Footballguys Daily Email - Volume 10, Issue 100 (Tuesday, July 28th)
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Hi Folks,
Welcome to issue #100 of these Footballguys Daily Email Updates. Seems like just yesterday I was starting these for this year but actually it was 99 days ago. Time flies. We'll keep bringing these to you so you can know everything you need to know to remain the most informed owner in your league.
Sad news today as Eagles Defensive Coordinator Jim Johnson succumbed to his battle with cancer. Hats off to a great career and from all accounts, a great man. Brett Farve appears to have made a decision (for now) and lots of teams saying they aren't interested in Michael Vick. Plus a ton of new content so let's get to it.
J
SITE NEWS
A.
New Stat Projections by David Dodds
My partner David Dodds has a brand new set of detailed stat projections that you'll want to check out. They drive everything else on the site and you don't want old numbers here.
B.
Footballguys Player Spotlight - TEN RB Chris Johnson
Our Footballguys Player Spotlights are the most detailed look you'll find for a player. In this one, we look at TEN RB Chris Johnson.
C.
Footballguys Player Spotlight - KC QB Matt Cassel
Our Footballguys Player Spotlights are the most detailed look you'll find for a player. In this one, we look at KC QB Matt Cassel.
D.
Footballguys Player Spotlight - ARZ WR Larry Fitzgerald
Our Footballguys Player Spotlights are the most detailed look you'll find for a player. In this one, we look at ARZ WR Larry Fitzgerald.
E.
Footballguys Player Spotlight - BUF RB Marshawn Lynch
Our Footballguys Player Spotlights are the most detailed look you'll find for a player. In this one, we look at BUF RB Marshawn Lynch.
F.
Footballguys Player Spotlight - MIA QB Chad Pennington
Our Footballguys Player Spotlights are the most detailed look you'll find for a player. In this one, we look at MIA QB Chad Pennington.
G.
Footballguys Player Spotlight - SF WR Michael Crabtree
Our Footballguys Player Spotlights are the most detailed look you'll find for a player. In this one, we look at SF WR Michael Crabtree.
H.
Footballguys Player Spotlight - PIT RB Willie Parker
Our Footballguys Player Spotlights are the most detailed look you'll find for a player. In this one, we look at PIT RB Willie Parker.
I.
Life of a Stud TE by Mike Herman
Our Mike Herman continues his "Life of a Stud" (bow chicka wow)series this time looking at TEs.
J.
Meteorology (Weather's Impacts on the game) by Mike Herman
Our Mike Herman looks at something we argue quite a bit about among ourselves - how weather affects a player's performance.
K.
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1. PHI - Eagles Defensive Coordinator Jim Johnson passes away2. CLE - WR Braylon Edwards placed on active/non-football injury list
3. NFL - QB Brett Favre confirms he will stay retired
4. STL - RB Ken Darby currently has lead for No. 2 RB job
5. NFL - QB Brett Favre will continue to work out
6. JAX - QB Michael Vick a possibility?
7. DEN - WR Brandon Marshall held out of practice because he was sore
8. WAS - Zorn confident in QB Jason Campbell
9. WAS - Zorn and RB Clinton Portis communicating better than ever
10. BAL - WR Derrick Mason moving to Nashville
11. BAL - RB Ray Rice could start
12. NFL - QB Michael Vick could play in week 1, reinstatement not a six-game suspension
13. NFL - Daily grind part of why QB Brett Favre not returning
14. DEN - McDaniels won't talk about WR Brandon Marshall
15. BAL - QB Joe Flacco displaying leadership
16. BAL - 10 placed on PUP
17. NFL - Dungy believes QB Michael Vick is focused
18. KC - Haley won't call plays
19. DEN - RB Ryan Torain back to practicing
20. GB - TE Jermichael Finley's role to increase
21. NFL - Lawyer says WR Plaxico Burress might testify before grand jury
22. PHI - QB Donovan McNabb cautiously optimistic
23. OAK - QB Andrew Walter unsure about place on team
24. DAL - Not interested in QB Michael Vick
25. SF - Singletary: QB Michael Vick 'not happening'
26. DET - Work out three QBs Tuesday
27. MIA - Not interested in QB Michael Vick
28. PHI - WR Kevin Curtis is near 100 percent
29. SF - WR Michael Crabtree not close to signing
30. OAK - WR Darrius Heyward-Bey question mark entering training camp
31. CHI - CB Charles Tillman will be placed on PUP list when camp starts
32. CIN - Roy S Roy Williams starter on latest depth chart
33. CHI - CB Charles Tillman has back surgery, out at least a month
PHI - Eagles Defensive Coordinator Jim Johnson passes away
Source: www.Philly.com
The Philadelphia Eagles have announced former defensive coordinator Jim Johnson has passed away at the age of 68 after a battle with cancer.
