 Britt undergoes another knee surgery -- Wed May 16 1:50 pm --
Arthroscopic procedure for a "minor" issue |
Titans receiver Kenny Britt is undergoing arthroscopic surgery today to repair a minor issue with his right knee. (Jim Wyatt via Twitter)
FF Today's Take: Wyatt goes on to say that the Britt could miss a week or two in rehab but the hope is he will be available for the start of the season. Britt tore his ACL and MCL last October and even if this second surgery is "minor" its still a red flag that will deflate his fantasy value in redraft leagues this summer.
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Welker signs franchise tender -- Tue May 15 1:20 pm --
One-year, guaranteed $9.515 million for 2012 |
Wes Welker announced on his Twitter feed that he did sign, writing: "I signed my tender today. I love the game and I love my teammates! Hopefully doing the right thing gets the right results. #leapoffaith" For the moment, Welker will receive a one-year, fully guaranteed $9.515 million for the 2012 season, though he and the team could still negotiate a different, longer-term deal. (Boston Globe)
FF Today's Take: Welker had said that he was in "no rush" to sign but a change of heart means Welker can begin OTAs on Monday with his teammates. Welker finished third among fantasy WRs last season averaging 13.2 FPts per game.
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Bucs rookie RB Martin sidelined -- Tue May 15 1:00 pm --
"Slight" hamstring strain |
GM Mark Doninik says RB Doug Martin has a slight hamstring strain. (Rick Stroud via Twitter)
FF Today's Take: The rookie running back missed an OTA session today which isn't a big concern right now but is noteworthy. Martin's camp battle with LeGarrette Blount will be worth watching as fantasy owners try and evaluate a potential RBBC situation.
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LT Peters ruptures Achilles' again -- Tue May 15 2:35 am --
Second tear in less than two months |
Philadelphia Eagles LT Jason Peters ruptured his Achilles' tendon for a second time this offseason, according to a report from CSNPhilly. The Eagles later confirmed the injury.
Peters reportedly was using a device called a Roll-A-Bout to maneuver around his house. The device reportedly malfunctioned, then Peters fell on his face and ruptured the Achilles again. (NFL.com)
FF Today's Take: The first injury occurred in late March, so this injury will end any chance he had at returning this season. It's devastating news for a player who was voted first-team All-Pro last season. While an Achilles' injury is not a career-ender, it has certainly limited the effectiveness of many players who returned from it. With his playing future now in some doubt, the addition of LT Demetress Bell in free agency becomes that much more important for the long-term success of the Eagles.
A ruptured Achilles is the worst NFL injury we can think of. Experiencing the same injury twice in one offseason is almost unimaginably unlucky.
He was a long shot to play in 2012, and now any chance for Peters to suit up is out the window. The Eagles will have to rely on former Buffalo Bill Demetress Bell to take Peters' spot, with King Dunlap backing him up. The team traded Winston Justice this offseason.
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Redskins re-sign Hightower -- Mon May 14 7:55 pm --
One-year deal |
The Washington Redskins’ added one of the last missing pieces to their offense by agreeing to terms on a one-year deal with veteran running back Tim Hightower.
Hightower is coming back from a torn ACL, but Redskins coaches consider him valuable. He’s the most well-rounded of the backs on the roster and a strong leader. Helu and Royster aim to overtake him with a year of playing time under their belts.
(Washington Post)
FF Today's Take: Hightower rejoins a depth chart that features Roy Helu, Evan Royster and sixth-rounder Alfred Morris. While Hightower is valuable, both Helu and Royster offer more in terms of big-play ability. Of course, as is always the case with Mike Shanahan's running backs, each RB that makes the final roster is very likely to start at least one game. Helu is the RB to own here in fantasy, but he should only be considered a flex option for now.
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Locker will not be handed starting job -- Mon May 14 7:45 pm --
Titans likely to decide on QB during training camp |
Jake Locker didn't get the benefit of playing much last year, but two things are important to note. First, the Titans are thrilled with how Matt Hasselbeck has mentored the young quarterback. And second, Locker will have every opportunity to be the starter this year.
