News: The Texans agreed to a one-year deal with veteran fullback Moran Norris, according to the Sports Business Journal. Norris, who played for the Texans from 2002-05, received a tryout from the club during minicamp and will serve as the lead blocker for Pro Bowl running back Arian Foster while James Casey, who opened last season at fullback, will see more time at tight end.
Analysis: Norris will do most of his work opening holes and will likely touch the ball on offense on a limited basis. Ignore him in the majority of leagues on Draft Day.
News: Niners FB Moran Norris was without his walking boot on Monday for the first time since suffering a left fibula injury on Sept. 18 against Dallas. He didn’t know if he’d be practicing soon but said he didn’t feel any discomfort in the leg. “I’m off the boot, so that’s progress right there,” he said.
Analysis: As a fullback, Norris does more blocking than anything else. He isn't likely to factor on offense and isn't worth adding in Fantasy.
News: Niners RB Moran Norris caught one pass for 8 yards Week 4 at Atlanta. He has exactly one catch in three of four games this season.
Analysis: As a fullback, Norris does more blocking than anything else. He isn't likely to factor on offense and isn't worth adding in Fantasy.
News: 49ers FB Moran Norris has one catch for 5 yards in Week 2 against the Saints.
Analysis: Norris is just the blocking back for the 49ers. Unless his role with the team changes, he can be ignored in Fantasy.
News: 49ers FB Moran Norris was a non-factor in Week 1 against Seattle. Norris rushed the ball just once for 1 yard and had one reception for 2 yards in the 31-6 loss.
Analysis: Norris does not get enough touches to have any real Fantasy value. Leave him on waivers for his Week 2 matchup against the Saints.
News: The 49ers may have a tough decision to make at fullback, where Moran Norris leads Brit Miller. Norris had a bad year last season, becoming so one-dimensional that defenses stacked the box while expecting run plays. Miller is less physical, but he's younger, cheaper, far more of a receiving threat, and one of the team's better special-teamers.
Analysis: The reality is that neither of these guys will put up big enough stats to warrant Fantasy use. Keep them both off of rosters.
News: San Francisco RB Moran Norris made one reception on Sunday in a Week 16 win over the Lions. He gained 2 yards on the play.
Analysis: Norris is not a relevant Fantasy option and should remain on waivers for Week 17 against St. Louis.
News: San Francisco FB Moran Norris did not see any offensive touches during the Week 15 loss to Philadelphia, though he did fumble on a kick return. The Eagles recovered.
Analysis: Norris will often go without any catches or touches altogether and doesn’t need to be owned in Fantasy play for Week 16 vs. Detroit.
News: San Francisco FB Moran Norris rushed once for 4 yards and caught two passes for 6 yards in the Week 14 Monday night win over the Cardinals.
Analysis: Norris will often go without any catches or touches altogether and doesn’t need to be owned in Fantasy play for Week 15 at Philadelphia.
News: 49ers RB Moran Norris, RB Glen Coffee, TE Brian Jennings, WR Jason Hill, WR Brandon Jones and QB Shaun Hill all dressed for San Francisco's Week 12 win over Jacksonville but failed to record an offensive stat.
Analysis: Coffee is worth owning as a handcuff for Frank Gore but the rest of these players have little to no Fantasy value. The Niners are at Seattle Week 13.
News: 49ers RB Moran Norris, RB Michael Robinson, RB Glen Coffee, TE Delanie Walker, WR Arnaz Battle, TE Brian Jennings and QB Shaun Hill all dressed for San Francisco's Week 11 loss to Green Bay but failed to record an offensive stat.
Analysis: None of these players are worth using in the majority of Fantasy leagues. Ignore them in Week 12 when the 49ers host the Jaguars.
News: 49ers FB Moran Norris, WR Brandon Jones, WR Arnaz Battle, LS/TE Brian Jennings, TE Delanie Walker and backup QB Shaun Hill all failed to record a stat Week 10 against the Bears.
