Footballguys Daily Email - Volume 10, Issue 121 (Tuesday, August 18th)
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Hi Folks,
What a day. Brett Favre is back and Chaz Schilens is out. We've got a ton of new content for you plus a boatload of news stories. And if you haven't joined our Facebook and Twitter pages, please do so as we've got some free stuff to give away there soon. Now let's get to it.
J
SITE NEWS
A.
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B.
Updated Projections
The beauty of what we do online is that we can adjust on the fly. Within hours of Brett Favre's arrival in Minnesota, we had completely revamped the Viking's team projections to include Favre as the starter. Premium Subscribers can click on the headline link to go straight to the Vikings team page. For you other folks, we have Favre with 258 completions, 2,941 yards, 21 TDs and 19 INTs. But Favre is just a tiny bit of what we do. We have these same type of detailed projections for every player that matters.
C.
Projection Tweaks
You can probably guess why Brett Favre moved up 212.7 points in our projections. But check out the entire list of players that moved (both up and down) and my partner David Dodds tells you why.
D.
Staff Redraft Overall Rankings
Things move fast. See where our staff has every player ranked and of course you can sort and view the data in different ways to get the look you want.
E.
New VBD Excel App
New projections means a new VBD Excel App. You know the drill by now.
F.
New Projections Dominator Application
New projections means a new Projections Dominator App is ready for you.
G.
New Draft Dominator Application
New projections means a new Draft Dominator is ready. It's the must have drafting tool for Fantasy Sharks.
H.
My Fantasy League Import Application
For you My Fantasy League guys, our MFL Import League App is ready to go.
I.
The Big Picture
Everything in the NFL condensed down to a color coded matrix? Too good to be true? No. We have it here for you with Mike Herman's Big Picture.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1. OAK - WR Chaz Schilens has broken bone2. MIN - QB Brett Favre signs with team, practices Tuesday
3. ATL - Team downplays 'Curse of 370'
4. OAK - WR Javon Walker expected to come off PUP Aug. 24
5. KC - QB Brodie Croyle a threat to QB Matt Cassel's job?
6. BUF - WR Terrell Owens misses practice Tuesday
7. MIN - QB Brett Favre likely had rotator cuff injury for quite some time
8. DEN - WR Brandon Marshall working with second team
9. DEN - WR Brandon Marshall practices Tuesday
10. NYG - RB Ahmad Bradshaw running with power and speed
11. NYG - RB Danny Ware wants the No. 2 running back job
12. TEN - Team is not pursuing Marvin WR Marvin Harrison
13. TB - HC Morris committed to naming a QB starter after 2nd preseason game
14. CLE - Mangini will wait to name starting QB
15. TEN - Team owner: 'QB Vince Young not going anywhere'
16. PHI - RB Brian Westbrook may not play in preseason
17. NFL - Teams have reached out to RB Warrick Dunn
18. CAR - RB Mike Goodson a debut of extremes
19. CAR - QB Josh McCown struggling to hold off Matt Moore
20. SD - HC Turner feels RB LaDainian Tomlinson playing now helps team timing
21. NE - RB Laurence Maroney has productive training camp
22. PIT - QB Ben Roethlisberger ready to go
23. HOU - RB Chris Brown a TD vulture?
24. STL - Alex Barron getting comfortable at left tackle
25. CLE - Top three receivers evident
26. DEN - RB Knowshon Moreno not practicing Tuesday
27. TB - HC Morris looking for someone to grab No. 3 WR job
28. NYG - Reese says WR Hakeem Nicks has skill set to be No. 1 receiver
29. DET - TE Brandon Pettigrew being shut down for the time being
30. NFL - WR Plaxico Burress to get a one-year suspension?
31. OAK - HC Cable denies punching assistant
OAK - WR Chaz Schilens has broken bone
Source: David White - The San Francisco Chronicle
David White, of The San Francisco Chronicle, reports Oakland Raiders WR Chaz Schilens (leg) is on crutches and said he has a broken bone. Looks like he could be out 6-8 weeks.
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A crushing blow for the Raiders WR corps as Schilens was emerging as a true #1.
