Fantasy Football: Impact of Roster Cuts

Across the NFL, players are being cut so teams can make the 53-man limit the NFL has set for rosters. Usually, we don't see much impact from a fantasy perspective, but today has given a few pieces of note that fantasy owners need to be aware of. Let's get to it.

• First, and most importantly, Rudi Johnson was let go by the Bengals. Johnson was rumored to be in various trades all week long, so that the Bengals could add to their depleted wide-receiver corps. Rather than keep him on the active roster, the Bengals will lead with Chris Perry. Johnson struggled with injuries last season, but certainly will catch on somewhere. In the meantime, drop him down outside the top-20 in your running-back rankings if you haven't already. Perry immediately becomes a viable fantasy option in the flex spot.
• From a keeper perspective, there is one less quarterback for owners to be looking at right now. Andre' Woodson was cut by the Giants in their final shake down. Woodson would not have had any impact this season, but could have been a steal in later rounds for teams looking to build depth in keeper formats.
• Ashley Lelie was cut by the 49ers in their roster moves. This is only notable from the perspective of Lelie wearing out his welcome with another team. Lelie has the potential and the talent to be an effective NFL receiver, but he doesn't seem to have the drive or determination to do it. Lelie will likely find a home, as receivers with any experience are an effective commodity. If he ends up being more than a third or fourth-receiver option, both on that team and in fantasy football, it will be a surprise.
• Another name to keep in mind is third-year receiver Travis Wilson. Wilson was starting to come into his own, is in that "magical" third season, and is young enough to get other teams interested. His six-catch performance this week should be enough to have another team giving him a look. Remember him later this season, it could be beneficial.
• In what was basically a foregone conclusion, the Bucs cut Chris Simms from the roster. Simms will likely be the biggest name out to be picked up, and don't think that certain teams from the NFC North won't be making calls. Chicago is considered the front-runner for Simms' services and, if there, he would basically be the starting quarterback by default. Simms' time in Tampa amounted to irrelevance in the fantasy world, but the kid can throw the football and has the head to be effective.
• Joey Harrington and Marcus Pollard were both released by the Falcons. Pollard's name is the one with impact. The tight-end position is going to be a money spot in Atlanta because of the ability to be a check-down option for the rookie quarterback, Matt Ryan. Pollard is a fine receiving tight end and will likely catch on somewhere else. When he does, he's a solid bye-week fill-in option, but nothing more.
• The Colts have to feel pretty good about the health of Peyton Manning. For the second year in a row, they are entering the season with just two quarterbacks on their roster. If there was any doubt that Manning would not be ready for week one, Jared Lorenzen and/or Quinn Gray would still be on the roster. His release signals to fantasy owners and Colts fans alike that Manning will be ready to go.
• Few other pieces of note. Chris Brown was placed on the IR in Houston. That means Ahman Green, Steve Slaton, and Chris Taylor will man the backfield for the Texans. Slaton should jump up on draft boards and becomes a solid keeper league option. The Lions only have two healthy running backs on their roster, Kevin Smith and Tatum Bell. Smith should be considered a legit RB2 option in all deeper leagues and flex option in other formats. The Lions have also kept only four receivers for the time being.
• Tim Hightower has made the roster in Arizona. Look for him to take carries away from current starter Edgerrin James. James' YPC last season was less than stellar, and Hightower could be used to keep James more fresh or in a timeshare situation.
• One other note, Fred Taylor was arrested in Jacksonville and charged with disorderly conduct. At first blush, this shouldn't hinder his eligibility as far as the NFL is concerned, but watch for further developments. Especially where the Jaguars are having a set of problems with Matt Jones, reputation could become everything. Not saying Taylor will be cut, but that the NFL may react more quickly because of the total number of offenses for the team.

We'll continue to update as names come through.