Analysis: None of these players are worth using in the majority of Fantasy leagues. Ignore them in Week 11 when the 49ers play at the Packers.
News: 49ers RB Moran Norris, WR Brandon Jones, WR Arnaz Battle, TE Brian Jennings and QB Shaun Hill all failed to record a stat Week 9 against the Titans.
Analysis: None of these players are worth using in the majority of Fantasy leagues. Ignore them in Week 10 against the Bears.
News: 49ers FB Moran Norris had three carries for 4 yards Sunday at the Colts.
Analysis: Norris is a blocking back for the 49ers and has minimal Fantasy value. Ignore him in all leagues for Week 9 against the Titans.
News: Niners WR Arnaz Battle, RB Michael Robinson and FB Moran Norris didn't contribute offensive statistics Week 7 at Houston.
Analysis: None of these players ever do enough statistically to matter in Fantasy. Leave them all on waivers.
News: Niners fullback Moran Norris got just one touch Week 5 against the Falcons. He ran the ball for two yards.
Analysis: As a fullback, Norris does more blocking than rushing or receiving. The 49ers have a bye in Week 6 before visiting the Texans in Week 7.
News: 49ers RB Moran Norris totaled two carries for 8 yards during a Week 4 win against the Rams. He has five carries for 26 yards through four games.
Analysis: Norris is primarily on the field as a blocking fullback. He might get a few touches per game, but he won't do enough to matter in Fantasy. It's safe to ignore Norris heading into Week 5 against the Falcons.
News: 49ers RB Michael Robinson and FB Moran Norris each caught one pass in the team's Week 3 loss at Minnesota. Robinson had 8 yards receiving, Morris had 6.
Analysis: Neither of these players were expected to produce enough stats to warrant Fantasy use, nor should they going forward. Keep them off of rosters for now; the 49ers host the Rams in Week 4.
News: Niners RB Moran Norris ran the ball twice for 16 yards and caught three passes for 17 yards Week 2 against the Seahawks. He got only one touch in Week 1.
Analysis: Norris contributed more than expected in Week 2, but as a fullback, he still won't get enough touches to matter in Fantasy. Leave him on waivers for Week 3 at Minnesota.
News: Niners RB Moran Norris ran once for two yards in the opener at Arizona on Sunday.
Analysis: As a fullback, Norris doesn't figure to do much statistically. Leave him on waivers in Fantasy.
News: 49ers FB Moran Norris has a sore hamstring Tuesday and will miss the rest of the day. Norris is competing with Michael Robinson for the starting job.
Analysis: Hopefully, Morris will be OK, but neither Norris or Robinson will factor much for Fantasy owners this season. Keep an eye on who wins the job to see who's leading the way for Frank Gore, but ignore Norris and Robinson in all leagues on Draft Day.
News: 49ers offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye doused speculation Monday that there could be a battle for the starting fullback spot, explaining that RB Michael Robinson isn't a physical enough lead blocker. He did say Robinson is more versatile than starter Moran Norris.
Analysis: Neither Norris or Robinson will factor much for Fantasy owners this season. Keep an eye on who wins the job to see who's leading the way for Frank Gore, but ignore Norris and Robinson in all leagues on Draft Day.
News: The San Francisco 49ers re-signed fullback Moran Norris to a three-year contract Monday, welcoming back the burly run-blocker after releasing him last summer. Norris, an eight-year NFL veteran, played for the 49ers from 2006-07. He was the lead blocker for Frank Gore when the running back led the NFC in rushing with 1,695 yards in 2006, earning a trip to the Pro Bowl. San Francisco dropped Norris after training camp last season because former offensive coordinator Mike Martz's offense didn't make much use of a fullback. Norris signed with the Detroit Lions, starting eight games in their 0-16 season.
Analysis: As a fullback, Norris doesn't get many offensive touches. Keep him off of Fantasy rosters.
News: Detroit RB Moran Norris caught one pass for three yards in Week 16's loss to the Saints.
