David's Daily Digest
[My Take]
More football news and happenings from around the league; here’s the latest I am hearing, reading, and following with my take on things and how they will impact the coming fantasy season……
News From Across the Wire...
David Clowney, WR, New York Jets
David Clowney worked with the starting offense in practice Wednesday, and is seemingly the current favorite for the No. 2 role at receiver, according to the Star-Ledger.
Bernard Berrian, WR, Minnesota Vikings
Bernard Berrian is uncertain whether or not he will be able to play in the team's third preseason game on Monday against the Texans, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. Berrian is dealing with a hamstring injury that he suffered in the team's first preseason game on August 14.
Dwayne Bowe, WR, Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Star is reporting that Dwayne Bowe and Devard Darling are working as the Chiefs' starting wide receivers. Bowe was relegated to third-team duty earlier this preseason, but he has since worked his way back into the starting lineup.
Fred Jackson, RB, Buffalo Bills
Adam Schefter is reporting on his Twitter page that X-rays on the thumb of Buffalo running back Fred Jackson came back negative. Jackson is expected to be ready when the season opens.
Colt Brennan, QB, Washington Redskins
The Washington Times is reporting that Redskins' quarterback Colt Brennan is battling with rookie Chase Daniel to be the team's third quarterback. It was thought that Brennan would challenge to be the number two, but he has struggled this preseason and is no longer in contention.
Matt Cassel, QB, Kansas City Chiefs
Matt Cassel had a good day of practice with the Chiefs Wednesday, according to BobGretz.com. He namely completed six straight passes in 7-on-7 drills.
Julius Jones, RB, Seattle Seahawks
Seattle's recent signing of Edgerrin James should have no effect on Julius Jones' feature back role with the team, according to ESPN.
Edgerrin James, RB, Seattle Seahawks
Edgerrin James will only be a "complementary" back for the Seahawks, according to ESPN.
Jay Cutler, QB, Chicago Bears
The Associated Press is reporting that Bears' quarterback Jay Cutler called his former coach in Denver Josh McDaniels an offensive mastermind. Cutler also said the the Broncos' quarterbacks are in good hands with McDaniels.
Ingle Martin, QB, Denver Broncos
The Denver Post is reporting that the Broncos have signed quarterback Ingle Martin. Martin was waived by the Chiefs earlier this month, and he is expected to play in the team's final preseason game.
Shaun Hill, QB, San Francisco 49ers
49ers' beat writer Matt Maiocco is reporting on his Twitter page that quarterback Shaun Hill is suffering from a strained back. Hill reportedly threw one pass in team drills on Wednesday before heading to the sidelines.
Carson Palmer, QB, Cincinnati Bengals
Carson Palmer has been ruled out for Thursday's preseason game against St. Louis while recovering from his sprained ankle, according to ESPN.
Terrell Owens, WR, Buffalo Bills
Terrell Owens reportedly looked good in a workout Tuesday, according to the Buffalo News. He ran routes on a separate field, and felt good enough to stand and watch the team finish practice.
Kenneth Darby, RB, St. Louis Rams
Kenneth Darby (swollen knee) is not expected to play in the team's third preseason game this Thursday, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Brett Favre, QB, Minnesota Vikings
"Knowledgeable NFL people" have told ESPN's Adam Schefter that support for Brett Favre in the Vikings' locker room is an "issue," with someone else saying his addition has created a "schism."
Anquan Boldin, WR, Arizona Cardinals
Anquan Boldin did not practice on Wednesday after straining his right hamstring on Tuesday, according to the Arizona Republic. Boldin has not been ruled out for Friday's preseason game.
Brandon Marshall, WR, Denver Broncos
According to a report from the Denver Post, the Broncos would be willing to trade wide receiver Brandon Marshall if a team offered them a first and a fourth-round pick. Marshall is coming off hip surgery, and it seems unlikely that a team would offer that for a troubled receiver who may not be 100 percent.
Chris Wells, RB, Arizona Cardinals
Chris Wells will play in his first preseason game this Friday, according to the Associated Press.
LaMont Jordan, RB, Denver Broncos
LaMont Jordan missed his second straight day of practice Wednesday, according to the Associated Press.
