The Need to Know File

Fantasy owners can be overwhelmed by the amount of news and analysis coming out of training camps. Bumps and bruises as well as depth chart changes seemingly happen all day, every day.

Our team of Fantasy experts has it all covered. However, to make it as easy for you as possible, we'll spotlight the most significant news in this space each day for you to digest leading up to your draft.

Wed., Aug. 29

Jones to start season on PUP?
News: The Detroit News reports that unless Lions RB Kevin Jones wows his doctors and training staff with a workout on Thursday, he's going to end up on the Physically Unable to Perform list for the start of the season. That designation forces him out of the first six games of the season and requires activation between Weeks 7 and 10 before being ruled out for the full year. "Right now I don't know where I'm at," Jones said. "My body is telling me to go and get in there and play. But it really isn't my decision. It is up to the doctors and the guys upstairs. The doctors say it is getting better but that it is better to take more time than less time. People can go out there too early and get hurt. They don't want me to go out and re-injure it again."
Analysis: Let's be honest: Jones is not expected to be ready for the start of the 2007 season. Is it still a possibility? Sure, but keep in mind that the Lisfranc injury he suffered was severe and difficult to come back from 100 percent. When he does play again, chances are he won't have the same ability he had before getting hurt. Tatum Bell is the safest bet in Detroit's backfield with T.J. Duckett working with him. When and if Jones returns, he won't be supplanting both of them. Expectations should be kept low, making Jones a reserve Fantasy RB worth a late-round pick in all leagues.

Dolphins willing to deal Chambers?
News: The Miami Herald has caught on to an NFL Network report that suggests the Dolphins are willing to trade WR Chris Chambers. The club thinks Chambers is a good player, but with rookie WR Ted Ginn, Jr. playing well this preseason, the team is considering its options. Chambers is scheduled to make over $7 million this season and had an arrest late this offseason after being charged with a DWI in North Carolina; he has since pled not guilty.
Analysis: Fantasy owners have been waiting for Chambers to explode into a dynamo receiver, but it's never happened. While he's been Miami's No. 1 WR for years, he would be a No. 2 option on most other teams. If he gets traded, the only way he'll be of value immediately this season is if it's with a club whose offense he's already familiar with (St. Louis would be one, but they probably are not interested). Consider Chambers as a No. 3 Fantasy WR worbakout season playing opposite starter Javon Walker.

Smith to start season on PUP
News: The Denver Broncos placed wide receiver Rod Smith, their career receptions and touchdowns leader, on the reserve/physically unable to perform (PUP) list on Tuesday. Smith is recovering from offseason hip surgery. He will not be able to come off the list until at least Week 7 vs. Pittsburgh, after the team's bye in Week 6.
Analysis: Consider Smith at best a reserve in deeper Fantasy play as he is past his prime. If you want a nice sleeper from the Broncos roster, try Brandon Marshall. He might have a breakout season playing opposite starter Javon Walker.

Portis goes through first full practice
News: RB Clinton Portis, bothered by tendinitis in his right knee, had his first full practice Tuesday in four weeks. "I've got to get my legs back under me," Portis said. "I slipped and fell a couple times running the ball, but outside of that I felt good." Portis said he might even play against the Jaguars on Thursday night in the final preseason game, although he'd rather not. "Hopefully I showed enough in practice where I ain't got to play on Thursday."
Analysis: The fact that Portis hadn't practiced in a while was a scary thing for Fantasy owners, so it was good to see him in action on Tuesday. He should be considered a low-end Fantasy RB at this point, but be careful if you draft him because this injury can linger into the season. Make sure to grab Ladell Betts in the middle rounds as insurance.

Tue., Aug. 28

Jackson sidelined with concussion
News: Packers coach Mike McCarthy said Monday that rookie RB Brandon Jackson suffered a concussion. McCarthy called him questionable for the team's preseason finale at Tennessee. "(He) had a mild concussion," McCarthy said. "We're going through the proper procedure for that injury. He's day-to-day."
Analysis: Keep an eye on Jackson's status over the next two weeks, but expect him to be fine for Week 1 vs. Philadelphia. He remains a safe bet for the start of the year, and the only way he'll be a safe bet all season is if he runs wild in Weeks 1 through 3. The Packers' first three opponents? Philadelphia, at the N.Y. Giants and San Diego. That's a tough series of matchups for Jackson, and by the time those games are over, Vernand Morency could be back. Ultimately, Jackson is on the cusp of being a low-end No. 2 Fantasy RB, which basically means that he's a valuable commodity as a No. 3 rusher in every league. Target him starting in Round 5. If you draft him, you should also chase Morency with a middle- to late-round pick as insurance.

