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12/30
San Diego Chargers - The team has signed K Dave Rayner to handle the kick off duties today. "I got a call on Wednesday from my agent saying they wanted to fly me out (to San Diego) for a tryout," Rayner said. "An opportunity is an opportunity and I'm happy I'm here and happy to kickoff." Even though Rayner is only handling the kick offs, we strongly recommend against playing Nate Kaeding. If he was to re-aggravate his leg injury on his first FG attempt of the day you would be left high and dry.
Philadelphia Eagles - HC Andy Reid has officially ruled out TE L.J. Smith (knee) for today's game. Smith has been injured more often than not over the last two seasons and we do not expect him to be back in Philly next year.
Miami Dolphins - RB Jesse Chatman is not impressed with his team's new found intensity at practice since the arrival of Bill Parcells. "You see a lot of guys trying to turn up their intensity because Bill is here," Chatman said. "What's so funny is, Bill is going to evaluate everything you've been doing since you've been here. So to try to turn it up at the end, it's like, where was that at the beginning? If you needed Bill to motivate you to get you playing, there goes our season right there anyway." We completely agree with his opinion, but we're not so sure it makes sense to say so publicly.
12/29
San Francisco 49ers - Due to injuries to everybody else, Chris Weinke will start at quarterback for the Niners this weekend against the Cleveland Browns. (This immediately makes the Browns defense worth considering.)
Tampa Bay Bucs - WR Joey Galloway will not play tomorrow due to a shoulder injury. There is growing concern that the injury may also cause him to miss the first round of the playoffs.
Oakland Raiders - RB Dominic Rhodes will start this week against San Diego. (Yeah, we know it's the Raiders and you don't really care, but it's our job to let you know.)
Indianapolis Colts - WR Marvin Harrison practiced with the first team again yesterday and according to HC Tony Dungy he is expected to play against Tennessee, Sunday night. (Nice of you to show up now Marvin...) We fully expect this to be just a short tune-up performance.
Kansas City Chiefs - HC Herman Edwards had this to say about QB Brodie Croyle, "He's going. He's good. He's ready to go." (He may be ready to go, but we're not so sure about the "good" part.)
New Orleans Saints - RB Reggie Bush has been ruled out for tomorrow by HC Sean Payton. RB Aaron Stecker remains questionable with a severe turf toe injury which caused him to miss practice on Wednesday and Thursday. (He didn't practice Friday due to a family funeral.) Payton says Stecker will be a game-time decision and added that he was not concerned that Stecker did not take part in any practice sessions this week. "I think he's smart enough," Payton said of Stecker. "We'll have to look at the reps and how many (plays) he can go." While we expect Stecker to play, he will almost certainly be limited which will result in a RB by committee that will include Chris Barclay, Pierre Thomas and FB Mike Karney. As a result, you can't count on any of these guys.
12/28
Baltimore Ravens - As we expected, RB Musa Smith has been named the starter in place of injured Willis McGahee (ribs) against the Steelers this Sunday. This will be Smith's first career start as a featured running back and his aggressive running style may pose problems for a Steeler defense that has looked vulnerable against the run over the last few weeks.
New York Giants - Go figure. WR Plaxico Burress (who has barely practiced all season) practiced on a limited basis yesterday, raising expectations that he will see significant action against the Patriots tomorrow night. RB Brandon Jacobs, whose fighting off a sprained ankle,also participated in yesterday's workouts. "No one in here is screaming 'Let's rest,' I can tell you that," Jacobs said. "Guys want to play. It's the last regular-season game and it's [at] home. Guys won't want to sit down." HC Tom Coughlin has said he will do what is in the best interest of the team, so it remains somewhat of a guessing game. (Since it's a guessing game, our guess is that the starters will play for as long as the Giants are close but once it's obvious there will be no upset, they'll all be pulled.)
Green Bay Packers - WR Greg Jennings (ankle) did not practice for a second straight day on Thursday making it likely that he won't play Sunday against Detroit. (If you're looking for WR help, the names James Jones and Koren Robinson come to mind.)
