News: The Cardinals placed running back Javarris James (torn ACL) and quarterback Richard Bartel (shoulder) on injured reserve Friday.
Analysis: Neither player was expected to help Fantasy owners this season anyway. Keep them off rosters.
News: Colts reserve RB Javarris James was arrested for possession of marijuana in Fort Myers. He was released on bond and his day in court is June 28.
Analysis: James could receive a suspension for this arrest, but there's no guarantee that the Colts will hold on to him even if he hadn't gotten into trouble. Fantasy owners shouldn't invest a draft pick on the touchdown vulture at this point.
News: Colts RB Javarris James was a healthy scratch for last week's game against the Raiders with Joseph Addai (neck ) returning from injury. Dominic Rhodes and Donald Brown helped Addai shoulder the rushing load in the win. In Week 17, all three backs managed to stay off of the injury report heading into the matchup with the Titans.
Analysis: Although James rushed for 49 yards and a touchdown against the Titans when the teams met earlier in the season, he might not even see the field on Sunday with the trio of back who excelled last week healthy again. He did a solid job of filling in while the Colts had some injuries at running back, but the rookie out of Miami (FL) will be mostly a spectator as long as the three guys ahead of him on the depth chart are healthy. Fantasy owners would be wise to leave James on the bench for Week 17 against Tennessee.
News: Colts RB Javarris James was a healthy scratch for Week 16 against the Raiders as he was listed among the inactives. Indianapolis got RB Joseph Addai back for Sunday's game.
Analysis: James saw just one carry for zero yards in his last outing and does not stand to produce much down the stretch with Addai back. He did a solid job off filling in while the Colts had some injuries at running back, but the rookie out of Miami (FL) will be mostly a spectator as long as the three guys ahead of him on the depth chart are healthy. Fantasy owners would be wise to leave James on the bench for Week 16 against Oakland.
News: Colts RB Javarris James has three rushing touchdowns over his last three games but he might not have the same success in Week 16 against the Raiders. With RB Joseph Addai (neck) expected to play, James will move farther down the depth chart behind Addai, Donald Brown and Mike Hart. Oakland enters Sunday ranked 26th in the league against the run, allowing 130.9 yards per contest, and have given up an average of 20 Fantasy points to opposing running backs.
Analysis: James saw just one carry for zero yards in his last outing and does not stand to produce much more in Week 16. Even recently-signed Dominic Rhodes saw more touches than him a week ago. He did a solid job off filling in while the Colts had some injuries at running back, but the rookie out of Miami (FL) will be mostly a spectator against the Raiders unless the three guys ahead of him on the depth chart get hurt again. Fantasy owners would be wise to go with a more reliable option for Week 16 against Oakland.
News: The Colts were down Mike Hart and Joseph Addai in the Week 15 game against Jacksonville. The plan was to run Donald Brown with Javarris James backing him up. That had worked in recent weeks and James was coming off a game at Tennessee in which he rushed 17 times for 49 yards and a score. In Week 15, however, James only carried the ball once for 0 yards. He did not get a target in the passing game, either, as the Colts instead gave the ball to Dominic Rhodes behind Brown.
Analysis: We're not sure why the Colts took a 180-degree turn and chose to use Rhodes over James in the Week 15 game. Our only guess is that Rhodes was more impressive during the practice week after being inactive Week 14 and being signed shortly prior to that. James clearly has no Fantasy now heading into Week 16 in Oakland.
News: Colts RB Javarris James has been excellent, especially since Joseph Addai has been out. Running alongside Donald Brown, James led the way in Week 14 at Tennessee with 17 carries for 49 yards and a touchdown. He's been a goal-line guy of late but he also showed some explosiveness last week. That said, Addai could be returning in Week 15. If that is the case, both Brown and James could essentially lose value.
Analysis: The Jaguars have not been great at limiting opposing running backs. They are allowing the 10th-most average Fantasy points per game to the position, but that doesn't even tell the whole story. The team broke down against Oakland's Darren McFadden last week. McFadden rushed 16 times for 123 yards and two touchdowns and added three receptions for 86 more yards and another score. James could be phenomenal in Week 15 if Addai remains out. If that is the case, consider James a low-end No. 2 or high-end No. 3 Fantasy option. He could still get goal-line touches even with Addai back.
News: Colts RB Javarris James led the team in rushing during the Week 14 game against the Titans. He carried the ball 17 times for 48 yards, both career-highs for the rookie. James also notched his sixth touchdown in nine games played after taking a 3rd-down draw into the end zone from 1 yard out. James was targeted once in the passing game by QB Peyton Manning.