"You hope it becomes obvious fairly early on, and hope it doesn't take until the last week of camp," Munchak said. "(Locker) came in at crunch time, and handled it and got better. It made us feel great, seeing how he came in and performed under pressure."
(NFL.com)
FF Today's Take: In limited time, Locker actually posted the best passer rating of all the rookies. But he doesn't have the body of work of the other three first-rounders, or even Andy Dalton and T.J. Yates. What is clear is that whichever quarterback wins the competition will have a lot of talent around him, including Chris Johnson, Jared Cook, Nate Washington, first-round pick Kendall Wright and (hopefully) a healthy Kenny Britt.
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McFadden getting healthy -- Mon May 14 12:55 am --
Cutting at full speed after recovery from foot injury |
Darren McFadden is on track to make a successful return to the field after missing the final nine games last season with a severely sprained foot. That’s according to running backs coach Kelly Skipper, who offered the most in-depth report on McFadden’s health since the injury occurred.
“The thing about Darren is, he didn’t have any major surgeries, so he’s able to come back here healthy and he’s playing at a high level right now and it’s offseason. You would never know he got hurt. He’s making cuts at full speed, everything.” (Oakland Tribune)
FF Today's Take: Talent has never been the question with McFadden, but durability has. In four NFL seasons he has yet to play in more than 13 games, suiting up for a career-low seven in 2011. He's a fantasy RB1 when he's healthy, but his inability to play a full schedule makes him a better fit at RB2. Taiwan Jones and Mike Goodson will fight for the right to be his high-upside handcuff.
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Russell Wilson in mix to start -- Mon May 14 12:25 am --
Rookie QB shows well in rookie minicamp |
Seattle rookie Russell Wilson will be part of the competition to become Seattle's starting quarterback this fall, coach Pete Carroll said Sunday as the team concluded a three-day minicamp for rookies.
"He showed us enough," Carroll said. "He's in the competition."
Wilson was very impressive on Friday when the Seahawks began the minicamp, taking every repetition during the 11-on-11 drills. He was intercepted on several deep passes during Saturday's practice, but after concluding the workouts on Sunday, Carroll raved about his readiness. (Seattle Times)
FF Today's Take: Wilson, a third-round selection, was the highest pick the franchise has used on a quarterback since 1993. Although Wilson has a lot working for him, the odds are quite long that he will beat out both free-agent addition Matt Flynn and incumbent starter Tarvaris Jackson in his rookie season. Although his redraft value is minimal, he does possesses sneaky appeal in dynasty leagues.
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Suggs not out for season? -- Sun May 13 11:55 pm --
LB "has a chance" to return from Achilles in 2012 |
John Harbaugh said his understanding is that Terrell Suggs has a chance to return from partially torn Achilles this season. (Aaron Wilson on Twitter)
FF Today's Take: The key word above is "partially", meaning a return this season IS possible. Suggs will likely need at least 4-6 months to recover from surgery and is a near lock to begin the season on the PUP list. Obviously, the Ravens cannot expect the reigning AP Defensive Player of the Year to play at that level at any point this year, meaning second-rounder Courtney Upshaw will have his hands full trying to match the production of Suggs.
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Rice staying in shape -- Sun May 13 8:00 pm --
Insists conditioning won't be an issue if he holds out |
Working out on his own away from team headquarters due to his unresolved contract status, Ray Rice - the unsigned franchise player - has maintained his high standard of conditioning.
"Training is something that I never worried about," Rice said Saturday during Ray Rice Day at Calvert Hall. "It's something that you got to want...Nobody ever had to beat me in the head to get up and work out...Training has never been my issues but obviously, the team camaraderie, the lockout and all that stuff, that's the stuff that you kind of miss with the guys. But as far as being ready, I know I'll be ready." (Carroll County Times)
FF Today's Take: While it is always nice to hear that a player is staying in tip-top shape, the odds are long that Rice will be one of the few running backs to buck the trend of avoiding an injury or down season if his holdout lasts nearly as long as Chris Johnson's did in 2011. For now, he should still be considered a top-three overall pick in just about every fantasy league.
