FSH: THE FRIDAY NIGHT INFIRMARY REPORT

January 15th, 2009 - 11:17pm PST

Divisional Round

Infirmary Report

Injury Updates for the Divisional Round

(Some recent player injury news; updated Friday Jan. 15th)

Offensive Player Injuries

Thomas Jones-RB (Jets)

The Jets running back Thomas Jones (knee) practiced in full on Friday for the second straight day. He is probable for Sunday and doesn't sound like he'll have any restrictions when he squares off the with Chargers.

Pierre Thomas-RB (Saints)

The Saints running back Pierre Thomas (ribs) returned to practice this week and looks ready for Saturday. Although he's not quite 100 percent, he's close and will wear a protective flak jacket. The Cards 17th ranked run defense will have their hands full trying to slow Thomas down.

Marion Barber-RB (Cowboys)

The Cowboys running back Marion Barber (knee) returned to full practice on Friday and appears set to start on Sunday. It's unclear if he's healthy, but he doesn't figure to make a huge impact. Backup running back Felix Jones should be in line for more touches.

Larry Fitzgerald-WR (Cardinals)

The Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (arm) is expected to start Saturday despite having to wear a protective sleeve over his left arm. Fitzgerald suffered a nasty bruise near his elbow, but doesn't appear to be slowed by the injury. With Boldin likely out it could be a big day for Fitz.

Anquan Boldin-WR (Cardinals)

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter the Cardinals are not expecting wide receiver Anquan Boldin (ankle) to be available for Saturday's matchup against the Saints. Boldin sat out last Sunday's wildcard matchup wiht the Packers and will likely be a game-time decision for Saturday.

Lance Moore-WR (Saints)

The Saints receiver Lance Moore (ankle) was limited earlier this week in practice, but according to Scout.com he now appears probable for Saturday's clash with the Cardinals. Moore has not played in nearly a month and has missed eight of the team's last nine games.

Defensive Player Injuries

DeMarcus Ware-LB (Cowboys)

The Cowboys Pro Bowl linebacker DeMarcus Ware (wrist/back) is listed as probable and expected to start Sunday against the Vikings. Ware has 14.5 sacks this season and will be a huge part of the Cowboys plans to slow down Vikings quarterback Brett Favre.

Robert Mathis-DL (Colts)

The Colts defensive lineman Robert Mathis (shoulder) was a full participant in Friday's practice for the third straight day. He is listed as probable and should be ready to go for Saturday's tilt with the Ravens.

Antoine Winfield-DB (Vikings)

The Vikings cornerback Antoine Winfield (foot) was a full participant in Friday's practice and is expected to play, but with his recent struggles he could be limited in action. Winfield aggravated his foot injury in Week 14 and has not returned to his normal pro bowl form. If he has any trouble on Sunday, it could be a long day for the Vikings secondary.

Don't forget to check for "Game-time" updates....

FSH: NFL DRAFT REVIEW

January 13th, 2009 11:55pm PST

2009 NFL Draft Review

Working with the staff over at the NFL Draft Bible, the following is my assessment of how the Rams did with their seven 2009 draft picks. The grade is based on the pick, considering when the pick was taken and how the player developed or did not. For complete coverage of all 32 teams, check out the NFL Draft Bible.

ST. LOUIS RAMS 2009 DRAFT REVIEW

(1-2) Jason Smith, OT, Baylor: The man-beast from the University of Baylor did not have the spectacular rookie season many in St. Louis would have hoped to see him have. Smith played in only eight games this season and with not having anything handed to him he started just five. His inaugural season as a professional lineman was marred by injuries (knee, concussion) which just didn't allow the behemoth ample time on the field to make a consistent contribution. Grade: C-

(2-35) James Laurinaitis, ILB, Ohio State: Perhaps one of the better picks of the 2009 NFL Draft, the rookie from thee Ohio State University quickly earned his reputation as a tough nose gap stuffer. Laurinaitis didn't waste any time earning the starting middle linebacker assignment during training camp. He started all 16 games as a rookie and led the club with 120 tackles, including 107 solo this past season. He's a strong anchor in the middle the team can build around. Grade: A

