Footballguys Daily Email - Volume 10, Issue 142 (Tuesday, September 8th)
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Hi Folks,
It's almost here. It's been a long and fun spring and summer but these email updates have just about run their course. Every night for the last 140 something nights, I've assembled these for you. Thanks to the help of our news guys Cecil Lammey and Sigmund Bloom. They've been a lot of fun but once the regular season kicks off, we're putting these to bed and focusing all our attention on the regular season content for our subscribers. If you haven't already signed up there, I hope you'll give us a shot. To signup, just click here. And it has a money back guarantee so you can't go wrong.
Enough rambling from me, let's get to the news and notes.
J
SITE NEWS
A.
Week 1 Subscriber Content
This is always an odd week as we're doing both draft content and the regular Week 1 content. We're rolling with the regular in season material with rankings, game predictor, strength of schedule, top 250, injury reports, player news and more.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1. DAL - Even split and occasional shared backfield for RB Felix Jones, RB Marion Barber?2. DEN - Simms expects QB Kyle Orton to start Week 1
3. DEN - McDaniels says WR Brandon Marshall's attitude great, hints a lot of snaps for him
4. TB - Carries expected to be split three ways
5. PIT - RB Willie Parker likely to get the nod at the goalline
6. ARI - WR Anquan Boldin’s status for Week 1 uncertain
7. CIN - QB Carson Palmer practices Monday
8. DEN - WR Brandon Marshall doing what the team is looking for, but playing status unclear
9. DEN - McDaniels won't predict whether RB Knowshon Moreno will play in Week 1
10. DEN - QB Kyle Orton's playing status comes down to a combination of things
11. MIA - HC Sparano hints at rotation at WR
12. MIA - Loss of Martin could make team rely more on TE Anthony Fasano
13. HOU - QB Matt Schaub practices Tuesday
14. DEN - QB Kyle Orton wears glove in practice, no problem throwing
15. TEN - WR Nate Washington limited Tuesday
16. DEN - RB Knowshon Moreno is ready for his debut
17. PIT - WR Limas Sweed and WR Mike Wallace to split 3rd WR spot
18. DEN - QB Kyle Orton, QB Chris Simms to practice this week
19. DET - Locker room somber following QB Matthew Stafford announcement?
20. PHI - QB Michael Vick to discuss dogfighting at Philadelphia school
21. ARI - RB Tim Hightower holds onto starting tailback duties
22. TB - Olson adds routes, plays to team offense
23. WAS - Defining RB Marcus Mason's role
24. NYJ - No serious talks with RB Leon Washington
25. CLE - WR Josh Cribbs optimistic he will play Sunday
26. NYJ - WR Chansi Stuckey wins #2 WR job
27. NYJ - RB Danny Woodhead signed to practice squad
28. HOU - QB Rex Grossman named No. 2 QB
29. NFL - Fast fact: Week 1 rookie starters
30. ATL - QB Matt Ryan returns Tuesday
31. TB - WR Sammie Stroughter the starting slot receiver
32. PHI - WR DeSean Jackson wants to double his rookie numbers
33. DET - RB Aaron Brown has a long way to go
34. DET - WR Dennis Northcutt in as the slot receiver
35. WAS - QB Andre' Woodson in long-term plans
36. MIN - DT Pat Williams and DT Kevin Williams to play Week 1
37. SD - Will OLB Shawne Merriman stay all season?
38. OAK - DE Richard Seymour holdup over financial issues
DAL - Even split and occasional shared backfield for RB Felix Jones, RB Marion Barber?
Source: Eddie Sefko - the Dallas Morning News
Eddie Sefko, of the Dallas Morning News, reports that Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips wants get a lot of carries to RB Felix Jones and Marion Barber, and that he also envisions them being in the game together at times. "Hopefully we'll get a lot of carries with him [Jones] and Marion," Phillips said. "I wouldn't be surprised if they were back there together some."