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Hester to return both kicks and punts -- Sun May 13 7:35 pm --
Casts doubt on potential breakout receiving campaign |
Special teams coordinator Dave Toub has had success and has been fortunate to work with some top performers, none more electric than Devin Hester. So, when he sees reports the Bears are pulling Hester off kickoff returns, he chuckles.
So, what is the plan for the NFL's all-time leader in return touchdowns?
"Hester is our punt returner and he is our No. 1 kickoff returner," Toub said Saturday after rookie minicamp at Halas Hall. "He is still our No. 1 kickoff returner."
(Chicago Tribune)
FF Today's Take: Brandon Marshall was one of several people to suggest that Hester would enjoy his best year as a receiver yet in 2012, but we've already seen this experiment fail once. Add to that the fact the Bears added another likely starter at receiver in the draft in Alshon Jeffrey and it makes it that much more unlikely that it will happen.
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Marshall blasts Dolphins management -- Fri May 11 8:00 pm --
Says that even prime Jerry Rice would be ineffective in Miami |
Former Miami Dolphins wide receiver Brandon Marshall said Friday in a radio interview that he doesn’t think even Hall of Famer Jerry Rice would’ve been effective with the Dolphins in their new offense with their quarterbacks. “It doesn’t make any sense to pay a guy $2 million and only expect him to have 60 or 65 receptions, or 70 receptions in this new offense,” Marshall said. “And also, if you don’t have a quarterback, it doesn’t matter who you have out there. You can bring Jerry Rice back in his prime and he’s not going to be effective." (SI)
FF Today's Take: Marshall didn't exactly disappoint playing in Miami, surpassing the 1000-receiving yard mark in both seasons as a Dolphin. He had some of his best years playing with Cutler though and could be headed back to 1300-receiving yard, 10-touchdown territory playing in Chicago.
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Rookie WR turning heads at NYG camp -- Fri May 11 7:45 pm --
Giants hope 2nd round pick Randle can replace Manningham |
The New York Giants boasted that Rueben Randle was NFL-ready after taking the LSU receiver in the second round of draft, and the kid didn't disappoint as the Super Bowl champions opened a rookie minicamp on Friday. Randle went up high to catch a pass along the sideline and later burned third-round draft choice Jayron Hosley on a ''go'' pattern in the morning session of Friday's camp. Granted it's just a minicamp littered with free agents and players on tryouts, but Randle showed signs that he might be able to replace Super Bowl hero Mario Manningham, who left to sign with the San Francisco 49ers as a free agent. (Yahoo Sports)
FF Today's Take: After spending their first two picks on a running back and a wide receiver respectively, the Giants are shaping up to be quite lethal offensively. Randle is a unique blend of size and speed and will be quite a mismatch for opposing defenses as they focus on shutting down New York's dynamic duo of Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz.
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Schaub to be ready for training camp -- Fri May 11 7:40 pm --
Texans treating their QB's injury with caution |
While Matt Schaub said he would be "100 percent ready to go" in time for training camp, his coach said the Houston Texans' star quarterback won't be going full speed before then. Schaub is recovering from a surgery several months ago to repair a Lisfranc injury in his right foot and a follow-up procedure that took place in April. Schaub said he didn't doubt he would be ready and that his recovery is right on schedule. (NFL.com)
FF Today's Take: Arian Foster and Andre Johnson are studs but they're not the only Texans that can help win you your fantasy pool. Though not held in the same esteem as the Brady's, Brees', Rodgers' and Manning's of the NFL, Schaub has been a reliable fantasy producer for years and - as long as he's healthy - should be good for another 4000 passing yard, 20-plus touchdown season.
