Friday, October 24, 2008
Week 8 Injury Updates
I have updated all players in the Walking Wounded area below. The biggest news is probably Steven Jackson's gametime decision status. Boldin will play, and Cotchery is also a gametime decision as well.
Steelers WR Santonio Holmes Suspended For 1 Game
Pittsburgh Steelers WR Santonio Holmes will be deactivated in week 8 on a team suspension for being arrested with marijuana possession.
Holmes has had prior run-ins with the law, so there's a possibility that the NFL will nail him with another suspension.
Fantasy Impact: Holmes will not play in week 8, so bench him. His replacement, Nate Washington, immediately becomes a solid WR3 play if you're hurting at the position. He's assume Holmes' deep threat role and should post solid numbers against the Giants vulnerable corners.
Holmes has had prior run-ins with the law, so there's a possibility that the NFL will nail him with another suspension.
Fantasy Impact: Holmes will not play in week 8, so bench him. His replacement, Nate Washington, immediately becomes a solid WR3 play if you're hurting at the position. He's assume Holmes' deep threat role and should post solid numbers against the Giants vulnerable corners.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Chiefs RB Larry Johnson Suspended For 1 Game
As I wrote earlier this week to expect, the Chiefs (not the NFL yet) have suspended Larry Johnson another game for violating team policy.
This is likely just a placeholder until the NFL steps in and suspends LJ even further for his abuse charges.
Fantasy Impact: LJ will miss week 8, and likely more games beyond that. Kolby Smith and Jamaal Charles will again split the load, but the Chiefs don't have it any easier this week facing the quietly 4th ranked rush defense (yards per game) of the New York Jets. Avoid the situation again.
This is likely just a placeholder until the NFL steps in and suspends LJ even further for his abuse charges.
Fantasy Impact: LJ will miss week 8, and likely more games beyond that. Kolby Smith and Jamaal Charles will again split the load, but the Chiefs don't have it any easier this week facing the quietly 4th ranked rush defense (yards per game) of the New York Jets. Avoid the situation again.
Browns TE Kellen Winslow Suspended For 1 Game
The Cleveland Browns have suspended TE Kellen Winslow for 1 game for conduct detrimental to the team.
Winslow's outburst of frustration against the team concerning his staph infection earlier this week will cost him a game. He has a point given that Cleveland is building up an interesting (and sad) reputation of players developing staph infections. They seemingly tried to bury the fact behind a different injury, and then the truth came out. Regardless, a team will usually suspend a player when he speaks out against the organization through a public outlet. The relationship between Winslow and the Browns is deteriorating, and it's becoming increasingly likely that he'll be traded in the offseason, which would probably be good news for his fantasy value at this point.
Fantasy Impact: Winslow will not play in week 8, so you must find an alternative. The TE options are not attractive at this point in the season, but you could try your luck with someone like Anthony Fasano, Marcedes Lewis, or even Billy Miller if Shockey sits again. I would not use Winslow's backup, Steve Heiden, as his productive came in the one good game Derek Anderson has had all season.
Winslow's outburst of frustration against the team concerning his staph infection earlier this week will cost him a game. He has a point given that Cleveland is building up an interesting (and sad) reputation of players developing staph infections. They seemingly tried to bury the fact behind a different injury, and then the truth came out. Regardless, a team will usually suspend a player when he speaks out against the organization through a public outlet. The relationship between Winslow and the Browns is deteriorating, and it's becoming increasingly likely that he'll be traded in the offseason, which would probably be good news for his fantasy value at this point.
Fantasy Impact: Winslow will not play in week 8, so you must find an alternative. The TE options are not attractive at this point in the season, but you could try your luck with someone like Anthony Fasano, Marcedes Lewis, or even Billy Miller if Shockey sits again. I would not use Winslow's backup, Steve Heiden, as his productive came in the one good game Derek Anderson has had all season.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Week 8 Waiver Wire Possibilities
QB:
Jeff Garcia - You have to temper enthusiasm given Seattle's defense is a mess right now. Regardless, Garcia did start the year playing hurt, and he looked way better last weekend. If you have some serious issues at QB2, he's worth a look, especially with a match up against Dallas' shambled secondary this week. Antonio Bryant is settling in and looking great as his primary target.
