Latest Updates

Rhodes ruled out for Week 17	Updated 12/24/2008
Najeh Davenport, RB PIT
News: Coach Tony Dungy has ruled running back Dominic Rhodes out of Sunday's regular-season finale vs. Tennessee. He likely would have played if it were a playoff game, but Dungy wants them to rest. "Dom's down a little bit, so he's definitely out of this game," Dungy said. Signs point to Joseph Addai playing (Dungy said that he's ready), but he'll be limited. Chad Simpson and Najeh Davenport will split whatever carries Addai doesn't pick up.	Analysis: It's looking like a bad week to start any Colts running backs. You might consider adding Simpson on a whim, but he's not startable, nor is Davenport or Rhodes. Addai would be no better than a No. 4 Fantasy RB since he might get about 10 touches against a good Titans defense.

Colts list Thursday night inactives	Updated 12/18/2008
Najeh Davenport, RB PIT
News: Indianapolis has listed the following players as being inactive for Week 16's Thursday night game at Jacksonville: DB Jamie Silva, RB Najeh Davenport, LB Gary Brackett, LB Rufus Alexander, DT Eric Foster, DE Marcus Howard and DE Curtis Johnson.	Analysis: Davenport is just a role player in the Colts running game. None of the other players listed above are useful in Fantasy at this time. Keep them all over waivers for Week 16 at Jacksonville.

Davenport gets no touches Week 15	Updated 12/14/2008
Najeh Davenport, RB PIT
News: Indianapolis RB Najeh Davenport was limited to returning kickoffs in Week 15's win over the Lions. He did not touch the ball on offense.	Analysis: Newly signed Davenport was the team's third-string back on Sunday behind Dominic Rhodes and rookie Chad Simpson. He was only active because Joseph Addai was out for the game and could be inactive in Week 16 at Jacksonville. Even if he plays in that game, he's not worth owning in Fantasy.

Davenport signs, might make impact	Updated 12/10/2008
Najeh Davenport, RB PIT
News: The Colts signed free-agent RB Najeh Davenport on Wednesday, and according to NFL.com, coach Tony Dungy says he's currently operating as the team's No. 2 running back with Joseph Addai nursing a shoulder injury. "There's a chance Najeh could be playing right away. We'll get him up to speed as quickly as we can."	Analysis: Even if Addai can't play Week 15 against the Lions, Davenport would come second to Dominic Rhodes in the backfield. He probably wouldn't see more than a handful of carries, especially in his first week with the team. If you own Addai and feel like you could use the extra depth, though, consider putting in a claim for him.

Steelers cut Davenport again	Updated 12/1/2008
Najeh Davenport, RB PIT
News: After signing with the team last week, the Steelers released veteran Najeh Davenport, the third time this season they have parted ways with him.	Analysis: Davenport was expected to be just a role player in the Steelers' running game, but now he's back to being unemployed. Don't count on him for relevant Fantasy stats.

Steelers list Week 13 inactives	Updated 11/30/2008
Najeh Davenport, RB PIT
News: The following Pittsburgh Steelers players are inactive for Week 13 playing at New England: QB Dennis Dixon (3rd QB), DB Bryant McFadden, DB Fernando Bryant, RB Najeh Davenport, DL Bruce Davis and DL Brett Keisel.	Analysis: Davenport is just a role player in the Steelers' running game. Don't count on him for relevant Fantasy stats. None of these players ever does enough statistically to matter in Fantasy. Leave them all on waivers.

Steelers re-sign RB Davenport	Updated 11/27/2008
Najeh Davenport, RB PIT
News: The Steelers re-signed RB Najeh Davenport on Wednesday, cutting CB Roy Lewis to make room for him.	Analysis: Davenport is expected to be just a role player in the Steelers' running game. Don't count on him for relevant Fantasy stats.