Cincinnati Bengals - RB Rudi Johnson missed his fifth consecutive practice yesterday, leaving his official status for the season finale unclear. We don't expect him to play, and look for a big day from Kenny Watson.
Pittsburgh Steelers - QB Ben Roethlisberger (who is nursing a sprained ankle), did not practice yesterday and is not expected to play Sunday in Baltimore. Charlie Batch will start in his place, and we expect him to put up good fantasy numbers.
New Orleans Saints - RBs Aaron Stecker and Reggie Bush both missed practice because of their injuries yesterday, and Stecker will also miss today's practice to attend his father-in-law's funeral. "We'll see where these players are (Friday) and go from there," HC Sean Payton said.
Houston Texans - HC Gary Kubiak announced yesterday that Sage Rosenfels will start at QB again this week. "Sage will be our starter going into the game. It will be a game-time decision on Matt (Schaub) on whether he'll be our backup or the third. Over the course of the next couple of days, we'll see."
12/27
Detroit Lions - RB Kevin Jones suffered a torn right ACL on Sunday making it likely he will miss most, if not all, of the Lions off-season program again this year. As a result, RB T.J. Duckett will be the starter Sunday in the season finale at Green Bay while Tatum Bell may also see some action for the first time since Oct. 7th.
Baltimore Ravens - RB Willis McGahee will not play against the Steelers this week because of fractured ribs. Meanwhile, back-up Mike Anderson continues to struggle with a hamstring injury, meaning Musa Smith may very well get the majority of carries this week. Also, it appears that QB Troy Smith likely will start at quarterback due to the fact that Kyle Boller has been slow to recover from a mild concussion.
New Orleans Saints - Three key players, WR Marques Colston (chest contusion), RB Aaron Stecker (turf toe) and RB Reggie Bush (knee) are all questionable for this week. We expect Stecker to play, but HC Sean Payton says he continues to monitor all three, so as of now expect all of them to be game-time decisions.
Dallas Cowboys - WR Terry Glenn will definitely play on Sunday, but won't play the complete game. HC Wade Phillips says they'd like to get the ball in his hands and let him get back in a rhythm. (Of course we don't look for QB Tony Romo to play much, so any "rythm" Glenn establishes may very well be with Brad Johnson. What we think the Cowboys really want is for Glenn to get hit and to see how his knee responds.
Tampa Bay Bucs - HC Jon Gruden says he will rest his starters in part because he wants them well rested for the playoffs, and also because some injured players could use the time off to heal. "We'll do the best we can to work hard this week for Carolina," he said, "But we'll try to budget a little time to take a peek at the Giants." (Translation: We're not crazy, we're not going to get a starter injured in a meaningless game.) Don't count on anything from Garcia, Graham, or Galloway this week.
Seattle Seahawks - HC Mike Holmgren says, "We are going to play the game like we have played all season," (we can only hope he means the games they've won). Holmgren also said he'll play QB Matt Hasselbeck but like what happened last week, there's a point in the game where he would consider taking him out in order to protect him. (Like shortly after the national anthem.)
San Francisco 49ers - QB Shaun Hill did not practice yesterday due to back spasms, and his status for this week is unknown.
12/23
Dallas Cowboys - WR Terrell Owens suffered what owner Jerry Jones is calling a high ankle sprain. Though X-rays were negative, Owens is expected to undergo an MRI today. "The bye week helps," Owens said. "I have all the confidence this team can win some games. You saw that tonight. We have some good wide receivers in Sam Hurd and Miles Austin." That sounds like a guy who knows he won't be playing next week. Jones also said that he expects WR Terry Glenn to play next week. With Owens almost certainly out of a game the Cowboys must win, we must change our expectations for Glenn next week and recommend picking him up again.