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Giants lock up 1st round RB Wilson -- Fri May 11 7:20 pm --
Rookie likely to back up Bradshaw |
The New York Giants have agreed to terms with their first-round pick out of Virginia Tech, running back David Wilson. Wilson was drafted with the final pick in the first round by the Giants, who need somebody to replace Brandon Jacobs. Jacobs was released during the offseason, then signed by the 49ers. Wilson will compete with D.J. Ware, Da'Rel Scott and Andre Brown to back up Ahmad Bradshaw. (ESPN)
FF Today's Take: They may have won the Super Bowl last year but the Giants' rushing attack finished the season dead last with an average of just 89.2 yards per game. Wilson should help improve that total and could wrestle significant carries away from Bradshaw, but the Giants have become a pass first team which limits their rushers' value.
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Vince Young signs with Bills -- Fri May 11 1:30 pm --
One-year, $2 million contract |
Quarterback Vince Young has agreed to a one-year, $2 million contract with the Buffalo Bills, league sources told ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen. Young can earn another $1 million in incentives, sources said. He is expected to join the team Monday. Young worked out for the Bills at the beginning of the month. (ESPN)
FF Today's Take: Young's fantasy value is minimal. He will compete with Tyler Thigpen for the backup QB position behind Ryan Fitzpatrick.
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DHB charged with drunken driving -- Thu May 10 3:00 pm --
Raiders' wideout scheduled to appear in court May 31 |
Raiders starting wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey was charged with drunken driving by the San Francisco’s district attorney office as a result of his arrent last month, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. (Contra Costa Times)
FF Today's Take: Heyward-Bey reportedly was arrested on the Bay Bridge by the about 2 a.m. on April 7 after he was observed speeding and weaving. With no past legal issues it's unlikely this incident will result in any suspension from the league.
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Rice taking 49ers Jenkins to "The Hill" -- Wed May 9 9:40 pm --
Retired star to put rookie WR through legendary training regimen |
San Francisco 49ers legend Jerry Rice isn't wasting any time putting first-round draft pick A.J. Jenkins through the gauntlet of his NFL training regimen. Rice is preparing to take Jenkins on "The Hill," a 2.5-mile uphill climb in San Carlos, Calif., that was a staple of the Pro Football Hall of Famer's offseason workout. After learning how to run the grueling route from the likes of Roger Craig and Ronnie Lott, Rice now is prepared to teach Jenkins, whom the 49ers selected with the 30th overall pick in April's NFL draft. (NFL.com)
FF Today's Take: Jenkins is a natural athlete with explosive speed. The 49ers and quarterback Alex Smith could use a player of his nature to spread the field. For now though, Jenkins' fantasy value is limited by Smith's mediocrity and San Francisco's tendency to run the football.
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Jacoby Jones signs with Ravens -- Wed May 9 9:30 pm --
Former Texans WR had 512 receiving yards in 2011 |
Former Houston Texans wide receiver Jacoby Jones has agreed to terms with the Baltimore Ravens on a two-year contract. Jones was cut by the Texans last week. He caught 31 passes for 512 yards and two touchdowns last season, but he also fumbled twice in Houston's playoff loss to the Ravens. The 27-year-old Jones gives depth to Baltimore's group of receivers.
(SI)
FF Today's Take: Jones' signing is of little fantasy relevance. Anquan Boldin and Torrey Smith are firmly entrenched as the Ravens' top two wide outs, and running back Ray Rice and tight end Ed Dickson tend to eat up the rest of quarterback Joe Flacco's completions. Like Lee Evans last season, Jones shouldn't figure into the offense much if Baltimore's top receivers are healthy.
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Josh Freeman sheds 20 pounds -- Wed May 9 9:05 pm --
Bucs QB hopes to improve upon 22 interception season |
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman has lost roughly 20 pounds in an effort to become more mobile and bounce back from a down season in 2011, according to general manager Mark Dominik.