MIN - QB Brett Favre signs with team, practices Tuesday
Source: Judd Zulgad - the Minneapolis Star Tribune
Judd Zulgad, of the Minneapolis Star Tribune, reports a top Minnesota Vikings official confirmed Tuesday, Aug. 18, that free-agent QB Brett Favre (Jets) was en route to Minnesota and on board one of team owner Zygi Wilf's planes. Favre is expected to sign Tuesday, Aug. 18, and might even practice with the team. Favre is also expected to start in the team's next preseason game.
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According to the report, the Vikes opened up lines of communication to Brett Favre after Rosenfels and Jackson had a bad day of practice on August, 12th. We had a feeling that when Jackson sprained his MCL, the team would go back to recruiting the old gunslinger. The team had reportedly moved on without Favre but it seemed pretty evident they were not liking what they saw from their QBs. Favre seemed excited to be in Minnesota and said he was extremely familiar with the offense. This is a huge difference from his time in New York last year where he now admits learning a new system was much more difficult than he thought it would be. Love him or hate him, it's hard to deny he's a huge upgrade for the Vikings. I'm just glad we have something definitive (at least for this season.)
ATL - Team downplays 'Curse of 370'
Source: D. Orlando Ledbetter - the Atlanta Journal-Constitution
D. Orlando Ledbetter, of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, reports that the Falcons are hoping RB Michael Turner won't have to carry the ball as many times as he did last year, but they are not worried about the "Curse of 370", a trend that dictates that backs who have over 370 carries tend to get hurt or drop off the following year. "I'm not thinking about the 370 thing," Turner said. "I just have to be ready when my number is called." Falcons offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey and Turner both cited the team's downfield blocking keeping extra defenders off of Turner at the end of runs as a reason he will be fresh this year. "We're not counting," Mularkey said. "When we need a run and we need yards, I'm going to call Michael Turner's number."
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Even if we did believe in the Curse of 370 (we don't), Turner is a big, rugged back who still has a lot of tread left on his tires, seeing as last year was his first as a starter. The "Curse of 370" is really due to the same injury rate that strikes all starting RBs, plus normal regression to the mean from top statistical seasons. The number 370 is also not randomly picked. There is no curse of 365 because there are cases right below 370 that tend to disprove the curse. This is a statistical trick called "multiple endpoints" in which someone picks the best point to prove a hypothesis. Let the other guys in you're league outsmart themselves. While you go with the guy who's going to get the ball.
OAK - WR Javon Walker expected to come off PUP Aug. 24
Source: Jerry McDonald - InsideBayArea.com
Jerry McDonald, of InsideBayArea.com, reports that WR Javon Walker is scheduled to come off the PUP list on Monday, August 24.
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Not a day too early for a team that saw their #1 WR go down today.
KC - QB Brodie Croyle a threat to QB Matt Cassel's job?
Source: Kent Babb - the Kansas City Star
Kent Babb, of the Kansas City Star, reports that he's starting to believe that backup QB Brodie Croyle is threatening presumed starter Matt Cassel's job.
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Croyle had a great preseason opener, and Babb also reported that head coach Todd Haley refused to say Cassel has been the best QB in training camp. We wouldn't greatly change Dwayne Bowe's outlook if Croyle were to start, because Croyle wouldn't last long with his slight build, and Cassel would soon be in again.
BUF - WR Terrell Owens misses practice Tuesday
Source: Associated Press
The Associated Press reports Buffalo Bills WR Terrell Owens (toe) missed the team's practice Tuesday, Aug. 18. Head coach Dick Jauron said Owens required more treatment and was told to stay off his feet. Owens experienced discomfort standing after taking part in stretches and individual drills during practice Monday, Aug. 17, according to Jauron.
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Yesterday's practice was just a test. Jauron said he was hoping TO could do the same today, but that it was not a given. We don't expect this to be a problem for much longer.