Indianapolis Colts - When asked if seeing Steeler RB Willie Parker suffer a season ending injury might cause him to reevaluate his plans for today's game with the Texans or next week's regular-season finale with the Titans, HC Tony Dungy said "No, it really doesn't. You feel bad for the Steelers in that situation, losing a good player. But it can happen. I think what you have to do is just to go out and play hard and not worry about the injuries too much." (Of course that's a lot different than what he said and did a couple of years ago.) After watching Owens go down last night we'd love to ask him that question again. (Our guess is that none of the Colts starters will play a full game next week.)
Weather - Wind, rain, and snow will be a factor in several games today particularly in Chicago, Cincinatti, Buffalo, Seattle, and Tennessee. Winds will gust to over 40MPH in Chicago, Cincy and Buffalo with the threat of snow showers in Chicago and rain in Buffalo. Seattle will have rain today, but the winds are not expected to be a factor. Winds of 15-30MPH will make things somewhat challenging in Tennessee and New England with an outside shot at some rain in New England as well. As a result, playing any kicker in Chicago, Cincy or Buffalo would not be a good idea, and look for the passing games to struggle there as well.
12/22
Dallas Cowboys - HC Wade Phillips says WR Terry Glenn (who eased back into practice this week) still could be a factor come playoff time even if he doesn't play in the regular season. That kind of statement certainly calls into question Glenn's value for next week. At this point we would cut him and look elsewhere for an emergency WR (see below).
Indianapolis Colts - WR Devin Aromashodu will be the # 3 receiver going into the final two games of the regular season and possibly the playoffs. "He's a young guy, but he can run and he's got good speed and size in combination," QB Peyton Manning said. "I think he'll play a big role here down the stretch, I really do."
Houston Texans HC Gary Kubiak says QB Sage Rosenfels will start and Matt Schaub will most likely be the # 3 QB this week. Kubiak also announced that Darius Walker will start at RB, while Ron Dayne may also see some playing time.
Cincinnati Bengals - HC Marvin Lewis had this to say when asked about RB Rudi Johnson's playing status, "Probably not. He hasn't been able to practice, so he can't play." Lewis would not say who his starting RB will be, "We'll see. Watson and DeDe Dorsey both have seen time this season. As I've said, their plays are a little bit different than Rudi's are, and we'll go from there."
Oakland Raiders - HC Lane Kiffin said yesterday that QB Josh McCown will get the start Sunday, but that rookie QB JaMarcus Russell will also play "hopefully, if the scenarios go right, he'll play in the first half," Kiffin also said that RB Dominic Rhodes will start, but will share time with LaMont Jordan.
Weather - It now appears the heaviest rain and strongest winds will move into New England after the Patriots have finished embarassing the Dolphins. Upgrade Brady, Moss and Welker, while downgrading Maroney. Also, keep in mind that it is expected to be very windy in Chicago and possibly Cleveland as well. Be sure to check the forecasts tomorrow morning for the latest conditions.
12/21
Dallas Cowboys - WR Terry Glenn has been ruled out of this week's game as he continues to recover from his knee injury. This also certainly calls into question his availability for next week.
New Orleans Saints - RB Reggie Bush sat out practice yesterday, but HC Sean Payton said that doesn't necessarily mean he won't play this week, saying only that "We backed off him some today." If Bush isn't able to fully participate in today's practice it seems unlikely that he will play this week.
Pittsburgh Steelers - RB Willie Parker fractured his right fibula last night and is obviously done for the season. Expect Najeh Davenport to be claimed off of waivers as soon as your league permits.
Miami Dolphins - RB Jesse Chatman worked with the starting unit again yesterday and did not appear to be limited in any way, increasing the possibilities that he could regain his starting spot as early as this week.
Carolina Panthers - WR Keary Colbert has been placed on IR due to a knee injury, meaning Drew Carter becomes the No. 2 receiver. (If you're desperate at WR, Carter has big play potential and faces a Cowboys defense that is prone to allowing big plays this week.) The team also announced that Matt Moore will start this week at QB.
