| Newsbreakers |
|
|
| Houstontexans.com reports that Steve Slaton (chest) was limited in Friday's practice, but he's still fully expected to start. |
Our View: This was more of a case of trying to keep a running back's legs fresh. Hold on...Slaton's 22. He's not supposed to be fatigued already! Count on him getting 15-20 carries plus a few receptions on Sunday against Cleveland. |
|
|
|
| Xavier Adibi is slated to make another start at weakside linebacker this weekend at Cleveland as Morlon Greenwood is not ready to return from his leg injury, according to the Houston Chronicle. |
Our View: The high-energy rookie racked up 14 tackles (13 solo) in his first career start in Week 11 against the Colts, and should be considered for fantasy lineups this weekend. |
|
|
|
| Steve Slaton was limited in Wednesday's practice while nursing a chest ailment sustained in Week 11, according to the Houston Chronicle. |
Our View: Slaton should be healthy enough to exploit the Browns' 28th ranked run defense this weekend, and should remain penciled into fantasy lineups. |
|
|
|
| Chester Pitts missed Wednesday's practice while nursing a calf injury, according to the Houston Chronicle. |
Our View: He hasn't missed a start in eight seasons, and coach Gary Kubiak expects the solid left guard to play Sunday at Cleveland. |
|
|
|
| Earl Cochran has been placed on season-ending injured reserve due to a torn ligament in his toe, according to the Houston Chronicle. The Texans signed defensive end Jesse Nading from the practice squad to fill his spot on the roster. |
Our View: Cochran held no fantasy value for IDP leagues, but will be missed by the Texans as he provided favorable depth along the defensive line, as he chipped in 17 tackles and two sacks. |
|
|
|
| Updating an earlier report, Steve Slaton injured his chest on Sunday when he fell on the ball against the Colts, according to the Texans' official site. |
Our View: Slaton believes that he will be fine for this weekend against the Browns' lackluster rushing defense. |
|
|
|
| Andre Davis was limited in practice on Wednesday, according to the Browns' official site. |
Our View: Davis doesn't have a lot of fantasy value at this point, but he could play this weekend. |
|
|
|
| Steve Slaton was limited in practice on Wednesday, according to the Browns' official site. |
Our View: Slaton is probably going to take it easy in practice this week, but is expected to play this weekend. With as bad as the Browns' rushing defense is, Slaton should be a strong bet again this week after going over 150 rushing yards last week. |
|
|
|
| Coach Gary Kubiak intends to utilize dazzling rookie Steve Slaton this weekend as the Texans aim to exploit the Browns' 28th ranked run defense, according to the Houston Chronicle. |
Our View: Slaton racked up 156 rushing yards on only 14 carries last weekend against the Colts, and looks to be headed for another strong outing against a Browns' defense that is allowing 149 rushing yards per game. |
|
|
|
| Matt Schaub could begin throwing sometime this week, according to the Texans' official site. |
Our View: Schaub probably won't have much fantasy value the rest of the year. He'll probably at most only be able to play Houston's last two games. |
|
|
|
| Ryan Moats sustained an ankle injury in the Week 11 loss to the Colts, according to the Houston Chronicle. |
Our View: Moats holds no fantasy value as a deep reserve at running back, but his contributions on special teams would be missed by the Texans if his injury keeps him out of Week 12 at Cleveland. |
|
|
|
| Coach Gary Kubiak hopes second-year defensive tackle Amobi Okoye can return to action in Week 12 at Cleveland, according to the Houston Chronicle. Okoye has missed the past two games with a high-ankle sprain. Kubiak said, "He needs to get back on the field. He needs to get back out there and contribute. It’s a big year for him in year two. We’re expecting a lot of good things from him, and we’re running short on time right now, so he needs to get back out there." |
Our View: Okoye flashed potential as a rookie, but ran out of gas late in the year, and is yet to record a sack in 2008. He should not be considered for fantasy lineups in IDP leagues upon his return. |
|
|
|
| The AP reports that Texans quarterback Matt Schaub's recovery from a left knee injury will take longer than the two to four weeks initially projected. He has been out two weeks with an injured medial collateral ligament and coach Gary Kubiak was far more candid Monday about his condition than he has been since the injury. Kubiak said it could be another four weeks.