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This has already been priced into Barber's late second to early third ADP. He has been a quality RB2 with RB1 moments as part-time back in the past. Jones present terrific upside at his current ADP if he can stay healthy and continue to break big plays with regularity. The forgotten man is Tashard Choice, who is the most well-rounded back of the group, but he will have to wait for an injury to get more playing time.
DEN - Simms expects QB Kyle Orton to start Week 1
Source: Arnie Stapleton - The Associated Press
Arnie Stapleton, of The Associated Press, reports Denver Broncos QB Chris Simms said he expects QB Kyle Orton (finger) to start in Week 1.
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Coach McDaniels hasn't officially named a starter for the opener yet, but everyone expects it to be Orton under center when the game starts on Sunday.
DEN - McDaniels says WR Brandon Marshall's attitude great, hints a lot of snaps for him
Source: Frank Schwab - the Colorado Springs Gazette
Frank Schwab, of the Colorado Springs Gazette, reports Denver Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels said WR Brandon Marshall's attitude has been great. McDaniels hinted that Marshall will see a lot of playing time Week 1.
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The Broncos need Marshall, and Marshall needs the Broncos - for this season anyway. In what could be Marshall's last year with the team, he could help his market value by performing up to expectations, behaving in the locker room, and staying out of trouble off the field. For now, Marshall could make people who took him in the last few weeks look very smart, but we would think about trading him if he starts hot and you can get something close to high WR2 value for him.
TB - Carries expected to be split three ways
Source: Pat Yasinskas - ESPN.com
Pat Yasinskas, of ESPN.com, reports despite Tampa Bay Buccaneers RB Cadillac Williams being listed as the No. 1 running back on the depth chart, the carries will likely be split three ways between Williams and RBs Derrick Ward and Earnest Graham.
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Head coach Raheem Morris has talked about a 2-2-1 split. The era of the three-headed RBBC is upon us, and fantasy owners need to take note. We imagine that Caddy will get the majority of the carries if healthy. Derrick Ward is a good receiver out of the backfield, and could lead all Tampa RBs in receptions. Earnest Graham is the workman back, and perhaps he will be best used as a short-yardage or goalline back.
PIT - RB Willie Parker likely to get the nod at the goalline
Source: Scott Brown - the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Scott Brown, from the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, reports the Steelers will enter the season without a designated short-yardage/goal-line back. But a simple connecting of the dots makes it clear that Willie Parker will get most of the carries in those situations. "I think we'll go with the guy that's in the ball game unless he's dead tired then we'll put a fresh body in," offensive coordinator Bruce Arians said Monday when asked who will be the goal-line back. Parker is the starting running back and second-year man Rashard Mendenhall is No. 2 but the pair won't split carries. Coach Mike Tomlin said that last week and Arians reiterated it yesterday after practice. "Willie's the man," Arians said.
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Another day, and another positive story about Willie Parker. Remember, in 2006 Parker had thirteen rushing touchdowns, and all but one came from five yards out or less. The coaching staff has publicly declared there will be no sharing of carries in Pittsburgh in 2009. Unless Parker is winded after a big run, Mendenhall won't see the field that much. Parker can still be drafted somewhere around the 5th round, and you'll need to grab Mendenhall in the 11th just in case the injury bug bothers Parker once again.
ARI - WR Anquan Boldin’s status for Week 1 uncertain
Source: Kent Somers - The Arizona Republic
Kent Somers, of The Arizona Republic, reports Arizona Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt declined to speculate on the availability of WR Anquan Boldin (hamstring) for Week 1. 'We'll see,' Whisenhunt said. 'I know it's going to be tough to keep Anquan out of this game.'
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Steve Breaston has been banged up, too, so Jerheme Urban could actually become a sneaky flex play in PPR leagues if Boldin can't go. Boldin is one of the toughest players in the game, so we agree with Whisenhunt about the difficulty of getting him to sit one out, but if he comes back too early, the hamstring could affect him well into the season.