Analysis: As a fullback, Norris doesn't get many offensive touches. Leave him on waivers for Week 17 at Green Bay.
News: Lions RB Aveion Cason, RB Moran Norris, RB Jerome Felton, WR Adam Jennings, TE John Owens and QB Drew Stanton didn't record offensive statistics Week 15 at Indianapolis.
Analysis: None of these players ever does enough statistically to matter in Fantasy. Leave them all on waivers for Week 16 against the Saints.
News: Tempers erupted in the second quarter Sunday after Lions rookie offensive tackle Gosder Cherilus lunged from his knees to hit Minnesota defensive end Jared Allen on his left knee. Allen slowly got off the turf and angrily limped toward Cherilus, pointing and screaming, before teammate Ray Edwards held him back. Allen went to the sideline, where his left knee was examined. On the next play, Detroit fullback Moran Norris was ejected for swiping at linebacker Napoleon Harris after they tangled. Norris did not have a carry in the game.
Analysis: As a fullback, Norris doesn't get many offensive touches. Leave him on waivers for Week 15 at Indianapolis.
News: The following players were active for the Lions' Week 13's loss to the Titans but did not record any stats in the game: FB Moran Norris, RB Rudi Johnson, FB Jerome Felton and WR Adam Jennings.
Analysis: Fantasy owners already knew that Norris, Felton and Jennings weren't worthwhile Fantasy options, but seeing Rudi Johnson on a list like this is a sobering statement about how the mighty fall in Fantasy Football. Do not expect Johnson to be productive for much of the remainder of the season, and the same can be said for the other players on this list. The Lions host the Vikings in Week 14.
News: Lions RB Moran Norris caught one pass for three yards in a Week 12 loss to Tampa Bay.
Analysis: As a fullback, Norris doesn't get many offensive touches. Leave him on waivers for Week 13 vs. Tennessee.
News: The following players were active for Week 11's loss to the Panthers but did not record any stats in the game: FB Moran Norris and WR Adam Jennings.
Analysis: As a fullback, Norris doesn't get many offensive touches. Leave him on waivers in Fantasy. The same goes for Jennings.
News: Lions RB Moran Norris carried the ball once for one yard Week 9 at Chicago. It was his first carry of the season.
Analysis: As a fullback, Norris doesn't get many offensive touches. Leave him on waivers in Fantasy.
News: Detroit RB Moran Norris caught two balls for 10 yards on Sunday of Week 8 against the Redskins.
Analysis: Norris hadn't touched the ball this season before the Redskins game and might not touch it again. That makes him nothing in Fantasy. Don't even look at his name on the waiver wire for Week 9 at Chicago.
News: Lions WR Brandon Middleton, RB Moran Norris, TE Casey Fitzsimmons, TE John Owens and QB Drew Stanton all dressed for Detroit's Week 7 loss to Houston but did not record a Fantasy statistic.
Analysis: Stanton might have some Fantasy value if Dan Orlovsky continues to struggle, but the other three have zero Fantasy value and aren't likely to gain some any time soon.
News: The Detroit Lions signed fullback Moran Norris and cut running back Marcus Thomas on Thursday. The Lions also added defensive back Chris Roberson to the practice squad after losing wide receiver Kenneth Moore, who was signed by the Carolina Panthers.
Analysis: Norris, a two-year starter, was waived by the San Francisco 49ers during training camp. He has started 30 games and contributed on special teams since being drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the fourth round of the 2001 draft. Norris will be nothing more than a blocking fullback and can be ignored in Fantasy.
News: Not too long ago, Zak Keasey was just another unemployed linebacker who hadn't quite finished his college degree. Only his dirty-blond dreadlocks distinguished him from thousands of frustrated NFL hopefuls just like him. After the first week of his latest training camp with the San Francisco 49ers, Keasey appears to be heading toward an unlikely gig in the sport he still calls his "part-time job," even if he still hasn't completed that sociology degree from Princeton. Keasey's surprising transformation from a linebacker into a fullback is proceeding well, if it's safe to draw any conclusions from the San Francisco practices where Keasey stands out just as much for his hard hits as for those dreadlocks protruding from his helmet. He's working extensively with the first-team offense so far in camp, and he seems to be giving serious competition to starter Moran Norris.
