 RB Bradshaw misses practice Friday -- Fri Feb 3 9:05 pm --
With sore right foot |
Running back Ahmad Bradshaw missed the New York Giants’ Super Bowl practice Friday because of a sore right foot. Coach Tom Coughlin listed Bradshaw as probable for Sunday’s game, and said he expects him to play. Bradshaw has a broken bone in his right foot and it was sore after two days of practice at the University of Indianapolis’ practice bubble. He has dealt with the injury for months and usually only practices once a week for games. (Yahoo Sports)
FF Today's Take: The health of Bradshaw's foot will be one of the stories to watch on Sunday as the game unfolds. If the elusive back is ailing, Brandon Jacobs should see increased touches. The bruising runner posted 100 yards from scrimmage and a score against the Patriots in their only meeting this season.
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Gronkowski practices Friday -- Fri Feb 3 9:00 pm --
Pats TE listed as questionable, but will play |
New England tight end Rob Gronkowski participated in Friday's hour-long walk-through to cap the Patriots' week of indoor practices leading up to Super Bowl XLVI. Gronkowski took the field for the second straight day after practicing on a limited basis Thursday for the first time since spraining his left ankle Jan. 22 in the AFC Championship Game. He is listed as questionable on New England's injury report for Sunday's matchup against the New York Giants.
(NFL.com)
FF Today's Take: After Tom Brady and Wes Welker, Rob Gronkowski is the most important part of the Patriots' offense. Reports from practice are saying the tight end looked fairly spry today while the team was running offensive plays, so look for the 22-year-old to receive his usual heavy workload on Super Bowl Sunday.
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Foster hopes to stay with Texans -- Fri Feb 3 8:30 pm --
Star RB set to become a free agent |
Arian Foster is heading for restricted free agency, but in an interview on Radio Row in Indianapolis today, he said he’d like to remain with the Houston Texans. “It’s out of my hands,” Foster said. “It’s not under my control. The Texans are going to make the best move for their organization and their team, and if I happen to be a part of that, that’s a wonderful thing because I want to be a part of it. But if not, I have to continue living my life and they’ll do that with theirs. But I want to — they’ve expressed interest that they want to, and they already know that I want to stay in Houston.” (SI)
FF Today's Take: The stud running back frustrated owners to start the season as he sat out with an injury, but those that were patient reaped the benefits down the stretch. The 25-year-old averaged over 141.7 yards from scrimmage per game this year, an improvement on the 138.8 yards he averaged during his breakout season in 2010. If he stays with the Texans, Foster makes for an ideal top three fantasy pick in 2012.
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Tony Gonzalez to play another season -- Fri Feb 3 8:10 pm --
Veteran TE coming off 875 yard season |
Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez said Thursday that next season probably will be his last — though it’s not the first offseason he has said that, nor does should it come as a surprise. Gonzalez, who last month signed a one-year, $6.9 million contract extension with the idea that the 2012 season might be his last one, oddly made Thursday’s declaration not through the team or his agent but rather on an ESPN/Facebook chat. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
FF Today's Take: The wave of younger, more athletic tight ends that includes Rob Gronkowski, Jimmy Graham, Aaron Hernandez and Jermichael Finley will be the way to go in fantasy next year. The windows of opportunity for high profile veterans like Tony Gonzalez and Antonio Gates could begin closing at any time, as injuries and wear and tear continue to mount.
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Manning medically cleared to play? -- Thu Feb 2 5:20 pm --
Arm strength is still key to Manning's return |
Peyton Manning has been medically cleared by two doctors, including the one who performed his neck fusion surgery, to resume his NFL career, unnamed sources told ESPN’s Chris Mortensen and Adam Schefter. But arm strength is apparently the issue because his ability to play depends on the nerves in Manning’s arm regenerating to a satisfactory performance level.
