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| Redskins add Taylor | Sunday 7/20, 11:53 PM CT |
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Updating an earlier story and recapping the top headline of the day, the Washington Redskins have responded to two season-ending injuries to defensive ends today by trading for Pro-Bowl end Jason Taylor , sending a 2nd-round draft pick in 2009 as well as a 6th-round draft pick from 2010 to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for his services, according to Redskins.com.
Our View: Taylor is currently under contract for the next two seasons, due to make $8.1 million in 2008. He has reportedly told the 'Skins he will not be requesting a new negotiation for a new contract and will serve those two years as currently laid out by that existing contract. Meanwhile, others in the industry are wondering why Washington was so quick to make the move after losing top defensive end Phillip Daniels to injury for the season. Many teams would have sought to extend the conversations and held Miami over the fire for a lesser cost, but instead the 'Skins have jumped with both feet and are now possessing one of the top pass rushers in the game for the next two seasons. |
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| Shockey still a question mark for Giants | Sunday 7/20, 9:58 PM CT |
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The Giants are three days away from opening training camp and the questions around tight end Jeremy Shockey have yet to be answered, and today's comments from GM Jerry Reese leave no answers to be found, according to the New York Daily News. Reese would not say if he expects his enigmatic tight end to report to camp at the University at Albany with the rest of his teammates on Thursday morning, and he appeared to leave open the possibility that Shockey won't be part of the Giants at all with these comments, stating, "I expect we'll have 53 players when we play the Redskins (on Sept. 4) who want to be here, and are happy to be here, ready to play as a team, ready to defend the title. That's what I expect," Reese said. "If that includes Jeremy, that would be great."
Our View: Shockey, who told many people inside and outside of the NFL this offseason that he wanted out of New York, showed up for minicamp in June, but refused to stand on the sidelines with the rest of his injured teammates. Then he reportedly got into a shouting match with Reese. No one seems sure whether he'll show up on Thursday or how much trouble he'll cause if he does. A trade, though highly unlikely, apparently hasn't been ruled out. |
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| Smoot falls to ankle injury | Sunday 7/20, 9:52 PM CT |
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The Redskins have been rather busy today, losing two players for the season to injury, then adding a Pro Bowl-caliber defensive end in Jason Taylor via trade, and now we have word that cornerback Fred Smoot has also fallen to injury, according to the Washington Post.
Our View: Smoot sprained his left ankle in the afternoon practice, during an 11-on-11 drill. Coach Jim Zorn said he's hoping Smoot will be out less than a week. They will update his situation later this week, but for now, it sounds like the injury is minor. |
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| Skins also lose Buzbee for the season | Sunday 7/20, 9:47 PM CT |
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While the move to add Jason Taylor rules the day's headlines, the Redskins have quietly announced defensive end Alex Buzbee was carted off the field with an ankle injury suffered during special-teams practice this afternoon, is done for the season, according to the Associated Press.
Our View: Buzbee ruptured his right Achilles tendon while back-peddling during a punting drill. A first-year player who spent last season on the practice squad, Buzbee is well regarded for his intelligence and work ethic. Had he not fallen, the Skins might have reserved on the trade for Taylor, but with he and Phillip Daniels both lost for the season, the Fins were able to get the deal done. |
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| Pitt thinking Holmes can make returns | Sunday 7/20, 9:40 PM CT |
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The Pittsburgh Steelers are going to give receiver Santonio Holmes a strong look as a potential candidate to return punts this season, according to Pro Football Weekly.
Our View: PFW reports Rookie RB Rashard Mendenhall and veteran Mewelde Moore will be in the mix to return kickoffs, with second-year RB Gary Russell another potential option if the Steelers want to employ a bigger returner the way they occasionally did with the departed Najeh Davenport. Pittsburgh will have a new look at those positions after releasing RS Allen Rossum in the offseason. Whoever gets the job may see lowering value from fantay owners, opening that player to additional injury concerns and the potential for fewer plays on offense if necessary to fill those punt-return duties. We'll keep you updated on the competition as it unfolds in training camp. |
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| Jackson signs rookie deal with Eagles | Sunday 7/20, 9:36 PM CT |
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The Eagles have signed receiver/return man DeSean Jackson to a four-year contract agreement, according to PhiladelphiaEagles.com.
