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| McAllister gearing up | Thursday 8/28, 11:11 PM CT |
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Deuce McAllister carried the ball 11 times for 30 yards on Thursday night for the Saints. Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas failed to garner a carry on the night.
Our View: McAllister is still a questionable play this season as he is coming off multiple knee surgeries and should be viewed as nothing more than a depth play at the running back position. |
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| Brown solid in return to field | Thursday 8/28, 11:08 PM CT |
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Ronnie Brown (thumb) had a solid game in his return to action on Thursday night as he carried the ball 12 times for 47 yards.
Our View: Ricky Williams carried the ball only twice for two yards, though it's still unclear just how the team will split the touches between their top two options when the games count. |
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| Orton tosses INT in win | Thursday 8/28, 11:06 PM CT |
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Kyle Orton was fairly ineffective on Thursday night as he went 4-for-7 for 51 yards and an INT in two series on the field, while backup QB Rex Grossman was a bit better going 5-for-7 for 59 yards and a score.
Our View: Neither one of these guys inspires any confidence at all, and therefore should be nothing more than a desperate play in a bye week situation until either proves that he can offer some consistency. |
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| Quinn shows his stuff | Thursday 8/28, 11:03 PM CT |
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Brady Quinn may or may not end up behind center for Week 1, but on this night he did all he could to prove he would be ready for the task. Quinn went 7-for-9 for 65 yards in his two series on the field.
Our View: Derek Anderson (concussion) is expected to resume practicing on Monday in preparation to start in Week 1. If he suffers any setbacks however, Quinn would almost certainly lead the offense against the Cowboys. |
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| Ball scores for Rams | Thursday 8/28, 10:59 PM CT |
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Steven Jackson didn't play on Thursday night, and in his place Lance Ball carried the ball 13 times for 70 yards and a score.
Our View: SJax should be good to go for Week 1 when the name of Ball will be all but forgotten. |
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| Smith scores twice | Thursday 8/28, 10:56 PM CT |
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Kolby Smith carried the ball only six times on Thursday night but he produced 38 yards and two touchdowns for the Chiefs.
Our View: Larry Johnson didn't see any touches on the night as Smith had a solid outing, as did Jamaal Charles who produced 43 yards on six carries against the Rams. |
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| Jackson scores for Pats | Thursday 8/28, 10:53 PM CT |
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Chad Jackson caught only two passed on Thursday night, though both went for 16 yards with one ending up in the end zone.
Our View: Too little too late? Jackson hasn't been able to overtake Jabar Gaffney despite being the more talented physically of the duo. Tonight's outing likely didn't change that fact either. |
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| Carr has commanding performance | Thursday 8/28, 10:50 PM CT |
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David Carr had a fantastic outing against the Patriots on Thursday night as he completed 20-of-29 passes for 192 yards and two touchdowns as Eli Manning sat out the game.
Our View: Anthony Wright figures to serve as the third option at quarterback after tonight's outing by Carr. Toss in thee back injury that Wright suffered last week in the game against the Jets, and the call seems almost certain. |
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| Walker fails to impress | Thursday 8/28, 10:47 PM CT |
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Darius Walker led the Texans with nine carries on Thursday night, though he only turned the workload into 18 yards.
Our View: With Chris Brown and Ahman Green struggling with injuries, Walker and Steve Slaton have been utilized in the preseason. None of the four options seem like a good bet at this point, at least until the situation is worked out with the health of the first two options. |
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| Jackson returns punt for score | Thursday 8/28, 10:44 PM CT |
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Dexter Jackson continues to struggle to bring anything to the offense but yet again on Thursday he returned a punt with spectacular results as he went 83-yards for a score.
Our View: Jackson also gained 13 yards on a reverse, and while the second round pick has a bright future on offense, his contributions this season might be limited to special teams work. |
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| Vikings backup QB battle | Thursday 8/28, 10:41 PM CT |
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Brooks Bollinger completed only six of 18 passes for 62 yards as John David Booty, the other quarterback he is battling to serve as the emergency quarterback, went 8-for-15 for 93 yards playing the entire first half.
Our View: Jackson should be ready for Week 1, as should backup Gus Frerotte, so whomever claims the third spot at this point is fantasy irrelevant. |
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| Bartel solid in start | Thursday 8/28, 10:38 PM CT |
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Richard Bartel led the Cowboys to a 16-10 victory over the Vikings as he threw 41 passes, completing 28, on his way to 233 yards.
