9-11 Tribute; Fantasy News and Notes 9-11-13
Remembering a Nation's Tragedy and the Fantasy News of the Day
Today marks the 12 year anniversary of the tragic events of September 11th, 2001. Events that will live forever in the minds of every American who either had a personal connection to what happened that day, or watched helplessly in disbelief from a television set. Every year since then I have made it a personal priority to acknowledge what I believe to be the biggest national tragedy of my lifetime. Each year I want to express my continued condolences to all whose lives were touched and affected that day. Those who lost friends and loved ones in the buildings, on the ground, in the airplanes, and the heroes who taught all of us a lesson in what it means to make the ultimate sacrifice in the effort to help save the lives of others they didn't even know. It takes a special individual to think of others before yourself, and to put yourself in mortal danger in the attempt to save another human being. And even as I remember my disbelief as I watched the developments of that day 12 years ago, I also remember in the days afterward feeling a sense of pride in being an American and knowing that despite any differences we may have with each other in this country, there still lives a spirit of unity.
My condolences again to those who were touched personally by the events and my highest regards and respect go out to our police, firefighters, and emergency responders, along with the men and women serving in every branch of our military everywhere in the world. They put their lives on the line every day to safeguard our liberties. And because they do, I get to have coolest, and likely among the silliest jobs in the world: fantasy football analyst and radio talk show host.
Let's get on with the news and notes of the day.
Fantasy News and Notes 9-11-13:
Quarterbacks
As expected, Tony Romo was able to practice in full today without issue for Dallas. His bruised ribs injury won't prevent him from starting week 2.
Jets QB Mark Sanchez is feared to have a torn labrum in his shoulder. If that turns out to be accurate, he's likely done for the year. He wasn't likely to get the starting job back from rookie Geno Smith anyway.
Running Backs
Jamaal Charles was held out of practice today. This was expected after he have avoided a major injury to his quad in week 1. He may be held out again tomorrow and then be limited on Friday but currently he is fully expected to be fine for week 2. Rookie Knile Davis is his top backup if you're inclined to want the handcuff.
As expected, Reggie Bush practiced in full today despite his dislocated thumb injury. He'll be fine to start week 2 for Detroit.
David Wilson is likely to start week 2 for the Giants. His backup, Da'Rel Scott suffered a knee injury in practice today, but it's believed to be minor. However it does make it unlikely Scott is a threat to Wilson's status as top RB. Brandon Jacobs was signed yesterday but he isn't in football shape. He's more in a marshmallow shape checking in with the team at 265 pounds. As long as he doesn't fumble again, Wilson should be safe to consider as a borderline RB2/3.
Denver plans on going with their 3 headed RRBC again in week 2. This makes none of the Broncos reliable at all and even though I guess Montee Ball and Knowshon Moreno are the best fantasy bets, I wouldn't want either as anything more than a desperation flex option. Ball in more traditional scoring systems while Moreno preferred in ppr.
Rashard Mendenhall was limited in practice today because of a supposed hamstring injury. Last week it was the knee, this week it's a hamstring. And on Sunday he didn't look limited at all. Until he either shows us a bit more than what he has, or gets off the injury report, Mendenhall is no more than a borderline RB2/3.
New England listed both Leon Washington (thigh) and Brandon Bolden (knee) as Questionable for Thursday night's game. Bolden missed week one with the injury and probably won't be ready on the short week. It was thought that maybe with Shane Vereen out until week 11 Washington would fill in as the pass catching RB as it's not a strength for either Stevan Ridley or LeGarrette Blount, but now there may be no choice. This just really solidifies Ridley's spot as the featured guy. At least as long as he avoids putting the ball on the ground.
Carolina has already ruled rookie Kenjon Barner OUT for week 2 because of his ankle injury. That just helps keep DeAngelo Williams on the field more often. The more Williams is on the field, the better I feel about him being a RB3 or flex option.
Wide Receivers
Danny Amendola is officially listed as Doubtful for Thursday night's game because of the groin injury he aggravated Sunday. He is not going to play and there are even some concerns about whether he may be in danger of missing additional time. This was the risk we all knew we were taking when we drafted Amendola. Julian Edelman will start in his place and makes an intriguing WR 2/3 this week.
Amendola's teammate in New England, Aaron Dobson is listed as Questionable and is considered likely to play. Dobson missed week 1 with a hamstring strain but the Patriots are thin at WR. Despite that it's likely Dobson will be limited and not much of a fantasy factor at all.
As expected, the Jets Jeremy Kerley has been ruled OUT for Thursday night's game because of a concussion suffered in week 1.
Dez Bryant practiced in full today putting to rest any thoughts he may be in danger of not playing week 2 because of his minor foot injury. Bryant may not be 100%, but he'll still be plenty healthy enough to be worth starting this week in what should be a bounce back game for him after a poor stat finish in week 1.
Atlanta's Julio Jones was held out of practice today because of a listed knee issue. While I believe this probably just a day off granted to a star player, after getting burned by believing things coming out of Atlanta regarding Roddy White, I'm not about to get caught off guard again. That said, I'm not really worried about Jones and currently plan on starting him with confidence week 2.
Speaking of Roddy White, he didn't practice today either, but at least we now know he was rushed back from a high ankle sprain and even if active this week can't be trusted as more than a risky WR3.
Baltimore placed rookie Aaron Mellette on injured reserve today because of a knee injury. Mellette is a low upside speculative stash in dynasty leagues while completely droppable now in even the deepest of re-draft leagues. Marlon Brown is the Ravens starter opposite Torrey Smith and possibly could be even when Jacoby Jones can return. Brown is worth an add on fantasy rosters needing a 5th WR.
Among WR's who either were held out of practice today, or were listed as limited for one reason or another, but who are fully expected to be fine to start week 2, the list includes: Arizona's Larry Fitzgerald (hamstring); Denver's Wes Welker (ankle) and Eric Decker (shoulder); and Jacksonville's Cecil Shorts (groin).
Tight Ends
Rob Gronkowski is officially listed as Doubtful to play Thursday night. Gronk was Doubtful in week 1 before being declared out. The reports have said all along that week 3 was a realistic expectation for him to return and I'm expecting that to be the case.
Zach Sudfeld reportedly is officially listed as Questionable with his hamstring injury. Even if Sudfeld plays, he can't be relied on after turning in a horrible week 1 performance
Jermichael Finley was held out of practice with a toe injury, but it's considered minor and he should be fine for week 2.
Owen Daniels was limited in practice with both back and groin issues listed. I'm not worried about him not playing week 2 after he looked so great week 1.
Dwayne Allen's hip injury isn't supposed to be serious but he was unable to practice today. If he doesn't practice tomorrow, I'll start thinking he isn't going to play. Regardless, there are about 19 other TE's who make better fantasy options anyway so keeping Allen benched shouldn't be difficult for anyone.
It's starting to look like both of Arizona's Rob Housler (ankle) and Jacksonville' Marcedes Lewis (calf) are going to miss their second consecutive game. Neither were able to practice today and they're both starting to look doubtful for week 2.