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With tonight concluding the 2010 NFL pre-season, this will likely be our last update for fantasy tight ends before the season begins in one week (unless we are feeling overly ambitious). In other words, this will definitely be our last fantasy TE update before the start of the season.

Throughout the season, we will provide weekly rankings based on matchups, injuries, byes, etc. In addition, we will update our position rankings, in general terms, on a monthly basis to help you evaluate trade proposals and such.

For now, here are our top 20 fantasy tight ends entering the 2010 NFL season:

1. Antonio Gates, Chargers: Despite only ranking sixth among tight ends in targets (114), Gates led tight ends -- and set a career-high -- in receiving yards (1,157) in 2009. With Vincent Jackson out for three (or more) weeks, Gates should see more targets in 2010.

2. Dallas Clark, Colts: What's not to like? With a line of 100-1106-10, Clark ranked first in receptions, second in yards and third in touchdowns among tight ends.

3. Vernon Davis, 49ers: Davis finally broke out last year. So much so that last season (78-965-13) was essentially better than his two previous seasons combined (83-867-6).

4. Brent Celek, Eagles: Two of Celek's three 100-yard games came in the only two in which quarterback Kevin Kolb started. Perhaps that overstates the Kolb-Celek chemistry, but it's not hard to picture an improvement upon his breakout campaign (76-971-8).

5. Jason Witten, Cowboys: Witten had a "down" year of 94 passes for 1,030 yards (and only two touchdowns). Many tight ends (or wide receivers) would love to have a "down" year like that. I guarantee that Witten will have more than two touchdowns in 2010. Otherwise, I refund 110% of your cost for this advice. I'm confident; make that double your cost.

6. Jermichael Finley, Packers: In his final eight games (including the Packers' post-season game), Finley finished with 44 receptions for 575 yards and four touchdowns. Despite missing three games, Finley still finished in the top ten in receiving yards among TEs in his second season.

7. Tony Gonzalez, Falcons: Arguably the greatest tight end ever. Gonzalez had more targets (135) than any other tight end and finished with 83 receptions for 867 yards and six touchdowns in 2009.

8. Owen Daniels, Texans: In an injury-shortened half-season, Daniels caught 40 passes for 519 yards and five touchdowns. His pace (80-1038-10) would have ranked him fourth in receptions, third in yards and tied for third in TDs among tight ends.

9. Visanthe Shiancoe, Vikings: Shiancoe has never surpassed 596 yards in one season, but he has been a touchdown machine over the past two seasons (18 TDs).

10. Zach Miller, Raiders: Only seven TEs had more receiving yards than Miller (805) had in 2009. In his three seasons, his receptions (44 to 56 to 66) and yards (444 to 778 to 805) have increased every season.

Continue reading "(Updated) 2010 Fantasy Football Rankings: Tight Ends (TEs)" »

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

With teams getting ready for their pre-season finales tomorrow night, here are my (updated) Top 50 Fantasy WRs for 2010:

1. Andre Johnson, Texans: For me, this is (still) a no-brainer. Johnson, who was the third overall pick in 2003, has posted back-to-back 100-reception, 1,500-yard seasons.

2. Calvin Johnson, Lions: After a stellar sophomore campaign (78-1331-12) with Dan Orlovsky as his quarterback, MegaTron battled nagging injuries in 2009 and even missed two games. Provided he stays healthy, however, the sky is the limit in 2010 for this gifted athlete.

3. Randy Moss, Patriots: Moss has scored 47 touchdowns over the past three seasons, however, all five of his 100-yard games last year came in the first nine weeks of the season. Whether or not you questioned his motivation in the second-half last year, Moss is entering his contract year and is looking as good as ever.

4. Reggie Wayne, Colts: Only three players (two receivers) finished the season with at least 100 receptions, 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns. If you own Wayne, hope for a few Colts' early-season losses so Wayne plays more than a half in your fantasy championship game.