Analysis: Keasey should still probably not be on anyone's Fantasy draft board, but he's certainly making a name for himself at Niners' camp. As the team's fullback, he probably won't get enough touches to warrant use in Fantasy play, even if he was the starter. Both Norris and Keasey will mostly block for San Francisco.
News: 49ers FB Moran Norris had 17 rush yards on seven carries in 2007, adding 38 yards on six grabs.
Analysis: Norris' primary job is to block. He doesn't produce enough stats on a regular basis to consider for Fantasy play. Leave him out of draft plans.
News: 49ers RB Moran Norris had one carry for 6 yards Sunday against Tampa Bay.
Analysis: Norris is a low-end Fantasy RB and should not be used in Week 17 at Cleveland.
News: 49ers RB Moran Norris rushed one time for three yards during a Week 15 win against the Bengals. Norris' lone carry came on a 3rd-and-1 from the Bengals' 7-yard line in the second quarter, but the bruising fullback could not punch it in for a score. He did not record a catch.
Analysis: The 49ers mostly use Norris as a blocking fullback and don't consider him a vital part of the rushing attack. He has just six carries and 11 rushing yards in 14 games. Enough said. It is safe to leave him off Fantasy rosters heading into Week 16 against the Bucs.
News: 49ers Moran Norris, RB Zak Keasey, TE Billy Bajema, WR Bryan Gilmore, WR Michael Lewis and TE Brian Jennings all dressed, but failed to record an offensive stat Week 14 against the Vikings.
Analysis: Most of these players don't play a vital role in the team's offensive scheme and hardly rack up enough stats to warrant heavy use in Fantasy leagues. Ignore them heading into Week 15 against the Bengals.
News: 49ers RB Moran Norris, RB Zak Keasey, TE Billy Bajema, WR Bryan Gilmore, WR Michael Lewis and QB Shaun Hill all dressed, but failed to record an offensive stat Week 12 against the Cardinals.
Analysis: Most of these players serve as backups or on special teams for the 49ers and have little to no Fantasy value. Keep them on Fantasy waivers heading into Week 13 against the Panthers.
News: Niners RB Moran Norris caught one pass for two yards Week 11 against the Rams. He also gained nothing on one carry.
Analysis: Norris blocks more than he runs or catches, giving him little value in Fantasy. Keep him on waivers for Week 12 at Arizona.
News: Niners RB Moran Norris carried the ball one time for three yards Week 10 at Seattle.
Analysis: Norris blocks more than he runs or catches, giving him little value in Fantasy. Keep him on waivers for Week 11 against the Rams.
News: 49ers RB Moran Norris made one catch for 11 yard in Week 9 at Atlanta.
Analysis: Norris isn't used regularly in the 49ers offense in a position to help Fantasy owners. He's best left on the waiver wire until further notice.
News: 49ers FB Moran Norris had one carry for one yard in San Francisco's 31-10 loss to the Saints in Week 8.
Analysis: Norris is primarily a blocking RB and shouldn't be considered in any Fantasy leagues.
News: 49ers QB Shaun Hill, RB Moran Norris, RB Zak Keasey, TE Billy Bajema, WR Mike Lewis and TE/LS Brian Jennings did not record any offensive statistics in Week 7 at the N.Y. Giants
Analysis: None of these players are worthy of use in Fantasy play. Leave them on the waiver wire until further notice.
News: 49ers RB Moran Norris (two catches for 19 yards), WR Darrell Jackson (two catches for six yards), WR Brian Gilmore (one catch for 42 yards) and RB Michael Robinson (one catch for zero yards) helped out in the passing game in San Fran's 9-7 loss to the Ravens in Week 5. Gilmore also had a rush for negative eight yards.
