December 14th Injury Report

Quarterbacks
- Chiefs quarterback Kyle Orton will start for the Chiefs if he is active for this weeks game. Orton has been dealing with a dislocated index finger on his throwing hand for the last two weeks. Roookie quarterback Ricky Stanzi will be the backup while Tyler Palko will be the third string.
- Dolphins quarterback Matt Moore (concussion) missed practice on Wednesday, but is still expected to play in week 15.
- Vikings rookie quarterback Christian Ponder (hip) was limited in practice.
- Titans quarterback Matthew Hasselbeck (calf) did not practice on Wednesday.
- Although Cardinals quarterback Kevin Kolb has passed all of the NFL's concussion tests, the Cardinals are being cautious with him, and limited him in practice on Wednesday.
- Rams quarterback Sam Bradford (ankle) did not practice.
- Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman (shoulder) was a full participant in practice on Wednesday.




Running Backs
- Titans running back Javon Ringer underwent successful hand surgery, but he is expected to miss the season.
- Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (ankle) was limited in practice on Wednesday and is expected to play in week 15.
- Raiders running backl Darren McFadden (lisfranc) did not practice on Wednesday and his status for the rest of this year is very up in the air. One thing that we do know is that McFadden will not need surgery on his lisfranc injury.
- Bengals running back Cedric Benson (foot) did not practice on Wednesday.
- Saints rookie running back Mark Ingram (turf toe) did not practice on Wednesday.
- Lions running back Kevin Smith (ankle) did not practice on Wednesday, despite early reports.
- Falcons running back Michael Turner (groin) was limited in practice.
- Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (foot) did not practice on Wednesday.




Wide Receivers
- Raiders wide receivers update: Jacoby Ford (foot) did not practice, while Denarius Moore (foot/ankle) did return to practice in limited fashion.
- Jaguars wide receiver Cecil Shorts (hamstring) and Mike Thomas (concussion) have both been ruled out to play against Atlanta on Thursday Night Football. I ranked Jason Hill, as he will be just about the only healthy receiver for this team.
- Titans wide receiver Nate Washington (ankle) did not practice.
- Patriots wide receivers Deion Branch (groin) and Wes Welker (knee) were both limited in practice.
- Broncos wide receiver Eddie Royal (concussion) was at practice on Wednesday.
- Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin (ankle) did not practice on Wednesday.
- Falcons rookie wide receiver Julio Jones (back) is listed as probable for Thursday night.
- Cowboys wide receivers Laurent Robinson (shoulder) was limited in practice, and Miles Austin was not on the official injury report.
- Mario Manningham was not on the Giants official injury report.




Tight Ends
- Colts tight end Dallas Clark did not practice on Wednesday with a burner.




Defense/Others
- Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis (turf toe) returned to practice today.

December 9th Injury Report

By: Christian Hardy


Quarterbacks
- Ben Roethlisberger's ankle/leg injury was confirmed to be a high ankle sprain after an MRI on Monday. Roethlisberger said that he thought it was a broken leg when it first happened. According to multiple sources, Roethlisberger was seen leaving the stadium on Thursday night in a boot. His status for week 15 is in doubt.
- Another quarterback was injured in Thursday Night's showdown. Browns quarterback Colt McCoy sustained a concussion in the fourth quarter on a hit from Steelers linebacker James Harrison. Browns ex-center LeCharles Bently that McCoy should not have been allowed back in the game, and it was clear that he had a concussion. In the post game press conference, the Browns PR guy asked if the bright lights could be turned down or off. This is an ongoing issue, and the NFL has to address it. Referees need to be able to tell players that they can not return when they see any signs of a concussion. The Browns stick to their case that Colt seemed OK, although that sounds unlikely to me.
- Josh Freeman (shoulder) practiced today, and looks very likely to start on Sunday after missing week 13.
- Vikings rookie quarterback Christian Ponder (hip) returned to practice today but was limited. He is listed as questionable, and will be a game-time decision on Sunday. Keep him out of your fantasy lineups.
- Chiefs quarterback Kyle Orton (finger) was limited in practice on Friday for the third consecutive day. He is officially listed as doubtful to play this week.
- Rams quarterbacks Sam Bradford (ankle) and AJ Feeley (finger) did not practice on Friday. Both Tom Bradstater and recently-acquired Kellen Clemens split first-team reps in Friday's practice. Being a Monday night game, we will not get Bradford's or Feeley's official status until Saturday, but neither is expected to play.