5. Miles Austin, Cowboys: The list? Andre Johnson and Wes Welker. The topic? Receivers who had more yards than Austin in 2009. The biggest concern for Austin will be the competition for targets with Jason Witten, Dez Bryant, Roy Williams and the running game.

6.Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals: Over the past three seasons, Fitzgerald has caught a combined 293 passes for 3,932 yards and 35 touchdowns. With Kurt Warner retiring this off-season, however, the person (either Matt Leinart or Derek Anderson) getting him the ball is a huge downgrade.

7. Brandon Marshall, Dolphins: Marshall has had 100+ receptions and 1,100+ yards for three consecutive seasons. Marshall has a fat new contract and should be happy. Then again, he's a head case as his punting reinactment illustrated earlier in camp.

8. Roddy White, Falcons: Only Andre Johnson (171) had more targets than did White (165) in 2009. In the past three seasons, White has been consistent: 83, 88 and 85 receptions as well as 1,202, 1,382 and 1,153 yards, respectively. Even better, he set a career-high in TDs (11) in 2009.

9. DeSean Jackson, Eagles: Despite his size, Jackson is one of most explosive big-play receivers in the league. He ranked second in yards (18.5) per reception and first in the league in receptions of 40 yards or more (10).

10. Greg Jennings, Packers: From weeks 4-14, Jennings had only one 100-yard game. In his final four games (counting playoffs), Jennings had three 100-yard games.

Continue reading "(Updated) 2010 Fantasy Football Rankings: Wide Receivers (WRs)" »

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 01:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Through three pre-season games, here are my (updated) Top 40 Fantasy RBs for 2010:

1. Chris Johnson, Titans: 2,006 yards. 11 straight 100-yard games. While those numbers would be nearly impossible to repeat, Johnson can take it to the house on any given play with his 4.24 speed. Plus, Johnson is now greedy (not hungry): "I graduated from hungry to greedy, and all I want is more.”

2. Adrian Peterson, Vikings: In three NFL seasons, Peterson has rushed for 1,300+ yards and 10+ touchdowns every year. His fumbling issues are well-documented, but he also had his best season as a receiver (43 receptions for 436) in 2009. And with Sidney Rice out for roughly half of this season, those receiving numbers should increase.

3. Ray Rice, Ravens: Rice led RBs in receptions (78) and receiving yards (702) in 2009. He was one of only two backs to have over 2000 yards from scrimmage.

4. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars: In his first season as the featured back, Pocket Hercules delivered with 1,391 rushing yards, 374 receiving yards on 53 receptions and 16 combined touchdowns. Although he denies he's had knee surgery, he has been shut down for the rest of the pre-season.

5. Michael Turner, Falcons: An ankle injury in week 10 essentially wiped out the rest of his season, but he was getting into a groove before the injury (428 rushing yards on 47 carries (9.1 YPC) and three touchdowns in 2 1/2 games). In his 27 games as a Falcon, Turner has rushed for more touchdowns (27) than he has receptions (11).

6. Frank Gore, 49ers: With two first-round picks in the 2010 NFL Draft, the 49ers drafted two offensive linemen (Trent Williams and Mike Iupati), which is obviously a benefit to Gore. In addition to rushing for over 1,000 yards in the past four years, he has also averaged 52 receptions per season during that span.

7. Steven Jackson, Rams: With the Rams' lack of offensive weapons to complement Jackson, opposing defenses know what is coming. Yet Jackson still finished second in the NFL in rushing in 2009 despite being hampered by back issues for the second half of the season.

8. Rashard Mendenhall, Steelers: Starting in week four, Mendenhall rushed for 1,068 yards and seven TDs in the final 13 games of the season. (That's a 1300-yard pace.) Fortunately, the rumors of a broken arm were false.

9. DeAngelo Williams, Panthers: Despite missing three games last year, Williams has rushed for 2,632 yards and scored 27 touchdowns (25 rushing and two receiving) in the past two seasons. His only drawback? Backfield mate Jonathan Stewart has rushed for close to 2,000 yards and 20 touchdowns during that same span. Williams is in a contract year.

