. 2 back for as long as he is the starter. John Kuhn may also see more goal-line touches in Grant's absence.

After Jackson, the most popular waiver wire pick-up this week will likely be San Diego Chargers wide receiver Legedu Naanee. He had five receptions for 110 yards and a touchdown in his team's Week 1 loss to Kansas City.

Good news for the owners of Arizona running back Beanie Wells. He is expected to return to practice this week and, barring a setback, should play in Week 2.

The Jimmy Claussen era may be starting sooner than expected in Carolina as head coach John Fox is considering making him the starting quarterback for Week 2. He has no fantasy value until he actually plays and does something.

It looks as if running back Shonn Greene is on the hot seat with the New York Jets. He fumbled twice on Monday and the coaching staff has indicated that LaDainian Tomlinson may be getting more playing time in Week 2. If you have a strong option behind Greene, consider using him until this situation clears up.

Owners of Philadelphia quarterback Kevin Kolb may want to start surfing the waiver wire for help this week. He failed his initial concussion test Monday and may not be able to play this weekend. Michael Vick would likely start in his place and would be a decent play for a week or two.

Monday, September 6, 2010

Housh, Leinart are back in the fold

It didn't take long for wide receiver T.j. Houzhmandzadeh to find a new home. He was cut at the start of the weekend and quickly signed with the Baltimore Ravens. It will probably take him a while to develop chemistry and timing with quarterback Joe Flacco so you might want to keep him on your bench until they start clicking.

Quarterback Matt Leinart also found a new team quickly. He has been signed by the Houston Texans as their No. 3 quarterback and has no fantasy value.

Veteran running back Julius Jones was the odd-man out in Seattle's running-back-by-committee (RRBC). He was released on Sunday and has yet to sign with another team. This bumps up the value of both Justin Forsett and Leon Washington.

The RBBC in Washington is also a lot more clear. Willie Parker was released and Ryan Torain was released and then re-signed to the practice squad. That leaves Clinton Portis as the primary ball carrier and Larry Johnson as the first back-up.


Although he has only been there a short while, reports from San Diego are that Patrick Crayton is making a strong bid for extended playing time. Keep the wideout on you bench until you see where he settles in the pecking order of quarterback Phillip Rivers. Josh Reed was the casualty of the Crayton trade as the Chargers have released him.

Giants running back Andre Brown was released over the weekend by was signed right away by the Denver Broncos. He's too low on the Broncos depth chart to have any value at this time.

St. Louis has named rookie Sam Bradford as its starter for Week 1. The rookie may have value as a back-up quarterback depending on how quickly he progresses.

Friday, September 3, 2010

Big Ben should play in Week 6

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger's suspension was reduced from four to six games by the commissioner and that means he's eligible to play in Week 6 of the NFL season. The Steelers have a bye in Week 5. The move makes Roethlisberger a strong No. 2 fantasy quarterback.

Bad new for owners who thought they had a sleeper in Cleveland running back Montario Hardesty this year. The rookie tore his ACL in Thursday's preseason game and has been placed on injured reserve. That makes starter Jerome Harrison a solid No. 3 back.

Tennessee running back LenDale White suffered the same fate as Hardesty and is gone for the year. Any hopes that he might be the touchdown back for the Titans are history. 


The latest out of Seattle is that T.J. Houzmanzadeh will be released if he can't be traded. That means Deion Branch and Mike X Williams are the likely starters. Each may have value as No. 5 or No. 6 wideout in fantasy.

Dallas has traded Patrick Crayton to San Diego for a seventh-round draft choice. Although Crayton showed flashes with the Cowboys, he has no fantasy value at least until we see how the Chargers use him.

The Steelers' Byron Leftwich sprained his medial collateral ligament Thursday is probably out for a month. That clears the way for David Dixon to be the starting quarterback while Roethlisberger is suspended. Dixon could have some value on the weeks when the matchup is right.

Neil Rackers has won the place-kicking job in Houston with the release of Kris Brown. Rackers is a fairly consistent kicker who owners should have no qualms about adding to their roster.

An update on running back Michael Bush's status (fractured thumb) is that he now may be out four to six weeks. The coaching staff originally speculated that Bush might be available in Week 1 but orthopedic surgeon Dr. Michael Schwarz said that's unlikely.

Don't be surprised if veteran Fred Taylor is the primary ball carrier for the Patriots this season. He knows the offense, is a great third-down back and teammate Laurence Maroney is still battling an assortment of nagging injuries. Taylor is going undrafted in most leagues and is worth a waiver wire pick-up.

Check out the Fantasy Forum every Tuesday in the print edition for tips on all aspects of fantasy football.

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Housh could be moving from Seattle

Reports out of Seattle are that the Seahawks are looking to trade wide receiver T.J. Houzmandzadeh. He will be difficult to move because his contract calls for him to make more than $7 million this year. Keep monitoring his situation to see where he ends up.

In case you missed it, Tampa Bay running back Derrick Ward was released this week and has yet to be picked up. Ward was beaten out in the preseason by Cadillac Williams, Earnest Graham and Kareem Huggins and the Bucs did not want to pay a salary in excess of $3 million to a fourth-string running back.

If you still have a draft coming up and are looking for a running back to take a flier on in the last round or two, a guy to consider might be Washington's Ryan Torain. He's in a good situation as both Larry Johnson and Willie Parker are just about used up and starter Clinton Portis is injury prone. It wouldn't take much to get Torain on the field.

It appears Jerome Harrison will be the opening day starter for the Cleveland Browns at running back. Rookie Montario Hardesty was supposed to challenge him for the job in the preseason but hurt his knee early and is still not back to 100 percent. Hardesty is expected to play tonight (Thursday) and that may determine the fate of the two backs going into Week 1.


The once promising career of wide receiver Devin Thomas may be over in Washington. He has never lived up to his potential and now there are reports that he may be a casualty on cut-down day. It's not out of the question since new head coach Mike Shanahan is not invested in him.

There's talk in Detroit that running back Kevin Smith is on the bubble for making the team. He has been slow to come back from ACL surgery and may have fallen behind Maurice Morris on the depth chart. If you drafted Smith as insurance for rookie starter Jahvid Best, keep a close eye on the situation.

A tight end to keep in mind if your looking for one late in your draft is Oakland's Zach Miller. He has apparently established a strong rapport with new quarterback Jason Campbell. Because the Raiders or so bad Miller has been flying pretty low under the fantasy radar and might still be available late.

If you still have a draft coming up, check out Tuesday's print edition (Aug. 31) for the Fantasy Forum where I discuss some drafting tips for the 2010 season.