Watkins also reportedly told Manning to continue an aggressive rehabilitation path toward playing in 2012. (Indianapolis Star)
FF Today's Take: This report isn't really news. It smells more of Manning's camp trying to paint the most positive light on his medical situation, perhaps counter balancing a story from earlier this week that suggested Manning's career is in serious jeopardy. Whether or not Manning is able to gain full strength in his arm remains the question and we may not know that for quite some time.
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Owner gives Flacco, Rice full support -- Wed Feb 1 11:00 pm --
Hopes duo can eventually lead team to a Super Bowl |
Baltimore Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti enthusiastically supports Joe Flacco as his quarterback, has every intention of retaining unrestricted free agent running back Ray Rice and believes the window of opportunity for his team to reach the Super Bowl remains wide open. (SI)
FF Today's Take: Flacco had put forth some less than spectacular playoff performances heading into this year's postseason, but his 306-passing yard, two touchdown showing in the Ravens AFC championship loss was an encouraging sign that the 27-year-old is headed in the right direction.
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Reggie Wayne weighs options for 2012 -- Wed Feb 1 10:40 pm --
WR set to become unrestricted free agent |
Reggie Wayne doesn't know what will unfold with Peyton Manning. He doesn't know what will happen with him, either. The Indianapolis Colts receiver has an expiring contract and could be lined up to explore unrestricted free agency for the first time. Wayne is connected to NFL Play 60 sponsor Kinect for Xbox 360, and during a break playing with school kids Wednesday, he said he would not be averse to being part of a Colts rebuilding project. (ESPN)
FF Today's Take: A savvy veteran who can run sharp routes and haul in passes during pressure situations, Wayne could be a highly sought after free agent this offseason. His numbers took a hit with Peyton Manning out this season, but he could find his stride again if paired with a talented quarterback.
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McNabb still hopes to play in NFL -- Wed Feb 1 10:20 pm --
Veteran QB interested in playing for three particular teams |
Donovan McNabb says his future is bright. Part of that future could include a return to the NFL next season. McNabb, who was released by the Vikings midway through his 13th season, didn’t sound like a player who has completely walked away during an interview with “Super Bowl Live” on Wednesday. “I see three teams in the NFL, right now, that I feel like I can add a little bit of flavor to it from what they have,” McNabb said. “I won’t mention those teams. But, if the phone rings, there will be a lot of decisions to make on that.” (NFL.com)
FF Today's Take: Even if McNabb does sign a contract with an NFL team, it will almost certainly be in a backup role. At this stage of the 35-year-old's career, his days as a fantasy relevant player are over.
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Gronkowski misses practice Wed. -- Wed Feb 1 6:00 pm --
Day to day |
Rob Gronkowski didn't practice on Wednesday. He was the only player who did not participate. "Rob is doing better, so we'll just have to see where he is today," Patriots coach Bill Belichick said. "I think he's making improvement, getting better every day. We'll just take it day to day." (ESPN)
FF Today's Take: The team may fit Gronk into a specialized shoe to help support his injured ankle. Speculation is that he will play on Sunday but there is no chance his ankle will be 100% healthy.
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Bradshaw to sit out of practice -- Wed Feb 1 11:59 am --
Chronic foot injury |
Coughlin said starting RB Ahmad Bradshaw would be held out of practice Wednesday, nothing unusual as the team manages his chronically injured right foot. (USA Today)
FF Today's Take: Nothing unusual as the Giants have typically been resting Bradshaw on Wednesdays. Expect Bradshaw to play a key role in the offense on Sunday. However, it is worth mentioning that his foot injury is considered "chronic" so those in various keeper and dynasty formats should factor that into any decisions regarding Bradshaw in 2012.