Davenport released by Steelers	Updated 11/8/2008
Najeh Davenport, RB PIT
News: Najeh Davenport was released Saturday by the Pittsburgh Steelers, five weeks after they brought back their former top backup running back following a number of injuries. Davenport, the Steelers' starter during their wild-card playoff loss to Jacksonville in January, was let go even though starter Willie Parker is not expected to play Sunday against Indianapolis because of a sore shoulder.	Analysis: Davenport, a former Packers player, spent the 2006 and 2007 seasons with Pittsburgh but was released in June. He was re-signed last month after Parker injured a knee, first-round draft pick Rashard Mendenhall was lost for the season with a shoulder injury and fullback Carey Davis sprained an ankle. He has no Fantasy appeal at the moment as a free agent.

Davenport gets only second carry	Updated 11/4/2008
Najeh Davenport, RB PIT
News: Steelers RB Najeh Davenport had only his second carry of the season Week 9 at Washington. He picked up two yards.	Analysis: With the return of Willie Parker from a sprained knee, Davenport sits even lower on the depth chart than he did before. Clearly, he has no Fantasy appeal.

Steelers minions don't factor	Updated 10/26/2008
Najeh Davenport, RB PIT
News: The following Steelers players did not record any offensive stats in Week 8 against the Giants: QB Byron Leftwich, TE Matt Spaeth, RB Najeh Davenport, TE Sean McHugh and WR Dallas Baker.	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.

Steelers minions don't factor	Updated 10/19/2008
Najeh Davenport, RB PIT
News: Steelers TE Sean McHugh and RB Najeh Davenport did not record an offensive statistic in Week 7 at Cincinnati.	Analysis: Neither player 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.

Davenport gets a three-yard carry	Updated 10/6/2008
Najeh Davenport, RB PIT
News: Steelers RB Najeh Davenport, signed with Willie Parker and Rashard Mendenhall both injured, carried the ball only one time for three yards Week 5 at Jacksonville.	Analysis: Davenport might not remain on the roster for long. The Steelers have a bye in Week 6, so Parker has a decent chance of returning Week 7 at Cincinnati. Even if he doesn't, Davenport doesn't deserve a roster spot in Fantasy as strictly a backup option for the Steelers.

Davenport back with Steelers	Updated 9/30/2008
Najeh Davenport, RB PIT
News: The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports that the Steelers have re-signed RB Najeh Davenport. The former Miami Hurricane played for Pittsburgh the past two years but was released after the Steelers drafted RB Rashard Mendenhall in the first round in April.	Analysis: With Willie Parker, Mendenhall and Carey Davis injured, Davenport could get plenty of carries in Week 5 at Jacksonville alongside Mewelde Moore, who finished up Week 4's win over the Ravens as the only healthy Steelers running back. Davenport, with his size, could definitely get the majority of the goal-line carries on Sunday, so he might be a useful bye-week replacement 'flex' guy.

Cards don't want Davenport	Updated 7/7/2008
Najeh Davenport, RB PIT
News: The Arizona Republic reports that the Cardinals are not interested in signing free-agent RB Najeh Davenport. Davenport was recently released by the Steelers.	Analysis: Another club might view Davenport as a short-yardage/goal-line back, but he's good enough to be more than that and provide all-around depth. Do not be surprised if he becomes a candidate to be a reserve option on your bench, especially if he ends up in the cities he mentioned on the radio. We'll be sure to monitor where Davenport goes this offseason and reconfigure what his importance is to your Fantasy team this summer.

Davenport eyeing Lions, Cardinals	Updated 7/2/2008
Najeh Davenport, RB PIT
News: Free-agent RB Najeh Davenport told Sirius NFL Radio that he is eyeing possible gigs in Detroit and Arizona in the wake of his release from the Steelers.	Analysis: Another club might view Davenport as a short-yardage/goal-line back, but he's good enough to be more than that and provide all-around depth. Do not be surprised if he becomes a candidate to be a reserve option on your bench, especially if he ends up in the cities he mentioned on the radio. We'll be sure to monitor where Davenport goes this offseason and reconfigure what his importance is to your Fantasy team this summer.