MIN - QB Brett Favre likely had rotator cuff injury for quite some time
Source: ESPNews
Minnesota Vikings QB Brett Favre (shoulder) said his arm feels good and he can make all of the throws necessary. He said Dr. James Andrews told him his rotator cuff injury appears to have been there for awhile, and he likely has played through it previously. If he were to undergo surgery for it, he would not be able to play this year. Favre said hearing that scared him. He went on to note that he feels the Vikings are a perfect fit for him this year, but - much like last year when he joined the New York Jets - he reiterated there are no guarantees.
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Interesting but it doesn't sound like this is a factor. Let's hope it's not used as an excuse down the road.
DEN - WR Brandon Marshall working with second team
Source: Lindsay Jones - Denver Post
The Denver Post reports Denver Broncos WR Brandon Marshall has been working with the second-team offense during practice Tuesday, Aug. 18.
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Marshall ran with the first team in 4 wide receiver sets, and when the Broncos were in obvious running situations. Jabar Gaffney was starting in Marhsall's place.
DEN - WR Brandon Marshall practices Tuesday
Source: Lindsay H. Jones - The Denver Post
Lindsay H. Jones, of The Denver Post, reports Denver Broncos WR Brandon Marshall participated in practice Tuesday, Aug. 18, after asking for a trade Monday, Aug. 17.
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The Broncos told Marshall and his agent yesterday that they were not going to give him a new, lucrative deal but Marshall will not skip training camp because he would get fined around $15,000 per day.
NYG - RB Ahmad Bradshaw running with power and speed
Source: Paul Schwartz - The New York Post
Paul Schwartz, of The New York Post, reports New York Giants RB Ahmad Bradshaw packs a punch for being a smaller running back. On a 19-yard touchdown run during the team's preseason game Monday, Aug. 17, Bradshaw bowled over a defensive back on the 3-yard line. On another play, Bradshaw carried several defenders on an 11-yard run. 'I got a little power in these legs,' Bradshaw said. 'I felt great. Hopefully it will keep rolling.' Head coach Tom Coughlin said Bradshaw ran with power, speed and was able to make some defenders miss.
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Bradshaw is simply electric with the ball in his hands, and he has great instincts for running the football. The Giants will want to keep him fresh, so he can use his explosiveness on gamechanging plays. They will do that by playing Danny Ware more than some are expecting. Bradshaw would likely break down with a Derrick Ward sized work load, so Ware may get some of the heavy lifting when Brandon Jacobs needs a breather.
NYG - RB Danny Ware wants the No. 2 running back job
Source: Paul Schwartz - The New York Post
Paul Schwartz, of The New York Post, reports New York Giants RB Danny Ware said he is battling with RB Ahmad Bradshaw for the team's No. 2 running back duties. After Bradshaw had a good showing in the team's preseason game Monday, Aug. 17, Ware responded with a zigzagging 36-yard touchdown scamper off a dump-off pass. 'Me and Ahmad are trying to get this No. 2 spot so we're out there battling every day,' Ware said. Head coach Tom Coughlin said Ware ran with power, speed and was able to make some defenders miss.
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Fantasy owners expecting Ahmad Bradshaw to assume Derrick Ward's role and match his production may be sadly mistaken. Danny Ware is simply too talented to keep off the field, and the Giants will find ways to get him the football. They are still going to use a 3-headed RBBC, but the carries/touches will be split differently this year, with Bradshaw and Ware playing as RB2 and RB2a.
TEN - Team is not pursuing Marvin WR Marvin Harrison
Source: Jim Wyatt - the Tennessean
Jim Wyatt, from the Tennessean, reports that he's been told nothing's going on between the Titans and the 36-year-old Harrison. For now, the Titans are more interested in getting rookie Kenny Britt up to speed, and coaches are very happy with what they've seen from veterans Justin Gage and Nate Washington.
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It's important to note that Wyatt said "for now" in this report, and he also added the Titans could sign a veteran receiver later because of the lack of experience behind Justin Gage and Nate Washington.