"You've seen a guy who's completely committed to getting his season back on track and hitting the reset button and getting his game back to hopefully to more of what we saw in 2010 as a young 22-year-old," Dominik said Wednesday on NFL.com's "Cover Two" podcast. "The last couple years, he's been playing around 255-260 (pounds). Right now, he's sitting downstairs (at the team facility) weighing about 235-238." (NFL.com)
FF Today's Take: Freeman was a colossal disappointment to fantasy owners in 2011, throwing nine fewer touchdown passes and 16 more interceptions than he did in his sophomore NFL season in 2010. Just which Freeman will emerge in 2012 isn't easy to determine but he does have a few more offensive weapons at his disposal, most notably wide receiver Vincent Jackson who was acquired through free agency. He'll also have shifty first-round pick Doug Martin in the backfield to complement LeGarrette Blount. The rookie has drawn comparisons to Ray Rice.
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Vikes playing it safe with AP's recovery -- Wed May 9 9:00 pm --
Star RB hopes to be ready for start of 2012 season |
The Minnesota Vikings were running sprints during one of their workouts a couple of weeks ago, and Adrian Peterson was watching off to the side. Salivating like a kid asking his dad if they can stop for ice cream on the drive home, Peterson turned to head athletic trainer Eric Sugarman. "He had a look on his face like, 'I know what you want to do,' " Peterson said. Permission granted, Peterson took the brace off his left knee and jumped in line with the rest of the running backs and wide receivers. "I finished in first place," he said. That doesn't mean he's assured of being in the backfield when the Vikings start the regular season Sept. 9, no matter how determined his mind or how supernatural his body might be. (ESPN)
FF Today's Take: The Vikings want to take it slow with their prized rusher but Peterson has made no secrets about his desire to open the season as the focal point of Minnesota's offense, just as he has been since his rookie season in 2007. Unlike in previous years, there will be a lot of caution in selecting the 27-year-old in fantasy drafts this season. If you do opt to take the four time All-Pro running back, be sure to grab some insurance in Toby Gerhart.
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Vikings release K Longwell -- Tue May 8 7:00 am --
Rookie Blair Walsh only kicker on the roster |
The Minnesota Vikings have released 16-year veteran kicker Ryan Longwell, the latest and perhaps most dangerous turnover to date in their rebuilding project. The surprising move was made Monday, a little more than a week after the team drafted Georgia kicker Blair Walsh in the sixth round. (AP)
FF Today's Take: Longwell had three seasons and $7 million left on a four-year contract he signed last summer. This move is somewhat of a surprise and leaves the Vikings with the rookie Walsh who went 21 of 35 in field goal attempts for Georgia in his senior season.
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Seahawks ink eight of 10 draft choices -- Mon May 7 6:10 pm --
Bruce Irvin, Russell Wilson among signees |
No need to worry about a no-show by first-round draft choice Bruce Irvin this summer. The pass-rush specialist from West Virginia agreed to contract terms today.
So did seven of the other nine players who were selected by the Seahawks in NFL Draft: Utah State LB Bobby Wagner (second round); Wisconsin QB Russell Wilson (third round); Idaho LB Korey Toomer (fifth round); Northwestern State (La.) CB Jeremy Lane and Kentucky S Winston Guy (sixth round); and North Carolina State G J.R Sweezy and Louisville DE Greg Scruggs (seventh round). (Seahawks.com)
FF Today's Take: Only two fourth-rounders - Utah State RB Robert Turbin and Florida DT Jaye Howard - have yet to sign with the team. For fantasy purposes, the team hopes Irvin will make an Aldon Smith-like impact while Turbin will likely become Marshawn Lynch's handcuff. Wilson will start out as the third-team QB, but may move up a spot in 2012 if Matt Flynn convincingly beats out Tarvaris Jackson this summer as many expect, thereby making Jackson expendable.
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Ryan Williams "not worried" -- Mon May 7 6:00 pm --
Recovery from torn patella tendon going well |
Ryan Williams knows there are people who doubt he can return to form this season after his patella tendon ruptured last year, ruining his rookie season. He knows, ultimately, he can’t prove anything until the season starts.
“This situation, I’m not going to say it was fun to go through, but it’s nothing. I believe in myself and I believe I will be back...I still have time. I am running and cutting and doing things I didn’t think I’d be doing this early. I’m not worried about it.” (azcardinals.com)
FF Today's Take: The Cardinals must have confidence in Williams since the Cards didn’t draft a running back nor sign an undrafted rookie. Starter Beanie Wells is still rehabbing from his own knee surgery, so Arizona is rolling the dice for now. If Williams can regain most of his form this season, he should make for a nice flex option in fantasy leagues as Wells' change-of-pace and the team's passing-down RB.
