NFL Quick Hits (Oct. 8th)

Matt Hasselbeck Likely to Start in Week Five

Hasselbeck returned to full practice and didn't have any major problems. He reportedly looked good and is expected to start against Jacksonville's very beatable secondary.

While this news is up-lifting, he's still a major risk, considering he failed to make it through his last start. The upside is there against a weak pass defense, but Seattle is likely to try to get Julius Jones going early to take the pressure off of Hasselbeck.

Tampa Bay OC Wants Carnell Williams to be Starter

This is good news for Williams and horrible news for Derrick Ward. Ward was already battling a knee injury and a horrid performance against his former team. Now the offensive coordinator is promoting Williams?

That's awesome, but it should be taken with a grain of salt. The more work, the better the chances are that the "Cadillac" gets wrecked. If that happens, Ward would be in line for a full-time gig.

As it stands, however, Williams could put up huge numbers, as he totaled 99 yards last week against the Redskins. The running game hasn't really been an issue outside of week three, however. This situation continues to be a wait-and-see fantasy issue.

Fred Taylor to Have Ankle Surgery

This isn't the type of surgery that will end Taylor's season, more of a precautionary surgery that should have him healthy for the stretch run of the season and the playoffs.

No one can be sure who will benefit the most from Taylor's likely one-month layoff, but Laurence Maroney and Sammy Morris figure to fight for carries in New England's usual RBBC approach.

Neither back is a fantast gem waiting to happen, but both could pose as decent Flex plays on any given week.

Matthew Stafford Unlikely to Play on Sunday

Stafford missed practice again, and it's very likely that he'll miss Sunday's contest with the defending champion Pittsburgh Steelers. It's probably just as well.

Look for Daunte Culpepper to get a crack at the Troy Polamalu-less Steelers secondary, and while he should be able to hook-up with Calvin Johnson, he is not a fantasy option in week five.

Roy Williams Misses Thursday's Practice

Williams still wants to play, but this probably means he won't. If he doesn't participate in Friday's practice, it's as good as a "no" for Sunday, despite what Williams "feels' or thinks.

Miles Austin is in line to start in Williams place, and he holds solid WR3 value, while Patrick Crayton is sure to benefit from the star receiver's absence, as well.

Even if Williams does play, though, he should be fairly limited, which could mean Crayton, Austin, and Sam Hurd all still have respectable days against a weak Kansas City defense.

Eli Manning Misses Thursday's Practice

Head coach Tom Coughlin said that, while Manning was kept out of his second straight practice, he's looking good and feeling better.

Manning's heel injury would mostly keep him from playing due to whether or not he can handle the pain, so if you're planning on using him there is still plenty of optimism that he'll start against Oakland.

However, it's likely that the Giants will pass as little as possible, to ensure no further damage will be done to Manning's foot.

Expect a big day out of Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw, and even if Manning does start, don't rely on him to win your game this week.

Michael Crabtree's Role in Offense Unknown

Crabtree will reportedly be worked-in slowly to the offense, and primarily as a slot receiver. The trick with this is he will be assigned to special third-down packages, which will severely limit his fantasy potential, at least for the first few games.

It's likely that Crabtree will get more chances down the road if he plays well and keeps on good terms with Mike Singletary, but does not warrant a spot in your starting line-up just yet.

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