Analysis: James continues to be the Colts goal-line specialist, but on Thursday he showed some explosive ability and ended up leading the team in rushing. He received most of the second half carries, when the Colts had the lead. James broke tackles with power and surprising agility in space. In Week 15, he will look to extend his TD streak to three games as the team is set to face Jacksonville. The Jags have held opposing RBs out of the end zone in their last three games. Depending on the Colts RB situation after nine days of rest in between games, James could be limited to just goal-line duty again when the two teams meet. If that is the case, he will be a low-end Fantasy option at best.
News: With Colts RBs Joseph Addai (shoulder) and Mike Hart (ankle) ruled out for the Week 14 game against the Titans, RB Javarris James could again see some backup time behind anticipated starter Donald Brown (ankle, questionable). In the same goal-line based role for the majority of the last five games, James has five rushing touchdowns. Last week he found the end zone twice.
Analysis: The Titans have allowed just five rushing TDs this season, among the fewest in the NFL. At the same time, they given up 420 rushing yards in the last two weeks alone. The key for James heading into Thursday's matchup could be in the health of Brown, who hasn't been ruled out like the others, but is listed as questionable with an ankle issue. Check back with us 90 minutes before kickoff to see if James could even be the primary back in Week 14. If that is the case or if Brown is limited in any way, James would be considered a solid No. 3 Fantasy RB. If he compliments Brown, we like him as a flex option on Thursday night.
News: The Indianapolis Star speculated Tuesday that Colts RB Donald Brown, who didn't practice Monday with an ankle injury, will start on Thursday night against Tennessee with Javarris James and newly-signed Dominic Rhodes backing him up.
Analysis: This is just probably an educated guess from a beat writer, but these guys have more access to the team than most, so he could well be spot on. Owners who were thinking about adding James on waivers tonight might want to re-consider, although James could certainly still get the call if Brown isn't ready.
News: On Sunday we saw Javarris James score two touchdowns on the Cowboys on six carries with 18 yards. We might see more work from him on Thursday at the Titans. That's because both Mike Hart and Donald Brown left the team's Week 13 loss with ankle injuries. If they're unavailable on the short week and if Joseph Addai can't play because of some nerve damage in his neck, James would be in line for a lot of playing time.
Analysis: Not only might James play a lot, but he'd go up against a Titans run defense that allowed over 180 rush yards to Maurice Jones-Drew last week and 520 rush yards combined over their last three games. Get your waiver claims in for James whether you own a Colts running back or not.
News: With Mike Hart back from a four-week absence for an ankle injury, Colts RB Javarris James didn't get a single carry in the first half Week 13 against the Cowboys. But when Hart re-aggravated the injury and left in the third quarter, James regained his role as goal-line back. He finished off two fourth-quarter touchdown drives, scoring from 1 yard out early in the quarter and 2 yards out late to send the game into overtime. He finished with six carries for 18 yards.
Analysis: James' 18 yards actually led the team, which tells you just how sorry the Colts running game has become. James is unlikely to get more than a handful of carries each week whether or not Hart's ankle costs him more time. The Colts still have a healthy Donald Brown, after all, and Joseph Addai is nearing a return from his neck injury. But the few carries James gets will likely come at the goal line, making him a sneaky Fantasy play. He's a complete boom-or-bust option, but if you get desperate at running back, you could do worse for Week 14 at Tennessee on Thursday night.
News: Colts RB Javarris James, who has a total of 12 touches in his last two games, will likely play a minimal role again Week 13 against the Cowboys with Donald Brown expected to start and Mike Hart likely to return from an ankle injury. The Cowboys rank 19th against the run, allowing 114.0 yards per game.
Analysis: James got some goal-line carries back when the Colts were depleted at running back, but they're starting to get healthy now and have pretty much shied away from James anyway. The Cowboys present a nice matchup for the Colts, but you wouldn't want to use James for it.
News: Colts RB Javarris James left the Week 12 game against the Chargers with an undisclosed knee injury. He did not return. Prior to his early exit, James carried the ball twice for 0 yards and caught three passes for 22 yards.
Analysis: James took an awkward hit after catching a pass and was bent backward with his leg getting pinned under the defender. Monitor his practice habits in the coming week to see what the chances are of a Week 13 return. As the rest of the Colts RB corps gets healthy, James Fantasy value diminishes in a hurry. Avoid him in Fantasy play for now.