Running Backs
-  Lions running back Kevin Smith (ankle) started practe with the team on Friday, but did not finish after he could not cut on the ankle. He is listed as questionable on the official injury report.
- Broncos running back Willis McGahee (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game after practicing for his first time on Friday.
- Bengals RB Cedric Benson (foot) practiced on Friday and is listed as probable for Sunday's game against the Texans.
- Ahmad Bradshaw (foot) and Brandon Jacobs (hamstring) both returned to practice on Friday and are expected to play this week. Both running backs were limited and are listed as probable for Sunday Night's game against the Cowboys.
- The Packers ruled out running back James Starks (ankle) today. Ryan Grant and rookie Brandon Saine will share the majority of the carries.
- The Saints ruled out rookie running back Mark Ingram (turf toe) today. Darren Sproles and Pierre Thomas should both be in your lineup with Ingram now out, as both shold get 10-15 touches in this explosive offense of the Saints.
- Cowboys running back Phillip Tanner was place on injured reserve today with a hamstring injury.
- Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (ankle) said that his ankle is "about 80 percent" and he is listed as questionable for Sunday's game. He is likely to be a game-time decision, but Leslie Frazier said that the decision will be made amongst the team before Sunday.
- Cardinals running back Beanie Wells (knee, thumb, hamstring) is listed as probable to play against the 49ers. It seems like Wells' injuries have become a week-to-week thing for fantasy owners. Keep an eye on it, as always.


Wide Receivers
- Today after Texans' practice, head coach Gary Kubiak ruled Andre Johnson (hamstring), who did not practice on Friday, out for Sunday's game. Kevin Walter also missed practice on Friday with an illness, and is listed as questionable for Sunday. Jacoby Jones will start in place of the injured Andre Johnson.
- Cowboys wide receiver Laurent Robinson (shoulder) was limited in practice today and is listed as questionable. Robinson said that he thinks that he will be able to play.
- Raiders wide receivers Jacoby Ford (foot) and Denarius Moore (foot) did not practice on Friday and are officially out on Sunday.
- Eagles wide receiver Jeremy Maclin (hamstring) is listed as probable after practicing in limited fashion all week long.
- Broncos wide receiver Eddie Royal is listed as questionable with a concussion.
- 49ers wide receiver Braylon Edwards (knee) is listed as questionable to play against the Cardinals, but is expected to play.
- Falcons wide receivers Roddy White (shoulder), Julio Jones (hamstring), and Harry Douglas (groin) are all listed as probable for Sunday's game.


Tight Ends
- Colts tight end Dallas Clark is going to be back this week after practicing in full all week long.
- Cowboys tight end Martellus Bennett (ribs) did not practice on Friday and is listed as doubtful.
- Jaguars tight end Marcedes Lewis (ankle) was a full participant in practice all week long, and is listed as probable.


Defense/Others
- The Jaguars placed defensive end Aaron Kampman on injured reserve today for the second straight year with the team, and the third straight in the NFL.

- Ravens kicker Billy Cundiff (calf) is listed as questionable and will be a game-time decision.
- 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Cardinals.
- Broncos rookie linebacker Von Miller (thumb) is listed as probable to play against the Bears. Miller did practice on Friday.
- Lions corner back Chris Houston (knee) is listed as doubtful after not practicing all week long.
- Cowboys linebacker Demarcus Ware (neck) returned to a full practice on Friday and is listed as questionable.
- Buccaneers corner back Aqib Talib (hamstring) has been ruled out for week 14.
- Eagles corner backs Nnamdi Asomugha and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie practiced on Friday. Asomugha is listed as probable, while DRC is listed as questionable.
- Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora (ankle) has been ruled out for week 14.
- Cardinals safety Kerry Rhodes (foot) practiced on Friday and looks like he is going to return in week 14. Rhodes is officially listed as questionable.
- Lions defensive end Nick Fairley (foot) did not practice all week long with a foot injury. He is questionable, but is not expected to play.

