FSH: IDP NOTES

October 22nd, 2009 11:00pm PST

IDP Notes:

The strong never sleep, so for those that can keep up with the “what is happening” around the league, here’s more football just for all of the IDP Nation….

IDP News From Across the Wire…

David Harris, LB, New York Jets
David Harris fully practiced for the second straight day Thursday, according to NFL.com. He has been dealing with a wrist ailment.
My Fantasy Read on Harris: Harris is a solid IDP start with 57 tackles this season. There’s no indication that he’ll miss Sunday, better have him in the lineup….

Stephen Cooper, LB, San Diego Chargers
Stephen Cooper fully practiced Thursday, according to NFL.com. He has been dealing with a knee injury.
My Fantasy Read on Cooper: The Charger’s linebacker leads the team with 43 total tackles. He’s not expected to miss this Sunday and should be a solid play…..

Brian Cushing, LB, Houston Texans
Brian Cushing did not practice for the second straight day Thursday while dealing with a sore foot, according to NFL.com.
My Fantasy Read on Cushing: The Texan’s rookie linebacker has been a terror on the defense leading the team with 48 tackles. Cushing also has a half sack and a pick this season…..

Mario Williams, DE, Houston Texans
Mario Williams was limited during Thursday's practice while nursing a shoulder ailment, according to NFL.com.
My Fantasy Read on Williams: The Texan’s defensive lineman is off to a slow start this season with only two sacks. He’s not playing like an every week starter, so consider better options if available…..

Antonio Cromartie, CB, San Diego Chargers
Antonio Cromartie injured his knee during practice, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune.
My Fantasy Read on Cromartie: It sounds like the injury is not as serious as feared and Cromartie should play Sunday. Be careful considering this option, the Charger’s cornerback has not been the same playmaker of late…..

Kamerion Wimbley, LB, Cleveland Browns
Kamerion Wimbley was limited during Thursday's practice while dealing with an illness, according to the Browns' official website. He did not practice yesterday.
My Fantasy Read on Wimbley: The Browns outside linebacker is having a strong start to the 2009 season with four sacks this season. With 32 tackles he’s a strong play week in and week out….

Bernard Pollard, S, Houston Texans
Bernard Pollard is dealing with flu-like symptoms and was sent home before today's practice, according to the Houston Chronicle.
My Fantasy Read on Pollard: The Texans safety has been good since joining the lineup, but you’ll want to check his status for Sunday….


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FSH: IDP NOTES

October 13th, 2009 11:00pm PST

IDP Notes:

The strong never sleep, so for those that can keep up with the “what is happening” around the league, here’s more football just for all of the IDP Nation….

IDP News From Across the Wire…

D'Qwell Jackson, LB, Cleveland Browns
D'Qwell Jackson was limited in practice for the second straight day Thursday, according to the Browns' official website.
My Fantasy Read on Jackson: After last week’s 13 tackles, Jackson is probably following the same formula of taking it easy during the week and leaving it on the field on Sunday. Jackson leads the Browns with 52 tackles….

Shaun Rogers, DT, Cleveland Browns
Shaun Rogers did not practice Thursday, according to the Browns' official website.
My Fantasy Read on Rogers: The Brown’s nose tackles remains the big boy in the middle, but does only have one sack this season. His absences shouldn’t be a concern as Rogers followed a similar regiment last week and played on Sunday. Rogers is likely just resting up for the Steelers….

James Farrior, LB, Pittsburgh Steelers
James Farrior practiced Thursday, according to Scout.com. He has been dealing with an elbow ailment.
My Fantasy Read on Farrior: The Steeler’s stud linebacker is a bit off last season’s pace with just 28 tackles this season, but he’s a reliable start and is not likely to miss Sunday…..

Stephen Tulloch, LB, Tennessee Titans
Stephen Tulloch was limited in today's practice while dealing with a knee ailment, according to the Titans' official website.
My Fantasy Read on Tulloch: The Titan’s middle-backer has been solid this season and sounds like he could be questionable for Sunday, but if he plays he’s a must start against the Patriots….

Chris Harris, S, Carolina Panthers
Chris Harris noted that his ailing left knee held up fine in Week 5 against Washington, according to the Associated Press.
My Fantasy Read on Harris: The Panther’s 5th year safety was solid last week and looks like he’s ready to resume his hard-hitting role. He’s a good play this week against a struggling Tampa offense….

Keith Ellison, LB, Buffalo Bills
Keith Ellison was limited during today's practice, according to the Buffalo News. He is dealing with a sore knee.
My Fantasy Read on Ellison: The injury hardly sounds like anything to be overly concerned about. Ellison has been a bright spot on the defense this season and with the Jet’s running game next on the schedule he shine even more on Sunday….

Troy Polamalu, S, Pittsburgh Steelers
Troy Polamalu practiced for the second straight day Thursday, according to the Associated Press. He has been recovering from a sprained MCL.
My Fantasy Read on Polamalu: The Steeler’s playmaking safety looks on track to play Sunday. With the recent loss of Aaron Smith (placed on IR), Polamalu’s return could not come soon enough, get him in your lineups….

Ernie Sims, LB, Detroit Lions
Ernie Sims (shoulder) was limited in practice for the second straight day on Thursday, according to the Detroit Free Press.
My Fantasy Read on Sims: The reports don’t sound good for Sims to play. He’s worth hanging onto if you’ve got the roster space, but it looks like you’ll need to keep him benched this Sunday….

Brian Cushing, LB, Houston Texans
Brian Cushing did not practice Thursday while nursing a sore foot, according to the Houston Chronicle.
My Fantasy Read on Cushing: The rookie linebacker has been solid thus far with 39 tackles this season. He’ll likely rest this week and go easy, but expect to see him on the field Sunday…..

Ty Warren, DE, New England Patriots
Ty Warren was limited in today's practice while still recovering from a calf ailment, according to the Boston Herald.
My Fantasy Read on Warren: The Pat’s defensive end has been less than spectacular this season, although he was decent last week. He has yet to blossom into any kind of IDP stud, at less than 100 percent he’s better off on your bench….

Vince Wilfork, DT, New England Patriots
Vince Wilfork was limited in Thursday's practice while nursing an ankle ailment, according to the Boston Globe.
My Fantasy Read on Wilfork: The Patriot’s nose tackle was limited last week as well, but was able to play against Denver. It’s safe to expect the same routine here, but Wilfork is not a big numbers guy and shouldn’t be played unless facing a heavy run team; the Titan’s have yet to be a heavy-run team this season….


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FSH: IDP NOTES

September 1st, 2009 10:30pm PST

IDP Notes:

The strong never sleep, so for those that can keep up with the “what is happening” around the league, here’s more football just for all of the IDP Nation….

IDP News From Across the Wire…

Brian Cushing, LB, Houston Texans
Houstontexans.com reports that rookie linebacker Brian Cushing may miss his fourth straight preseason game Friday with a knee injury.
My Fantasy Read on Cushing: The Texans rookie linebacker looks like a long shot to play in week one with any kind of effectiveness. Even as a starter, he’s behind the curve and would be a safer late round fantasy pick….

Eugene Wilson, S, Houston Texans
Eugene Wilson is considered day-to-day after sustaining a knee injury during Monday's preseason game against the Vikings, according to the Houston Chronicle.
My Fantasy Read on Wilson: It’s always unfortunate when players get injured, but it did not appear the illegal block by Favre was done with any malice. Wilson should be fine and return soon enough, although he’s not a big IDP favorite….

Curtis Johnson, DE, Indianapolis Colts
According to the Dallas Morning News, the Cowboys have claimed linebacker Curtis Johnson off waivers from the Colts.
My Fantasy Read on Johnson: The Cowboys have plenty of talented starters. Johnson doesn’t figure to see any meaningful time and isn’t fantasy worthy….

Reggie Nelson, S, Jacksonville Jaguars
Head coach Jack Del Rio indicated that Reggie Nelson will be the Jaguars' starting free safety for Week 1 at Indianapolis, according to their official team website.
My Fantasy Read on Nelson: Nelson could be somewhat of a modest fantasy sleeper playing free-safety. He’s not a big tackler, but last season he started 15 games and had 5 picks to go along with 63 tackles…..

Charles Tillman, CB, Chicago Bears
According to the Chicago Tribune, there is "no chance" of cornerback Charles Tillman seeing any action in Thursday's exhibition against the Browns.
My Fantasy Read on Tillman: The Bears secondary is in need of help, but it sounds like the playmaking Tillman will not be to the rescue. He’s still a worthy draft selection, but better fit for the later rounds with his high injury risk…..

A.J. Hawk, LB, Green Bay Packers
According to the Green Bay Press-Gazette, the Packers likely won't use A.J. Hawk as an every-down linebacker this season.
My Fantasy Read on Hawk: This news will definitely take a chunk out of his fantasy stock. With limited play, his production levels will be expected to tail off some, lowering his fantasy value. He’ll serve well as a fantasy back-up, but not a starter….

Rod Hood, CB, Chicago Bears
ESPN.com is reporting that cornerback Rod Hood has signed a one-year deal with the Chicago Bears. Hood was released by the Browns on Monday after going to the Super Bowl with Arizona last season.
My Fantasy Read on Hood: The Bears can use plenty of help in the secondary, but it may not come from Hood who’s just looking for a job. With the Bear’s luck in the secondary he’s not going to have much fantasy value to start, but could offer something later in the season…..

Osi Umenyiora, DE, New York Giants
The Newark Star-Ledger is reporting that Giants' defensive end Osi Umenyiora returned to practice on Tuesday. Umenyiora lef tthe team's facility yesterday after getting into an argument with defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan.
My Fantasy Read on Umenyiora: Umenyiora seemed to have a difference of opinion, but great news for fantasy owners to see him back at practice. Completely healed from his 2008 injury woes, he should be able to take his place back among the pass rushing elite…..

Tye Hill, CB, Atlanta Falcons
According to the team's Twitter page, the St. Louis Rams have traded former first-round pick Tye Hill to Atlanta. The Rams will receive Atlanta's seventh-round pick in next year's draft in return.
My Fantasy Read on Hill: Interesting move for the Falcons, but Hill has a chance to rebound from his dismal past in St.Louis. With a much better pass rush up front, Hill has a chance to be an effective corner. His fantasy value is still a big question and he should be avoided for the time being, but key an eye out…..

Danieal Manning, S, Chicago Bears
The Chicago Tribune reports that defensive back Danieal Manning (hamstring) will play in Thursday's exhibition game against the Browns.
My Fantasy Read on Manning: Manning is coming off a sub-par season a year ago and it doesn’t look like 2009 has more promise. He has limited fantasy value and would be better off avoided during drafts…..

Nnamdi Asomugha, CB, Oakland Raiders
ESPN's Adam Schefter is reporting on his Twitter page that Raiders' cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha has suffered a chipped bone in his left wrist. Asomugha is expected to miss two weeks with the injury.
My Fantasy Read on Asomugha: Despite the report from Schefter, the Raider’s beat writer David Wright is saying Asomugha is more likely to go in week one. Let’s face it, he only needs to knock the ball down. Expect the shut-down corner to start week one. Asomugha is a not considered a top rated fantasy defensive back, although he one of the best in the leauge….


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FSH: IDP NOTES

August 25th, 2009 10:30pm PST

IDP Notes:

The strong never sleep, so for those that can keep up with the “what is happening” around the league, here’s more football just for all of the IDP Nation….

IDP News From Across the Wire…

Kelly Gregg, DT, Baltimore Ravens
Kelly Gregg is getting an MRI on his ailing shoulder Tuesday, according to Aaron Wilson's (Carroll County Times) twitter page.

Jamar Fletcher, CB, Cincinnati Bengals
Jamar Fletcher continues to compete for the nickel role as the No. 3 cornerback in the Bengals' secondary, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals' official website is reporting that cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie was excused from Tuesday's practice to attend to a personal matter. He is expected to return to the team on Wednesday.

Larry English, LB, San Diego Chargers
Larry English returned to practice following his three-week bout with a strained hamstring, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. He said, "You cannot duplicate what you need to do on the field when you are not practicing. I tried to stay mentally in it, and it helped me. But I am glad to be back."

Bob Sanders, S, Indianapolis Colts
Head coach Jim Caldwell is optimistic regarding Bob Sanders' recovery from offseason knee surgery, according to the Indianapolis Star. Caldwell said, "Dr. James Andrews has looked at him and really feels he is on target and coming along. He is making progress. Sanders feels good about where he is, Dr. Andrews feels good about where he is, so that means I should feel good about where he is."

Geno Hayes, LB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
According to the Pewter Report, Geno Hayes will begin the season as the team's starting weakside linebacker while Jermaine Phillips fills in for the suspended Tanard Jackson at free safety.

Jermaine Phillips, S, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Linebacker Jermaine Phillips will fill-in for Tanard Jackson at free safety for the first four games of 2009 while Jackson serves a four-game suspension, according to the Pewter Report.

Gibril Wilson, S, Miami Dolphins
Gibril Wilson was absent from Tuesday's morning practice as he was attending to a personal matter, according to the Palm Beach Post.

Tyrone McKenzie, LB, New England Patriots
Tyrone McKenzie has inked a deal with the Patriots, according to their official team website. Contract terms were not disclosed.

Michael Lewis, S, San Francisco 49ers
Michael Lewis returned to practice Monday, according to Matt Maiocco's (Santa Rosa Press Democrat) twitter page.

Leonard Little, DE, St. Louis Rams
Updating an earlier report, Leonard Little returned for Monday's afternoon practice with the Rams, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Napoleon Harris, LB, Oakland Raiders
Napoleon Harris has signed a one-year deal to return to the Raiders, according to ProFootballTalk.com. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Thomas Davis, LB, Carolina Panthers
Thomas Davis returned to practice Monday following his bout with a knee ailment, according to Scout.com.

Nick Barnett, LB, Green Bay Packers
According to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, Packers' linebacker Nick Barnett has been cleared to resume contact drills. Barnett is expected to do at least some contact work at Monday night's practice.

Aaron Schobel, DE, Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills' official website is reporting that defensive end Aaron Schobel suffered an elbow injury during Monday's practice. Schobel is expected to miss close to a week with the injury.

Nate Salley, S, Carolina Panthers
Nate Salley continues to be slowed by knee issues, according to Scout.com.

Tommie Harris, DT, Chicago Bears
Tommie Harris did not practice Monday to rest his knee and hamstring, according to ESPN Chicago.

Jon Beason, LB, Carolina Panthers
Jon Beason is out indefinitely with a knee injury, according to the Associated Press.

Ray McDonald, DE, San Francisco 49ers
49ers' beat writer Matt Maiocco is reporting on his Twitter page that the team has activated defensive end Ray McDonald off the PUP list. McDonald has been sidelined while recovering from offseason knee surgery.

Brian Cushing, LB, Houston Texans
According to the team's official website, Texans' rookie linebacker Brian Cushing is still not ready to return to practice. Cushing is expected to participate in drills early this week, and the team hopes he may be able to return later in the week.

Rocky Bernard, DT, New York Giants
According to ESPN.com, Giants' defensive lineman Rocky Bernard is expected to see his first action of the preseason this weekend when his team plays the Jets. Bernard has missed time this summer with a hamstring injury.

Cody Brown, LB, Arizona Cardinals
According to the Twitter page of Sports' Agent Nate Haber, Arizona rookie linebacker Cody Brown will miss the entire 2009 season after suffering a rare wrist injury. Brown was the team's second-round pick out of Connecticut.

Langston Moore, DT, Cincinnati Bengals
Langston Moore has signed a deal with the Bengals, according to Joe Reedy's (Cincinnati Enquirer) twitter page. Contract terms were not disclosed.

Aaron Ross, CB, New York Giants
Aaron Ross was able to practice Monday, according to Newsday. He is recovering from a strained hamstring.

Antonio Pierce, LB, New York Giants
Antonio Pierce was held out of Monday's practice while nursing a foot ailment, according to Newsday.

Adam Carriker, DT, St. Louis Rams
Adam Carriker participated in individual drills for the first time since being sidelined by an ankle injury on Sunday, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Dusty Dvoracek, DT, Chicago Bears
The Chicago Sun-Times is reporting that Bears' defensive tackle Dusty Dvoracek will miss the entire 2009 season with a torn ACL. This is the fourth straight year Dvoracek has suffered a season-ending injury.

My Fantasy Quick takes and Reads….


On DB-Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie:
He’s a playmaker and will worthy of drafting in IDP leagues. DRC led the Cards in 2008 with four picks, including one he took to the house….

On LB-Larry English:
Not only is English is back on the field, but if you are drafting IDP this season, you better speak his language. The Chargers are full at the linebacker spot, but this kid is too good to not be on the field. One some point this season, he’ll be worth a fantasy spot…..

On DB-Bob Sanders:
The Colt’s head coach may feel good, but with Sander’s history of injuries fantasy owners should feel distant. Sanders remains a risky option until he’s completely healed, avoid at this time…..

On DB-Jermaine Phillips:
Phillips will likely be a good play for the first four games back at his natural position of safety, but he’ll have some upside once he moves closer to the line at weakside linebacker……

On DB-Gibril Wilson:
The former Raider safety, now playing with the Dolphins is still a worthy IDP drafting option. Coming off 129 tackles a year ago, he’s going to be one of the top DB’s taken……

On DL-Leonard Little:
Even at the age of 34 and despite his recent injury woes over the past couple of season, Little can still be a productive DL this season. He’s a risk given his past history, but with six sacks last season, the more he plays in 2009 the greater the reward…..

On LB-Thomas Davis:
The Panthers 5th year linebacker has been steadily improving since his arrival. Coming off his best season with 113 tackles in 2008, Davis is going to be one of the more productive linebackers this season. He’s a top IDP selection…..

On LB-Nick Barnett:
The Packers backer is coming off an injury shortened 2008 and will be looking to rebound this season. Barnett could be a forgotten name in fantasy, but shouldn’t be. In 2007 he finished with 102 solo tackles and 3.5 sacks, both career highs. He’s only in his 7th season and likely to be available in the mid rounds, snatch him up if you can….

On LB-Jon Beason:
The Panthers middle-backer has been a beast since his arrival to the NFL. He’s averaged nearly 140-tackles his first two seasons. Despite the injury, he remains a top IDP selection in fantasy drafts, but you better follow it up…..

On LB-Brian Cushing:
It’s never good when your rookie is sidelined. Until he returns to action, he’ll be a risky pick despite all the hype. Draft with caution…..

On LB-Antonio Pierce:
Pierce’s production has tailed off some the past couple of seasons, but he still remains a solid IDP play in 2009. With the LB position loaded with talent this season, he’s a mid-rounder at best….


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FSH: IDP NOTES

August 13th, 2009 10:30pm PST

IDP Notes:

The strong never sleep, so for those that can keep up with the “what is happening” around the league, here’s more football just for all of the IDP Nation….

IDP News From Across the Wire…


Cato June, LB, Houston Texans
Cato June has been unable to practice for the last two days due to a swollen knee, according to the Texans' official website.

Troy Polamalu, S, Pittsburgh Steelers
Troy Polamalu is gearing up for a big 2009 campaign, according to the National Football Post. He said, "I am light years ahead of where I was last year when I did not practice at all during camp (due to a hamstring injury)."

B.J. Raji, DT, Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers and B.J. Raji have finally agreed to a long-term deal, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Larry English, LB, San Diego Chargers
Larry English missed another day of practice Thursday while dealing with a strained hamstring, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune.

James Hall, DE, St. Louis Rams
Along with fellow veteran Leonard Little, James Hall has been one of the standouts at defensive end in Rams camp, according to ESPN.

Chris Long, DE, St. Louis Rams
ESPN reports that defensive end Chris Long has "(looked) solid, but hardly dynamic" at Rams camp so far.

James Laurinaitis, LB, St. Louis Rams
ESPN.com is reporting that James Laurinaitis has been named the starting middle linebacker for the Rams by coach Steve Spagnuolo. Laurinaitis was the team's second-round pick out of Ohio State.

Mike Brown, S, Kansas City Chiefs
Mike Brown has not pushed Bernard Pollard for the starting gig at strong safety in the early going of training camp with the Chiefs, according to the Kansas City Star. Brown said, "I am definitely out here competing but I realize my role."

Bob Sanders, S, Indianapolis Colts
Bob Sanders has been ruled out for Friday's preseason opener against the Vikings, according to the Indianapolis Star. He remains on the PUP list while recovering from his off-season knee surgery.

Aaron Maybin, DE, Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo News is reporting that the Bills are moving closer to signing first-round pick Aaron Maybin. Both sides have been talking, and the team hopes they can get the deal done this week so Maybin can play in the final three preseason games.

Mark Anderson, DE, Chicago Bears
Mark Anderson, the Bears' "co-starter" at both left end and right end, has drawn praise this preseason after a disappointing 2008, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.

Brian Cushing, LB, Houston Texans
Updating a previous report, Texans' linebacker Brian Cushing has been diagnosed with a sprained LCL, according to the Houston Chronicle. Cushing is expected to be full strength for the season opener.

Antoine Bethea, S, Indianapolis Colts
The Associated Press reports that Colts defensive back Antoine Bethea is out indefinitely with a broken hand.

Ron Bartell, CB, St. Louis Rams
Rams' cornerback Ron Bartell sat out Wednesday morning's practice with a minor hamstring injury, according to the team's Twitter page. Bartell is expected to be available to play Friday in the team's first preseason game.



My Fantasy Read….

Cato June was a starter for the Bucs last season, but the Texans are pretty loaded at linebacker position. June will be competing for a job this season and remains a risky IDP until he locks down the gig….

Polamalu is one of the league’s premiere safeties and biggest playmakers. If he feels great, don’t hesitate to snatch him up in your fantasy drafts….

The Packers have their rookie defensive tackle (Raji) in camp now and while he should improve the interior defensive line, he has more the look of gap filler than playmaker. He could be a risky option to draft early…..

The Chargers are another team loaded with talent at the linebacker spot, but we are hearing too many good things about Larry English to think he won’t see plenty of action. He may not warrant a starting play on your fantasy roster, but he’s worth drafting late especially in dynasty and keeper leagues…..

The Rams rookie linebacker James Laurinaitis will be an immediate IDP impact fantasy stud this season already locking down the starting middle spot on the defense. He should be worthy of an early round selection in my drafts…..

For those playing in team defense formats, with Sanders still on the PUP the Colts defense (ranked 11th in 2008) may be one you want to avoid early in fantasy drafts…..

The sooner the Bills and rookie linebacker Aaron Maybin can get a deal done, the better for fantasy owners. Maybin will continue to slide down the boards as he holds out of training camp. If a deal can get done soon, Maybin’s fantasy value will only rise….



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FSH: IDP NOTES

June 30th, 2009 11:30pm PST

IDP Notes:

LB BRIAN CUSHING RUNNING WITH FIRST TEAM
My Fantasy Read: The Texan’s rookie linebacker has stepped right in at strong-side and is expected to start this season. He’s been impressive thus far during the offseason, and will be a nice addition for the defense this season. Cushing has enough athleticism to be a three down player and figures to be an IDP impact player at the strong side.

DE DERRICK BURGESS FACING CLOUDED SITUATION
My Fantasy Read: The Raider’s defensive lineman could be spending more time off the field and on the sidelines. With the signing of Grege Ellis, Burgess isn’t expected to see a lot of time playing. The thought is the team could be trying to move the nine year veteran, but it’s looking more like he will remain and serve as a pass-rush specialist. Burgess won’t have much value in 2009, but could be a reserve pass-rushing DL for fantasy owners in IDP leagues.

DB MIKE BROWN SIGNS WITH KANSAS CITY
My Fantasy Read: The Chief’s looking to add veteran leadership and some playmaking ability have signed the former Bear safety Mike Brown. Last season, Brown bounced back to play 15 games, after missing a total of 43 games in the previous four seasons. Brown finished with 73 tackles and two interceptions a year ago and will hope to bring that type of production to a young Chief’s secondary. Brown should be a more than capable IDP play in 2009.


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FSH: IDP NOTES

June 23rd, 2009 11:30pm PST

IDP Notes:

LB CLAY MATTHEWS HEALTHY AND READY TO COMPETE
My Fantasy Read: The Packers top draft pick this past April says he feels fully recovered from a pulled hamstring that had slowed him earlier during the team’s OTAs. Now healthy Matthews appears to be a sure bet to crack a starting spot this season. He’s expected to play outside linebacker in Dom Caper’s 3-4 defense and should be a solid IDP play for fantasy this season.

LB BRIAN CUSHING EXPECTED TO START FOR TEXANS
My Fantasy Read: The SC standout drafted 15th overall in the 2009 draft will start at strong-side for the Texans. Recent reports on the former Trojan indicate he’ll need to improve his footwork and pass defending skills this summer. Its’ likely Cushing could be relegated to two-down duty. If he struggles against the pass, his fantasy stock could take a slight dip if he has to leave the field on third down.

DL JEVON KEARSE HAS BEGUN INDIVIDUAL DRILLS
My Fantasy Read: The Titan’s pass-rusher is recovering from knee surgery and doesn’t figure to be full strength until training camp. Since his early days in Tennessee, the Freak has not been the same with injuries slowing him down from 2002 to 2007. Last season Kearse was able to start all 16 games, but recorded only three and a half sacks. This season he’s expected to play in more a limited role, which will diminish his fantasy value. He’s likely not worth drafting in IDP leagues, but could be a consider later in the season.

LB TED BRUSCHI UNDECIDED ABOUT FUTURE AFTER 09
My Fantasy Read: The Patriot’s aging veteran linebacker has slowly but surely seen a decline in his production over the past few seasons. Whether or not he plays beyond the 2009 schedule won’t change his value this coming season. Bruschi has lost a lot of stock with his numbers taking a nose dive since 2006, he’ll likely be an IDP casualty in fantasy drafts this summer.


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