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Latest News |
| 5/25/2012 | Jamaal Charles, RB, KC |
Charles to rest until campNews: The Kansas City Star reports that the Chiefs will rest running back Jamaal Charles until training camp in late July. He is not expected to participate in their minicamp as he continues to rehab and work his way back from a torn ACL suffered last September. Head coach Romeo Crennel hopes Charles will be cleared in time for camp. Analysis: Charles has been vocal about being ready for the season, calling himself hungry and passionate to return to form. But the fact remains that he's coming off of a major injury and isn't promised to have any of the explosiveness he had before he got hurt. Tack on the Chiefs' addition of Peyton Hillis (Charles thinks Hillis will get the tough yards and goal-line work like Thomas Jones was supposed to previously), and there's a limit to Charles' 2012 expectations. So long as Charles proves that he's ready to roll, Fantasy owners should be optimistic. Assuming he's fine, Charles will be worth taking in the early rounds on Draft Day, but more as a No. 2 Fantasy RB. Plan on drafting Charles between 25th and 35th overall in all leagues. |
| 5/25/2012 | Hakeem Nicks, WR, NYG |
Source: Nicks could return before campNews: ESPN reports that a source familiar with the broken bone in Hakeem Nicks' foot says the receiver might miss four-to-six weeks recovering from the injury and not the 12-week timeframe the Giants said on Thursday. Nicks fractured the fifth metatarsal of his right foot during an OTA practice. The team is hoping to have him back at some point during training camp and the preseason. Analysis: Unless the diagnosis on Nicks' foot changes, we're not believers that he'll be ready in six weeks and thus long before the start of training camp. Nicks' teammate, Prince Amukamara, took 15 weeks before he was comfortable practicing last year according to the Newark Star-Ledger and he had the same injury. Nicks has had all sorts of issues with hamstrings, knees and his feet over the years. So long as he is healthy for the start of the season and gets some work in camp and a preseason game or two, the injury is more of a reminder that he's injury prone and less of a factor on his 2012 season. We'll see if this lasts into late August and the regular season; for now expect his stock to slip in drafts. He'll be a Round 3-4 choice as a low-end No. 1/high-end No. 2 Fantasy receiver. |
| 5/25/2012 | Tony Moeaki, TE, KC |
Moeaki to rest until campNews: The Kansas City Star reports that the Chiefs will rest tight end Tony Moeaki until training camp in late July. He is not expected to participate in their minicamp as he continues to rehab and work his way back from a torn ACL suffered last September. Analysis: Moeaki figures to be a decent part of the Chiefs offense but shouldn't be considered a great Fantasy option. Leave him to the late rounds, if that. |
| 5/25/2012 | LaRon Landry, DB, NYJ |
Landry not cleared for campNews: Training camp is about two months away, but the Jets already seem to be preparing for the possibility that their offseason gamble on LaRon Landry will not work out. The Jets signed Landry to a one-year deal in March with the hope he would help solidify the safety position. But according to The Sports Xchange, Landry's rehab has gone slowly and he has yet to participate in any of the Jets' offseason team activities. Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum has acknowledged it will be a "challenge" for Landry to be ready for the season opener against the Bills; the Jets further prepared for Landry's extended absence by signing ex-Dolphins safety Yeremiah Bell to a one-year deal last week. In addition, the Jets may also still bring back popular secondary leader Jim Leonhard, who has suffered season-ending leg injuries in each of the last two years. Analysis: Landry is expected to be the guy to corral big tight ends like Rob Gronkowski, Antonio Gates, Vernon Davis, Jared Cook and Scott Chandler -- guys the Jets will face off against in 2012. When healthy Landry can contribute big stats to a Fantasy owner's bottom line, but with 15 games missed over the last two seasons, he cannot be considered reliable. Draft him as a No. 2 Fantasy DB but one who must be backed up with another decent option behind him. |
| 5/24/2012 | Kenny Britt, WR, TEN |
Titans want to move Britt aroundNews: Titans offensive coordinator Chris Palmer told the media Thursday that he's having rookie receiver Kendall Wright focus on learning the 'X' position, or split end. The reason for it? So that the Titans can move veteran Kenny Britt all over the field and create some very helpful mismatches. Britt isn't on the field much these days after having a minor arthroscopic procedure on the same knee he tore his ACL in last September (he had major surgery for it last year). Analysis: If Britt wasn't hurt he'd be one of our favorite Fantasy receivers this year. But coming off a torn ACL that required an extra procedure doesn't exactly paint the picture of a receiver being in great shape for the season. Britt's size/speed combo makes him dangerous, so once it's clear he's back in good shape Fantasy owners should have a keen interest in him. For now, assume Britt will be ready to go at some point early on in 2012. If he misses a chunk of training camp for whatever reason, it might mean he'll start the season off slowly. If he doesn't and he's participating in full, then there shouldn't be anything stopping him from being a capable contributor. Figure Britt to be more of a sixth-round pick in drafts based on his enormous potential. We'll keep you posted. |