December 8th Injury Report

By: Christian Hardy


Quarterbacks
- According to Jim Irsay, Peyton Manning is unlikely to be seen on the field in 2011. Exact quote: Irsay said that he doesn't "envision Peyton playing this season."
- Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder was not at practice on Thursday with a hip injury. Offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave is not confident that Ponder will play this week. Ponder has now missed two consecutive days of practice. Joe Webb took first team reps in place of Ponder. If Ponder does not practice on Friday then he will not play in week 14.
- Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman was at practice and did "extensive throwing" on Thursday. He expects to play on Sunday.
- Chiefs quarterback Kyle Orton practiced on a limited basis for the second consecutive day on Thursday.
- Both Sam Bradford (ankle) and AJ Feeley (finger) did not practice for teh second consecutive day on Thursday. Tom Brandstater has taken first team reps on Wednesday and Thursday and would start if Bradford and Feeley were to miss Sunday's game.
- Ben Roethlisberger left Thursday's game with an ankle injury. More to come when more information is known on the situation. It looked ugly, I cna tell you that much.


Running Backs
- Kevin Smith (ankle) did not practice on Thursday, but will try to do some drills on Friday.
- Raiders running back Darren McFadden (foot) will not play in week 14, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Michael Bush will start at running back for the Raiders.
- Brandon Jacobs (hamstring) and Ahmad Bradshaw (foot) did not practice on Thursday, but are expected to practice on Friday according to head coach Tom Coughlin.
- Both Peyton Hillis (hip) and Montario Hardesty (calf)are active for Thursday Night Football against the Steelers.
- Jonathan Dwyer was placed on Ir by the Steelers today.
- Cardinals running back Beanie Wells was limited in practice with a knee injury on Thursday.
- Buccaneers running back Mossis Madu is expected to get more work in week 14. He is expected to surpass Kregg Lumpkin in snaps, but should be no threat to Blount's carries.
- Michael Turner was limited in practice on Thursday.
- Vikings running back Adrian Peterson was a limited participant in practice on Thursday. Head coach Leslie Frazier said that Peterson had no pain in his ankle during the practice, in which he ran and cut.
- Broncos running back Willis McGahee did not practice Thursday with a knee injury, but he says that he will play on Sunday.
- Saints rookie running back Mark Ingram (turf toe) did not practice on Thursday.
- Packers running back James Starks (ankle) did not practice on Thursday.



Wide Receivers
- In NFL Draft news: Oklahoma State wide receiver Justin Blackmon is expected to file paperwork to enter the NFL Draft. Also, Ryan Broyles, who tore his ACL just a couple of weeks ago, will not run at full speed until May, and as you know, the draft is in April. Huge hit to one of the most talented wide receivers in the draft.
- For the Cowboys wide receivers: Laurent Robinson (shoulder) was unable to practice for the second consecutive day while Miles Austin (hamstring) was a full participant in practice. I would expect to see Robinson limited in practice on Friday, at the least.
- Giants wide receiver Mario Manningham (knee) was limited in practice on Thursday. If he practices on Friday, he is likely to be a go against the Cowboys on Sunday night.
- Both Oakland wide receivers Jacoby Ford (foot) and Denarius Moore (foot) did not practice on Thursday.
- An update on the status of the Falcons wide receivers: Julio Jones (hamstring) was limited, while Roddy White (shoulder) returned to a full practice.
- Eagles wide receiver Jeremy Maclin was a limited participant in practice for the second consecutive day.
- Titans wide receiver Nate Washington (ankle) did not practice on Thursday, but there is a good chance that he will try to give it a go on Sunday.
- Browns wide receiver Josh Cribbs left yesterday''s game in the second quarter and never returned.

