FFToolbox NFL News and Rumors

Unlike other big-name wide receivers, Anquan Boldin inactive Sunday

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 12:15:43 EST

This week was a very crowded one for wide receivers on the injury report. And with most of the dinged receivers -- Roddy White, Calvin Johnson, Devin Hester, Donald Driver, Pierre Garcon, etc -- one notable pass catcher reportedly won't play Sunday: Arizona Cardinals' Anquan Boldin. Boldin has been limited by a sprained ankle for the last few weeks, but he has continued to play with it. However, he aggravated the injury in last week's game against Carolina and missed most of the week in practice. Steve Breaston will start in Boldin's place.

Westbrook not expected to play Sunday night

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 11:26:44 EST

All week, we've heard that Philadelphia Eagles running back Brian Westbrook would return to the starting lineup this Sunday night against the Dallas Cowboys after missing most of the past two games with a concussion. Westbrook practiced on Wednesday and Thursday and said he was good to go. Westbrook was held out of practice on Friday, but many saw that as just a precaution. Apparently, it was more than that. According to multiple sources, ESPN's Adam Schefter is reporting that Westbrook is not expected to play tonight. To be safe, Eagles head coach Andy Reid now is expected to rest Westbrook for at least another week to recuperate from a severe blow to the head that he suffered in week seven against the Washington Redskins. Rookie running back LeSean McCoy will get the start in Westbrook's place.

Willie Parker won't be healthy for rest of the season

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 20:56:17 EST

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Willie Parker usually starts each season with a bang and then fizzles as the year continues. In 2009, Parker never got off to that good start and it doesn't sound like he will be getting any better soon. Already a backup to Rashard Mendenhall, Parker is still being bothered by the turf toe injury which caused him to miss two games earlier this season. Offensive coordinator Bruce Arians said the time off because of the Steelers' week eight bye helped Parker heal. But, he added, Parker still isn't 100 percent and that "He probably won't be the rest of the year." Parker has run for just 187 yards on 60 carries this season and hasn't scored a touchdown. He has carried the ball just eight times in the past two games as Mendenhall has seen the majority of touches.

Westbrook misses practice Friday, still expected to play

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 20:36:13 EST

On Wednesday, Philadelphia Eagles running back Brian Westbrook said he would be "good to go" for Sunday night's game versus the Dallas Cowboys. Westbrook practiced on Wednesday and Thursday, but missed Friday's practice as he continues to recover from a concussion that he suffered in week seven against the Washington Redskins. Still, head coach Andy Reid said that the exclusion was just a precaution and that "[Westbrook] has taken every rep for the last two days here." Westbrook missed last week's game against the New York Giants and is listed as questionable to play against the Cowboys.

Ryan Moats, not Steve Slaton, to start for Texans

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 20:13:54 EST

Houston Texans head coach Gary Kubiak let it be known earlier in the week that all three of the team's running backs will see playing time against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. Now we know who will get the first shot. In somewhat of a surprise, Kubiak said Saturday that Ryan Moats will start, while Steve Slaton will share carries; Chris Brown will probably get some spare touches. Moats has played very well this season in a limited role, carrying 38 times for 182 yards and three touchdowns (all of which came last week against Buffalo). Slaton has 110 carries for 342 yards and two touchdowns this season, but was benched during last week's game due to another fumble. He has fumbled seven times this season; Moats has zero fumbles.

Roddy White practices, is expected to play

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:55:52 EST

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Roddy White has been one of the top wideouts in fantasy football through the past four weeks, recording 414 yards and five touchdowns in that period. But there was reason to worry this week after White didn't practice on Wednesday or Thursday due to a very vague knee injury. White did practice in limited capacity on Friday and head coach Mike Smith said "I anticipate [White] being ready to go on Sunday afternoon." He is listed as questionable for the team's week nine contest against the Washington Redskins.

Colts notes: Donald Brown expected back; Anthony Gonzalez gets scoped

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:10:14 EST

Indianapolis Colts rookie running back Donald Brown is expected to play this Sunday versus the Houston Texans. He has made a pretty quick recovery from a shoulder injury. However, you can't say the same about wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez from his knee injury. After rumors swirled a while ago that Gonzalez could be getting close to returning to the Colts' lineup, Gonzalez had arthroscopic knee surgery on Thursday. He is expected to miss at least 2-3 more weeks. He has been out since week one with a torn PCL and apparently re-aggravated his injury during practice a couple of weeks ago. Brown injured his shoulder during the team's week seven game. Colts owner Bill Polian said Brown was expected to miss 2-3 weeks, but after missing just one game, Brown looks like he is ready to return. He is officially listed as questionable.

Aaron Rodgers, Donald Driver still out of practice

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:19:58 EST

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is still not practicing and neither is one of his top weapons, wide receiver Donald Driver. Both missed practice Wednesday and Thursday. Rodgers is nursing a sprain on each foot, but he is expected to take some snaps in Friday's practice and play Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Until then, backup quarterback Matt Flynn has and will handle the first-team practice reps. Driver's status is apparently a little more questionable. He sustained a stinger in Sunday's loss to Minnesota, and although he returned to the game, he has yet to practice this week. He was on the field Thursday and according to the Green Bay Press-Gazette, Driver seemed to be in good spirits but wasn't wearing pads during the portion open to reporters.