| 5/24/2012 | Rashard Mendenhall, RB, PIT |
Still no timetable for MendenhallNews: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall is running as he works his way back from a torn ACL, but that he said he has no timetable for his return. He claims he feels good and is doing more than straight-line runs. Mendenhall tore his right ACL in early January; recovery time for such injuries is anywhere from nine months to a year. "I'll be back at some point," he said. "It's just a matter of what point that is." Analysis: There's a good chance Mendenhall will start the season on the Physically Unable to Perform list. If so, he'd be forced to miss at least the first six games of the regular season. There's still a lot of time between now and then, but for now it's probably safe to expect Mendenhall to not be at even close to 100 percent to start the year, which crushes his Fantasy value. By August, you might be drafting Mendenhall as a middle- to late-round sleeper you'll have to sit on for a while. We'll keep you posted on Mendenhall as best as we can; in the meantime, keep an eye on Isaac Redman, who for now appears to be the Steelers' primary back with Mendenhall out. |
| 5/24/2012 | Felix Jones, RB, DAL |
Shoulder sidelines RB JonesNews: Cowboys running back Felix Jones likely won't practice all week in the OTAs and could miss some of the next two weeks because of a shoulder injury. Coach Jason Garrett said Jones "can't catch the ball" over his head right now. He will be worked back slowly into the mix and could be ready for the minicamp on June 12-14. Analysis: Felix Jones has been banged up throughout his career, so this news isn't much of a surprise. He's expected to take on more of a backup/part-time role in Dallas this season with DeMarco Murray taking over as the team's starter. The veteran is entering a contract year and might ball out in hopes of landing a big contract in 2013. But Jones is basically a yardage gainer; he has nine total touchdowns in 48 career games. Jones is a must-own if you draft Murray with an early-round pick. Figure Jones to be a Round 9 candidate as a quality backup. |
| 5/24/2012 | Eric Decker, WR, DEN |
Decker plans on adding weightNews: Broncos receiver Eric Decker is off to a great start in developing rhythm and chemistry with new quarterback Peyton Manning, and it's making him look into all aspects of his game. He told the Denver Post that he's working on putting on some muscle this offseason. "Personally, for me, I think it's finding that right balance nutritionally, getting enough sleep, working and grinding in the weight room," Decker said. "I did feel like I lost some weight and lost some strength. Mentally, it dragged on you a little bit because that was my first full season of playing a lot every game." Analysis: The Post noted that Decker started last year red-hot (30 catches, 359 yards and five touchdowns in seven games) before slowing down (14 catches, 253 yards and 3 scores in his final nine). Much of that can be attributed to the Broncos' pass game being in the hands of Tim Tebow, but it sounds like Decker got worn down as the season went on. By putting on some muscle and improving his endurance, Decker should be ready to play hard for 16 games, which is especially good since Manning is his new quarterback. Fantasy owners should be hyped about Decker's potential this year, making him worth a pick in Rounds 7 or 8 as a No. 3 Fantasy receiver. |
| 5/24/2012 | Eric Berry, DB, KC |
Berry says he'll be ready for campNews: Chiefs safety Eric Berry told the Kansas City Star that he expects to be ready for the start of training camp. Berry tore his ACL in Week 1 last season. Analysis: Berry should remain a capable defender for the Chiefs and thus a nice Fantasy option. He should be considered a great source for tackles and pass defense stats. We'd spend a mid-round pick on Berry, especially if he flashes his speed and physical play in training camp and the preseason. |
| 5/23/2012 | Beanie Wells, RB, ARI |
Agent: Wells had 'clean-out procedure'News: After Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt wouldn't clarify on the surgery running back Beanie Wells had on his knee this offseason, Wells' agent told ESPN that his client had a "clean-out procedure." The Cardinals want to take it slow with Wells coming off the surgery, giving him plenty of time to get ready for training camp, which he's expected to be a participant for. "He's in shape and looks good," agent Sean Howard said. "The doctors and the Cardinals have decided to play it safe. Rather than rush him back, the consensus opinion was to let him heal." Analysis: Wells played most of last season with a lingering knee injury, only missing Weeks 3 and 17, the latter of which was a meaningless game. Whisenhunt said following Week 17 that Wells played most of the year on "one leg." It sounds like Wells will be ready to go for camp, easing concerns that he might have had a more serious surgery. Wells had a career year in 2011, rushing for 1,047 yards and 10 touchdowns through 14 games. Assuming he's fine, Wells is worth drafting as a No. 2 Fantasy RB even though his load is sure to be lightened by second-year back Ryan Williams. |
