FSH: THE ATL REPORT

May 2nd, 2009 11:37pm PST

THE "ATL" REPORT

Around the League

Retired Brett Favre in the News….
Once again the man with the golden arm is making news. His recent request and granting of his release from New York has raised speculation that Favre could come out of retirement once again. The current word is Minnesota could be the hot spot for the future hall of famer due to his strong ties with Vikings offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell. That will remain to be seen.

Alex Smith expecting to compete in camp….
The Niners former first round draft pick expects to be ready to compete when training camp starts this summer. Smith is coming off shoulder surgery last November, but is expected to be able to throw with no restrictions by the time training camp opens. Healthy or not Smith will be a long shot to win the starting job over Shaun Hill and likely have little fantasy value in 2009.

Jets keeping options open when it comes to Plax….
While it’s hard to imagine why any team would have any interest now, the Jets appear to be keeping an eye on the Plaxico Burress situation. It sounds like the team could be considering the former Giants receiver if he manages to avoid jail, but it’s not likely. The Jets will also have to consider the possibility of Burress facing a possible suspension from the league. Plaxico is not a fantasy consideration at this time.

Westbrook quiet in Camp (avoids media?)….
The Eagles running back did not talk to the media on Friday during the Eagles mini-camp, although it was noted he was “moving around well.” After an injury laden 2008 season with a severe ankle injury, the Eagles will be planning to limit Westbrook’s reps throughout their mini-camps and likely training camp. Westbrook has been one of the most productive backs in the league the past couple of seasons because of his versatility but his recent injuries are starting to make him a risky play for fantasy owners.

Lorenzo Neal drawing interest from Raiders….
The bruising full back still has plenty left in the tank to open holes. If the Raiders can sign the 17-year veteran, there’s no question his addition could help bolster a pretty good rushing attack (ranked 10th in 2008). Neal was an effective lead blocker for LeRon McClain in Baltimore last season and can do the same for the Raider’s backfield. Neal has no fantasy value as a player, but his presence will elevate those around him in the run game.

Dansby and Cards to start talks of a new deal….
The Cardinal’s linebacker and leading tackler in 2008 fired his first agent when a deal did not get done earlier this offseason. His new agent will be working hard to get a new deal done soon. It’s not likely the two sides won’t get a deal done; Dansby is one of the best players on the Cardinal’s defense. He should once again be a strong IDP play in fantasy leagues in 2009.

Mini-camps opened and many no shows….
With mini-camps opening all over the league, it’s an opportunity to catch some of this year’s top drafted classmen in action with their new team. In New York quarterback Mark Sanchez is drawing a lot of interest, just as is quarterback Matthew Stafford the Lion’s top pick. Perhaps the most notable players in camp are those that are not in camp. Here’s a list of some of those that were the classic no-show;

SD-(WR) Malcom Floyd (did not show)
STL-(DL) Leonard Little (hamstring injury)
PIT-(WR) Hines Ward (recovering from surgery)
MIN-(WR) Percy Harvin (illness)
PHI-(WR) Kevin Curtis (recovering from surgery)
ARI-(WR) Anquan Boldin (hamstring injury)
WAS-(WR) James Thrash (neck injury)
PIT-(LB) Larry Foote (did not show)
CAR-(DL) Julius Peppers (did not show)
SEA-(DL) Patrick Kearney (recovering from surgery)
NYJ-(RB) Thomas Jones (did not show)


Check back every week for more “Around the League”