Calvin Johnson to be game-time decision

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:51:58 EST

Haven't we seen this story before? Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (who has missed the team's past two games with a knee injury) practiced for the second consecutive day on Thursday, but he will probably be a game-time decision for Sunday's game against the Seattle Seahawks, according to head coach Jim Schwartz. Even Johnson didn't sound completely optimistic when he was asked about his availability for this game: "I'm practicing this week, but I'm not going to step out there and say that I'm going to play," he said. "But I feel real good. I have a good shot at getting on the field." Of course, Johnson practiced in limited fashion during the week before the week eight game against the St. Louis Rams. At that time, many thought he would play, but he ended up being a late scratch.

Matt Hasselbeck to be limited in practice, but expected to play Sunday

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:21:25 EST

When Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck suffered a broken rib in week two, everyone knew that the injury would affect him for quite a while (even though he made his return to game action in week five). That injury's presence certainly made an appearance in week eight when Hasselbeck took a shot to his back early in the third quarter and was down for several moments. He didn't miss a play and finished that game, but he will certainly miss some -- if not all -- of this week's practices. The good news is that the team still expects Hasselbeck to start against the Detroit Lions in week nine.

Brian Westbrook expected to play Sunday

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:53:46 EST

The Philadelphia Eagles certainly didn't need the services of running back Brian Westbrook as they dismantled the New York Giants last Sunday. This Sunday the Eagles face another NFC rival, the Dallas Cowboys, and Westbrook is reportedly "good to go" for that showdown. Westbrook sat out the Giants game due to a concussion that he suffered against Washington in week 7. But Westbrook practiced fully on Wednesday and head coach Andy Reid said that Westbrook should play, barring any setbacks in his recovery. Westbrook called the concussion "a fluke thing," and said that while he worries about the effects of such an injury many years in the future, he can't be thinking about it when he takes the field against the Cowboys.

Ken Whisenhunt hints that Anquan Boldin might not play in week nine

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:57:23 EST

On Tuesday, Arizona Republic columnist Kent Somers said that no matter how much Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Anquan Boldin wants to play and tries to tough it out on Sundays, the Cardinals should do the smart thing and sit him for his own good. In the column, Somers quotes head coach Ken Whisenhunt, who hints that he is considering holding Boldin out of the team's week nine game versus Chicago. Boldin suffered a right ankle sprain against the Houston Texans on Oct. 11 and limped through the next three games. He aggravated the injury in the third quarter last Sunday in a loss to the Carolina Panthers and didn't return.

Calvin Johnson practices; Kevin Smith does not, but he is still starting

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:44:10 EST

This time last week, the good news for the Detroit Lions was that quarterback Matt Stafford was practicing, but wide receiver Calvin Johnson was limited. This week, Johnson is finally practicing with the first team, but that optimism is slightly tempered by the news that running back Kevin Smith didn't practice on Wednesday. At least when Smith is healthy enough to play, he will be the team's starting running back. After a few days of speculation that Smith could lose his starting job or at least fall into a timeshare with Maurice Morris, head coach Jim Schwartz said Wednesday that Smith will remain the team's workhorse back while Morris will be the complementary back and get a few carries. Johnson took part in all of the individual drills and was running smoothly Wednesday. Johnson, who suffered a right knee injury against the Pittsburgh Steelers in week five, has not played in Detroit's previous two games. Smith, who left Sunday's game with a left shoulder injury, is also dealing with some sort of foot injury. Smith suffered a right shoulder injury earlier this season but did not miss a game. His status for Detroit's week nine game against the Seattle Seahawks is unknown at this point.

Seahawks cut Edgerrin James

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 02:44:58 EST

When the Seattle Seahawks signed Edgerrin James in August at the expense of T.J. Duckett, some thought he would have some value as a goal-line running back. So much for that. James, who averaged just 2.7 yards per carry in 46 attempts in Seattle and didn't score a touchdown, has been cut by the Seahawks. James had just six carries for 17 yards against the Cowboys on Sunday. In his heaviest workload of the season, when he got 16 carries in week five versus the Jaguars, James gained just 46 yards on 16 carries.

Chiefs claim Chris Chambers through waivers

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 02:33:20 EST

In 2007, the Miami Dolphins traded wide receiver Chris Chambers to San Diego for a second-round pick. As the Dolphins turned that pick into starting quarterback Chad Henne, Chambers was supposed to give the Chargers the weapon on the outside that they didn't have. Well, that weapon later became Vincent Jackson and Chambers has been nothing but a bust in his time in Southern California. In 2.5 seasons with the Chargers, Chambers never had a 100-yard game and is reaching new lows in 2009. After recording just nine catches this season, he was waived Monday. He wasn't out of work long as he was claimed off waivers by the Kansas City Chiefs on Tuesday.