Matt Cassel - You could possibly spot-start him at home against STL this week, but he's a bottom level QB2 thanks to his horrible inconsistency.
Dan Orlovsky - Um, no.
RB:
Sammy Morris - He should obviously be owned as I already mentioned in my Maroney article, but if he's still out there, grab him. He did leave after a monster 1st half with a knee injury, and given the Patriots knack for hiding injury information, you need to be careful here. He's going to be a RB2 the rest of the year if it's not a big problem, though.
BenJarvus Green-Ellis - Ellis ran well on Monday night, although it was against Denver's disgusting run defense, so his 13 carries for 65 yards needs a bit of a star on it. If Sammy Morris misses time and Jordan continues to be injured, I see no reason why Green-Ellis wouldn't at least split time with Kevin Faulk, if not take Morris' role. He's more of a speculation pick.
Ahman Green - Ya know, he hasn't looked bad since returning. He's really only a deep depth option for Slaton owners and not much else, though.
WR:
Josh Morgan - Morgan has finally cashed in on the preseason hype and will be starting for the 49ers for the rest of the year. He celebrated with 86 yards and a TD last week, and he should be their top big play target with his speed. He'll be inconsistent, but he can be used as a WR3 in the right matchups.
Donnie Avery - Another rookie finally emerging. He's starting across from Holt, so he'll see lots of single coverage, and the dude is fast. Another possible WR3 in the right matchup, and solid bench depth.
Mike Furrey - Furrey will see decent single coverage as well, taking Roy Williams' spot across from Calvin Johnson. He should see a decent number of targets, but I just can't see him being a WR3 except for desparate owners in ideal match ups.
Marty Booker - No thanks. The Bears are still employing the first WRBC I've ever seen. He doesn't get enough targets, nor is he on the field enough.
TE:
Zach Miller - This guy shouldn't be unowned in any leagues, but I still see him available. If you drafted someone like Vernon Davis or Todd Heap, you need to be using Miller instead. Russell trusts him, and he's been pretty solid with his yardage outputs.
This was a solid week for TEs getting yardage, but I don't see any staying power for these guys. Jerramy Stevens can be watched given his talent level and the lack of receiving options behind Antonio Bryant, but that's about it.
Jeff Garcia - You have to temper enthusiasm given Seattle's defense is a mess right now. Regardless, Garcia did start the year playing hurt, and he looked way better last weekend. If you have some serious issues at QB2, he's worth a look, especially with a match up against Dallas' shambled secondary this week. Antonio Bryant is settling in and looking great as his primary target.
Matt Cassel - You could possibly spot-start him at home against STL this week, but he's a bottom level QB2 thanks to his horrible inconsistency.
Dan Orlovsky - Um, no.
RB:
Sammy Morris - He should obviously be owned as I already mentioned in my Maroney article, but if he's still out there, grab him. He did leave after a monster 1st half with a knee injury, and given the Patriots knack for hiding injury information, you need to be careful here. He's going to be a RB2 the rest of the year if it's not a big problem, though.
BenJarvus Green-Ellis - Ellis ran well on Monday night, although it was against Denver's disgusting run defense, so his 13 carries for 65 yards needs a bit of a star on it. If Sammy Morris misses time and Jordan continues to be injured, I see no reason why Green-Ellis wouldn't at least split time with Kevin Faulk, if not take Morris' role. He's more of a speculation pick.
Ahman Green - Ya know, he hasn't looked bad since returning. He's really only a deep depth option for Slaton owners and not much else, though.
WR:
Josh Morgan - Morgan has finally cashed in on the preseason hype and will be starting for the 49ers for the rest of the year. He celebrated with 86 yards and a TD last week, and he should be their top big play target with his speed. He'll be inconsistent, but he can be used as a WR3 in the right matchups.
Donnie Avery - Another rookie finally emerging. He's starting across from Holt, so he'll see lots of single coverage, and the dude is fast. Another possible WR3 in the right matchup, and solid bench depth.
Mike Furrey - Furrey will see decent single coverage as well, taking Roy Williams' spot across from Calvin Johnson. He should see a decent number of targets, but I just can't see him being a WR3 except for desparate owners in ideal match ups.