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Bills, Fred Jackson agree to extension -- Mon May 7 5:45 pm --
Two-year deal worth $8.7 M |
The Buffalo Bills kept the positive momentum going on Monday, announcing that the team had come to an agreement with running back Fred Jackson on a new contract extension.
Jackson will make a total base salary of $8.7 million split up over two seasons -- 2013 and 2014. However, there are numerous attainable performance-based incentives to the deal that could bring up the total of the extension to $11 million. Those incentives are for the 2013 and 2014 seasons of the contract. (WGR 550)
FF Today's Take: Jackson turned 31 in February, but was a beast in fantasy leagues last season before the injury and has just 817 NFL carries to his credit. C.J. Spiller figures to get a bit more work after his strong second-half finish, but Jackson should still be considered the featured back, making him a low-end RB1 candidate in fantasy.
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Quick could be best rookie WR? -- Mon May 7 5:30 pm --
NFL Films' film guru high on small-school receiver |
NFL Films' Greg Cosell, after reviewing game tape of this year's draft class..."In fact, you can make the argument that (Appalachian State's) Brian Quick, who's significantly bigger than (Oklahoma State's Justin) Blackmon, is more naturally athletic. Quick is a very fluid and smooth athlete with excellent lateral quickness and deceptive vertical speed due to stride length. It's not a stretch at all to understand why the Rams selected him early. With his size and overall skill set, he has a chance to be the best wide receiver in this draft class." (Turf Show Times)
FF Today's Take: And just like Blackmon, Quick figures to be fast-tracked into the starting lineup. The one big edge Quick has in his corner is that his quarterback will be Sam Bradford. Both receivers will have their ups and downs - as most rookie receivers do - but there is plenty of reason to believe Cosell on his opinion of Quick. He certainly has the ability and opportunity, so it may all come down to Bradford staying healthy.
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RG3 to enter camp as clear-cut starter -- Sun May 6 7:40 pm --
No. 2 overall pick will receive full complement of reps |
No sense fooling around with a talent like Robert Griffin III. Barely a week after the draft, the Washington Redskins are already proclaiming the Heisman Trophy winner their No. 1 quarterback.
Saying that Griffin has the ability to do things no one else has done in the NFL, coach Mike Shanahan wrapped up a rookie minicamp Sunday by putting RGIII squarely atop the depth chart.
"He's the starter. Period," Shanahan said. (AP)
FF Today's Take: It's hardly surprising that Griffin is being handed the job; all Shanahan is doing here is eliminating any sense of in-camp competition or "confusion" with fellow rookie Kirk Cousins or holdover Rex Grossman. With his incredible running ability and strong arm, RG3 is a great bet for high-end fantasy QB2 value right away.
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Weeden has "quick feet" -- Sun May 6 7:10 pm --
Two Big 12 coaches offer insight on Browns' rookie |
Iowa State DC Wally Burnham said they never ran the same coverage two plays in row and focused entirely on pass defense. The Cyclones often sent five and six pass-rushers to try to shake him up.
"He got quick feet. He got nervous," Burnham said. "He really threw the ball away in a hurry. I'm not saying he was scared, he just wanted to get the ball out to his hot receiver."
Former Oklahoma DC Brent Venables said Weeden picked up defenses quickly, was deadly accurate and made all the throws.
"The challenge in the NFL," he said, "will be when the pocket's collapsing." (Cleveland Plain Dealer)
FF Today's Take: If Weeden had a knock on him throughout the process - besides his age - it was that he didn't react well to defenders at his feet. The Browns' likely new Day 1 starter biggest challenge will be operating under center in a West Coast offense with one of the league's least-productive receiving corps after working in a quick-strike spread system at Oklahoma State that featured the likes of Justin Blackmon.