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Bears hopeful for deal with Forte -- Wed Feb 1 8:56 am --
Franchise tag a likely option if long term deal is not reached |
New Chicago Bears general manager Phil Emery has plenty of issues to address as he gets to work at Halas Hall. With three weeks to decide whether to apply the franchise tag on Pro Bowl running back Matt Forte, Emery's boss said Tuesday that the Bears won't let the Pro Bowl running back reach free agency. "We'd like to (work out a long-term deal with Forte)," Bears president and CEO Ted Phillips said on "The Waddle & Silvy Show" on ESPN 1000. "But as Phil pointed out we obviously will at least consider placing the franchise tag on him. We don't have any intention of letting Matt hit the open market." (ESPNChicago.com)
FF Today's Take: Chicago needs to make a serious push to get Forte signed to a long term extension this off-season to prevent a holdout. Using the franchise tag on Forte remains an option for the team, but that may not sit well with a team leader who just risked injury to play last season.
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Vollmer expected to play -- Wed Feb 1 6:30 am --
He has recovered from foot injury |
INDIANAPOLIS - While stopping short of saying Sebastian Vollmer would definitely play in Super Bowl XLVI against the Giants, Patriots offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia indicated the right tackle would return to the lineup. "He’s back to practicing and being healthy," Scarnecchia said yesterday. (Boston.com)
FF Today's Take: Having Vollmer back is evem more crucial if TE Rob Gronkowski (ankle) is limited or unable to play.
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Browns want Hillis back -- Tue Jan 31 12:03 am --
RB reportedly back in team's plans |
The Browns would like to re-sign running back Peyton Hillis, who worked his way back into the team's good graces over the final six weeks of the season, a league source said.
Hillis, who becomes an unrestricted free agent March 13, showed the Browns enough over the final six games - both on and off the field - that they'd like to have him back at the right price.
(Cleveland Plain Dealer)
FF Today's Take: Hillis likely endeared himself to Browns coach Pat Shurmur after his 112-yard rushing performance against the Ravens on Dec. 24. Shurmur stated that he had a talk with Hillis and admitted that his back was affected by his hamstring injurying during the middle part of the year. Hillis' return would allow Cleveland to ignore RB in the draft and free agency as the Browns should return Montario Hardesty and Brandon Jackson.
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Peyton's career coming to an end? -- Mon Jan 30 11:50 pm --
Sources "don't believe he'll resume his career" |
For all the discussion over Peyton Manning’s future with the Indianapolis Colts, the underlying issue is that people close to him don’t believe he’ll resume his career.
The nerves in Manning’s arm are not healing as quickly as hoped and, worse, don’t appear to be progressing at enough of a rate to indicate that he will play again, according to two sources with knowledge of Manning’s rehabilitation from neck surgery. The vertebrae in his neck that were fused have healed as expected and Manning began throwing in December. But he hasn’t shown improvement in velocity on his passes, and the two sources fear he likely never will again. (Yahoo! Sports)
FF Today's Take: As we warned earlier tonight, very few - if any - people actually have an idea how this will play out. Still, this report is one of the more credible ones yet, so Colts fans and fantasy owners alike need to prepare for a NFL without Manning. At this point, it is looking extremely likely Andrew Luck will be under center as the unquestioned starter in Indy to begin the 2012 season.
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Gronk misses Monday practice -- Mon Jan 30 6:07 pm --
Has yet to practice since AFC Championship |
Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski, who suffered a high ankle sprain in New England’s 23-20 AFC Championship game win over the Baltimore Ravens, did not practice on Monday according to HC Bill Belichick.
The 22-year-old from Arizona got off the plane in Indy Sunday afternoon in a walking boot and isn’t expected to practice at all this week, according to PFT’s Mike Florio. However, Florio’s source does believe that Gronkowski will play on Sunday.
(National Football Post)
FF Today's Take: Gronkowski has said all along that he will play, but Steelers C Maurkice Pouncey said similar things before last season's Super Bowl. However, Gronkowski showed incredible pain tolerance in returning to the game against the Ravens, which makes it likely he will play, although it is very likely he will lack the power and explosion that makes him special. Aaron Hernandez figures to be the TE of choice this Sunday.
