The Denver Post points out that with Knowshon Moreno now healthy, the Broncos have abandoned their running back committee. Laurence Maroney and Correll Buckhalter combined for zero touches. Moreno is now a strong bet for 20 touches weekly and faces an extremely soft schedule down the stretch.
ESPN points out that Patriots RB Danny Woodhead has led the Patriots' running backs in snaps for three straight weeks and is clearly the RB to own in New England. The Pats look at Woodhead as more than just a third-down specialist like they saw Kevin Faulk. Woodhead is being asked to run the ball on early downs and he's clearly the back to own in New England right now. Roworld.com points out that he's averaging 71.3 total yards per game over the last three weeks.
Despite a third straight missed practice, the San Diego Union-Tribune still believes "the smart guess" is that Antonio Gates will be available for Sunday's matchup with Oakland. Rotoworld.com says the Chargers are "far more likely" to be without Legedu Naanee and Malcom Floyd due to hamstring injuries.
Raiders RB Darren McFadden stated Friday that he believes he stands a 70 percent chance of playing in Sunday's game at Denver. McFadden did admit the hamstring is still "a little tight," and practiced on a limited basis all week. Look for the Raiders to run alot with Kyle Boller expected to start. Plus the Broncos Run D isn't very good
According to the Washington Post, Redskins TE Chris Cooley was able to take part in "light drills" at Redskins practice Wednesday. "Chris went through some drills today and felt good and should be able to go full-speed tomorrow," said coach Mike Shanahan. It's a good sign that Cooley practiced. Keep an eye on Cooley's status
Joseph Addai told the Indianapolis Star Wednesday that he might not regain strength in his injured left shoulder for another "four or five weeks." He did say that nothing is torn in the shoulder, but did hint towards nerve damage. More from Addai as from rotoworld.com... "That’s the biggest thing, that and getting the strength back. It could come back any time between now and four or five weeks. It's just dead and needs to wake up." Addai owners better find a way to get Donald Brown
According to the san Diego Union-Tribune, Chargers coach Norv Turner indicated that there's no set timetable for K Nate Kaeding to return from his groin injury. Kaeding "tweaked" the same groin in Week 6 that he had surgically repaired over the offseason. "Those type of injures," Turner said, "they can come back in a couple of weeks, or he could be out until after the bye." Cut Nate Kaeding from your fantasy team
According to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, Vikings QB Brett Favre is no longer wearing his elbow wrap and is taking more snaps on the practice field this week. The plan is for Favre to get more practice time in order to improve his rapport with Randy Moss. Farve said of his elbow tendinitis, "It feels better. " The way I'm handling it is if it feels fine I plan on taking all or close to all the reps."
Well, wether you are in a league that needs a TE or not. It is time to drop Greg Olsen. He didn't catch a single pass in Week 5 or 6. Even in the first four games he had limited value as he had over 40 yards in a game only once. Chop chop. Let him go
According to the Washington Post, Redskins coach Mike Shanahan did not sound optimistic about Chris Cooley's concussion. This is Cooley's 4th concussion so the medical staff will be extra careful with Cooley. If you need a tight end, add Fred Davis.
Joseph Addai left the stadium Sunday night with an ice wrap on his left shoulder, says the Indianapolis Star. Addai is getting more testing and the Colts have a bye next week. Also, look for Donald Brown to return after the bye, so Addai owners beware.
The New Orleans Times-Picayune things that Saints RB Chris Ivory needs to have a role even when Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush return. Ivory has power and speed and with Thomas being injury prone, I like Ivory to keep his role. Pick him up if you can
According to the Dallas Morning News, Cowboys QB Tony Romo injured his left thumb during the third quarter of Sunday's loss to the Vikings. Romo will have an X-ray on Monday, but it's not expected to be anything serious. It is his non-throwing hand.
Patriots TE Aaron Hernandez was on the field for 63 of the Patriots' 76 offensive snaps Sunday, the most among the team's skill players. Sure he dropped a couple of passes, but it looks like he is going to be a big part of the offense
Donald Driver was held out of Packers practice Friday with a quadricep injury, says ESPN. Driver is listed as "probable" and I don't think I'd start him. Miami has a pass D ranked in the top 5, plus Driver dropped 4 passes last week. Not to mention the iffy QB situation in Green Bay. Look elsewhere.
Pierre Thomas has been ruled out for Week 6 against the Bucs. To be honest, I have no idea who is going to get the carries now. And it's a good matchup as the Bucs run D ranks 3oth. Coach Sean Payton says that Julius Jones will only be third string, Ladell Betts all but cost New Orleans last week's game, and Chris Ivory received just ten carries.
I like Browns RB Peyton Hillis. I wish he was on my fantasy team. But this is not a good week to be starting him. He is listed as questionable for Week 6. He is facing a very tough Steeler D in Pittsburgh. Plus the Browns are goign to start rookie QB Colt McCoy. And if that wasn't enough, the Heinz Field playing surface is typically a disaster, so fantasy owners should hope the Hillis doesn't further aggravate his injury. Just avoid
The St. Paul Pioneer Press reports that Brett Favre has been "encouraged" with the progress of his inflamed elbow while taking limited practice reps over the past few days. Favre is officially listed as "questionable" for Sunday's game. The Minneapolis Star-Tribune even raises some concern about whether Favre will be able to finish the game. But put your money on Favre starting, playing, finishing, and playing well against the Cowboys