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Hi Folks,
Good Tuesday to you. We've got another days of News and Notes for you so let's get to it.
J
Houston Texans WR Andre Johnson (knee) is not participating in the organized team activities Monday, May 21, because he recently underwent arthroscopic knee surgery.
"Nothing to panic about," Johnson said. "I had it two weeks ago. It was from a play that happened in the game against Jacksonville (in November).
"I hyperextended my (left) knee. It (was swollen). Got the swelling to calm down. I came back during offseason workouts, it (became swollen) again. We felt like the best thing to do was get it scoped, get it fixed."
Johnson said missing the teams' organized training activities is no big deal.
"I'm two weeks out from having a knee scope," Johnson said. "I wasn't in any pain before I had it. It just kept holding fluid on it. I'm not in any pain now. My knee feels better, the swelling has pretty much gone down. Just keep doing rehab and (I'll) be ready for training camp.
"This is my tenth season. I've been through OTAs several times. I don't really feel like I'm missing anything right now."
Footballguys' view: If Johnson is healthy, he's incredible. But as his owners know, that's a huge "if". Hamstrings were the problem last year. Now the knee is in the news. Johnson says it's nothing to panic over and he'll be ready by the time training camp rolls around. We don't have any reason not to believe him but it's also something we'll be watching very closely for you this summer.
Denver Broncos QB Peyton Manning's throws had some zip on them during organized team activities Monday, May 21. Manning ran the offensive practice, lining up receivers, running backs and even fellow quarterbacks during the Broncos' workout.
Footballguys' view: Our very own Cecil Lammey was in attendance for the entire practice today and was impressed with Manning's arm strength. Lammey says Manning's performance was "eye popping" today in terms of sustained velocity and accuracy. If the Broncos are going to contend for a Super Bowl this year they'll need Manning to stay healthy.
Kansas City Chiefs RB Jamaal Charles (knee) is reportedly '80 percent' of the way recovered from tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in Week 2 last season.
Footballguys' view: Charles is going to work in a RBBC with free agent addition Peyton Hillis this year. Both are good receiving options out of the backfield, so we expect the Chiefs to take a "hot hand" approach. In fantasy terms it could make Hillis the better play one week, but Charles the next.
Detroit Lions RB Mikel Leshoure (Achilles') is taking part in organized team activities Monday, May 21.
Footballguys' view: LeShoure is still recovering from the Achilles' injury that cost him all of his rookie season last year. It's a good sign that he's back to participating in workouts with his teammates. However, the league may suspend him for two marijuana possession arrests this offseason.
Detroit Lions RB Jahvid Best (concussion) was on the field for organized team activities Monday, May 21, although he isn't cleared for full contact just yet.
Footballguys' view: Best is incredibly gifted but injuries have prevented him from playing up to his potential. He could be the Lions lead back if he can stay healthy this year.
Cecil Lammey, NFL Insider for 102.3 ESPN Denver and senior writer for Footballguys.com, reports Broncos new QB Peyton Manning showed immediate command of the huddle in OTAs.
Footballguys' view: Good to see Manning take an immediate leadership role here. He's learning a new system and working with a lot of new teammates. If Manning is healthy then the Broncos could contend for the Super Bowl in 2012.
Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross said he thinks QB Matt Moore will be the starting quarterback Week 1 but he is just guessing and that nothing has been decided.
Footballguys' view: Moore is going to compete with free agent addition David Garrard and first-round draft pick Ryan Tannehill for the starting job. It's actually the rookie who has the most experience in the Dolphins new offense as Tannehill's college coach (Mike Sherman) is the new offensive coordinator. If Moore begins the season as the starter we don't think it would be long before Tannehill replaced him.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will unlikely be able to trade TE Kellen Winslow as teams know they will simply cut him eventually.
Footballguys' view: The market for Winslow is virtually non-existent. Someone will be interested in adding him after he gets cut. We could imagine the Panthers having some interest if they don't bring Jeremy Shockey back.
Baltimore Ravens franchise free-agent RB Ray Rice has not yet signed his tender and is not expected to be present for the start of the organized team activities Tuesday, May 22; however, there has been progress in talks. While no deal is imminent and there remains plenty of work to do, there has been some progress in recent weeks between Rice's agent, Todd France, and the team, according to sources familiar with the talks.
Footballguys' view: Great news for the Ravens here. Rice is the heart and soul of their offense and his presence makes for lesser coverage in the secondary as opponents stack the line to stop the run. The two sides are talking regularly and seem motivated to get a deal done.
Adam Teicher, from the Kansas City Star, reports Chiefs RB/WR Dexter McCluster worked exclusively with the WRs in OTAs.