Our View: Bartel spread the ball around with Tashard Choice and Keon Lattimore each hauling in six passes. Bartel is clearly behind Brad Johnson in the race to backup Tony Romo and is below a non-entity in fantasy leagues. |
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| Flacco stakes claim to starting role | Thursday 8/28, 10:33 PM CT |
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Joe Flacco led a 63-yard scoring drive as he went 8-for-13 for 72 yards before being pulled from the Ravens and Falcons game on Thursday night. Will he end up starting in Week 1? “Even if we planned to name a starter, we couldn’t right now,” HC John Harbaugh said to the Associated Press. “We’ll find out more about Kyle [Boller] in the next couple of days. We don’t know about Troy [Smith]. We’ll see what the next few days bring.”
Our View: At this point the only healthy option appears to be Flacco, but given his "green" status, if Boller is unable to go the club would really like to give Smith a shot. Stay tuned. |
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| Ryan struggles in final tuneup | Thursday 8/28, 10:29 PM CT |
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Matt Ryan certainly didn't impress on Thursday night as he went 2-for-7 for 17 yards to finish the preseason with 294 yards, two touchdowns and one interception on 34-for-59 passing (57.6%).
Our View: Ryan will open the season as the Falcons starter even with an uneven run during the preseason. Still, the club has nothing to lose with going with Ryan under center. He should be considered nothing more than a lower tier QB2 this season. |
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| Mendenhall has yards, but fumbles | Thursday 8/28, 10:21 PM CT |
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Rashard Mendenhall had a nice outing on Thursday night carrying the ball 21 times on his way to 79 yards for the Steelers. Willie Parker carried the ball four times for 34 yards as well.
Our View: Despite the solid numbers, Mendenhall failed to protect the ball as he lost a fumble. Until he shows better control of the pigskin, one would think his workload would be to 10 or fewer touches a game, at least in the early going. |
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| Rudi J. doesn't play | Thursday 8/28, 10:11 PM CT |
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Rudi Johnson failed to appear in the Bengals game with the Colts on Thursday night throwing his role with the club into doubt.
Our View: Earlier this week Marvin Lewis said that he wanted to see Rudi in game action before deciding what role, if any, he would have with the club. Given his mouthing off in the press the other day, and the fact that he didn't play tonight, there is a growing feeling that Johnson may have played his last game with the Bengals. |
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| Williamson has impressive outing | Thursday 8/28, 10:08 PM CT |
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Troy Williamson caught a 51-yard TD pass on his way to four receptions for 84 yards on Thursday night.
Our View: With the surprising resurgence of Matt Jones, Williamson figures to be in a big time battle for looks once the regular season starts. Tonight's effort certainly opened some eyes, but he still may be nothing more than a WR4 for the Jags. |
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| Campbell awful in tuneup | Thursday 8/28, 10:01 PM CT |
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Jason Campbell had a brutal night on Thursday as he was just 1-for-4 for three yards and an interception as he was unable to lead the 'Skins to any offense at all in three series under center. Later in the game, Colt Brennan appeared and went 13-for-18 for 119 yards.
Our View: Campbell is the key to the redskins offense this year in Jim Zorn's new offense. Campbell is a solid QB2 heading into the season, tonight's effort notwithstanding. |
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| Eagles quarterbacks shine | Thursday 8/28, 9:57 PM CT |
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With Donovan McNabb sitting out the Eagles Thursday night matchup with the Jets, Kevin Kolb was 13-for-21 for 138 yards in relief of A.J. Feeley who tossed the ball for 143 yards and a TD in 25 passes of his own.
Our View: Though Feely had the score, he also tossed two interceptions and didn't look as sharp as Kolb who feels he is more than ready to take on the role of the backup quarterback spot with the Eagles. |
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| Chatman goes off for 180 yards | Thursday 8/28, 9:53 PM CT |
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Jesse Chatman had a huge outing on Thursday night as he torched the Eagles for 180 total yards thanks to 29 carries for 93 yards and six receptions for 87 yards. He also scored once on the ground.
Our View: Those are numbers we are used to hearing from the Eagles Brian Westbrook and not a Jets backup. Despite the effort, Chatman figures to be no better than third on the clubs depth chart at running back behind Thomas Jones and Leon Washington. |
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| Bills running game unimpressive | Thursday 8/28, 9:50 PM CT |
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Dwayne Wright didn't have the big game he was looking for on Thursday night as he carried the ball eight times for 11 yards. He also fumbled once.