CIN - QB Carson Palmer practices Monday
Source: Joe Reedy - the Cincinnati Enquirer
Joe Reedy, of the Cincinnati Enquirer, reports Cincinnati Bengals QB Carson Palmer (ankle) practiced with the first-team offense Monday, Sept. 7, and appeared to be moving well.
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Palmer is good to go for week 1, and he has a great matchup against the Denver defense in its debut in the 3-4 scheme.
DEN - WR Brandon Marshall doing what the team is looking for, but playing status unclear
Source: John Bena - milehighreport.com
Continuing a previous storyline, Denver Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels said WR Brandon Marshall has done well in his first practices back from suspension. 'He is working back in and getting really familiar with what we're asking him to do. We will see how it goes,' McDaniels said, while adding Marshall's attitude has been 'great.' In regards to Marshall's playing status in Week 1, McDaniels said: 'I think he is a good football player. If he is ready to go and we go through this week of practice and feel like that's the direction we should play on Sunday, then certainly we all know what he can do as a football player. It is a matter of getting acclimated to enough of the game plan and him understanding what's going on, but we'll see as we go through the week.' McDaniels said he has spoken with Marshall more than once and they are looking forward to moving past their previous issues. 'He's out there practicing hard,' McDaniels said. 'That's what we're looking for.'
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McDaniels won't commit to a lot of playing time for Marshall, but with Jabar Gaffney's injury and the nature of his offense, we think Marshall is likely to get a good amount of snaps and at least be a viable flex play in start 3 WR PPR leagues.
DEN - McDaniels won't predict whether RB Knowshon Moreno will play in Week 1
Source: John Bena - milehighreport.com
Continuing a previous storyline, Denver Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels said RB Knowshon Moreno (knee) is 'getting better every day, doing everything he can do to be ready to go' during Week 1. 'He is not totally there yet, but he is getting better every day. Hopefully we will have him ready to go on Sunday,' McDaniels said. McDaniels would not predict whether the team's first-round pick would play during Week 1, but said he is hopeful everyone that practiced Tuesday, Sept. 8, will be on the field.
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If Moreno is "not totally there yet" on Tuesday, it's hard to imagine that McDaniels will give him the full workload on Sunday. Look elsewhere for a flex option if you can.
DEN - QB Kyle Orton's playing status comes down to a combination of things
Source: nytimes.com
Continuing a previous storyline, Denver Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels said QB Kyle Orton (finger) did pretty good in practice Tuesday, Sept. 8, but had some restriction due to his finger injury. In regards to Orton's playing status for Week 1, McDaniels said it will come down to a combination of the healing process and how effective he can be. 'If he's able to be the most effective guy we have got, then he'll certainly play,' McDaniels said.
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McDaniels is hedging his bets by phrasing his answer that way, but we have to think Orton will be more effective that Chris Simms coming back from a high ankle sprain and rookie Tom Brandstater as long as his finger is still attached.
MIA - HC Sparano hints at rotation at WR
Source: Omar Kelly - the South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Omar Kelly, of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, reports that Dolphins head coach Tony Sparano made a coin flip gesture when asked who would start opposite Ted Ginn Jr at WR, and indicated that there was no need for any of the receivers to be on the field for more that 65 plays because of the team's depth at this position this year.
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It looks like none of the Dolphins wide receivers will be breakout fantasy players this year, but there should still be week-to-week outbursts as Dan Henning finds weaknesses to exploit in opposing defenses.
MIA - Loss of Martin could make team rely more on TE Anthony Fasano
Source: Jeff Darlington - the Miami Herald
Jeff Darlington, of the Miami Herald, speculates that Dolphins TE Anthony Fasano could have a larger role in the passing game and as a leader of the team in the wake of David Martin going on injured reserve. Second-year player Joey Haynos will take over Martin's role.
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Most of Fasano's fantasy value last year came in the form of touchdowns, but he could increase his reception total this year.
HOU - QB Matt Schaub practices Tuesday
Source: John McClain - Houston Chronicle
The Houston Chronicle reports Houston Texans QB Matt Schaub (ankle) participated in practice Tuesday, Sept. 8, and is expected to start Week 1.