Our View: Jackson was the second of two 2nd-round draft picks the Eagles made in April, figuring to make a significant impact on Philly's special teams. The team is also going to give him every opportunity to compete for the job as Donovan McNabb's slot receiver, an undersized-yet-speedy target with great hands and explosive acceleration. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. |
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| Redskins targeting Taylor | Sunday 7/20, 2:33 PM CT |
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John Clayton of ESPN reports that the Redskins are targeting Jason Taylor following the season-ending knee injury sustained by Phillip Daniels Sunday.
Our View: Talks between the Redskins and Dolphins are said to be underway, and Taylor did previously state that he would like to play for a contender. It is not yet known what the Redskins will offer the Dolphins in exhange for Taylor. |
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| Phillips out for season | Sunday 7/20, 2:11 PM CT |
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The Redskins have announced that Phillip Daniels is going to miss the entire 2008 campaign due to the knee injury he sustained today in 7-on-7 drills, according to the Washington Post.
Our View: The exact injury is yet to be disclosed. This is a tough loss as the Redskins are very thin at defensive end. Demetric Evans would be the next in line to start opposite Andre Carter heading into training camp. |
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| Ravens ink Hale | Sunday 7/20, 1:42 PM CT |
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The Ravens have inked fourth-round pick David Hale (Weber State) to a three-year deal worth $1.4 million, according to the Baltimore Sun. He was given a $294,000 signing bonus.
Our View: Hale is a tough kid who plays with passion and could push for a starting spot at guard or right tackle down the road. |
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| Bradley's status for camp uncertain | Sunday 7/20, 1:23 PM CT |
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Mark Bradley's practice status for the beginning of training camp remains uncertain, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Bradley missed the bulk of the off-season program after tweaking his right knee in voluntary workouts leading to arthroscopic surgery in May.
Our View: He is questionable for the start of camp, and the Bears cannot afford to be without him. The team lacks a true number one receiver following the departures of vertical threat Bernard Berrian and crafty vet Muhsin Muhammad. Bradley only caught six passes for 71 yards last season, and still needs a lot of work before he can be counted on to replace the aforementioned starters. |
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| Wesley visits Raiders | Sunday 7/20, 12:54 PM CT |
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Greg Wesley, who was recently released by the Chiefs, was set to visit the Raiders on Sunday, according to ProFootballTalk.com.
Our View: Former Giants' star Gibril Wilson and Michael Huff are projected to start at the two safety spots, but Wesley would be able to crack the rotation in Oakland with only Jarrod Cooper and Hiram Eugene to challenge on the roster. |
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| Randle El returns to practice | Sunday 7/20, 12:43 PM CT |
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Antwaan Randle El returned to practice Sunday, for his first real action since having his knee scoped in May, according to the Washington Post. Coach Jim Zorn commented that he was impressed with his speed.
Our View: Speed demon Santana Moss is slated to start, leaving Randle El to battle highly regarded rookies Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly for the other spot. |
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| Rogers participates in drills | Sunday 7/20, 12:38 PM CT |
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Carlos Rogers, who is trying to rebound from reconstructive knee surgery, took part in limited individual drills as the team broke for training camp on Sunday, according to the Washington Post.
Our View: He is itching to come back, but the team will remain cautious with him, as a setback could be very costly. Team trainers are working with Rogers to keep him from pushing too hard. He will begin the season on the PUP list. |
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| Adibi impresses Kubiak | Sunday 7/20, 10:55 AM CT |
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Rookie linebacker Xavier Adibi, who signed with the Texans last week, has impressed coach Gary Kubiak, according to the Houston Chronicle. Kubiak said, "Adibi was as good as anybody during the last 10 days of OTA sessions. We'll see if he picks up where he left off. Adibi could be the surprise of the team. He's fast, quick, very sharp, and he diagnoses plays very well."