Jim Sorgi, QB, Indianapolis Colts
Jim Sorgi is progressing in his recovery from a hamstring injury, according to the Indianapolis Star. He was able to practice Tuesday without any issues.
Mark Clayton, WR, Baltimore Ravens
Ravens' beat writer Jamison Hensley is reporting on his Twitter page that wideout Mark Clayton returned to practice on Wednesday for the first time since injuring his hamstring on August 2.
Billy Cundiff, K, Detroit Lions
ESPN's Adam Schefter is reporting on his Twitter page that the Detroit Lions have signed free agent kicker Billy Cundiff. Cundiff will provide insurance for the currently injured Jason Hanson.
Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is reporting that Ben Roethlisberger discussed his injury with the media on Wednesday for the first time since going down. Roethlisberger said that the injury is just a bruise, but when it happened both he and his teammates thought it was going to be much more serious.
L.J. Smith, TE, Baltimore Ravens
According to the Twitter page of Ravens' insider Aaron Wilson, tight end L.J. Smith has a pulled hamstring and will miss at least the the next preseason game. The team hopes Smith will be able to return for the final game before the start of the season.
Kurt Warner, QB, Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Republic is reporting that Cardinals' quarterback Kurt Warner believes that his injured hip is "probably twice as good as it felt at any point since I injured it." Warner said just two weeks ago that it almost killed him to even stand up because of the pain.
Martellus Bennett, TE, Dallas Cowboys
Martellus Bennett did not practice with the team on Wednesday, according to the Dallas Morning News, Bennett complained of a stomach illness on his Twitter page on Tuesday, which could explain the absence.
Byron Leftwich, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jason La Canfora of the NFL Network is reporting on his Twitter page that the Buccaneers are shopping quarterbacks Byron Leftwich, Josh McCown, and Josh Johnson. The team is trying to move one of their quarterbacks to make the decision on a starter a bit easier.
Tyler Thigpen, QB, Kansas City Chiefs
According to the Twitter page of NFL Network's Jason La Canfora, the Chiefs and Jaguars are discussing a trade that would send quarterback Tyler Thigpen to Jacksonville in exchange for a 2010 mid-to-late-round draft pick.
Mark Sanchez, QB, New York Jets
According to the Twitter page of ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Jets have named Mark Sanchez as their starting quarterback for the upcoming season. The team was informed of the decision when they arrived at the facility on Wednesday morning.
Mike Bell, RB, New Orleans Saints
Saints coach Sean Payton said on Wednesday that Mike Bell can expect to see a good number of carries this season, and that he is likely to be their goal-line back, according to Pro Football Talk.
Amani Toomer, WR, Kansas City Chiefs
Amani Toomer is getting more comfortable with the Chiefs' offense, according to the Kansas City Star. Head coach Todd Haley said, "Amani has gotten a little more acclimated to the system."
Ben Utecht, TE, Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Enquirer is reporting that Bengals' tight end Ben Utecht has not given any thought to when he will return to the playing field after suffering his fifth concussion two weeks ago. Utecht will be out indefinitely, there is a chance that the injury could threaten his career.
Chris Simms, QB, Denver Broncos
Adam Schefter is reporting on his Twitter page that Broncos' quarterback Chris Simms has a high ankle sprain and is expected to miss 2-to-4 weeks. Simms suffered the injury during Saturday's preseason game against the Seahawks.
Pierre Thomas, RB, New Orleans Saints
Pro Football Talk reports that the Saints could be using a "three-headed monster" at running back this season, giving Reggie Bush, Pierre Thomas and Mike Bell all a good number of carries.
Michael Crabtree, WR, San Francisco 49ers
Eugene Parker, the agent for tenth overall draft pick Michael Crabtree, is blaming the receiver's holdout on Crabtree, and not himself, according to Pro Football Talk.
My Fantasy Reads and Quick Takes…
On WR-Bernard Berrian:
The Vikings receiver’s stock is on the rise with Favre’s rocket arm under center, but Berrian will be one of those hit and miss fantasy plays this season. If Favre plays well Berrian could really shine, but if the passing game suffers any setbacks he could disappear….