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Fantasy owners have their fingers crossed when they select Matt Schaub, especially if they are relying on him as their QB1. Schaub is a fantastic quarterback that can put up monster numbers, but he has failed to stay healthy for an extended period of time during his pro career.
DEN - QB Kyle Orton wears glove in practice, no problem throwing
Source: Frank Schwab - the Colorado Springs Gazette
Frank Schwab, from the Colorado Springs Gazette, reports on his twitter feed that QB Kyle Orton wore a glove, threw passes with no issues, all spirals, even handed off with his right hand.
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This is good news for the Broncos because Orton's finger injury could have been much more severe. If Kurt Warner can throw effectively with gloves on, why not Kyle Orton? As long as the gloves aren't the same Mickey Mouse style that David Carr wore in Carolina, we're good with the fashion statement.
TEN - WR Nate Washington limited Tuesday
Source: Jim Wyatt - The Tennessean
Jim Wyatt, of The Tennessean, reports Tennessee Titans WR Nate Washington (hamstring) was limited during practice Tuesday, Sept. 8. He will be a game-time decision for Week 1.
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There are differing reports about whether or not Washington will be able to give it a go against his former team on Thursday night. The Titans would be wise to rest Washington, and let him get ready for week two. Hamstring injuries can be aggravated if they aren't given enough time to properly heal.
DEN - RB Knowshon Moreno is ready for his debut
Source: Frank Schwab - the Colorado Spring Gazette
Frank Schwab, from the Colorado Spring Gazette, reports running back Knowshon Moreno is feeling better and should be ready to play Sunday at Cincinnati. He said he probably could have played in last Thursday's preseason finale but it was smarter to sit out and heal from a knee injury suffered in the first preseason game, something Broncos coach Josh McDaniels said last week. Moreno isn't full speed yet, but close. "I wouldn't say 100 percent but I feel real good," Moreno said. "Each day I'm getting better and we have a couple more days before the game so we'll see how things go."
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We're unsure how many carries Moreno will get now that he's healthy and back in the lineup. He'll more than likely split time with Correll Buckhalter and Peyton Hillis until he can prove that he's ready for a bigger workload. The Broncos would like to run the ball more to help keep the pressure off of QB Kyle Orton, grind down time on the clock, and to keep the defense off the field.
PIT - WR Limas Sweed and WR Mike Wallace to split 3rd WR spot
Source: Scott Brown - the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Scott Brown, from the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, reports the battle for the No. 3 wide receiver spot behind starters Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes had not been resolved -- and probably won't be. Offensive coordinator Bruce Arians said both Limas Sweed and rookie Mike Wallace will serve as the No. 3 wideout at times. "There are different packages for both those guys so there's not really a third guy; it depends on the package that they're in right now," Arians said. "It gives us some flexibility that way."
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Sweed has looked much improved from the player that we saw during his rookie season. He's playing tougher, going over the middle fearlessly, and has stopped alligator arming passes. Mike Wallace may be the fastest player on the Steelers roster. He has good body control and reliable hands, but he's still learning the intricacies of the position.
DEN - QB Kyle Orton, QB Chris Simms to practice this week
Source: Aaron J. Lopez - CBSSports.com
CBSSports.com reports Denver Broncos QBs Kyle Orton (finger) and Chris Simms (ankle) will practice this week. Orton is scheduled to start in Week 1 if he is healthy enough to play.
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There are some Broncos fans that believe rookie Tom Brandstater should be the starting quarterback, but the reality is that Kyle Orton is going to be the starter all season if he can stay healthy. Chris Simms provides the Broncos with quality depth at the position, but he hasn't outplayed Orton during his time with the team.
DET - Locker room somber following QB Matthew Stafford announcement?