Footballguys' view: McCluster hasn't worked out as a slot receiver or as a running back during his time in the pros. He could help the team as a return man, and could be on the roster bubble in training camp.
John Keim, from the Washington Examiner, reports Redskins veteran WR Santana Moss looked quicker at OTAs. According to Keim Moss appeared to be running faster than a year ago.
Footballguys' view: Good news for the veteran here. He lost about 15 pounds this offseason and is looking to impress in a cramped WR corps. In free agency the Redskins added Pierre Garcon and Josh Morgan. Garcon should be the team's No.1 WR while Moss will battle Morgan to be the team's slot WR.
Houston Texans WR Lestar Jean worked with the first-team offense during the organized team activities Monday, May 21, in place of injured WR Andre Johnson (knee).
Footballguys' view: Dynasty alert! Jean missed all of last season due to a shoulder injury but is a great buy low candidate in dynasty leagues. Jean and rookie WR DeVier Posey are expected to battle in training camp for the No. 3 WR job. We give the edge to Jean here. He's got a size/strength advantage over Posey and provides more big play capability.
The Chicago Bears are not expected to show interest in Tampa Bay Buccaneers TE Kellen Winslow if he is released.
Footballguys' view: The Bears will use their TEs more than they did when Mike Martz was the offensive coordinator. Kellen Davis should be their lead TE with Matt Spaeth serving as a blocking/red zone TE. Rookie Evan Rodriguez is a nice developmental prospect who reminds some in the scouting community of the Patriots Aaron Hernandez.
Cecil Lammey, NFL Insider for 102.3 ESPN Denver and senior writer for Footballguys.com, reports Broncos rookie QB Brock Osweiler showed improved footwork during OTAs today.
Footballguys' view: Lammey noted Osweiler was too flat footed during rookie minicamp, but had more spring in his step today. Osweiler's throwing motion still looked improved too. He'll be groomed behind Peyton Manning for the next few years.
John Keim, from the Washington Examiner, reports converted WR Niles Paul is still working at TE in OTAs.
Footballguys' view: Paul is at a heavier playing weight (235 lbs) than he was in college at Nebraska as he looks to impress at his new position. If he can develop as a TE he could push Chris Cooley off the final roster.
Washington Redskins RB Tim Hightower (knee) did not participate in the organized team activities Monday, May 21, but did work with trainers on the sidelines.
Footballguys' view: When he's healthy Hightower will compete with Roy Helu to be the team's starter. Hightower is excellent in pass protection even though he's not quite the runner that Helu is. Hightower could end up as the starter at the beginning of the season, but with Mike Shanahan in charge that could change multiple times throughout the season.
There are people within the Cincinnati Bengals organization that have doubts as to what QB Andy Dalton's true upside is. Dalton has arm strength limitations, and there are certain things the coaching staff is not comfortable doing with him.
Footballguys' view: Dalton makes up for his lack of arm strength by playing with incredible composure. He's also accurate on short and underneath routes. Before he was drafted scouts compared him to former Jets/Dolphins QB Chad Pennington. Dalton is a smart player who can overcome his physical limitations.
Oakland Raiders WR Denarius Moore said he understand he will receive extra attention from opposing defenses in 2012 after a strong rookie campaign. 'I still don't look at it any different,' Moore said. 'I just come out and do the job I'm supposed to do, understand what the coaches want and get my timing down with the quarterback and understand that we have a connection.'
Footballguys' view: Moore should continue to emerge as one of the league's most dangerous young Wide Receivers. He'll continue to build chemistry with Carson Palmer this offseason and we like him as a WR3 with WR1 upside if he plays up to his potential. His current ADP is in the early 8th round.
Miami Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland spoke of the receiving corps recently, and made mention of WR Clyde Gates after five others. He said Gates 'still has to develop.' Ireland is hopeful this is the year Gates, and other young receivers, take that next step.
Footballguys' view: Gates game is built on speed, speed, and more speed. He's not developed as a route runner and will compete for playing time as the third WR with rookies Jeff Fuller and B.J. Cunningham.
Cecil Lammey, NFL Insider for 102.3 ESPN Denver and senior writer for Footballguys.com, reports Broncos CB Tracy Porter made several plays on the first day of OTAs.
Footballguys' view: Porter was a fantastic addition for the Broncos in free agency. He'll start opposite Champ Bailey and gives Denver two shutdown Cornerbacks.
That'll do it for today, Folks. Thanks for letting us be a part of your Fantasy Football season. We'll see you tomorrow with the update.
Peace,
J