FFToolbox NFL News and Rumors

Reggie Bush doesn't fly with team to Tampa Bay

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 17:03:58 EST

A source close to the New Orleans Saints told the Associated Press that running back Reggie Bush did not fly with the team for its game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. A team spokesman said Saturday that Bush had been downgraded on the official injury report from questionable with a knee injury. Bush missed all of practice this week with swelling in his left knee, the same knee on which he had surgery last December to repair cartilage. This will be the first game Bush has missed in 2009. He missed 10 of his previous 20 games before 2009. He is expected to return to practice next week. Bush has 484 yards and six touchdowns in combined rushing and receiving this season.

Sammy Morris feels 'good' for Sunday

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:29:16 EST

The New England Patriots' backfield is about to get a little more muddled. With injuries sidelining Sammy Morris and Fred Taylor for the past month, it was clear that Laurence Maroney was the team's No. 1 back, with Kevin Faulk pitching in. Last week, Maroney fumbled near the goal line against the Colts and that led to more carries for Faulk. Now it looks as if Morris is ready to return from his Oct. 18 knee injury. Morris participated in a full week of practices for the first time since his injury and said that his recovering knee feels "sore but good." Morris is still not sure if he will be able to play Sunday against the New York Jets. He is officially listed as questionable.

Cedric Benson doubtful for Sunday

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:07:00 EST

Earlier Friday, Cincinnati Bengals running back Cedric Benson that he was still a game-time decision, despite not practicing all week (including Friday). He may still be right. As in, it probably won't be until game time that he is ruled out for Sunday's contest at Oakland. Benson suffered a hip injury last week against the Pittsburgh Steelers. If Benson is out, Larry Johnson would make his Bengals debut, but Bernard Scott is expected to start against the Raiders, and Brian Leonard will get some touches as well. In terms of how much he would play against the Raiders, Johnson would not predict a number or percentage of plays. Scott's biggest workload came last week at Pittsburgh. After Benson left in the second quarter last week, Scott had 13 carries for 33 yards.

Brian Westbrook out at least three weeks

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:41:30 EST

Concussion specialists will see Philadelphia Eagles running back Brian Westbrook for a checkup in three weeks. Thus, head coach Andy Reid said Friday that he expects Westbrook to miss at least three weeks. Reid said any decision beyond that will depend on the evaluations of the Eagles' medical staff. Westbrook suffered his second concussion in a 21-day span last week against the San Diego Chargers. Rookie running back LeSean McCoy will start while Westbrook recovers.

Kyle Orton to be game-time decision

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:12:13 EST

Denver Broncos quarterback Kyle Orton has been unable to practice all week due to a sprained ankle that he suffered last week. Yet, head coach Josh McDaniels said that there is "absolutely" a chance that he plays in a very important game against the San Diego Chargers. Orton didn't practice with the first-team offense all week -- those reps went to Chris Simms, who would start in Orton's place if he can't play. One reason Orton didn't practice Friday was because the team figured more rehabilitation on the ankle was more of a benefit than practicing (and risking injuring it again). McDaniels said Orton will work out before the game and would have to show that he can perform all the things that need to be done in the offense before the Broncos decide he is their starter. He is officially listed as questionable to play.

Falcons' Michael Turner doubtful; Roddy White, Jerious Norwood questionable

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:42:27 EST

Three of the Atlanta Falcons' more critical offensive skill players are at least questionable to play Sunday against the New York Giants. Running back Michael Turner is the most unlikely of the three to participate. He has not practiced since suffering a high right ankle sprain last Sunday and is listed as doubtful. Jason Snelling is expected to start in his place. Fellow backup running back Jerious Norwood was reportedly a "long shot" to play earlier in the week, but he practiced for the second consecutive day Friday. He is listed as questionable, but is expected to play and steal some carries from Snelling. For White, being listed as questionable is becoming old-hat. He has been limited in practice for the past few weeks with a sore knee, but always suits up on Sundays. Expect more of the same in week 11. He is listed as questionable.