Steelers cut RB Davenport	Updated 6/30/2008
Najeh Davenport, RB PIT
News: Running back Najeh Davenport was released by the Steelers on Saturday after the team couldn't work out a trade for Willie Parker's former backup. The Steelers recently drafted running back Rashard Mendenhall on the first round and signed third-down back Mewelde Moore, moves that meant Davenport had little chance of making the team. The team also wanted to keep second-year back Gary Russell. He was in the final year of a contract worth $1 million in 2008.	Analysis: Another club might view Davenport as a short-yardage/goal-line back, but he's good enough to be more than that and provide all-around depth. We'll be sure to monitor where Davenport goes this offseason (Arizona, perhaps?) and reconfigure what his importance is to your Fantasy team this summer. Do not be surprised if he becomes a candidate to be a reserve option on your bench.

Steelers shopping RB Davenport	Updated 6/27/2008
Najeh Davenport, RB PIT
News: NFL Network reports that the Steelers are calling teams to gauge interest in RB Najeh Davenport. After drafting rookie Rashard Mendenhall, the club doesn't have a role for Davenport.	Analysis: Davenport had his most productive season in the NFL in 2007. He set career-highs in rushing yards (524), rushing touchdowns (seven), catches (20), receiving yards (207) and receiving touchdowns (two). He appeared in all 16 games for the first time in his career with two starts. Another club might view him as a short-yardage/goal-line back, but he's good enough to be more than that and provide depth. Perhaps he'll carry some Fantasy value after all this season.

Davenport acquitted of charges	Updated 4/10/2008
Najeh Davenport, RB PIT
News: Steelers RB Najeh Davenport was acquitted of a misdemeanor domestic violence charge Wednesday in Cleveland Municipal Court. Davenport had been accused of slapping and punching Anita Person, the mother of his 5-year-old son at her Cleveland home in October. He was also acquitted misdemeanor child endangering and unlawful restraint.	Analysis: If convicted, Davenport could have faced a jail sentence of 14 months and a suspension from the NFL. Davenport had his most productive season in the NFL in 2007, setting career-highs in rushing yards (524), rushing touchdowns (seven), catches (20), receiving yards (207) and receiving touchdowns (two). He appeared in all 16 games for the first time in his career with two starts. He was a good complementary RB to Willie Parker, something that will continue in the future. Look for Davenport to fill the same role in 2008, and he has the ability to be used as a low-end No. 3 Fantasy option in deeper leagues. If you own Parker, you should definitely plan on drafting Davenport as insurance as well with a late-round pick.

Davenport productive in 2007	Updated 1/25/2008
Najeh Davenport, RB PIT
News: Steelers RB Najeh Davenport had his most productive season in the NFL in 2007. He set career-highs in rushing yards (524), rushing touchdowns (seven), catches (20), receiving yards (207) and receiving touchdowns (two). He appeared in all 16 games for the first time in his career with two starts.	Analysis: Davenport was a good complementary RB to Willie Parker. Davenport even had seven more total touchdowns than Parker. Look for Davenport to fill the same role in 2008, and he has the ability to be used as a No. 3 Fantasy option in deep leagues. If you own Parker, you should definitely plan on drafting Davenport as insurance.

Davenport struggles, scores Week 17	Updated 12/30/2007
Najeh Davenport, RB PIT
News: Steelers RB Najeh Davenport, coming off a 123-yard game in his first start of the season Week 16, had only 27 on 12 carries Week 17 at Baltimore. He did, however, score a touchdown on a one-yard lunge in the second quarter.	Analysis: Davenport finished one yard short of 500 in a clear backup role, making him one of the better reserve running backs in Fantasy. He likely will operate behind Willie Parker on the Pittsburgh depth chart next season, making him nothing more than a late-round draft pick.