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Blount, Williams took it easy in 2011 -- Mon Jan 30 6:00 pm --
Key Bucs offensive players didn't hit weight room |
Two players who allegedly deserve some criticism for not working hard enough are RB LeGarrette Blount and WR Mike Williams. Sources said both players were not spending the right amount of time preparing their bodies for Sunday. Neither one was hitting the weight room or training room as they should. Former coaches said both players needed to spend regular time in the cold tub and build their bodies in the weight room to play better on Sundays. (Pewter Report)
FF Today's Take: Former team staff suggests that both players partied a lot and that Williams in particular was a mess. Williams thought he was too heavy, so he started losing weight in an effort to separate easier from defensive backs, and by the end of the season, sources said that he was too frail and didn't have the strength to fight off jams. New HC Greg Schiano will have his hands full trying to get this offense going in his first NFL coaching job.
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Peyton's status still very uncertain -- Mon Jan 30 5:42 pm --
Older brother weighs in |
When asked if Peyton Manning is "determined," older brother Cooper responded, "I think that's a great word for it."
"What I do know is Peyton is going to do every single thing a human being can possibly do to get ready to play again," Cooper said from his office in New Orleans. "Where, when and how he'll play, that's all up in the air. But as far as his body goes, Peyton's smart, he'll know what to do. Anyone predicting what will happen now going forward is just wasting their breath. But he is working as hard as anyone can work to get out there again." (NFL.com)
FF Today's Take: The last 24 hours has been busy on the Peyton Manning front as some sources have suggested he will retire while others believe he will be released and be in another team's starting lineup to begin next season. While all the buzz keeps the talking heads talking, the fact is that no one knows anything for sure right now. Peyton turns 36 in March - when he is due a $28 M bonus - and has undergone three neck procedures in the past two years.
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Palmer will be Week 1 starter -- Mon Jan 30 5:30 pm --
HC confirms ex-Bengal will run offense |
Raiders coach Dennis Allen tells @NBCSportsTalk that Carson Palmer "absolutely" will be the Week 1 starter. (Pro Football Talk on Twitter)
FF Today's Take: That's easy to say now, but the Raiders don't exactly have a wealth of options behind Palmer right now to give him much competition. Jason Campbell will presumably be his backup and Terrelle Pryor will likely be the QB3. With no OC in place yet, it is far too early to make solid predictions about Palmer's 2012 prospects, but he'll likely be drafted as middle-of-the-pack fantasy QB2.
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Hakeem Nicks will definitely play -- Mon Jan 30 10:02 am --
Shoulder |
Per a league source, Nicks is expected to play. Though it’s unclear whether his range of motion will be limited, the source was optimistic that Nicks will be “fine.” (ProFootballTalk)
FF Today's Take: The shoulder doesn't look like it will prevent Nicks from playing since his lower body is fine. However, Nicks needs to get back to practice and show his range of motion isn't too limited if he is to be a focal point of the passing game.
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Welker plans on staying a Patriot -- Mon Jan 30 9:38 am --
Free agent to be not worried about next contract |
INDIANAPOLIS -- New England Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker, whose contract expires shortly after Super Bowl XLVI, said Sunday he can't see himself in another uniform next season.
"I plan on being back," Welker said Sunday after the Patriots arrived for the Super Bowl. "I am not really too worried about that right now. I am fully concentrated on this game and what we have to do, but I plan on being back."
(ESPNBoston.com)
FF Today's Take: Outside of a 2010 season that saw him work his way back from major knee surgery, Welker has eclipsed 100 catches and 1,000 yards every year he's been in New England. Expect both sides to reach an agreement shortly following the Super Bowl and for Welker to remain one of the first wideouts off the board in 2012.
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WR Marshall breaks Pro Bowl record -- Mon Jan 30 7:00 am --
Scores 4 touchdowns, nets MVP honors |
HONOLULU -- Brandon Marshall caught six passes for 176 yards and a Pro Bowl-record four touchdowns and the AFC used a second-half surge to beat the NFC 59-41 on Sunday.
