Footballguys Daily Email - Volume 10, Issue 140 (Sunday, September 6th)
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Hi Folks,
Good Monday to you and Happy Labor Day. Hope you're having a great one.
The season is days away and we're more than ready. Lots of news and notes for you today so let's get to it.
J
SITE NEWS
A.
Reading Between the Cuts
Saturday was the big roster cut down day and our David Dodds digs deeper to see what these roster moves really mean for the players that are cut and also for the players that made the team.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1. OAK - WR Chaz Schilens may be able to return for Week 22. SD - OLB Shawne Merriman arrested Sunday
3. TB - QB Luke McCown traded
4. CHI - TE Greg Olsen has become QB Jay Cutler's best friend
5. MIA - WR Greg Camarillo the starter?
6. OAK - Won't name starting tailback until later in the week
7. DEN - Submit paperwork to lift WR Brandon Marshall's suspension
8. TB - Seven signed to practice squad
9. NO - Seven signed to practice squad
10. NFL - QB Jeff Garcia may want to play if the situation is right
11. OAK - Six signed to practice squad
12. JAX - Seven signed to practice squad
13. DEN - Eight signed to practice squad
14. ATL - Eight signed to practice squad
15. MIA - TE David Martin will be released from team
16. NYJ - Three claimed off waivers
17. DET - Will receive future draft pick for O'Connell
18. WAS - Looking to sign QB Andre' Woodson to practice squad
19. NE - WR Isaiah Stanback signs with practice squad
20. SF - Six signed to practice squad
21. HOU - Eight signed to practice squad
22. PHI - Four signed to practice squad
23. TEN - Seven signed to practice squad
24. MIN - Eight signed to practice squad
25. BAL - Seven signed to practice squad
26. CLE - Claim two off waivers
27. NYJ - Trade for O’Connell
28. CAR - RB Tyrell Sutton claimed off waivers
29. GB - RB Kregg Lumpkin re-signed to practice squad
30. SF - WR Arnaz Battle pressing WR Josh Morgan to start?
31. OAK - DE Richard Seymour will be used at RDE
OAK - WR Chaz Schilens may be able to return for Week 2
Source: Jerry McDonald - ANG Newspapers
Jerry McDonald, of ANG Newspapers, reports Oakland Raiders WR Chaz Schilens (foot) did not practice Sunday, Sept. 6. He is not going to be ready to play in Week 1, but he hopes to return for Week 2. He said he is on schedule with his recovery. 'Everything is settled, the bone is healing well,' Schilens said. 'It's not up to me. It's kind of up to how much pain I have in my foot and how much pain I can deal with.'
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Schilens was looking like a player on the verge of a breakout season before getting hurt in training camp. Fantasy owners were able to pick him up in the later rounds because of the injury, and may be rewarded with a starting quality wide receiver sooner rather than later.
SD - OLB Shawne Merriman arrested Sunday
Source: Michelle Wayland - NBCSanDiego.com
Michelle Wayland, of NBCSanDiego.com, reports San Diego Chargers LB Shawne Merriman was arrested early Sunday, Sept. 6, on suspicion of choking and restraining television reality show hostess and model Tila "Tequila" Nguyen, according to deputies. Police got a call at 3:45 a.m. Sunday from a woman who claimed to have been choked and restrained by a male at a home in Poway, Calif. Public Information Officer Jan Caldwell said, "Nguyen told deputies she had been choked and physically restrained by Merriman when she attempted to leave his residence." Nguyen signed a citizen's arrest at the scene, charging Merriman with battery and false imprisonment.
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This story will not go away anytime soon because of the notoriety of both people involved. The story from Merriman's side apparently is that she was drunk and Merriman was attempting to keep her from driving. Many believed that Merriman would not be re-signed by the Chargers when he becomes a free agent next year, and this incident will only support that position. The Chargers taking OLB Larry English in the first round this year is looking wiser by the day.
Source: Jaguars.com
Jaguars.com reports the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have traded QB Luke McCown to the Jacksonville Jaguars for an undisclosed draft choice.
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Tampa Bay had been looking to trade McCown after Byron Leftwich was named the starter. This move makes it more likely that rookie Josh Freeman will see the starting lineup in 2009. McCown will now be the backup behind David Garrard, and shouldn't see the field unless Garrard is injured.
CHI - TE Greg Olsen has become QB Jay Cutler's best friend
Source: Dan Arkush - Pro Football Weekly
Dan Arkush, of Pro Football Weekly, reports that Chicago TE Greg Olsen has become QB Jay Cutler's best friend on the team, just as TE Tony Scheffler was in Denver. A team insider told Arkush, "Cutler has bent over backward to speak positively about every one of his receivers, but it's become obvious Olsen is the guy he has the most faith in. I said at the start of the offseason that I thought he had a good chance to catch 80 balls this season with Cutler throwing to him (Olsen had 54 catches, the most among Bears receivers, last season), and I still feel that way."
