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Volume 8, Issue 107 (Thursday, August 9th)
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Hi Folks, Welcome to Friday. Preseason games are in full swing, your draft is right here, and life is good. We've got plenty of News and Notes for you. But first, here's how to get this kind of information plus tons more content all season long. For information about subscribing to the Footballguys website click here. Now let's get to it. Have a great Friday. JSITE NEWS A.
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. WAS - RB Portis To Visit Orthopedic Surgeon James Andrews2. CIN - RB Irons Leaves Game After Ankle & Knee Injuries 3. PIT - RB Parker, G Faneca Still Out, Linebackers Return 4. DEN - WR Brandon Marshall Hopes To Return Next Week 5. DEN - Broncos RB Henry Eager To Carry Load 6. NE - Patriots WR Moss Misses Fifth Straight Practice 7. TB - FB Alstott To Miss Season With Neck Injury 8. NYG - Several Giants To Miss Exhibition Opener 9. CHI - Bears FB Ayanbadejo Suspended Four Games 10. BAL - Ravens RB Smith Dropping Balls, Opportunities 11. MIN - Vikings RB Peterson Game Status Unknown 12. NYJ - Jets RB Washington Will Contribute 13. NYG - Giants Toomer Says Knee 90% Healed 14. OAK - Raiders QB McCown Will Start Preseason Opener 15. JAX - Jaguars QB Leftwich Looking Comfortable 16. CLE - Browns RB Lewis Starting Fresh 17. PIT - Steelers QB Roethlisberger Injures Left Foot - Not Serious 18. DEF - CLE - Browns' LB McGinest To Miss Six Weeks With Back Surgery 19. DEF - IND - Colts DT McFarland Undergoes Knee Surgery 20. DEF - TEN - Titans Haynesworth Practices In Pain WAS - RB Portis To Visit Orthopedic Surgeon James Andrews Source: Jim Ducibella, The Virginian-Pilot Running back Clinton Portis will accompany the Redskins to Nashville, Tenn., for Saturday night's preseason opener against the Tennessee Titans, but it won't be to play football. Portis, who has missed almost two weeks of practice with tendinitis in the knee, will be examined by orthopedic surgeon and team consultant James Andrews to make sure things are progressing and to try to form a game plan for his return. "Rehab's going well, and I'm feeling good," Portis said. "I'll be back, hopefully soon, but I don't know when.... Next week, I have a couple of days to relax and get treatment, and hopefully next week I'll feel much better."[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The team is putting a smiley face on this but it's hardly ever a good thing when you visit Dr. Andrews. At the very least, it shows it's still an issue for him. What it does for us is put a big sign on Portis that says "Proceed With Caution". CIN - RB Irons Leaves Game After Ankle & Knee Injuries Source: AP Cincinnati Bengals rookie running back Kenny Irons injured his left knee and angle during tonight's exhibition game against the Detroit Lions. Irons was taken to the locker room in a cart after hobbling off the field. He had four carries for 17 yards before leaving the game. The second-round pick from Auburn was hurt when his foot appeared to get caught up in the artificial turf while making a stutter-step move. Injuries limited Irons to 893 yards last season after he ran for a Southeastern Conference-high average of 108 yards per game in 2005.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] We should know more tomorrow. It looked sort of bad as it happened but it's hard to tell sometimes. Stay tuned. PIT - RB Parker, G Faneca Still Out, Linebackers Return Source: Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post Gazette Steelers RB Willie Parker and LG Alan Faneca continue to miss practice for their respective injuries. Parker's left knee is still swollen, but hopes to return next week, and Faneca injured his shoulder in the Hall of Fame game last Sunday. The good news was that both linebackers Larry Foote (ankle) and James Harrison (ribs) returned to practice. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] We're not panicked but I'm ready for our Footballguys Cover Guy Willie Parker to get back out there. Let's see if he can return next week as they're hoping. If he makes that time line, we'll feel better. If it pushes on into the next week, we'll start to worry. DEN - WR Brandon Marshall Hopes To Return Next Week Source: Jeff Legwold, Rocky Mountain News Denver Broncos safety Quentin Harris (right knee) did not practice Wednesday. Guard Ben Hamilton (concussion) and tackle Matt Lepsis (groin) also were held out. Lepsis underwent a magnetic resonance imaging exam, but Broncos HC Mike Shanahan said the report was good and that Lepsis should be able to return to practice quickly. Wide receiver Brandon Marshall, who has not practiced in training camp because of a left thigh injury, said he hoped to be back on the field for the combined practices next week in Dallas. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] More missed time for Brandon Marshall. This is officially starting to get really worrisome for Marshall. DEN - Broncos RB Henry Eager To Carry Load Source: Lee Rasizer, Rocky Mountain News The Denver Broncos haven't had a running back carry the ball more than 300 times since Terrell Davis had 392 carries in 1998. Davis believes RB Travis Henry will be able to do that this year. "Travis is a stud," Davis said. "I'm up for the challenge," Henry said. "Three hundred-plus rushes, whatever they decided to give me, I'm with it. I like to get it. If I need a blow here or there, I understand. But the more I get the ball, the better." [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Henry saw 270 carries last year. He rushed for 325 carries in 2002 and 331 in 2003. So he's seen some heavy workloads before. The difference for Denver is that they now have a clear cut #1 guy after a few years of running back by committee. That's sweet music to Henry owners. NE - Patriots WR Moss Misses Fifth Straight Practice Source: Boston Globe New England Patriots wide receiver missed his fifth straight practice (in pads) on Tuesday as he continues to recover from an apparent hamstring injury. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] OK. We're ready for Moss to get in there now. It's tough to overestimate the value of training camp and the advantages and chemistry the WRs build with their quarterbacks. If Moss continues to miss this, it'll absolutely have an effect. TB - FB Alstott To Miss Season With Neck Injury Source: Associated Press, ESPN.com The Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday placed FB Mike Alstott on injured reserve with a neck problem. "It is what it is. The facts are the facts. I can't put on the helmet and jersey this year," Alstott said, "One thing is, you don't mess with the neck. There are always situations where it can be worsened by playing. It is a severe injury and it's a situation you don't mess with" Alstott also stressed he plans to be around the team as much as possible during the upcoming season. Coach Jon Gruden did not attend the press conference but issued a statement. "Any time you lose a player for the season, it is a difficult situation," the coach said. "And when you are talking about the A-train, his loss will be felt not only on the field, but in the locker room."[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] I'm afraid this could be the end for Alstott. He's been a fun player to watch as he always played the game with heart and reckless abandon. Hats off to him. NYG - Several Giants To Miss Exhibition Opener Source: Arthur Staple, New York Newsday The New York Giants will be missing many key contributors when they open preseason action on Saturday. WRs Plaxico Burress (ankle) and Amani Toomer (knee), CBs Aaron Ross (glute/hammy) and E.J. Underwood (hip), S Michael Stone (hip) and DT Fred Robbins (calf) will all miss the game. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] I'm a don't panic kind of guy but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't starting to get seriously worried about the Giants. CHI - Bears FB Ayanbadejo Suspended Four Games Source: John Mullin, Chicago Tribune The NFL has suspended Chicago Bears FB Obafemi Ayanbadejo four games for violating the league's policy on anabolic steroids and related substances. Ayanbadejo tested positive for a banned substance that was contained in an over-the-counter supplement MaxLMG, which is an aid for recovery after physical workouts. "It's unfortunate that someone like myself, who didn't take a steroid, tested positive," Ayanbadejo said. "But it was an anti-estrogen substance that I wasn't aware was in the product and that's something that's on the league's list." [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Wow. Tough break for BlackEyedJoe.com All Name team favorite Ayanbadejo. This reminds me of another Bear, QB Jim Miller that was suspended back in 1999 after taking an over the counter supplement. But as Miller said back then, athletes are totally responsible for what goes into their bodies. BAL - Ravens RB Smith Dropping Balls, Opportunities Source: Mike Preston, Baltimore Sun So far in training camp, Baltimore Ravens RB Musa Smith is doing nothing to show that his great 2006 camp was anything but a fluke. He has dropped a lot of passes coming out of the backfield, and some are starting to wonder if the neck injury last season has caused him to become hesitant. Smith would seem to be the choice as primary backup to Willis McGahee, but not if the lapses continue. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] This one is a contrast to glowing camp reports we often hear in August. Sounds like Smith needs to get things in gear if he's to remain the #2 RB here. MIN - Vikings RB Peterson Game Status Unknown Source: Kevin Seifert, Minneapolis Star Tribune Minnesota HC Brad Childress would not give RB Adrian Peterson official clearance just yet to play this Saturday. Peterson, who has been dealing with a hip pointer injury, declared himself ready to go when the Vikings play the Rams, but Childress wants to err on the side of caution. "I'm not trying to be coy about it," Childress said. "I just want to make sure that when he opens up, he can open up." [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Vikings have yet to play a preseason game and already they have a "game time" decision. Peterson talks like he'll play for certain. Childress isn't as sure. Unfortunately for Peterson, Childress makes this call. We'll see soon enough. NYJ - Jets RB Washington Will Contribute Source: Tom Rock, Newsday The Jets traded for RB Thomas Jones this offseason to be the team's starting running back, effectively relegating RB Leon Washington to the backup. But the roles will be not be as clear cut; Washington could factor in to the offense more than originally perceived. "[Carries] will fluctuate week in and week out, and there will be different packages that the guys will be in," HC Eric Mangini said. "You want to have the flexibility to adjust to whatever you anticipate seeing." Mangini also made reference to Washington's versatility as a way of getting him more playing time. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] I love the addition of Jones in New York and we expect him to garner the lions share of work. To see how we project the entire team, click here.NYG - Giants Toomer Says Knee 90% Healed Source: Ohm Youngmisuk, N.Y. Daily News Giants WR Amani Toomer says he is around %90 recovered from his partial ACL injury that ended his 2006 season. The remaining %10 hasn't slowed his recovery down, as he twice beat CB Sam Madison in impressive fashion this week. "I thought he would be kind of hesitant to come back out there but he has jumped right back into it," Madison said. "He is the old Amani Toomer." [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Finally a bit of good news for the Giants. If QB Eli Manning is to take the next step, he must have the help of Burress. And that means a healthy Burress. Stay tuned. OAK - Raiders QB McCown Will Start Preseason Opener Source: Steve Corkran, San Jose Mercury News Oakland QB Josh McCown will get the nod for the team's first preseason game Saturday against Arizona. HC Lane Kiffin gave no specific reason for the decision but noted that all three quarterbacks, McCown, Andrew Walter and Daunte Culpepper, in that order, will receive the same number of snaps. "Josh has done a really good job and shown a lot of leadership in the way he handled himself during the scrimmage on the sidelines and around the team," Kiffin said. "Next game, it may be opposite." [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] This is about what we expected. With Russell out, these three will battle. I think McCown will hold down the starting job. But when Russell finally gets in, he'll see time I'm guessing somewhere around Week 6 or so. JAX - Jaguars QB Leftwich Looking Comfortable Source: Adam Schefter, NFL.com The Jaguars contemplated several other quarterback options first before finally settling on not altering the depth chart, thus leaving QB Byron Leftwich as the starter for 2007. Leftwich is proving that decision worthy so far as he's acclimated himself very well to OC Dirk Koetter's offense. He's also benefited from tutelage by QB coach Mike Shula, whose been helping Leftwich with his footwork. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Finally some good news about Leftwich coming out of Jacksonville. After a tense summer, it looks and sounds like he's feeling more at home. Daunte Culpepper going to Oakland likely is a part of that. It seems that coach Jack Del Rio has switched his focus to dogging the WRs now that he's let up on Leftwich... CLE - Browns RB Lewis Starting Fresh Source: Jarrett Bell, USA Today Cleveland Browns running back Jamal Lewis, only 27 years old, is determined to wipe the slate clean and begin reviving his career. "This is like starting over," Lewis says. Lewis maintains he is in the best shape he's been in since 2003. "I worked hard this offseason to get my feet right and get everything back in position like it's supposed to be," Lewis says. "So that I can hit it, make my moves and get back to my old form. That's my asset: a big back with speed, having quickness in the hole." Having weighed as much as 252 lbs last season, Lewis entered Browns camp at 239 lbs. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] This all sounds good but I want to see it. What I've seen of Lewis in the past is a back that looked like a shell of his former self. He is just 27 but he's got a lot of mileage on that body. I want to see the feet and the burst in a game situation before I'll be believing. PIT - Steelers QB Roethlisberger Injures Left Foot - Not Serious Source: Associated Press, AllAroundCleveland.com Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger injured his left foot on Wednesday after having it stepped on by another player during practice. Head coach Mike Tomlin does not believe the injury is serious at this time. "I'm sure he's fine," Tomlin said. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Roethlisberger sat out of practice Thursday but the team didn't seem worried. In fact, they said he'll play more this week in the preseason game than he did last week in the Hall of Fame game. DEF - CLE - Browns' LB McGinest To Miss Six Weeks With Back Surgery Source: Associated Press, ESPN Browns LB Willie McGinest was scheduled to have back surgery Thursday and will miss at least six weeks. After a week of rest following the procedure on a bulging disk, he'll begin rehab and the Browns will re-evaluate McGinest in six weeks, HC Romeo Crennel said. Crennel added that there are no immediate plans to put McGinest on injured reserve. "He's going to come back and we're going to try to get him ready to play the rest of the season," he said. "Backs are backs and they are fickle sometimes. But after the first six weeks we'll see how the rehab is going and that will be an indicator as how soon he'll be back." [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Tough break for McGinest. I like the old guy a lot but this is the kind of thing that happens sometimes to these guys getting up there. It takes a little longer to recover for the veterans so we wish him the best. DEF - IND - Colts DT McFarland Undergoes Knee Surgery Source: Tom James, Terre Haute Tribune-Star Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Anthony McFarland underwent surgery on Tuesday to repair a torn patella tendon. The Colts are not planning to place McFarland on Injured Reserve at this time, holding out hope that he might be able to return later in the season to the active roster. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Looks like it's official. It's an interesting angle that the team isn't putting him on Injured Reserve and they're holding out hope he can return. We wish him a speedy recovery. DEF - TEN - Titans Haynesworth Practices In Pain Source: Paul Kuharsky, Nashville Tennessean Despite missing more than a week with back pain, Titans DT Albert Haynesworth returned to the field to prepare for Saturday's exhibition game against the Redskins. "He has had some issues and instances where he tightens up, but I am not concerned about it coming back," HC Jeff Fisher said. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Haynesworth is back. Let's hope he can stay on the field. That'll do it for today, Folks. Have a great Friday and we'll see you tomorrow with the update. J |