Tight Ends
- Colts tight end Dallas Clark (tibia) was a full participant in practice for the second consecutive day.
- Jaguars tight end Marcedes Lewis (ankle) was a full participant in practice on Thursday.
- Bills tight end Scott Chandler (ankle) is not expected to play in week 14, and has not practiced all week.
- Browns tight end Benjamin Watson left the game with a head injury and was later ruled out of the game.

Others
- LaMarr Woodley was officially ruled out for Thursday Night Football against the Browns with a hamstring injury. He was already unlikely to play.
- Eagles linebacker Jamar Chaney was benched today in practice in favor of Casey Matthews. Matthews is expected to start in place on Chaney on Sunday.
- Raiders head coach Hue Jackson said that if any of his players want to return against the Packers on Sunday then they would have to practice on Friday (Darren McFadden, Jacoby Ford, Denarius Moore)
- Steelers nose tackle Chris Hoke (neck) was placed on season-ending Injured Reserve, and could quite possibly end the 35-year old's career.

December 7th Injury Report

Quarterbacks
- Eagles quarterback Michael Vick (ribs) practiced on Wednesday and fully expects to start this week against the Dolphins.
- Waiver by Houston on Tuesday, Kellen Clemens was claimed by the Rams, who are struggling to find a quarterback for their Monday Night showdown against the Seahawks. Both Sam Bradford (ankle) and AJ Feeley (finger) did not practice on Wednesday and are not expected to play this week.
- Chiefs quarterback Kyle Orton was limited in practice on Wednesday after suffering a dislocated finger in Sunday's game against the Bears. If Orton were unable to play, Tyler Palko would make his fourth consecutive start for the Chiefs under center.
- Rex Grossman (shoulder) was a full participant on Wednesday, and will probably be off of the injury list before Sunday's game.
- Josh Freeman did some light throwing on Wednesday, but is still considered to be day-to-day, according to the Bucs' official site.


Running Backs
- Browns running back Peyton Hillis (hip) was in practice for the second straight day, and he is expected to play on Thursday. He is listed as questionable.
- Adrian Peterson says that his ankle is 70 percent. He also said that he wants to play this week, but according to ESPN's John Clayton, he is not "expected" to play. Peterson did not practice on Wednesday.
- James Starks (ankle) did not practice on Wednesday. I did not rank Starks, and I do not expect him to play. Mike McCarthy said that he will be "challenged" to practice this week.
- Saints rookie running back Mark Ingram did not practice on Wednesday because of a turf toe injury. It is not expected to be serious, but practices later in the week will reveal more about the injury.
- Willis McGahee (knee) did not practice today, but his status for Sunday is not in danger.
- Kevin Smith, who reaggravated his ankle injury in week 13, did not practice on Wednesday.
- Patriots running backs Shane Vereen and Stevan Ridley missed practice time on Wednesday. Ridley's absence was not injury related, and Vereen has a hamstring injury and was limited in practice today. Other than those two, Danny Woodhead has an abdomen injury and was limited in practice.


Wide Receivers
- Jeremy Maclin (hamstring) was back at Eagles practice today for the first time in about two weeks. He expects to play this week, and barring any setbacks, he will play and start.
- Cowboys wide receiver Miles Austin is expected to play this week against the Giants after practicing for the first time in over a month on Wednesday. However, Laurent Robsinon (shoulder) did not practice. It should be nothing to worry about as Robinson finished the game on Sunday and the Cowboys tend to be on the cautious side on Wednesday. I think you can expect Robinson back in practice Thursday, and Friday at the latest.
- Giants wide receiver Mario Manningham (knee) was limited in practice on Wednesday, according to Mike Garafolo on Twitter. On the other hand, Hakeem Nicks was taken off of the injury list today.
- 49ers wide receiver Braylon Edwards was limited in practice on Wednesday. Edwards did not play against the Rams in week 13.
- Both Roddy White (shoulder) and Julio Jones (hamstring) were limited at Wednesday's practice. Both are expected to play.
- Raiders wide receiver Denarius Moore did not practice as his foot injury continues to hang around. His status is in doubt for Sunday. As for Jacoby Ford, he also did not practice, but he is hopeful that he will take part in practice sometime this week. If he does not practice tomorrow, then it is likely that he will miss Sunday's game, as the sore foot continues to nag at him.


