Fantasy football news and opinion from FFToday.com http://www.fftoday.com/rss/news.xml Fantasy Football Copyright 2009 FFToday.com Wed, 1 Sep 2010 17:40:00 GMT Wed, 1 Sep 2010 17:40:00 GMT webmaster@fftoday.com (Mike Krueger) http://www.fftoday.com/creative/icn_fftoday_88_31.jpg http://www.fftoday.com/rss/news.xml 88 31 Cowboys Returning from a high ankle sprain

Dallas rookie wide receiver Dez Bryant won't see game action until the Cowboys' Sept. 12 season opener at the Washington Redskins, Cowboys owner and general manager said Wednesday. (NFL.com)

FF Today's Take: Bryant will have to battle for touches on a team loaded with playmakers on offense. The rookie is likely to post inconsistent fantasy production week-to-week making him a bench/flex option in most fantasy leagues. ]]> http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=3469 Wed, 1 Sep 2010 17:40:00 GMT http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=3469 Broncos Focused on conditioning

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) - The Denver Broncos' injured backfield is beginning to get healthy. Moreno said he was "80-some percent" healed. "I think I'll be over it," said Moreno, who couldn't guarantee his availability for the Sept. 12 regular-season opener in Jacksonville. "At the same time, you never know with a hamstring." (USA Today)

FF Today's Take: Denver has been without it's top two running backs for much of the pre-season. Knowshon Moreno and Correll Buckhalter have returned to practice only recently and we probably won't know who the starter will be for week 1 until we get closer to game day. ]]> http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=3468 Wed, 1 Sep 2010 16:50:00 GMT http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=3468 Raiders Thumb surgery

Oakland Raiders running back Michael Bush, who earned the starting job in training camp, said on his Twitter account Tuesday that he had surgery on his left thumb to repair a fracture on Monday. Bush, who gave no time frame for his return, had screws inserted into the joint, according to the Contra Costa Times. (NFL.com)

FF Today's Take: Although Michael Bush's thumb may not be fully healed by Week 1, there is a chance he may still play. This injury shouldn't keep Bush out of action too long, but it remains to be seen how effective he would be wearing some form of cast. ]]> http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=3466 Wed, 1 Sep 2010 13:24:00 GMT http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=3466 Vikings Scheduled to visit eye doctor

Brett Favre(notes) has had a lot of visits to doctors in his 20 years in the league, but not too many of them have probably been to the eye doctor. The 40-year-old Minnesota Vikings quarterback complained of a weird dryness in his eyes yesterday, AOL Fanhouse reports, and got a ticket to the eye doctor's as a result. (Yahoo Sports)

FF Today's Take: Fantasy owners should get used to hearing reports of varying ailments throughout the season when it comes to the Vikings QB. Favre is a risky play at QB and owners drafting him as their QB1 should invest in a solid backup. ]]> http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=3467 Wed, 1 Sep 2010 09:50:00 GMT http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=3467 Chiefs Jack-of-all-trades playmaker being used everywhere

Dexter McCluster lines up somewhere in the offense, and there's reason to pay attention. So Tuesday, the rookie took turns at receiver, Wildcat quarterback and kick returner, and he looked like a weapon at all three positions. Add running back to the equation, and coach Todd Haley has a quandary to contend with - because those on the sideline aren't the only ones who pay attention when McCluster lines up Haley said that coordinator Charlie Weis would use McCluster on every play if he could. Assistant head coach Maurice Carthon wants to steal him to play running back. Receivers coach Richie Anderson and special-teams coach Steve Hoffman want him, too. (Kansas City Star)

FF Today's Take: McCluster is only a rookie and his smaller stature could limit the amount of touches he receives. It looks like he will try to eventually carve out a niche similar to Cleveland's Joshua Cribbs in the Kansas City offense but fantasy owners should temper epxectations for 2010.]]> http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=3465 Wed, 1 Sep 2010 05:00:00 GMT http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=3465 Bills Bills HC does expect RB will be available Week 1