Source: Tom Kowalski - Mlive.com
Tom Kowalski, of Mlive.com, reports there was a bittersweet feeling in the Detroit Lions' locker room following the team's decision to start QB Matthew Stafford in Week 1. Although players recognize Stafford's talent and potential, the veterans have grown fond of QB Daunte Culpepper and respect the strides he made throughout the offseason. The veterans felt bad for Culpepper that he did not win the starting job.
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Culpepper proved that he can still play at a fairly high level in this league, but now will have to wait for another opportunity. Stafford will have a long leash, but if the rookie struggles we could hear some rumblings from within the lockerroom fairly quickly.
PHI - QB Michael Vick to discuss dogfighting at Philadelphia school
Source: Associated Press
The Associated Press reports Philadelphia Eagles QB Michael Vick will speak to a group of high school students Tuesday, Sept. 8, about dogfighting and animal rights. Vick will appear at Nueva Esperanza Academy in Philadelphia's Hunting Park neighborhood. He will be joined by Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States.
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Brian Seltzer from ESPN 950 in Philadelphia reported on his twitter feed: Vick just wrapped up roughly 10 min speech. Message 'Easy to do wrong things, but hard to do right things.' 'Use me as an example.'
ARI - RB Tim Hightower holds onto starting tailback duties
Source: Kent Somers - The Arizona Republic
Kent Somers, of The Arizona Republic, reports Arizona Cardinals RB Tim Hightower was able to hold off rookie RB Chris Wells during training camp for the team's starting running back duties. However, the two should combine to give the Cardinals the big-play threat at running back they have not had recently.
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Hightower was actually going ahead of Wells before Wells impressed in his limited preseason action. Hightower is a good flex play, especially in PPR leagues, but he has limited upside. Wells could have a breakout rookie season, but his durability issues have already popped up in his very short pro career. Either one is a good buy low trade target if they start slow because Arizona finishes with the weakest part of their schedule (Detroit and St. Louis in week 15 and 16).
TB - Olson adds routes, plays to team offense
Source: Rick Stroud - the St. Petersburg Times
Rick Stroud, of the St. Petersburg Times, reports that new offensive coordinator Greg Olson has added more dynamic routes and downfield routes to the offense, according to head coach Raheem Morris. Morris also said Olson will utilize timing-based passing and that play action passing will be a weapon in the offense. Morris added, "The number of plays increased dramatically. I didn't actually count them before I came down here, but you'll see a significant amount more than I think you have seen in the preseason."
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Adding a "dramatic increase" to the playbook right before the season starts? Lucky you if you own the Dallas Cowboys defense and get to start them this week.
WAS - Defining RB Marcus Mason's role
Source: Jason Reid - the Washington Post
Jason Reid, of the Washington Post, reports that Redskins head coach Jim Zorn said RB Marcus Mason is on the bubble to be active on game days unless he can become a core special teams player. RB coach Stump Mitchell said Mason is the #3 RB and would get practice reps if either Ladell Betts or Clinton Portis can't practice, and that unlike Shaun Alexander last season, if Mason gets significant practice reps during the week, he'll get carries during the game. Reid also reports that Mitchell praised Mason's work in pass protection.
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Mason has been a preseason stud, but teams have trouble finding room for him during the regular season. He's a compact, determined runner, and he would definitely be a worthy waiver wire add if opportunity knocks through injuries above him on the depth this season.
NYJ - No serious talks with RB Leon Washington
Source: Rich Cimini - the New York Daily News
Rich Cimini, of the New York Daily News, reports the New York Jets are not having serious talks with RB Leon Washington about a new contract at this time.
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What's the matter with the Jets front office here? There's only one back on the roster that can do the things that Leon Washington does, and he's set for an even bigger workload this year. He's been practicing, and performing well in the preseason, all in a good faith move to show the team that he wants to be there. We're baffled as to why the Jets haven't ponied up more dough in this situation.
CLE - WR Josh Cribbs optimistic he will play Sunday
Source: Mary Kay Cabot - the Cleveland Plain Dealer
Mary Kay Cabot, of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, reports that WR/KR Josh Cribbs is optimistic he will play Sunday vs. Minnesota, but he will not commit to playing without a new contract.