Our View: Rookie Xavier Omon was only slightly better rushing 12 times for 32 yards. Neither back was very impressive, though neither is expected to offer much this season anyway unless the club is beset by injuries. |
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| Calhoun leaves game with injured leg | Thursday 8/28, 9:46 PM CT |
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Brian Calhoun was removed from the Lions game on Thursday night after injuring his quadriceps muscle in the first half of the game with the Bills, according to MLive.
Our View: Calhoun, who was battling for a roster spot with Artrose Pinner, rushed two for just three yards before being injured. Toss in a 23 carry, 78 yard effort for Pinner and it would seem that Calhoun's prospects are pretty dim at this point. |
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| Moore injures leg | Thursday 8/28, 9:39 PM CT |
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Matt Moore, the Panthers backup QB, was injured on Thursday night as he was taken to the locker room after injuring his left leg in the third quarter, according to the Charlotte Observer.
Our View: With Jake Delhomme far from certain to make it through all 16 games this season, the Panthers would be in a bind if Moore's injury turns out to be serious, a situation that would likely force the team to add an arm from the free agent pool. |
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| Johnson officially named Ocho Cinco | Thursday 8/28, 8:28 PM CT |
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As if the Bengals situation hasn't been enough of a fiasco this off-season, now comes word that Chad Johnson is no longer Chad Johnson after he officially changed his name to Chad Ocho Cinco, according to ESPN.
Our View: A joke? The report was broken by 790 The Ticket of Miami on Thursday and it appears to be legit. Johnson is sublimely talented between the hash marks but off the field he is an utter buffoon. |
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| Shockey on the sidelines again | Thursday 8/28, 7:39 PM CT |
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Jeremy Shockey was once again left on the sidelines for the Saints on Thursday night, according to the Times-Picayune. Marques Colston was also held out of the lineup.
Our View: No official word has been given as to why the decision was made, but the story speculates that the team is simply being cautious with Shockey in his return from his broken leg. |
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| Marshall has suspension lowered to one game | Thursday 8/28, 7:05 PM CT |
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Brandon Marshall had his suspension reduced to one game on Thursday as Roger Goddell lowered what had possibly been a two to three game hiatus, according to the Rocky Mountain News.
Our View: This is a great bounty for Marshall owners who will now be without him for only one game. Marshall has been arrested three times in the past year but the league determined that Marshall's explanation of those incidents, combined with his efforts off the field, were sufficient to lower his time on the sidelines. |
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| Brady misses game | Thursday 8/28, 6:30 PM CT |
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Tom Brady missed his fourth straight preseason game on Thursday because of his injured right foot, according to the Associated Press.
Our View: Brady insists that he will be ready to go for Week 1 against the Chiefs, and while we tend to believe him, his value is certainly trending down a bit at this stage though not to the point where he should be viewed as anything less than the top option that he is. |
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| Manning out on Thursday | Thursday 8/28, 6:25 PM CT |
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Eli Manning was a surprise scratch for the Giants final preseason game though it is merely a coaches decision and not an injury situation that led to the move, according to the Associated Press.
Our View: Manning was scheduled to appear for about 10 plays, so it was going to be a really quick night for him anyway. At least this way he won't end up injured. |
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| Smith out on Thursday | Thursday 8/28, 6:22 PM CT |
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Troy Smith will not be active for the Ravens game on Thursday night as he continues to be too weak to play because of tonsilitis, according to the Baltimore Sun. Joe Flacco will make his second straight start and be backed up by Casey Bramlet.
Our View: Not good. The Ravens will likely be out of action in the early going, and though Flacco has the arm to make all the throws, he is extremely raw leaving the Ravens with a major problem under center right now. |
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| Wright hoping to lock down third spot | Thursday 8/28, 6:00 PM CT |
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Dwayne Wright will need a solid effort in the Bills next preseason game if he hopes to hold onto the RB3 spot on the Bills squad, according to the Bill Official Website.
Our View: Rookie Xavier Omon has looked good in the early going but Wright still figures to serve as the third option behind Marshawn Lynch and Fred Jackson in Buffalo. |
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| Tarvaris status is uncertain | Thursday 8/28, 5:57 PM CT |
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Updating an earlier report, Vikings Now is reporting that Tarvaris Jackson was not walking with a limp on Thursday directly contradicting a report on the Star Tribune.
