News: Hobbled and disenchanted, Chris McAlister wasn't sure he wanted to play in the NFL any more. Suddenly, the 10-year veteran cornerback has been snapped up by the New Orleans Saints -- one of only two remaining unbeaten teams in the NFL -- and he's glad to be back in pads again. "Earlier in the offseason I wasn't ready or (didn't) have the mindset to come back and play football," McAlister said Wednesday, his first day with the club. "For it to take as long as it did, I'm happy it happened before I had no other opportunity." At 32, McAlister was bitter about being cut by Baltimore, the only team for which he'd played during a highlight-filled career that included three Pro Bowl invitations, a victory in the 2001 Super Bowl and a famous 107-yard touchdown return of a missed field goal. "He's a veteran player that understands defense and is someone that we think can come in and help us," Saints coach Sean Payton said. "He worked out yesterday and did a good job."
Analysis: McAlister injured the posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in the middle of the 2007 season, but tried to play through it. He wound up playing in only eight games two seasons ago and six games last season before having season-ending surgery last November. In February, while undergoing rehab, he was released by the Ravens. In June, he needed arthroscopic surgery to clean up debris in the same knee and he remained unsure about whether he wanted to attempt a comeback until the preseason rolled around. Payton said the Saints are trying to get McAlister ready to play this Sunday, though it's unclear how much they'll need him. New Orleans knows it will be without starting cornerback Tracy Porter, who badly sprained his left knee last weekend against St. Louis. The other starting cornerback, Jabari Greer, said his pulled left groin is feeling better and that he may return, though he missed Wednesday's practice. New Orleans' remaining healthy cornerbacks are rookie Malcolm Jenkins, Randall Gay and Leigh Torrence. The Saints have played well defensively this season under Gregg Williams and the Saints DST has become a top Fantasy option. The addition of McAlister should only bolster the unit. Consider the Saints DST a viable start for Week 11 at Tampa Bay.
News: The Ravens released cornerback Chris McAlister, a 10-year veteran and three-time Pro Bowler on Monday. The 31-year-old McAlister, who started for Baltimore's Super Bowl winner in 2001, ranks third on the Ravens' career list with 26 interceptions and scored seven touchdowns for Baltimore - including a 107-yard return of a missed field goal. He started five games last season before being benched and was placed on injured reserve with an injury to his right knee on Nov. 11. McAlister finished the season with three interceptions and 19 tackles.
Analysis: McAlister will likely sign elsewhere this offseason, but he's not expected to evolve into a major stat producer, so keep him off of Fantasy rosters.
News: The Ravens placed cornerback Chris McAlister and strong safety Dawan Landry on injured reserve, ending their seasons. McAlister underwent surgery Monday to repair his posterior cruciate ligament and cartilage damage on his right knee in Coral Gables, Fla. McAlister, who leads the Ravens with three interceptions, has had problems with the knee dating to last season. Landry is still experiencing tingling sensations in his neck after sustaining a spinal cord concussion against the Cleveland Browns in the third game of the season. The team signed LB Robert McCune and WR Marcus Maxwell to take their place on the roster.
Analysis: While Landry and McAlister might register a little bit on the Fantasy radar, the cold reality is that everyone listed above isn't worth using in Fantasy play.
News: Ravens cornerback Chris McAlister will have season-ending surgery on his damaged right knee and will be placed on injured reserve. McAlister has posterior cruciate ligament damage and cartilage issues. The former Pro Bowl defensive back had gone to Canada and Florida to visit specialists for a second opinion, but decided not to risk further damage to his knee. "He expressed to me that he felt like it was in his best interests," coach John Harbaugh said Friday. "The knee is a problem because of the position he plays, the change of direction, the things he has to do without a PCL, just wore the knee down. So, he has to get it corrected."
Analysis: McAlister has three interceptions this year, but he doesn't contribute enough tackles to make much of an impact in Fantasy. Keep him off of Fantasy rosters for the rest of this year.
