| FBG Mobile Home |
Hi Folks,
Good Thursday to you. Remember that the always popular Footballguys $35,000 Subscriber Contest is LIVE and ready for your entry. It's the best deal in Fantasy Sports. Plus, we've got all the news and notes you need in addition to great new content including the Week 2 Training Camp Report.
Let's get to it.
J
We blew people away with the Week 1 Training Camp Update featuring everything you need to know about every relevant player on every team. We're back again this week, just like we will be next week and the week after that with another full rundown. Read this and (continue to) be the most informed owner in your league.
Our Sigmund Bloom and Jene Bramel break down the skill positions into teirs as a way to make more sense when viewing the whole group. In this one, they break down the quarterbacks.
Our Sigmund Bloom and Jene Bramel break down the skill positions into teirs as a way to make more sense when viewing the whole group. In this one, they break down the running backs.
Our Sigmund Bloom and Jene Bramel break down the skill positions into teirs as a way to make more sense when viewing the whole group. In this one, they break down the wide receivers.
Our Sigmund Bloom and Jene Bramel break down the skill positions into teirs as a way to make more sense when viewing the whole group. In this one, they break down the tight ends.
Updating previous items, the Dallas Cowboys still have not determined the seriousness of the injury to TE Jason Witten (spleen), although early evaluations have indicated that Witten's spleen is not ruptured, according to a team source. Witten experienced internal bleeding but still could avoid surgery. Witten will miss the remainder of the preseason and will be evaluated prior to Week 1, according to the source. If surgery is not required, Witten is expected to miss up to three weeks but likely would be available for Week 1; however, if the bleeding continues and he needs surgery, Witten would be sidelined indefinitely.
Footballguys' view: A big blow to the Cowboys passing game here. With the uncertainty at the WR3 spot we expected more targets for Witten as a result. Now, the Cowboys will turn to John Phillips while Witten is out. They will also be very likely to scour the free agent market and camp cuts for additional help at the position.
Detroit Lions RB Jahvid Best (concussion) is expected to start the season on the Physically Unable to Perform list, which would sidelined him for the first six games.
Footballguys' view: Best may never be the same player he once was. Starting on the PUP list will give a bigger opportunity to Kevin Smith (in the first two weeks) and Mikel Leshoure (after his two game suspension. We like Joique Bell as a nice deep sleeper pick if you've got the roster space. Smith and Leshoure are both known to be somewhat injury prone.
Pittsburgh Steelers RB Isaac Redman (groin) attempted to practice Wednesday, Aug. 15, but failed to make it through the practice, instead falling to all fours painfully and not returning.
Footballguys' view: The Steelers need to take it easy with Redman here. This groin injury could linger if not given enough time to heal. We like his toughness here but he needs to be cautious going forward. Redman is set to be the team's starter while Rashard Mendenhall misses time with his knee injury.
Dallas Cowboys tight ends coach John Garrett has confidence in backup TE John Phillips because of previous opportunities he has gotten. 'Confidence comes from demonstrated performance, and he's demonstrated every time that he's been in there that he has really played well,' Garrett said Wednesday, Aug. 15. One obstacle for Phillips, an ankle issue from an injury sustained Saturday, Aug. 4.
Footballguys' view: We like Phillips because of his all-around ability. He's a strong blocker but has the speed to create mismatches as an underneath target.
Updating a previous report, Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Mike Mularkey indicated RB Maurice Jones-Drew will not be put right in the starting lineup if he decides right before the start of the regular season because he would not be in game shape. Mularkey said Jones-Drew would need extra time in the classroom to learn the new offense once he reports.
Footballguys' view: This matches an earlier report. It's clear the Jaguars will ease Jones-Drew back into the lineup if/when he returns to the team.
New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan said WR Santonio Holmes (back, ribs) is dealing with a tight back as well.
Footballguys' view: There's a possibility that Holmes misses the rest of the preseason because of this injury. However, Ryan does not think that will be the case. With their lack of depth we feel the Jets will look for free agent/camp cut help at the position.
Updating a previous item, Detroit Lions RB Mikel Leshoure (hamstring) took part in individual drills in practice Wednesday, Aug. 15, but then departed to work with trainers on futher rehabilitation.
Footballguys' view: It's nice that he's back in practice, but Leshoure's not doing anything to make fantasy owners any more certain about his durability. He'll miss the first two games due to a suspension, and after that could emerge as the Lions top RB if healthy. Coming back from the Achilles' injury that cost him all of last year Leshoure may battle lower leg injuries throughout the 2012 season.