Our View: Talk about conflicting reports. What is known for sure is that he was on the field and took some snaps. No matter whether he was limping or not, he is still expected to start in Week 1. |
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| Wrighster placed on PUP | Thursday 8/28, 5:23 PM CT |
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George Wrighster has been placed on the PUP list after missing all of training camp and the preseason because of his knee injury, according to Slam Sports.
Our View: Wrighster will miss a minimum of at least six games this season leaving Marcedes Lewis firmly entrenched as the weapon of choice at the position in Jacksonville. |
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| Jackon walking with limp | Thursday 8/28, 5:12 PM CT |
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Tarvaris Jackson (knee) was seen moving around the field and doing some throwing on Friday as he continued to walk around with a limp, according to the Star Tribune.
Our View: Jackson had his knee brace adjusted during the workout, and though he looked far from 100%, he is still believed to be on track to be under center in Week 1. He is nothing more than a lower tier QB2 until he proves otherwise. |
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| Green to start finale | Thursday 8/28, 4:42 PM CT |
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Trent Green will start the Rams final preseason game as the team will rest Marc Bulger to avoid injury, according to the Bellville News-Democrat.
Our View: This is a nice feather in Green's cap given that the game will be playing against his former team, the Chiefs, in Kansas City. While Bulger has failed to stay healthy in recent seasons, he is clearly the only fantasy option with the Rams so there is no need to even draft Green unless you are in an extremely deep league. |
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| Williams to start | Thursday 8/28, 4:20 PM CT |
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Ricky Williams will get the start tonight in the Dolphins preseason game against the Saints. According to the Miami Herald Ronnie Brown will also see time even though he is recovering from a sprained ankle.
Our View: It will be interesting to see who will be the Dolphins No. 1 back when the season starts. As of right now Williams is listed as the starter. |
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| Fincher on the bubble | Thursday 8/28, 3:37 PM CT |
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Alfred Fincher is on the roster bubble at linebacker with the Redskins, according to the Washington Times.
Our View: He was recently released by the Lions. London Fletcher, Marcus Washington, Rocky McIntosh, H.B. Blades, and Khary Campbell are all believed to be safe to make the team.
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| Thrash is safe? | Thursday 8/28, 3:34 PM CT |
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The Washington Times believes James Thrash is safe to make the Redskins' roster.
Our View: He would join Santana Moss, Antwaan Randle El, and rookies Malcolm Kelly and Devin Thomas. Thrash will be gradually phased out of the offense with each passing week that Kelly and Thomas improve and learn the ropes, and Thrash does not merit fantasy attention. |
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| McMullen on the bubble | Thursday 8/28, 3:27 PM CT |
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Billy McMullen is on the roster bubble at receiver, according to the Washington Times.
Our View: McMullen failed to make an impact with the Eagles or Vikings, and it is not surprising that he is on the verge of being cut by the Redskins. |
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| Merriman update | Thursday 8/28, 2:40 PM CT |
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Shawne Merriman will approach this season on a "game-by-game basis," according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. He said, "I'm going to play until I can't take it anymore. I'll go out there and do everything I can, put off the surgery till it's time to get it."
Our View: He is going to attempt to play with two torn ligaments in his knee, and you will be playing Russian Roulette with your team if you draft him any higher than a backup this season. |
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| Cowboys acquire Holland | Thursday 8/28, 2:32 PM CT |
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Dallas has acquired Montrae Holland from Denver in exchange for a fifth-round draft pick in 2009, according to the Rocky Mountain News.
Our View: Holland lost his job with Denver at right guard. He will add depth to the Cowboys' line. |
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| Griese likely No. 2 QB | Thursday 8/28, 2:17 PM CT |
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Brian Griese has performed well enough in the preseason to be the Buccaneers' starter and has likely held off Luke McCown for the primary backup job behind Jeff Garcia, according to the St. Petersburg Times. Griese said, "It's a system I feel very comfortable in. There is a lot of responsibility put on the quarterback's lap to get in and out of the right plays, so I take a lot of pride in that. I enjoy that part of it, so it works well for me."