10. Shonn Greene, Jets: The Jets replaced one thirty-something back with another, but it's Greene's team now (even if LaDainian Tomlinson isn't aware of that). And with arguably the league's best line in front of him, Greene could have a monster season.

Speaking of Shonn Greene, he's one of the five players listed for our Week 1 Fantasy Football Contest.

Continue reading "(Updated) 2010 Fantasy Football Rankings: Running Backs (RBs)" »

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

"Head & Shoulders has gone above and beyond this year by insuring my Samoan locks for a cool $1 million," [Steelers safety Troy] Polamalu said, per the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Jets coach Rex Ryan wants free safety Brodney Pool, who missed today's practice due to a sprained ankle, to be more of a "ballhawk," according to Kevin Armstrong of the NY Daily News.

Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma, who got a second opinion on his groin injury, won't require surgery, per Mike Triplett of the New Orleans Times-Picayune.

Lions coach Jim Schwartz says "it's a possibility" that DeAndre Levy's groin injury might keep him out of the team's season opener, per Tom Kowalski of MLive.com.

Bills receiver Roscoe Parrish has found his niche as the slot receiver in Chan Gailey's offense.

The Broncos have released Broncos running back Justin Fargas and cornerback Tony Carter, per Lindsay Jones of the Denver Post.

FYI: Our fantasy football contest is open; here is the link for our Week 1 thread.

Bears receiver Earl Bennett returned to practice for the first time since August 8th.

The Dolphins have placed tight end Joey Haynos on the waived/injured list Monday.

Carolina is 0-for-42 in scoring touchdowns on their offensive drives this pre-season.

Colts rookie cornerback Kevin Thomas was placed on injured reserve (IR) today, as expected.

Vikings quarterback Brett Favre described a lubricant injection into his ankle as being "like a grease fitting,'' per SI's Peter King.

The Lions signed linebacker Rocky Boiman in addition to releasing linebacker Lee Campbell, wide receiver Eric Fowler and defensive end Chima Ihekwoaba and waived-injured fullback Jake Nordin.

Ravens cornerback Fabian Washington missed practice with bruised ribs, but he's expected to be ready for the season opener.

In addition, cornerback Lardarius Webb won't play in the Ravens' fourth pre-season game.

BIlls running back Marshawn Lynch will test his ankle tomorrow to determine whether he plays in the team's pre-season finale against the Lions.

Speaking about the Browns' Ring of Honor ceremony on September 19th, Hall-of-Fame running back Jim Brown said: "I don't have any trophies in my home on display. I don't claim to be the best at anything, and I emphatically do not need validation from any man, so I will not participate in your Ring of Honor."

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

His campaigning worked.

When the Cowboys face the Dolphins in their pre-season finale, rookie wide receiver Dez Bryant will be on the field.

Tonight Bryant tweeted (via Todd Archer of the Dallas Morning News), "Back in action Thursday night!!!!!"

Bryant, who is recovering from a high-ankle sprain, said Saturday night of his route-running before the game that "everybody liked what they've seen and we're just moving forward."

According to Mock Draft Central, Bryant is currently the 33rd wide receiver drafted in fantasy drafts based on average draft position (ADP).

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 12:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Oakland Raiders running back Michael Bush will have surgery on his broken thumb Monday, but there is a "good chance" that he'll be ready to play in the team's season opener on September 12th, according to coach Tom Cable (via the Associated Press).

Bush, who broke his thumb in Saturday's pre-season game against the 49ers, likely won't need to play with a cast on his hand.

However, Dennis Georgatos of NFL FanHouse thinks playing Bush would be a mistake if he requires a cast.

Bush and Darren McFadden, the fourth overall pick in 2008, are set to share the workload in 2010.

McFadden, who has been a disappointment in his two NFL seasons, would get an opportunity to establish himself as the team's primary back if Bush is unable to return for Week 1.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Today the Houston Texans released three players: cornerback Fred Bennett, defensive end Pannel Egboh and wide receiver London Crawford.

Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, Steelers suspended quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will meet with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on Friday.