Reggie Bush questionable for Sunday

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:20:49 EST

New Orleans Saints running back Reggie Bush missed practice for the third consecutive day Friday and is listed as questionable for Sunday's game at Tampa Bay. Head coach Sean Payton said Bush knows the offense well enough that he could step in without the practice reps. But at the same time, he doesn't want to risk a setback with Bush, whose injury has been labeled a knee bruise. Although the knee that is bugging Bush is the same left knee that he had surgically-repaired this offseason, Payton said he's not concerned about this latest injury developing into a long-term problem.

Clinton Portis "very doubtful" for Sunday

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:17:13 EST

Brian Westbrook's status for the rest of this season is very uncertain due to a concussion. Washington Redskins running back Clinton Portis is also recovering from a concussion and while he is expected to return before 2010, head coach Jim Zorn said Wednesday that it's "very doubtful" he will play Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys. Zorn said Portis worked out early Wednesday morning and Portis experienced some blurriness. Zorn also said that Portis must fully practice at least once before playing. Even if Portis stops experiencing symptoms, coaches want to wait a full 24 hours and retest him before allowing him to practice. Zorn said he would be very cautious even after Portis receives medical clearance to play.

JaMarcus Russell finally benched; Bruce Gradkowski to start for Raiders

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:14:30 EST

Oakland Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell has taken so much criticism for his low work ethic, poor performance and lack of ownership over said performance, most people have come to the conclusion that he is the worst starting quarterback in the NFL. Well, you can't say that any longer, because now he is not a starter. Head coach Tom Cable said after Wednesday's practice that Bruce Gradkowski has replaced Russell as the team's starting quarterback and will start this Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals. Cable said the plan is for Gradkowski to start the rest of the season. Russell has been benched in favor of Gradkowski in two of the past three games. This will be just the second start for Gradkowski since 2006. Russell has completed just 46.8 percent of his passes this season. He is averaging just 118.2 passing yards per game.

Ronnie Brown placed on injured reserve

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:35:27 EST

Miami Dolphins running back Ronnie Brown has seen the field for the last time in 2009. The team placed him on injured reserve Wednesday, ending his season. Brown left the team's game Sunday with a foot injury, the extent of which has yet to be disclosed. But it is believed to be a mid-foot sprain or a Lisfranc fracture. With him out of the picture, Ricky Williams becomes the team's No. 1 back, while Lex Hilliard -- who has yet to get a carry in his two-year career -- is expected to be his backup. Brown was on pace to set a career high in rushing yards and may have played his last game as a Dolphin. He has a $5 million salary option that kicks in if there is a new collective bargaining agreement reached next year; otherwise, Brown will be a free agent. The Dolphins could also consider placing the franchise tag on him.

Antonio Bryant expected to return for Tampa Bay

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:30:53 EST

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Antonio Bryant is expected to play Sunday against the New Orleans Saints after missing the past two games with a recurring knee injury that has bothered him since last season. Bryant, who had a career year with the Buccaneers in 2008 with 83 catches for 1,248 yards and seven touchdowns, has just 16 catches for 229 yards and two touchdowns this season. He also missed the team's week two game with this injury. This week's game will be his first with rookie quarterback Josh Freeman.

Westbrook already ruled out for week 11

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:14:12 EST

Philadelphia Eagles running back Brian Westbrook has been ruled out of the Eagles' Sunday night game against the Chicago Bears. After suffering his second concussion in the past month, Westbrook will visit a pair of noted concussion specialists on Wednesday. The test results Westbrook gets today should ultimately decide the course of the rest of his season, and possibly career. With Westbrook out, LeSean McCoy becomes the team's starting running back. He has averaged 100 total yards in the three games he has started this season in place of Westbrook.