The Miami Dolphins wide receiver had a touchdown catch in each quarter, including an early 74-yarder and a 3-yarder in the fourth, in a game filled with highlight-reel catches. He was selected the game's MVP.
(NFL.com)
FF Today's Take: While players did line up on the defensive side of the field, they didn't exactly exert themselves too much during the 59-41 pinball affair. Brandon Marshall still has some play-making ability but his quarterback situation and potential for off-the-field issues will continue to depress his value next year.
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Chargers, V-Jax on same page -- Sun Jan 29 6:50 pm --
Jackson and team wants WR back in San Diego |
Chargers WR Vincent Jackson wants to remain in San Diego, and it’s sounding more and more like the Chargers want to keep the free agent to be. “The way he performed this year speaks to how valuable he is to our team,” Chargers coach Norv Turner told me. “From a coaching standpoint, I’d love to have him here. When you look at his production, his average per catch separates him from a lot of guys. “ (National Football Post)
FF Today's Take: In fantasy, Jackson was either awesome or awful for most of the season. However, his role figures to increase going forward if Antonio Gates' foot continues to hamper him, which is highly likely. GM A.J. Smith has declined to extend Jackson for a while now as the receiver continued to deal with off-field problems, but may be far enough removed from them now to give the team more peace of mind in handing him a long-term deal.
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Ravens expect entire defense back -- Sun Jan 29 6:35 pm --
New DC likes what he has to work with |
New Ravens DC Dean Pees, asked by a reporter if he expects free safety Ed Reed to return for the 2012 season, said that he hopes the entire Ravens defense - which includes OLB Jarret Johnson, of course - will be back next season.
"I expect everybody to be back, absolutely. There’s not one guy in that room that I don’t want back,” he said. “Ed, all of them, I would love to have the whole crew back. I know sometimes that’s impossible and generally doesn’t happen, but I would just love to have the team just like it is." (Baltimore Sun)
FF Today's Take: The healthy returns of Ray Lewis and Reed would be a boon for Pees, although the former will need to leave the field more often as his pass coverage skills continue to decline as he enters his 17th season. As much as the loss of former DC Chuck Pagano - now the Colts' head coach - will hurt this defense, the Ravens have shown the ability to adapt quickly to a new DC in years past. Pees also has a solid track record from his time as the Pats' defensive boss.
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Nicks sits Friday with shoulder sprain -- Fri Jan 27 5:00 pm --
Expected to play in Super Bowl |
Wide receiver Hakeem Nicks sat out practice with what he says is a sprained AC joint in his shoulder. He says he will play against the Patriots. Running back Ahmad Bradshaw (foot), center David Baas (abdomen/neck) and linebacker Chase Blackburn (calf) went through a limited practice after sitting out Thursday. All three say they will play against the Patriots. (ESPN)
FF Today's Take: Nicks has injured his shoulder a couple of times this season but there is little chance he will miss the Super Bowl. "I expect to be a full go by next week," Nicks said. "Just using next couple of days to rehab it. It was painful. I landed right on an AC joint that I have injured a few times this season. Went in and got it taken care of and by halftime I was cool."
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Gronkowski has a high ankle sprain -- Fri Jan 27 4:45 pm --
Pats TE misses practice all week |
The father of New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski said his son has a high ankle sprain, an injury that typically takes some time to heal completely. With 10 days until the Super Bowl against the New York Giants, the Patriots held Gronkowski out of Thursday's practice and was not present at the early portion of Friday's session. (ESPN)
FF Today's Take: The high ankle sprain can be a difficult injury to overcome - just ask Sam Bradford or Ben Roethlisberger, who were both plagued by the nasty injury this season. It's the Super Bowl, so it should come as no surprise that Gronkowski will play, but it might be difficult to gain separation pushing off with a tender ankle.