|
Our View: Sage Rosenfels will remain the starter and it is certainly worth considering shedding Schaub from your roster if you have not already. |
|
|
|
| Andre Davis could be on the field for the Texans in next week's game, as his finger heals from injury, the Houston Chronicle reports. |
Our View: Davis had just seven catches in six games and holds no fantasy value. |
|
|
|
| Texans cornerback Fred Bennett left the team's game against the Colts with an unknown injury and did not return, according to the Houston Chronicle. |
Our View: Bennett was replaced in the game by DeMarcus Faggins. We will update you when more about his status is known. |
|
|
|
| Houston running back Ahman Green ran for just 17 yards on Sunday against the Colts, but it was enough to push him past 9,000 rushing yards for his career, reports the Houston Chronicle. |
Our View: Green is now one of seven active players to reach the milestone. He has 255 yards and three scores on the ground this year and is not much of an option for fantasy owners. |
|
|
|
| According to the Houston Chronicle, Texans cornerback Dunta Robinson was fined for missing the team's flight to Indianapolis on Saturday. |
Our View: Robinson said that he was taking care of family matters, and that his he spoke to his teammates about the situation to clear things up. |
|
|
|
| Xavier Adibi compiled 14 tackles (13 solos, 1 assist) in the Week 11 loss to Indianapolis. |
Our View: As a result of the exemplary effort, Adibi, who started in place of the injured Morlon Greenwood, could receive additional playing time on the weak-side going forward. |
|
|
|
| Ahman Green only gained 17 yards on nine carries, but two of them resulted in touchdowns in the Week 11 loss to Indianapolis. |
Our View: Green, who has posted nine or fewer carries in each of the last three games, is nothing more than mediocre flex option in basic scoring leagues. |
|
|
|
| Steve Slaton carried the ball 14 times for 156 yards and one touchdown in the Week 11 loss to Indianapolis. |
Our View: There was talk in some circles that Slaton had hit the rookie wall following last week's effort, which netted seven rushing yards on four carries. The West Virginia product squelched that noise with his best rushing performance of the season. |
|
|
|
| Texans inactives: QB Matt Schaub, WR Andre Davis, LB Kevis Coley, LB Morlon Greenwood, G Kasey Studdard, T Rashad Butler, TE Mark Bruener, DT Amobi Okoye.
|
Our View: Sage Rosenfels gets the start for the second straight week in place of Matt Schaub, who is inactive due to a knee injury. |
|
|
|
| Xavier Adibi is expected to start at weakside linebacker Sunday at Indianapolis as Morlon Greenwood remains doubtful (bruised fibula), according to the Houston Chronicle. Coach Gary Kubiak said, "It sure looks like his light is trying to come on. You’d like to see him weigh a little more, but we can’t fix that now, so we’ll just turn him loose and let him go."
|
Our View: Adibi will be making his first career start at linebacker, but the rookie is quick and athletic with good instincts, and is worth a look if you need help in deeper IDP leagues. |
|
|
|
| Steve Slaton has his legs back after previously being said to be worn out, and is expected to handle a full workload against the Colts, according to the Houston Chronicle. |
Our View: Slaton should be penciled into fantasy lineups as the Texans aim to exploit the Colts' 24th ranked run defense. |
|
|
|
| Andre Davis had the pins removed from his finger earler in the week, but coach Gary Kubiak indicated that he is likely a week away from returning to action, according to the Houston Chronicle. |
Our View: Davis holds little to no value as a receiver, but is a solid kick returner, and will be missed in a tough game at Indianapolis. |
|
|
|
| Morlon Greenwood was limited in Thursday's practice while dealing with a sprained ankle, according to the Houston Chronicle. |
Our View: He will be a game-time decision for Sunday's game at Indianapolis. Rookie Xavier Adibi is the top candidate to replace Greenwood at weakside linebacker if he is unable to play. |
|
|
|
| Amobi Okoye missed another practice Thursday while nursing a high-ankle sprain, according to the Houston Chronicle. |
Our View: He will be a game-time decision for Week 11 at Indianapolis. Okoye wouldn't be missed by fantasy owners as he only mustered 11 tackles, and is yet to record his first sack of 2008. |
|
|
|
| Matt Schaub is slowly recovering from a torn MCL in his left knee, according to the Houston Chronicle. |
Our View: He is making progress, but the Texans are unsure if he will be able to make the trip for Sunday's game at Indianapolis. The team wants to be sure he doesn't have swelling or other problems before he takes a flight. The team does not believe they will know a lot regarding his condition for at least another week or two. Sage Rosenfels will make another start at quarterback in his place. |
|
|
|
| Texans linebacker Morlon Greenwood did not practice on Wednesday and he could miss the team's game on Sunday, according to the Houston Chronicle. |