"This whole Eagles-Andy Reid regime here that's taken place wouldn't have been possible without Jim," said Andy Reid, who hired Johnson to be his defensive coordinator shortly after he got his first head coaching job with the Eagles in 1999.
"I'm not sure there's a person that I've met that isn't a Jim Johnson fan. He really represented everything this city is all about with his toughness and grit. That's the way he fought this cancer."
Eagles chairman Jeffrey Lurie praised Johnson for his leadership skills and the person he was.
"For 10 years, Jim Johnson was an exceptional coach for the Philadelphia Eagles, but more importantly, he was an outstanding human being," Lurie said. "As an integral part of the Eagles family, Jim epitomized the traits of what a great coach should be -- a teacher, a leader, and a winner ... It was easy to feel close to him."
"He was a teacher to many players both on and off the field and devoted his life to the game of football," Goodell said in a statement. "He had a positive influence on scores of young men, and leaves behind a wonderful legacy."
On Sunday, the Eagles announced that Sean McDermott would replace Johnson. In his first news conference as coordinator, McDermott gave full credit to Johnson.
"What haven't I learned from Jim?" McDermott said. "I don't think it would be fair to Jim, in this setting, to try and limit in one statement, one press conference, the effect that Jim has had on my life."
McDermott paid Johnson the ultimate compliment in describing the style of defense he wanted the Eagles to play: Johnson's style.
"There is one thing I know, and that is that this system, it works," McDermott said. "Jim has spent a considerable amount of time in his coaching career researching and finding things that work and finding things that didn't work, quite frankly, and I'm going to respect that and we're going to build on that. From there, we'll add wrinkles."
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Very sad news. We feared things had turned for the worse when the Eagles went ahead and named McDermott DC. Johnson was one of the best coaches in the league and continually had the Eagles as a top unit. Footballguys.com sends our condolences to his family, fans and friends.
CLE - WR Braylon Edwards placed on active/non-football injury list
Source: Tony Grossi - the Cleveland Plain Dealer
Tony Grossi, of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, reports the Cleveland Browns have placed WR Braylon Edwards (undisclosed) on the active/non-football injury list. The team did not reveal the injury. It is believed Edwards was asked to report to training camp early because of his injury and when he did not, the team placed his name on the reserve/did not report list. The move to the non-football injury list removes the threat of a daily fine.
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We wonder if it's the same injury that caused Edwards to miss time during the June minicamp. Eric Mangini keeps injury information very close to the vest, so we probably won't know that much more about Edwards status in the near future.
NFL - QB Brett Favre confirms he will stay retired
Source: Rich Eisen - the NFL Network
Updating previous reports, Rich Eisen, of the NFL Network, reports free-agent QB Brett Favre (Jets) has confirmed via text message that he will stay retired.
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Who else thinks Favre will get the itch a couple of weeks from now?
STL - RB Ken Darby currently has lead for No. 2 RB job
Source: Mike Sando - ESPN.com
Mike Sando, of ESPN.com, reports St. Louis Rams offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur said RB Kenneth Darby is currently the favorite for the team's No. 2 running back job.
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This is good news for anyone thinking of taking Steven Jackson in the first round. Jackson has suffered significant injuries the last two seasons, so you'll probably want to handcuff him to his backup, but it hasn't been clear who that backup will be. If Darby can seize the job, you should be able to get him with a last round pick. He showed good skills as a pass catcher and a good burst in limited action last year.
NFL - QB Brett Favre will continue to work out
Source: Scott Hanson - the NFL Network
Scott Hanson, of the NFL Network, reports retired QB Brett Favre said he will continue to throw and work out even though he is retired.
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Of course he will...
JAX - QB Michael Vick a possibility?