On WR-Dwayne Bowe:
Not that anyone was really nervous, but it is a relief to see Bowe back in the starting lineup. Bowe has been one of the most targeted receivers the past couple of season and little should change in 2009. Bowe figures to be a solid WR2 this season, but it will be interesting to see if Cassel can get him the ball…..
On QB-Matt Cassel:
With Cassel looking better in practice, Bowe’s stock just shot up the charts. Cassel won’t be much better than a solid QB2, but his modest success will only make Bowe even more fantasy worthy as a solid WR2….
On RB-Julius Jones:
The Jones stock will take a slight hit this season with the signing of Edgerrin James. While Edge is going to compete, it’s not likely he’ll take the job, but he could steal quite a few short-yardage red-zone carries, so draft Jones accordingly….
On QB-Jay Cutler:
Does anyone in fantasy really care what Cutler thinks of McDaniels, doubtful. The only thing that matters is Cutler will see his numbers drop a bit, but his presence will make his receivers Hester and Olsen much better…..
On QB-Ingle Martin:
Who is this guy and how did he end up in Denver? Does anyone really have any info on him? It really doesn’t matter, Martin will likely only last as long as Simms is out……
On QB-Carson Palmer:
This doesn’t appear to be much, so fantasy owners should not be overly concerned. Palmer is likely to be a forgotten fantasy name and undervalued in many drafts, but he will most definitely be worth picking up. Palmer’s throwing troubles appear to be in the past and a rejuvenated Ocho could mean big things…..
On WR-Terrell Owens:
Owens is likely going to fall to the second round of most drafts and should be snatched right behind the big three (Mos, Fitz, and Andre). Owens looks great, is healing fine and will be ready for the opener. His 38 touchdowns in the last three seasons says it all…..
On QB-Brett Favre:
In his 19-years in the NFL Favre has seen plenty of adversity, so what’s spinning in the current rumor mill will have no affect on his play. Favre is not a fantasy starter, but if he plays well he could a solid insurance policy for your starter….
On WR-Anquan Boldin:
The Card’s receiver is as tough as they come, but expect the team to exercise some caution and keep their playmaker healthy. Boldin is likely to be taken fairly early in drafts and opposite Fitz, he’s a high-end WR2……
On WR-Brandon Marshall:
The latest reports would seem to suggest, unless a team is offering the farm, Marshall is going to be a Bronco. He current elevation on the depth chart is also a good indicator that we could see him on the field soon. Owners keep watching…..
On QB-Ben Roethlisberger:
The good news is the Steeler’s quarterback appears to be okay and should be back on the field soon enough, but the fantasy side his injury is not likely to change his fantasy stock. Big Ben is likely to be drafted as your back-up, but when healthy he could serve as an occasional starter if the match-up is right……
On QB-Kurt Warner:
At 38 years of age, anytime Warner gets banged up there’s reason for concern. It doesn’t appear there is a lot to worry here, but he’s going to be a health risk all season. Draft accordingly……
On QB-Mark Sanchez:
This may be a smart move for the Jets who are in rebuilding mode, but fantasy owners should not get caught up in the hype. Sanchez only has value in keeper and dynasty leagues, remember he’s just a rookie……
On RB-Mike Bell:
This is a big surprise and if true will likely lower the value of running back Pierre Thomas. Even with the coach’s endorsement, Bell doesn’t look like much of fantasy option although it remains to be seen…..
On QB-Chris Simms:
With the injury, the competition basically ends and Orton is handed the starting job (although it may have already been decided). Even when Simms return, he’s best left on the waiver wire for later consideration…..
On RB-Pierre Thomas:
The Saints starting running back remains the best fantasy option, although Bush may get more consideration in PPR leagues. Thomas may lose a few carries to Bell, but he should still plenty to be a worthy low-end RB2 in fantasy……
On WR-Michael Crabtree:
Agent’s fault or receiver’s not matter, Crabtree is too risky not to consider in any draft. He’ll be watched closely as he lingers on the waiver wire once the fantasy season begins….
Check back with "Your Fantasy Sports Home" for more Football to digest....
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