(3-66) Bradley Fletcher, DB, Iowa: The Ohio native showed some promise early in the season earning the starting gig at one corner for three games before suffering a hyper-extended knee that ended his season in week 7. The third round pick has impressive athletic ability and plays with a physical style of defense, but for a shortened campaign he was on his way to becoming a mainstay at the corner. Grade: B+

(4-103) Darell Scott, DT, Clemson: The big man in the trenches didn't exactly have a coming out party his rookie season. The fourth round pick didn't make much of an impact as a run-stopper this season playing in only 11 games and starting in just five this season (five of the last six). The Rams ranked near the bottom of the well against the run in 2009 and with only 18 tackles his rookie season Scott will have plenty of room for improvement. Grade: D

(5-160) Brooks Foster, WR, North Carolina: The South Carolina native out of UNC brought tremendous athletic ability to the position with good size. Unfortunately for Foster, he suffered a foot injury during training camp that required surgery and ended his rookie campaign prematurely. Foster was expected to challenge for time in the slot, but he will now have to wait until 2010 to see if he can earn a spot in the rotation. Grade: No grade. (Pick received from Falcons)

(6-196) Keith Null, QB, West Texas AM: The sixth round pick wasn't really expected to do anything more than hold a clip board and learn from the sideline, but injuries this season changed all that. A long shot at best, Null had impressive numbers coming out of college, but odds are stacked against making the transition to the bigs. Null had limited opportunity in 2009 starting just four games, but the kid did not fare well throwing nine interceptions. Unfortunately for Null during his short stint he did not show enough to convince management he is the future now. He's still raw, undeveloped, and a ways away from taking the reins in St.Louis; we still need to see a lot more. Grade: C- (pick received from Falcons)

(7-211) Chris Ogbonnaya, RB, Texas: The three-year letterman from the University of Texas started out his professional career on the Rams practice squad. He wasn't promoted to the active roster until late November. Buried deep behind running back Steven Jackson on the depth chart Ogbonnaya saw little action during his active stay. He doesn't appear to be the answer as Jackson's backup right now, but with his size and strength he could easily contribute as a special-teams player; we just haven't seen enough of this kid. Grade: D

Check back for more as I will be covering the NFC West Review…..

FSH: MORE FANTASY TALK

January 12th, 2009 11:37pm PST

MORE FOOTBALL TALK

Better than the Wild Wild West

While most of the matchups may have lacked some drama, for the fantasy football enthusiast there were plenty of fireworks the entire weekend, espcially during Sunday's Wildcard Weekend finale. The NFL definitely saved its best for last.

On Saturday it was a pair of mismatches with the both the Jets and Cowboys running games kicking into high gear. The Jets rookie running back Shonn Greene set the stage in the early game shredding the Bengals defense for 135 yards and a score. Not being outdone the Bengals running back Cedric Benson churned out 169 yards of his own including a 47-yard scoot for six.

In the night cap, it was the Felix Jones show. The Cowboys second year running back broke the game open in the 4th quarterback with a 73 yard touchdown run. He would finish the night with 148 yards on the ground, but would not be the only fantasy stud for the evening. To the surprise of many, DeSean Jackson (14 yards receiving, one touchdown) was not the Eagle's receiver with the big night. Rookie receiver Jeremy Maclin had a huge night catching seven balls for 146 yards and a touchdown.

These were the few bright stars on Saturday, but Sunday was filled with comets, quasars, and multiple explosions. In the morning game on Sunday, Ray Rice helped ignite the Ravens ground attack with 22 carries for 159 yards, including an 83 yard touchdown run on the first play from scrimmage. While that was a small explosion of a sort, it was nothing more than "the calm before the storm."

"nothing like a Sunday afternoon shootout"

As if we had thought we seen everything, enter Kurt "Wyatt Earp" Warner and Aaron "Doc Holiday" Rodgers. These two gunslingers put on a show for the ages and filled enough highlight reels to cover the entire 2009 post season. After more than 1,000 yards of offense, over 60 first downs, and 10 touchdowns, you would have expected after four quarters we would have a winner, right? Not in this classic, it would require OT.

