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….
Check back with "Your Fantasy Sports Home" for more Football 411…..