News: Ravens coach John Harbaugh said DB Chris McAlister (knee) will miss Week 10 at Houston after sitting out Week 8 and Week 9. The team has discussed putting him on injured reserve.
Analysis: McAlister has three interceptions this year, but he doesn't contribute enough tackles to make much of an impact in Fantasy. Keep him reserved, especially with this injury.
News: The Ravens' secondary is in trouble, and it's not coming at a good time. Starting cornerbacks Chris McAlister (knee) and Samari Rolle (neck) are doubtful for Week 9 at Cleveland while veteran corner Frank Walker (thigh) is questionable. If all three miss the game, the Ravens will be forced to start Fabian Washington and Corey Ivy at cornerback, news that will sit very well with the Browns' passing offense, which has improved over the last few games.
Analysis: All three Ravens cornerbacks should be avoided for Week 9 play. McAlister is a candidate for Injured Reserve and may be on there in the near future. Consider other options when looking for a Fantasy DB.
News: Ravens cornerback Chris McAlister has gotten a second opinion on his ailing knee, and head coach John Harbaugh acknowledged the two-time Pro Bowler could be headed for injured reserve. McAlister participated in only eight plays two weeks ago in Miami and was on the inactive list Sunday against Oakland. "We're really hopeful that he'll play for us this year," Harbaugh said. "We should know by the end of the week."
Analysis: McAlister's skills have diminished over time and has made him nothing more than a very low-end No. 3 Fantasy cornerback. He especially doesn't belong on Fantasy rosters now since he might be placed on IR.
News: The Ravens listed the following players as inactive for Week 8 vs. Oakland: QB Todd Bouman (third QB), WR Marcus Smith, WR Yamon Figurs, DB Chris McAlister, DB Dawan Landry, DB Samari Rolle and DL Lamar Divens.
Analysis: None of the players on this list should be considered viable Fantasy option. They are not in a position to contribute regular stats as they aren't in line for regular playing time. They've got some depth chart climbing to do and should be left on the waiver wire.
News: Ravens DB Chris McAllister had six tackles Sunday at the Colts.
Analysis: McAlister remains a low-end DB in IDP leagues but could be worth using in a good matchup at Miami in Week 7.
News: Notable Ravens defenders from Week 5 vs. the Titans include: DB Jim Leonhard (eight total tackles), LB Ray Lewis (seven total tackles), LB Jarrett Johnson (six total tackles), DL Justin Bannan (three total tackles, interception) and CB Chris McAlister (solo tackle, interception). Stud defenders Ed Reed and Bart Scott each registered three solo tackles while Terrell Suggs had three total tackles.
Analysis: Of these defenders, Lewis, Reed, Scott and Suggs are worth starting. Everyone else isn't consistent enough for Fantasy use, though Leonhard could develop into an option if he keeps seeing playing time for the injured Dawan Landry. The Ravens play at the Colts in Week 6, so expect all Ravens defenders to have plenty of chances to rack up big defensive stats.
News: The Baltimore Ravens-Houston Texans game was rescheduled to Nov. 9 after Reliant Stadium was severely damaged by Hurricane Ike, meaning both teams will not play in Week 2. The new date also affects the Cincinnati Bengals' schedule. Houston was originally scheduled to play the Bengals on Nov. 9. Now, those teams will play on Oct. 26 and Cincinnati will take its bye week on Nov. 9, when the Texans now play the Ravens.
Analysis: It's all a little confusing, but basically Fantasy owners need to treat Week 2 as a bye week for the Texans and Ravens. So if you have any players active from either team, get them reserved immediately. Houston and Baltimore will not have another bye week the rest of the way. The Ravens will next play Cleveland at home in Week 3, giving players like Chris McAlister extra time to heal. He had been listed as probable for Week 2.
News: Ravens DB Chris McAlister picked off a Carson Palmer pass Week 1 and also recovered a fumble in a 17-10 win against the Bengals. McAlister had four tackles (three solo).