Houston Texans - HC Gary Kubiak said yesterday that QB Matt Schaub will be a game-time decision this week.
Philadelphia Eagles - TE Brent Celek will start this week, while L.J. Smith and Matt Schobel continue to recover from injuries.
Baltimore Ravens - As we expected, QB Troy Smith will make his first NFL start this week after Kyle Boller missed his second straight day of practice due to lingering effects of a concussion. "He's as ready as you're going to be as a rookie," HC Brian Billick said yesterday. "One thing I don't worry about is that he has a strong personality. You worry what happens if things get ugly with him and pressures...but he will fight through whatever happens. He's a very strong-willed young man." We won't be at all surprised to see Smith start next week as well.
12/20
New York Jets - QB Kellen Clemens has very little mobility in left arm and will not play this weekend due to the shoulder and rib injury he suffered last Sunday. HC Eric Mangini maintains that Clemens is the starting quarterback when he's healthy, (who cares?) but it looks like Chad Pennington will get the start this week.
New Orleans Saints - RB Reggie Bush was able to practice yesterday after missing the last two games with a torn posterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. "It felt pretty good; we'll see how it goes and make a decision when the time comes," Bush said. Bush also said unless he can fully participate in the game, he'd not likely play. "It's a team decision, not just mine, if I'm going to play, I'm going to go 110 percent. I'm not just going in half. If that's the case, I won't even play. Whenever the time comes for me to play, I'm going to give it my all." While HC Sean Payton says it's obvious that Bush is not yet at full speed, he has yet to rule him in or out for this week. (At this point our gut says he's out, but that could just be all the Christmas cookies talking.)
Dallas Cowboys - QB Tony Romo practiced yesterday and is expected to start Saturday night against the Panthers. "He seemed to get better and better as the practice went along as far as his thumb and throwing the football," HC Wade Phillips said. "It looks like he's going to play to me. I thought maybe we would hold him out of some of the things if he couldn't throw all the passes but he threw long passes, he threw outs, he threw comebacks, he threw short passes. He's still a little bit sore, basically on the follow-through with his thumb." The Cowboys want no part of a play-off game in Green Bay so look for Romo to play.)
Baltimore Ravens - QB Kyle Boller was sent home from practice yesterday still suffering the effects of the concussion he suffered last week. As a result, Troy Smith may very well start his first NFL game this weekend. "Confidence with me has never really been a problem because I don't have anything to prove," said Smith, who took all the snaps with the first-team offense at practice. "I don't have anything to prove to anybody, just the guys in this locker room and me getting better." (Besides, how tough can it be to look better than Steve McNair and Kyle Boller have this year?)
12/19
San Diego Chargers - Though they have locked up the AFC West, the Chargers are still in a battle with either Pittsburgh or Cleveland for the No. 3 seed in the playoffs. As a result, HC Norv Turner says that outside of health issues, the starters will remain in the lineup. "Our guys want to play and they want to win. If we have a guy who it's in the best interest not to play, then we'll protect him. But for the most part we're going to play," he said. On that front, RB LaDanian Tomlinson says he felt a "tweak" in his hamstring on Sunday but he doesn't believe it will keep him from playing this week.
New York Jets - HC Eric Mangini won't say who he will start at QB this week and when asked about Kellen Clemen's injury all he said was, "right now just rib". He then went on to say that he is pleased with both Chad Pennington Brad Smith ad then said, "We'll just see how the week plays out." (Not that you're actually considering playing any of these guys this week.)
Oakland Raiders - HC Lane Kiffen says that RBs Lamont Jordan and Dominic Rhodes will compete for the starting job this week with Justin Fargas out with a sprained MCL. "We'll let them battle it out this week and we'll go from there," Kiffin said. Both of these guys worked their way into Kiffin's doghouse, so it will be somewhat interesting to see which one gets out of it first.