Gore wants preseason action
News: Frank Gore would prefer not to wait two more weeks to get into uniform with the rest of the San Francisco 49ers. Yet coach Mike Nolan probably won't listen to his Pro Bowl RB's pleas for a little playing time in Thursday's exhibition finale at San Diego. Gore, who led the NFC with 1,695 yards rushing last season, hasn't suited up since breaking his right hand on the second day of training camp. With his hand almost completely healed, he has participated in certain drills during practice in the last two weeks. "I want to be out there for my team," Gore said Monday. "I miss being out there with the guys. But he's the coach, so I'll go with his decision. I feel really good, and I'm just working hard right now."
Analysis: Gore carried the ball 312 times last season and caught a team-leading 61 passes for 485 yards. He's the engine driving the 49ers' offense - but he also has a lengthy injury history, including reconstructive surgery on both knees and both shoulders. Gore might wear a protective guard on his hand this season, but isn't sure whether such a precaution would affect his ability. He hasn't tried it yet in practice, where he mostly sticks to individual drills. "The more I practice, the more I pay attention to film of the defense I'll be playing against, I should be ready," Gore said. "Once I get those first few carries out there, I'll be OK."

Burress dealing with bad back
News: The Newark Star-Ledger reports that Plaxico Burress (back) is considered day-to-day. Coach Tom Coughlin did not rule him out for the team's preseason finale at New England. He has missed the first three preseason games already.
Analysis: Expect Burress to miss the finale and be questionable for Week 1 at Dallas. Burress has two sore ankles, back spasms and is getting over the flu -- it's been a rough offseason for him. Expectations should be tempered on him. He's still a No. 2 Fantasy WR, but be careful when drafting him because this preseason has been tough.

Mon., Aug. 27

Holt questionable for season opener?
News: The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that Rams WR Torry Holt has seen some swelling in his right knee this preseason and will be monitored right up until the start of the regular season. Holt is rehabbing from offseason knee surgery. "Last week (in practice), I didn't see the fresh legs that I like to see," coach Scott Linehan said of Holt. "It's going to be one of those things where he's not going to be able to take as many snaps during the week. He took a lot that day (in practice). I just want to get him as fresh as I can for the opener."
Analysis: In large part because of the knee problems, Holt's NFL-record string of six consecutive 1,300-yard receiving seasons came to a halt last season. Not that Holt's numbers were shabby: 93 catches, 1,188 yards and 10 touchdowns. We don't like that his knee is at '70 percent,' which he said earlier this preseason, but he is still a No. 1 Fantasy WR and should be considered a Top 5 option at the position.

L.J. to play in preseason finale
News: The Kansas City Star reports that Chiefs RB Larry Johnson will play a few snaps in the team's last preseason game at St. Louis. Johnson expressed an interest in playing the whole game and plans on pushing his body this week to be ready for this game as if it meant something. "It will be real fast," coach Herm Edwards said. "Don't blink." Edwards added that Johnson's reps will be monitored in the team's first few regular season games until they feel comfortable with his physical state and stamina.
Analysis: Johnson should end up being OK for the Chiefs and a candidate to total 1,400 yards and 13 touchdowns -- if he stays healthy. That's a big if, since he clearly isn't ready to be leaned on like the Chiefs need him to be (that's what happens when you hold out of training camp). Johnson will run behind a very average offensive line this season and could struggle with opposing teams' run defenses since the Chiefs' passing game will only be so threatening with Damon Huard under center. He's still a first-round pick, but we wouldn't recommend him being yours unless you pick fourth or later in your draft. Beware: The last three NFL running backs who had over 400 carries in a season fell off in their following season, and Johnson is coming off of a 416-carry campaign.

White has the lead in Tennessee
News: Coach Jeff Fisher insists he hasn't decided on his starting running back in a situation where both will play for Tennessee. LenDale White, Chris Brown and rookie Chris Henry each have started a game this preseason for the Titans. But if the decision is based on production, then White takes the lead after his first NFL start. Brown also played well, carrying six times for 42 yards with a long of 19 with a couple catches for 25 yards; Henry didn't record a stat. Fisher will play his starters a series into the third quarter Thursday night when they conclude the preseason against Green Bay. "When we want to keep our running backs fresh in the game early in the season when you're dealing with some heat issues and things, both of them have shown they can make the plays, which is good. We'll be in a good situation," Fisher said.
Analysis: The Fantasy spin on this is simple: Ignore whomever is starting for Tennessee and expect a split primarily between White and Brown. Both should see around 15 touches per game, though White is the favorite to be a touchdown vulture. Both should be viewed as low-end No. 3 Fantasy RBs worth a pick starting in Round 7.

Quinn will not be opening-day starter
News: Browns rookie quarterback Brady Quinn will not be the team's starter Sept. 9 against the Steelers, according to the team's general manager Phil Savage. "It's unrealistic for Brady to be in the mix for the opener," Savage told Ohio's News-Herald after the first quarter of the Browns' 17-16 win over the Broncos. Quinn completed seven of 11 passes for 81 yards and one touchdown. Analysis: Quinn may not start in the season opener, but the door is wide open for him to eventually pick up some starts later in the year, especially once the Browns fall out of early contention for the AFC North title. Nevertheless, consider Quinn a middle-round selection in rookie drafts, but don't plan on him helping you this season in regular Fantasy leagues.

