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Hi Folks,
Welcome to Friday. We're winding down the regular season as we're winding down these daily email updates. We'll keep them going through this Sunday but then we'll take a break. I hope you've enjoyed them.
We've got the news and notes you need so let's get to it.
J
Philadelphia Eagles RB LeSean McCoy (ankle) was back at practice Thursday, Dec. 29, but is expected to be ready to play in Week 17 against the Washington Redskins. McCoy trails Jacksonville Jaguars RB Maurice Jones-Drew for the lead in rushing yards by 128 yards heading into the final contest of the year.
Footballguys' view: If McCoy isn't able to finish the game we could see more from rookie Dion Lewis.
Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger (ankle), who appears to be moving toward starting in Week 17, said he will have to wear an ankle brace if he suits up. Even if he doesn't suffer a setback, he said he will not be at full strength the rest of the year.
Footballguys' view: It's a risk to start Roethlisberger this week. The Steelers could beat the Browns with Charlie Batch at quarterback, but want to have Roethlisberger shake off some of the rust.
San Diego Chargers WR Vincent Jackson (groin) did not practice Thursday, Dec. 29.
Footballguys' view: If Jackson can't play against the Raiders then we'll see more from Malcom Floyd and rookie WR Vincent Brown.
The Atlanta Falcons' rushing attack has taken a back seat in recent weeks based on the flow of their games. RB Michael Turner (groin) hasn't rushed for more than 100 yards in five games as the team has been forced to change their plan of attack. Turner has been dealing with a sore groin but won't point to that as an excuse. 'My health has nothing to do with it,' Turner said. 'It's just the way the games have been going the past couple of weeks. In a game like New Orleans, you want to keep them off the field as much as possible, but we weren't able to do that with the way the situations turned out in the game. But we do need more production out of the running game.' Turner expects to see plenty of touches as the team looks to gain more consistency heading into the playoffs.
Footballguys' view: Playoff football is all about running the football. We should see the Falcons focus more on their ground game during the postseason.
Dallas Cowboys RB Felix Jones (hamstring) was limited in practice Thursday, Dec. 29.
Footballguys' view: Jones is a risky fantasy play this week even if he starts. He's known to get banged up easily and not make it through the entire game. Jones has huge upside in this game against the Giants and should keep his fantasy owners on the edge of their seats.
Washington Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan said there is no doubt in his mind that he will return to the team next season.
Footballguys' view: Shanahan is not on the hot seat - yet. The Redskins should be major players to add a QB this offseason, either through the draft or free agency. If Washington fails to live up to expectations next year then we could see Shanahan on the hot seat.
Cleveland Browns QB Colt McCoy (concussion) was not cleared for practice Thursday, Dec. 29, and will likely miss his third straight game in Week 17 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Footballguys' view: QB Seneca Wallace will make his third straight start. McCoy may have started his final game for the Browns as we expect them to add a young QB like Robert Griffin III in the 2012 NFL Draft.
Detroit Lions WR Calvin Johnson (Achilles') said this is the best he's felt at the end of the season, despite dealing with an Achilles' injury. His status for Week 17 is unknown, but he is hoping to play.
Footballguys' view: Johnson is a big reason why the Lions are going to the postseason. The team will be very cautious with him in week 17 so he doesn't aggravate his Achilles' injury.
San Diego Chargers head coach Norv Turner didn't sound too optimistic about the statuses of RBs Ryan Mathews (calf) and Mike Tolbert (hamstring) for the team's regular-season finale against the Oakland Raiders in Week 17 after they both missed practice Wednesday, Dec. 28. RB Curtis Brinkley took the majority of snaps in practice Wednesday.
Footballguys' view: If Tolbert can't play then we'll see Mathews backed up by Brinkley. He's one of our favorite reserve RBs in the league because of his determination and leg drive when running the football.