News: RB Javarris James (knee) is active for the Week 12 game against the Chargers, but so are RBs Donald Brown and Mike Hart. James figures to be the third back in the pecking order.
Analysis: With Brown and Hart healthy, James' Fantasy value takes a serious hit. He may be used sparingly in the Colts offense, so the opportunity to do some Fantasy damage is limited. Look elsewhere this week.
News: RB Javarris James (knee) practiced Friday for the second straight day after sitting out Wednesday's workout; the team is prepared to face the Chargers in Week 12. James --listed as questionable -- should be able to play against the Chargers.
Analysis: James might be losing what little Fantasy appeal he has with Mike Hart (ankle, questionable) possibly able to play against the Chargers. Joseph Addai (neck, doubtful) also could return soon, and Donald Brown remains in the mix. Consider James a low-end Fantasy option in the majority of leagues against the Chargers as long as he's 100 percent. His role is simply as a goal-line back. The Chargers also rank third against the run so the odds are certainly stacked against the University of Miami product.
News: Colts RB Javarris James was able to practice in full Thursday after sitting out Wednesday's practice with a knee injury. He is expected to play in Week 12 against San Diego.
Analysis: James might be losing what little Fantasy appeal he has with Mike Hart (ankle) possibly able to play against the Chargers. Joseph Addai (neck) also could return soon, and Donald Brown remains in the mix. Consider James a low-end Fantasy option in the majority of leagues against the Chargers as long as he's 100 percent.
News: Colts RB Javarris James had a hard time finding any running room in Week 11 against the Patriots. James was held to just 3 yards rushing on three carries in the 31-28 loss. He had a long of 2 yards and also had four receptions for 24 yards in the victory. James finished with a combined seven total touches for a combined 27 yards and did not score in the contest.
Analysis: James has only been seeing significant playing time because the Colts can't seem to keep any of their running backs healthy. However, that could change this week as Joseph Addai and Mike Hart appear to be getting closer to a return. Fantasy owners should continue to monitor both their progress heading into Week 12 against San Diego. If both can't play, James will likely split carries with Donald Brown again. If either Addai or Hart can play, James will likely move back to bench.
News: After RBs Joseph Addai (neck) and Mike Hart (ankle) were ruled out Saturday, Javarris James should again be expected to be a major contributor in the run game, backing up Donald Brown. The Colts take on the Patriots in Week 11. New England is allowing RBs to average 19.3 Fantasy points per week and have given up five touchdowns (four rushing) to RBs in their last four games.
Analysis: Even though the Colts have the bruising Donald Brown healthy, the team has leaned on James in the red zone the last few weeks. But outside of the touchdowns, he hasn't produced much as far as rushing yards are concerned. With Addai and Hart inactive, then James might be a sleeper start in the deepest of Fantasy formats since he is proving to be a touchdown vulture.
News: Colts RB Javarris James heads into Week 11 against the Patriots with three rushing touchdowns in his last two games. However, his workload will be decided on whether or not Joseph Addai, who is questionable with a neck injury, returns to the lineup. The Patriots are allowing RBs to average 19.3 Fantasy points per week and have given up five touchdowns (four rushing) to RBs in their last four games.
Analysis: Even though the Colts have the bruising Donald Brown healthy, the team has leaned on James in the red zone the last few weeks. But outside of the touchdowns, he hasn't produced much as far as rushing yards are concerned. If Addai is inactive, then James might be a sleeper start in the deepest of Fantasy formats since he is proving to be a touchdown vulture.
News: As coach Jim Caldwell suggested could happen earlier in the week, Colts RB Javarris James got extra work in a Week 10 win over the Bengals. James carried the ball 10 times for 26 yards and a touchdown, while starter Donald Brown got 12 carries.
Analysis: While it's nice to see James, who was on two practice squads before being re-signed by the Colts, doing something in the NFL, his role over the next couple of weeks is likely to shrink again once Joseph Addai and Mike Hart return to full health. Keep an eye on the Colts' injury report starting on Wednesday, and if James and Donald Brown are the only backs once again in Week 11 at New England, James is worth a look in very deep leagues as a flex option.
News: Rookie RB Javarris James may see more work against the Bengals on Sunday. "He played a little bit last week," coach Jim Caldwell said. "(James) certainly could go in and give Donald (Brown) a break and play a little bit more this week."