Trent Edwards expected to play in week 10

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:26:22 EST

Buffalo Bills quarterback Trent Edwards missed the team's past two games and most of a third, but it looks like he won't be out for the next one. The Bills have a bye in week nine, which will give Edwards another week to get healthy, and he is expected to be back under center for a road game against the Tennessee Titans in week 10. A team source confirmed that Edwards will return to the starting lineup barring any setbacks in his recovery from a concussion that he suffered in week six against the Jets. Backup quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick did win two of those games, but he wasn't exactly impressive. Fitzpatrick completed 36 of 70 passes for 356 yards, two touchdowns, three interceptions and compiled a 57.8 passer rating.

Brett Favre plays well through groin injury

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:50:52 EST

The legend grows. In his 299th consecutive start, Minnesota quarterback Brett Favre said after Sunday's game that he thought he wouldn't be able to play. Favre told Sports Illustrated's Peter King that he pulled or strained his groin in practice on Wednesday and took it easy in practice for the rest of the week. Favre said that there was never any question he'd play, but about an hour before the game (during pregame warm ups and with the groin wrapped tightly) he aggravated the muscle. At that time, he told backup quarterback Tavaris Jackson and offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell, "I might not be able to do it."

Gary Kubiak noncommittal on Texans running backs

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:28:06 EST

In a performance straight out of the Frisman Jackson manual of unexpected fantasy performances, Houston Texans running back Ryan Moats burst onto fantasy radars across the nation this week with 126 rushing yards and three touchdowns in relief of Steve Slaton (who was benched after losing a fumble for the third consecutive week). Going forward, only head coach Gary Kubiak knows right now how this situation will shake out. On Monday, Kubiak didn't disclose who will start at running back against Indianapolis but said that Slaton, Moats and Chris Brown will see action. After losing only two fumbles as a rookie last season, Slaton leads the NFL with five this season. Kubiak said that the player who will get the most playing time will need to run, catch and block for quarterback Matt Schaub.

Lions to become latest team to use two-back system?

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:45:19 EST

Detroit Lions running back Kevin Smith has been struggling with injuries, is averaging just 3.1 yards per carry and hasn't scored since week four. All of that might mean a timeshare in Detroit's backfield. Smith left Sunday's game against St. Louis with a shoulder injury. Head coach Jim Schwartz said after the game that Smith probably could have returned, but the Lions decided to stick with Maurice Morris because he was running well. Morris, who had carried the ball just twice in the past three games, ran for 63 yards on 14 carries.

Aaron Rodgers to play through foot injuries

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:14:20 EST

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers threw for 287 yards and three touchdowns against the Minnesota Vikings during Sunday's loss. It looks like he will attempt to continue to be one of fantasy's best quarterbacks despite a couple of foot injuries. Rodgers was reportedly seen "limping severely" in the locker room after the Vikings' game due to a sprained toe on one foot and a nagging sprain on the other. Packers head coach Mike McCarthy said Rodgers could miss time in practice this week but he is expected to play Sunday at Tampa Bay without losing mobility.

Jamal Lewis says 2009 is his final season

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:53:43 EST

Cleveland Browns running back Jamal Lewis said Sunday after another embarrassing loss that he will retire after the 2009 season. Lewis questioned the team's direction and goals and then told the Cleveland Plain Dealer that this is his last year in the NFL. When asked if he just said that out of frustration after a 30-6 defeat to the Chicago Bears, Lewis said, "When I talk, I mean what I say." Lewis has a pretty good Hall of Fame resume -- more than 10,000 yards rushing (including 2,066 in 2003-04) and a Super Bowl win in 2001.

Owen Daniels out for season with torn ACL

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:27:48 EST

The Houston Texans' fantastic passing game will have to move on without one of its top performers. Tight end Owen Daniels left Sunday's game versus the Buffalo Bills in the first quarter with a sprained right knee, but everyone thought the news would be much worse. A MRI on Monday confirmed everyone's worst fears: Daniels tore the ACL in his right knee and is done for the year. Daniels was hurt on the team's second series of the game. While running a route he planted, made his cut and went down.

Bears acquire Gaines Adams from Buccaneers

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:25:57 EST

With LB Brian Urlacher out for the season, the Chicago Bears made an attempt to bolster their defense by trading a second round pick in 2010 for Tampa Bay Buccaneers DE Gaines Adams. Adams was selected fourth overall by the Buccaneers in the 2007 NFL Draft. He played four seasons at Clemson, recording a school-record tying 28 sacks. He had 12.5 sacks in his first two seasons with the Buccaneers, but still has not lived up to expectations.

Cleveland Browns RB Jamal Lewis may retire at the end of the season

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:25:28 EST

The Cleveland Browns lost yet another game Sunday, dropping their dismal record to 1-7. The fans are continually displeased; the team has been in the cellar for the past few seasons and apparently their latest loss has pushed starting RB Jamal Lewis over the edge. According to the NBC sports web site, Lewis has become so frustrated with the Browns' situation, he announced that he plans to retire at the end of the season. In six games this season, Lewis has gained 349 yards on 98 carries and has yet to record a touchdown. RB Jerome Harrison is Cleveland's back-up running back and would assume the starting duties if Lewis is unable or unwilling to play.