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The news about Olsen and Cutler having a connection has been steady and strong throughout the offseason and preseason. If you are going to target a TE in the 6-8 range instead of waiting for the last of the 11 viable TEs to harvest the most value, Olsen should be your target. He has the potential to put up top 3-5 numbers at his position this year.
MIA - WR Greg Camarillo the starter?
Source: Omar Kelly - the South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Omar Kelly, of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, reports that he projects Greg Camarillo to start at flanker in the week 1 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons.
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This situation has been a moving target throughout the preseason, but a healthy Camarillo is a known quantity and a nice commodity in PPR leagues. He's well worth the double-digit round pick you'll have to use to land him. Davone Bess could still have marginal PPR value in his slot receiver role, and pounce on him if Camarillo suffers a setback or doesn't look like himself in the season opener.
OAK - Won't name starting tailback until later in the week
Source: Jerry McDonald - ANG Newspapers
Jerry McDonald, of ANG Newspapers, reports Oakland Raiders head coach Tom Cable said he has a good idea of who his lead tailback will be during Week 1, but he is unlikely to announce it until later in the week after he has spoken with RBs Darren McFadden, Justin Fargas (undisclosed) and Michael Bush.
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There's no need for Cable to be coy here. We all expect Darren McFadden to be named the starter, with Michael Bush as his complementary back. Fargas is hurt once again, and should not be considered more than a number three running back for the Raiders.
DEN - Submit paperwork to lift WR Brandon Marshall's suspension
Source: Jeff Legwold - The Denver Post
Jeff Legwold, of The Denver Post, reports the Denver Broncos have submitted paperwork to the league office to lift WR Brandon Marshall's suspension. Marshall was at the team's office and took part in practice Sunday, Sept. 6. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell granted the team a one-day roster exemption, as Marshall's return gives the team 54 players on their active roster.
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If you took Marshall during the last few weeks, you might have gotten him at a value, but remember, he still has to learn the offense and get out of Josh McDaniels doghouse before he can contribute. You'll have to be patient to get return on your boom/bust pick.
TB - Seven signed to practice squad
Source: Buccaneers.com
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced they have re-signed free agents CB Kyle Arrington, WR Patrick Carter, DT Rashaad Duncan, RB Kareem Huggins, OT James Lee, TE Ryan Purvis, WR Mario Urrutia.
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We're glad Tampa signed Ryan Purvis to their practice squad. He's a reliable tight end, and was Matt Ryan's favorite target when the two played together at Boston College. Never nervous Purvis (sorry we couldn't resist) has been making plays for the Bucs in the preseason, including catching a two-point conversion from Josh Johnson.
NO - Seven signed to practice squad
Source: Pat Yasinskas - ESPN.com
Pat Yasinskas, of ESPN.com, reports the New Orleans Saints have re-signed free agents WR Adrian Arrington, DT DeMario Pressley, OG Tim Duckworth, CB Danny Gorrer, RB P.J. Hill, OT Jermey Parnell and WR Matt Simon to their practice squad.
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P.J. Hill had a good preseason, but we're not fans of his long term value. Hill is a big back, but he runs like a much smaller back would. He doesn't win enough collisions, and tries to get cute when running the football instead of being decisive and tough.
NFL - QB Jeff Garcia may want to play if the situation is right
Source: Jerry McDonald - ANG Newspapers
Jerry McDonald, of ANG Newspapers, reports Oakland Raiders QB Bruce Gradkowski spoke with free-agent QB Jeff Garcia (Raiders) and Gradkowski believes Garcia may still want to play in the NFL if it were the right situation.
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The right situation for Garcia is a team where he can have a real shot to be the starter. It doesn't look like that's going to happen for the veteran quarterback, unless a team is ravaged by injury. He needs to provide quality depth for a team, and wait for his chance to start again.
OAK - Six signed to practice squad
Source: Jerry McDonald - ANG Newspapers
Jerry McDonald, of ANG Newspapers, reports the Oakland Raiders have re-signed free agents LB Slade Norris, LB David Nixon, WR Jonathan Holland, DE Greyson Gunheim, FB Marcel Reece and S Jerome Boyd.
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We expected the Raiders to sign Marcel Reece to the practice squad, a versatile player that can line up at fullback, tight end, or H-back.
JAX - Seven signed to practice squad
Source: Michael C. Wright - the Florida Times-Union
Michael C. Wright, of the Florida Times-Union, reports the Jacksonville Jaguars have re-signed free agents RB Josh Vaughan, OG Cameron Stephenson, C Cecil Newton, WR Tiquan Underwood, DE Jeremy Navarre, SS Michael Desormeaux and FB Brock Bolen to their practice squad.