Tight Ends
- Colts TE Dallas Clark (leg) practiced in full on Wednesday, according to Jim Irsay's on Twitter.
- Panthers tight end Greg Olsen (knee) did not practice Wednesday according to the team's official site.
- Vikings TE Visanthe Shiancoe was a limited participant in practice with a hand injury.


Defense/Others
- Steelers linebacker Lamarr Woodley is unlikely to play Thursday night against the Browns. Woodley re-injured his hamstring in week 13. He missed practice for the second straight day.
- Both Dominqiue Rodgers-Cromartie and Nnamdi Asomugha practiced fully today, and both expect to play on Sunday.
- Giants corner back Kenny Phillips (sprained MCL) did some work on the side in practice today, but did not practice with the team.
- Giants center David Baas' "headaches" are much more severe than first thought, and he went in to get more tests on his head today and will continue to get them throughout the week according to Melissa Stark.
- Packers linebackers AJ Hawk and Desmond Bishop, both with calf injuries, sat out practice today and did not play in week 13. However, Charles Woodson (concussion) did practice today in limited fashion.
- Broncos rookie linebacker practiced on Wednesday with a  cast on his hand. Miller did not play in week 13, a 35-32 win by the Broncos.
- Lions corner back Chris Houston did not practice on Wednesday. He also did not play in week 13 after injuring his knee on Thanksgiving against the Packers. Other than Houston, Nick Fairley was seen in a boot on Wednesday and did not practice. More updates to come later in the week.

Crazy Gabey's Week Eight Pick Ups

By: Gabriel Harber

What’s going on here?

The Saints beat the Colts by 437 points, then lost to the Rams by a bruised ego.  The Cowboys beat the Rams handily the week before, then got shellacked by the Eagles, who were supposed to be in disarray.  The Colts took the Steelers to the wire a few weeks back, and the Steelers beat the Patriots, who had to come from behind to beat the Cowboys.  Oh, and I forgot to mention that the Steelers edged out the Jaguars, who grinded out the Ravens, who hobblestomped the Steelers week 1.

Making sense yet?  Of course it does.

You see, by using the transitive property of fantasy football congruence, and multiplying pi times the quadratic formula we arrive at the eventual champi…………..

Nevermind, I have no clue what the hell I’m talking about.  Let’s just get to the pickups.

 
Smoke and Mirrors

Brent Celek:  Don’t buy into the hype.  What you saw Sunday night was the Eagles coming off a bye week, with a specific game plan, and attacking a specific weakness on the Dallas defense.  Vick’s wide open style has proven to rarely feature tight ends and I would be looking elsewhere if I needed help.

Laurent Robinson:  Robinson’s big day was a product of a Tony Romo shoulder shrug, not his own talent.  The Cowboys offense has 3 passing weapons atop the pecking order before Robinson, and you won’t see many games like Sunday’s too often.  You can find consistency elsewhere on the wire.

The Pick-Ups 

Roy Helu:  Shanahan went scoreless for the first time in his career, flipping the bird to all of you who thought there would finally be some predictable production in his backfield.  Torain ran like he had cement shoes on, and with the ‘Skins season quickly slipping away, they’ll have to pull out all the stops soon.  Helu is the most natural talent at running back, and with his pass catching abilities could become a force if given the touches. (Note: Redskins later went on to claim Tashard Choice from waivers)

Maurice Morris:  Morris delivered for everyone who chose to take a gamble on him, gaining 58 yards and touchdown.  What impressed me the most was his 4.5 yards per carry which is exactly what the Lions need to take the pressure off of Mathew Stafford.  Best is notorious for durability issues, and even when he comes back I could easily see Morris getting 10-15 touches a games.  That, coupled with the injury concerns for Best make him worth rostering.

Titus Young:  I know his big play had more to do with a defensive breakdown than skill, but as I mentioned above, if Detroit continues to establish some sort of running presence then Young will be worth rostering in deeper formats.  It helps that Detroit wide receivers have a great schedule the rest of the way.

