We scour the news around the NFL to bring you what matters most for you and your dynasty team: the most current news on players, both superstars and the relative unknowns, and analysis to decipher the respective situations.
In a move that surprised absolutely no one, the New England Patriots released quarterback Tim Tebow last Saturday. With Josh McDaniels giving up on Tebow, it is difficult to imagine a lengthy NFL career in front of the much ballyhooed quarterback.
However, it was surprising to see the Green Bay Packers release quarterback Vince Young after his strong showing in preseason. While still extremely athletic, Young struggles in the passing game, with pre-snap reads and coverages. Newly signed Seneca Wallace will back up Aaron Rodgers.
The Carolina Panthers decided against keeping quarterback Jimmy Clausen another year. Clausen was waived/injured. He has not progressed since playing much of the 2010 season. After this move, the Panthers have just Derek Anderson behind Cam Newton at the position.
The Buffalo Bills placed quarterback Kevin Kolb on injured reserve after he sustained a severe concussion. This move ends Kolb's season, and possibly his career.
New York Giants tailback Andre Brown fractured his left leg in last Thursday's preseason contest. He is expected to be sidelined for four-six weeks. Brown described his fracture as a "tiny crack," adding "It's not that bad of a break." Brown is hoping to be back in a couple of weeks.
The Washington Observer-Reporter reported last week that Pittsburgh Steelers rookie tailback Le'Veon Bell had already shed his walking boot. It was feared that Bell suffered a Lisfranc injury, but that is currently in doubt. The good news is that the rookie could be back in the lineup in the next few weeks. Until then, expect Isaac Redman to start and be the lead ball carrier. The fact that Jonathan Dwyer was waived could signal Bell's return earlier than expected.
San Francisco 49ers running back LaMichael James was diagnosed last week with a sprained MCL. He is expected to miss three weeks, according to beat writer Matt Barrows. James should be on the sideline for the team's first two or three games. Beat writer Matt Maiocco stated over the weekend that the speedy James may be inactive on game gays when he returns from injury.
For those dynasty owners looking to handcuff Arizona running back Rashard Mendenhall, the task is muddy after the Cardinals kept four other ball carriers on the active roster: Ryan Williams, Alfonso Smith, and rookie Stephan Taylor, and Andre Ellington. It looks like a mess for all other than the starter.
After getting a second opinion on his troublesome ankles, the Carolina Panthers placed tailback Jonathan Stewart on the reserve/PUP list. He will be eligible to return in week seven, but that is far from a given. For those that do not remember, Stewart has had surgery on both ankles since the end of last season. Dr. Jene Bramel has continued to express concern about Stewart's availability for 2013.
A name to watch is undrafted free agent rookie rusher Cierre Wood. He beat out Deji Karim and Dennis Johnson for the Houston Texans third running back job. With the injury concern for Arian Foster, Wood could see valuable playing time as a rookie.
The Green Bay Packers placed tailback DuJuan Harris on injured reserve, with a knee injury. He was expected to be heavily involved in the Green Bay offense so this is a disappointment. Now, it will be James Starks spelling rookie Eddie Lacy unless a veteran is signed.
After his last knee surgery, the Cleveland Browns placed running back Montario Hardesty on injured reserve. This comes after the team placed Dion Lewis on injured reserve with a fractured fibula. Brandon Jackson has since been waived and Dennis Johnson claimed off waivers to back up Trent Richardson. This continues to be a fluid situation.
The Oakland Raiders placed rookie running back Latavius Murray an injured reserve with an ankle injury. Murray was a favorite of some of the staffers at Footballguys.com after he ran a 4.38 forty time. But, it is also notable that coach Dennis Allen called out Murray in the media a few times during training camp, even questioning the rookie's character. It will be Rashad Jennings behind the oft-injured Darren McFadden.
The Denver Broncos chose undrafted free agent tailback C.J. Anderson over Lance Ball for a roster spot. Anderson has shown well in preseason and could offer depth if any of the three backs ahead of him on the depth chart struggle.
After creating much training camp buzz, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers placed second-year running back Michael Smith on injured reserve after he tore a ligament in his foot.
The Detroit Lions waived rookie sixth round pick Corey Fuller. The athletic receiver has plenty of upside and is a strong candidate for the practice squad.
Another favorite of several staffers is Green Bay Packers rookie pass catcher Charles Johnson. He was waived in the last round of cuts. After missing most of training camp due to injury, Johnson had no chance to make the team and now on the practice squad.
After a strong beginning to training camp, the Philadelphia Eagles waived wide receiver Russell Shepard. Once thought to be in contention for a starting job, Shepard quickly fell behind average talents like Riley Cooper and Jason Avant. Shepard has since joined the Tampa Bay practice squad.
The New England Patriots expressed confidence in the recovery of tight end Rob Gronkowski after placing him on the active roster to open the season. Even though he is recovering from forearm and back surgeries, Gronkowski is now only expected to miss the first three or four games, at most. Time is running out to acquire the talented tight end at a discounted price. The big tight end even practiced in pads over the weekend.
According to the Baltimore Sun, the Baltimore Ravens are pleased enough with recovery of tight end Dennis Pitta's hip, the team is expected to make him their injured reserve/designated for return player. According to the article, Pitta is moving around well and could play by Thanksgiving. He is a player to target in trade talks while many still remember the seriousness of the original prognosis.
Beat writer Kent Somers reported last week that Cardinals tight end Rob Housler suffered a high ankle sprain in the team's third preseason contest. After a disappointing preseason, chock full of dropped passes, Housler could miss a game or two to begin the season.
Kansas Chiefs Chiefs tight end Tony Moeaki is out after suffering a fractured shoulder. The athletic tight end has been injured for most of his short career. The Chiefs will move forward with veteran Anthony Fasano and rookie Travis Kelce. This might be the time to make a move for Kelce in dynasty leagues, after he has experienced a quiet preseason.
With the news that Gronkowski will remain on the active roster, the Patriots announced the release of tight ends Daniel Fells and Jake Ballard. Rookie Zach Sudfeld and Michael Hoomanawanui made the active roster.
If you have questions of any variety, please feel free to reach out to me on Twitter (Twitter.com/JeffTefertiller) or in the Wannabee thread in the Assistant Coach Forum.