Broncos running back Knowshon Moreno and wide receiver Demaryius Thomas "don’t look anywhere near close to returning," per Mike Klis of the Denver Post.

Steelers linebacker James Farrior suffered a head laceration making a tackle in tonight's pre-season game against the Broncos.

Of the NFL's eight divisions, which is the toughest from top to bottom? Discuss in our forums.

Redskins receiver Malcolm Kelly will play in the team's pre-season finale as his status on the team's 53-man roster is in peril.

As we already know, T.O. loves him some him. Apparently, so does Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer, who said, "I love what Terrell is doing."

Speaking of his opportunity with the Vikings, receiver Javon Walker said (via the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, "It's been a long time waiting. But I always knew it was there. To come here with a team like this one, it feels great to contribute and try and add on to what they're doing. This is a great team, and I just want to be a part of their success."

Which new Vikings receiver will make a greater impact: Walker or Greg Camarillo?

The Patriots re-signed DB Terrence Johnson and released OL Brian Simmons today.

Raiders receiver Chaz Schilens will miss three to six weeks, but the team is not interested in Antonio Bryant, who was released by the Bengals today.

Is Cleveland rookie quarterback Colt McCoy on the roster bubble?

Per Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic, intangibles will factor into the decision to select the Cardinals' starting quarterback.

Jets linebacker Calvin Pace will miss 4-6 weeks due to a broken foot and the team could fill the void with linebacker Adalius Thomas.

Dolphins quarterback Chad Pennington joked that the key to winning the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award is to “get hurt and then come back.”

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

When the Donovan McNabb era begins in Washington on September 12th, coach Mike Shanahan isn't sure whether the team's signal-caller will be under center or holding a clipboard.

"I really don't know for sure," Shanahan said Sunday, per the Associated Press. "That's why it's day by day. We'll see how it goes."

McNabb, who sprained his ankle in the team's second pre-season game, hasn't practiced or played since then and he won't play in the team's final pre-season game on Thursday.

As a precaution, neither will Rex Grossman, the team's back-up quarterback.

The Redskins face five tough opponents in their first six weeks: Dallas, Houston, Philadelphia, Green Bay and Indianapolis. Those five teams combined for a 56-24 record in 2009. (They also play St. Louis in Week 3.)

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

In back-to-back off-seasons, the Cincinnati Bengals have given a pair of free-agent wide receivers four-year contracts worth $28 million.

First, it was Laveranues Coles in 2009. Then, it was Antonio Bryant in 2010.

After the Bengals released Coles earlier this off-season, the veteran receiver signed with the New York Jets for his third stint with the team.

Today both Coles and Bryant were released (by the Jets and Bengals, respectively.)

"I think I'm done,'' Coles said, per Dave Hutchinson of the Newark Star-Ledger. "I don't want to become one of those journeyman football players. I don't need the money..."

"Unless someone gives me an offer I can't refuse, I think I'm done,'' said Coles. "I have my health and I'm thankful for that. I'll talk to the Jets if they call but right now I think I'm done."

The Bryant signing was a huge financial mistake by the Bengals, who paid Bryant nearly $8 million without him ever playing in a single game. In fact, he practiced only once due to the problems with his left knee.

In other words, Bryant received $46,511.63 per day during his 172 days as a Cincinnati Bengal.

Although Bryant is now an unrestricted free agent, who can sign with anybody, it would make sense for teams to wait for the health of Bryant's knee to improve.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Per Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, agents for Chargers receiver Vincent Jackson deny that the disgruntled receiver is seeking a five-year contract worth $50 million that includes $30 million of guaranteed money.

Naturally, those numbers would make clubs hesitant to pursue the receiver.

"There's no truth to the report that we asked for $50 million over five years and $30 million guaranteed," [agent Neil] Schwartz told Florio. "We only talked concepts with the Seahawks... No numbers were mentioned."

As it stands, Jackson will miss the first three games of the 2010 regular season due to a suspension. If he does not sign his tender as a restricted free agent by 6 p.m. ET on September 4th, he would be required to sit an additional three weeks.