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Jets ink speedy 2nd round WR to deal -- Fri May 4 9:50 pm --
Stephen Hill signs four-year contract with New York |
The Jets quickly got their speedy new wide receiver under contract. A person familiar with the deal said Thursday night that New York and second-round draft pick Stephen Hill agreed to terms on a four-year contract worth just under $5 million. (SI)
FF Today's Take: Look for Hill to step in immediately at wideout opposite Santonio Holmes and produce. He has big play ability, as is indicated by the 29.3 yards per catch average he displayed last season and the blazing fast 4.36 40 time he clocked at the combine. At 6-foot-4, the rookie also has a height advantage over opposing cornerbacks. If the Jets can get some consistency at the quarterback position, Hill could be a dark horse rookie of the year candidate in 2012.
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Kalil enjoying going up against Allen -- Fri May 4 9:40 pm --
Rookie OT getting feet wet practicing against Pro Bowl DE |
Matt Kalil, the Minnesota Vikings fourth-overall pick in the draft said his first NFL practice reminded him of being a freshman in college. "It is a little bit like the freshman year at college again," Kalil told NFL Network. "I felt a lot better at the second practice and look forward to getting better every day." The offensive tackle said he's enjoyed going up against four-time first-team All Pro Jared Allen has been fun. He going up against "probably the best defensive end in the game" in practice every day is making him a better player. (NFL.com)
FF Today's Take: Kalil will have a difficult and vitally important job for the Vikings next season, protecting Christian Ponder's blind side. His size, quick feet and brute strength should all serve him well playing against NFL competition.
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Luck impresses in Colts rookie camp -- Fri May 4 9:30 pm --
Teammate: "He's the same Andrew" |
While Luck acknowledged that he was still trying to get acclimated to a new playbook, a new locker room and new teammates, those who watched closely on Friday said the new Indianapolis Colts quarterback looked a whole lot like the one they remembered at Stanford. "He's the same Andrew, as brilliant as ever," said tight end Coby Fleener, Indy's second-round pick and one of Luck's college teammates. "He went out and was calling plays that were probably 30 words long off the top of his head. He's amazing." (ESPN)
FF Today's Take: By selecting arguably the top two receiving tight ends in the draft in Coby Fleener and Dwayne Allen, the Colts have provided Andrew Luck with some legitimate weapons. The team could conceivably try some double tight end formations to create matchup difficulties for opposing defenses, similar to the one the New England Patriots employ.
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Mark Ingram undergoes knee surgery -- Fri May 4 9:00 pm --
Saints RB expected to recover by training camp |
A person with knowledge of the surgery says New Orleans Saints running back Mark Ingram underwent an arthroscopic procedure on his knee. The surgery was performed Thursday, the person says on condition of anonymity because the team has not announced it. The prognosis is for Ingram to return well before training camps open at the end of July. Ingram, the 2009 Heisman Trophy winner at Alabama, was slowed by a turf toe injury in his rookie NFL season. He had left knee surgery while in college. (Yahoo Sports)
FF Today's Take: Ingram will have to put his injuries behind him if he is going to improve on a forgettable rookie season. The former college standout may have the talent to be an elite NFL rusher but his situation in New Orleans sharing touches with Pierre Thomas and Darren Sproles is far from ideal.
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Terrell Suggs tears Achilles -- Thu May 3 9:45 am --
Baltimore LB set to have surgery next week |
Baltimore Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs tore his Achilles tendon and likely will miss the 2012 season. Surgery is scheduled for next week, the sources said. The Ravens do not know if Suggs' Achilles tendon is partially or fully torn as their doctors have not seen the results of Suggs' MRI yet. (ESPN)
FF Today's Take: This is a major blow to the Ravens defense. Suggs will be hard pressed to return to the field in 2012. Candidates to take over Suggs' spot are Paul Kruger, Sergio Kindle and Michael McAdoo.