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Cribbs was a major X-factor on special teams when the Browns were successful in 2007, and they need him as a possible answer at #2 since neither second-round pick seized the starting job in training camp. He made the mistake of signing a modestly-priced long extension very early in his career, and the Browns may not be inclined to commit a lot of money to a player with a limited role.
NYJ - WR Chansi Stuckey wins #2 WR job
Source: Dave Hutchinson - the Newark Star-Ledger
Dave Hutchinson, of the Newark Star-Ledger, reports that Chansi Stuckey has won the #2 WR job for the New York Jets.
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Stuckey might have marginal value in deep PPR leagues, but he is the #3 target in an offense with a rookie QB that will lean on the run.
NYJ - RB Danny Woodhead signed to practice squad
Source: Eric Allen - NewYorkJets.com
Eric Allen, of NewYorkJets.com, reports the New York Jets have re-signed unrestricted free-agent RB Danny Woodhead to their practice squad.
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Woodhead had a breakout preseason this year, but it still wasn't enough for him to make the final roster. He is Leon Washington-like, because he's dangerous in space, and knows how to rack up yards once he gets to the open field. However, Woodhead does get arm tackled way too easily, and is not an effective runner between the tackles.
HOU - QB Rex Grossman named No. 2 QB
Source: John McClain - Houston Chronicle
The Houston Chronicle reports Houston Texans head coach Gary Kubiak said QB Rex Grossman will be the team's No. 2 quarterback entering Week 1.
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Grossman has looked better than Dan Orlovsky, who came over from the Detroit Lions earlier this offseason. With Matt Schaub's injury history there is a very good chance that we'll see Grossman in the lineup at some point during the year.
NFL - Fast fact: Week 1 rookie starters
Source: Gil Brandt - NFL.com
Gil Brandt, of NFL.com, reports there will be 30 NFL rookies, including Detroit Lions QB Matthew Stafford, who will open the season as starters on their respective teams, according to Miami Dolphins executive vice president of football operations Bill Parcells.
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As we always say, things change pretty fast around here. The NFL landscape is constantly changing, and teams will always be looking to young players for production.
ATL - QB Matt Ryan returns Tuesday
Source: Pat Yasinskas - ESPN.com
Pat Yasinskas, of ESPN.com, reports Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith said during an interview with Sirius NFL Radio that QB Matt Ryan (illness) returned to the team's facility Tuesday, Sept. 8, watching film and feeling fine. Ryan was sent home Monday, Sept. 7. Ryan should be fully healthy for Week 1.
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Falcons fans and fantasy owners are glad to see it was nothing major with Ryan.
TB - WR Sammie Stroughter the starting slot receiver
Source: Stephen Holder - the St. Petersburg Times
Stephen Holder, from the St. Petersburg Times, reports one interesting note from the depth chart is that rookie receiver Sammie Stroughter appears to be the No. 3 receiver behind Antonio Bryant and Michael Clayton.
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We like Sammie Stroughter because of his body control, consistent hands, and route running ability. He didn't have much competition for the position, but with his run after the catch ability he could make a perfect slot receiver. Don't expect much fantasy production from him though, because he's basically the fourth or fifth read in the Tampa offense behind Antonio Bryant, Kellen Winslow Jr, Derrick Ward, and Michael Clayton.
PHI - WR DeSean Jackson wants to double his rookie numbers
Source: Jeff McLane - the Philadelphia Inquirer
Jeff McLane, from the Philadelphia Inquirer, notes that based on this preseason, there probably isn't anyone affiliated with the NFL or any fantasy league that doesn't believe DeSean Jackson, barring injury, will improve upon his rookie numbers. He sure does. "That's the plan - to double 62," Jackson said. "If it doesn't happen, it doesn't happen. But I'm definitely shooting for it. I know there's going to be competition, but that's the challenge. Me and Donovan [McNabb] are on the same page. He knows the type of receiver that I am and how I've developed in my second year."