Julius Jones out for week 11

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:01:36 EST

As expected, Seattle Seahawks running back Julius Jones will miss this Sunday's game at Minnesota due to his bruised lung, head coach Jim Mora announced Wednesday. Mora said that Jones is feeling better and attending team meetings, and hopes that he can return for next week's game at St. Louis. Jones was injured in the first quarter of Sunday's 31-20 loss at Arizona and spent one night in a Phoenix hospital. Second-year back Justin Forsett will start in Jones' place after rushing for a career-best 123 yards on 17 carries against the Cardinals. Mora said that rookie Louis Rankin will also get an increased role in back-up duty.

Ronnie Brown could be out for rest of season

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:41:25 EST

As the week has gone on, it seems as if the news on Ronnie Brown's availability has gotten increasingly pessimistic. His ankle injury turned into a foot and ankle injury. And now, while he was already ruled out for Thursday's game against the Carolina Panthers, he could be out for much longer -- like the rest of the season. The Dolphins have not publicly acknowledged that the team fears Brown will miss the remainder of the season, but per a league source, the current thinking is that Brown will not be able to play again this year. This could change based upon the advice of the specialist that Brown eventually sees and the success of rehab efforts. As long as Brown is unable to play, Ricky Williams will see the majority of the carries out of Miami's Wildcat offense. Brown has rushed for 648 yards and eight touchdown this season.

Report: Kyle Orton likely to play despite ankle injury

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:20:02 EST

Denver Broncos quarterback Chris Simms completed just three of his 13 passes and threw a pick in relief of Kyle Orton, who left the team's week 10 game in the second quarter due to an ankle injury. After that performance, the Broncos must be breathing a sigh of relief with the news that Orton will likely play this Sunday against the San Diego Chargers, according to the NFL Network. Denver Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels said on Monday that he wouldn't know until later in the week if Orton's sprained left ankle will prevent him from playing against San Diego, but the early reports are promising.

Dwayne Bowe suspended four games

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:42:19 EST

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Dwayne Bowe leads the team with 33 catches, including six catches for 91 yards last weekend in a win at Oakland. Unfortunately for him, the Chiefs and his fantasy owners, he won't have a chance to match that performance until week 15. Bowe has been suspended for four games for violating the NFL's policy against performance-enhancing substances. The team announced the suspension Tuesday and said it would have no further comment. Prior to this season, he spent most of training camp in first year head coach Todd Haley's doghouse, even being demoted to third team in what appeared to be an effort to motivate him.

Shakeup in Buffalo: Dick Jauron fired, Trent Edwards benched

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:20:20 EST

The Buffalo Bills are 3-6 this season. Their fans wanted changes and on Tuesday, changes were made. First, Ryan Fitzpatrick was named the team's starting quarterback for Sunday's game against Jacksonville. Fitzpatrick will get the start over Trent Edwards, who was benched in the second half of last week's loss to Tennessee, which was his first game back after missing two games with a concussion. Soon afterward, the Bills fired head coach Dick Jauron. The team's interim head coach is defensive coordinator Perry Fewell, who has never been a head coach at any level. Jauron was in his fourth season in Buffalo. He finished 7-9 in each of his first three season with the Bills. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Jauron was "blindsided" by the news after meeting with team owner Ralph Wilson.

Cedric Benson likely to be game-time decision

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:53:41 EST

On a day in which all of the news coming out of Cincinnati focused on one running back the Bengals were gaining instead of the starter they already had, there was some news on running back Cedric Benson. Benson left Sunday's game against the Steelers in the first half. Benson's injury is being termed as a hip abductor strain, which he had suffered last week (he was limited in practice on Wednesday). Both head coach Marvin Lewis and Benson said that the injury was not considered serious and that his status for this week's game at Oakland could be a game-time decision. If Benson can't go, Bernard Scott would likely become the team's starting running back against the Raiders, with some spare carries going to Brian Leonard and Larry Johnson. Lewis said that Johnson's signing will not effect the roles of Benson, Scott or Leonard. He will probably end up being inactive on game days.