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Jahvid Best cleared for contact in June -- Thu May 3 9:35 am --
Shifty RB played just six games in 2011 |
Detroit Lions running back Javhid Best has been cleared for contact in June, according to the team’s official site. “He’s been doing everything in the offseason program and we expect he’ll be cleared sometime probably in June,” Lions general manager Martin Mayhew told Mike O’Hara and Ken Brown on WJR Monday night. “We look forward to having him on the field.” (SI)
FF Today's Take: Best was one of the most highly regarded running backs of the 2010 draft class but his career has gotten off to a shaky start. After a mediocre rookie season, Best's initially impressive 2011 campaign was derailed by a serious concussion. He'll be a high risk, potentially high reward fantasy pick this year.
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Vince Young works out for Bills -- Thu May 3 9:25 am --
WR David Nelson: "He looked good" |
Buffalo Bills receiver David Nelson described free agent quarterback Vince Young as looking in great shape during his workout for the team on Wednesday. Nelson was one of four Bills receivers to run routes and catch passes during the quarterback's session, and was impressed by Young's appearance and ability. ''He looked good,'' Nelson said, after honoring a teacher and hosting a discussion at Orchard Park High School. ''Big guy. Physical and aggressive. He's in shape. He's definitely in shape working out and working hard.'' (Yahoo Sports)
FF Today's Take: A deal to play in Buffalo this season is not imminent, and Young will likely work out for a few more teams. No matter where he ends up he is likely to be a backup, and as a result should go undrafted in all formats this season.
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Jabar Gaffney returns to the Pats -- Thu May 3 9:20 am --
WR signs two-year deal |
Former Redskins WR Jabar Gaffney has agreed to a two-year deal with the Patriots, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. (NFL.com)
FF Today's Take: Gaffney is a decent receiver but is unlikely to get fantasy worthy targets playing behind a slew of stars that include Wes Welker and Brandon Lloyd.
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4 players suspended in bounty case -- Wed May 2 1:30 pm --
LB Jonathan Vilma suspended for a year |
The NFL suspended four players Wednesday for their roles in the New Orleans Saints' bounty system, including linebacker Jonathan Vilma for the entire 2012 season. In addition to Vilma, defensive tackle Anthony Hargrove (now with the Green Bay Packers) was suspended eight games, defensive Will Smith four games and linebacker Scott Fujita (now with the Cleveland Browns) three games. All of the suspensions are without pay. (ESPN)
FF Today's Take: Vilma reportedly helped Gregg Williams create and fund the bounty program and offered up $10K for any Saints player that knocked QB Kurt Warner out of their 2009 playoff game.
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Raiders sign QB Matt Leinart -- Tue May 1 7:00 pm --
Will backup Carson Palmer |
The Oakland Raiders signed Natt Leinart to a one-year contract on Tuesday, giving them two former Heisman Trophy winners from Southern California at quarterback. (ESPN)
FF Today's Take: Leinart, who broke his left collarbone last season, will be reunited with offensive coordinator Greg Knapp, who was his QBs coach with the Texans. Leinart will backup Carson Palmer in Oakland.
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Redskins release Gaffney -- Tue May 1 9:00 am --
Redskins save 2.65 million |
The Washington Redskins have released wide receiver Jabar Gaffney after several failed attempts to trade the 10-year veteran, a person with knowledge of the situation said Tuesday. Gaffney, whom the Redskins acquired via trade last summer, led the team with 68 catches for 947 yards, along with two touchdowns, in 2011. (Washington Post)
FF Today's Take: The signing of Pierre Garcon and Josh Morgan have made Gaffney expendable. The Redskins will save 2.65 million on the release.
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Stevie Johnson to have minor surgery -- Mon Apr 30 3:00 pm --
Since when is groin surgery minor? |
Buffalo Bills receiver Steve Johnson is scheduled to have what his agent described as "very minor" surgery to repair a groin injury that nagged the player for most of last season. C.J. Laboy confirmed in an email Monday that the surgery is scheduled to take place in Philadelphia on Tuesday. (ESPN)
FF Today's Take: Recovery should only be a few weeks. The Bills begin a voluntary minicamp on May 29 but it's unclear if Johnson will be available at that time.
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