Analysis: This is horrible news for Donald Brown's owners, who have to still be seething after James got two rushing touchdowns in Week 9, while Brown was shut out. James remains worth owning in very deep Fantasy formats, and with Joseph Addai and Mike Hart getting healthier, only a few people should pay attention to what James does on Sunday against Cincy.
News: Colts RB Javarris James had just four carries in Week 9, but made the most of his touches. The rookie back totaled 12 yards and two touchdowns -- a 6 yard and 1 yard run. With Joseph Addai and Mike Hart both sidelined with injuries, James was able to move up the depth chart for the Colts. The Colts would run the ball just 19 times and elect to pass it 52 times.
Analysis: James was the beneficiary of when he entered the game on Sunday, which resulted in two scores. With the Bengals on deck for the Colts in Week 10, it gives Indy's backs a favorable matchup, but the fact remains the Colts don't run much. Plus the status of Hart and Addai isn't known yet. If either of them are healthy James' Fantasy value will get even lower. Despite two scores in Week 9, James should not be added in leagues at this time.
News: Colts RB Javarris James will be the second string running back on Sunday against the Eagles as both Joseph Addai and Mike Hart have been ruled out. James saw his first action of the season last week against the Texans after Hart suffered an ankle injury. He finished with 4 yards on three carries. Philadelphia has been allowing 109.9 yards per game on the ground this year.
Analysis: The Colts don't run the ball too often and with two backs hurt it is unlikely that Peyton Manning will hand it off too much on Sunday. James will get some touches and looks versus the Eagles, but not enough to make him worth using in the majority of Fantasy leagues.
News: With Joseph Addai ruled inactive and Mike Hart and Donald Brown getting banged up, Javarris James saw his first action of the season in Week 8 against the Texans. James came on to play in the fourth quarter after Hart suffered an ankle injury and finished with 4 yards rushing on three carries. He had a long of 7 yards and did not score in the 30-17 win.
Analysis: James is a rookie out of the University of Miami, who signed with the Colts back in early October. The Colts are extremely thin at running back at the moment, so James was forced into action. Fantasy owners should continue monitor the health of Addai, Hart and Brown over the course of the week. If all three can't play, the way it stands right now James would be the starter. However, we don't anticipate that happening but stay tuned for the latest updates.
News: The Colts signed RB Javarris James to their 53-man roster Thursday. James, the cousin of former Indy legend Edgerrin James, was signed by the Colts as an undrafted rookie in May but was part of their final cuts.
Analysis: James was on the Redskins practice squad before this move and it's clear the Colts are a little worried about injured RB Donald Brown. For now, James' exact role with the Colts is unclear, so only Fantasy owners in very deep formats should think about adding him.
News: The Redskins signed RB Javaris James to their practice squad on Wednesday.
Analysis: James, an undrafted rookie out of Miami, is with his third team this season after spells with Indy and New England. As a practice squad guy, he can continue to be ignored in Fantasy play.
News: The Patriots signed RB Javarris James to their 53-man roster on Wednesday. He had been on their practice squad.
Analysis: James, an undrafted rookie out of Miami, was originally with the Colts this preseason, but was part of Indy's final roster cuts. He will compete for carries with Fred Taylor, Sammy Morris and Kevin Faulk, but isn't likely to see enough touches to be worth worrying about in Fantasy play.
News: Colts RB Javarris James saw a team-high eight carries in Thursday's preseason game against the Bills in Toronto. He gained just 29 yards. The cousin of former Colts RB Edgerrin James also caught one pass for five yards.
Analysis: James was unimpressive, especially when you consider that he got a lot of his playing time against backups and players that likely won't be on the roster come the regular season. There seems to be very little upside here and we wouldn't recommend spending a draft pick on him in any Fantasy format at the moment.
News:Javarris James has played in cousin Edgerrin's shadown his whole life. There was high school and college, and now the NFL rookie must do it again in, of all places, Indianapolis. The undrafted rookie out of Miami (FL) signed a deal with the Colts, giving him a chance to play in the same city his cousin started his career in back in 1999. He's aiming to make the final roster, and he's getting help from Edge, who is tutoring him on the nuances of the Colts' offense. "People automatically expected me to do the same things in high school and college that he did, but I learned that that I had to be my own man," Javarris James said. "It's a lot to expect of someone. But when you have a cousin and a role model like that, I feel honored to be compared with him."
Analysis: James isn't expected to be in a position to post enough stats to warrant Fantasy use. Keep him off of rosters.