| 5/23/2012 | Johnny Knox, WR, CHI |
Knox thinner, expected to be on PUPNews: Bears receiver Johnny Knox watched practice during the team's OTA on Wednesday, looking thin following the back surgery he had late last season. Knox said he lost 30 pounds after surgery, then gained 10. That puts him at about 165 pounds. He was in a cast for 2 1/2 months and could miss extensive playing time. The team is expected to place him on the Physically Unable to Perform list to begin the year. "It could happen, but I'm staying optimistic," he said. "I'm not in a rush. This is my spine, the core of my body that I'm dealing with. It's not my knee or my ankle or my shoulder." Analysis: The Bears added Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery this offseason to help their receiving woes. Chances are that even if Knox made it back in time for the start of the year, Marshall and Jeffery would eat away at any available opportunities. Knox shouldn't be a part of any Fantasy draft plans and might not be worth adding off waivers even once he's back. |
| 5/23/2012 | Andre Brown, RB, NYG |
Brown appeals suspensionNews: Giants running back Andre Brown is appealing his four-game suspension for using performance enhancing drugs, claiming he simply failed to inform the league of his adderall prescription. He is preparing as if he'll play in Week 1. "Hopefully when the appeal process goes through, I'll be happy with any games (taken off the suspension)," he said. "I'd be fine with two (games off)." Analysis: Brown will jockey for a roster spot in training camp this summer and shouldn't be considered a capable Fantasy option. |
| 5/23/2012 | Danny Coale, WR, DAL |
Coale needs surgery for broken footNews: Cowboys rookie wide receiver Danny Coale will need surgery for a broken bone in his left foot and is a question mark for the start of training camp, ESPN reports. Coale suffered a fractured fifth metatarsal during a late May OTA session in Dallas and will miss the rest of the offseason workouts, including minicamp. Coale was a fifth-round pick of the Cowboys expected to compete for the slot receiver job. Analysis: Chances are Coale will still be able to compete, though coming back from an injury like this isn't easy and could lead to more injuries. He might not be strong enough to beat press coverage but could still be a good short-area receiver for the Cowboys. He might be more appealing for owners in PPR formats than standard formats. He's worth a late pick in dynasty/keeper leagues and a mid-round pick in rookie-only drafts as of now. |
| 5/23/2012 | Stephen Tulloch, LB, DET |
Tulloch won't be slowed by kneeNews: Lions linebacker Stephen Tulloch said the knee tendinitis that will keep him out of OTA workouts until the end of May wouldn't have caused him to miss regular-season practices or games. Tulloch confirmed that he's received an injection to help the tendinitis heal, but he insists the condition will have no longterm effects. "The whole knee is structurally fine," Tulloch said. "(The tendinitis) is just one little spot. I just wanted to take precautions when it comes to (rehab), so I can give 100 percent during the regular season." Analysis: Tulloch was one of Fantasy's top linebackers last season with 111 total tackles, three sacks, five passes defensed and two interceptions. That's pretty darn good. Tack on that he's had at least 110 tackles in each of his last three seasons and that he's never missed an NFL game, and Tulloch stands out as a quality option. He'll be well worth a mid-round pick in drafts. |
| 5/22/2012 | Mikel Leshoure, RB, DET |
Two-game suspension coming for Leshoure?News: After getting arrested twice in a month this offseason on marijuana-related charges, the Detroit News speculates that Lions running back Mikel Leshoure will get suspended for two games for violating the NFL's policy on drugs. "It's over with," said Leshoure, who is working his way back from a torn Achilles that cost him his rookie season. "You live and you learn. You learn from your mistakes and you move on. That's what I am doing." Analysis: No suspension is official, but it's possible that he could get suspended for as many as four games because of his offseason incidents. There's a lot to look for here in the coming months -- the best case scenario is that he avoids a long suspension and returns in great shape to help the Lions' offense. The worst? He's not 100 percent and misses time to start the season because of a long suspension and/or because his Achilles isn't ready. Because of his potential to work a lot in a dynamic Detroit offense, Leshoure is worth drafting as a No. 3 running back with big upside. He won't last past Round 8 in drafts. |
| 5/22/2012 | Michael Jenkins, WR, MIN |
