News and Notes 10-05-11


Quarterbacks

*-As expected, Ben Roethlisberger did not practice much today because of his foot injury. He's still expected to start this week though.

*-The Colts have said Kerry Collins hasn't been cleared yet to practice because of his concussion suffered back in week 3. I fully expect Curtis Painter to get another start this week.

*-No update yet on Chad Henne's shoulder injury and whether it will require season ending surgery or not. But I expect it will and that Matt Moore will start week 6 when Miami comes out their bye. It's sounding unlikely that David Garrard or Jake Delhomme will be signed. The Dolphins did bring in Trent Edwards and Brodie Croyle for workouts, but neither has been signed yet. It wouldn't be a surprise at all if recently released Giants backup Sage Rosenfels also gets a workout. Rosenfels has a much higher upside than either Edwards or Croyle.

*-Jason Campbell was limited because of the minor foot injury he suffered week 3. He played thru it last week and is fully expected to do so again this week.


Running Backs

*-Rashard Mendenhall didn't practice today, but the Steelers haven't ruled him out for week 5 yet. It's believed his hamstring injury isn't serious and that he may be able to practice Thursday or Friday. We'll just have to wait and see, but regardless, I would still expect to see a bit more of Isaac Redman this week even if Mendenhall plays.

*-Danny Woodhead missed practice today and while not ruled out for week 5, it's seeming unlikely he plays because of an ankle injury. His absence would mean more playing time for Stevan Ridley and the possibility the Patriots other rookie RB, Shane Vereen gets some playing time. It's about time the Patriots see what they have in Vereen and this would be his first action of the year if he gets in. Vereen's got some skills so be paying attention to see if he is worth an acquisition.

*-Michael Bush was able to practice for Oakland today, and it now appears his ankle injury may not be severe enough to prevent him from playing week 5. I'll feel better about Bush if he practices again tomorrow and Friday without any setbacks.

*-Ben Tate didn't practice today because of his groin injury. It's unknown if he'll be available to be the backup and change of pace RB to Arian Foster this week or not. With Derrick Ward still not practicing because of an ankle injury, it could be that Chris Ogbannaya fills in as the occasional spell to Foster.

*-Jason Snelling has resumed practicing and will be able to play week 5 as the backup to Michael Turner. Snelling missed last week with a concussion.

*-A few RB's either didn't practice or were limited today but are expected to be fine for week 5. Among them are Brandon Jacobs and Beanie Wells.


Wide Receivers

*-While the Rams haven't officially announced it yet, it's been reported that the second opinion Danny Amendola got on his triceps confirmed a tear of the muscle and that it will require season ending surgery. Even if the reports turn out to be wrong, it's hard to believe he'll be playing any time soon and his fantasy value is next to nil. While Brandon Gibson continues to start, if Danario Alexander can stay healthy, and if Mike Sims-Walker can get his head into the playbook, they are the best fantasy options from the WR corps.

*-The Saints plan on increasing Marques Colston's role this week. He's still not fully recovered from his broken collarbone injury, but his increase in playing time means even fewer opportunities for Devery Henderson. Many experts are saying they think Colston is the best fantasy bet again from the Saints WR corps, but I am holding firm in my opinion that Robert Meachem is the guy you want.

*-Vincent Jackson didn't practice today because of his leg muscle strain. This was expected and I expect he'll miss tomorrow's practice as well before going at it on Friday. Tentatively expect Jackson to be okay for week 5.

*-With Andre Johnson out at least 3 weeks with his hamstring injury, Jacoby Jones will start in his place. Jones was limited in today's practice because of a minor knee issue. The Texans are just being extra cautious with Jones and he's in no danger of not starting week 5.

*-Seattle's Mike Williams hasn't been cleared to practice because of a concussion and he is sounding unlikely to be active this week.

*-Kansas City says rookie Jonathan Baldwin may finally be active for the first time this season. But I'm not expecting much at all from him and am not about to go grab him off the free agent wire.

*-Donald Driver didn't practice. He's very questionable for week 5 because of his knee injury and the Packers have the luxury of not needing him to rush back so I don't expect him to play.

*-Oakland's Louis Murphy took part in practice today, albeit in limited fashion. It's only worth mentioning because Murphy was a prime candidate to start this season for the Raiders until a preseason groin injury sidelined him since. His return would likely mean either Derek Hagan or Chaz Schilens would be made inactive on game days.

*-Among WR's who either didn't practice today or were limited because of some minor ailment, but are fully expected to be fine for this week are Calvin Johnson, Roddy White, Plaxico Burress, and Early Doucet.


Tight Ends

*-Antonio Gates didn't practice today and is not expected to play this week. The Chargers were supposedly hoping to see if he could run in practice this week but he's not ready yet. I fully expect Randy McMichael will start again in his place

*-Aaron Hernandez did not practice today and while it was hoped he would be able to return this week from his knee injury, he'll need to get on the practice field either tomorrow or Friday to stand a chance a chance of being active.

*-Jeremy Shockey hasn't been cleared to practice yet because of a concussion. I wouldn't be surprised that even if he does get clearance that he'd be limited in week 5. Carolina has a very poor man's version of the Patriots 2 TE offense with Shockey and Greg Olsen, and this probably means Olsen is a better than normal play this week.

*-Seattle's Zach Miller missed practice today with knee and ankle injuries. They're not believed to be serious, but his status for week 5 is unknown. Considering he's been much more of a blocker than any type of receiving threat this season and I feel confident in saying it doesn't matter if he plays or not; you shouldn't be starting him on your fantasy teams.

*-Denver's Daniel Fells suffered a knee injury week 5 and missed practice today. It's not known how severe the injury is but you probably shouldn't be counting on him to help you thru any bye week issues.  

*-Luke Stocker of Tampa Bay missed practice with a knee injury suffered week 4. It's not currently believed to be serious but unless he practices by Friday he probably won't play.

*-Todd Heap was limited in practice because of a minor hamstring issue, but it's no expected to prevent him from playing this week.