Analysis: McAlister was limited to eight games last season due to injury, but he is injury-free heading into 2008 and looking good. McAlister continues to serve as a viable low-end Fantasy DB.
News:Ravens cornerbacks Chris McAlister (right knee) and Samari Rolle (left leg) and David Pittman (foot) and linebacker Tavares Gooden (hip) were back at practice Monday and are expected to play in the club's third preseason game at St. Louis.
Analysis: None of these players are worthy of IDP league consideration. Ignore them for now.
News: Ravens DB Chris McAlister, who underwent offseason knee surgery, passed his physical and began practicing Sunday after being activated from the non-football injury list.
Analysis: McAlister went through a rough season in 2007. He only played in eight games due to an injured knee and finished the season on injured reserve. His final stats were 19 tackles (17 solo) and one interception. McAlister should be fine for 2008. Go into the year with him as a No. 3 DB in IDP leagues, and he could see his value increase with a full season of solid play.
News: Ravens DB Chris McAlister went through a rough season in 2007. He only played in eight games due to an injured knee and finished the season on injured reserve. His final stats were 19 tackles (17 solo) and one interception.
Analysis: McAlister should be fine for 2008. Go into the year with him as a No. 3 DB in IDP leagues, and he could see his value increase with a full season of solid play.
News: The Ravens put CB Chris McAlister on Injured Reserve Wednesday with a knee injury. He will miss the rest of the season. The Ravens filled his spot on the roster with CB Willie Gaston, who was on their practice squad. Gaston's spot on the practice squad was filled with ex-Broncos prospect CB Jeff Shoate.
Analysis: None of the above mentioned cornerbacks will be productive enough to warrant use in Fantasy play. Keep them all off rosters for now.
News: The Ravens' list of inactives once again included DB Chris McAlister (knee) for Week 14 against the Colts. He missed four straight games with a knee injury but returned to action in Week 13.
Analysis: The knee injury has limited McAlister this season, holding him to less than his shutdown standard. Think of him as a No. 3 Fantasy DB when healthy, but reserve him for now.
News: Ravens DB Chris McAlister, who missed four straight games because of a knee injury, will return to the lineup Week 13 against the Patriots. The team had listed him as questionable earlier in the week.
Analysis: The knee injury has limited McAlister this season, holding him to less than his shutdown standard. Think of him as a No. 3 Fantasy DB when setting your lineup.
News: Ravens QB Steve McNair, WR Demetrius Williams, DB Chris McAlister, DB Gerome Sapp, TE Daniel Wilcox and LB Edgar Jones are all inactive for Week 12 at San Diego.
Analysis: McNair continues to sit idle while he recovers from a left shoulder injury. He is nothing more than a No. 2 Fantasy QB when healthy. McAlister continues to be bothered by a knee injury and is a low-end Fantasy DB when healthy. The remaining inactive players have little to no Fantasy value when active. Keep these players reserved Week 12.
News: Ravens DB Chris McAlister (knee) is listed as questionable for Week 12 at San Diego. McAlister returned to action Week 11 after missing the previous three games. He did not practice all week in hope the rest will help him on Sunday, according to the Carroll County Times. "Hopefully, he'll be available for Sunday," head coach Brian Billick said. "It's one of those minimal activity during the week and see what we can get on Sunday."
Analysis: McAlister has been limited this season because of the knee injury and hasn't been the playmaker or shutdown corner we are used to seeing. When healthy, he is a viable No. 3 Fantasy DB. Continue to track his progress.
News: According to the Carroll County Times, Ravens DB Chris McAlister sat out his second consecutive day of practice Thursday because of a strained knee, but coach Brian Billick said he's basically being rested for Week 12 at San Diego. "Hopefully, he'll be available for Sunday," Billick said. "It's one of those minimal activity during the week and see what we can get on Sunday."