Of course, if he's not traded, there's a good chance that he misses at least ten games since a player only needs to be on an NFL roster for six weeks to accrue a year of service toward free agency.

And appearing on NFL Network yesterday, Jackson said, "We're prepared for that," referring to the possibility of sitting out the entire 2010 season. "The union comes and talks to us about the lockout possibly next year and I've been financially smart."

Currently, Jackson is the 34th receiver (90th player) drafted in fantasy football drafts based on average draft positions (ADPs) from Mock Draft Central.

Jackson, who was the Chargers' second-round pick in 2005, posted career-highs in receptions (68), receiving yards (1,167) and touchdowns (nine) in 2009.

Based on talent, he's a top ten receiver. Therefore, he provides fantasy owners with the ultimate high-risk, high-reward proposition.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 02:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles left last night's pre-season game against the Philadelphia Eagles holding his right arm in the first half and did not return.

The team hasn't commented on the status of Charles' injury.

Before the off-season acquisition of Thomas Jones, many (including yours truly) expected a huge season for Charles, who rushed for nearly 1,000 yards in the second half of last season.

On the team's depth chart, however, Jones -- not Charles -- is listed as the first-team running back.

In a chat on Thursday, ESPN blogger Bill Williamson estimated that Charles will get "60 percent of the carries."

Charles rushed six times for 40 yards despite fumbling the ball on the team's first play from scrimmage.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The Detroit Lions have placed defensive end Jared DeVries on injured reserve (IR), per Tim Twentyman of The Detroit News.

Reports that Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew had knee surgery were denied by his agent.

After running routes yesterday at practice, Cowboys rookie Dez Bryant said (via the Dallas Morning News), "I know for a fact that I'm going to be ready for Washington. I know for a fact. I feel great, I feel fine."

According to Forbes magazine (via the Detroit Free Press), three of the top four most valuable NFL franchises play in the NFC East.

As pointed out by Pro Football Talk, Cardinals demoted quarterback Matt Leinart is in the process of burning bridges in Arizona.

The X-rays taken of Indianapolis MLB Gary Brackett's right hand came back negative.

Meanwhile, Colts running back Joseph Addai suffered a minor concussion in last night's pre-season game against the Packers yet he said that he "just got a little dizzy" but he "was cool.”

Vikings rookie cornerback Chris Cook will start against the Seahawks in their pre-season game on Saturday.

The NFL has fined Giants receiver Hakeem Nicks and Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor $10,000 each for their fight in their pre-season game last weekend.

Saints quarterback Drew Brees was given the "Good Guy" Award, per the New Orleans Times-Picayune.

It's confirmed that Rams receiver Donnie Avery will miss the season with a torn ACL.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

In last night's pre-season game against the St. Louis Rams, Patriots running back Laurence Maroney, actress Betty White and I all finished with the same amount of rushing yards (zero).

We also tied for the same amount of rushing attempts (zero).

Per Jeff Howe of NESN.com, Patriots coach Bill Belichick was asked about Maroney not getting any touches.

"Yeah, we never had the ball," Belichick said.

In addition to Maroney, Fred Taylor, who rushed the ball well against the Falcons (11 carries for 54 yards), did not have any carries either.

The team's other three running backs -- BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Sammy Morris and Kevin Faulk -- split their 11 carries.

As Howe points out, the Patriots may only keep four running backs on their 53-man roster. If so, Maroney could be on the outside looking in.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

There are rumors circulating that Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall broke his arm.

Meanwhile, NFL Network's Jason La Canfora has tweeted that those rumors "are not true."

In my updated fantasy football cheat sheet, Mendenhall is ranked ninth overall.

So, I may need to update my update. Or I may not.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 05:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

FYI: Today we have updated our fantasy football cheat sheet.

Want to see who is #1? Click here.

Want to see who is #48? Click here.

How about #119? Click here.