Our View: Adibi is listed behind Morlon Greenwood at weakside linebacker, but if he continues to excel in training camp, he could be moved to the strongside to challenge Zac Diles for playing time. |
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| Williams had dominant off-season | Sunday 7/20, 10:50 AM CT |
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Coach Gary Kubiak stated that Mario Williams had a dominant off-season, according to the Houston Chronicle. Kubiak said, "Mario was as good as any player I've ever been around in the off-season, and I've been around this game for a long time. He was just so dominant. I can't wait to see what he's going to do this season."
Our View: Williams broke out with 14 sacks and 59 tackles (43 solo) last season, and could realistically set new highs again in 2008, going by Kubiak's glowing endorsement. Scoop him up in IDP leagues on draft day. |
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| Kitna could be on short leash? | Sunday 7/20, 10:42 AM CT |
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Jon Kitna could be on a short leash this season, according to MLive.com.
Our View: Mike Martz, who was a top supporter of Kitna, is no longer with the team. The Lions would like to see what Drew Stanton and Dan Orlovsky can do, and Kitna is nearing the end of his career as he will turn 36 in September. Kitna is a lock to start in Week 1, but is not a safe fantasy option, as he could be pulled at some point during the season in favor of one of the aforementioned young guns. |
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| Avant on roster bubble? | Sunday 7/20, 10:34 AM CT |
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Jason Avant, who worked as the Eagles' third receiver in 2007, could be on the bubble to make the team in 2008, according to the Philadelphia Daily News. He did not make much of an impact last season, with only 23 receptions for 267 yards and two scores.
Our View: Starters Reggie Brown and Kevin Curtis are locks to make the team, as is promising rookie DeSean Jackson. Greg Lewis should also make the cut, leaving Avant on the bubble with Bam Childress and Jamal Jones fighting for the remaining spots on the roster. |
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| Winslow states he won't be stopped | Sunday 7/20, 10:25 AM CT |
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Kellen Winslow Jr commented on the health of his right knee, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer. Winslow said, "I still have to rehab, but nothing's going to stop me from my dream. I'm ready. I think I've put in the time, the hard work, this season. My first year back, I couldn't run as much as I'd like. But last year I was in pretty good shape coming back to training camp and I think I'm in good shape now. I've had so many operations, I don't even remember what I had. But nothing's going to stop me from being ready for the season and stopping my dream."
Our View: He also wished that the season started tomorrow, and noted that the Browns have a lot to prove this season. He is in good spirits and his fantasy stock remains high as an elite tight end. |
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| Daniels injures knee | Sunday 7/20, 10:17 AM CT |
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Phillip Daniels hyperextended his left knee during 7-on-7 drills on Sunday, and will undergo an MRI to determine the severity of the ailment, according to the Washington Post.
Our View: The team is hoping that his knee is only sprained, though Daniels looked bad as he was being carted off the field, with a towel over his head. The Redskins' defensive line is thin and could not afford to lose Daniels. |
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| Spikes visits Lions | Sunday 7/20, 9:29 AM CT |
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Takeo Spikes visited the Lions this week, according to the Detroit Free Press. He became a free agent after being released by the Eagles in March.
Our View: Detroit would not be a good landing spot for him, as he wouldn't see the field much behind stud Ernie Sims on the weakside in their 4-3 defense. |
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| Hall back in solid form | Sunday 7/20, 7:57 AM CT |
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The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that Dante Hall is looking quick and fast again after an ankle injury spoiled his 2007 campaign with the Rams.
Our View: Hall is among the most dangerous return men in the league when healthy, and his fantasy stock is back on the rise in leagues that reward special teams and individual return yards. |
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