Analysis: Continue to monitor what develops with McAlister before setting your lineup. When healthy, he's a No. 3 DB in IDP leagues.
News: Ravens DB Chris McAlister had four tackles Sunday against Cleveland.
Analysis: McAlister had missed the last three games with a knee injury. When healthy, McAlister is a No. 3 DB in IDP leagues. Consider him in that capacity for Week 12 at San Diego.
News: Ravens DB Chris McAlister (knee) is listed as questionable for Week 11 vs. Cleveland. He did not practice Friday after limited reps earlier in the week. McAlister has missed the last three games and hopes to return against the Browns.
Analysis: The Ravens had hoped McAlister would be healthy enough to play Week 10, but it wasn't in the stars. They will likely wait to make a decision on him up until inactives. If healthy, consider him a low-end Fantasy DB.
News: Ravens DB Chris McAlister (knee) went through limited practice reps Wednesday and Thursday as the team prepares for Week 11 vs. Cleveland. McAlister has missed the last three games and hopes to return against the Browns.
Analysis: The Ravens had hoped McAlister would be healthy enough to play Week 10, but it wasn't in the stars. They will likely wait to make a decision on him until later in the week. If healthy, consider him a low-end Fantasy DB.
News: The Ravens inactives for Week 10 against the Bengals include QB Troy Smith (3rd QB), WR Yamon Figurs, DB Chris McAlister, DB Samari Rolle, DB David Pittman, DB Gerome Sapp and TE Daniel Wilcox.
Analysis: Keep McAlister and Rolle reserved in all IDP leagues. All the other players have minimal Fantasy value and should not be used against the Bengals.
News: Ravens DB Chris McAlister (knee) is listed as questionable for Week 10 vs. Cincinnati. He took limited practice reps all week. Head coach Brian Billick said Wednesday that McAlister should return after missing the past two games, but his status remains in question heading into the weekend.
Analysis: McAlister wasn't able to fully recover during bye in Week 8 and missed Week 9 against the Steelers, but is expected to return Week 10 barring any setbacks. Since teams rarely throw the shutdown corner's way, he rarely puts together the stats needed to make him more than just a low-end Fantasy IDP option when healthy.
News: Ravens DB Chris McAlister (knee) went through limited practice reps Wednesday and Thursday as the team prepares for Week 10 vs. Cincinnati. Head coach Brian Billick said McAlister should return after missing the past two games.
Analysis: McAlister wasn't able to fully recover during bye in Week 8 and missed Week 9 against the Steelers, but is expected to return Week 10 barring any setbacks. Since teams rarely throw the shutdown corner's way, he rarely puts together the stats needed to make him more than just a low-end Fantasy IDP option when healthy.
News: The Ravens listed DB Chris McAlister among their inactives for Week 9 at Pittsburgh, meaning he won't suit up and play. A sprained knee that had him listed as doubtful will hold him out for the second straight game.
Analysis: McAlister wasn't able to fully recover over the Ravens' bye in Week 8, but he might be able to return Week 10 against the Bengals. Since teams rarely throw the shutdown corner's way, he rarely puts together the stats needed to make him more than just a low-end Fantasy IDP option when healthy.
News: Ravens CB Chris McAlister seems unlikely to return from a knee injury for a matchup against the Steelers in Week 9. He went through limited practice reps Thursday and Friday, but is listed as doubtful. "We'll have to see how the week progresses, but that would be the one I'm most concerned about," head coach Brian Billick said.
Analysis: McAlister has 14 tackles and one interception in six games. McAlister is a top NFL cornerback and team's are usually scared to throw his way. That makes him just a low-end Fantasy DB because the stats are some times not there. Keep him reserved in Fantasy IDP leagues until further notice.