Source: Sam Farmer - The Los Angeles Times
Sam Farmer, of The Los Angeles Times, reports word is the possibility of the Jacksonville Jaguars adding unrestricted free-agent QB Michael Vick (Falcons) is becoming more and more real.
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The Jags make sense for football reasons - the team was rumored to have interest in Mark Sanchez in the draft, so they want to upgrade at QB - and financial reasons - Vick would be a good draw being in the same region as Atlanta, and the Jags are one of the more economically troubled franchises.
DEN - WR Brandon Marshall held out of practice because he was sore
Source: Cecil Lammey - FM 104.3 the Fan
Cecil Lammey, NFL Insider from FM 104.3 The Fan, reports that Josh McDaniels said Brandon Marshall was kept from practicing this morning as a precaution. Marshall was sore and will return when he feels good.
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Marshall is recovering from hip surgery, so there may be days where he needs to shut it down for a while. Overall, Marshall has been looking good when working out.
WAS - Zorn confident in QB Jason Campbell
Source: The Washington Post / Baltimore Sun
The Washington Post notes head coach Jim Zorn is confident in quarterback Jason Campbell, despite the team trying to upgrade the position this offseason. "I think I've already seen what I'd want to see from Jason. I think I saw it in [organized team activities], in the minicamps, in the way he's handled himself," Zorn said. "I'm not going to sit back and analyze it every day of camp. He's already done very well. He was out here yesterday working just as hard as he was during the 'drama.' For him, it doesn't turn on or off. He said to himself: 'This is the way it is. Life isn't always fair, but I'm going to handle it. I'm going to keep working.' "
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The Redskins tried to get Jay Cutler and wanted to move into position to draft Mark Sanchez, but were unable to do either. Campbell has quietly worked through coaching changes his entire career, so it's not surprising that he would not let the trade talks get to him. We'll see if he can use that as motivation to become more consistent in 2009.
WAS - Zorn and RB Clinton Portis communicating better than ever
Source: The Washington Post / Baltimore Sun
The Washington Post is reporting head coach Jim Zorn said of his relationship with his star running back. "I don't think we ever had any problem at all. We're communicating better than ever."
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Portis is expected to see a reduction in carries so he can stay fresh for the entire year. This means Ladell Betts should cut into his production in 2009.
BAL - WR Derrick Mason moving to Nashville
Source: Drew Forrester - WNST.net
Drew Forrester, of WNST.net, reports retired WR Derrick Mason and his family are moving to Nashville this weekend, according to a source. Mason has had moving companies at his home this week providing him with estimates on the move to Tennessee.
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According to one source, Mason said he is 'still in limbo' over his decision to play - or not - in 2009. Mason, however, continues to work out with a popular Baltimore athletic trainer several days a week.
Source: John Clayton - ESPN.com
John Clayton, of ESPN.com, reports Baltimore Ravens RB Ray Rice has a great chance to start this season due to injuries to RB Willis McGahee (knee, ankle).
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Rice not only could start, Rice should start for the Ravens. Willis McGahee is not a favorite of the coaching staff, and has been sidelined while he's recovering from two offseason surgeries. Rice has bulked up this offseason and he has been impressing coaches with his work ethic. Rice and FB Le'Ron McClain should get a majority of the carries for the Ravens this year.
NFL - QB Michael Vick could play in week 1, reinstatement not a six-game suspension
Source: Thomas George - NFL.com
Thomas George of NFL.com, reports that Ray Anderson, the NFL's Executive VP of Football Operations, said that Michael Vick could find himself suiting up in Week 1 of the regular season "if all goes well" and that commissioner Roger Goodell's decision to conditionally reinstate the quarterback shouldn't be viewed as a six-game suspension. Anderson said, "This is a step-by-step process that goes up to Week 6; it is not a six-game suspension by any means. If all goes well, he could be playing anytime from Week 1 forward."
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Since this is coming straight from the league offices, we should give it more weight than anything else we've heard. It sounds like Vick will be cleared to play in the regular season as soon as the league feels confident that Vick is walking the straight and narrow.