Fred Jackson practiced with his teammates Tuesday as he shed the cast for the broken bone in his hand. His availability for Week 1 however, is still up in the air. Head coach Chan Gailey appearing on Sirius NFL Radio Tuesday indicated that Jackson stands a good chance of being available in the opener, but being full go might be a different story. "I think he'll still be limited early in the year," Gailey told hosts Peter King and Bob Papa. "But he's going to be able to be on the field for us and give us some plays." With Marshawn Lynch looking back to full health and C.J. Spiller healthy, rushing Jackson back doesn't appear necessary anyway. (buffalobills.com)

FF Today's Take: Jackson complained about not being able to grip the ball tightly on Tuesday, so expect his workload to be minimal for at least the first two weeks of the season. The Bills face the Dolphins and Packers in Weeks 1-2, so he didn't stand a great chance of being all that productive early on regardless. As a result, Spiller and Lynch's fantasy draft stock skyrockets, but it wouldn't be shocking if Jackson is still the most valuable fantasy property from this backfield at season's end.]]> http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=3464 Wed, 1 Sep 2010 03:00:00 GMT http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=3464 Patriots Injury is reportedly a torn rotator cuff

The New England Patriots made their roster moves today and there was a surprise among the bunch. Cornerback Leigh Bodden was placed on injured reserve, ending his season. Bodden has battled a knee injury throughout the preseason but managed to play in his first game against the St. Louis Rams last week. But the Patriots have said that Bodden's injury is shoulder related. (Boston Globe)

FF Today's Take: The Globe's Shalise Manza Young broke the news of a torn rotator cuff on Twitter early Tuesday evening. The news leaves a young secondary that already rated as average at best with Bodden as a plus matchup for receivers now with rookie Devin McCourty stepping for the veteran opposite second-year CB Darius Butler.]]> http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=3463 Wed, 1 Sep 2010 02:40:00 GMT http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=3463 Cowboys Rookie returns to practice while Williams sits out

Roy Williams did not practice due to a strained lower back and hip flexor. The ailments are not expected to sideline Williams for the Sept. 12 season opener. Most of the starters won't play the preseason finale anyway. Coach Wade Phillips said he still hasn't determined whether Dez Bryant, who had been sidelined since suffering a high ankle sprain July 30, will play in Thursday's preseason finale. Bryant has said he wants to get a feel for the game before the regular season, but Phillips intends to consult with the team's medical and athletic training staff after watching Bryant practice this week before making a decision. (ESPN)

FF Today's Take: Unless he can pull a Michael Crabtree, it's going to be very difficult for Bryant to become an immediate impact player in fantasy after missing so much practice time. Worse yet, Bryant also has to deal with the fact the Cowboys are probably going to try justifying the Williams trade of a few years ago until it is painfully clear Bryant is ready to take the job full-time. As of this moment, Bryant vs. Williams has the feel of a timeshare situation.]]> http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=3462 Wed, 1 Sep 2010 02:15:00 GMT http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=3462 Bills Fred Jackson participates on limited basis

Buffalo's running back corps is getting healthier with Marshawn Lynch set to play in the Bills' preseason finale against the Detroit Lions on Thursday. Coach Chan Gailey said Lynch looked good in returning to practice Tuesday for the first time since hurting his ankle in a loss to Washington. Wearing a brace around his hand, Fred Jackson practiced Tuesday on a limited basis. Jackson took part in individual drills and also tested his injured hand by catching a few soft passes. (ESPN)

FF Today's Take: It was unclear what Gailey had planned for the three backs pre-injury and C.J. Spiller hasn't made things any easier to figure out for fantasy owners since. Since Jackson is looking doubtful for Week 1 at this point, the final preseason game is shaping up to be a big one for Lynch. A good performance may allow him to split carries with Spiller while a poor one may lead to the rookie assuming short-term feature-back duties.]]> http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=3461 Wed, 1 Sep 2010 02:00:00 GMT http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=3461 Saints WR could see reduced playing time

Robert Meachem's three-year totals - 57 receptions, 1,011 yards, 12 touchdowns - are less than Marques Colston's production in his first season alone, albeit with four more touchdowns. And Colston, of course, was a seventh-round draft pick. That said, not all of it is Meachem's fault. He emerged last season as a bona fide playmaker but had to share playing time with Colston, Devery Henderson and Lance Moore. If he were on another team, he might have doubled his 45-catch, 722-yard season. It's difficult to write off Meachem at this point, but his toe injury is another setback that threatens to limit his production and playing time this season. (New Orleans Times-Picayune)