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Tiquan Underwood is a practice squad player with good upside because of his long arms, size, and speed. Josh Vaughan is an intriguing prospect as well. He's not as decisive as he needs to be when running between the tackles, but he does run with good power and footwork.
DEN - Eight signed to practice squad
Source: Denverbroncos.com
The Denver Broncos announced they have re-signed free agents TE Marquez Branson, CB Tony Carter, OG Mitch Erickson, CB D.J. Johnson, LB Braxton Kelley, DL Everette Pedesscleaux, RB Darius Walker and WR Matthew Willis to their practice squad.
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Darius Walker didn't make the active roster, to the surprise of some, but the Broncos decided to sign him to their practice squad. He could see time in the regular season if injuries once again decimate the Broncos RB corps. We like the developmental upside of CB Tony Carter as well.
ATL - Eight signed to practice squad
Source: AtlantaFalcons.com
AtlantaFalcons.com reports the Atlanta Falcons have re-signed free agents WR Troy Bergeron, OL Mike Butterworth, LB Robert James, DE Maurice Lucas, CB Glenn Sharpe, QB D.J. Shockley, OG Jose Valdez and DT Vance Walker to their practice squad.
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University of Georgia star DJ Shockley stays in the Falcons organization after he got beat out by UDFA John Parker Wilson to be the teams #3 QB.
MIA - TE David Martin will be released from team
Source: Omar Kelly - the South Florida SunSentinel
Omar Kelly, of the South Florida SunSentinel, reports the Miami Dolphins have reached an injury settlement with TE David Martin (knee), and will release him, according to a league source.
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The Dolphins released Martin to make room for Davon Drew, a former QB and Ravens draft pick who has a lot of promise at tight end, but is still very raw at the position.
NYJ - Three claimed off waivers
Source: Adam Schefter - ESPN.com
Adam Schefter, of ESPN.com, reports the New York Jets have claimed free-agent FB Jason S. Davis (Bears), TE Matthew Mulligan (Titans) and P A.J. Trapasso (Titans) off waivers.
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Sadly, Chadron State star and week 4 preseason wonder Danny Woodhead was one of the players waived to make room for the new arrivals.
DET - Will receive future draft pick for O'Connell
Source: Detroit Free Press
The Detroit Lions announced they will receive an undisclosed future draft pick from The New York Jets in exchange for QB Kevin O'Connell.
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Yet another sign that things are on the right track with Martin Mayhew and Jim Schwartz at the helm in Detroit. The Lions were able to parlay their #1 waiver priority into an extra draft pick.
WAS - Looking to sign QB Andre' Woodson to practice squad
Source: Chris Mortensen - ESPN.com
Chris Mortensen, of ESPN.com, reports the Washington Redskins are looking to sign free-agent QB Andre' Woodson (Giants) to their practice squad.
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Woodson has a great chance to become the Redskins #2 QB in waiting if he has a good year on the practice squad, and maybe even compete to start. Starter Jason Campbell is a free agent, and backup Todd Collins is too old to be considered a QB of the future.
NE - WR Isaiah Stanback signs with practice squad
Source: Jason La Canfora - the NFL Network
Jason La Canfora, of the NFL Network, reports the New England Patriots have signed free-agent WR Isaiah Stanback (Cowboys) to their practice squad. The team is planning to move him to quarterback.
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Stanback definitely has the physical ability to make it in the NFL, but he has never stayed healthy for an extended period of time.
SF - Six signed to practice squad
Source: SF49ers.com
SF49ers.com reports the San Francisco 49ers have re-signed free agents OT Alex Boone, WR Dobson Collins, TE Joe Jon Finley, FB Brit Miller, DT Khalif Mitchell and WR Dominique Zeigler to their practice squad.
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Zeigler had a great camp for the second straight summer. He should be on the short list around the league if a team finds themselves short at wideout.
HOU - Eight signed to practice squad
Source: Houston Chronicle
The Houston Chronicle reports the Houston Texans have re-signed free agents LB Buster Davis, RB Arian Foster, C Brett Helms, DE Tim Jamison, WR Darnell Jenkins, DE Jesse Nading, CB Mark Parson and OT Adam Stenavich to their practice squad.
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We predict Foster will be called up to replace an injured Chris Brown as the Texans short-yardage back by the Texans bye in week 10.
PHI - Four signed to practice squad
Source: Philadelphiaeagles.com
The Philadelphia Eagles announced they have re-signed free agents WR Danny Amendola, OG Paul Fanaika, OG Michael Gibson and TE Robert Myers to their practice squad.
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Amendola first made a splash as a member of the Cowboys during their season on Hard Knocks, and the Eagles stole him off of their practice squad last year. He's a crafty, quick possession receiver in the mold of fellow Texas Tech Red Raider Wes Welker.