NFL - Daily grind part of why QB Brett Favre not returning
Source: Chip Scoggins - the Minneapolis Star Tribune
Updating a previous report, Chip Scoggins, of the Minneapolis Star Tribune, reports Minnesota Vikings head coach Brad Childress cited the daily grind both mentally and physically as part of the reason why free-agent QB Brett Favre (Jets) will remain retired. "I just think it was a rare opportunity to explore a Hall of Fame quarterback who had background in the NFC and in this division," Childress said. "He knows our system inside out - This doesn't change anything about how I feel about our football team."
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If Favre could skip training camp and just show up on Sundays and play, chances are Brad Childress may let him do that. We have a feeling this story is far from over. This feels more like the part of the horror movie where we all think the psycho killer is dead, only to rise less than two minutes later. I'll believe it when I see it...
DEN - McDaniels won't talk about WR Brandon Marshall
Source: Mike Chambers - The Denver Post
Mike Chambers, of The Denver Post, reports Denver Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels said he would not discuss WR Brandon Marshall, particularly his attitude about attending training camp. 'I'm not going to comment on his attitude or responses,' McDaniels said. 'It's an exciting time for us, and that's what we're focused on. I'm going to focus on anything else.' Marshall said he has only communicated to McDaniels through his agent, but McDaniels said he spoke to all of the participating players.
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McDaniels added he does not think Marshall is a distraction to the rest of the team. 'Nope. We're excited,' McDaniels said. 'This is a beginning. Training camp has opened officially. The veterans will join us here in a few days. We'll get rolling and see what kind of season we're going to have.' McDaniels takes a Bellichick approach with the media, so it's likely we won't get anything out of him about this topic during training camp.
BAL - QB Joe Flacco displaying leadership
Source: Luke Jones - WNST.net
Luke Jones, from WNST.net, reports QB Joe Flacco looked pretty sharp in his first training camp workout, but the keystone moment for the former Delaware Blue Hen was actually an incomplete pass to running back Matt Lawrence who ran the incorrect pattern. The second-year quarterback corrected his teammate, ran the play again, and completed the pass to Lawrence. It was a simple example of the leadership Flacco has with this offense.
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Coming into his second season Flacco must feel as confident as ever. He's recently commented that his game-time experience from last season has proved invaluable to him. The Ravens would like to open up their passing game a little more in 2009, and there should be more responsibility on the shoulders of Joe Flacco.
Source: WNST.net
WNST.net reports Baltimore Ravens RB Willis McGahee (knee, ankle), DL Lamar Divens (shoulder), TE Davon Drew (undisclosed), WR Yamon Figurs (foot), OL Ben Grubbs (ankle), CB Samari Rolle (groin), LB Jason Phillips (undisclosed), OG Lou Saucedo (undisclosed), OG Marshal Yanda (knee) and OT Joe Reitz (undisclosed) have been placed on the team's physically unable to perform list.
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The Ravens coach John Harbaugh said the placement of McGahee on the PUP list is strictly a precautionary move after the running back underwent knee surgery in the offseason.
NFL - Dungy believes QB Michael Vick is focused
Source: Associated Press
The Associated Press reports former NFL head coach Tony Dungy said he believes free-agent QB Michael Vick (Falcons) is focused on putting his life back together.
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Dungy said Vick has priorities beyond football, which include reconnecting with his three children. Dungy met with Vick in federal prison in May while Vick was serving an 18-month term for running a dogfighting ring.
Source: Adam Teicher - The Kansas City Star
Adam Teicher, of The Kansas City Star, reports Kansas City Chiefs head coach Todd Haley said Monday, July 27, that offensive coordinator Chan Gailey will call the plays to start the season, although Haley reserved the right to take over later in the year. 'This wasn't a decision that was made quickly,' Haley said. 'I put a lot of thought into it. Chan will call the plays as I see it right now. This is all part of the learning process of trying to get it right. That's where we'll start from, and I would say that's the way we'll go into the season.'
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Many expected Gailey to be let go when Todd Haley came on board for the Chiefs, but the new head coach decided to keep him around for the new season. Gailey knows how to get the best out of his players, so with Haley's guidance this offense could transition quickly and efficiently.
DEN - RB Ryan Torain back to practicing
Source: The Denver Post
The Denver Post reports RB Ryan Torain took part in his first full practice (he was limited in the final June minicamp) since the knee injury. "For me, it's a reward to finally do a full practice and get a bunch of reps and play football again," Torain said. "I look at it as I'm catching up. I'm pretty excited about it."