Deion Branch:  You know exactly what you’re getting here, so temper your expectations.  Branch’s value is directly tied to Brady’s success, and as long as the Pats are throwing Branch should get you in between six to twelve points a game.

Javon Ringer:  No one saw this coming, but since it’s here, we might as well chat about it.  CJ(insert number here)K is bad.  I don’t just mean he’s not playing well, I mean he just looks like he’s not a good player any more.  Ringer has been a perennial waiver wire discussion piece the past few seasons, but strictly as a handcuff to Johnson.  Now I’m advocating Ringer as the primary back, and the Titans, who are hungry for a playoff berth, will go with the hot hand to make it happen.  If losing his feature back status doesn’t light a fire under Johnson’s ass, it’s safe to say this will be a time share moving forward with Ringer being the greater value.

Kyle Orton:  Remember Jake Delhomme?  I do.  Remember how much John Fox loved Jake Delhomme?  I remember that too.  As much as I believe Tebow is the guy (yes I’m a Timmy lover), I think Fox would love a return to the traditional style of Orton and Sunday’s game may have given him exactly the out he was looking for.  Just like Delhomme was kept as Carolina’s starter far longer than he should have been, I don’t believe we’ve seen the last of Orton.  Denver has an extremely soft passing schedule from here on out which helps the upside of this play.  Grab Orton if you’re weak at quarterback and you might just hit the lottery.

Tavaris Jackson:  Maybe Jackson has Jason Terry syndrome.  After sitting out the first two drives, Tavaris came in and engineered one of the best statistical games of his career (though his no touchdowns killed his fantasy day.)  I mentioned earlier in the year that I saw quite a bit of improvement in him from last season, and to play the way he did against an unforgiving Bengals unit was impressive.  I like the outlook on Jackson moving forward.

Torrey Smith:  This kid has all the talent (and speed) in the world, and as long as he continues developing

rapport with Flacco, he could become the Lee Evans the Ravens always wanted.  His big time pressure catch was what stars are made of, and in order for the Ravens to compete in the suddenly hyper-competitive AFC North they’ll need to balance Ray Rice with a passing attack; something they’ve failed to do in previous weeks.

Antonio Brown/Emmanuel Sanders:  The Steelers' new look offense has provided a fantasy boon for owners everywhere, and if you happen to need wide receiver help I like both of these guys more than anyone else this week.  If you have to choose between the two, I would go with Brown as he seems to have more big play potential, but honestly I don’t think you can go wrong either way.

Scott Chandler:  Chandler is an interesting case because he either catches touchdowns (good) or does nothing (bad.)  I wouldn’t view him as a long term solution to the tight end position as he has only 15 catches all year, but if you’re in a deeper league and need a bye week fill-in, you could certainly do much worse than to take a gamble on the high-powered Bills offense.

Johnathan Baldwin:  Baldwin finally showed us why the Chiefs used a first round pick on him tonight, manhandling the coverage assigned to him.  He actually played better than his number indicate (and his numbers are impressive), and with Bowe and Breaston lining up alongside, this looks to be an extremely potent aerial assault.  He immediately becomes a mid-range flex play and a WR3 with upside.

Curtis Brinkley:  The Chargers backfield has been a M.A.S.H. unit this season, and with Mathews legs falling off every game (hey at least he waited until the fourth quarter this time) Brinkley was thrust into a starring role.  What I saw tonight made me question why Norv Turner has been sitting quietly on this kid all year.  He cut back, darted, leapt, and burst through holes like an elite level talent.  He even caught a difficult pass late in the fourth to move the Bolts into scoring position.  Post-game reports have him being examined for a concussion so be sure to monitor his status throughout the week, but it’s tough to not advise an add when you combine Mathews’ health and Tolbert’s general ineffectiveness.  Should either running back miss significant time Brinkley would become an overnight RB2 play. (Edit: Curtis Brinkley has a concussion.)

Good luck figuring out what the next week holds and see you back here.  Until then I’ll be using my TI-84 to perfect my lineups. Check out my Twitter for all of your troubles.