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Jackson wants the football in his hands, and with his run after the catch ability we know Donovan McNabb will be looking his way early and often. Doubling his rookie number of 62 catches is a bit much, but we could see Jackson grabbing 70+ passes for around 1,000 yards and 5-6 touchdowns. The Eagles offense is jam packed with talent now, but getting Jackson the football will still be a top priority.
DET - RB Aaron Brown has a long way to go
Source: John Niyo - The Detroit News
John Niyo, of The Detroit News, reports Detroit Lions RB Aaron Brown has shown flashes of speed and playmaking ability. He will serve a role in the team's return game, but Brown has a long way to go before he will be trusted in key situations.
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As Michael Lombardi from NFL Network told us, NFL teams look for young running backs to be great blockers first. Receiving and running the ball are secondary in the eyes of NFL executives. Brown will have to prove that he can protect the quarterback before he's trusted as a third down back. When that does happen, he has the explosiveness to be a dangerous weapon in the open field.
DET - WR Dennis Northcutt in as the slot receiver
Source: John Niyo - The Detroit News
John Niyo, of The Detroit News, reports Detroit Lions WR Dennis Northcutt (thumb) has been pegged as the team's slot receiver. He missed all of the preseason games with a thumb injury.
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Northcutt is a savvy veteran, that could do some damage from the slot. He'll also give rookie quarterback Matthew Stafford a reliable target, especially when a play breaks down.
WAS - QB Andre' Woodson in long-term plans
Source: Associated Press
The Associated Press reports Washington Redskins head coach Jim Zorn insisted QB Andre' Woodson was not only signed for this week so that he can help reveal information about the New York Giants, Washington's Week 1 opponent. 'Oh, yeah. Yeah,' Zorn said. 'And that's something that I would be frustrated with, too, and I do understand that, that it makes it look like we're jumping on that, but that wasn't the major issue with the find.' Zorn said the Redskins scouted Woodson coming out of college and decided to take a chance on him after the Giants released him.
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Woodson could move up the Redskins depth chart very quickly in the next year or two if he takes to Jim Zorn's system because Jason Campbell is a free agent in 2010, and Todd Collins is one of the older backup QBs in the NFL.
MIN - DT Pat Williams and DT Kevin Williams to play Week 1
Source: Kevin Seifert - ESPN.com
Kevin Seifert, of ESPN.com, reports Minnesota Vikings DTs Kevin Williams and Pat Williams will be able to play in Week 1 regardless of the state of their legal case against the NFL, a league spokesman said.
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With the Williams Wall intact, it means bad news for anyone trying to run the football for the Browns in week one.
SD - Will OLB Shawne Merriman stay all season?
Source: Kevin Acee - the San Diego Union-Tribune
Kevin Acee, of the San Diego Union-Tribune, reports when San Diego Chargers general manager A.J. Smith was asked whether LB Shawne Merriman would remain with the team through the 2009 season, Smith neither answered the question nor denied the possibility Merriman wouldn't. 'I've already addressed the Shawne Merriman situation,' Smith said. 'I'm sure when the legal process runs its course, Shawne will update you. As far as his future with the Chargers, which appears to be an ongoing debate, we will let you know right away if his status should change.'
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Smith has never been afraid to unload "name" players or big contracts before, and we wouldn't be surprised if he gets rid of Merriman sooner rather than later.
OAK - DE Richard Seymour holdup over financial issues
Source: Karen Guregian - the Boston Herald
Karen Guregian, of the Boston Herald, reports Oakland Raiders DL Richard Seymour has yet to report to the team apparently due to financial reasons with his former team, the New England Patriots, according to a league source. The trade cannot become finalized until Seymour takes and passes a physical with the Raiders. `
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The Raiders are hoping to sign Seymour to a long-term deal, and we can't imagine this problem keeping Seymour out of the week one lineup.
That'll do it for today, folks.
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J