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Manning, Irsay patch things up -- Fri Jan 27 4:35 pm --
Committed to "working together through any challenges" |
Peyton Manning and Colts owner Jim Irsay insist they are just fine after a week filled with complaints and comments suggesting a rift had developed following one of the most miserable seasons in team history. "We would like to dispel any misperception that there might be any hard feelings between us," the two said Friday in a statement issued by the team. "Since 1998, we have enjoyed a great relationship, based upon mutual respect and trust. "We had a long talk today and we want to assure Colts fans everywhere that we are both committed to maintaining our close relationship and to working together through any challenges the future may bring."
(SI.com)
FF Today's Take: This doesn't necessarily mean that Manning will be back in Indy next season. Rumors have surfaced that suggest the Miami Dolphins and New York Jets have shown interest in the veteran quarterback. A healthy Peyton Manning under center for either team would dramatically raise the fantasy value of receivers like the Dolphins' Brandon Marshall and Davone Bess, or the Jets' Santonio Holmes and Plaxico Burress.
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Bradshaw back, Nicks still out -- Fri Jan 27 4:20 pm --
WR bothered by sore shoulder |
To no surprise, New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw returned to practice Friday, a move that's been par for the course for the fifth-year back since he returned from a foot injury at the end of the season. Bradshaw typically has practiced one day per week after missing four games in November, with Friday consisting of his lone practice day. Wideout Hakeem Nicks (shoulder) was not seen going through drills during the portion of Friday's practice available to the media and missed practice for a second straight day. (NFL.com)
FF Today's Take: There are still 9 days until Super Bowl XLVI kicks off so Nicks' absence might just be precautionary. If he's still missing practices next week, Giants' fans have reason to worry.
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Gronk misses practice Wednesday -- Wed Jan 25 9:10 pm --
Pats TE sidelined by ankle injury |
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski was listed as unable to practice on Wednesday on the team’s first injury report since he injured his left ankle in the AFC title game against the Baltimore Ravens. Gronkowski was seen wearing a removable boot on his left foot on Monday. The second-year star, who set an NFL record for tight ends with 17 touchdown catches, limped off the field in the third quarter of Sunday’s 23-20 win over Baltimore but returned about five minutes later. (Yahoo Sports)
FF Today's Take: The 22-year-old tight end is an integral part of the Patriots' offense - a weapon they didn't have when they lost to the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLII. The extra week off should allow enough time for Gronkowski's ankle injury to heal.
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Colts hire Pagano as new head coach -- Wed Jan 25 9:00 pm --
Leaves position as Ravens defensive coordinator |
The next chapter in the Peyton Manning saga could take a decidedly defensive turn. Indianapolis hired Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano as its new coach Wednesday and will introduce him at a news conference Thursday afternoon.
(SI)
FF Today's Take: The Colts could sport quite a new look next season, with Pagano in charge and, potentially, a rookie quarterback under center in Andrew Luck. Under Pagano's tutelage, the Ravens' defense ranked among the top three in the NFL for each of the past four seasons.
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Miami's main priority: acquiring Peyton -- Wed Jan 25 8:55 pm --
Dolphins rumored to be after Colts star QB |
The Miami Dolphins are reportedly interested in Peyton Manning. Then again, who isn’t? A source told Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald today that acquiring the longtime Colts QB is “the priority” for the Dolphins, who rumor has it have also expressed interest in Packers backup Matt Flynn. If the Colts look to unload Manning, the Dolphins are far from the only suitor. The Jets, Cardinals, Vikings and virtually every other team in the NFL would also be interested. (SI)
FF Today's Take: Manning is sure to be highly sought after this offseason but the Colts haven't tipped their hat as to whether they'll start next season with a rookie quarterback or their trusty veteran at the helm.
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Frazier wants to use Gerhart more -- Wed Jan 25 1:34 am --
Minnesota backfield one to watch in 2012 |
MOBILE, Ala. -- The Minnesota Vikings apparently plan to find more work next season for Toby Gerhart, and not just because Adrian Peterson is recovering from knee reconstruction surgery.