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Davenport ready to carry load	Updated 12/27/2007
Najeh Davenport, RB PIT
News: Replacing a RB like Willie Parker, who was leading the NFL with 1,316 yards until he broke his right leg isn't easy, and the Steelers don't have much time to find an alternative. Najeh Davenport's 100-yard game at St. Louis in Week 16 was fine, but it was only his second in 66 NFL career games. Parker had eight 100-yard games in his first 14 starts this season in an offense that is third in the league with 2,122 yards rushing. Davenport, a former University of Miami star who played for Green Bay from 2002-05, isn't worried the offense will go from roughly a 50-50 split between the run and the pass to being pass-heavy. Davenport - like many, if not all, NFL backs - lacks Parker's speed, but the 6-foot-1, 250-pound Davenport said he shouldn't be labeled as a power back despite being bigger than the 5-10, 210-pound Parker.	Analysis: Coach Mike Tomlin isn't saying how much Davenport and the other offensive starters will play Sunday, and it's likely the flow of the game will dictate that. The Steelers must win to retain any chance of being the third seed in the AFC, which is preferable to being the fourth seed because it likely avoids a matchup against New England (15-0) in the first two rounds. Look for Davenport to play plenty and be fine. Consider him a solid No. 2 Fantasy RB for Week 17 at Baltimore.

Steelers to play regulars	Updated 12/27/2007
Najeh Davenport, RB PIT
News: Najeh Davenport, unexpectedly the Steelers' top RB with the playoffs only a week away, looked up in surprise when asked about resting Sunday in Baltimore. "I was under the impression I was playing the whole game," Davenport said Wednesday, after the Steelers practiced for the first time in a week. "That's something new to me." WR Hines Ward and DL Brett Keisel also said they're going into this game. Coach Mike Tomlin, however, is dropping hints some of his less-than-healthy regulars might get some time off, including QB Ben Roethlisberger (sprained ankle) and DB Troy Polamalu (knee). It seems unlikely Tomlin will sit down a majority of his starters, not with the Steelers already without two key injured regulars the rest of the way in running back Willie Parker (broken leg) and defensive end Aaron Smith (torn biceps).	Analysis: Keep an eye on Big Ben during the week, but it appears Davenport, Ward, Santonio Holmes, Heath Miller and the key players on defense will all play the majority of Sunday's game at Baltimore. Consider all these players good options for Week 17.

Davenport clutch in Week 16 win	Updated 12/21/2007
Najeh Davenport, RB PIT
News: Najeh Davenport is a career backup running back with typical non-descript statistics. Except when he's playing the St. Louis Rams. The Pittsburgh Steelers' top-rated defense was porous again in a 41-24 victory over the St. Louis Rams Week 16. But Davenport's two touchdowns and 123 yards rushing on 24 carries in relief of injured Willie Parker allowed them to break out of a late-season swoon and move one step closer to a playoff berth. Parker broke his right fibula early in the first quarter and Davenport came to the rescue. He first scored in the second quarter on a 12-yard catch-and-run, and the plunged in on a run from 1-yard out in the third quarter. He finished the game with two catches for 44 yards.	Analysis: All of those stats would have likely gone to Parker had he not suffered a devastating injury. However, Parker's woes is Davenport's gain. Parker is expected to miss the rest of the season, and unless Pittsburgh brings in another back, Davenport now becomes the every down back for the Steelers. He will have a hard time repeating his stellar performance Week 17 against the Ravens, who own the second best run defense. If Davenport starts, consider him nothing more than a No. 3 Fantasy RB or 'flex' option.

Davenport catches two passes	Updated 12/16/2007
Najeh Davenport, RB PIT
News: Steelers RB Najeh Davenport had two catches for 6 yards and one carry for minus-4 yards Sunday against the Jaguars.	Analysis: Davenport is the backup RB for the Steelers and should only be used in deep Fantasy leagues or if something happens to starter Willie Parker. Since Parker is healthy, keep Davenport reserved in Week 16 at St. Louis.

Davenport catches touchdown	Updated 12/9/2007
Najeh Davenport, RB PIT
News: Steelers RB Najeh Davenport had six carries for 33 yards and caught one pass for 32 yards and a touchdown Sunday at New England.	Analysis: Davenport returned after missing last week with a foot injury and played well. Consider Davenport a No. 4 Fantasy option in Week 15 against Jacksonville.

Davenport among probable players	Updated 12/7/2007
Najeh Davenport, RB PIT
News: Steelers RB Najeh Davenport (foot) is listed as probable for Week 14 vs. Oakland. He has practice in full Thursday and Friday after sitting out Wednesday. Davenport was a last-minute inactive Week 13 against the Bengals. He has 320 rushing yards and three touchdowns in 11 games this season.	Analysis: The Steelers love Davenport in short-yardage situations and were disappointed he was inactive against the Bengals. He is expected back in the lineup Week 14. He has very little Fantasy value because he sees just a few touches per game. He remains Fantasy insurance for Willie Parker owners.

