Breaking News Wire

8-10-07 | RB Kenny Irons out for season with torn ACL

According to Cincinnati.com, Bengals RB Kenny Irons has a torn ACL and is done for the year.

-- Horrible news, as this kid had a ton of future upside. Rudi Johnson gets a bump in both our redraft and dynasty rankings. Again, like we said below, it isn't that Irons was going to unseat the veteran, but now Rudi seems like a lock for 300+ carries in '07. Watson is now the team's back-up running back.

8-10-07 | RB Clinton Portis (knee) to see Dr. James Andrews

According to WashingtonPost.com, Redskins RB Clinton Portis (knee) will go see orthopedic James Andrews about his knee. Reports suggest that Portis' knee is heading in the right direction, but the runner isn't sure when he will practice next.

-- Portis was already falling into the late-second round — now the runner may fall even further, and to us, this spells value! We just took Portis in the late-second in back-to-back Expert Leagues and we couldn't be more pleased. Yea, there is some risk, but that risk is minimized a ton given that you're getting a runner with top 5-7 potential in the 18-24 range. Hopefully all goes well with Dr. Andrews — we will keep you informed.

8-10-07 | RB Kenny Irons (ankle/knee) carted off the field Thursday Night

According to Enquirer.com, Bengals RB Kenny Irons was carted off the field on Thursday Night after suffering an injury to his left knee and left ankle. The injury occurred in the late-second quarter. Before getting hurt, Irons had run the ball four times for 17 yards.

-- Bad news for dynasty owners — hopefully both injuries aren't season-ending. If they are, Rudi Johnson will rise a bit in both our redraft and dynasty rankings. It isn't that we thought Irons would unseat Rudi, but the rook was sure to steal some decent time from the vet here and there. If Irons is out of the picture, Rudi will rarely take a seat in '07.

8-9-07 | TE L.J. Smith carted off practice field

According to PhillyBurbs.com, Eagles TE L.J. Smith, who underwent sports hernia surgery in May, reportedly aggravated the injury yesterday and was carted off the field. "He tweaked it," head coach Andy Reid said. "We'll see."

-- You can bet that we will keep you posted — no one is commenting much on the injury at the moment.

8-9-07 | RB Tatum Bell: Martz excited about the runner's speed

According to reports, Lions HC Mike Martz can't stop talking about RB Tatum Bell's speed.

-- Martz is reportedly more than thrilled with Bell thus far, so don't expect Bell to remain a draft-day steal for much longer. No one is treating this guy like a starter — take advantage. He is perfect for that Mike Martz offense and it is unclear when Kevin Jones will truly be 100%.

8-9-07 | RB Larry Johnson: Holmes becoming a real threat to fantasy owners?

According to ESPN.com, Chiefs RB Priest Holmes will take the starting job in K.C. if Larry Johnson doesn't step up and grab it. "Somebody has to get the money," he said. "Hey, if L.J. wants to leave the money out there, guess I'm going to take it. If he wants to come get it, it's rightfully his to take. He's earned it. But if he chooses not to come back, well, somebody has to take it. Why won't it be me?"

-- Even with this risk, Johnson is still our #2RB in all formats. If Johnson still isn't signed after the second preseason game, then we may start adjusting some rankings, but until then, our plan is to cash in on the panic. That said, we do advise that all Larry Johnson owners grab both Priest Holmes and rookie RB Kolby Smith just to be safe.

8-9-07 | RB Priest Holmes to take LJ's job if he doesn't want it?

According to ESPN.com, Chiefs RB Priest Holmes will take the starting job in K.C. if Larry Johnson doesn't step up and grab it. "Somebody has to get the money," he said. "Hey, if L.J. wants to leave the money out there, guess I'm going to take it. If he wants to come get it, it's rightfully his to take. He's earned it. But if he chooses not to come back, well, somebody has to take it. Why won't it be me?"

-- Even with this risk, Johnson is still our #2RB in all formats. If Johnson still isn't signed after the second preseason game, then we may start adjusting some rankings, but until then, our plan is to cash in on the panic. That said, we do advise that all Larry Johnson owners grab both Priest Holmes and rookie RB Kolby Smith just to be safe.

8-9-07 | TE Tony Gonzalez to play another three seasons?

According to KansasCity.com, Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez plans on playing for another three years at the NFL level. "Do I want to play five more years?" Gonzalez said. "No. Or four more years? Probably not. Three more years, counting this year, is what I have my eye on at this point."

--Gonzo should be a top 5TE this year, just as long as the Chiefs can get Larry Johnson signed in time for the start of the season. With Johnson in the backfield, the passing game should be better than expected, which will allow Gonzo to do what he does best… catch footballs.