Saturday, September 20, 2008

Updates

Witten is a go

NFL.com reports that Jason Witten (shoulder) participated fully in practice on Friday and is expected to play on Sunday.

Our View: Witten's already racked up 206 yards in two games with no touchdowns. He is arguably the best tight end in the game and should find the end zone very soon.

McFadden expected to start Friday

Darren McFadden returned to practice Thursday, albeit with a steel plate over his right big toe according to the San Francisco Chronicle. He's expected to start Sunday. "You think you see a guy with turf toe, 'Oh, it's just a toe, he can go with it,'" McFadden said. "Once you get it, you understand why because every move that you make on it ... it's pretty painful."

Our View: His number of carries will depend on how the foot responds and holds up on the artificial turf in Buffalo. Look for Michael Bush to play an expanded role with Justin Fargas likely out with his groin injury. The Bills at home are a tough matchup for any running back, so consider McFadden a risky start this Sunday.

Jackson ruled out

Darrell Jackson has been ruled out for Week 3 due to a strained calf according to the Denver Post.

Our View: Jackson is buried on the Broncos' depth chart and this injury means he will likely stay there. He holds little to no fantasy value at this point.

Tomlinson will be limited

The San Diego Union-Tribune reports that LaDainian Tomlinson is expected to be limited Monday against the New York Jets. The same publication reports that he looked good early in Friday's practice.

Our View: Expect another game similar to last week from LT. Against a formidable Jets defense, 100 combined yards for the nicked-up running back is rather optimistic.

Taylor benched

Courtney Taylor has been benched according to the The News Tribune. Earlier in the week, the receiver was expected to start on Sunday.

Our View: The Seahawks are not deep enough to "bench" a receiver so expect Taylor to be on the field for a dozen or so snaps regardless of his standing with coach Mike Holmgren. Against the Rams, he is still a decent, but no longer good, play.

Edwards listed as questionable

Braylon Edwards (shoulder) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Baltimore Ravens according to the team's website.

Our View: Even if he does go on Sunday against the Ravens, don't expect him to bust out of his slump. Baltimore's secondary is exceptional and Edwards is still getting into regular season form after missing much of the preseason.

Colbert to start

Keary Colbert will replace Courtney Taylor in the Seahawks starting lineup against the Rams this Sunday according to the The News Tribune. He joined the team earlier this week and has already impressed coach Mike Holmgren enough for him to make him the starter.

Our View: Colbert is suddenly a strong play for Week 3 against the league's 32nd ranked defense. He is likely on your waiver wire so don't hesitate to pick him up. However, Bobby Engram and Deion Branch could be back in the coming weeks decreasing Colbert's long-term value.

Robinson questionable against Rams

Koren Robinson was limited in practice on Friday because of a sore knee according to the Seattle Times. "He's got a little issue with his knee," coach Mike Holmgren said. "I don't think it's serious, but I want him to feel good when we put him out there. He hasn't been playing much football in the last four or five months. We have to wait and see. That will be a Sunday decision."

Our View: He went on to say that it was a possibility Robinson would not play on Sunday which makes him a very difficult start in fantasy leagues.

Galloway ruled out

Updating a previous report, Joey Galloway has been ruled out for action in Week 3 according to Pro Football Weekly.

Our View: The same source also claims Galloway's intensity amd determination has not been there this season and that team officials are starting to worry about the contributions the 36-year-old can make this season. If you can get something for Galloway in a trade still, try your best.

Walker expected to play

Javon Walker practiced Friday and is expected to play Sunday at Buffalo, according to the Sacramento Bee.

Our View: This is encouraging news regarding the Raiders' passing attack, but Walker's playing time is yet to be determined and may serve in a limited role. He should remain reserved in fantasy leagues, especially against a tough Bills' defense that is coming off a big win over the Jaguars.

Gage to be game-time decision

Justin Gage missed his third straight practice Friday due to his groin injury and will be a game-time decision for Sundays' contest against Houston, according to the Nashville City Paper. He said, "I'm getting better each day. We'll find out Sunday if I can go."

Our View: Gage was the top target in the Titans' passing attack in Week 2 during Kerry Collins' first start, and Gage will be missed if he cannot go. Brandon Jones would likely start in his place if needed.

Porter not likely to play

Jerry Porter is questionable but coach Jack Del Rio does not expect him to make his Jaguars' debut this weekend, according to Jaguars.com. He is still recovering from surgery on his hamstring.

Our View: Porter should remain reserved on fantasy rosters.

Rice limited

Sidney Rice was limited in Friday's practice while recovering from a sprained PCL in his right knee, according to the Pioneer Press.

Our View: He is questionable, but does not appear to be fit to play Sunday against Carolina. Robert Ferguson is believed to play an expanded role with Rice ailing.