News: Ravens CB Chris McAlister missed his second consecutive practice Tuesday with a strained knee, but expressed optimism that he might play in Week 9's critical game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night, according to the Carroll County Times. “My knee feels great, every day it feels better than it did the [last] and that’s all I can ask for,” said McAlister, who was sidelined in Week 7. “I knew I wouldn’t play against Buffalo, and coming back to Pittsburgh was always the plan. It seems to be on pace. I just take it day by day and see what happens.”
Analysis: McAlister is a top NFL cornerback, which means teams rarely throw his way, therefore bringing his stats down. Keep him reserved in Fantasy IDP leagues until it is confirmed he will definitely be back on the field in Week 9.
News: According to the Sports Xchange, Ravens CB Chris McAlister is expected to return after the bye after being sidelined one game with a knee sprain. There were earlier reports that he could miss three weeks.
Analysis: McAlister is a top NFL cornerback, which means teams rarely throw his way, therefore bringing his stats down. Keep him reserved in Fantasy IDP leagues until it is confirmed he will definitely be back on the field in Week 9.
News: Ravens cornerback Chris McAlister did not practice this week, and the teams lists him as questionable for Week 7 at Buffalo. The Baltimore Sun reports McAlister was told Tuesday that he will be sidelined for three weeks with a strained right knee. However, McAlister is eying a Week 9 return against the Steelers. "I just decided to work through it because we had a lot of injuries," said McAlister, who has been bothered by the knee injury for quite some time. "I'm glad we have the bye week (Oct. 28 -- Week 8)." If McAlister doesn't play, Cory Ivy will step in at cornerback.
Analysis: McAlister totaled three tackles (all solo) and one interception while not missing a snap Week 6 against the Rams. He now has 14 tackles and one interception in six games. McAlister is a top NFL cornerback, which means teams rarely throw his way, bringing his stats down. Keep him reserved in Fantasy IDP leagues until further notice.
News: Ravens DB Chris McAlister (knee) did not practice Wednesday as the team prepares for Week 7 at Buffalo. The Baltimore Sun reports McAlister was told Tuesday that he will be sidelined for three weeks with a strained right knee. However, McAlister is eyeing a Week 9 return against the Steelers. "I just decided to work through it because we had a lot of injuries," said McAlister, who has been bothered by the knee injury for quite some time. "I'm glad we have the bye week (Oct. 28 -- Week 8)." If McAlister doesn't play, Cory Ivy will step in at cornerback.
Analysis: McAlister totaled three tackles (all solo) and one interception during a Week 6 win over the Rams. He did not miss a snap against the Rams. McAlister now has 14 tackles and one interception in six games. McAlister is a top NFL cornerback and team's are usually scared to throw his way. That makes him just a low-end Fantasy DB because the stats are some times not there. Keep him reserved in Fantasy IDP leagues until further notice.
News: Ravens DB Chris McAlister totaled three tackles (all solo) and one interception during a Week 6 win over the Rams. He now has 14 tackles and one interception in six games.
Analysis: McAlister is a top NFL cornerback and team's are usually scared to throw his way. That makes him just a low-end Fantasy DB because the stats are some times not there.
News: Ravens DB Chris McAlister led the team with six tackles Sunday against Arizona.
Analysis: McAlister is a solid DB in IDP leagues and is worth using in Week 4 against Cleveland.
News: The Ravens defense held the Buffalo Bills to seven points and 253 yards in a Week 17 win. The Ravens recovered a fumble, as well as had two interceptions -- one by Samari Rolle and one by Chris McAlister, who took it 31 yards for a touchdown. LB Ray Lewis, LB Terrell Suggs and DL Trevor Pryce each had a sack.
Analysis: The Ravens were one of the best defensive units all season and will undoubtedly be one of the first defenses drafted in Fantasy leagues in 2007. All of the Ravens defensive starters are popular picks in IDP leagues and will be hot ticket items once again in 2007.
News: The Ravens defense continued their dominance over the league in Week 15 by shutting down the Browns. They did give up 17 points, but only allowed 236 yards. Also, the Ravens came up with six sacks (Ray Lewis, Terrell Suggs, Trevor Pryce 2, Bart Scott, Kelly Gregg 1/2 and Adalius Thomas 1/2) and two interceptions (Chris McAlister and Dawan Landry).
