Stover in, Vinatieri out for playoffs: Jim Caldwell is kicking conventional wisdom to the curb. The Colts coach plans to use Matt Stover during the playoffs instead of four-time Super Bowl winner Adam Vinatieri, regarded as the best clutch kicker in NFL history. Caldwell explained his decision Thursday, saying Vinatieri had not fully recovered from midseason surgery on his kicking knee, and that Stover had done a "great job" since joining the team in October. "I think the concern was health issues or whatever," Vinatieri said. "I guess it makes sense. I didn't necessarily care for the decision. Obviously, all of us want to be on the field as much as we can, but I understand the concerns." Vinatieri still could get his chance. The Colts (14-2) will not put Vinatieri on injured reserve and intend to carry both kickers on the active roster, meaning Vinatieri may yet kick if he can get healthy. (Updated 01/07/2010).
Injury Report
Left calf - Probable for the Super Bowl vs. New Orleans (Updated - 2/5/10)
Fantasy Analysis
Vinatieri won three Super Bowls with New England, including two on game-winning kicks, before joining the Colts in 2006 and winning another title that year. Stover won a Super Bowl ring with Baltimore in 2000 and ranks No. 4 among kickers with 2,004 career points. Vinatieri has 1,528 points, and both he and Stover rank among the top 15 all-time in field goals made. Vinatieri has played in only one game since Oct. 11, against the Jets on Dec. 27. His first extra-point attempt against New York was blocked, though Vinatieri later made a 22-yard field goal - barely longer than an extra point. Stover, who handled every major kick for the Baltimore Ravens franchise from 1991 to 2008, was let go by the team in the offseason. He signed with Indy on Oct. 14, the day Caldwell announced Vinatieri would miss four to eight weeks after having arthroscopic surgery to remove cartilage in his right knee. Since then Stover has been nearly flawless. He's made 33 consecutive extra points and 9 of 11 field goal attempts - one miss was from 52 yards - and he doesn't even have to worry about kickoff duties, which are handled by rookie Pat McAfee. Look for Stover to do well in the playoffs, but we expect Vinatieri to return as the Colts kicker in 2010 as long as he's healthy. Stover will likely retire after this year. (Updated 01/07/2010).
02/08/2010 03:11 Super Bowl Judgements: Saints clear every tough hurdle to title
They didn't just win a Super Bowl, the Saints carved a path through three championship QBs on their way. With Warner, Favre and Manning left hurting, New Orleans earns its respect, Clark Judge says.
02/08/2010 01:21 Caldwell, Colts pay price for taking ball out of Manning's hands
Applaud the Saints for their first Super Bowl title, a 31-17 win over the Colts. However, criticism is necessary for Indy's conservative approach. Not trusting Peyton Manning might haunt coach Jim Caldwell, Clark Judge says.
02/05/2010 18:44 Under-the-radar players: Colts' Bullitt a weapon to be reckoned with
No All-Pros here. If Indy is to win another Super Bowl, somebody other than the stars will have to step up. Clark Judge sees big things in the future for Melvin Bullitt, Clint Session and four other Colts.
Matt Stover might be 41 and entering his 19th season, but he continues to be productive for the Ravens and Fantasy owners as a bye-week replacement. Stover had 27 field goals and 41 extra points in 2008 with only six missed field goals. He doesn't have much distance in his leg with only a 47-yard kick as his long, but Stover is still consistent and can be used when the matchup is right. He closed the season 9-of-10 on field goals in the final three games, so he remains a good option at times during the year. (Updated 3/6/09)
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