Our View: McCown has a superior arm to Griese, but has displayed poor decision-making in the preseason. McCown seems best suited to hold the clipboard as the No. 3 option this season. |
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| Nece on the bubble | Thursday 8/28, 2:05 PM CT |
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Ryan Nece is on the bubble to make the Buccaneers' roster at linebacker, according to the Tampa Tribune. He said, "I feel like I've gotten better, not worse. I feel like I'm wiser in the defense now. Bottom line, I feel like I've still got a lot of football left in me. "It's a different place for me (being on the bubble). It's a humbling place."
Our View: He is in jeopardy of not making the club due to the emergence of young linebackers such as Matt McCoy, Adam Hayward and Quincy Black. He will get his last chance to prove his worth in tonight's preseason closer against the Texans. |
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| Tatupu injury update | Thursday 8/28, 1:49 PM CT |
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Updating a previous report, Lofa Tatupu merely has a bone bruise on his right knee and will be able to play in Week 1 against the Bills, according to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.
Our View: The team is relieved he is expected to be fine, as well as fantasy owners who drafted him. |
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| Culpepper surprised | Thursday 8/28, 1:45 PM CT |
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Daunte Culpepper is surprised he is not employed as a quarterback in the NFL right now, according to the AP. He said, "I am doing good, however, I am a bit perplexed on why I am still waiting for an opportunity to play this year. I am going to wait until the 53-man rosters are set before I express an opinion about why that is. I will let you know if I am still unemployed by then."
Our View: Culpepper was being considered by Pittsburgh, but the club opted to go with Byron Leftwich instead as Culpepper wanted a chance to compete for a starting job. A few clubs could be in the market for Culpepper's services, but as a backup. |
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| Jolly's court date moved | Thursday 8/28, 12:58 PM CT |
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Johnny Jolly's court date regarding felony drug charges has been moved to September 16, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. Jolly was arrested July 8 in Houston for possession of at least 200 grams of codeine, which constitues a second-degree felony, according to court documents. He posted $10,000 bond and was released at the time.
Our View: Jolly has been taking part in Packers' training camp and is expected to suit up for the team's preseason finale Thursday night. At the September 16 court date, a decision will be made whether to continue on with the charges. If Jolly is indicted, he has the option to make a plea agreement or seek a trial. A trial date would be decided at that time. The grand jury has the option of calling in Jolly to testify. If the grand jury doesn't come to a decision before the new trial date, the September 16 hearing will be an examining trial to see if there is enough evidence to bring the case to trial.
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| Manning will serve as nickelback | Thursday 8/28, 12:46 PM CT |
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Danieal Manning will in fact serve as the Bears' nickelback this season after there were reports that he was being moved away from the role, according to the Chicago Tribune. Coach Lovie Smith said, "Danieal has received reps at only one position this entire year, and that's nickel. Once we get in a game, could he be an emergency safety? Yes, he could. But he's playing nickel and that's where he's going to be."
Our View: Manning should be a key member of the Bears' secondary and should be productive enough to target as a reserve for IDP leagues. |
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| Pacman fully reinstated | Thursday 8/28, 12:12 PM CT |
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Pacman Jones has been fully reinstated by the NFL, according to ESPN's Ed Werder.
Our View: This was pretty much a formality at this point. Pacman, at least as far as we know, has kept his nose clean lately. |
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| Crowder learned from the best | Thursday 8/28, 12:09 PM CT |
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Channing Crowder has learned from one of the best over the past few years playing next to Zach Thomas. Now that Thomas has been shipped to the Dallas Cowboys Crowder will move over and take the spot of his mentor. According to the Sun Sentinel Crowder still gets advice from his ex-teammate.
Our View: Crowder has started the second most games on the Dolphins defense over the past few years behind Vonnie Holliday and has been one of the top tacklers in the league. |
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| Leftwich impresses | Thursday 8/28, 11:47 AM CT |
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With incumbent backup quarterback Charlie Batch on the mend of a broken collar bone, Byron Leftwich has come into the Steelers offense and impressed. According to the Pittsburgh Post Gazette Leftwich might have performed well enough to earn the back up job even after Batch is healthy.
Our View: Even if Leftwich earns the backup role he will have little to no fantasy value. |
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| Edwards questionable | Thursday 8/28, 11:19 AM CT |
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As the preseason winds down there are a few things to watch. One of the bigger issues is who is going to be the Bills starting quarterback. Trent Edwards will be a game-time decision tonight as the Bills take on the Detroit Lions. According to the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle Edwards is still feeling the lingering effects from his bruised right quadriceps muscle.