From out of the gate "Wyatt" (Warner) came blazing, firing his six shooter and extending the Cardinals out to a 17-point first half advantage. Is "Doc Holiday" your Huckleberry, maybe so, but Aaron Rodgers was the answer to the Cardinals early fireworks. After a slow start in the first quarter (4 of 7 passing, 33 yards, 1-Int) the Packers signal caller got hot and just kept heating up especially in the second half; 19 of 28 passing, 318 yards, four touchdowns.

On the other side Wyatt just keep his guns blazing all afternoon. The Cardinals 38 year old quarterback was better than good, he was nearly perfect completing 29 of 33 passes. To make better sense of what he did, think about the fact he threw more touchdowns than balls that hit the turf (incompletions). Warner finished the evening with 379 yards passing, five touchdowns, and a passer rating of 154.1; These numbers are staggering against one of the leagues better secondaries.

When the dust settled, there was only one man left standing, the new sheriff in town and his name is Kurt Warner.

Check back every week for "More Football) Talk”

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

January 12th, 2010 8:30pm PST

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 week……

Player Notes From Across My Wire...

Joe Flacco needs to get well fast....

If the Ravens are going to survive this coming weekend, they will need a healthier quarterback and better effort than the 34 yards passing with one interception they got from their QB last weekend. Flacco who has been banged could be questionable for Saturday's clash, which is not good news for Baltimore. With the Colts outside speed rush and Flacco's health in question, the ground game will be critical for the Ravens against the league's 24th ranked defense against the run.

Vikings receiver Rice could be the difference...

When the Cowboys and Vikings meet on Sunday, both teams will have a lot of similarities; a big passer under center (Romo-Favre), an explosive runner (Jones-Peterson), and speed on the outside (Austin-Harvin). What the Vikings will have that could be missing from across the other side of the field is Sidney Rice. The third year receiver has blossomed into a dynamic and huge (he's 6'4") weapon for Favre and the offense. This season Rice led the team with 83 receptions for 1,312 yards, and 8-touchdowns.

Philip Rivers: No more month of December....

The Jets don't necessarily look like a team that was handed a gift to the post season and this is no longer the month of December. If the Chargers hope to advance to the AFC title game they will need Rivers to play better than his modest 3-3 post season record. 2009 has been a big year for the Chargers 6th year veteran as he has posted career like numbers; 4,254 yards passing (career high), 28 touchdowns, and a 104.4 passer rating.

Boldin is hopeful to play Sunday.....

There hasn't been anything definitively reported saying Boldin will play, but Yahoo Sports posted earlier today that the Cardinals receiver is optimistic about his chances of playing. Boldin said he feels much better and on Tuesday "was able to move around a little bit." There's no question he is another weapon in the Cardinal's arsonal, that is still dangerous even without him.

IDP Notes....

Jared Allen will be a factor on Sunday….

On Sunday the Cowboys and quarterback Tony Romo will stroll into the Mall of America Field, the home site for the Vikings. And who better to greet the opposing quarterback than the Vikings sack machine defensive end Jared Allen. The Vikings defensive lineman led the team with 14.5 sacks this season and tallied 51 tackles, including 43 solo. While Romo has been good this season, protection has been shaky at times allowing 36 sacks this season. Allen will be the ultimate test for the Cowboys 12th year left tackle Flozell Adams.

Check back with "Your Fantasy Sports Home" for more Football to digest....

FSH: TUESDAY FOOTBALL TALK

January 12th, 2010 10:17pm PST

FOOTBALL TALK

Looking under the hood of

Wildcard Weekend

Warner and Cards have plenty of firepower...

It was a historic match of wills on Sunday with no one willing to blink first when the Cardinals and Packers battled in their NFC tilt. It was also one that many did not figure the Cardinals would have enough weapons to succeed. On the Fox Sports pregame, one by one the analysts all picked the Packers and I'm sure they felt confident as Rodgers led his team all the way back. What they didn't realize was Kurt Warner and company had plenty of firepower on Sunday. Even minus an injured (WR) Anquan Boldin, Warner completed 29 passes (only four incompletes); including his last 11 passes to seven different receivers for 379 yards and five touchdowns. The Cardinals offense was also able to generate 156 yards on the ground with one rushing touchdown. Now that's a lot of offense and firepower.