Julius Jones unlikely to play in week 11 due to bruise

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:33:48 EST

There is good news and bad news surrounding Seattle Seahawks running back Julius Jones. The good news is that, contrary to previous reports, Jones didn't break a rib on Sunday; Rather he bruised a lung. Head coach Jim Mora said that Jones also might have a cracked rib. Jones did not travel with the team back from Arizona for precautionary reasons, but was schedule to return today. Mora said he spoke with Jones Monday, and that he was feeling better. Jones carried the ball twice for 10 yards against the Cardinals before leaving with the injury. The Seahawks turned to Justin Forsett in his absence, who responded with a career-best 123 yards on 17 carries.

Ronnie Brown has multiple foot injuries, is surely out of Thursday's game

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:00:38 EST

Miami Dolphins running back Ronnie Brown left Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a sprained ankle. However, that's not even the injury that worries the team most. According to Jay Glazer of FOX Sports, Brown also has a foot injury that has the team very concerned. He will certainly miss the team's game on Thursday against the Carolina Panthers. It is unknown if Brown has a mid-foot sprain, also known as a Lisfranc injury, which could keep him out for quite a while. Brown went down midway through the third quarter after he broke a long run and then fumbled while fighting for extra yardage. Without him, the Dolphins didn't use the Wildcat again or sub in Pat White for the "Pistol" offense during the second half of the Bucs game.

Larry Johnson expected to sign with Bengals

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:41:10 EST

Nov. 16 Larry Johnson is apparently back on an NFL team. One week after being cut by the Kansas City Chiefs, Johnson has reportedly found a home with the Cincinnati Bengals. A deal, if consummated, is expected to be for the prorated league minimum. Johnson hasn't played since a week seven loss to the Chargers. Soon afterward, he questioned head coach Todd Haley's credibility and used a homosexual slur toward one of his followers on Twitter. The Chiefs then put Johnson on a two-week suspension and cut him on the day the suspension ended, Nov. 9. On 132 carries, Johnson is averaging a career-worst 2.7 yards per carry and hasn't scored a touchdown this season.

Michael Turner does have high ankle sprain

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:35:57 EST

Atlanta Falcons stud running back Michael Turner does indeed have a high ankle sprain. Typically, a high-ankle sprain entails a recovery time of 4-6 weeks, but according to Jay Glazer of FOX Sports, the team is optimistic that Turner won't be shelved for as long as high ankle sprains usually keep players out because he doesn't have an extensive injury history. Turner ran for 111 yards on nine carries before he left the game with 9:08 left in the second quarter. He was replaced by Jason Snelling, who ran pretty well, albeit against a pretty bad run defense. He gained 61 yards on 18 carries, added three receptions for 32 yards and scored a touchdown.

Cedric Benson leaves with hip flexor injury

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 01:40:27 EST

Cincinnati Bengals running back Cedric Benson has been one of the biggest surprises in fantasy football this season. Luckily, after suffering a hip flexor injury in week 10 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, it looks like it will be a surprise if he misses next week's game against the Oakland Raiders. Benson was pulled during the second quarter of Sunday's 18-12 win over Pittsburgh with a hip flexor strain, returned for one series, then left the game for good. Benson was treated at halftime, but did not return to the game. A source told ESPN's Chris Mortensen that head coach Marvin Lewis is optimistic Benson will be able to play next week against the Oakland. He had just 22 yards on seven carries before leaving. Benson was replaced by Bernard Scott. Besides returning a 96-yard kickoff for a touchdown, Scott finished with just 33 yards rushing on 13 carries.

Julius Jones breaks rib, has bleeding in lung

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:51:21 EST

For those who were wondering why Justin Forsett was running all over the Arizona Cardinals in week 10, there is a painful explanation. Seattle Seahawks starting running back Julius Jones left Sunday's game due to a broken rib and had some bleeding in his lung. Seahawks head coach Jim Mora said after the game that Jones would spend the night in a local hospital as a precaution and that the team would "play it safe" with him going forward. Mora said Jones' playing status for next week is unknown. Jones carried the ball twice for 10 yards before his injury. His departure left Forsett as Seattle's primary back. Forsett responded with a career-best 123 yards in 17 carries. He also scored a touchdown and caught five passes for 26 yards. The Seahawks go on the road to face the Minnesota Vikings in week 11.