TB - HC Morris committed to naming a QB starter after 2nd preseason game
Source: Scott Reynolds and Kristina Haumschild - PewterReport.com
Scott Reynolds and Kristina Haumschild, from PewterReport.com, note Bucs head coach Raheem Morris is sticking with his self-imposed deadline of the third preseason game to name the Buccaneers starting quarterback. Morris will be making his decision after the Bucs travel to Jacksonville to face the Jaguars on Saturday night. "This better be the week," Morris said. "We've got to make a decision next week. Here's your week. Here's your show. They'll be graded on what they've done, what they're going to do this week, and next week I'll let you guys know who's going to be the starting quarterback."
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This decision is coming down to a choice between the two veterans, Luke McCown and Byron Leftwich. McCown got the starting nod in the first game because he's been with the team longer, and Morris wanted to see Byron Leftwich start against the team that drafted him, the Jacksonville Jaguars. Leftwich has a slight edge in this competition, as he's been throwing more touchdown passes in practice - but the battle is far from over. Both quarterbacks will get a long look in the game against Jacksonville, and a decision could follow shortly after that.
CLE - Mangini will wait to name starting QB
Source: Marla Ridenour - the Akron Beacon Journal
Marla Ridenour, of the Akron Beacon Journal, reports Cleveland Browns head coach Eric Mangini said he will wait to name a starting quarterback. QB Brady Quinn put the Browns in a position to score 10 points during the team's preseason loss Saturday, Aug. 15, while QB Derek Anderson failed to complete a pass. Mangini said, "At this point it's really too early to make an assessment on both guys. I did like some of the things Brady did while he was in there. D.A. didn't get as many reps. It's too early to make that 'Here's where we are right now' comment."
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Even though Mangini is waiting, it seems very unlikely that Derek Anderson will be able to overtake Quinn without a complete 180 in both players performances.
TEN - Team owner: 'QB Vince Young not going anywhere'
Source: Tom Weir - USA Today
Tom Weir, of USA Today, reports that Titans owner Bud Adams said that he was proud of QB Vince Young after his performance in the preseason win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and that he is "not going anywhere" this year. Weir also reports that head coach Jeff Fisher said Young might start a preseason game, but not the upcoming game vs. Dallas.
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We'll see if Adams changes his tune when Young's 14 million dollar cap number in 2010 comes due next year.
PHI - RB Brian Westbrook may not play in preseason
Source: Associated Press
The Associated Press reports that Eagles RB Brian Westbrook may not play in the preseason as he is recovering from offseason ankle and knee surgery. "I think I'm right on time, right where I want to be at," Westbrook said. "I wouldn't mind getting in a game a little bit, but I don't think not having any preseason games would hurt me as far as the regular season."
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We wouldn't let that affect Westbrook's place on your draft board. He's a steal in the mid-second in PPR leagues, and late second in non-PPR leagues, as long as you reserve a 9th/10th round pick for LeSean McCoy.
NFL - Teams have reached out to RB Warrick Dunn
Source: Steve Wyche - NFL.com
Steve Wyche, of NFL.com, reports several teams have reached out to unrestricted free-agent RB Warrick Dunn (Buccaneers), but he is awaiting further options before deciding if he will sign with a team.
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The Eagles and Seahawks are two of the teams that have inquired about Warrick Dunn. As training camp and preseason continues there should be running backs that go down with injury, which will open up more opportunity for the veteran. It would be especially intriguing if Dunn is reunited with TJ Duckett and Jim Mora Jr. in Seattle.
CAR - RB Mike Goodson a debut of extremes
Source: Charles Chandler - Charlotte Observer
The Charlotte Observer notes rookie RB Mike Goodson had a debut of extremes Monday night versus the Giants. In the first half, he fumbled twice after pass receptions, losing one via turnover. However, in the second half, he showed the explosiveness that has caught the eye of Panthers team officials, coaches and players. On consecutive plays in the third quarter, Goodson ran 16 yards with a quick pitch from quarterback Matt Moore, then reversed field for a 14-yard touchdown run. However, he was penalized for taunting after the play for make a throat-slashing gesture toward the Giants. "I think it was a good experience - a young guy (in my) first game," said Goodson. "It gave me some things to work on, but also gave me some things I did well."