Our View: It looks like Edwards will be the starter if he comes back healthy but he will have little fantasy value. |
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| Last chance for Shockley | Thursday 8/28, 11:10 AM CT |
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Tonight is the Falcons' preseason finale against the Ravens, marking D.J. Shockley's last chance to beat out Joey Harrington for the No. 3 job at quarterback, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Shockley said, "It’s huge, any game I get in is huge. Anytime I get any plays is huge. I’m looking at it as an opportunity to go out and help this team. I’m looking forward to a lot of time on the field to get the chance to interact with a lot of the guys and just play."
Our View: Shockley is a popular player among teammates, but would hold no fantasy value if he makes the club. Rookie Matt Ryan will start with Chris Redman slated as the primary backup this season. |
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| LJ will play | Thursday 8/28, 11:09 AM CT |
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Larry Johnson has had a ton of work this preseason and that will not change tonight in the Chiefs final tune-up before the regular season. According to the Kansas City Star Johnson has carried the ball 35 times and has only averaged 3.3 yards per carry.
Our View: Even though Johnson has had a poor preseason and is a legitimate first round pick and if he can stay healthy will be one of the best backs in the league. |
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| Bullocks cleared to play | Thursday 8/28, 10:49 AM CT |
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Daniel Bullocks has been cleared to play in the Lions' final preseason game tonight against Buffalo, according to MLive.com. He missed all of last season after suffering a major knee injury (torn ACL).
Our View: It remains to be seen exactly how much action he sees tonight, but this is encouraging news regarding his availability for Week 1. If he proves to be healthy, he could make a solid impact as the Lions' potential starter at strong safety, and is worthy of a late-round pick in IDP leagues. |
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| Hanson set to return | Thursday 8/28, 10:46 AM CT |
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Jason Hanson is set to return for the Lions' preseason finale against the Bills tonight, according to MLive.com. He missed the second and third games while nursing a strained thigh.
Our View: Hanson should be fine to draft as a No. 2 fantasy kicker if he doesn't suffer any setbacks or struggle in tonight's game. As a No. 1 option, he would be more risky with concerns that his injury could return. |
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| Five battling for No. 5 job at WR | Thursday 8/28, 10:41 AM CT |
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There are five players battling for the No. 5 spot at receiver, including rookie Kenneth Moore, according to MLive.com. Devale Ellis, Brandon Middleton, John Standeford, and Ron Bellamy are the other five candidates.
Our View: Standeford has a great set of hands and is the leader among the group in preseason receptions, but Moore also has solid hands and can be used on special teams, which could help his bid. The winner of the job will hold little to no fantasy value (barring injuries) with pass-happy O.C. Mike Martz no longer directing the Lions' offense. |
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| Time running out for Calhoun, Pinner | Thursday 8/28, 10:35 AM CT |
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Brian Calhoun is battling Artose Pinner for the fourth and final spot on the Lions' roster at running back, and there is only one preseason game left for them to prove their worth, according to MLive.com.
Our View: Calhoun has performed better than Pinner so far, but the final competition will come tonight against the Bills. The winner of the job will hold no fantasy value barring injuries. |
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| Green restructures | Thursday 8/28, 10:11 AM CT |
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There were rumors abound that Ahman Green might be released before the season would begin. But the Texans and Green came to an agreement to restructure his current deal. According to the Houston Chronicle Green's salary will be reduced from $3.8 million to $1.8 million.
Our View: Green is listed as the No. 1 running back on the Texans depth chart but he will be a very risky fantasy back due to his inability to stay healthy. |
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| Hardy set for preseason finale | Thursday 8/28, 9:47 AM CT |
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James Hardy indicated that his previously ailing hamstring feels fine and he is ready to play tonight in the Bills' preseason finale against the Lions, according to the Buffalo News. He said, "I just want to come in and get the feel for it heading into the regular season."
Our View: He believes he is also ready to jump back into the rhythm of the offense and will be prepared for the regular season opener against Seattle. He has a shot to start at some point this season, if not right away, and is worth a look as a deep reserve in fantasy drafts. |
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| Martz comments on Davis | Thursday 8/28, 9:12 AM CT |
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O.C. Mike Martz commented on Vernon Davis, according to the Sacramento Bee. Martz said, "I think that the numbers for Vernon, in terms of receptions, may or may not be there this year. It may fluctuate during the season. But what we expect from Vernon are big plays. He's a very, very substantial blocker, which really allows us to a lot of good things in the running game. There's no question about that. But, when we get him the ball we'd like to get him the ball down the field or get him the ball in the shallow routes and let him take off with it, so to speak."