Kyle Orton injures ankle

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:34:57 EST

Denver Broncos quarterback Kyle Orton sat out the second half of the team's 27-17 loss to the Washington Redskins on Sunday with an injured left ankle and wasn't sure whether he'll be able to play next week against the San Diego Chargers. Orton said: "I was hoping to come back out, and I just wasn't able to." Orton also said after the game it was too soon to say whether he would be able to play against the Chargers. Coming out of halftime, Orton said he tried a few practice throws but then told coach Josh McDaniels he wouldn't be able to play. Backup quarterback Chris Simms played the second half against Washington, and the rust showed: Simms completed 3 of 13 passes for 13 yards and an interception, which translates to a passer rating of 7.5.

Ronnie Brown on crutches after win

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:20:40 EST

The Miami Dolphins have just three days to prepare for their game at the Carolina Panthers on Thursday night. That means that running back Ronnie Brown has three days to heal fast enough so that he can play in that game. Brown hurt his right ankle in the third quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. He limped off the field, was assisted off the field by teammates and later hobbled to the locker room during Miami's 25-23 win. Brown was on crutches following the game and it's unclear how long he'll have them. X-rays turned out to be negative, but Brown will undergo an MRI on Monday. Brown is the Dolphins' leading rusher this season and the triggerman on most of their wildcat plays. He ran for 82 yards and a touchdown Sunday.

Could latest concussion end Brian Westbrook's career?

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:06:07 EST

Philadelphia Eagles running back Brian Westbrook returned to action in week 10 after missing most of the team's previous three games due to, among other ailments, a concussion. But the same animal bit Westbrook on Sunday and now he may be out for even longer this time. How about forever? There is speculation that Westbrook could be out for a prolonged period after suffering another concussion Sunday. Or possibly for the rest of the season, if not for good. Eagles head coach Andy Reid said no determination as to Westbrook's future could immediately be made and he declined to speculate if this latest concussion was career-threatening. However, he expressed worry about the eight-year veteran's health, more so than his football career."I feel bad for Brian," Reid said. "I feel bad for him. It's something that our doctors will look at and be on top of right when we get back hellip; In these types of situations, football is secondary. We've got to look at this kid and for his future and make sure everything is OK for him before he gets back out there."

Michael Turner may have serious ankle injury

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 23:32:49 EST

After nine carries, it appeared that Atlanta Falcons running back Michael Turner was on his way to a tremendous fantasy day. But nine carries -- and 111 yards -- would be all that Turner would get Sunday against the Carolina Panthers. He left the game in the second quarter with a right ankle sprain. He was seen trying to walk for the trainers on the sidelines before leaving the field to go to the locker room. Turner will undergo an MRI on Monday to reveal the extent of the injury, but there is speculation that he could have a high ankle sprain, which could keep him out of action for maybe a few weeks. Turner was replaced in the lineup by third-string tailback Jason Snelling. Turner's primary backup, Jerious Norwood, missed his fifth straight game with a right hip flexor. Snelling ended up with 93 total yards and a touchdown.

Jamal Lewis 50-50 to play Monday night

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 20:00:26 EST

Running back Jamal Lewis is probably the only Cleveland Browns player that anyone who is not in a 20-team league should care to own. But even he may not play Monday night versus the Baltimore Ravens. Lewis has been bothered by an ankle injury that has limited him in practice all week. He is listed as questionable to play. Lewis recently said that this will be his final season in the NFL; if he sticks to that, this game will be his last against the team that gave him a shot in the league and the team whose jersey Lewis will wear when he is likely inducted into the Hall of Fame one day. Jerome Harrison would see more carries if Lewis can't go.