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Volume 8, Issue 98 (Tuesday, July 31st)LIMITED TIME OFFERS Call toll free 866-200-7493 - save 10% on FJFantasy Draft Boards! Coupon code FBG2!! Phone in orders only.New users of "FanDraft - Fantasy Football Draft Board software" order by Friday and save $5.00! Coupon Code: 1A490 DISCOUNT EXTENDED! 5% off of FantasyHeadquarters.com fantasy football league entry fees! Click Here! Hi Folks, Good Wednesday to you. Hope you're having a great one. News is flying everywhere and we've got lots of stuff for you. Thanks to Footballguy Maurile Tremblay for doing the heavy lifting on this one. Have a great day and let's get to it. JSITE NEWS A.
Player Spotlight - STL QB Marc Bulger
B.
Player Spotlight - SD RB LaDainian Tomlinson
C.
Player Spotlight - NYG RB Brandon Jacobs
D.
Player Face Off - NO QB Drew Brees
E.
Player Face Off - CHI TE Desmond Clark
F.
Player Face Off - WAS TE Chris Cooley
G.
Player Face Off - DEN TE Daniel Graham
H.
Player Face Off - WAS WR Santana Moss
I.
Player Face Off - WAS RB Clinton Portis
J.
Footballguys Survivor Draft
INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. OAK - Raiders Sign QB Culpepper2. MIN - RB Chester Taylor Bruises Arm 3. JAX - C Meester Breaks Ankle, Will Have Surgery 4. PIT - RB Parker Could Be Every-Down Player 5. NWE - RB Maroney Looks Strong For Patriots 6. TB - QB Garcia Has Hamstring Issues 7. DAL - WR Owens Misses Practice 8. NYJ - Jets Sign RB Hollings 9. NO - Saints Tight End Update 10. OAK - RB Jordan Among Several Raiders Hurting 11. BUF - WR Parrish To Be More Involved 12. OAK - WR Williams Reports To Camp Above Target Weight 13. CLE - QB Quinn Still Not Close To Contractual Agreement 14. CHI - WR Hester Impressive During Camp 15. DET - OC Martz Praises OL, RB T. Bell 16. WAS - OT Samuels Sprains MCL; Out Up To Four Weeks 17. DEF - NYG - Giants Proceeding Without DE Strahan 18. DEF - CHI - DT Walker Could Start OAK - Raiders Sign QB Culpepper Source: Denis Savage, Scout.com The Oakland Raiders signed quarterback Daunte Culpepper to a one-year deal on Tuesday. A nine-year veteran, Culpepper's best season came in 2004 when he threw for 4,717 yards and tossed 39 touchdowns to just 11 interceptions, including 18 passes of 40 or more yards. The Raiders have called a noon press conference for Wednesday to announce the signing. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] With JaMarcus Russell currently holding out, a healthy Culpepper would seem to have a big advantage over Andrew Walter and Josh McCown in the bid to start at quarterback for the Raiders. Whether Culpepper is healthy is still an item of concern, however. He was cleared to play last year by the Miami Dolphins' doctors but ended up on Injured Reserve nonetheless. The Raiders' medical team must have satisfied themselves that the same thing won't happen again this year. MIN - RB Chester Taylor Bruises Arm Source: Sean Jenson, St. Paul Pioneer Press Vikings RB Chester Taylor left practice early today due to a forearm bruise, according to Vikings coach Brad Childress. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] We notified you earlier today that Taylor had been carted off the field in obvious pain. The good news for Taylor is that his injury appears to be less serious than the initial reports might lead one to believe. X-rays were negative, indicating that the forearm injury is just a bruise. No timetable is scheduled for Taylor's return, but the injury apparently looked worse than it was. JAX - C Meester Breaks Ankle, Will Have Surgery Source: Vito Stellino, Jacksonville Times-Union Jacksonville C Brad Meester broke a bone in his right ankle Monday night and will undergo surgery that could sideline him up to 10 weeks. Backup C Dennis Norman, who only has five starts in his career, will replace Meester in the lineup. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] This is obviously not good news for Maurice Jones-Drew and Fred Taylor, but it's not the end of the world, either. While Meester was an important part of the Jaguars' offensive line last year, backup Dennis Norman was solid filling in for Meester in 2005. Don't expect a huge drop-off in play with Norman in the line-up. Meester will undergo surgery on Wednesday. PIT - RB Parker Could Be Every-Down Player Source: Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post Gazette Steelers RB Willie Parker has said he wants better than Chargers RB LaDainian Tomlinson, but knows he needs to be an every down player to accomplish his lofty goal. In an effort to reach "LT" status, Parker has worked on his blocking and receiving, the two deficiencies that could keep him off the field on third downs. OC Bruce Arians is willing to give Parker a chance to become a three-down back. "L.T.'s had a lot of touches, and if Willie has those kinds of touches, his yards could be the same," Arians said. "I like the fact he wants to be better. I don't ever want him on the bench unless he's tired." [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Parker had career highs in carries (337) and receptions (31) last year, but was sometimes spelled by Verron Haynes on third downs in passing situations. If Parker can become a true every-down back, he could add another 15 receptions or so this year. NWE - RB Maroney Looks Strong For Patriots Source: Albert Breer, Boston Herald For the first time in camp, New England Patriots RB Laurence Maroney got about every first-team rep with the starters after being held back a bit through more physical practices due to his surgically-repaired shoulder. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Maroney has an explosive first step and hits the hole aggressively, but needs to show a bit more patience on plays featuring zone blocking. So far this year, he is. With a healthy shoulder and the starting job to himself, Maroney could be in for big things this year. Local writer Albert Breer describes Maroney as a "1,500-yard back waiting to happen," and we don't think he's too far off. His average projection from our staff this year is 1,489 yards from scrimmage. TB - QB Garcia Has Hamstring Issues Source: Roy Cummings, Tampa Tribune Tampa Bay Buccaneers HC Jon Gruden said Tuesday that projected starting QB Jeff Garcia is nursing a hamstring injury. "God knows, that may be in the USA Today tomorrow, I don't know," Gruden said. "[But] I am little concerned about that." [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] This doesn't sound too worrisome at this point, but we'll keep our eye on it for you. DAL - WR Owens Misses Practice Source: Clarence E. Hill Jr, Fort Worth Star-Telegram WR Terrell Owens missed Tuesday afternoon's practice to rest a sore hamstring, according to the team's trainers. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] No word on whether Owens donned his Lance Armstrong outfit to ride the stationary bike. Seriously, this shouldn't become the kind of distraction that Owens' hamstring was during last season's training camp -- we hope. Source: Dan Lebefeld, Scout.com On Tuesday the New York Jets signed RB Tony Hollings. The 5-10, 218-pound Georgia Tech product spent the first three years of his NFL career with the Texans as a reserve. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Hollings, a former second-round pick (supplemental draft) of the Houston Texans, may fill the role that had previously been earmarked for Cedric Houston, who left the Jets for personal reasons last week. The Jets made room on their roster for Hollings by releasing RB Tony Fisher. Source: New Orleans Times-Picayune There are four tight ends in camp for the New Orleans Saints. So far, returning veterans Mark Campbell and Billy Miller have the upper hand over newcomer Eric Johnson at this point because of their familiarity with the offense and QB Drew Brees. Johnson needs to develop that rapport over the next few weeks to jump ahead. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Eric Johnson is similar to Billy Miller in that he is a better receiver than blocker. Johnson is probably the most athletic TE on the Saints' roster, but he'll have next to no fantasy value if he doesn't move a few spots up the depth chart into the starting job. OAK - RB Jordan Among Several Raiders Hurting Source: David White, San Francisco Chronicle Raiders RB LaMont Jordan sat out of the team's evening practice yesterday due to lower back pain. LT Barry Simms sat as well with an undisclosed minor injury. In addition the following players missed practice; OL Chad Slaughter (calf), OL Ben Claxton (knee), CB Duane Starks (hamstring), CB John Bowie (Achilles' heel) TE James Adkisson (hamstring) and TE Randal Williams (personal reasons). [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Jordan's back doesn't seem too serious at this point, but if it's enough to make him miss practice, it's enough for fantasy owners to keep an eye on. BUF - WR Parrish To Be More Involved Source: Mark Gaughan, Buffalo News The Buffalo Bills coaches are determined to find ways to get 3rd year wide receiver/punt returner Roscoe Parrish more involved this year. "Roscoe is probably the most dangerous player we have on offense right now, because he can do so many things with the ball in his hands," Bills receivers coach Tyke Tolbert said. "We [created] more packages just for him," Tolbert said. "He's a dangerous weapon and we have to use his abilities." [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Parrish has big-play ability, and the Bills would like to get him the ball in the open field and let him make plays. If Parrish gets more targets this year, they would likely come at the expense of Josh Reed and Peerless Price, not Lee Evans. OAK - WR Williams Reports To Camp Above Target Weight Source: Jerry McDonald, Oakland Tribune Oakland Raiders wide receiver Mike Williams reported to Training Camp overweight. "We'd like for him to get down to 235," head coach Lane Kiffin said. "I've seen him play really well at that weight before. We've got a ways to go to get there, as far as time frame. It's not like he has to be that in one week." [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Williams was perpetually overweight in Detroit, but is getting a second chance in the NFL with the Raiders. Is he not taking it seriously? For anyone hoping that Williams will be as productive for Lane Kiffin in Oakland as he was at