Dallas Cowboys - QB Tony Romo was at practice yesterday but was limited to lobbing the ball because of continued soreness with the thumb on his passing hand. "He said he felt better," HC Wade Phillips said, adding that the bruising and swelling had gone down. WR Terry Glenn went through practice and there's a chance he could make his season debut Saturday. (As we've been saying for months, we expect Glenn to see some action this week and if his knee holds up look for him to play even more in Week 17.)
Denver Broncos - WR Brandon Marshall apparently had an argument with the coaching staff on Monday, at one point challenged the team to "cut me." We'll be watching practice this week for any indication that his playing time might be affected this week.
12/18
Dallas Cowboys - WR Terry Glenn said he could play this week at Carolina, but also said he will need fluid drained from his right knee to give him more mobility. "If I had to play next week, I could play," Glenn said. "But I don't know how everything is going to work itself out." Meanwhile, QB Tony Romo's thumb injury does not appear to be serious. "When we were back there listing (the injuries), counting our blessings, one of them was that Romo wouldn't be affected in the future health-wise," Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said. "That would be a bad day." (Hey Jerry, Sunday was a pretty bad day too.)
Baltimore Ravens - HC Brian Billick says he will start QB Kyle Boller this week, despite the fact that Boller suffered a concussion and was unable to finish the game. "Kyle, clearly, in my opinion, gives us the best chance to win the game," Billick said, "We're going to continue to take the tack that we're going to go out and win every week. Kyle played very well, and deserves the opportunity to continue to grow and get what he might out of these last two games," (How's that worked out for you so far coach? Seems to us that Troy Smith lead your team to a game-tying FG and put them in position to win in overtime.)
Oakland Raiders - RB Justin Fargas is done for the season after an MRI yesterday confirmed he has a sprained MCL. "I hate to see Justin go down," RB Dominic Rhodes said. "I'm proud of him. He got his first 1,000-yard season. He's been running hard. It's the NFL and things like that happen, so I'm happy for the opportunity." Rhodes and LaMont Jordan will most likely split carries for the last two games of the season.
Indianapolis Colts - HC Tony Dungy says he plans to use his players "like we normally would" in Sunday's game against Houston despite the fact that the Colts have locked up the number two seed in the AFC. When asked if he would rest his starters until the playoffs, Dungy said, "A month is a long time." (Yeah, he learned that one the hard way.)
New Orleans Saints - HC Sean Payton is "optimistic" that RB/KR Reggie Bush could play this week after missing the last two games because of a torn posterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. "He's a little bit ahead of schedule. That's been encouraging," Payton said, "I think he's feeling a lot stronger on it. He's obviously moving around a lot better on it." Bush plans on practicing this week and will play if the knee responds well. (Anybody else notice that Aaron Stecker has scored 3 rushing TDs in the two weeks while it took Bush 12 games to score 4 rushing TDs?)
Tampa Bay Bucs - HC Jon Gruden said yesterday that "We want to win, and to do that you have to play your best players. There may be some opportunities to look at some (backup) players although we've looked at every guy on the roster and then some. We'll use everybody, but we're not going to change much in the next few weeks." Yeah coach, you took a really good look at Michael Bennett.
Houston Texans - HC Gary Kubiak had this to say about QB Matt Schaub's chances of playing again this year; "I'm hoping that, if anything, this week he's ready to be the backup going into the game. He did take some practice reps today, but I'm hoping that he's available this week, and we'll see. But I'd like to see him play some more before the year is up." RB Ron Dayne did not participate in yesterday's practice as he continues to rehab his ankle injury.
12/17
New York Giants - TE Jeremy Shockey fractured his fibula and also sustained an ankle injury last night and is scheduled to undergo surgery in the coming week. Obviously he is done for the season, including the play-offs.
Dallas Cowboys - QB Tony Romo suffered an injured thumb on his throwing hand yesterday. He claims the injury is not serious and plans on playing on Saturday in Carolina. (Considering how many fantasy teams lost due to his performance yesterday he may not be playing in many fantasy football leagues this week.)
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