Davenport active on Thursday	Updated 12/6/2007
Najeh Davenport, RB PIT
News: Steelers RB Najeh Davenport (foot) did not practice Wednesday, but returned to a full practice Thursday as the team prepares for Week 14 vs. Oakland. Davenport was a last-minute inactive Week 13 against the Bengals. He has 320 rushing yards and three touchdowns in 11 games this season.	Analysis: The Steelers love Davenport in short-yardage situations and were disappointed he was inactive against the Bengals. His status for Week 14 remains undecided, but it is a good sign that he is back at practice. If healthy, he has very little Fantasy value because he sees just a few touches per game. He remains Fantasy insurance for Willie Parker owners.

Foot injury slows Davenport	Updated 12/5/2007
Najeh Davenport, RB PIT
News: Steelers RB Najeh Davenport (foot) did not practice Wednesday as the team prepares for Week 14 vs. Oakland. Davenport was a last-minute inactive Week 13 against the Bengals. He has 320 rushing yards and three touchdowns in 11 games this season.	Analysis: The Steelers love Davenport in short-yardage situations and were disappointed he was inactive against the Bengals. His status for Week 14 remains undecided. If healthy, he has very little Fantasy value because he sees just a few touches per game. He remains Fantasy insurance for Willie Parker owners.

Davenport a surprise inactive Week 13	Updated 12/2/2007
Najeh Davenport, RB PIT
News: The Steelers listed RB Najeh Davenport as a surprise inactive for Week 13 against the Bengals. Gary Russell instead served as Willie Parker's backup. Davenport worked out with a bit of a limp before game time, but NBC reported during its broadcast of the game that coach Mike Tomlin said outside factors led to the decision.	Analysis: Davenport remains a little more Fantasy-relevant than most backup running backs by vulturing a touchdown here and there, but his greatest value is as insurance for Willie Parker owners. The Steelers visit the Patriots in Week 14, making Davenport an inadvisable start even if active.

Davenport only good for six yards	Updated 11/27/2007
Najeh Davenport, RB PIT
News: Steelers RB Najeh Davenport caught a four-yard pass Week 12 against the Dolphins. He also netted two yards on three carries.	Analysis: Davenport remains a little more Fantasy-relevant than most backup running backs by vulturing a touchdown here and there, but his greatest value is as insurance for Willie Parker owners. Keep him reserved for Week 13 against the Bengals.

Davenport to see some stats?	Updated 11/23/2007
Najeh Davenport, RB PIT
News: With the Steelers expected to run all over the 32nd-ranked run defense of the Miami Dolphins in Week 12, one could expect to see Najeh Davenport see some carries in garbage time once Pittsburgh builds a lead.	Analysis: Davenport is a low-end sleeper, to say the least. But if you're desperate for help at running back in Week 12, he's worth a look, especially since he's capable of stealing goal-line carries from Willie Parker.

RB Davenport totals 61 yards	Updated 11/18/2007
Najeh Davenport, RB PIT
News: Steelers RB Najeh Davenport rushed the ball eight times for 39 yards during a Week 11 loss to the Jets. His longest gain went for 15 yards. He also had four catches for 22 yards. Davenport has not scored in the last five games.	Analysis: Davenport remains the backup running back to Willie Parker and sees anywhere from about 5-10 carries per game. He doesn't rack up a lot of yards and is merely Fantasy insurance for Parker owners at this time. The Steelers play the Dolphins in Week 12.

Davenport has 17 total yards	Updated 11/11/2007
Najeh Davenport, RB PIT
News: Steelers RB Najeh Davenport had four carries for 7 yards and one catch for 10 yards Sunday against the Browns.	Analysis: Davenport is the backup RB for the Steelers and should only be used in deep Fantasy leagues in Week 11 at the Jets.