Analysis: The Ravens are one of the top Fantasy DST options and should be a must-start every week. They play the Steelers in Week 16. Also, all of the Ravens individual defensive stars in Week 15 are solid options in IDP leagues. Feel free to use them Week 16.
News: Notable Ravens defenders from Week 12 include: LB Ray Lewis (six solo tackles, sack), DE Terrell Suggs (six solo tackles, two sacks), CB Chris McAlister (five solo tackles), DE Trevor Pryce (four solo tackles, two sacks, forced fumble) and FS Ed Reed (three solo tackles). LB Bart Scott added four total tackles and 1.5 sacks, CB Corey Ivy had a sack while DE Jarret Johnson had 0.5 sacks.
Analysis: Lewis, Suggs, Scott, McAlister and Reed are all must-start IDP options, while DE Trevor Pryce is also usable as a low-end option. Ivy and Johnson shouldn't be used at this time. The Ravens play at Cincinnati in Week 13.
News: The Baltimore DST had two interceptions against Carolina QB Jake Delhomme and also added one sack and a fumble recovery. LB Ray Lewis recovered the fumble and also had nine tackles. LB Adalius Thomas had seven tackles and a sack. DB Chris McAlister had six tackles and an interception. DB Dawan Landry had three tackles and an interception.
Analysis: The Ravens DST had a rough game against Carolina but will get back on track in Week 8 against New Orleans.
News: If Broncos WR Javon Walker wanted a challenge in Week 5, he got one in Ravens CB Chris McAlister. There might not be much scoring in this game. The game could turn on a big play or two, and the Broncos will try to connect with Walker downfield. They'll take a few chances deep to Walker, who is excellent in jump ball situations. McAllister is one of the best in the game and should be up to the challenge.
Analysis: McAlister remains a solid start at DB for IDP leagues. His tackles are down (only six through four games) but he has two interceptions and a touchdown.
News: DB McAlister picked off Chris Simms for an interception and a 60-yard return for a touchdown at Tampa Bay Sunday.
Analysis: McAlister is a solid starter at DB for IDP leagues -- especially in Week 2 against Oakland and Aaron Brooks in Baltimore.
News: Ravens CB Chris McAlister (thigh) has been upgraded to probable for Week 1 at Tampa Bay. After sitting out practice on Wednesday and Thursday, McAlister did practice with the team Friday.
Analysis: The Ravens DST should do well in a low-scoring matchup with the Bucs.
News: Ravens cornerback Chris McAlister said he is healthy enough to play for Sunday's opener in Tampa Bay. McAlister sat out the preseason finale for precautionary reasons because of a sore right thigh but practiced this week. "I always feel great," McAlister said.
Analysis: The Ravens DST should do well in a low-scoring matchup with the Bucs.
News: Chris McAlister (back) was able to play in Week 14 at Denver. He made five solo tackles in the loss.
Analysis: McAlister is a solid play for Week 15 in IDP leagues as he tries to snuff out Chris Favre and the Packers on Monday night.
News: Ravens CB Chris McAlister (thigh) was limited in practice Friday and is questionable for Week 14 at Denver.
Analysis: McAlister is expected to play, but owners should shy away from using him against the Broncos.
News: Ravens CB Chris McAlister (thigh) is questionable for Week 14.
Analysis: McAlister was inactive last week, so owners should shy away from using him in IDP leagues.
News: CB Chris McAlister has not practiced this week with a thigh injury and expects to be a game-time decision. If he can't play, Dale Carter would start at cornerback.
Analysis: McAlister should not be used in IDP leagues.
News: Chris McAlister recorded three tackles and forced one fumble in Week 12. He hasn't had an interception since Oct. 9.