Marty Booker - No thanks. The Bears are still employing the first WRBC I've ever seen. He doesn't get enough targets, nor is he on the field enough.
TE:
Zach Miller - This guy shouldn't be unowned in any leagues, but I still see him available. If you drafted someone like Vernon Davis or Todd Heap, you need to be using Miller instead. Russell trusts him, and he's been pretty solid with his yardage outputs.
This was a solid week for TEs getting yardage, but I don't see any staying power for these guys. Jerramy Stevens can be watched given his talent level and the lack of receiving options behind Antonio Bryant, but that's about it.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Chiefs RB Larry Johnson In Line For A Further Suspension
Kansas City Chiefs RB Larry Johnson has been allegedly involved in multiple physical altercations with females this season, and combining that with 2 other instances prior to this year, it seems very likely the NFL will punish LJ further coming off his 1 game suspension (sorry I didn't post about it) in week 7 for missing team meetings and the like.
I don't have much to say about pieces of trash that do stuff like this. I wish he'd be permanently removed from the NFL at this point.
Fantasy Impact: His owners have no other choice than to wait it out to see what happens. He probably won't get suspended the rest of the season given the NFL has not suspended him for these incidents yet, but a 2-4 game suspension seems reasonable to expect. Kolby Smith and Jamaal Charles will split time in his place. Smith is a between-the-tackles runner and the likely favorite for goal line carries, while Charles is very fast and solid in the passing game. If you're forced to use one of them you'll have to consider your league settings (TD heavy, PPR, etc) before picking a preference. They should only be used as an emergency RB2 in great matchups.
I don't have much to say about pieces of trash that do stuff like this. I wish he'd be permanently removed from the NFL at this point.
Fantasy Impact: His owners have no other choice than to wait it out to see what happens. He probably won't get suspended the rest of the season given the NFL has not suspended him for these incidents yet, but a 2-4 game suspension seems reasonable to expect. Kolby Smith and Jamaal Charles will split time in his place. Smith is a between-the-tackles runner and the likely favorite for goal line carries, while Charles is very fast and solid in the passing game. If you're forced to use one of them you'll have to consider your league settings (TD heavy, PPR, etc) before picking a preference. They should only be used as an emergency RB2 in great matchups.
Patriots RB Laurence Maroney To IR
The New England Patriots placed "starting" RB Laurence Maroney on IR with a shoulder injury today, ending his season.
Maroney continues to disappoint Patriots fans and fantasy owners alike with shoddy on-field performance and injuries. After a very promising close to 2007 with a great playoff run, Maroney went back to being inconsistent and mostly irrelevant. This shoulder injury has kept him out of the lineup for 2 weeks, but we probably won't know exactly what is wrong with him for some time.
Fantasy Impact: Drop Maroney in all redraft leagues, obviously. Sammy Morris, although he should have been owned already, is the #1 WW pickup this week. He'll be the starting RB for the rest of the season while Kevin Faulk gets 3rd down work.
Maroney continues to disappoint Patriots fans and fantasy owners alike with shoddy on-field performance and injuries. After a very promising close to 2007 with a great playoff run, Maroney went back to being inconsistent and mostly irrelevant. This shoulder injury has kept him out of the lineup for 2 weeks, but we probably won't know exactly what is wrong with him for some time.
Fantasy Impact: Drop Maroney in all redraft leagues, obviously. Sammy Morris, although he should have been owned already, is the #1 WW pickup this week. He'll be the starting RB for the rest of the season while Kevin Faulk gets 3rd down work.
Week 8 Walking Wounded
QB:
Tony Romo - Romo will again come down to a game time decision in week 8. There will be pressure to get him on the field given how horrible the Cowboys looked last week with Brad Johnson at the helm. *edit* Tony Romo is out in week 8.
Carson Palmer - Palmer has already been ruled out for week 8, and there are again concerns that he may still need Tommy John surgery. Wait for definitive word, but with the Bengals facing a lost season, exercising caution with their franchise QB is their best choice.
Matt Hasselbeck - Hasselbeck is highly unlikely to play again in week 8, although more will be known later this week. *edit* Hasselbeck is out in week 8.
Brodie Croyle - Welcome back Brod...there he goes again. Croyle tore his MCL and is out for the season, not that he should have been on your roster anyways.