TEN - Seven signed to practice squad
Source: TitansOnline.com
TitansOnline.com reports the Tennessee Titans have re-signed free agents OG Ryan Durand, RB Rodney Ferguson, DT Mitch King, WR Phillip Morris, S Nick Schommer, OL Fernando Velasco and WR Paul Williams to their practice squad.
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Williams is one of the many failed mid-round picks the team has used in an attempt to plug their hole at WR. He's got the physical talent to make it in the NFL, but he's never been able to be consistent enough to get extended playing time.
MIN - Eight signed to practice squad
Source: Judd Zulgad - the Minneapolis Star Tribune
Judd Zulgad, of the Minneapolis Star Tribune, reports the Minnesota Vikings have re-signed free agents S Colt Anderson, QB John David Booty, OT Chris Clark, RB Ian Johnson, DT Tremaine Johnson, TE Garrett Mills, WR Nick Moore and OT Drew Radovich to their practice squad.
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Ian Johnson is an interesting RB to track in dynasty leagues because his prowess on special teams and versatility should allow him to catch on somewhere soon. Nick Moore is the little brother of New Orleans WR Lance Moore (even though he is four or five inches taller than Lance).
BAL - Seven signed to practice squad
Source: Baltimoresun.com
The Baltimore Ravens announced they have re-signed free agents S K.J. Gerard, WR Justin Harper, OG Bryan Mattison, OT Joe Reitz, WR Eron Riley, OT Stefan Rodgers and LB William VanDeSteeg to their practice squad.
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Harper had an up and down camp and preseason. If he can become more consistent, he could end up on the active roster. Riley is a size/speed freak who has a very high ceiling - remember his name if you see him get called up at any point this year.
Source: Adam Schefter - ESPN.com
Adam Schefter, of ESPN.com, reports the Cleveland Browns have claimed free-agent RB Cedric Peerman (Ravens) and free-agent OT Phillip Trautwein (Rams) off waivers.
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Peerman is a high-character versatile RB who could be part of an RBBC with James Davis and Jerome Harrison if the Browns decide to phase out Jamal Lewis at any point this season.
Source: Adam Schefter - ESPN.com
Adam Schefter, of ESPN.com, reports the New York Jets have traded for Detroit Lions QB Kevin O'Connell. It is not known what the Lions received in return for the trade.
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This could be related to the elbow injury Kellen Clemens suffered against the Ravens in the preseason, and/or Erik Ainge's slow development as a #3 QB.
CAR - RB Tyrell Sutton claimed off waivers
Source: Tom Pelissero - the Green Bay Press-Gazette
Tom Pelissero, of the Green Bay Press-Gazette, reports the Carolina Panthers have claimed free-agent RB Tyrell Sutton (Packers) off waivers.
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This confirms Charles Robinson of Yahoo! Sports report that at least two NFC teams were interested in Sutton's services. This could also indicate that the Panthers are concerned about Jonathan Stewart's status.
GB - RB Kregg Lumpkin re-signed to practice squad
Source: Tom Pelissero - the Green Bay Press-Gazette
Tom Pelissero, of the Green Bay Press-Gazette, reports the Green Bay Packers have re-signed RB Kregg Lumpkin to their practice squad.
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Lumpkin is a talented back who happens to be on a RB-rich team, but we think he is good enough to have an impact if he can get on the field.
SF - WR Arnaz Battle pressing WR Josh Morgan to start?
Source: Profootballweekly.com
Pro Football Weekly reports that they hear Arnaz Battle could be making a late charge to take over Josh Morgan's starting WR job in San Francisco. "He's (Battle) so strong with the ball in his hands," said QB Shaun Hill. "He's tough to bring down with one guy, and he's always falling forward. He's probably one of the better yards-after-contact guys that we have in the receiving corps."
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We think Battle would be better suited as a slot receiver, and Morgan as a deep threat, but Morgan hasn't been carrying over his dominance in OTAs to the preseason and training camp. We still like Morgan as an early double-digit round WR pick, but Battle should end up being useful depth in PPR leagues whether or not he pushes Morgan out of the starting lineup.
OAK - DE Richard Seymour will be used at RDE
Source: Jerry McDonald - ANG Newspapers
Jerry McDonald, of ANG Newspapers, reports the Oakland Raiders will use DL Richard Seymour as a right end and occasionally slide him inside.
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That takes a big dent out of Trevor Scott's value in IDP leagues. He is still a decent upside play in sack heavy leagues, but the potential for a decent tackle total vs. the run game and the IDP scoring consistency that goes with it just evaporated for Scott's owners. Before you drop him, wait and see how he does against San Diego, who gave up four sacks to Arizona in the preseason over just a handful of dropbacks for Philip Rivers.
That'll do it for today, Folks. Hope you have a great Monday and we'll see you tomorrow with the update.
J