Davenport to get back to scoring ways?	Updated 11/8/2007
Najeh Davenport, RB PIT
News: Steelers RB Najeh Davenport, who scored three touchdowns in a three-game span earlier this season, hasn't scored in four games and will be seeking a return to the end zone in Week 10 against the 27th-ranked run defense in the league, yardage-wise.	Analysis: Davenport is definitely not someone you want to be relying on for Fantasy points on a weekly basis, but he's always a threat to get a goal-line carry or two here and there. Consider him a low-end No. 3 RB or 'flex' option in Week 10 against Cleveland.

Davenport gets 11 carries in mud bowl	Updated 11/6/2007
Najeh Davenport, RB PIT
News: On a rain-soaked field after the Steelers had built up a sizable lead early, backup RB Najeh Davenport got 11 carries for 34 yards. He also returned a kick for 17.	Analysis: Davenport saw a little more action than usual because of the playing conditions and the lopsided score. He remains a little more Fantasy-relevant than most backup running backs by vulturing a touchdown here and there, but his greatest value is as insurance for Willie Parker owners. Keep him reserved for Week 10 against the Browns.

Davenport does little in Week 8	Updated 10/28/2007
Najeh Davenport, RB PIT
News: Steelers RB Najeh Davenport had eight carries for 23 yards Sunday against the Bengals.	Analysis: Davenport is the backup RB for the Steelers behind Willie Parker. He is only worth using if Parker is hurt. Don't consider using Davenport in Week 9 against Baltimore.

RB Davenport has two touches	Updated 10/22/2007
Najeh Davenport, RB PIT
News: Najeh Davenport had two carries for just six yards in Week 7 at Denver. He didn't spell starter Willie Parker all that much in the 31-28 loss.	Analysis: Well, two touches was not exactly what Fantasy owners were looking for from Davenport. Only consider using Davenport as a reserve if you owner Fast Willie and as a No. 3 running back or 'flex' option in the deepest of leagues. The Steelers visit the Bengals in Week 8.

Davenport will still spell Parker	Updated 10/16/2007
Najeh Davenport, RB PIT
News: Steelers RB Najeh Davenport has done a good job as a backup to Willie Parker and on third downs this season. He has 209 yards rushing and a 7.5-yard average. "Najeh is a situational sparkplug for us," coach Mike Tomlin said. "He does a lot of things well. He's sneaky fast, he's a big guy, he can catch the ball, he's good on blitz pickup. The roles are starting to define themselves. But again, we're just kind of letting it happen naturally. We're doing what we need to do to win ballgames."	Analysis: Willie Parker is the clear starter in Pittsburgh, but Davenport makes a good insurance policy for Parker's Fantasy owners, especially since he often sees carries late in games with the Steelers ahead. Because he's a backup, though, keep Davenport on the bench for Week 7 at Denver.

Davenport charged with domestic violence	Updated 10/12/2007
Najeh Davenport, RB PIT
News: According to MyFoxCleveland.com, Steelers RB Najeh Davenport has been charged with three counts stemming from from an dispute earlier this month with the mother of his five-year-old child. Cleveland Police Lt. Thomas Stacho said Thursday that Davenport has been charged with domestic violence, endangering children and unlawful restraint. Davenport is not currently in custody and will be given a chance to surrender to police on the charges.	Analysis: If convicted, Davenport could face more than one year in jail, six months for domestic violence, six months for endangering children and 60 days for unlawful restraint, said MyFoxCleveland.com. The Steelers are on a bye in Week 6 and it's unclear whether Davenport will turn himself in before Week 7. He will likely be released to await a hearing anyway, so he shouldn't miss any time this season, but keep an eye on this situation.

Davenport scores twice	Updated 10/7/2007
Najeh Davenport, RB PIT
News: Steelers RB Najeh Davenport had seven carries for 58 yards and two touchdowns and four catches for 38 yards Sunday against Seattle.	Analysis: Davenport took two touchdowns away from Willie Parker and played well. He is worth using as a No. 3 Fantasy RB in Week 7 at Denver following the Steelers bye in Week 6.