Damon Huard - Huard decided to get the hell out of there as well with a thumb injury. No report on the severity, but owners of Bowe and Gonzalez are praying that he's OK. Behind Huard? Tyler Thigpen. *edit* Huard was placed in IR with thumb ligament damage. He's done for the year.
RB:
Brian Westbrook - Initial reports about Westbrook playing in week 8 are positive, but you never know for sure with Westbrook. Rib injuries can be very tricky. Keep a close eye on his practice schedule, but if you've owned Westbrook before, you know the drill. *edit* Westbrook is putting in full practices and will start in week 8.
Steven Jackson - Jackson pulled his quad in week 7, and his status in week 8 is not known as of now. *edit* Jackson put in a limited practice on Friday, is listed as questionable and will be a gametime decision.
Reggie Bush - Bush was finally putting together the fantasy season owners were dreaming of, especially in leagues that count return TDs, but Bush tore his meniscus and will miss 2-4 weeks. He is out in week 8.
Joseph Addai - Addai is unlikely to play in week 8, but we'll see if the Colts are actually telling the truth by his practice schedule this week. Keep an eye on him, but TEN looms next, and unless Addai is 100%, you don't want him in your lineup. *edit* Only went through one limited practice. Expect him to either backup Rhodes, or be out on Monday night. Still, with the matchup against TEN, I wouldn't use either given the lingering uncertainty.
Willie Parker - Parker is a complete question mark for week 8, so keep an eye on his practice schedule. Moore was outstanding in his place during week 7. *edit* Parker suffered another setback in practice and is out in week 8.
Willis McGahee - McGahee finally broke through with 150 total yards and a score, most of that coming when the Phins lost mammoth NT Jason Ferguson and their run D fell apart. Still, McGahee looked the best he has all year, but he also played through pain in the knee he injured during the preseason. As usual, keep an eye on his practice schedule. *edit* McGahee is probable and will start. Use him against Oakland.
Warrick Dunn - Dunn suffered a pinched nerve in his back last night, and given his older body, this is worth keeping track of. Should he miss time, Earnest Graham would get all the carries and be an excellent fantasy play. *edit* Dunn is questionable and a gametime decision.
WR:
Anquan Boldin - Boldin's week 8 status is up the air. The Cardinals came out this week and stated that there was more to the injury, adding a concussion and broken bones in his jaw to the list of injuries he suffered on that nasty hit. He did however return to a non-contact practice today, and could be cleared tomorrow. I'll update once I find out. *edit* Boldin will play in week 8, although limited snaps. Still, start him.
Chris Chambers - Another week of uncertainty for Chambers, who has missed 2 weeks with his ankle injury now. More will be known later this week. *edit* Chambers is questionable and not worth using this week even if he does play.
Jerricho Cotchery - Cotchery left hurt for a bit in week 7, but returned and did nothing. I'm far more likely to blame this on being covered by the best corner in the NFL (Nnamdi Asomugha) than anything, but I'll keep an eye on any additional injury information. *edit* Cotchery is questionable and a gametime decision. Use him if he plays.
Laveraneous Coles - Coles suffered a head injury during week 7, but since Jets' coach Eric Mangini hails from the Belichick "dodge the injury report" thought process, we might not find out if it was a concussion. This is worth monitoring. *edit* Coles is probable and will start, so no concerns here. The concussion was mild.
Kevin Curtis - There's a decent chance he returns this week. We'll find out via practice reports. *edit* Curtis has returned to full practices and will start in week 8.
TE:
Jeremy Shockey - Shockey returned in week 7, but didn't look that great despite posting decent receiving numbers. He made the team flight to London for the overseas game, but keep an eye on his practice schedule. *edit* Shockey is probable and will start, so go ahead and use him, but keep expectations in check.
Tony Romo - Romo will again come down to a game time decision in week 8. There will be pressure to get him on the field given how horrible the Cowboys looked last week with Brad Johnson at the helm. *edit* Tony Romo is out in week 8.
Carson Palmer - Palmer has already been ruled out for week 8, and there are again concerns that he may still need Tommy John surgery. Wait for definitive word, but with the Bengals facing a lost season, exercising caution with their franchise QB is their best choice.