Jenkins says he's ready to goNews: Vikings wide receiver Michael Jenkins, who tore the meniscus in his knee late last season, is healed and will be joining the team for OTAs on May 30, according to a text he sent the St. Paul Pioneer Press. Jenkins will see some competition when he returns to the field, as the Vikings signed Jerome Simpson and drafted rookie WRs Greg Childs and Jarius Wright. Analysis: In 11 games last year Jenkins finished his season with 38 catches for 466 yards and three touchdowns. Once Simpson finishes his suspension, Jenkins probably won't see as much playing time, though training camp will dictate that more than anything else. For now, Jenkins shouldn't be a part of anyone's Fantasy roster. |
| 5/22/2012 | Brent Celek, TE, PHI |
Celek limited, but feels goodNews: Eagles tight end Brent Celek recently said he feels "better than I have probably in the last three of four years" following surgeries on his shoulder and hernia this offseason, but he's still not quite a full participant in the Eagles' OTAs. In fact, he's still a question mark to work at the team's June minicamp but is expected to be ready to roll for training camp. Analysis: The Philadelphia Inquirer hinted that Celek might not be as limited as originally believed. If he can participate in full this summer, then there shouldn't be any reservations about taking him as a No. 1 Fantasy option. Figure that he'll get picked as soon as Round 9 and potentially as late as Round 11. |
| 5/22/2012 | Jeff King, TE, ARI |
King has torn quadNews: The Arizona Republic reports that Cardinals backup tight end Jeff King tore a quadriceps muscle while working out this offseason. He was spotted Tuesday on crutches with a brace on his knee. The team hopes he'll be ready for the start of the season. Analysis: Despite a solid start to the 2011 season, King is pretty much untouchable in Fantasy because his production isn't consistent. He'll have weeks where he won't catch more than one pass per game. Todd Heap and Rob Housler remain the Cardinals' top tight ends. |
| 5/22/2012 | Knowshon Moreno, RB, DEN |
Moreno practices in OTAsNews: Knowshon Moreno participated in OTA workouts with the Broncos just six months after tearing his ACL in a Week 10 game against the Chiefs. Analysis: We don't know just how much Moreno did, but for him to be back on the field just six months after surgery is quite surprising. He's in for a battle for his roster spot this summer as the team still has Willis McGahee, Lance Ball and others, and drafted Ronnie Hillman. Moreno isn't worth drafting at this point. |
| 5/21/2012 | Andre Johnson, WR, HOU |
Texans' Johnson had May knee surgeryNews: Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson disclosed Monday that he had offseason arthroscopic knee surgery earlier this month after hyperextending his knee in a late November game at Jacksonville last season. Johnson claims he didn't have any pain following the injury. He plans to participate in full during training camp this summer. "Nothing to panic about," Johnson said. "I had it two weeks ago. It was from a play that happened in the game against Jacksonville (in November). I hyperextended my (left) knee. It (was swollen). Got the swelling to calm down. I came back during offseason workouts, it (became swollen) again. We felt like the best thing to do was get it scoped, get it fixed." Analysis: Johnson also suffered a pair of hamstring injuries last season before finally getting healthy to help the Texans in the postseason. He also had ankle surgery last offseason. Let's face it, the guy is an incredible receiver when he's healthy but questions about how healthy he can be are surfacing. The 31-year-old remains a quality Fantasy receiver but owners might think twice before investing in him given that he played in just seven games last season. Expect him to get snagged between 15th and 30th overall in all leagues, likely determined by the scoring system (higher in PPR, lower in standard). |
| 5/21/2012 | Peyton Manning, QB, DEN |
Manning looks like himself in OTAsNews: The Broncos opened their OTAs on Monday to the media, and all eyes were on quarterback Peyton Manning. According to first-hand accounts, including those of the Denver Post, Manning looked like his old self. He displayed his trademark accuracy on his passes short and long, which were thrown with plenty of velocity. Manning worked with his entire receiving corps and was vocal with them through the practice. The quarterback was pleased with the tempo of the practice and was ultimately happy to get back on the field against a defense after missing so much time with his neck injury. "I really need to use this time," Manning said. "I do think there's a difference when you are on the field, in helmets, going up against the defense. Up until now we haven't been able to go against a defense, so this will be great work for me. This was one step, and there are different phases; training camp will be your next phase, putting on shoulder pads, then preseason and regular season. I'm just taking it one day at a time, but I was excited for this day to get here." Analysis: The more we hear about Manning having success in practice, the more we'll feel comfortable calling him a rock-solid No. 1 Fantasy quarterback. Really, the only issue that remains is how he'll handle getting hit by opposing defenses, and that's something we won't know until probably Week 1. We should all wait until Manning goes through his paces in training camp and the preseason before getting really excited about him. If he looks as good as we remember, he'll be in the discussion as the seventh quarterback taken in drafts, right behind brother Eli, in Round 3 or 4. If he's not quite as smooth but clearly on track to play, he'll be more of a fifth-round pick with the likes of Matt Ryan and Ben Roethlisberger. And if he's not playing at all but still expected to be ready for the season, Fantasy owners might start gambling with him starting in Round 6 or 7. We'll continue to pay attention to Manning's progress this offseason. |