Our View: Greenwood has been dealing with a leg injury, and if he doesn't go, Xavier Adibi is likely to take his place. |
|
|
|
| Texans rookie cornerback Antwaun Molden may get on the field to see some snaps on defense this week, according to the Houston Chronicle. |
Our View: Molden has played on special teams this year, and has 13 tackles to his name. He does not hold fantasy value even if he does play on defense. |
|
|
|
| The Texans' website reports that Matt Schaub will undergo tests later this week to determine his health. “He (Schaub) has definitely moved forward,” coach Gary Kubiak said. “The question right now is whether or not we’re going to take him on the trip this week or not, whether they feel good about him flying, where they don’t think there will be any problems - swelling or anything." |
Our View: Schaub will not be returning this weekend and Sage Rosenfels will continue to start. |
|
|
|
| Andre Davis will have the pins removed from his finger, according to the Houston Chronicle. |
Our View: This is favorable news, but that does not mean he will be cleared to play for this weekend's battle at Indianapolis. |
|
|
|
| Amobi Okoye is questionable for Week 11 due to a high-ankle sprain, according to the Houston Chronicle. |
Our View: DelJuan Robinson started in Okoye's place in Week 10 against Baltimore, and would likely remain in the lineup if Okoye is unable to return. Veteran Jeff Zgonina and rookie Frank Okam would lend support. Okoye wouldn't be missed by fantasy owners as he only mustered 11 tackles, and is yet to record his first sack. |
|
|
|
| Morlon Greenwood may miss this weekend's game against the Colts after sustaining a sprained ankle in Week 10 against Baltimore, according to the Houston Chronicle. |
Our View: Greenwood won't be missed by fantasy owners in IDP leagues as he only contributed 36 tackles (24 solo) this season. Rookie Xavier Adibi would replace Greenwood at weakside linebacker if unable to play. |
|
|
|
| Xavier Adibi could replace Morlon Greenwood at weakside linebacker in Week 11 if Greenwood is unable to go due to his sprained ankle, according to the Houston Chronicle. |
Our View: The rookie displayed solid speed and range in limited action last weekend against Baltimore, and Adibi would be worth consideration for IDP leagues if he makes his first career start at weakside linebacker in Week 11 against the Colts. |
|
|
|
| The Texans website reports that running back Steve Slaton is worn down, according to coach Gary Kubiak. He went on to say that he expects him to bounce back next week in the featured back role. |
Our View: This shouldn't be a big surprise for the slightly built rookie. He had just four carries for 7 yards, but did break away for a 58-yard touchdown reception that was called back for a holding penalty. Despite Ahman Green's return, we fully expect Slaton to remain the main back in Houston. |
|
|
|
| Kevin Bentley was productive in his first start of the season at strongside linebacker in place of the injured Zack Diles, as he finished second on the Texans with seven tackles (four solo) in Sunday's loss to Baltimore, according to the Houston Chronicle. He also registered one of three sacks by the team. |
Our View: Bentley is worth a look in deeper IDP leagues if you need help at linebacker, namely for depth. |
|
|
|
| Linebacker DeMeco Ryans picked up 11 solo tackles in the Week 10 loss to the Ravens. He had seven or fewer total stops in six straight games. |
Our View: Ryans may actually benefit from Zach Diles's season-ending knee injury, as there could be more opportunities moving forward for DeMeco. |
|
|
|
| Running back Steve Slaton rushed four times for seven yards and caught four passes for 17 yards in the Week 10 loss to the Ravens. He did have a 58-yard touchdown reception called back due to a hold. |
Our View: Gary Kubiak did not draw up a good gameplan. The Texans came out throwing and gave some early looks to Ahman Green. Still, they were only down 12-6 at half, and we have no idea why Slaton wasn't used more. We hope the press grills Kubiak about this. |
|
|
|
| Quarterback Sage Rosenfels threw four interceptions in the Week 10 loss to the Ravens. He completed 23-of-38 passes for 294 yards and one score. |
Our View: If your fantasy league doesn't take away points for turnovers, Rosenfels did fine. He made some really bad choices against a defense that tends to make offense pay for mistakes. We know Sage can do a lot of good for fantasy teams, but he really needs to tighten up his decisions. |
|
|
|
| Running back Ahman Green (thigh) is active for the Week 10 game against the Ravens. |
Our View: Green will serve as the backup to Steve Slaton in a very tough matchup. Slaton remains the one worth using in fantasy leagues, but fantasy owners shouldn't be surprised if Green steals a decent chunk of the work. |
|
|
|
| Week 10 inactives: QB Matt Schaub, WR Andre Davis, S Will Demps, LB Chaun Thompson, G Kasey Studdard, OT Rashad Butler, TE Mark Bruener, DT Amobi Okoye.