Analysis: Jackson is the only player in this group with any Fantasy value, and his is minimal with Trent Dilfer at QB. The 49ers have a bye week in Week 6, but all these guys should remain on the bench for Week 7 and beyond anyway.
News: 49ers backup QB Trent Dilfer, RB Maurice Hicks, WR Ashley Lelie, FB Moran Norris, WR Brandon Williams and TE Billy Bajema did not record any offensive stats in Week 3 at Pittsburgh.
Analysis: None of these players should be considered useful when the Niners play vs. Seattle in Week 4.
News: 49ers RB Moran Norris had two carries for 4 yards Sunday against the Rams.
Analysis: Morris has minimal Fantasy value and should not be used in Week 3 against the Steelers.
News: RB Maurice Hicks had just one reception for minus-1 yard and FB Moran Norris had a pair of receptions for six yards in Week 1 against the Cardinals.
Analysis: Neither of the two running backs are worth any Fantasy consideration heading into Week 2 at St. Louis.
News: San Francisco re-signed fullback Moran Norris. He had two carries for 8 yards, adding five catches for 36 yards with two of those five catches winding up in the end zone.
Analysis: Norris is primarily a blocker and therefore shouldn't be considered for general Fantasy use.
News: 49ers FB Moran Norris had two carries for 8 yards, adding five catches for 36 yards with two of those five catches winding up in the end zone. He is expected to be an unrestricted free agent this offseason.
Analysis: Norris is primarily a blocker and therefore shouldn't be considered for general Fantasy use.
News: 49ers RB Moran Norris rushed twice for eight yards in Week 17 at Denver. He caught one pass for 32 yards in the game as well.
Analysis: Norris was never much of a Fantasy factor in 2006. We don't see that changing in 2007.
News: Norris was able to play in Week 16 against the Cardinals, but he did not record any offensive statistics.
Analysis: Norris is not a recommended Fantasy option in Week 17 against the Broncos.
News: Norris started a fullback in Week 15 at Seattle, but he did not post any offensive statistics.
Analysis: Norris is not worth using in any Fantasy leagues for when the 49ers host the Cardinals in Week 16.
News: Notable 49ers players who were active but didn't record an offensive stat in Week 14 include: WR Bryan Gilmore, FB Moran Norris, WR Brandon Williams, TE Billy Bajema, TE/LS Brian Jennings and backup QB Trent Dilfer.
Analysis: None of these players should be used in Fantasy play.
News: Niners backup QB Trent Dilfer, TE Delanie Walker, WR Brandon Williams, RB Michael Robinson, FB Moran Norris, TE Billy Bajema, TE/LS Brian Jennings and WR Taylor Jacobs did not record any stats in Week 14 at New Orleans.
Analysis: None of these players should be trusted in Fantasy play until further notice.
News: 49ers RB Moran Norris, TE Billy Bajema, WR Taylor Jacobs, QB Trent Dilfer and RB Chris Hetherington all dressed but recoreded no stats in Week 12 against the Rams.
Analysis: None of these players are recommended Fantasy options in Week 13 against the Saints.
News: 49ers TE Billy Bajema, WR Brandon Williams, FB Moran Norris, TE Delanie Walker, WR Bryan Gilmore, QB Trent Dilfer and TE Brian Jennings did not have any stats in Week 10 at Detroit.
Analysis: Neither of the players mentioned above are worth adding in Fantasy leagues.
News: 49ers RB Moran Norris, WR Brandon Williams, RB Maurice Hicks, RB Chris Hetherington, TE Delaine Walker, TE Brian Jennings and QB Trent Dilfer all dressed but did not record an offensive stat in Week 9 against the Vikings.
Analysis: None of these players currently have any Fantasy value.
News: 49ers TE Billy Bajema, WR Brandon Williams, FB Moran Norris, RB Maurice Hicks, TE Delanie Walker, WR Bryan Gilmore, QB Trent Dilfer and TE Brian Jennings did not have any stats in Week 8 at Chicago.