New York Giants WR Victor Cruz believes the team's passing game has an advantage against the Dallas Cowboys' secondary in Week 17. 'Those guys have been around a long time, and Terence Newman, he's a very cerebral player,' Cruz said. 'We have to be disciplined. Just because of the problems they've been having, we have a one-up right now going against them, because our receivers can make plays, and if we stay disciplined, we should be able to have success.'
Footballguys' view: Cruz has been a big fantasy factor this year and is a must start in week 17.
Chicago Bears head coach Lovie Smith snapped Wednesday, Dec. 28, when asked whether offensive coordinator Mike Martz will return next season. 'What kind of question is that anyway, at this time?' Smith said. 'What kind of question is that? Why would you ask a question like that anyway?' In recent weeks, Martz has been forced to address his name being linked to college openings and then a report that he will not return in 2012.
Footballguys' view: Changes are coming in Chicago and it seems like cutting Martz is most likely. We'll see if the Bears make any changes after their season ends on Sunday.
Tennessee Titans RB Chris Johnson (ankle) should return to practice later in the week; however, he said making cuts on the ankle is his primary issue.
Footballguys' view: Johnson is a risky fantasy play this week. In fact, we like guys like Khalil Bell and Evan Royster more than Johnson in week 17.
Few believe former NFL head coach Jon Gruden will be the next head coach of the St. Louis Rams. According to multiple sources, Gruden won't be inclined to coach in St. Louis, for a variety of reasons (including but not limited to the climate). Moreover, few believe that Gruden could work with current San Diego Chargers general manager A.J. Smith, who has also been rumored to be on his way to St. Louis. 'They would obliterate each other with ego,' one league source said.
Footballguys' view: Gruden could very well be on his way to San Diego. The climate is perfect and he'd get to coach one of the best QBs in the game, Philip Rivers. We'll see if the Chargers get rid of both head coach Norv Turner and general manager A.J. Smith after this Sunday.
Arizona Cardinals QB Kevin Kolb (concussion) will likely sit out the team's Week 17 game. Kolb continues to suffer symptoms as a result of the concussion he suffered Dec. 11. Tests Tuesday, Dec. 27, revealed he remained 'a little slow with some reaction stuff and some processing stuff from my baseline that I'd had earlier in the year,' Kolb said. Kolb added the issues are not serious, but they are issues he can't play with.
Footballguys' view: We should see John Skelton get the start for the Cardinals in week 17. Skelton has a rocket arm but is not very consistent with his accuracy.
New York Jets offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, from all indications, needs a Hail Mary to save his job. The heir apparent is offensive line coach Bill Callahan; however, Callahan's contract is up after the season, according to a league source, and he could be an attractive coordinator candidate on the open market, especially if Jon Gruden decides to return to the sideline. There also seems to be a disconnect between Schottenheimer and head coach Rex Ryan.
Footballguys' view: The Jets' offensive struggles come down to Schottenheimer or QB Mark Sanchez. One has to go, and that is likely going to be Schottenheimer. We'll see if the Jets respond better when a new offensive coordinator is in place.
St. Louis Rams QB Sam Bradford (ankle) is unlikely to play in the team's Week 17 game. Bradford missed another practice Wednesday, Dec. 28, and didn't appear optimistic about his chances of playing. 'It's still now where I think our training staff would like it to be,' Bradford said. 'This week was really the first time we had really done much and to be honest it didn't feel great in the little that we did do.'
Footballguys' view: There's no need for Bradford to rush back to the lineup. This season has been a huge sophomore slump for Bradford, but he's still got tremendous upside. This is the perfect time to buy low on Bradford in dynasty leagues.
Denver Broncos SS Brian Dawkins (neck), who missed practice again Thursday, Dec. 29, is dealing with a pinched nerve in his neck, according to head coach John Fox.
Footballguys' view: We may have seen the last of Brian Dawkins in the NFL. He's been one of the best to ever play his position, but neck injuries are difficult to come back from.
That'll do it for today, Folks.
Thanks for reading and we'll see you tomorrow with the update.
Peace,
J