Peterson limited in practice

Adrian Peterson was limited in Friday's practice due to tightness in his hamstring and coach Brad Childress indicated that he will be a game-time decision Sunday against Carolina, according to the Pioneer Press.

Our View: Childress will consult with Peterson and the Vikings' medical staff before making a decision on his availability. He noted that he doesn't want the hamstring injury to become a chronic problem. Fantasy owners should have Chester Taylor ready to go in case Peterson is held out.

Berrian remains limited

Bernard Berrian remains limited in practice due to his toe ailment, according to the Pioneer Press.

Our View: Despite not fully practicing, he is listed as probable on the injury report. It looks like he will start Sunday against the Panthers, and is worth consideration as a No. 3 receiver in Gus Frerotte's first start of the season.

Robinson to be more involved?

Falcons' coach Mike Smith indicated that Laurent Robinson needs to be more involved in the offense, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Our View: Robinson was a top candidate to start opposite Roddy White this season, but he suffered a tailbone injury and Michael Jenkins proved to be a better blocker, which is key in coordinator Mike Mularkey's offense. Robinson feels his blocking has improved and is also confident he is fully recovered from his ailment. Robinson has solid vertical skills and looks to gradually push Jenkins for playing time and potentially the starting gig. Robinson is worth targeting as a reserve with upside.

Little to be game-time decision

Leonard Little will be a game-time decision for Week 3, according to the Belleville News-Democrat. He practiced on a limited basis Friday while hindered by a hamstring injury.

Our View: Coach Scott Linehan previously stated he is 50-50 to play Sunday. He is the anchor of the Rams' pass rush and Matt Hasselbeck and the Seahawks' passing attack would catch a break if he cannot go.

Gregg to miss two weeks

Updating an earlier report, Kelly Gregg is expected to miss at least two more weeks due to knee pain in his recovery from arthroscopic surgery, according to the Rocky Mountain News. Coach John Harbaugh said, "What it amounts to is he's got kind of a hole in his cartilage that rubs bone to bone, and because of that he's actually got a real sensitive spot on his bone. When he unloads on a block, that's when he feels the pain. It's almost like you've got a scab on your bone, and he tears the scab off."

Our View: Justin Bannan will make another start at nose tackle in his place. Gregg is an elite pro, and running back Jamal Lewis will benefit by his absence this weekend as Cleveland heads to Baltimore.

Saints ink Harrington

Joey Harrington has found a new home as he has been signed by the Saints, according to Fox Sports. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. The Saints waived defensive tackle Alvin McKinley to make room on the roster.

Our View: He will hold no fantasy value while relegated to clipboard duty as the No. 3 quarterback in New Orleans.

Booker would see more action

Marty Booker would see more action in the passing game if Devin Hester (ribs) is unable to play Sunday against the Buccaneers, according to the Chicago Tribune.

Our View: Even if Booker was a starter, he would not merit much fantasy consideration. The 32-year-old vet is far removed from his 100-reception campaign with the Bears in 2001.

Jordan remains out

LaMont Jordan missed another practice due to his foot injury, according to the Boston Globe.

Our View: Jordan will likely be ruled out for Sunday's game against Miami.

Maroney returns to practice

Laurence Maroney returned to practice Friday after missing time due to his shoulder injury, according to the Boston Globe.

Our View: The two practices he missed were in full pads, and today's practice was in shells (light shoulder pads) and shorts. His status for Week 3 against Miami remains in question.

McGahee to get more involved?

Willis McGahee may get more involved and rotate with rookie Ray Rice at running back (starting this week against the Browns), according to the Baltimore Sun. Offensive coordinator Cam Cameron said, "He's getting more reps in practice. Those are the two backs that we're going with (McGahee and Rice). Willis' role will increase. I think today's practice and tomorrow's practice will determine how much of a role he really has."

Our View: McGahee fared well against Cleveland last season with a pair of 100-yard games, and their run defense has already been exposed against Dallas and Pittsburgh in the first two games of 2008. It remains to be seen how many carries McGahee will get in his first game of the season, but he has potential to have a solid outing.

Green will not play

Coach Gary Kubiak indicated that Ahman Green will not play this week due to his sore ankle, according to the Houston Chronicle.

Our View: Steve Slaton is expected to start against the Titans, with Chris Taylor lending support as the primary backup. Kubiak did not speculate when Green may be ready to return.

More carries for Jackson

Steven Jackson only ran the ball 27 times (for 93 yards) over the first two weeks of the season but offensive coordinator Al Saunders intends to give him a heftier workload in Week 3 at Seattle, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Saunders said, "We have to get the ball to our best player, No. 39. He hasn't run the ball enough, and we need to make sure that we establish our run. Steven is a special back."

Our View: The Rams currently rank last in the NFL in total offense, and Jackson ranks outside the top-25 in rushing yards. It is important to get the running game going this weekend as Seattle loves to blitz and would tee off on Marc Bulger if always in a predictable passing situation.

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