Seattle Seahawks QB Tarvaris Jackson is expected to be available via trade next week following the team's second preseason game, according to league sources. Jackson will not play this week after not playing last week either, which allows him to be showcased for trade and also is insurance for Seattle in case QBs Matt Flynn or Russell Wilson gets hurt.
Footballguys' view: We can't imagine Jackson getting a whole lot of interest on the trade block. With a QB like Colt McCoy possibly available for trade we think Seattle won't see many offers for Jackson.
Denver Broncos QB Peyton Manning said that, at 36 years old, he does not have the arm strength he used to. Manning thinks losing arm strength is not a function of last year's neck injury. 'I still have strength to recover, still have work to do,' Manning said. 'I am 36 years old. My arm has a lot of yards and a lot of touchdowns on it, so it's probably not going to be the same as it was when it was 22, but I still think it can complete some passes. I can move the chains and hopefully get our offense into the end zone this year.'
Footballguys' view: Manning is about 80 percent of what he used to be right now as he comes back from the four neck procedures that kept him out of football in 2011. Even though his arm isn't quite the same he can still zing it. On Monday our very own Cecil Lammey reported about a 60-yard laser Manning threw to Eric Decker in practice. This isn't the first time Manning has hit on bucket throws this offseason and shows the concerns about his arm strength are overblown.
Arizona Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt dismissed a report suggesting QB John Skelton is the favorite to win the starting quarterback battle with QB Kevin Kolb. 'As far as favorites and longshots, I had never really thought of it in those terms. We've always been true to what we said: we're going to be true to the process,' Whisenhunt said. 'We're trying to get the best player who gives us a chance to win. I think everyone wants an instant evaluation but we just don't think in those terms.'
Footballguys' view: There's no favorite because nobody has distanced themselves from the pack. Kevin Kolb has failed to impress in the preseason, and John Skelton hasn't looked that much better either. The Cardinals could look for veteran help if the two don't start playing better.
Green Bay Packers RB Cedric Benson said he can still be a 1,000-yard back in the NFL, even with the Packers being a pass-first offense. 'I definitely have a goal to still rush for 1,000, 1,000-plus, and set up some big numbers,' Benson said. 'I understand it's not a run-first team and the run is not real heavy here, but there's times where a back gets the ball 25 times (in one game). I'm sure if things are rolling (and) the run game is set to the standard that we're hoping to achieve, it could be way more carries than that. I'm just staying positive and optimistic about it, and I know when I get my opportunities, I'm going to make the best of it.'
Footballguys' view: Benson is only a two-down player as he's not much of a receiver out of the backfield. We like his straight ahead style as opposed to the twinkle toes of James Starks. Benson could rush for 700-900 yards this season, even working in a form of RBBC. Defenses will be focused on stopping Aaron Rodgers and the passing game, so Benson won't face many 8 or 9 in the box situations.
Updating a previous report, Denver Broncos RB Ronnie Hillman (hamstring) aggravated his hamstring Tuesday, Aug. 14. However, head coach John Fox said Hillman's injury is not as serious as his previous one.
Footballguys' view: It's still a setback to both his development and shot for early playing time this year. Move Willis McGahee up a few notches on your board. If he is still there in the 8th/9th round, it is hard to pass on him, especially in non-PPR leagues.
Updating a previous report, Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin confirmed LB James Harrison (knee) had a minor knee procedure Wednesday, Aug. 15, and said he did not expect Harrison to be out long.
Footballguys' view: There's a chance Harrison could miss some time at the beginning of the regular season. This knee has been an issue for Harrison in the past and at 34-years old it's a real concern. Chris Carter and Jason Worilds will compete for playing time at Harrison's OLB position while he's out.
Free-agent WR Chad Johnson (Dolphins) looked solid in Miami Dolphins training camp, but he didn't look that good. He was still an aging receiver who struggled to separate from tight coverage.
Footballguys' view: Johnson has decent downfield speed but if he can't get open then he won't get signed to a new team. We can't imagine any team in a rush to sign Johnson, and not only because of his recent legal trouble. His time in the NFL may be done.
Chicago Bears QB Jay Cutler and RB Matt Forte will play in the second preseason game Saturday, Aug. 18. Neither played in the team's first preseason game.