USC, this is disappointing. CLE - QB Quinn Still Not Close To Contractual Agreement Source: NFL.com The Cleveland Browns and rookie first round quarterback Brady Quinn are still reportedly not close to finalizing an agreement that would end Quinn's holdout from Training Camp, which has already caused him to miss six practice sessions with his teammates. Browns general manager Phil Savage said that negotiations with Quinn's agent, Tom Condon, have been "in the same neighborhood, but not on the same street." [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] While "same neighborhood" sounds hopeful, if these negotiations drag on beyond another week or so, Quinn's chance to be a major contributor this season will be seriously impaired. CHI - WR Hester Impressive During Camp Source: Larry Mayer, ChicagoBears.com Chicago Bears WR Devin Hester, who was a return specialist last season, has been impressive in camp thus far creating a buzz amongst fans. Hester has been catching just about every pass that comes his way, routinely making spectacular plays. "He's something special," said offensive coordinator Ron Turner. "The progress he's made has been tremendous. Mentally he's handling everything really well and physically he's got good instincts out there. He's definitely going to be able to help us." [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Nobody doubts Hester's athleticism, but he is pleasantly surprising the Bears coaches with his hands and route-running as well. Hester's role in the offense will be a complimentary one this year season, as he will likely be included in a limited package of plays. How quickly his role expands will depend on how quickly he can pick up the nuances of the position -- but so far, so good. DET - OC Martz Praises OL, RB T. Bell Source: George Sipple, Detroit Free Press Lions OC Mike Martz gave his offensive unit high marks after Monday's practice. In particular Martz noticed the overwhelming difference in the offensive line from last season. "The effort's real good," Martz said. "The attention to detail's good," he said. Martz also was complimentary of RB Tatum Bell, who was acquired from the Broncos this offseason. "He's the whole package. He's got so much juice to him. He can go. He's taken our offense and learned it so well. He doesn't make any mistakes. He's catching the ball extremely well. He's playing at such a high level right now." [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Tatum Bell could get off to a fast start this year, as Kevin Jones (knee) may not be ready to go when the Lions open up at Oakland. Bell has the speed to succeed in Martz' wide-open offense. WAS - OT Samuels Sprains MCL; Out Up To Four Weeks Source: Ryan O'Halloran, Associated Press Washington Redskins starting LT Chris Samuels will be sidelined up to four weeks after spraining the medial collateral ligament in his right knee during yesterday's practice. An MRI late last night confirmed the initial diagnosis. Samuels tore up his MCL in the same knee in 2003, causing him to miss three games. Even if Samuels misses the entire four weeks, he still would be available for the Redskins' season opener Sept. 9 against Miami. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Jason Fabini will fill at left tackled until Samuels returns to the lineup, which should be before the start of the regular season. DEF - NYG - Giants Proceeding Without DE Strahan Source: Michael Eisen, Giants.com New York Giants GM Jerry Reese met with the media today and said he spoke with DE Michael Strahan. "I talked to Michael last night. We had a really good conversation. He had some things he needed to talk to me about. I had some things that I needed to talk to him about. I won't share any personal information that we shared with each other. The bottom line is that he is still contemplating retirement. I told him, 'Michael, we will move forward as if you are not going to be here. You haven't made a commitment that you are going to come.' It is still a possibility that he could be here. We talked about a lot of things. That is basically what I want to share with you guys. We had some personal things we talked about, and I don't want to share that." [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] As we said yesterday, this appears to me more serious than the ordinary rumblings of a player seeking a new contract. We'll have more on this as the story continues to develop. DEF - CHI - DT Walker Could Start Source: John Mullin and Vaughn McClure, Chicago Tribune Chicago's newest member DT Darwin Walker could make a strong push for a starting role this season and could be running with the first team in a couple of weeks. He is a strong candidate to work along side DT Tommie Harris in what was a thinning interior defensive line. "I think he's an excellent athlete. We're just looking forward to getting him into the mix," DC Bob Babich said. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Bears traded a fifth-round pick for Walker late last week, and will let him battle it out with Anthony Adams to start. That'll do it for today, Folks. Thanks for reading and have a great Wednesday. We'll see you tomorrow with the update. J |