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He's currently taking all the snaps in practice until veterans like LaMont Jordan and Correll Buckhalter report on Friday. The Broncos backfield is overflowing with talented players, so it's no guarantee that Torain will even make the final roster.
GB - TE Jermichael Finley's role to increase
Source: Bob McGinn - the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel
Bob McGinn, from the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, reports that entering training camp, diligent Donald Lee is the starter, and Finley is as much a project as he is a player. The gap between veteran and youngster has narrowed, leading to the possibility that Finley's role could increase significantly. "He's growing up," said tight ends coach Ben McAdoo. "The guy that is playing the best is going to play."
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This report is in line with what we've heard recently. Jeremichael Finley is extremely athletic, and reminded some in the scouting community of Broncos TE Tony Scheffler. Finley is never going to be a crushing blocker, but he can get off the line quickly and has the speed to get down the seam and pressure a defense.
NFL - Lawyer says WR Plaxico Burress might testify before grand jury
Source: ESPN.com
ESPN.com reports the attorney for free-agent WR Plaxico Burress (Giants), Benjamin Brafman said late Monday, July 27, that he and Burress have been discussing whether Burress will testify before the grand jury.
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Brafman told ESPN's Sal Paolantonio that he expects the two to reach a decision by Tuesday, July 28. 'If he testifies, it will be Wednesday morning,' Brafman said.
PHI - QB Donovan McNabb cautiously optimistic
Source: Associated Press
The Associated Press reports Philadelphia Eagles QB Donovan McNabb said he thinks his team has the chance to be great this season, but with so many young faces, only time will tell how far the team can go. 'We have a lot of young faces. We have a lot of new faces. For me to sit here and say, 'Hey, we're a Super Bowl team, and we're going to win the Super Bowl,' I don't believe in all that. I think that's something that at the end of the year, we'll find out who wins and who doesn't,' McNabb said. 'I think we have a great team. We have some great athletes here, but we have to put the pieces of the puzzle together. And if we can do that, hopefully we can ride on and take it and be able to finish this thing off in Miami (at the Super Bowl).'
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McNabb received more money (but didn't get an extension) earlier this offseason, and the Eagles have added more weapons around him on offense. McNabb and the Eagles realize that their window of opportunity is closing, so they are in full "win now" mode this season.
OAK - QB Andrew Walter unsure about place on team
Source: David White - the San Francisco Chronicle
David White, of the San Francisco Chronicle, reports Oakland Raiders QB Andrew Walter said he does not know what his place on the team is at the start of training camp.
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With the addition of Jeff Garcia, Charlie Frye, and Bruce Gradkowski in the offense, the writing is on the wall that Walter's days with the Raiders are numbered.
DAL - Not interested in QB Michael Vick
Source: Josh Ellis - DallasCowboys.com
Josh Ellis, of DallasCowboys.com, reports Dallas Cowboys owner/general manager Jerry Jones said the team is not interested in unrestricted free-agent QB Michael Vick (Falcons).
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It does seem like Jerry's style to have interest in a player like Vick, but we'll take him at his word. Jones did go on to say that he felt Vick would play in the NFL for some team this year.
SF - Singletary: QB Michael Vick 'not happening'
Source: Matt Maiocco - the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat
Matt Maiocco, of the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat, reports on his Twitter feed that Mike Singletary has called QB Michael Vick a "dead issue". Singletary said "In terms of Michael Vick and the 49ers, it's not happening."
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This jives with Adam Schefter's report earlier in the day that Raiders, Redskins, 49ers, and Seahawks would not be among the teams considering the addition of Vick.
DET - Work out three QBs Tuesday
Source: Tom Kowalski - MLive.com
Tom Kowalski, of MLive.com, reports the Detroit Lions worked out unrestricted free-agent QBs Cleo Lemon (Jaguars), Craig Nall (Texans) and Brooks Bollinger (Cowboys) Tuesday, July 28, according to a league source.
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The Lions must be looking for camp arms here. None of the players listed could really be considered a threat to third string QB Drew Stanton's job.
MIA - Not interested in QB Michael Vick
Source: Tim Graham - ESPN.com
Tim Graham, of ESPN.com, reports the Miami Dolphins not interested in unrestricted free-agent QB Michael Vick (Falcons).