Footballguys' view: Good news for both here. We don't expect either to see more than a couple of series in their preseason debut.
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley could be forced to feature a more pass-happy offense should the injury to RB Isaac Redman (groin) prove to be serious. Redman was scheduled to undergo an MRI Wednesday, Aug. 15.
Footballguys' view: No question a Todd Haley offense will be primarily a passing attack. Haley may be a bit difficult to get along with but he knows how to craft an explosive passing game.
Oakland Raiders WR Denarius Moore (hamstring) is not taking part in practice Wednesday, Aug. 15.
Footballguys' view: We love the upside Moore has but his injuries are a big concern. Moore has the talent to be a top 10 WR in this game today, but it seems like he's always battling some form of hamstring injury. Those injuries are known to linger if not treated properly. Moore could be like Isaac Bruce years ago for the Rams: a slow start to his career because of hamstring problems, but when he hits, he hits big.
Cleveland Browns WR Mohamed Massaquoi (head) said he did not suffer a concussion in the team's preseason opener, despite head coach Pat Shurmur indicating the contrary. 'I feel great, always felt great, never developed a symptom or anything,' Massaquoi said. 'Everything that was done was strictly precautionary because of the type of the hit, the way that the hit looked. So I'm excited just to play right now, and now we're gonna keep moving forward.' Massaquoi could play in the team's next preseason game.
Footballguys' view: Massaquoi has performed well in training camp but is still on the roster bubble. We'll see if he can continue to play well and show what he can do. He's competing with rookie Josh Gordon to be the team's WR2 opposite Greg Little.
There remains a possibility for the Arizona Cardinals to bring in another passer to push QBs Kevin Kolb and John Skelton. According to league sources, Kolb is expected to be given every opportunity to win the job the next two weeks, but other options could arise as well.
Footballguys' view: Adding a veteran camp cut is an option as is a street free agent like Donovan McNabb. Kolb and Skelton haven't really distanced themselves from each other in the preseason.
Pittsburgh Steelers CB Ike Taylor said the team will welcome restricted free-agent WR Mike Wallace upon his return. 'Mike is taking care of Mike right now,' Taylor said. 'As long as he's working out, getting ready for football, that's all that matters ... He's working hard (in Orlando). Whenever he gets back, we're going to congratulate him with open arms.'
Footballguys' view: The team is better with Mike Wallace. No question all the Steelers will welcome back the talented receiver when he reports to team headquarters.
Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll said he has been impressed with the progress of veteran WRs Braylon Edwards and Terrell Owens in training camp. 'Braylon Edwards has played great for us in practice, and he did a beautiful job in the game, so he's starting to make an impact,' Carroll said. 'And then we thought Terrell might have a chance to make an impact as well, and we worked him out, and he was phenomenal. He's right in the middle of everything, practicing hard, competing every day.'
Footballguys' view: Good news for the Seahawks here. The veteran duo may be battling each other for one roster spot on the team.
Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll said the team has no interest in signing free-agent WR Chad Johnson (Dolphins). 'No, I think we're pretty well settled with what we're doing here,' Carroll said. 'That's not going to happen here. No.'
Footballguys' view: Insert 31 other team names in the title of this story and it would be even more accurate. We don't see any team rushing to the waiver wire for Johnson, and not only because of his recent legal troubles. Johnson's not the same player he used to be and his declining skill set is not desirable for a team looking for WR help.
Several NFL teams are interested in 2012 Olympian Jeff Demps, according to his agent. The former Florida running back went undrafted after he told NFL teams he planned to pursue track. 'There's a lot of interest,' agent Daniel Rose said. 'We talked to some teams before the Olympics, but we wanted him to concentrate on the Olympics. Preparing for the Olympics is a very regimented process, and he needed to focus on that.'
Footballguys' view: Back at Florida we liked Demps speed, agility, balance, and explosive change of direction. He's not the biggest guy and needs space to work in, but could help a team as a dangerous return man.
Denver Broncos LB Keith Brooking (hamstring) is expected to miss most of the preseason because of a pulled hamstring he suffered during practice.
Footballguys' view: The Broncos just added Brooking last week as they continue to search for Linebacker depth. It's bad news for the seasoned veteran who is only a shadow of his former self on the field.
That'll do it for today, Folks. Thanks for reading and thanks for being a part of what we're doing at Footballguys. We'll see you tomorrow with the update.
Peace,
J