Analysis: Neither of the players mentioned above are worth adding in Fantasy leagues.
News: The 49ers hope Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher sees a lot of fullback Moran Norris on Sunday. Norris has taken over for Chris Hetherington as the team's starter because of his impressive blocking. "He's done a good job and that's kept him in the lineup," 49ers coach Mike Nolan said. "He's continued to do a nice job. I expect him to continue, and each week he's been called upon to do a lot of that seek-and-destroy blocking."
Analysis: Norris, who scored a fluke TD in the team's last game, is not a regular part of the offense and should not be considered for use.
News: The 49ers had three players with just one catch in Week 6 vs. San Diego. Maurice Hicks, Bryan Gilmore and Moran Norris. Norris' catch went for a 2-yard TD, but was all he did in the game. Hicks also rushed once for four yards in the contest.
Analysis: None of these players have any Fantasy appeal at this point. Even Norris, who scored a fluke TD, is not a regular part of the offense and should not be considered
News: The 49ers had three players with just one catch in Week 6 vs. San Diego. Maurice Hicks, Bryan Gilmore and Moran Norris. Norris' catch went for a 2-yard TD, but was all he did in the game. Hicks also rushed once for four yards in the contest.
Analysis: None of these players have any Fantasy appeal at this point. Even Norris, who scored a fluke TD, is not a regular part of the offense and should not be considered.
News: 49ers RB Moran Norris had one reception for seven yards in the team's 34-20 win over the Raiders in Week 5.
Analysis: Norris is not a good Fantasy option at this time.
News: The San Jose Mercury News reports that Moran Norris started at fullback for the Niners while Chris Hetherington was deactivated. Norris had one reception for minus-seven yards and no touchdowns. He did not rush the ball once during the game.
Analysis: The team believes that Norris is a better lead blocker than Hetherington. But the latter is a better receiver and short-yardage runner. It's unclear which will be starting in Week 5 against Oakland, but neither provides any Fantasy value.
News: The 49ers could not get into rhythm offensively vs. the Chiefs in Week 4 and it showed in a 41-0 loss. RB Moran Norris had one reception for minus-seven yards and no touchdowns. He did not rush the ball once during the game.
Analysis: Norris should not be anywhere near your active Fantasy lineup.
News: 49ers FB Moran Norris was listed on the inactive list for Week 2 vs. St. Louis.
Analysis: Norris should not be anywhere near your active Fantasy lineup.
News: Here are the inactives for the 49ers in Week 1 at Arizona: Shaun Hill (emergency QB), WR Brandon Williams, CB B.J. Tucker, FB Moran Norris, TE Delanie Walker and DE Parys Haralson.
Analysis: None of these players should be on active Fantasy rosters for Week 1. Ignore them in all formats.
News: The 49ers have inked ex-Texans FB Moran Norris to a contract.
Analysis: Norris recorded a four-yard TD catch in 2005 for Houston. If he makes the Niners, he's not expected to warrant Fantasy consideration.
News: The Houston Chronicle reports that the Texans have released DT Jerry DeLoach, FB Moran Norris, DT Junior Ioane, LBs Zeke Moreno, Quinn Dorsey and Frank Chamberlin, RB Jason Anderson and PK Howard Epstein.
Analysis: None of these people were expected to make an impact in Fantasy in 2006 anyway.
News: Moran Norris didn't record an offensive statistic in Sunday's 30-19 win over the Arizona Cardinals.
Analysis: Norris has no value in Fantasy Football.
News: Houston Texans reserve running back Moran Norris (shoulder) is probable for Week 2.
Analysis: The Houston Texans play at the Detroit Lions in Week 2. Norris has no Fantasy value.
News: With the loss of Jarrod Baxter (foot) for the season, Moran Norris will be the starting fullback for now.
Analysis: Norris is not useful from a Fantasy perspective. The club will likely acquire a veteran to block for tailback Stacey Mack and the rest of the Houston runners.
