Thursday, October 2, 2008

DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST 10/2

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST (Fantasy News)
October 2nd, 2008 10:30pm PST








FSH: David's Daily Digest
Fantasy News

NOISE-SHAKERS! PLAY-MAKERS! GAME-BREAKERS!


Palmer's elbow could keep him sidelined...
...when the week started quarterback Carson Palmer vowed he would return this Sunday to play against the Cowboys, but the way we are hearing it this could be no more than wishful thinking. The Bengal's quarterback has only participated in practice this week on a limited basis with some light throwing, but the elbow continues to be sore, leaving Palmer a big question mark for week 5. Even should Palmer suit up and start, fantasy owners would be wise to look to other possible options, as he would be a huge risk just to finish the game against the Cowboys pass rush that has recorded 12 sacks on the season (tied for 6th in the NFL).

Branch and Engram set to return...
...reports coming out of the Northwest are indicating that the sun could finally be shinning (even just a little) on the Seahawks, as they are getting healthy. During the bye week, both receivers Deion Branch and Bobby Engram returned to full practice and the word this week is Engram looks like his old self and will return to his natural position in the Slot. What we are also hearing is that Branch is "looking explosive" and showing an extra gear making big grabs on long passes from quarterback Matt Hasselbeck. While Branch has already be inserted as the starting flanker, fantasy owners may want to look at alternative options before taking a chance on Branch or Engram.

The latest on Boldin...
...although it was a scary moment and the result of the vicious hit he took left him with a fractured sinus, the Cardinals wide receiver Anquan Boldin merely calls this "just a part of football." The Cards wide out seems okay and in good spirits, saying he has no intention of changing his playing style, but for the moment his status remains in the air. It appears fantasy owners will have to wait until Friday's practice reports to find out if Boldin will be able to give it a go. This sounds like one of those game-time decision situations, but I would bet if Boldin does not practice Friday, he does not play Sunday.

Taylor not likely to play this week...
...According to the Washington Times, don't expect to see defensive end Jason Taylor on Sunday when the Redskins meet the Eagles at Philadelphia. Taylor did not practice on Thursday at the doctor's request. While the healing process on the Taylor's calf is coming along "a little bit ahead of schedule" the stitches will remain in the leg for another couple of weeks. Fantasy owners holding Taylor in IDP leagues will likely have to keep Taylor on their bench for a couple of more weeks and rely on other options.

Chad Johnson lets the "Cat out of the Bag"......
...Well, being a fan of football and enjoying some good ole smack every now and then, and usually more now, I have to say it's about time! You see in Dallas, TO's antics are just plain distracting and detrimental. They lack that certain entertainment value and go straight to drama. While in Cincy, Ocho Cinco's antics have nothing but pure Emmy stapled on it. The Bengal's outspoken receiver finally broke his moratorium and announced he's letting the "Cat out of the bag" and gonna do his thing. So he's talking to anyone who's listening. Some folks may frown, but CJ, I mean Ocho, I mean Chad, or whatever his name will be this Sunday, has that charismatic personality that just gets you grinning. The Bengal's offense has lacked spark and personality, and for fantasy owners it's time to try something to shake the rust and get these boys doing what they do!

Vince Young returns to practice....
...the Titans quarterback Vince Young has returned to practice and according to the Tennessean, he fully participated Thursday. It was the first time in a month. Young took some reps with the first team and HC Jeff Fischer was noted as saying he was pleased. However, for fantasy owners, likely in deeper leagues it looks like Young will remain in a reserve role as the team's number 2 or 3 quarterback playing behind starter Kerry Collins.

Rodgers taking it easy...
...the Packers field general was at practice in the morning on Thursday, but he wasn't in pads and didn't participate according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. In Head Coach Mike McCarthy's press conference following morning practice, he elaborated more on the status of Rodgers indicating that the Packer's QB has not come along as fast as they would like. Rodgers rehab is improving by the amount of intensity, but it doesn't sound like he is progressing fast enough to play this weekend. Although Rodgers sounds optimistic to play this Sunday, fantasy owners should proceed with caution. If you have options, you may want to look that direction, a Rodgers less than 100% could be a very risky play.

Westbrook still a question mark for Sunday...
...the Eagles starting running back Brian Westbrook took part in practice Thursday, but the peculiar part was what he did or I should say didn't do. The only thing we know he did was go through a walk-thru and the Eagle's star wasn't sharing anymore information. "Hey guys, I'm not talking right now," Westbrook replied when asked about practice. There are reports circulating that his brother (a cornerback with Washington) Byron let it out to the Washington post he would be surprised if Brian played Sunday. Thank goodness for siblings. Fantasy owners will have to watch this one closely and be prepared for another game-time decision.

Colts to play without Sanders...
...already sidelined with a sprained right ankle, the Colts safety opted to have arthroscopic knee surgery on a knee. The ankle injury is expected to take longer to heel than the knee, which is why Sanders chose to have the procedure. The bad news for the Colts defense is the extended time period that they will miss Sanders. The good news for fantasy owners, keep watch for this matchup, your RB1 versus the Colts run defense ranked 31st in the NFL.



Check back soon for more fantasy news...

By David G. Ortega

No comments: