FSH: TRIBUTE TO SLIM

December 19th, 2009 - 1:45pm PST

Remembering "Slim"

RIP Chris Henry 1983-2009

....you will always be missed!

Henry played all five of his NFL seasons with the Bengals. In his short career, he caught a total of 119 passes for 1,826 yards (15.3 average) and scored 21 touchdowns. Although this season was not off to the best start for Henry, he was doing all the right things and the team was winning.

All of his numbers did not show his improvement, but his 19.7 yards per catch were among the best in the league. Henry averaged one touchdown every 5.5 touches. If the kid had been a starter collecting the same number of touches as some of the other predominat elite receivers in the league that would equate to 18 touchdowns with every 100 receptions.

The 6'4" kid from Belle Chasse High School in Louisiana was clearly a huge talent in the league when he played. He had tremendous gifts and a potential that had no limitations. His loss is truly tragic, because of "what could have been" despite his early career speed bumps along the way.

It's funny how the game can sometimes parallel life. Henry had been working hard and all signs

were there early in the season to indicate that the kid had turned the corner and the future was bright. But just like Henry's 2009 campaign was cut short due to a broken forearm; his life too was cut short just when it appeared he had everything heading in the right direction (just announced his engagement).

From the recent comments made by his teammates and the recent press clippings it is very easy to see that Henry was greatly loved by his team and was a favorite among all that really knew him.

I was not fortunate enough to know Mr. Henry myself, but I can see from what I have read and listened to from the many interviews he was a good man. I also know that man is not perfect, he is not without error. Henry is one man I would have liked to have known.

This is my tribute to him and the people that loved him so!

many of the images used are by the AP/Getty Images/SI and Ochocinco...

~Tribute by David Ortega

FSH: THE FANTASY SPORTS ZONE (FIRE AND ICE)

September 25th, 2009 8:37pm PST

Fantasy Football
Fire & Ice

(Your weekly Stock Exchange)

The Hottest Stocks this week

In week two, there was not just one stock that shook the fantasy market, but we had two. The Titan’s running back Chris Johnson and the Niner’s running Frank Gore.

In week two both studs we simply “en fuego” starting with the Mr. Johnson. The Titan’s rusher had not one or two, but three long touchdown runs last week with one coming courtesy of the pass. In the game Chris finished with 197-yards on the ground and added nine receptions for another 87-yards.

Out West the Niner’s running back was lighting it up in his own right. Last Sunday Gore tore through the Seahawks defense for 207-yards on the ground that also included touchdown runs of 79 and 80-yards. Gore also added five catches for another 39-yards on the afternoon.

Week Two’s “Mr. En Fuego”

RB-Frank Gore (SF)
16 carries, 207 rushing yards, 5 receptions, 39 receiving yards
2 rushing touchdowns

RB-Chris Johnson (Ten)
16 carries, 197 rushing yards, 9 receptions, 87 receiving yards
3 touchdowns (two rushing, one receiving)

Aside from your typical weekly stud performers, when playing the fantasy football stock market, the key is finding those gems that are valued low and rising fast. After two weeks of action there are plenty more stocks to buy low, sell high, and more importantly we have a few that you might want to consider unloading.

Week Two Stock Exchange Notes:

The Quarterbacks...
Fire (Rising stock): It should really be no surprise with the name Manning on the back of his jersey, but little brother Eli after a strong week 2 performance is storming up the charts. Eli finished 2008 as a middle tier quarterback, but with already 586-yards passing and three touchdowns he’s looking more like a top tier. The Giants are not a finesse team, so the run game is where they’ll make their bread and butter making Manning a hot trade commodity. (sell high)
Fire (Rising stock): The Raven’s offense has never been known to be high flying, but with second year quarterback Joe Flacco under center this could be quickly changing. In the team’s first two games Flacco has thrown five touchdowns and put the ball in the air 69 times this young season. His 497-yards passing has him ranked 12th in the league. He’s a low buy with lots of promise to only get better. (hot buy)
Ice (falling stock): After two games this season, there’s no question the quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been somewhat of a fantasy disappointment with just 445-yards passing and two touchdowns. With his stock falling, now is the time to grab Rodgers. He has too many passing weapons in Green Bay to stay down for long. (buy low)

The Running Backs...
Fire (Rising stock): The Raven’s backup running back Willis McGahee has made the most of his chances this season. In week one with only 14 touches he managed to score twice. Last Sunday, McGahee saw 17 more touches and found the endzone twice again. With such great productivity, expect the Ravens to continue to keep Willis a big part of the gameplan. (buy now)
Ice (falling stock): The Bears running Matt Forte has been the victim of a couple of tough early matchups and a new quarterback this season. He has yet to find the endzone and his 2.2-yards per carry average has fantasy owners frowning. With his stock sliding, now is a great time to buy the Bears back, especially with a great week 3 match-up against a shaky Seahawk run defense. (buy now)
Ice (falling stock): Like his divisional counterpart, the Packers running back Ryan Grant is off to a slow start this season as well with just 107-yards on the ground. While he does have two touchdowns, owners might be able to steal this stock for relatively cheap. With two games still to play against the Lions and a matchup in week 3 with the Rams, Grant looks like a great value purchase. (hot buy)

The Wide Receivers...
Fire (Rising stock): In the big apple there’s a lot happening, including another giant stocks that is moving fast. Wide receiver Steve “no the other one” Smith has emerged as one of the Giant’s go-to receivers. In two games he has been targeted 23 times and leads the NFL with 16 receptions. (hot buy)
Fire (Rising stock): The Dolphins have a hot stock of their own in wideout Ted Ginn Jr. Last Monday night Ginn Jr. finished the evening with 11 receptions for 108-yards. While his numbers are not off the charts (yet), he’s been targeted 23 times and looks to be a consistent play that will get better. (buy low)
Ice (falling stock): Injuries have plagued his early 2009 season and coming off shoulder surgery during the offseason, wide receive Lance Moore is spiraling down most charts. The Saints spread the ball around a lot and with some of the other available options looking very good this season, Moore could be one of those out-dated stocks that is time to move. (sell now)
Ice (falling stock): Through the first two weeks of the season, the Bengal’s wide receiver Chris Henry with the exception of a 5-yard touchdown reception last week has been quiet. With just two catches this season, Henry’s stock is tumbling down the charts. It’s not likely he’ll stay this quiet all season, so now is a good time to pick him up very cheap. (buy low)

The Tight Ends...
Fire (Rising stock): With 14 catches in his first two games this season, tight end Brent Celek has emerged as one of the leagues top pass receivers at his position. It’s not likely he was drafted as your number one tight end, so it’s likely you have a great bargaining chip to play with. (sell high)
Ice (falling stock): When he arrived from New England, everyone knew that Josh McDaniel’s offense was one that did not feature the tight end. Many analysts believed that as well skilled as tight end Tony Scheffler is it would be difficult for the team not to utilize. In two games this season, Scheffler has seen just four balls his direction and has just two catches, including one touchdown reception. (sell)

Coming soon “Stock Trends”…….

Remember to check back every week for more "Fire & Ice!”

FSH: FOOTBALL DIARY

September 5th, 2009 9:07pm PST

[Saturday Evening Edition]
Friday Football Diary

What I think I know

Dear Diary

Preseason is an important part of the fantasy football season process. As you prepare for your league’s draft, you have to know who is who and what is what. With 65 exhibition games played there is plenty of opportunity to see lots of potential studs, duds, sleepers, and enough to confuse the average Joe.

After watching five weeks of preseason action I have managed to ingest plenty of football to satisfy my bold predictive palette. I have seen plenty of the starters, more than enough of the back-ups, and in some cases even the waterboys play, enough to tell me all I think I need to know. As I evaluate some of the performances and look over more of the highlights, it all becomes so very clear (at least in my mind).

10 Things I think I Know for 2009

1. Tom Brady will be huge in 2009. Pesimists and optomists alike can rest their fears, injuries are a thing of the past and Brady is back. He has a little rust, but knows what to do with the ball. With Moss on the outside, you know Brady will get the ball to his best playmaker.

2. Drew Brees is still number one. Commanding last year’s number one offense, Brees is going to be tops again in 2009. With Colston, Moore, Henderson, Bush, Shockey, and Thomas, do I need to say more?

3. Marques Colston will return to form. 2008 was a shortened season for the Saints big playmaker. It’s a new year and Colston is healthy. Can you say 2007 form?

4. Chris Henry is the Bengals second best receiver. This may be an understatement. While “Ocho” has looked good this preseason, Henry has been the standout in camp and I believe he’ll continue into the regular season.

5. The Raiders won't have a top 20 receiver in 2009. With inconsistency under center and unproven wideouts at the position, it’s hard to imagine any of the Raider’s receivers emerging as a big-time fantasy option. It will be Receiver-by-committee in Oakland.

6. Mark Sanchez is the “Real deal.” After seeing this kid play in College and watching him at the next level, he looks ready for the big stage. He’ll experience his growing pains, but he’s got poise, maturity, and a nice arm to compliment a good head; expect big things in his future.

7. Brandon Marshall and Michael Crabtree are a pair of Knuckleheads. One wants too much money for having done nothing and the other wants to get paid when he still needs to prove he can be trusted. Remember boys, this is a business and it’s all about your perceived value, not just what you want.

8. Chad Ochocinco is going to blow up in 2009. All Chad needed was his buddy Carson to come out and play. We are already seeing the effect of Palmer’s presence. Last year Ocho’s longest pass-reception play was 26-yards and in the preseason, he’s already had two plays that are longer. Fantasy owners need to lookout for Ocho in 2009.

9. Aaron Rodgers looks like an elite quarterback. The boy has got a big time arm and has an outstanding class of receivers; Jennings, Driver, Jones, and Nelson. Rodgers has looked efficient, accurate, and effective this preseason. He’s going to be huge and put up some big numbers.

10. It may be early to be so bold, but this will be the year of the Ram. Steven Jackson has worked hard this offseason, he is healthy and clearly not only has the skill set, but all the talent needed to be the best in the league. He won’t lead the NFL on the gorund, but his versatility will get him more touches in open space to do more damage. I expect well over 2,000-total yards and more than 12 touchdowns in 2009.


Check back every week for more “Friday Football Diary”………

FSH: MORE FOOTBALL TALK

August 26th, 2009 9:37pm PST

"Oh (Chris) Henry" is a Beast!

The Man-child returns…
Just three seasons ago Henry burst onto the scene in Cincinnati as a big-time scoring threat in the red-zone. In his second season with the team Henry caught just 36 balls, but found pay-dirt nine times. In his first two years with the Bengals Henry totaled 15 touchdowns and appeared to be a star on the rise.

Henry is your prototypical NFL receiver with great size standing at 6'4", good hands and big play ability. In his first two seasons with the team he averaged a score every 4.5 catches and over 15-yards per reception. And just when it appeared that the Bengals had themselves a jewel of a find in Henry, the trouble started.

Despite the early success, Henry's second season (2006) would be marred with a five game suspension that would just be the beginning of more bad things to come. In 2007 due to off the field issues Henry began the 2007 season by serving an eight game suspension. Following an arrest in April of 2008 Henry would shortly after be released by the team and seemingly be looking at the end of his short NFL career.

It was nothing short of misfortune and bad luck for the Bengals that would give Henry another shot at being an NFL receiver. Even after head coach Marvin Lewis had expressed the team had no interest in re-signing Henry, with multiple injuries depleting their receiving corp and Henry having served his second suspension (four games) to start the 2008 season, the Bengals gave the oft troubled receiver another chance.

A chance that at first looked like nothing more than a temporary stop for Henry, who's future seemed to be poisoned with bad choices and destined to fail. Henry finished last season with less than modest numbers and was likely off everyone’s radar heading toward the offseason.

A Second Chance:
It was during the offseason that change began. Henry was refocused and determined to change his outlook and more importantly his future. According to teammates Henry was working everyday with a great attitude and having an offseason like no other.

So the change began and the result this training camp has been, Henry always viewed as a talent in the game is suddenly beginning to realize his potential and making the most of his opportunity. Henry has looked impressive in practice and made the most of his opportunities. He was getting more first team snaps during the team’s OTA’s in the offseason and carrying this over into training camp where he has just been a beast.

To this point, while Ochocinco has begun to show his old form, Henry clearly has been the standout in camp and his early numbers are showing his complete metamorphisis. In the team’s first two preseason games Henry has pulled down 11 passes for 155-yards and has been turning heads along the way with every snap.

With the return of number 85 and Palmer healthy, Henry is looking like this year’s early “big” sleeper candidate. He’s back with his old team and he’s had a whole offseason to work and improve and clearly it appears that’s just what he has done.

Last season there was no chemistry and for both the team and Chris it was not an ideal situation. 2009 looks to be quite the opposite with all signs pointing towards an improved Bengals team that consists of a marriage of misfits, a castaway, and plenty of talent to be successful.

Coming off a very quiet 2008, just 19 receptions and two touchdowns, Henry has likely begun the 2009 campaign as big fantasy secret. Only now is he starting to draw attention and create interest. Laveranues Coles may have been brought in to compensate for some of the lost production from TJ Houshmandzadeh’s departure, but don’t be fooled; it will be Henry picking up most of the slack.

His initial fantasy impact is already being noticed. Folks must remember, his first 15 touchdown catches in his first two seasons came off the arm of Carson Palmer. Henry looks like a new player in camp and both he and Palmer appear to be in sync.

Coles is projected to start opposite Ochocinco, but with Henry playing as well as he is fantasy owners might just have to consider him the team’s third starting receiver, until he takes the number two spot. We may be reading too deep into the numbers this early, but with Henry looking as good as he does and a healthy Palmer, he’s going to be huge in 2009.

The man-child appears to be rocketing up the boards, but fantasy owners will likely still be able to snatch him up in the mid-rounds as their number three receiver. As long as all things keep pointing forward and Henry continues to work and do the things necessary, he’s a solid bet to finish the season as a solid number two fantasy receiver.

Keep him on your draft board, he’ll be worth picking up!


By David Ortega


Check back for more “Fantasy Talk”

FSH: ON THE COVER

August 25th, 2009 11:00pm PST

This Week on the Cover….

2009 Fantasy Sleepers

No Rest for the Wicked or This Years Sleepers
Just when you thought it was safe to make the conservative pick, here comes this year’s batch of unknowns ready to turn the fantasy world upside down. Every year fantasy owners can count on several names suddenly appearing in the forefront and becoming fantasy relevant.

It’s never easy to find these players, as many will fade away as quickly as they appeared. The dreaded fantasy sleeper is not an exact science and typically comes with some risk, but if you study your game and pay close attention in many cases these fantasy mirages are not as well hidden as some might think.

The 2009 season is getting close to kickoff and already there a few surprises and some new names that fantasy owners will need to pay close attention too. The Bay area may not be grounds for Tea, but it appears to be rich in coffee, as in running back Glenn Coffee. He’s no threat to unseat Gore in Frisco, but he’s a name you’ll be hearing this season.

In Jacksonville, some early flights have included receiver Troy Williamson, a name that has been all but forgotten until this preseason. Williamson languished in Minnesota for several seasons, but suddenly with opportunity he’s playing like he wants to be a star. It’s early and only the preseason, but already he’s turning heads and catching the eyes of many fantasy owners. If looks are not deceiving; with the strong armed Garrard, Williamson looks to be very promising this season.

And for those with the sweet tooth in Cincy, let’s not forget Oh’Henry. The Bengals number three slot receiver Chris Henry not only looks impressive thus far this season, but he’s making a strong case to be a starter. With this sleeper, we’ve already seen him awake. In 2006 he snagged nine touchdown passes and so far this preseason he appears to be ready to do the same this year.

Even if you’re tired, don’t get too heavy-eyed because these fantasy sleepers are ready to wake in 2009.


Check back everyday for more football!

FSH: MONDAY MORNING HUDDLE

August 24th, 2009 10:37pm PST

[Evening Edition]

No More Blue Mondays

Well it seems every Monday morning has a chance to be a big downer and bring on thosedreaded blues, but times could be a-changing. If you have been paying attention, it’s time once again for Monday Night Football and something to look forward to following a long relaxing weekend.

The norm has been an early rise and back to the grind, but with the NFL getting set to hit the Prime-Time on Monday’s, there is less for we sports fanatics to be blue over. No more dreading the return to the office, cause everyone knows once the lunch whistles blows at noon, we are only thinking about one thing; just a few short hours until “Monday Night Countdown.”

Hey, the job may pay the bills, but there’s no question the NFL quenches our thirst for great entertainment on Monday Nights and this season looks as exciting as ever;

2009 NFL Monday Night Schedule

Week 1
MON, SEP 14 TIME (ET) TV LOCATION
Buffalo at New England 7:00 PM ESPN Gillette Stadium
San Diego at Oakland 10:15 PM ESPN Oakland Coliseum
Week 2
MON, SEP 21 TIME (ET) TV LOCATION
Indianapolis at Miami 8:30 PM ESPN LandShark Stadium
Week 3
MON, SEP 28 TIME (ET) TV LOCATION
Carolina at Dallas 8:30 PM ESPN Dallas Cowboys Stadium
Week 4
MON, OCT 5 TIME (ET) TV LOCATION
Green Bay at Minnesota 8:30 PM ESPN Metrodome
Week 5
MON, OCT 12 TIME (ET) TV LOCATION
New York Jets at Miami 8:30 PM ESPN LandShark Stadium
Week 6
MON, OCT 19 TIME (ET) TV LOCATION
Denver at San Diego 8:30 PM ESPN Qualcomm Stadium
Week 7
MON, OCT 26 TIME (ET) TV LOCATION
Philadelphia at Washington 8:30 PM ESPN FedEx Field
Week 8
MON, NOV 2 TIME (ET) TV LOCATION
Atlanta at New Orleans 8:30 PM ESPN Superdome
Week 9
MON, NOV 9 TIME (ET) TV LOCATION
Pittsburgh at Denver 8:30 PM ESPN Invesco Field
Week 10
MON, NOV 16 TIME (ET) TV LOCATION
Baltimore at Cleveland 8:30 PM ESPN Cleveland Browns Stadium
Week 11
MON, NOV 23 TIME (ET) TV LOCATION
Tennessee at Houston 8:30 PM ESPN Reliant Stadium
Week 12
MON, NOV 30 TIME (ET) TV LOCATION
New England at New Orleans 8:30 PM ESPN Superdome
Week 13
MON, DEC 7 TIME (ET) TV LOCATION
Baltimore at Green Bay 8:30 PM ESPN Lambeau Field
Week 14
MON, DEC 14 TIME (ET) TV LOCATION
Arizona at San Francisco 8:30 PM ESPN Candlestick Park
Week 15
MON, DEC 21 TIME (ET) TV LOCATION
New York Giants at Washington 8:30 PM ESPN FedEx Field
Week 16
MON, DEC 28 TIME (ET) TV LOCATION
Minnesota at Chicago 8:30 PM ESPN Soldier Field

Monday’s Fantasy Player Watch

It may only be preseason, but if you are heavily into fantasy football and watching all the games on the NFL Network, then already you have noticed a few names that are standing out.

With word coming from the Bay Area suggesting that Mr. Frank Gore could be heavily featured this season in the team’s offense, the fantasy spotlight is on back-up running back Glenn Coffee. In the team’s two preseason games Coffee has not only impressed head coach Mike Singletary, but he has been most impressive by the numbers. Coffee leads the league this preseason with 196-yards and has faced quality talent in both his stints. Some may not like reading too much in the preseason, but you can’t overlook what this kid is doing. Gore may be in line for a big year in San Francisco, but owners should consider Coffee potentially a great handcuff.

Another head turner this preseason is a beast of a man in Bengal’s receiver Chris Henry. Just three years removed from a being a prolific number three slot receiver when he scored nine touchdowns, Henry appears to be back and ready to make noise in 2009. So far this preseason, Henry seems to have recaptured his 2006 form catching 11 passes for 155-yards and two touchdowns. Since we have seen this type of production in the past, if Henry can walk the straight path this season owners should realize he is a must watch and a potential solid WR3 target in fantasy drafts.

Another big playmaker that burst into the spotlight this past weekend is the Jaguars wide receiver Troy Williamson. And yes this is the same Williamson that was basically non-existent and irrelevant for three years in Minnesota and saw very little action his first season in 2008 with Jacksonville. Now in his second season under Del Rio, Williamson appears to be flourishing and could be on the doorsteps of a big season. In two games this preseason the Jags new deep threat leads the NFL with 221-receiving yards and a 32-yards per catch average. With the passing game being retooled this offseason, Williamson looks like a strong candidate to start in Jacksonville and appears to have a great chance at a very promising fantasy season.

With the preseason action in full-swing and reaching the mid-point, we’ll have plenty more players to watch for the coming fantasy season, so be sure to ‘stick around.’


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

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

August 20th, 2009 9:30pm 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 season……


News From Across the Wire...

DeSean Jackson, WR, Philadelphia Eagles
DeSean Jackson looked ready for the regular season on Thursday night, reeling in two balls for 46 yards and a touchdown.

Reggie Wayne, WR, Indianapolis Colts
Reggie Wayne torched the Eagles in tonight's 23-15 preseason win at Lucas Oil Stadium, as he hauled in two receptions for 90 yards and a touchdown. His touchdown covered 76 yards on a strike from Peyton Manning.

Peyton Manning, QB, Indianapolis Colts
Peyton Manning looks to be in mid-season form, as he completed 10-of-14 passes for 167 yards and two touchdown passes in Thursday's 23-15 preseason win over the Eagles at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Chris Henry, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
Chris Henry caught four passes for 55 receiving yards in tonight's 7-6 preseason win at New England. He also scored the only touchdown of the game on a 24-yard strike from quarterback J.T. O'Sullivan.

Donovan McNabb, QB, Philadelphia Eagles
Donovan McNabb led a huge night for Eagles quarterbacks on Thursday, completing 5-of-7 passes for 77 yards and a touchdown. Collectively, McNabb, A.J. Feeley and Adam DiMichele carved up the Colts defense, going 35-of-49 for 333 yards and two touchdowns.

Wes Welker, WR, New England Patriots
Wes Welker hauled in one reception for 32 yards in tonight's 7-6 preseason loss to the Bengals.

Brett Favre, QB, Minnesota Vikings
According to the St. Paul Pioneer Press, Brett Favre is still throwing the ball so hard that the Vikings' receivers are struggling to catch his passes.

Mike Walker, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
Mike Walker missed another day of practice Thursday while still recovering from an ankle injury, according to the Florida Times-Union.

Domenik Hixon, WR, New York Giants
The New York Daily News says that Domenik Hixon has had the look of the team's best wide receiver this preseason.

Greg Jones, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars
Greg Jones had a tough day of practice with the Jaguars Thursday, according to the Florida Times-Union. He dropped three well-thrown passes in the morning session.

Chad Ochocinco, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
Chad Ochocinco looked good in Thursday's 7-6 preseason win at New England, as he hauled in three passes for 69 yards, with a long of 35. He also kicked an extra point.

DeDe Dorsey, RB, Cincinnati Bengals
DeDe Dorsey led the Bengals in rushing in Thursday's 7-6 preseason win at New England, as he had four carries for 60 yards, with a long of 45.

J.T. O'Sullivan, QB, Cincinnati Bengals
J.T. O'Sullivan was sharp in Thursday's 7-6 preseason win at New England, as he completed 10-of-13 passes for 141 yards, with a touchdown pass to Chris Henry. O'Sullivan also ran the ball twice for 15 yards. Jordan Palmer only completed 2-of-7 passes for 45 yards.

Jonathan Stewart, RB, Carolina Panthers
Panthers coach John Fox says the team has scheduled no further tests on running back Jonathan Stewart's sore Achilles' tendon, even as he continues to miss practice, according to CBS Sports.

Todd Heap, TE, Baltimore Ravens
Todd Heap missed Thursday's practice with an undisclosed injury, according to the Baltimore Sun.

Greg Camarillo, WR, Miami Dolphins
Greg Camarillo is reportedly slipping down the Dolphins' depth chart, as cornerback Omar Kelly tweeted that Brian Hartline has passed him as the No. 3 receiver.


Chris Wells, RB, Arizona Cardinals
According to the Associated Press, rookie runningback Chris Wells's injured ankle showed some improvement in Thursday's practice.

Steve Breaston, WR, Arizona Cardinals
The Associated Press reports that receiver Steve Breaston will likely miss Saturday's preseason game against the Chargers.


Trent Edwards, QB, Buffalo Bills
The Bills have been employing a no-huddle offense in training camp, and quarterback Trent Edwards fared well and looked sharp while leading the team, according to the Buffalo News.

Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers
Updating an earlier report, head coach Mike Tomlin expects Ben Roethlisberger to be fine after going down in practice today with a right foot or ankle injury, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Roethlisberger said, "Oh, it just feels great. It feels like a car ran over it. I will be all right."


Brodie Croyle, QB, Kansas City Chiefs
Brodie Croyle is believed to have a firm grip on the No. 2 role at quarterback with the Chiefs, according to Sports Illustrated. He is competing with Tyler Thigpen for the job.

Reggie Bush, RB, New Orleans Saints
Updating an earlier entry, Reggie Bush was limping on Thursday due to a strained calf, according to Jeff Duncan of the New Orleans Times Picayune.

My Fantasy Reads and Quick Takes…

D-Jax picked up right where he left off last season with a big night against the Colts. Jackson is going to be part of the receiving committee in Philly, but clearly he is the most fantasy worthy…..

With Peyton brining his “A” game, Reggie Wayne is poised to have a huge 2009, in the post Manning-to-Harrison Era. Expect Reggie to be another high fantasy pick this summer…..

The older Manning is already looking sharp this preseason. He is still considered an elite quarterback and should go early in fantasy drafts….

Donovan McNabb looks very crisp this preseason and Thursday night he was on display. Despite the improved look on offense, McNabb will still be considered part of that second tier of quarterback and should be available in those early mid-rounds….

Fantasy gamers pay no attention to the ADP for Chris Henry. This kid is a beast and looks great this preseason. With Carson apparently healthy, Henry will be a huge fantasy sleeper in 2009. Remember as the team’s number three receiver in 2006 Henry caught nine touchdowns with Palmer under center….

Note to fantasy owners; with the Bills no-huddle offense in place, Terrell Owens fantasy stock could be on the rise. Edwards will be calling the signals with the no-huddle and Owens figures to be his best option, if he can hang on to balls this year…..

With Reggie Bush ailing again with another leg injury, the explosive Saints running back figures to be a high risk fantasy option and should be drafted with caution….

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