Our View: Davis may not challenge strong totals in the receptions department, but should reach new highs in yards and touchdowns, and could move into the top-10 among fantasy tight ends, if not higher. |
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| Patrick on the bubble | Thursday 8/28, 9:04 AM CT |
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Allen Patrick is on the bubble to make the Ravens' roster at running back, according to the Baltimore Sun.
Our View: The seventh-round pick out of Oklahoma has exceptional quickness, but his thin frame (6-1 198 pounds) may prevent him from making the team. He was also hindered by a sore left hamstring during minicamp, which lowered his odds even further. |
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| Smith to be game-time decision | Thursday 8/28, 8:57 AM CT |
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Troy Smith will be a game-time decision for the Ravens' preseason finale against Arizona due to tonsilitis, according to the Baltimore Sun.
Our View: Kyle Boller is not going to play due to his serious shoulder injury, so rookie Joe Flacco can make his second consecutive start at quarterback tonight if Smith is unable to go. None of the Ravens' quarterbacks should be drafted in fantasy leagues. |
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| Sharper likes 2008 team | Thursday 8/28, 8:23 AM CT |
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Darren Sharper believes the 2008 Vikings will be better than the 2007 club, according to the Star Tribune. The veteran safety said, "I don't know if you can compare it, because we haven't played any real games. I think the comparisons come when you play the regular-season games. It's too hard to tell in preseason how to compare a team, but I know this team is going to be a good team. That's something I definitely know. Having a lot of guys returning that played last year, we've got a lot of good guys that are going to definitely contribute to this being a good season."
Our View: Sharper has been impressed with rookie safety Tyrell Johnson, who is filling in until Madieu Williams (neck) is ready to make his regular season debut with the team. The team also improved their pass rush with elite defensive end Jared Allen as well as adding speed to the receiver position with deep threat Bernard Berrian. The Vikings could be viewed as a dark-horse in the NFC, but a lot will depend on the health (and progression) of injured quarterback Tarvaris Jackson. |
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| Davis on the bubble? | Thursday 8/28, 8:15 AM CT |
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Rookie Bruce Davis is believed to be on the bubble while fighting with Mike Humpal and Andre Frazier for the final spot at linebacker, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Our View: Davis has solid skills as a pass rusher and enjoyed a good career at UCLA, but projects as a "tweener" in the NFL due to his lack of ideal size to play linebacker or defensive end. |
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| Carter battling Mundy | Thursday 8/28, 8:10 AM CT |
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Veteran Tyrone Carter is battling rookie Ryan Mundy for the final spot at safety on the Steelers' depth chart, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Our View: Carter has an edge as Mundy has been hindered by a high ankle sprain, and the rookie will miss his third straight preseason game tonight against Carolina. It should be Carter's job to lose, which he can do with a poor performance. |
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| Reid vs. Baker | Thursday 8/28, 8:06 AM CT |
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Willie Reid is still battling Dallas Baker for the fifth spot on the Steelers' depth chart at receiver, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Our View: The final race for the job comes tonight when the Steelers play the Panthers. Reid is believed to have the edge for the job, but Baker could push him with a strong performance. Either way, the winner of the spot should not hold any fantasy value, barring injuries. |
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| Caldwell fighting for roster spot | Thursday 8/28, 7:33 AM CT |
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Reche Caldwell is fighting for a roster spot with Marques Hagans, Brandon Williams, and Derek Stanley, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Our View: There may only be one roster spot left with Torry Holt, Drew Bennett, Donnie Avery, Dante Hall, and Keenan Burton all locked into the top five spots on the depth chart. |
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| Otis released | Thursday 8/28, 7:15 AM CT |
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Jeff Otis has been released by the Raiders, according to the SF Chronicle.
Our View: He was working with the fourth-string and was unable to move up the depth chart. |
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| Baltimore claims Bramlet | Thursday 8/28, 12:04 AM CT |
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The Baltimore Ravens have claimed QB Casey Bramlet off waivers from San Diego, according to ProFootballTalk.com.
Our View: Bramlet has bounced around leagues since being a 2004 seventh-round pick of the Bengals. His claim-to-fame was his MVP performance in the World Bowl. |
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