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Goodson finished the night with 43 yards on 6 carries with 1 rushing touchdown. He also had 2 catches for 16 yards versus the Giants. On his touchdown run Goodson showed the vision and burst that make so many compare him to Reggie Bush. The play was designed to go to the right, but the line was clogged, so Goodson cut back to the left and sprinted into the endzone. He needs to hold onto the ball, but because he is such an explosive playmaker, the team may get him more touches during the regular season than some expect.
CAR - QB Josh McCown struggling to hold off Matt Moore
Source: Charles Chandler - Charlotte Observer
The Charlotte Observer reports about the unspectacular play of backup quarterback Josh McCown, who is attempting to hold off Matt Moore for the No. 2 job. McCown threw an interception and fumbled. However, the fumble was the result of faulty pass protection. Giants defensive lineman Maurice Evans blew by Panthers backup right tackle Geoff Schwartz to sack McCown.
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This is an important backup competition to watch in the preseason because Jake Delhomme is no spring chicken, and could miss time due to injury at some point during the regular season. The team may look to one of their backups if Delhomme starts throwing a bunch of interceptions as well. If McCown or Moore were to get into the lineup, we would expect the Panthers to lean on their run game more than ever.
SD - HC Turner feels RB LaDainian Tomlinson playing now helps team timing
Source: Casey Pearce - Chargers.com
Casey Pearce, of Chargers.com, reports San Diego Chargers RB LaDainian Tomlinson believes his playing during the preseason will not only help him this year, but it will also help his offensive linemen and fullback, as it will allow all of them to become more comfortable with each other. Head coach Norv Turner said it should help the team's timing by having the starters all together at the same time.
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While we appreciate the sentiment, if this was really true, we wonder why Tomlinson hasn't been playing in the preseason every year.
NE - RB Laurence Maroney has productive training camp
Source: Associated Press
The Associated Press reports New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick said RB Laurence Maroney has had a productive training camp and improved in the passing game. Maroney made it through training camp without suffering any injuries.
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Maroney is one of a cast of many in the Patriots backfield. With their high octane offense, and penchant for rotating backs, he could end up having significant fantasy value at some point this season. The three RBs that Maroney will share time with are all 32 or older, so he has that going for him, too.
PIT - QB Ben Roethlisberger ready to go
Source: Ed Bouchette - The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Ed Bouchette, of The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, reports Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger said his throwing arm feels good. He mentioned early in training camp that his arm wasn't where he wanted it to be, but it is back to where it needs to be. He said the team's offense needs to improve this year so they aren't forced to rely on their defense as much.
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A lot of QBs go through a dead arm period at the beginning of training camp, so this isn't unusual.
HOU - RB Chris Brown a TD vulture?
Source: CBSSports.com
CBSSports.com reports that Houston RB Chris Brown could become the short yardage RB to complement starter Steve Slaton after a strong preseason opener vs. Kansas City, including a two-yard TD run. "I think it made the whole team feel very good," coach Gary Kubiak said of Brown's performance against the Chiefs. "He wants to finish his career the right way - playing good football. I think our guys are rooting for him because he's very well-liked in the locker room and very respected."
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Slaton's inability to consistently convert short yardage running plays is the main reason that he is a late first-round pick instead of mid-first pick. Brown is no sure thing to stay healthy, but he'll frustrate Slaton's owners until he gets hurt again.
STL - Alex Barron getting comfortable at left tackle
Source: Associated Press
The Associated Press reports that St. Louis OT Alex Barron is getting comfortable at his new position of left tackle. "It's going all right," Barron said of the transition. "I'm just trying to hone in on some techniques and stuff like that. That's the main part of it anyway. Everything's just flipped over. You've still got the same job -- block your man." Head coach Steve Spagnuolo also seems happy with Barron's progress. "I think he's been pretty good," Spagnuolo said. "He's a talented guy so we'll keep going with it. He's a talented offensive tackle."
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Barron will be on the spot because starting QB Marc Bulger is already hurt, and he is one of the more fragile QBs in the league.
CLE - Top three receivers evident
Source: Tony Grossi - the Cleveland Plain Dealer
Tony Grossi, of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, reports it is evident Cleveland Browns WRs Braylon Edwards, Mike Furrey and Josh Cribbs are the team's top three wide receivers at this point.
