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Volume 8, Issue 125 (Monday, August 27th)LIMITED TIME OFFERS Hi Folks, Welcome to Tuesday. Hope you're doing well. We're rolling here with tons of new features plus all the news and notes you need to smoke the guys in your draft. Thanks to Footballguy Mark Wimer for the help on this one - let's get to it. JSITE NEWS A.
'Get Your Joe On' Contest Results Posted
B.
Redraft Overall Rankings
C.
Projection Tweaks
D.
Ultimate Strength of Schedule
E.
Get a Clue From WR2 - How to find that late round TE
F.
Grin and Bear It?
G.
Third Round Reversal of Fortune (10 Teams)
H.
Survivor 3 (14 Team Auction)
I.
Larry Johnson's 417 Carries - A Reason To Avoid Him?
INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. STL - WR Holt's Knee is Not Full Strength2. GB - RB Jackson Suffers Head Injury in Practice, Dazed 3. MIA - WR Ginn Fast-Tracked in Miami O - Could Crack First Team Sooner Rather Than Later 4. NYG - WR Burress Having Back Evaluated 5. SF - WR Jackson Strains His Hamstring 6. DEN - RBs Henry and Bell Back at Practice 7. NO - WRs Colston and Henderson Return to Practice, May Play Thursday 8. HOU - WR Walker Starter, Jones is #3 9. MIN - QB Holcomb Acquired on Monday from Philly 10. DET - RB Bell Returns to Practice 11. NE - WR's Brown, Jackson + TE Thomas Likely to Start Season on PUP 12. GB - TE Lee Can't Finish Practice on Monday 13. ATL - QB Vick Pleads Guilty, Sentencing Set for Dec. 10 14. CIN - RB Perry Headed To PUP 15. OAK - RB Bush Headed to PUP or IR 16. TEN - WR Gage May Make 53 Man Roster 17. NYG - PK Battle Between Tynes and Huston Ongoing 18. MIN - QB Bollinger Losing Ground in Minnesota? 19. NYG - WR Tyree Breaks Wrist - Out 4-6 Weeks 20. DEF - NE - CB Samuel Reports, Will Sign Tender Offer 21. DEF - TEN - CB Hill May Lose Starting Job To CB Griffin 22. DEF - NE - DE Richard Semour to Start Season on PUP? 23. DEF - DET - S Bullocks May Miss Season With R Knee Injury 24. DEF - BUF - CB Thomas Dislocates Finger in Monday Practice 25. DEF - CHI - LB Briggs Arrested, Makes Bail After Car Wreck STL - WR Holt's Knee is Not Full Strength Source: Steve Korte, Belleville News-Democrat Pro Bowl wide receiver Torry Holt sat out the entire game against the Raiders and Pro Bowl running Steven Jackson appeared in only one play. Holt was held out after experiencing some swelling in the knee he had surgically repaired this winter. "Torry is not hurt; he's just not 100 percent," Linehan said. "He could have played. Instead of 85 percent for the first game, I'm trying to get him close to 100 percent. "He's practiced the last two weeks very hard, and he comes in and has general soreness." Linehan said another factor in the decision to hold out Holt against the Raiders was the desire to get Bennett playing time with Bulger and the starting unit.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] As discussed last night, we're not liking what we're hearing about Holt's knee. It's had ample time to recover from the surgery at this point, and keeps flaring up with swelling and soreness. We'll keep our eye on the situation, and keep you posted. GB - RB Jackson Suffers Head Injury in Practice, Dazed Source: Tom Silverstein, Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel On Sunday, rookie Brandon Jackson went down hard after a collision with another player during a 2-minute drill, and after taking a few more snaps in a non-contact 7-on-7 drill was unable to finish practice. Jackson, according to other players, suffered a blow to the head that most thought wasn't serious. After practice, however, the usually affable Jackson looked to be in a fog as he prepared to walk from his locker to the training room and did not respond to questions about his injury. Coach Mike McCarthy was unaware of the extent of Jackson's injury immediately after practice, so it's unclear whether Jackson suffered a concussion. "Any time a guy lays down like that, that's not a positive sign," McCarthy said. "Hopefully he'll be OK." If he has suffered a concussion, his status for the exhibition finale is in question, especially considering the extra attention head injuries are being given around the NFL after recent criticism aimed at the league. The Packers are generally conservative about allowing players who suffer head injuries back on the field, so there's no telling when he'll be back.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Jackson had been jumping up draft lists since Vernand Morency has been injured and unable to practice for most of training camp. The team later confirmed that he did suffer a concussion. This probably puts him out of the pre-season finale - hopefully he'll be ready for regular season. We'll keep an eye on this developing situation. MIA - WR Ginn Fast-Tracked in Miami O - Could Crack First Team Sooner Rather Than Later Source: Armando Salguero, Miami Herald ...the same Miami coaching staff that lowered expectations about Ginn at the start of training camp, saying he would be broken in as a specialist while letting him grow slowly as a receiver, is now fast-tracking Ginn with the offense. And so before this season is done, well before Ginn reaches his 23rd birthday, the Dolphins might have a new, startlingly fast, remarkably prodigious No. 1 receiver on their roster. That time is not yet, of course. Veterans Chris Chambers and Marty Booker are still Miami's starting receiver tandem and the Dolphins don't expect that will change before the regular-season opener at Washington on Sept. 9.