|
Our View: Sage Rosenfels will start at quarterback. Ahman Green is active and will be the backup to Steve Slaton. The defense will miss Okoye, but DeMeco Ryans is active. |
|
|
|
| Craig Nall was signed this week with by the Houston Texans to be the backup to Sage Rosenfels, and he has performed well in practice, according to the Houston Chronicle. |
Our View: Nall was with the team for a few weeks last year, so he at least has a cursory knowledge of the offense. Still, the team could be in trouble if he has to take significant snaps. |
|
|
|
| Zach Diles' surgery reportedly went well, according to the Houston Chronicle. He had a rod placed in his broken left leg Wednesday night. |
Our View: As previously stated, veteran Kevin Bentley will start in his place at strongside linebacker in Week 10 against Baltimore. Diles will not be easy to replace, as he was leading the Texans with 66 tackles (47 solo) prior to going down. |
|
|
|
| Rookie Xavier Adibi will be in the mix on defense for the first time this season Sunday against Baltimore, according to the Houston Chronicle. |
Our View: Kevin Bentley will start at strongside linebacker, replacing the injured Zach Diles, but Adibi will figure into a rotation during the game. He will play 15-to-20 snaps at one of the outside positions, likely on the weak side. He has good range and speed and could earn a larger role if he fares well this weekend, making him worth a look as a flier in deeper IDP leagues. |
|
|
|
| Amobi Okoye won't play in Week 10 against Baltimore due to his ankle injury, according to Scout.com. |
Our View: Okoye won't be missed as he is yet to record his first sack in a disappointing sophomore campaign. Veteran Jeff Zgonina and rookie Frank Okam will fill in at defensive tackle. |
|
|
|
| Zach Diles has been placed on season-ending IR after breaking his left tibia during practice this week, according to the Associated Press. Kevin Coley has been promoted from the practice squad to fill his spot on the roster. |
Our View: This is a tough loss for the Texans (and fantasy owners in IDP leagues), as Diles was leading the team with 66 tackles (47 solo). Veteran Kevin Bentley will start in his place at strongside linebacker in Week 10 against Baltimore. |
|
|
|
| Kevin Walter missed Wednesday's practice with a back ailment, according to the Houston Chronicle. |
Our View: Walter is an under-rated fantasy receiver as he scored five touchdowns over eight games. The team is yet to update his playing status for Sunday's battle with Baltimore. |
|
|
|
| DeMeco Ryans missed Wednesday's practice with a shoulder ailment, according to the Houston Chronicle. |
Our View: Ryans has been disappointing this season with only 51 tackles (40 solo), but the club cannot afford to lose him, especially with Zach Diles (tackles leader) out with a broken fibula. The Ravens' ground attack would benefit if Ryans is unable to go. |
|
|
|
| Amobi Okoye missed Wednesday's practice with an ankle injury, according to the Houston Chronicle. |
Our View: He flashed solid potential as a rookie in 2007, but he has only registered 11 tackles and no sacks so far this season while being phased out of the Texans' rotation at defensive tackle, and the club will manage fine if he is unable to go Sunday against the Ravens. |
|
|
|
| Ahman Green was limited in practice on Wednesday due to a sore thigh, according to the team's website. |
Our View: Green is improving but his status for Week 10 is uncertain. Steve Slaton figures to handle most of the carries even once the veteran returns. |
|
|
|
| Zach Diles broke his left tibia in practice today and is expected to miss the remainder of the season, according to the Texans' official website. Coach Gary Kubiak said, "He'll be gone for the year. He's going to have to have a rod inserted. They're going to try to get that done tonight. We lost a kid that was becoming a great player. It's difficult on the football team to watch that today. We just wish him the best."