Fri., Aug. 24

Vick suspended indefinitely
News: Michael Vick acknowledged in court papers Friday that he did, indeed, bankroll gambling on dogfighting and helped kill some dogs not worthy of the pit, but insisted he placed no bets of his own nor took any winnings. The league announced that it would suspend him indefinitely late Friday afternoon.
Analysis: Vick is expected to serve jail time and miss the 2007 season. Do not plan on drafting Vick at all in any Fantasy league this year because he is not expected to play. His value in keeper leagues is minimal at this time as well.

Boston arrested for DUI
News: According to the Tampa Tribune, Bucs WR David Boston was arrested Thursday night on charges of driving under the influence. Boston, 29, was found passed out at the wheel of a dark red Range Rover, Pinellas Park police Capt. Sanfield Forseth said. The vehicle's engine was running. Boston told a Pinellas Park police officer he had left Orlando's Celebration area and was heading to Tampa International Airport, Forseth said. After having Boston complete a field sobriety test, the officer concluded he had probable cause to charge Boston with driving under the influence of a controlled substance or alcohol, Forseth said in a prepared statement. Breath tests indicated there was no alcohol in his system, and the results of a urine test are pending, Forseth said.
Analysis: One day after Bucs coach Jon Gruden said "he might be our best receiver at times out here" Boston, who has a history of trouble, gets arrested. He still might be worth adding as a late-round flier in some leagues, but the advice here is to stay away in drafts and maybe consider adding him as a free agent down the road if he doesn't get in any more trouble. Stay tuned.

Driver suffers ankle sprain
News: The Packers have to hope they won't be losing WR Donald Driver for an extended period of time after the Pro Bowler left the game with a foot injury just before halftime Thursday. Packers coach Mike McCarthy said Driver's injury was initially diagnosed as a foot sprain. McCarthy said he didn't have any reason to think Driver had a more serious fracture-dislocation that could sideline a player for months. "He's in good spirits," McCarthy said of Driver. "So we'll have more information (Friday)."
Analysis: Continue to monitor Driver's status, but it appears it won't be anything serious unless something changes. Driver is a No. 1 Fantasy WR, so hopefully he won't be out for an extended period of time. He should still be drafted as a No. 1 option. Driver is coming off an outstanding season in which he caught 92 passes for 1,295 yards and eight touchdowns. He had three receptions for 27 yards before leaving Thursday.

Thu., Aug. 23

Johnson hits rookie wall
News: Lions offensive coordinator Mike Martz said Thursday that rookie WR Calvin Johnson has hit the proverbial "wall," meaning that his body is tired from all the work it's been taking on. "He hit the wall physically pretty good here last week," Martz said. "He's just really leg weary. He's starting to recover now pretty good. The information, I think, was starting to sound like Chinese to him for a while. But he'll sort through this. He's still got a ways to go now. When he doesn't have to think about things and when his legs are in shape, then he'll really progress quickly. I think that's what we're looking for at the end of the year."
Analysis: Martz added that this is typical and that the Lions were expecting this. Figure that in between the end of the preseason and the early part of the regular season, Johnson will be strong. Remember, he's just a rookie, but he has a ton of potential. He should be a top pick in rookie drafts and a middle-round selection in all seasonal leagues. Consider him a No. 3 Fantasy WR to start the year with the chance to see his value rise.

Wed., Aug. 22

Clayton out for the preseason
News: The Baltimore Sun reports that Ravens WR Mark Clayton will miss the remainder of the preseason with a sprained ankle. He said he expects to be ready for the start of the regular season. Clayton sprained his ankle throwing a block in the team's preseason game vs. the Giants. He added that the sprain is nowhere near as painful as the high-ankle sprain he suffered last season. "For me, it's kind of the bone right above the ankle, kind of at the bottom of the shin," Clayton said. "That bone is really sore. So it's tough getting on my toes and everything."
Analysis: This is a setback, but one that won't hinder Clayton's Fantasy draft stock. He remains one of the most prominent third-year receivers playing football this season and is still expected to have a solid year, especially with Baltimore's offense progressing. Consider him a low-end No. 2 Fantasy WR with some upside. Glenn out for remainder of preseason
News: Cowboys receiver Terry Glenn won't play in the preseason, but might be ready for the regular season. Glenn hurt his right knee on the fifth day of training camp and had arthroscopic surgery Aug. 1 to remove loose cartilage from the knee. Coach Wade Phillips said Tuesday that Glenn "probably will practice the day after we play Minnesota." Dallas plays the Vikings in its last preseason game Aug. 30, which is 10 days before the Sept. 9 season opener against the Giants. "Everything has been going according to plan, so Terry should be all right," Phillips said. "He knows what to do and he knows how to do it. And as long as he's ready physically, I think he'll be ready to do it."
Analysis: Glenn, the 33-year-old receiver going into his 12th season, has had consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons for the Cowboys. He had 70 receptions for 1,047 yards and six touchdowns last season. Glenn should be fine heading into the regular season, but he is nothing more than a low-end No. 2 or solid No. 3 Fantasy receiver worthy of a middle-round selection on Draft Day.

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