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Rookies Brian Robiskie and Mohammed Massaquoi are going to have to earn a starting job, as the Browns are not handing them anything. Cribbs continues to develop as a wide receiver, and the team has been pleasantly surprised by veteran Mike Furrey - who hasn't been that productive since he was with Mike Martz in Detroit.
DEN - RB Knowshon Moreno not practicing Tuesday
Source: Aaron Lopez - CBSSports.com
CBSSports.com reports Denver Broncos RB Knowshon Moreno (knee) is not participating in practice Tuesday, Aug. 18.
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Moreno will be out at least another week.
TB - HC Morris looking for someone to grab No. 3 WR job
Source: Scott Reynolds - PewterReport.com
Scott Reynolds, of PewterReport.com, reports Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Raheem Morris said he is looking for one of the wide receivers on the roster to step up and take the No. 3 wide receiver job. WRs Brian Clark, Maurice Stovall, Cortez Hankton and Sammie Stroughter are among the receivers fighting for the job.
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We love what Sammie Stroughter can do on the football field because of his quickness, body control, and route running ability. However, fantasy owners need to remember that the third WR in Tampa is actually the fourth or fifth target in the passing game behind Antonio Bryant, Kellen Winslow, Michael Clayton, and Derrick Ward. Regardless of who wins the job, there will not be a lot of fantasy production coming from the position.
NYG - Reese says WR Hakeem Nicks has skill set to be No. 1 receiver
Source: Steve Sarby - The New York Post
Steve Sarby, of The New York Post, reports New York Giants rookie WR Hakeem Nicks (hamstring) had one catch for 9 yards during the team's first preseason game, and he has been slowed during training camp by a hamstring injury. General manager Jerry Reese has said Nicks has the skill set capable of being the team's No. 1 receiver.
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Nicks does have the skill set to be a #1 wide receiver, and that's why the Giants selected him the first-round of the NFL draft. He has amazing body control, hands like glue, and is great working after the catch. It may take some time for him to become a better route runner, but when he's at the peak of his pro game, Nicks could end up being one of the best in the NFL.
DET - TE Brandon Pettigrew being shut down for the time being
Source: Graham Couch - The Kalamazoo Gazette
Graham Couch, of The Kalamazoo Gazette, reports Detroit Lions rookie TE Brandon Pettigrew (quadriceps) is unlikely to play in the team's second preseason game and may be out of action for a while beyond that.
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Pettigrew's injured quadriceps is the reason why head coach Jim Schwartz is shutting him down. The injury is not responding as well as the team had hoped, and it could linger even longer. Fantasy owners need to forget about drafting Pettigrew, but keep him in mind for your waiver wire if he gets healthy during the regular season.
NFL - WR Plaxico Burress to get a one-year suspension?
Source: Chris Mortensen - ESPN
Chris Mortensen, from ESPN, reported on Sportscenter that he believes free agent WR Plaxico Burress will be suspended by the NFL for one year.
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Mortensen thinks NFL commissioner Roger Goodell will make a decision on a suspension for Burress this week. Plax is facing felony weapons charges after shooting himself in the leg in November of 2008.
OAK - HC Cable denies punching assistant
Source: ESPN.com
ESPN.com reports Oakland Raiders head coach Tom Cable denied reports Monday, Aug. 17, that he punched defensive assistant Randy Hanson in the jaw and caused injuries that required treatment at a hospital earlier this month. Cable's claims are backed by former NFL scout Daniel Jeremiah, who told ESPN's Chris Mortensen that Hanson broke a facial bone when his cheek hit a cabinet in a team meeting room when Cable flipped him out of his chair, according to a source. Jeremiah also wrote on his Twitter page that Cable reacted when Hanson spoke profanely to defensive coordinator John Marshall. He rebuked Hanson, then pushed his chair, which caused the injury.
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Whether it's a chair push or a punch, the result is the same. The reality is that scenes like this probably play out more often behind the scenes than we'll ever know.
That'll do it for today, Folks. Hope you have a great Wednesday. Thanks for reading and we'll see you tomorrow with the update.
J