Analysis: McAlister should not be considered a viable starter in most IDP leagues at this point.
News: The Ravens official website reports CB Chris McAlister continues to progress well after undergoing offseason surgery on his injured toe. "When that toe doesn't bend and it hurts to run and you're out there on that island, there's only a few people in the league that can tell you what it's like," McAlister said. "I literally had no motion on my big toe, so it was bone hitting bone."
Analysis: McAlister says he's not 100 percent recovered, but he feels much better than he did at the end of last season. He should be back to full health when the regular season starts.
News: According to the Baltimore Sun, cornerback Chris McAlister (neck) proclaimed he would start and play all the defensive snaps in Week 13 against Cincinnati. "There are no limitations," McAlister said. "I'm full throttle."
Analysis: McAlister should be active in all leagues which use individual defenders.
News: According to the Baltimore Sun, cornerback Chris McAlister (shoulder) is questionable for Week 13 against Cincinnati.
Analysis: It appears McAlister will be able to play so he is safe to activate.
News: According to the Baltimore Sun, Ravens cornerback Chris McAlister (neck) will likely play in Week 12 at New England.
Analysis: McAlister missed Week 11. He is listed as questionable for Week 12 but will likely be in the starting lineup.
News: According to the Baltimore Sun, Ravens cornerback Chris McAlister (neck) was unable to practice again Thursday and likely won't play in Week 11 against Dallas.
Analysis: McAlister will probably be replaced by Corey Fuller.
News: According to the Baltimore Sun, Ravens cornerback Chris McAlister (neck) was unable to practice Wednesday and is questionable for Week 11 against Dallas. He is expected to be a game-time decision. "It feels a lot better than it did Sunday," McAlister said.
Analysis: Monitor McAlister's status before activating him.
News: The Baltimore Sun reports Chris McAlister suffered neck trauma known as a stinger in Week 10. The Ravens are optimistic he will be back soon. "We think Chris will be OK," coach Brian Billick said. "It's a severe stinger basically. It's sore and it doesn't feel good right now. He's had all the imaging and all the other things that are done on it, so we're optimistic about that."
Analysis: Barring setbacks, expect McAlister to return to action in Week 11.
News: According to published reports, Chris McAlister is expected to end his holdout on Sunday. He is then expected to return to practice on Monday or Tuesday.
Analysis: McAlister is a decent middle- to late-round pick in leagues which use individual defenders.
News: According to the Baltimore Sun, Chris McAlister will join the Ravens by the end of August. He is apparently in great shape and has said he will be ready to go when he arrives. "I plan on being the starting corner when we play Cleveland (first game of regular season)," McAlister said. "I'll come in and be ready to prove to anybody that I'm ready to start and play."
Analysis: The Ravens will need their Pro Bowl cornerback to not miss a beat when he returns from his holdout so the team can again have a dominate defense.
News: As the Ravens open training camp Thursday, the team is without star corner Chris McAlister, who is holding out with a contract issue.
Analysis: Not a huge deal. McAlister will get to camp soon enough and the Baltimore defense will again be one of the best in the NFL. McAlister is certainly worth consideration in leagues that use individual defensive players.
News: According to the Baltimore Sun, Chris McAlister is expected to miss this week's mandatory camp due to contract-related issues. "It's a different set of circumstances that we have to respect," said coach Brian Billick. "This is the business side of it. Certainly, we want him to be here. His teammates want him to be here. And I'm sure Chris would want to be here. But right now, he feels there's a contractual situation. He's doing what he thinks is in his best interest, and we have to respect that."
Analysis: McAlister was tagged the franchise player by the team back in February.
News: According to reports, the Baltimore Ravens have placed their franchise tag on McAlister.
Analysis: The Ravens will owe McAlister $7.1 million in 2004.
News: Chris McAlister, who benched in Week 3, is expected to play in Week 4.
Analysis: McAlister will be playing with something to prove, so he should be a good starting option in individual defender leagues.