FF Today's Take: And it is that same toe injury that threatens Meachem's fantasy stock as well. Last year showed what the former first-rounder was capable of when healthy, but it's hard to like any fantasy player that has a logjam at his spot and a toe injury to overcome. It's safe to view Henderson, Moore and Meachem all as worthy bench players in 12-team leagues, but counting on any single one of them - at least early on - may be asking a bit much.]]> http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=3460 Wed, 1 Sep 2010 01:45:00 GMT http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=3460 Ravens RB could be used to shore up weaknesses at CB, OL

Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome made it perfectly clear that the Ravens were interested in trading to upgrade their entire football team, not just at cornerback. While Newsome wouldn't go into specifics, the Ravens could use more depth on the offensive line at the guard and tackle positions. If they trade backup running back Willis McGahee, or starting halfback Ray Rice gets injured, that leaves fullback Le'Ron McClain as the starting fullback, and probably doubling as the No. 2 running back. (Baltimore Sun)

FF Today's Take: Despite Tuesday's trade for Seahawks Josh Wilson, the Ravens have one of the most questionable CB situations in the league right now with Fabian Washington and Lardarius Webb both returning from ACL surgery and Domonique Foxworth out for the year. Trading McGahee for more talent and depth at the position certainly makes sense, but a deal would do as much for the value of the ex-Bill as it would for Ray Rice, who could emerge as the feature back at some point regardless.]]> http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=3459 Wed, 1 Sep 2010 00:30:00 GMT http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=3459 Cardinals Several teams confirm Cards are hoping to deal QB

Matt Leinart's days in Arizona may be numbered. The Arizona Cardinals have been calling around the league trying to trade their former first-round draft pick. Several teams have confirmed that they have received calls and e-mails from the Cardinals regarding his services, but it is not yet clear what sort of compensation that Arizona is seeking. Leinart lost his starting quarterback job this preseason to Derek Anderson. (Fox Sports)

FF Today's Take: Once he supposedly lost the confidence of Larry Fitzgerald, it was only a matter of time before Leinart lost his starting job and, by the looks of it, possibly his roster spot. It would come as a major surprise if another team actually trades for him knowing the Cardinals will almost be forced to release him, but his list of suitors would appear to be pretty slim. To say he faces an uncertain future at the moment would be an understatement.]]> http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=3458 Wed, 1 Sep 2010 00:15:00 GMT http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=3458 Broncos Broncos RB puts in first on-field work since August 1

Only seven players were missing from Broncos practice today. And while seven is still more than anyone would like, it's a significant improvement from recent weeks, when the "did not practice list" was nearing 20 players. Tuesday's good news: running back Knowshon Moreno made his first appearance on the practice field since injuring his hamstring on Aug. 1. Moreno wore an orange no-contact jersey. After Tuesday's practice, coaches will decide is Moreno is healthy enough to take a few snaps in Thursday's final preseason game. (Denver Post)

FF Today's Take: It's a positive first step, but it's hard to be too optimistic when Moreno told reporters earlier in the day that his hamstring was only at "80 percent". HC Josh McDaniels is hoping his RB can take a few snaps on Thursday, but expect him to be listed as questionable on the Week 1 injury report. His owners will want to have Correll Buckhalter or some other alternative lined up just in case.]]> http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=3457 Tue, 31 Aug 2010 23:55:00 GMT http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=3457 Buccaneers Huggins and Graham to see increased roles

Running back Derrick Ward's sluggish preseason has cost him a spot on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers roster. Ward was released Tuesday as the Bucs reduced their roster to the 75-man limit. In addition to starter Cadillac Williams, the team will look to versatile running back Earnest Graham, second-year pro Kareem Huggins and others to contribute to the running game, Bucs coach Raheem Morris said. "It was more about the resurgence of Mr. Cadillac and Mr. Earnest Graham and where the team is going." (Tampa Bay Online)