Davenport only rushes twice Sunday	Updated 9/30/2007
Najeh Davenport, RB PIT
News: Steelers RB Najeh Davenport, who had a 39-yard touchdown run Week 3 against the 49ers, only carried the ball two times for 15 yards Week 4 at the Cardinals. He also returned a kick 22 yards.	Analysis: Willie Parker is the clear starter in Pittsburgh, but Davenport makes a good insurance policy for Parker's Fantasy owners, especially since he often sees carries late in games with the Steelers ahead. Because he's a backup, though, keep Davenport on the bench for Week 5 against the Seahawks.

Davenport rumbles for late TD	Updated 9/23/2007
Najeh Davenport, RB PIT
News: Steelers RB Najeh Davenport saw most of his reps late in the Steelers' win over the Niners in Week 3. He had five carries for 47 yards, including a 39-yard touchdown run.	Analysis: Davenport won't see a bevy of carries unless something happens to Willie Parker. He is nothing more than insurance for Parker owners at this time. Don't start him when the Steelers play at Arizona in Week 4.

Davenport doesn't practice Wed.	Updated 9/19/2007
Najeh Davenport, RB PIT
News: Steelers RB Najeh Davenport (hamstring) did not practice Wednesday as the team prepares for Week 3 vs. San Francisco. He has 14 carries for 89 yards through two games.	Analysis: Davenport won't see a bevy of carries unless something happens to Willie Parker. He is nothing more than insurance for Parker owners at this time.

Steelers players pitch in	Updated 9/16/2007
Najeh Davenport, RB PIT
News: The following Steelers put up the following stats vs. Buffalo in their Week 2 win: RB Najeh Davenport (46 rush yards, 11 receiving yards), FB Carey Davis (four rush yards, one catch for no yards), backup QB Charlie Batch (minus-2 rush yards), TE Heath Miller (34 receiving yards) and WR Cedrick Wilson (12-yard catch).	Analysis: Of these players, only Miller is worth starting on a regular basis in deeper leagues as a low-end No. 1 Fantasy TE. Davenport is a good insurance policy for Willie Parker. The rest of these players shouldn't be considered for standard Fantasy use in Week 3 when the Steelers host the 49ers.

Davenport gains 54 total yards	Updated 9/9/2007
Najeh Davenport, RB PIT
News: Steelers backup RB Najeh Davenport rushed eight times for 43 yards in Week 1 at Cleveland. He also caught one pass for 17 yards. He did not score a touchdown.	Analysis: Davenport remains the backup to Willie Parker and should be thought of as a decent insurance policy for FWP owners. Keep him reserved, though, for Week 2 vs. Buffalo.

Only a catch for Davenport	Updated 8/19/2007
Najeh Davenport, RB PIT
News: Najeh Davenport did not have a carry and ended up with a 13-yard reception at Washington in Pittsburgh's third preseason game.	Analysis: Davenport is worth drafting as a backup to starter Willie Parker in Fantasy leagues with a late-round pick. Expect minimal rushing/receiving stats unless he finds regular playing time.

RB Davenport starts, scores TD	Updated 8/6/2007
Najeh Davenport, RB PIT
News: As expected, Willie Parker did not play in Sunday's preseason opener in Canton, Ohio against the Saints. Veteran Najeh Davenport got the start in his absence and ran for 14 yards on six carries, including the first touchdown of the 2007 exhibition season.	Analysis: Parker might be able to play in the team's next preseason game on Aug. 11 against the Packers. This injury is not considered serious and should not hamper him into the regular season. He's worth using as a No. 1 Fantasy RB and is a solid first-round pick between sixth and 10th overall despite the injury, but be sure to pick up Davenport later on as insurance.

W. Parker out; Davenport to start	Updated 8/3/2007
Najeh Davenport, RB PIT
News: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that Steelers coach Mike Tomlin named Najeh Davenport as his starting running back for the club's first preseason game vs. New Orleans. Willie Parker, the club's first-string running back, will sit it out with swelling in his left knee. "I think we'd be smart to protect him," Tomlin said of Parker. "We want to see what Najeh can do."	Analysis: Tomlin added that he's considering using Davenport as his third-down back and will test him out in that spot in the preseason game. Davenport is worth drafting as a backup to Parker in Fantasy leagues with a late-round pick, while Parker is a solid first-round choice in all leagues despite the sore knee.

Davenport 'explosive' in minicamp	Updated 5/31/2007
Najeh Davenport, RB PIT
News: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that Steelers RB Najeh Davenport is doing well in minicamp, especially considering that last season he was learning the offense on the fly. Davenport is competing for the No. 2 RB job behind Willie Parker, but may end up getting a role that sees him spelling Parker more often than he did last season. "He's learning the nuances of the offense," offensive coordinator Bruce Arians said. "He looks explosive."	Analysis: Davenport should fend off Kevan Barlow for the backup gig, which makes him Fantasy relevant as a late-round pick, especially for those owners who draft Willie Parker in the first round. Consider spending a draft choice there whether you have him or not since he should pick up at least 20 yards per game and be a potential goal-line back for the Black & Gold.

Davenport stays with Steelers	Updated 3/2/2007
Najeh Davenport, RB PIT
News: The Steelers decided not to pursue a free agent running back to complement Willie Parker, choosing instead to re-sign Najeh Davenport to a $2 million, two-year contract. Davenport joined the Steelers a game into last season after Green Bay released him, and eventually became Parker's backup. The 6-foot-1, 247-pound Davenport gained 221 yards on 60 carries. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said recently he preferred using a two-back system like many other teams are employing, creating speculation the Steelers might look elsewhere for Parker's backup.	Analysis: It remains to be seen if Tomlin will split reps between Parker and Davenport, but we doubt that could happen. If anything, Davenport could see goal-line reps and short-yardage duty. For now, consider Davenport a must-get for those owners who draft Willie Parker in Round 1. Davenport is a late-round pick in drafts.

Davenport makes minimal contribution	Updated 2/26/2007
Najeh Davenport, RB PIT
News: Steelers RB Najeh Davenport played in 13 games in 2006 and had 60 carries for 221 yards and a touchdown. He also had 15 catches for 193 yards and a touchdown. Davenport was the primary backup to Willie Parker. His best game was in Week 6 against Kansas City when he had 14 carries for 78 yards and a touchdown. On special teams, Davenport had 21 kickoff returns for 448 yards, with a long of 40.	Analysis: Davenport, who is an unrestricted free agent, will compete for the backup RB spot behind Parker if he returns as expected. He might be worth taking a flier on late in the draft if the Steelers decide to turn him into a Jerome Bettis-type RB. New coach Mike Tomlin talked about the need to have two players who can play RB, so Davenport could have a shot.

Several Steelers pitch in	Updated 12/31/2006
Najeh Davenport, RB PIT
News: Several Steelers took part in helping Pittsburgh beat Cincinnati in Week 17, including RB Najeh Davenport (three carries for 27 yards), RB Dan Kreider (three catches for 30 yards), WR Cedrick Wilson (three catches for 30 yards), WR Nate Washington (one catch for 21 yards) and TE Jerame Tuman (one catch for 13 yards).	Analysis: Only Washington has minimal Fantasy value in 2007. The rest of these players have no business being drafted next season.

Davenport has one carry	Updated 12/24/2006
Najeh Davenport, RB PIT
News: Steelers RB Najeh Davenport had one carry for 1 yard against the Ravens.	Analysis: Davenport has no Fantasy value at this time.

Davenport catches a TD	Updated 12/17/2006
Najeh Davenport, RB PIT
News: Steelers RB Najeh Davenport rushed 11 times for 14 yards but added two catches for 31 yard with a nifty 18-yard catch-and-run that went for a score at Carolina in Week 15.	Analysis: Davenport shouldn't be used in Fantasy play vs. Baltimore in Week 16.

RB Davenport totals 83 yards	Updated 12/8/2006
Najeh Davenport, RB PIT
News: Najeh Davenport carried 14 times for 62 yards in Week 14 against Cleveland and he had one reception for 21 yards.	Analysis: Davenport will not see nearly as much action in Week 15 at Carolina and he should not be used in most Fantasy leagues.