Ok, we'll stop with the cheap attempts to get you to click the link. If you click the link, we will be grateful. If you don't click the link, however, we will understand. But we want you to have the link. So here's the link.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 05:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The St. Louis Rams could possibly be without their No. 1 receiver for the entire 2010 season.

After diving for a pass in last night's pre-season game against the Patriots, Avery was carted off the field.

"Donnie probably has a significant knee injury," coach Steve Spagnuolo said, per Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. "We'll know a little bit more after we get the tests (on Sunday). He was a little bit down, and rightfully so. Hopefully, it's not as bad as we think."

Prior to the Avery injury, the Rams' receiving corps was one of the league's weakest. And, naturally, without their best receiver, the unit will be even weaker.

Depending on the MRI results, however, it will provide an opportunity for guys like Laurent Robinson, who was off to a good start in 2009 before suffering his own season-ending injury, and rookie Mardy Gilyard as well as the rest of the Rams receivers to step up.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

While Patriots quarterback Tom Brady may hate the Jets, Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez says, "I love the Patriots. I love Tom."

Bucs wide receiver Sammie Stroughter is in the lead to be the team's second receiver opposite rookie Mike Williams, per Joe Smith of the St. Petersburg Times.

Raiders running back Darren McFadden has returned to practice and expects to play in the team's third (his first) pre-season game this weekend.

Packers cornerback Al Harris failed his physical Monday, which reduces the likelihood that he'll be on the field for the season opener against the Eagles.

In addition, Browns defensive tackle Shaun Rogers could miss the season opener and end up on the PUP list, which would cause him to miss the team's first six games.

The Miami Dolphins have traded receiver Greg Camarillo to the Vikings for cornerback Benny Sapp.

Meanwhile Vikings receiver Percy Harvin returned to practice today.

Ravens rookie nose tackle Terrence Cody could miss Saturday's pre-season game due to swelling in the knee. Coach John Harbaugh says it's "nothing that needs surgery at this time."

Texans tight end Owen Daniels has been cleared to return to the Texans and should be ready for Week 1 against the Colts.

Former NFL running back Tatum Bell was cut by the Florida Tuskers of the UFL today.

Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher has missed another practice due to a left calf strain.

Here is the link to our fantasy football contest for Week 1.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The Minnesota Vikings will be without star receiver Sidney Rice, who had hip surgery yesterday, for at least the first half of the season, according to Chip Scoggins of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.

Rice texted Scoggins that the procedure went "well." In fact, he's already begun his rehabilitation as he rode an exercise bike for 20 minutes Monday night.

"I would think [it will take] probably at least eight weeks before we're talking about doing anything," [coach Brad] Childress said.

So, Childress hasn't ruled out the possibility of Rice landing on season-ending injured reserve (IR).

It was believed that Rice wouldn't need off-season surgery. There is the possibility that the timing of the surgery is related to his unhappiness about earning only $550,000 this season, which is the final year of his contract, and not getting a long-term deal.

In other words, it was Rice -- not the team -- who decided that he have the surgery.

"None of us have X-ray vision," Childress said, per ESPN blogger Kevin Seifert. "You just go by what somebody tells you."

Meanwhile, the team is still without Percy Harvin as he continues to be tested and evaluated for migraines. Last week, Harvin collapsed and was hospitalized after a migraine attack during practice.

A healthy Harvin stands to be the biggest benefactor of Rice's absence. However, that requires Harvin to be healthy. The problem with migraines is they can strike at any time.

Meanwhile, Bernard Berrian is moving up draft boards and the Vikings signed veteran receiver Javon Walker, who had experimental knee surgery in Israel in 2009.

"It was something that eventually I'll talk about and fill you guys in," Walker said. "That way I can get the specifics and the terminology down right before just saying something. I'll definitely let you guys know because it's really, really something unique. It's going to be something that helps a lot of athletes in the near future."

From a fantasy perspective, the winners (as a result of Rice's surgery) are Harvin, Berrian, Visanthe Shiancoe and Walker although it would take being in a really deep league for Walker to find his way on to my roster. In addition, running back Adrian Peterson should benefit as he caught more passes last year (43) than he caught in his first two seasons combined (40).