"The only thing that'll change our approach as much as anything is the way Toby performed for us down the stretch in Adrian's absence," coach Leslie Frazier said after Tuesday's practices at the Senior Bowl.
"He really did a great job for us and showed us that he is worthy of more carries. We want to be able to get him more involved in our offense going forward."
(1500ESPN.com)
FF Today's Take: Gerhart averaged 4.1 ypc over 279 carries during the final 5 weeks of the season in 2011. However, he failed to find paydirt once during that span. Adrian Peterson's injury alone should help net Gerhart more carries next season but his value will remain limited unless he can find the end zone more often. Additionally, Frazier later noted the lack of depth at the position and the team's intentions of looking for another running back during the draft.
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Oakland names Allen head coach -- Wed Jan 25 1:00 am --
Raiders go with defense by hiring away Denver's DC |
The Raiders have hired Dennis Allen, the 39-year-old defensive coordinator of the Denver Broncos, to be their new head coach.
Allen informed the Broncos on Tuesday night in Mobile, Ala., a league source said. (SFGate.com)
FF Today's Take: Oakland paid a steep price for Carson Palmer last season and he'll have a full off-season to prepare with the team in 2012. However, what syle of offense Palmer will be running may rest with Dennis Allen's decision whether to keep Al Saunders as OC or to go in a different direction.
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Colts to interview Brad Seely today -- Wed Jan 25 1:00 am --
49ers coach is next candidate for Indy |
SANTA CLARA - The 49ers' special teams units were arguably the best in the league this season, and at least one other team has taken notice.
The Colts, who last week parted ways with head coach Jim Caldwell, are considering Brad Seely as a possible replacement and will interview the 49ers special teams coach today. (Sacramento Bee)
FF Today's Take: Seely's experience in the league no doubt played a role in him being named assistant head coach when John Harbaugh took the reigns in San Franscisco and it is probably one of the mainf factors he is being considered by the Colts.
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Surgery for Beanie Wells -- Tue Jan 24 3:00 pm --
Knee injury limited Wells during the season |
While Beanie Wells said the day after the season he wasn’t sure he would need surgery to repair his gimpy knee, it seemed more likely than not, and this morning, the running back tweeted out what looked like a surgical announcement: "Time to go under the knife wish me luck !!! These Meds are gonna be lovely lol."
Beanie doesn’t say the procedure is for the knee, but it would seem to be a logical conclusion.
Neither coach Ken Whisenhunt or Wells ever did clarify exactly what was wrong with Wells’ right knee, but it was enough of a problem to limit him in practice ever since first getting hurt against Pittsburgh Oct. 23 and forcing Wells to play at less than 100 percent the rest of the season. Whisenhunt did acknowledge at first the fear had been torn ligaments before the team realized Wells would still be able to play. So it figures to be something less serious. (AZCardinals.com)
FF Today's Take: Wells inability to remain healthy has made him a risky pick the last two seasons and that isn't going to changed heading into the 2012 fantasy season. He'll be a borderline RB2 in fantasy drafts this summer.
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Alex Smith hopes to stick with Niners -- Mon Jan 23 7:05 pm --
Contract set to expire at end of season |
Quarterback Alex Smith has a contract that's set to expire in March, but he figures something with the 49ers should get done prior to that.
Coach Jim Harbaugh has made it known that he wants Smith back next season. And Smith, clearly, wishes to have some continuity in his career.
"At this point, I love it here," Smith said. "I love what's going on with this team, coaching staff and everything about it. No question, I'd love to stay here." (CSN Bay Area)
FF Today's Take: Smith showed some limitations in the NFC Championship loss to the Giants, but enjoyed a career-best 17:5 TD-INT ratio this season. Harbaugh has promised competition at every position, but Smith figures to hold off Colin Kaepernick after his strong showing in 2011.
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Ravens looking to lock up Flacco -- Mon Jan 23 6:00 pm --
Only QB to win playoff game in his first four seasons |
The Ravens are talking like they are ready to lock up quarterback Joe Flacco for the long term.
Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti said last year that he anticipated a contract extension for Flacco in 2012, even though Flacco thought he had proven enough to receive one last year. Based on coach John Harbaugh's comments after the loss in the AFC Championship Game, the Ravens sound prepared to follow through with the new deal.
The Ravens' Joe Flacco is the first quarterback to win a playoff game in each of his first four seasons. (ESPN)
FF Today's Take: Flacco was likely playing for more than just the AFC Championship yesterday. His response to Ed Reed's comments earlier in the week and his performance against the Pats likely solidified his status as the QB in Baltimore going forward. However, change may be in the air as multiple reports suggest OC Cam Cameron - who reportedly doesn't exactly see eye to eye with Flacco - will not be returning as his contract expires soon.
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Gronkowski hurts left ankle -- Mon Jan 23 10:17 am --
Injury will not keep him from playing in super Bowl |
Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski left the locker room feeling optimistic after his team defeated the Ravens 23-20 yesterday to land in Super Bowl XLVI against the Giants. With good reason.
A source told me this morning that Gronkowski’s left ankle, which he injured on a 23-yard catch in the third quarter, won’t prevent him from participating in the game in Indianapolis in two weeks. The source with direct knowledge of Gronkowski’s condition said simply, “He’ll be ready to go.”
(Boston Herald)
FF Today's Take: The record-setting tight end left the stadium in a walking boot but he's expected to be ready after an extra week of rest. Looking ahead to 2012, several tight ends including Gronkowski figure to be taken earlier than ever in redraft leagues.
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Report: Chip Kelly to stay in Oregon -- Mon Jan 23 10:00 am --
Bucs continue to look for Morris' replacement |
Oregon coach Chip Kelly told the Tampa Bay Buccaneers early Monday morning 'his heart is with college football,' and he is remaining with the Ducks.
"His heart is with college football and Oregon and he's no longer being considered,'' Bucs general manager Mark Dominik said Monday.
Kelly and the Bucs were in the process of finalizing a deal late Sunday with the goal of him becoming Tampa Bay's head coach by today or Tuesday.
(Tampa Bay Times)
FF Today's Take: Don't expect a decision too quickly. The Bucs have not rushed the hiring process to this point and they may choose to wait until after the Super Bowl before naming thier next head coach.
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Kelly close to becoming Bucs coach? -- Sun Jan 22 9:03 pm --
Oregon HC reportedly finalizing deal to move to NFL |
University of Oregon football coach Chip Kelly is close to finalizing a deal that would make him the head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
A source close to the situation told KGW that Kelly will make the jump to the NFL if he can come to terms on a contract.
Kelly has been Oregon's head coach for three years, winning the conference title in all three, reaching three straight BCS games. The crowning achievement coming three weeks ago, when the Ducks won their first Rose Bowl game in 95 years. (KGW Portland)
FF Today's Take: This would qualify as a bit of a shocker, particularly after Tampa Bay appeared to be set on hiring a NFL veteran following the firing of Raheem Morris. Kelly would almost certainly serve as his own play caller and install his warp-speed zone-read spread attack on offense, but his philosophy seems like a bad fit for a roster lacking speed. For what it is worth, Kelly coached LeGarrette Blount at Oregon. For Kelly, this could be a Pete Carroll-like move to avoid facing possible NCAA sanctions.
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Four teams could be in mix for Peyton -- Sun Jan 22 7:00 pm --
Per Adam Schefter |
Add the Arizona Cardinals to mix of teams that includes Dolphins, Jets and Redskins expected to be interested in Colts QB Peyton Manning. (Adam Schefter on Twitter)
FF Today's Take: It's highly unlikely that Manning goes anywhere considering his close relationship with Colts owner Jim Irsay, but the $28 M roster bonus he is due in early March may force Indy's hand. Of the four options Schefter mentions here, Arizona looks to be the most appealing with Larry Fitzgerald in his prime and complementary receivers like Early Doucet and Andre Roberts around him.
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