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The Dolphins are loaded at the quarterback position with Chad Pennington, Chad Henne, and rookie Pat White. Had the Dolphins not drafted Pat White to be their Wildcat QB, then perhaps they would have some slight interest in Vick.
PHI - WR Kevin Curtis is near 100 percent
Source: Delaware Online
Delaware Online reports WR Kevin Curtis is almost 100 percent recovered since undergoing another sports hernia surgery in April - his second groin-area operation in eight months.
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If fully recovered from his injury Curtis should be in the starting lineup opposite DeSean Jackson. Rookie Jeremy Maclin will challenge Curtis for playing time, but may not be able to overtake him as a starter.
SF - WR Michael Crabtree not close to signing
Source: Matt Maiocco - The Santa Rosa Press Democrat
Matt Maiocco, of The Santa Rosa Press Democrat, reports San Francisco 49ers rookie WR Michael Crabtree is not yet close to signing.
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Crabtree's attitude reportedly soured a visit with the Browns right before the draft, and Mike Singletary didn't exactly seem excited about his team's taking Crabtree in the first round. We're seeing one of the reasons why, as Crabtree's agent, Eugene Parker, reportedly wants more money than the #10 slot would typically command.
OAK - WR Darrius Heyward-Bey question mark entering training camp
Source: Jerry McDonald - ANG Newspapers
Jerry McDonald, of ANG Newspapers, reports Oakland Raiders rookie WR Darrius Heyward-Bey's status for the start of training camp is up in the air. The Raiders haven't been announcing transactions recently, and it appears negotiating a deal for Heyward-Bey will be difficult right now because the picks directly before and after him have not reached deals yet.
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Whether or not Heyward-Bey reports on time, the hamstring injury that cost him a lot of minicamp and his raw game will probably keep him from making much of an impact early this year.
CHI - CB Charles Tillman will be placed on PUP list when camp starts
Source: Larry Mayer - ChicagoBears.com
Larry Mayer, of ChicagoBears.com, reports the Chicago Bears will place CB Charles Tillman (back) on the Physically Unable to Perform list when they start training camp.
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The veteran cornerback will be sidelined indefinitely after undergoing a procedure to remove a piece of disc fragment from his lower back two weeks ago. Tillman also had shoulder surgery in January, so the Bears may bring him back slowly.
CIN - Roy S Roy Williams starter on latest depth chart
Source: Bengals.com
The latest depth chart at Bengals.com lists S Roy Williams as a starter at strong safety.
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Curiously, neither of Chinedum Ndukwe and Marvin White, the young safeties who looked good last year, are listed as starters. Instead Williams and journeyman Chris Crocker sit atop the depth chart. We still Ndukwe is one of the best up and coming safeties in the league, and a future top 10 DB in IDP leagues. If the Bengals do trot Williams out there in week 1, opponents will pick on him (successfully) just like they did when he was in Dallas. Mike Zimmer was the defensive coordinator for Dallas while Williams was there, so we're not sure why this fact has escaped him.
CHI - CB Charles Tillman has back surgery, out at least a month
Source: David Haugh - the Chicago Tribune
David Haugh, of the Chicago Tribune, reports that Bears starting CB Charles Tillman recently had back surgery and will be out for at least one month. The arthroscopic surgical procedure was done to clean up a disc in his back, a similar condition to one that caused him to miss the final two games of 2006. The Bears hope Tillman will be able to return for their final preseason game on September 3rd if his recovery goes well. An Associated Press report put the timeline for Tillman's return at anywhere from 4-10 weeks.
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Knock Tillman out of the top 10 on your IDP draft boards, and remember the name Corey Graham. Graham is in the middle of a conversion to free safety and a battle with Craig Steltz for the starting job, but he did well last year in place of the other Bears starting CB, Nathan Vasher. The Bears might decide to move him back to corner while Tillman is recovering. The other player who should be on your IDP radar because of this development is Zachary Bowman, who took over as the #3 CB when Graham got moved, and scored a TD in the only game he played in his rookie season last year.
That'll do it for today, Folks. Thanks for reading.
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Have a great Wednesday and we'll see you tomorrow for issue #101.
Peace & Grace,
J