| 5/21/2012 | Ryan Broyles, WR, DET |
Broyles does work at OTAsNews: Lions rookie wide receiver Ryan Broyles, who is six months removed from surgery that repaired a torn ACL, participated in individual and position drills during the team's OTA on Monday. The official team website reports that while Broyles isn't close to 100 percent, he is running routes and catching passes. Broyles was the Lions' second-round pick in April's draft. Analysis: As of now, the expectation is that Broyles will begin the season on the PUP list and be unavailable for the first part of the year. The Lions could conceivably "redshirt" his rookie year and leave him on PUP all season, but that will depend on how he's doing as well as how the whole offense is doing. Broyles became the NCAA leader with 349 career receptions and completed his senior season for the Sooners with 83 catches, 1,157 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns in nine games. But his health, in addition to his size (5-foot-10 and 192 pounds) is a hurdle. He's worth a mid-to-late pick in dynasty/keeper leagues and an early-to-middle round selection in rookie-only drafts, but we wouldn't touch him in seasonal formats. |
| 5/21/2012 | Robert Meachem, WR, SD |
Meachem focused on knowing RiversNews: Robert Meachem told the North County Times that his focus this offseason is getting to know Philip Rivers and create that chemistry off the field so they can have success on the field. "The better you know each other in the locker room and joking around outside of practice really helps," Meachem said. "It's not just about running routes or studying film. It's about holding a conversation and understanding an individual personality. ... You have to build that strong relationship with your quarterback. You have to know what he sees and how that relates to what you see. The transition has been smooth, and that's what you expect with two veteran guys trying to do everything right and get on the same page. We know it's a process that takes time, and we're working through it." Analysis: Meachem has a chance to really explode in 2012 given his move to San Diego and the playing time he's expected to have. He had a little knee surgery this offseason but is fine. Meachem is expected to replace Vincent Jackson in the Chargers' offense for roughly 45 plays per game, head coach Norv Turner said in March. He has deep speed but questions about other aspects of his game keep him from being a full-fledged breakout candidate. He's almost a Top 30 Fantasy receiver. Expect Meachem to be taken with a middle-round pick in drafts as a No. 3 receiver with the potential to break out in Turner's offense. |
| 5/18/2012 | Sidney Rice, WR, SEA |
Rice running routesNews: The Tacoma News Tribune reports that Seattle receiver Sidney Rice was active and running routes at the team's offseason conditioning workout Thursday but wore a red jersey to signal no contact. Rice is recovering from offseason shoulder surgery. Analysis: Rice has plenty of upside heading into 2012 with the addition of Matt Flynn. He had a down year in 2011 due to injuries, but if he can return at 100 percent and stay healthy he can be a starting Fantasy option in all leagues. Go into the season with Rice as a No. 3 Fantasy receiver, and he should be drafted with a mid-round pick. If he can play 16 games then he should be able to produce at a high level. |
| 5/18/2012 | Jerome Simpson, WR, MIN |
Musgrave a fan of SimpsonNews: While the Vikings will deal with receiver Jerome Simpson missing the first three games of the year, they're ultimately happy with his arrival in town. Minnesota's been looking for a legit deep-speed receiver for several years, and according to offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave, it has one in Simpson. "He's a legitimate split end," Musgrave told KSTP-AM. "He has speed to threaten down the field and also get in and out of breaks and beat man coverage." Analysis: The Vikings should benefit from Simpson as he offers a big, athletic receiving target that they didn't quite have with Michael Jenkins last season. He's got some potential to serve as a quality reserve for Fantasy owners -- not a reliable No. 3 receiver -- making him worth a late pick in drafts. Just remember, he'll miss the first three games of the year, so if you draft him you have to commit to keeping him for a little while. If you're not ready to do that, then look elsewhere for Fantasy help. |
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