Ravens and Jets use power running game.....

With a banged up Joe Flacco, the Ravens used the ground game more out of necessity than just preference. Albeit that is one of the team's signature calling cards the power run game, but on Sunday against the Patriots they ran the ball 46 times. The Jets did not differ much in their game plan toting the rock 38 times, undoubtedly to take some pressure off their rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez. There's little question looking ahead for both of these teams coming matchups, the key for success will be a dominant ground attack. The Ravens totaled 234 yards rushing, averaged nearly five yards a carry, and scored four times on the ground. The Jets found the roads in Cincinnati clear as they rambled for 171 yards rushing, averaging more than four yards a carry, and scoring twice on the ground. With the Colts and Chargers up next for these two teams, expect the goal to be similar results.

Cowboys showing great balance and peaking at the right time.....

It was hardly what many would have expected, that is if you weren't from the state of Texas. If you took a good look at the two teams (Cowboys-Eagles), there really shouldn't have been much of a surprise with the results. Not only has Dallas been playing well offensively averaging nearly 25 points per game and over 430 yards of offense in its last four games, but the defense has suddenly awaken from its slumber. Over the same stretch the defense has recorded nine takeaways and 16 sacks, while only allowing 31 total points combined (had two shutouts). When they travel to Minnesota, they will be riding an impressive four game winning streak and looking very capable of pulling off the upset.

More fantasy Notes

With the Raven's Joe Flacco ailing one of the biggest keys for the Colts defense will be its speed rush on the end. Defensive linemen Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis are going to pose all kinds of issues for the Ravens offensive tackles. Freeney led the team with 13.5 sacks this season, while Mathis chipped in with 9.5 of his own. In their first matchup this season, a game in which the Colts won 17-15, both Freeney and Mathis were limited with injuries. This won't be the case for Flacco and the Ravens on Saturday night.

While running back Adrian Peterson is all world all day, the Vikings dynamic rusher could take a back seat in Sunday's game plan against the Cowboys. It will be critical for the Vikings to start fast and dictate tempo in this matchup, especially against a team as hot as the Cowboys. When the offense has gone through Favre first, the running game has benefitted later and the team has had great success. When Favre throws three or more touchdowns the Vikings are 6-0, and when he completes better than 68 percent of his passes (minimum 24 attempts) the team is 7-0. The Vikings finished the 2009 season 12-4 with Peterson only eclipsing the century mark rushing three times, but he did score 18 rushing touchdowns.

Brees and Saints must start fast on Sunday if they hope to keep Kurt Warner and the Cardinals offense finding a rhythm. The Saints have struggled the past several weeks averaging just over 14 points a game. The team still finished number one in scoring and yards for the 2009 season, but Brees and company will be facing a red hot Warner and Cards offense. The Saints signal caller will need his best weapons Marques Colston (9-touchdowns), Robert Meachum (9-touchdowns), and Reggie Bush (47 receptions, 3-touchdowns) ready to make plays in the Superdome on Saturday.

By David Ortega

Check back every Tuesday for more “Tuesday (Football) Talk”

FSH: MORE FROM THE HUDDLE

January 11th, 2010 11:07pm PST

More From the Huddle

Last weekend was filled with a lot of excitement and surprise with the Jets and Ravens advancing, but it was also a fantasy frenzy for those that follow the other game. Looking ahead remember these players who will continue to make huge impacts....

What I remember from the Wild Weekend

1. It looks like Kurt Warner, the old man in the desert is just starting to heat up in time to make a post season run; 379 yards passing and five touchdowns.

2. The Cowboys have a three-headed attack with Barber, Jones, and Choice, but Felix is the Cat with the biggest bag of tricks; 16 carries for 148 yards, one reception for 30 yards and a 73 yard touchdown run.

3. Red means stop, but the Jets rookie running back only sees green. Shonn Greene broke the ground game open on Saturday with 135 yards and a score and could be looking to do the same in the Divisional Round.

4. No Boldin means more Steve Breaston. The Cardinals third year receiver was targeted nine times, caught the ball seven times for 125 yards with a score and had one carry for another 28 yards.