|
Our View: This is a tough loss for the Texans (and fantasy owners in IDP leagues), as he currently leads the team with 66 tackles (47 solo). |
|
|
|
| Ndukwe Kalu has been waived by the Texans, according to the Houston Chronicle. The team signed quarterback Craig Nall as the adjoining move. |
Our View: Kalu held no fantasy value for IDP leagues as a reserve defensive end. |
|
|
|
| Kevin Walter praised Sage Rosenfels, who will start at quarterback this weekend against Baltimore in place of the injured Matt Schaub (knee), according to the Houston Chronicle. Walter said, "It helps to know you’re going to be a starter that week rather than that day. It’s going to be good for all of us. I think Sage is the best backup in the league. He’s a good quarterback. We’re fortunate enough to have him."
|
Our View: This is encouraging news, but Rosenfels remains a risky fantasy option against the Ravens' fourth ranked pass defense in his first start of the season. |
|
|
|
| Alex Brink is the only quarterback on the Texans' roster behind acting starter Sage Rosenfels while Matt Schaub is out with a knee injury, so the team is going to audition several players at the position, according to the Houston Chronicle. |
Our View: The Texans will bring in Tim Rattay, Bruce Gradkowski and Craig Nall for auditions. Nall was briefly with the club last season. |
|
|
|
| Sage Rosenfels should handle the Texans' starting role at quarterback, as Matt Schaub is expected to miss at least a month of action due to a torn MCL in his left knee, according to the Associated Press. |
Our View: Rosenfels has been looking for his chance to start in the NFL, and he will get his wish starting this Sunday against Baltimore. Rosenfels has proven to be an accurate passer during his time on the gridiron, and is worth a look in fantasy leagues, as he has a solid arsenal of weapons with elite receiver Andre Johnson and rising star Owen Daniels. |
|
|
|
| Updating an earlier report, Matt Schaub has sustained a torn MCL in his left knee during Sunday's game against Minnesota, according to the Associated Press. |
Our View: He will miss at least a month, hence boosting the fantasy value of Sage Rosenfels, who will replace him at quarterback. |
|
|
|
| Matt Schaub is slated for an MRI on his injured knee, according to the Houston Chronicle. |
Our View: The injury was initially reported to be a sprain, but the team feels it may only be a bruise. We will keep you posted on his status. Sage Rosenfels would start at quarterback against the Ravens in Week 10 if Schaub is unable to go. |
|
|
|
| Andre Johnson impressively hauled in 41 receptions in the month of October, but was held to four catches for 64 yards (and a score) in Sunday's tough loss to the Vikings, according to the Houston Chronicle. Johnson said, "I guess their coach just told them, ‘Just beat him up. At the line, I got thrown down a couple of times. It was one of my more difficult games. I think they did a great job. I think they had a good game plan. It kind of got me a bit frustrated. And when you get frustrated, it kind of has an effect on your game a little bit."
|
Our View: His three-game streak of double-digit receptions ended, but he scored for the third time in his past five outings, and fantasy owners cannot complain about his performance. |
|
|
|
| Wide receiver Andre Johnson caught four balls for 64 yards and a touchdown in the Week 9 loss to Minnesota. |
Our View: Johnson broke a streak of three consecutive games with double-digit receptions, but he scored for the third time in the past five games. |
|
|
|
| Tight end Owen Daniels reeled in 11 balls for 133 yards in the Week 9 loss to Minnesota. |
Our View: Owens, who is an every week starter regardless of match-up, has compiled 20 receptions for 220 yards and two touchdowns in the past three games. |
|
|
|
| Quarterback Sage Rosenfels completed 21-of-29 passes for 224 yards with two touchdowns against one touchdown in the second half of the Week 9 loss to Minnesota. |
Our View: Rosenfels replaced Schaub, who sustained a knee injury, at the beginning of the second half. Keep an eye on Schaub's health status, as Rosenfels has displayed the skills to be a solid fantasy contributor. |
|
|
|
| Quarterback Matt Schaub exited the game against Minnesota in the third quarter with a knee injury. |
Our View: Sage Rosenfels has replaced him in the lineup. No additional information is currently available |
|
|
|
| Texans inactives: RB Ahman Green, WR André Davis, LB Xavier Adibi, G Kasey Studdard, TE Mark Bruener, DT Frank Okam, DE N.D. Kalu, T Rashad Butler.
|
Our View: Steve Slaton will handle the brunt of the rushing workload with Ahman Green (thigh) inactive. Also, Kevin Walker (knee) and Zach Diles (hamstring) are active and will start. |
|