Matt Hasselbeck - Hasselbeck is highly unlikely to play again in week 8, although more will be known later this week. *edit* Hasselbeck is out in week 8.
Brodie Croyle - Welcome back Brod...there he goes again. Croyle tore his MCL and is out for the season, not that he should have been on your roster anyways.
Damon Huard - Huard decided to get the hell out of there as well with a thumb injury. No report on the severity, but owners of Bowe and Gonzalez are praying that he's OK. Behind Huard? Tyler Thigpen. *edit* Huard was placed in IR with thumb ligament damage. He's done for the year.
RB:
Brian Westbrook - Initial reports about Westbrook playing in week 8 are positive, but you never know for sure with Westbrook. Rib injuries can be very tricky. Keep a close eye on his practice schedule, but if you've owned Westbrook before, you know the drill. *edit* Westbrook is putting in full practices and will start in week 8.
Steven Jackson - Jackson pulled his quad in week 7, and his status in week 8 is not known as of now. *edit* Jackson put in a limited practice on Friday, is listed as questionable and will be a gametime decision.
Reggie Bush - Bush was finally putting together the fantasy season owners were dreaming of, especially in leagues that count return TDs, but Bush tore his meniscus and will miss 2-4 weeks. He is out in week 8.
Joseph Addai - Addai is unlikely to play in week 8, but we'll see if the Colts are actually telling the truth by his practice schedule this week. Keep an eye on him, but TEN looms next, and unless Addai is 100%, you don't want him in your lineup. *edit* Only went through one limited practice. Expect him to either backup Rhodes, or be out on Monday night. Still, with the matchup against TEN, I wouldn't use either given the lingering uncertainty.
Willie Parker - Parker is a complete question mark for week 8, so keep an eye on his practice schedule. Moore was outstanding in his place during week 7. *edit* Parker suffered another setback in practice and is out in week 8.
Willis McGahee - McGahee finally broke through with 150 total yards and a score, most of that coming when the Phins lost mammoth NT Jason Ferguson and their run D fell apart. Still, McGahee looked the best he has all year, but he also played through pain in the knee he injured during the preseason. As usual, keep an eye on his practice schedule. *edit* McGahee is probable and will start. Use him against Oakland.
Warrick Dunn - Dunn suffered a pinched nerve in his back last night, and given his older body, this is worth keeping track of. Should he miss time, Earnest Graham would get all the carries and be an excellent fantasy play. *edit* Dunn is questionable and a gametime decision.
WR:
Anquan Boldin - Boldin's week 8 status is up the air. The Cardinals came out this week and stated that there was more to the injury, adding a concussion and broken bones in his jaw to the list of injuries he suffered on that nasty hit. He did however return to a non-contact practice today, and could be cleared tomorrow. I'll update once I find out. *edit* Boldin will play in week 8, although limited snaps. Still, start him.
Chris Chambers - Another week of uncertainty for Chambers, who has missed 2 weeks with his ankle injury now. More will be known later this week. *edit* Chambers is questionable and not worth using this week even if he does play.
Jerricho Cotchery - Cotchery left hurt for a bit in week 7, but returned and did nothing. I'm far more likely to blame this on being covered by the best corner in the NFL (Nnamdi Asomugha) than anything, but I'll keep an eye on any additional injury information. *edit* Cotchery is questionable and a gametime decision. Use him if he plays.
Laveraneous Coles - Coles suffered a head injury during week 7, but since Jets' coach Eric Mangini hails from the Belichick "dodge the injury report" thought process, we might not find out if it was a concussion. This is worth monitoring. *edit* Coles is probable and will start, so no concerns here. The concussion was mild.
Kevin Curtis - There's a decent chance he returns this week. We'll find out via practice reports. *edit* Curtis has returned to full practices and will start in week 8.
TE:
Jeremy Shockey - Shockey returned in week 7, but didn't look that great despite posting decent receiving numbers. He made the team flight to London for the overseas game, but keep an eye on his practice schedule. *edit* Shockey is probable and will start, so go ahead and use him, but keep expectations in check.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Week 7 Injury Updates
Better late than never, and on Sunday morning just when you need it! All the latest is in my Walking Wounded column below.
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