5. With Warner firing haymakers, expect Whisenhunt to go to the well often. Rookie running back Chris "Beanie" Wells carried the ball 14 times for 91 yards on the ground; one of his best efforts on the ground this season.

6. Despite the lack of a passing attack the Ravens second year runner Ray Rice was dominant on the ground. Rice carried the ball 22 times and rumbled his way to 159 yards with two scores, including an 83 yard touchdown run on the first play from scrimmage.

7. The Cowboys are quietly one of the hottest teams in the post season and quarterback Tony Romo may be the hottest; in his last seven starts, four 300-yard passing games, 13 touchdowns, only two interceptions, a 5-2 record, including a 244 yard effort with two touchdown passes to defeat the Eagles last Saturday night.

8. He doesn't play like a rookie. The Jets quarterback was poised, precise, and very good on Saturday against a pretty good Bengals defense. Sanchez completed 12 of 15 passes for 182 yards and a score, and led an offense that racked up 353 yards of total offense; not bad for a rookie.

9. The Jets shutdown corner Darrelle Revis could very well be the team's MVP this season (if he's not already). All he does is shut down receivers; Chad Ochocinco caught just two passes for 28 yards. That's just one more catch than Revis who picked off his 7th pass this season (reg and post).

10. The Cowboys wide receiver Miles Austin continues to prove he is big-time; on Saturday against the Eagles he caught seven passes for 82 yards, including a six yard touchdown reception.

Remember to check back for more "From the Huddle!"

FSH: MONDAY MORNING HUDDLE

January 11th, 2010

[Late Edition]

Monday Morning Huddle

A Wild Fantasy Weekend of Football

If you are still engaged in fantasy football or just following the stats, this past weekend was filled with more than its share of game-breakers and money makers. It was a day of back-ups coming to the forefront on Saturday and some good old fashion gun slinging on Sunday during the Wildcard frenzy.

In both of Saturday's matchups a couple of backup running backs made huge statements and were major fantasy impact players. In the earlier tilt between the Jets and Bengals, rookie running back Shonn Greene burst onto the scene with his first carry going for 12 yards. From then on it was off to the races for Greene. The rookie averaged 6.4 yards per carry and broke more runs for 9, 9, 8, 15, 14, and a 39 yard score.

In the night cap, it was running back Felix Jones' turn. On 16 carries, the Cowboys number two running back powered his way to 148 yards on the ground for a hefty 9.3 yards per carry average. Jones highlighted the Cowboys evening by breaking free for a 73 yard touchdown run that put the final nails in the coffin ending the Eagles hopes.

Unlike the ground game that was prevalent on Saturday, it was the vertical game that filled the highlight reel on Sunday. In the showdown at the Cardinal coral, both quarterbacks Kurt Warner and Aaron Rodgers light up the scoreboard like a Christmas tree. Aaron Rodgers was relentless throwing the pigskin 42 times, completing 28 passes for 422 yards and four scores. Rodgers also added a one yard touchdown keeper to his stats.

On the other side Kurt Warner was equally impressive completing 29 of 33 passes for 379 yards and tossing five touchdowns. The two quarterbacks combined for 801 yards in the air, 10 touchdowns, and 90 points; now that's a Wildcard weekend at its best.

More Injury notes from Sunday...

QB-Joe Flacco (finger)....banged up, questionable for Saturday.

RB-Marion Barber (knee).....expected to start vs Vikings.

WR-Anquan Boldin (ankle, knee)....hopeful to play Saturday.

TE-Todd Heap (back)....x-rays negative, expects to play.

LB-Shawne Merriman (foot)...healthiest he's been all season.

LB-David Harris (ankle)....should be healthier for Sunday.

What I saw this past weekend

The old man has plenty of fire....

Just when many figured the Cardinals run would not even get out of the gate against the Packers, Kurt Warner shows up and turns it up. Maybe someone should have told him he was 38 years of age, because on Sunday he did not play like it. The Cardinals signal caller was nearly flawless throwing five touchdowns and only four incompletions on the day. Warner passed for 379 yards, led the Cards to 51 points on the board and a trip to New Orleans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs. Who says the old man is finished, it looks like he is just getting started.