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Right now, Ginn is third on the depth chart - but it looks like he might go up from there as the season progresses. We'll see what he looks like when he's facing first team defenses on a regular basis, but so far, so good for the Dolphin's controversial draft pick. He might be a guy to take a late-round flyer on in larger leagues, but don't expect big numbers right out of the starting gate. NYG - WR Burress Having Back Evaluated Source: Mike Garafolo, Newark Star-Ledger WR Plaxico Burress was in New York getting his back evaluated. Burress has battled back spasms in the past. WR Anthony Mix, who thought he was about to be cut at this time last year, practiced with the first team in Burress' absence. Mix has officially turned the corner and is now a player to watch. If you're scoring at home, that's both ankles, the flu and a back injury that have kept Burress out of action since the start of camp. I don't think this back thing will be a big deal because he's been out only a few days here and there in the past, though he did miss last year's win over the Texans with back spasms.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] As the injuries mount and the amount of practice time missed grows ever more, we are getting concerned about Burress' ability to stay on the field this year. We'll see what the doctors say about this latest problem with back spasms. SF - WR Jackson Strains His Hamstring Source: Associated Press, Sporting News WR Darrell Jackson is unlikely to play against San Diego after straining his hamstring,... [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Jackson hasn't participated in a lot of training camp - missing even more time is not good news for him or the 49ers. We'll see how long his hamstring takes to get back to 100%. DEN - RBs Henry and Bell Back at Practice Source: Andrew Mason, DenverBroncos.com For the first time in awhile, the Denver Broncos had a full corps at running back, with Travis Henry, Mike Bell and Andre Hall each returning to uniform. While all three were on the field Monday, Henry will not play Thursday night, as HC Mike Shanahan confirmed Monday that he will hold the starters out of the preseason finale with Arizona, just as he has in other preseason-closing games the last six years. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] This good news for Broncos fans and good news for fantasy owners of Henry. NO - WRs Colston and Henderson Return to Practice, May Play Thursday Source: Jimmy Smith, New Orleans Times-Picayune WRs Marques Colston (knee) and Devery Henderson (hamstring) worked and might play Thursday. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] It's good to hear that these two are back in practices - they are a major part of what the Saints are doing this year (and on a lot of fantasy rosters around the country). So far, so good for Colston and Henderson...stay tuned. HOU - WR Walker Starter, Jones is #3 Source: John McClain, Houston Chronicle Despite scoring touchdowns on a 91-yard punt return and a 19-yard touchdown reception Saturday, rookie receiver Jacoby Jones is still playing behind veteran Kevin Walter. "Kevin's our starter, but he (Jones) is going to be on the field," coach Gary Kubiak said. "Kevin's had a fine camp, and he's earned that job. But it's pretty obvious that No. 12 is going to be on the field a lot."[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] For now, Walter has held off Jones' challenge for playing time. He'll have to stay sharp to keep his starting slot as Jones has looked great in preseason and will challenge for playing time during regular season. MIN - QB Holcomb Acquired on Monday from Philly Source: Jay Glazer, FOX Sports The Minnesota Vikings finally have insurance if youngster Tarvaris Jackson fails to perform behind center. The Vikings traded for Eagles veteran quarterback Kelly Holcomb on Monday, FOXSports.com has learned. The Eagles will receive a sixth-round draft pick in 2008. The two sides have been talking about a deal for several weeks, but looming roster cuts pushed the trade forward.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] This is a win-win trade. Minnesota isn't happy with Brooks Bollinger, and the Eagles probably weren't going to keep Holcomb. He's been in the mentor role before (last year he backed up J.P. Losman in Buffalo), and Holcomb has been a servicable starter in stints with Cleveland earlier this decade. DET - RB Bell Returns to Practice Source: Mike O'Hara, Detroit News Quarterback Jon Kitna, tailback Tatum Bell, guard Damien Woody and defensive tackle Shaun Rogers practiced Monday. Bell left Saturday night's game early with a bruised shin. The others were held out to rest minor injuries. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Good news here for Lions fans and for fantasy owners of Bell - he hasn't been a model of durability to this point in his career so the return to practice is a relief. With the team iffy on whether Kevin Jones will go on PUP or not (as discussed on last night's update), the coaches have to be happy that Bell can get back in the game. NE - WR's Brown, Jackson + TE Thomas Likely to Start Season on PUP Source: John Tomase, Boston Herald The first round of cuts must be submitted tomorrow by 4 p.m. There are 10 guys battling for a handful of final roster spots, with the assumption that WR Troy Brown, WR Chad Jackson and TE David Thomas will start the season on the physically unable to perform list. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Brown and Thomas are depth players, while Jackson is a highly-regarded prospect who hasn't been able to live up to his promise yet due to a knee injury last year. Hopfully they'll all get back to 100% - we wish them all the best. GB - TE Lee Can't Finish Practice on Monday Source: Green Bay Press Gazette Staff In other injury news, tight end Donald Lee did not finish practice today. "He was banged in (Thursday's) game," McCarthy said, and his knee may be bothering him. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Lee had passed Bubba Franks on the depth chart - if the knee problem becomes persistent that may change. Stay tuned. ATL - QB Vick Pleads Guilty, Sentencing Set for Dec. 10 Source: ESPN The plea by the suspended quarterback was accepted by U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson, who asked: "Are you entering the plea of guilty to a conspiracy charge because you are in fact guilty?" Vick replied, "Yes, sir." Hudson emphasized he is not bound by sentencing guidelines and can impose the maximum sentence of up to five years in prison. "You're taking your chances here. You'll have to live with whatever decision I make," Hudson said.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] As expected, Vick has pled guilty - we won't know until December 10th how severe his punishment in the criminal justice system will be. Next. Source: Mark Curnutte, Cincinnati Enquirer Tailback Chris Perry has not practiced and will start the season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, which will keep him out for the season's first six weeks and five games. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] With Kenny Irons already out for the season due to a knee injury, Rudi Johnson figures to get a lot of work this season. Perry has struggled to stay on the field throughout his career - we'll see where he is after 6 weeks, but we're not going to hold our breath about him. OAK - RB Bush Headed to PUP or IR Source: Jerry McDonald, Oakland Tribune Kiffin conceded the obvious following practice regarding rookie running back Michael Bush. He'll open the season on injured reserve or the physically unable to perform list. "There's a very good chance of that," Kiffin said. "We'll make that final decision next week after (the Seattle game)."[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] We've been hearing this consistently over the past few months - it looks like Bush should be crossed off redraft league lists, although dynasty owners may still have an interest in him (if you haven't had your rookie draft yet). TEN - WR Gage May Make 53 Man Roster Source: Paul Kuharsky & Jim Wyatt, Nashville Tennessean WR Justin Gage is making a late run to show he belongs on the 53-man roster for the Tennessee Titans. Gage caught a 16-yard touchdown pass against the Bills and has been standing out more in practices recently. During Sunday's practice, he made a spectacular catch in the back of the end zone. "He struggled with an injury early in camp, overcame it and he has his legs back now," HC Jeff Fisher said. "He has been very productive. He is doing the right things and is getting open. Beyond the ball games, he is doing the right things on the practice field." [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] There are a lot of guys ahead of Gage on the depth chart, but the first step to making a fantasy splash is making the final roster. Gage is probably someone you want to keep in mind as a possible waiver wire acquisition if he moves up on the depth chart as the season goes along. NYG - PK Battle Between Tynes and Huston Ongoing Source: Mike Garafolo, Newark Star-Ledger After their performances on Saturday night, it is hard to say who has the upper hand in the battle for placekicking duties for the New York Giants. Josh Huston made all three of his field goal attempts. His longest was from 42 yards out. The more experienced Lawrence Tynes shanked one wide right from 42 after making from 40 and about 35. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Our Mike Herman believes that Tynes will come out on top in this battle, but it looks like it will come down to the wire. MIN - QB Bollinger Losing Ground in Minnesota? Source: Don Seeholzer, Pioneer Press With one exhibition test remaining, wide receiver Bobby Wade has thrown more touchdown passes (1) than starting quarterback Tarvaris Jackson (0), but that might be the least of the Vikings' problems. Topping the list is QB Brooks Bollinger, who was supposed to be competing with Jackson for the starting job during training camp but might have a hard time hanging on to the No. 2 spot following a dismal, two-interception performance. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Bollinger wasn't at the top of any fantasy lists at QB, but it's worth noting that he might not be Jackson's backup - somebody has to toss the ball around in Minnesota this year. If Jackson continues to falter, the Vikings will need to find an answer somewhere. NYG - WR Tyree Breaks Wrist - Out 4-6 Weeks Source: Mike Garafolo, Newark Star-Ledger WR David Tyree suffered a fractured wrist in Saturday's loss to the Jets and is expected to miss four to six weeks, according to someone with knowledge of Tyree's injury. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Tyree was expected to contribute mainly on special teams, so the impact on Eli Manning and the offense shouldn't be too negative. If Tyree was one of your deep sleepers, you should probably wait and see how his rehab goes before picking him up off the waiver wire. DEF - NE - CB Samuel Reports, Will Sign Tender Offer Source: Len Pasquarelli, ESPN New England Patriots franchise cornerback Asante Samuel, who has missed all of training camp and the first three preseason games, reported to the team on Monday and will sign the one-year tender worth $7.79 million. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] As the article points out, it is unclear what, if anything, this holdout accomplished for Samuel. Hopefully, he hasn't been ignoring conditioning and training while holding out - but being in top condition is not the same thing as being in "football shape". We'll see how quickly he gets back in the game. DEF - TEN - CB Hill May Lose Starting Job To CB Griffin Source: Paul Kuharsky, Jim Wyatt, Nashville Tennessean With the emergence of Michael Griffin and Cortland Finnegan, it's almost certain the Titans will have two new starting cornerbacks in the regular season opener at Jacksonville on Sept. 9. That would end Reynaldo Hill's run of two years as a starter. He missed a significant portion of training camp with a groin injury.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Titans' defense figures to be on the field quite a bit this year - IDP players should take note of this changing of the guard in Tennessee. DEF - NE - DE Richard Semour to Start Season on PUP? Source: John Tomase, Boston Herald (Rashad) Moore's fate is tied to the health of Richard Seymour [stats], who has yet to practice after undergoing offseason knee surgery and could start the year on the PUP list. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] If Seymour can't go by the season opener, he'll likely be lost for 6 weeks. That's a blow to the Patriots entire defense and to Seymour owners in IDP leagues. DEF - DET - S Bullocks May Miss Season With R Knee Injury Source: Tom Kowalski, Michigan Live Detroit Lions safety Daniel Bullocks may miss the entire season as the result of a probable ligament tear in his right knee, according to team doctors following an initial examination. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Bullocks was one of the starters, so this is a blow to the Lions' first team defense. Gerald Alexander and Idrees Bashir are the current backup safeties on the roster. DEF - BUF - CB Thomas Dislocates Finger in Monday Practice Source: Chris Brown, BuffaloBills.com Cornerback Kiwaukee Thomas dislocated a finger in practice Monday and left early. Head coach Dick Jauron however, doesn't believe it will keep him out of Thursday night's preseason finale. "Hopefully it will be fine," said Jauron. "I would anticipate that he'll be fine for the game. I would guess that he's back, but I don't know that for sure."[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Thomas is a key backup for the team - they hope he can stay in the game. DEF - CHI - LB Briggs Arrested, Makes Bail After Car Wreck Source: Associated Press, Sports Illustrated Chicago Bears linebacker Lance Briggs was charged with leaving the scene of an accident after crashing his Lamborghini and abandoning it alongside an expressway on the city's North Side, Illinois State Police said Monday. After meeting with police Monday afternoon, Briggs was also cited for failure to give immediate notice of an accident and improper lane usage, said Master Sgt. Luis Gutierrez. Briggs was released after posting $100 bond and is scheduled to appear Oct. 4 in a Cook County court. Leaving the scene of a property damage accident is a Class A misdemeanor that carries a maximum 364 days in jail and a $1,000 fine, Gutierrez said.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] As the story notes, cars can be replaced, but people can't - luckily, Briggs was not injured in the accident. That'll do it for today, Folks. Hope you have a great Tuesday and we'll see you tomorrow with the update. J |