Aside from the obvious (Rice himself), the biggest loser is Brett Favre, who loses his favorite target for half (or more) of the season.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Chargers wide receiver Vincent Jackson, who was placed on the team's roster-exempt list, was suspended by the NFL for the first three regular-season games for the violating the league's personal-conduct policy.

So, in other words, the earliest that Jackson could be in uniform is Week 4.

Depending on what happens between now and September 4th at 6 p.m. ET, Jackson may be forced to sit out an additional three games even if he's traded or (much less likely) wants to play for the Chargers.

Per NFL Network's Jason La Canfora, the league's collective bargaining agreement states that "once a club has notified a player of its intention to place him on the roster exempt list, the player must remain on that list for three games following the date on which he actually reports to his club."

If he doesn't sign his tender by September 4th, Jackson won't be able to report until after their Week 3 matchup against the Seahawks. Then he would be required to sit out the games versus the Cardinals, Raiders and Rams if he's still a Charger.

There is the possiblity (or likelihood) that if Jackson isn't traded that he sits out for at least the first ten games.

In order to qualify for a year of accrued service toward free agency, a player needs to be on an active roster for a minimum of six games.

So, if he isn't traded, the three-game or six-game suspension is a moot point since I expect him to miss ten games and play the bare minimum to accrue a year of service.

If the Chargers trade Jackson, however, he will be able to play in Week 4 if he signs his tender before September 4th. Otherwise, he'll have to wait an additional three weeks.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

To prevent rookie defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh from being double-teamed too often, Lions defensive coordinator says teams have "to find him first. We're going to move him around. He's smart enough to play all the positions."

The Jets are on the verge of a long-term extension with center Nick Mangold.

In his return to Denver (as a Detroit Lion), tight end Tony Scheffler said, "It felt good, man. It was good to be back here, good to win the game. But I didn't expect the boos."

According to Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs, it's not how start but how you finish.

Giants coach Tom Coughlin said that Brandon Jacobs' injury (that made him a scratch for last night's game) "came out of nowhere." And the injury is "nothing serious," according to GM Jerry Reese.

Meanwhile quarterback Eli Manning will return (with a baseball cap on instead of a helmet) to the practice field on Monday.

Seahawks left tackle Russell Okung will miss the next two-to-four weeks due to an ankle sprain, per NFL Network's Jason La Canfora.

Vikings quarterback Brett Favre has addressed his teammates twice this week and said, "I did feel -- more so than last year, believe it or not -- I needed them to know I'm all in."

In addition, Favre is getting more money to be "all in."

It's unlikely that Cowboys safety Gerald Sensabaugh (shoulder) will return before the team's regular-season opener.

Teammate Keith Brooking says of his shoulder injury, "We did X rays and it was a Grade 1 so there's no separation in there. It's a very minor deal."

Vernon Gholstson said of the fight Rob Turner was asked (by Rex Ryan and Mike Pettine) to start with him: “Fighting? We can do that if necessary. But my job is always to try to become a better football player and try to help this team win…They saw how I responded. I ain’t scared of no fight.”

"Man, that one was pretty special," was how Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford described the 20-yard touchdown that he connected on with Calvin Johnson.

Redskins coach Mike Shanahan says of Albert Haynesworth: "The days of him playing without practicing are over." (Discuss in our forums)

Jaguars receiver Mike Sims-Walker said he had "a little chip on my shoulder" going into last night's pre-season game.

The Rams signed wide receiver Danario Alexander.

The Colts have lost cornerback Jordan Hemby for the season due to a torn ACL.

A healthy Leon Washington scored on an 11-yard touchdown yesterday.

Seattle has reached a deal with wide receiver Brandon Jones.

Bears coach Lovie Smith said of Brian Urlacher's calf injury: ''It shouldn't be anything major."

Jay Cutler was sacked five times.

Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers said of his touchdown-saving tackle last night: “Preseason, whatever it is, how do you just let a guy go? I don’t think it was anything special, it was just reaction.”

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)