The Jets go Gang Greene on Cincy...

The Jets have one of the leagues very best rushing attacks in the game today and they are often led by their veteran runner Thomas Jones, but on Saturday it was all Shonn Greene that did in the Bengals. The rookie running back from the University of Iowa blew up for 135 yards on the ground Saturday, including a 39 yard scamper to pay dirt. With Thomas Jones (knee) ailing some, the rookie was able to pick up the slack and punch out the opposition.

Romo proving the critics wrong....

Not only was the third time a charm for the Cowboys over the Eagles this season, but it was also a charm for Cowboy's quarterback Tony Romo. In his third post season appearance, Romo finally led his team to a post season victory. The Cowboys quarterback completed 23 of 35 passes for 244 yards and threw two touchdowns in the win over the Eagles. Romo has been one of the hottest quarterbacks in the second half of the season with 13 touchdown passes and only two interceptions in his last seven starts. After leading the Cowboys to their fourth straight win this season and first playoff win since 1996, Romo could have critics changing their minds about his play on the big stage.

Quick Notes:

The Cowboys running back Felix Jones is becoming more prominent in the team's offensive game plan. In his last two games he has averaged over 17 touches and totaled 272 yards from scrimmage with two rushing touchdowns.

The Raven's running back Ray Rice has been on a roll the last five weeks totaling more than 100-yards from scrimmage in four of his past five starts. Rice is averaging nearly 125 yards rushing with three touchdowns over that span.

The Jets ground game keeps turning green. Over the past three games, rookie running back Shonn Greene has averaged nearly 17 carries per game and totaled 292 yards on the ground with one score that came on Saturday against the Bengals.

Remember to check back for more "Monday Morning Huddle!"

FSH: SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL NOTES

January 10th, 2010 10:57pm PST

Sunday Football Notes

Wildcard Weekend

Injury round-up

(Updated Sunday Jan. 10th)

Offensive Player Injuries

Pierre Thomas-RB (Saints)

The Saints running back Pierre Thomas (ribs) has practiced with the team, but continues to wear a non-contact jersey. Thomas sounds confident he will be available to play on Saturday against the Cardinals, but will likely require additional heavy padding for protection.

Marion Barber-RB (Cowboys)

The Cowboys running back Marion Barber (knee) saw limited action in Saturday night's matchup against the Eagles. If Barber is not 100 percent for Sunday's showdown with the Vikings, Felix Jones and Tashard Choice are more than capable of picking up the slack as evident in their play against the Eagles.

Lance Moore-WR (Saints)

The Saints wide receiver Lance Moore has been sidelined much of the 2009 season with hamstring and ankle injuries, but the team is hoping for his return to practice this week. If Moore is able to get back out there as planned he could be available for Saturday's matchup with the Cards.

Anquan Boldin-WR (Cardinals)

The Cardinals dynamic wide receiver Anquan Boldin (ankle, knee) was held out of Sunday's contest with the Packers. The team is hoping with the extra rest who could return next week against the Saints. Boldin did not practice last week and likely won't practice until later in the week if he has a chance to play.

Todd Heap-TE (Ravens)

The Ravens tight end Todd Heap sustained a back stinger on Sunday against the Patriots and is being listed as questionable for Saturday night's rematch with the Indianapolis Colts. The Ravens passing game struggled on Sunday and will need a healthy Heap against the high-powered Indy Colts.

Defensive Player Injuries

Malcolm Jenkins-CB (Saints)

According to the Sporting News, the Saints rookie cornerback Malcolm Jenkins (hamstring) did not practice with the team on Saturday. Jenkins hopes to be able to return to practice on Tuesday and be ready to play in next week’s divisional round.

Shawne Merriman-LB (Chargers)

The Chargers pass rushing linebacker Shawne Merriman has been nursing a foot injury over the past several weeks and is expected to be as healthy as he's been all season when he returns to action for the divisional round. Merriman has lost of bit of his explosion and has yet to show any dominance on the field this season, the Chargers will need him to be healthy and at his best this weekend against the Jets.

By David Ortega

Check out more “Sunday Night Football Notes” every week!