FF Today's Take: Huggins will get a bump in the fantasy community, as he should, but its worthy to note that Earnest Graham's role is sure to increase. ]]> http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=3456 Tue, 31 Aug 2010 17:25:00 GMT http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=3456 Lions Boiman familiar with the defense

Allen Park -- Veteran linebacker Rocky Boiman will sign with the Lions on Monday afternoon, his agent confirmed. "It's not done yet, but it will be," Alan Herman said. (The Detroit News)

FF Today's Take: Rocky Boiman has ties to Lions HC Jim Schwartz from his days in Tennessee and provides Detroit with a more experienced and versatile option at LB. ]]> http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=3454 Mon, 30 Aug 2010 16:45:00 GMT http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=3454 Jets Jets won't sign him until after Week 1?

Free agent linebacker Adalius Thomas told Sports Illustrated's Peter King that he is interested in signing with the Jets but that the team wouldn't be interested in signing him until after the first regular-season game of the year. The flirtation between the team and player has been reignited since starting outside linebacker Calvin Pace suffered a broken bone in his right foot in the Jets' third preseason game last Friday. (Nj.com)

FF Today's Take: It seems the interest is mutual between Thomas and the Jets' Rex Ryan. The holdup appears to be of financial flexibility as the article explains that the Jets 'won't be obligated to pay the player's full salary if he is cut' by signing during the season rather than before Week 1.]]> http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=3455 Mon, 30 Aug 2010 15:44:00 GMT http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=3455 Rams Injury opens door for Rams' wideout

It looks like Amendola gets the first crack at replacing Avery in the starting lineup opposite Laurent Robinson. Amendola already was playing a lot as the slot receiver in three-receiver sets, but this would basically put him on the field for every play on offense. (Post-Dispatch)

FF Today's Take: The Rams do not figure to have one of the higher scoring offenses this season, but the increase in playing time should yield enough targets to make Amendola a low-risk option with mild upside late in drafts. ]]> http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=3453 Mon, 30 Aug 2010 05:15:00 GMT http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=3453 Chiefs WR keeping quiet and staying focused

Difficult as it might be for [Dwayne] Bowe, a fourth-year receiver, to remain silent, there's little doubt that the Chiefs' plan for him is working - at least for now. And his silence is part of a plan. When reporters approached Bowe on Sunday, a team employee caught the player's eye and shook his head, reminding Bowe to keep quiet. It was a message, perhaps, that Bowe's silence is an organizationwide mandate. He obliged, chuckled and got back to whatever it is he does. "He's made progress in all areas," coach Todd Haley said. "He's becoming one of our more dependable players. That's good. That's what we want. That's what we ask of him." (Kansas City Star)

FF Today's Take: Dwayne Bowe is hoping to rebound from a dissappointing 2009 where he caught only 47 of the 87 targets. A renewed focus should lead to more opportunitites in 2010. ]]> http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=3452 Mon, 30 Aug 2010 05:00:00 GMT http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=3452 Raiders Stinger not serious, QB has MRI on wrist

ALAMEDA, Calif. -- Raiders coach Tom Cable said Sunday that the stinger that knocked quarterback Jason Campbell out of Saturday's preseason loss to the 49ers is not serious. However, Campbell also hurt his right wrist in the game, which is more of an immediate concern. (AP)

FF Today's Take: Campbell will be evaluated later in the week to find out the full extent of the wrist injury. If he misses the start of the season, the Raiders would turn to Bruce Gradkowski. While many fantasy owners will not be relying on Campbell as their fantasy starter, the injury could have a slight negative impact on the rest of the Raiders' starters to open the season.]]> http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=3451 Mon, 30 Aug 2010 02:40:00 GMT http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=3451 Texans Slaton hits another snag on road to comeback

Steve Slaton returned from the locker room in shorts and said he'd be fine. NFL Network is calling it a turf toe injury, though, and he's not expected to play in the preseason finale. Turf toe injuries are known to linger depending on the severity, so Slaton is no sure bet to be ready for the opener. (NBC Sports)

FF Today's Take: As if Arian Foster (100+ yrds, 1 TD) needed anymore help solidifying the feature back role during the Texans third pre-season game. Slaton is now no more than a handcuff to Foster.]]> http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=3449 Sun, 29 Aug 2010 16:16:00 GMT http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=3449