Fantasy Football: News and Updates

One piece we want to make sure we can help update on is status of players following the week of practice. We'll put together as many notes as we can find to help you make the call for your lineups. 

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• I have to lead with this because I was given some guff over my prediction. Reggie Williams returned to full practice on Thursday. He is on track to start for the Jaguars in Week One against the Titans. Jerry Porter was limited, however, after being a full participant on Wednesday. Porter is still getting his legs back, but could be used as a third option for the Jags.
• Owners shouldn't panic over last night's performance by the Redskins' "offense." This is an entirely new system being run. Yes, it was ugly, but it will take more than a week to define how the team is going to play. There wasn't a no-huddle system really installed, which made the last drives look worse than they really probably were. Clinton Portis looked strong, but they won't be able to run him into the ground like that all season.
• Jason Campbell's accuracy SHOULD be of concern. He was shaky in the pocket and didn't look to move very well beyond that. They were unable to get Chris Cooley involved at all, and Campbell threw more touchdown passes to him than all of his other receivers last season. I have a feeling that coach Jim Zorn will look to change that next week. It's what will open up the field for Santana Moss and others.
• The Giants' offense looked pretty good overall. Eli Manning wasn't completely accurate, but he was able to find Plaxico Burress enough to make the night worthwhile for owners. There really was no secondary option, though, and the Giants had several drives stall because of his inaccuracy. Don't blame Brandon Jacobs. He did everything except score last night. Of note was the use of Derrick Ward, who seems to have been ahead of Ahmad Bradshaw in the pecking order. Those that handcuffed Bradshaw would be advised to watch how next week works.
• Every owner that took Ricky Williams and expected him to be the starter should be a little more nervous. Dolphins coach Tony Sparano has indicated that he has liked the way Ronnie Brown has looked in practice and that he has been, "a little more explosive." I still think Williams gets the start and will be given the chance to win the job, but the dreaded time-share option is still out there for this team. Here's hoping it doesn't end up down that road.
• The Green Bay Press-Gazette is reporting that Ryan Grant should be able to handle a full load on Sunday. He's had hamstring problems over the course of the preseason, and his line is banged up. Given the Vikings' defense, he's a tough play, but he was also likely a first or second-round pick for most teams. That being the case, the news of his health is a good thing.
• The big news out in San Diego is that Antonio Gates may not take on the full load at tight end this week because of a foot injury. The fact is, even a 75 percent Antonio Gates is better than what most teams are throwing out there. He may not be the leading receiver, but he will rack up more points than the average tight end.
• Reggie Brown was held out of practice on Thursday with a hamstring injury. The Eagles, right now, are planning to start DeSean Jackson at wide receiver. Keep an eye on this situation as it gets closer to game time, as Brown could be very limited in his role. UPDATE: Brown missed practice today as well and is listed as doubtful for the game against the Rams. Upgrade DeSean Jackson on your lists, he will likely be the primary target along with Greg Lewis.
• Ray Rice is being prepared to start for the Ravens. The coaching staff feels, at this point, anything they get from McGahee will be a bonus. He's listed as a game-time decision, so be prepared to play without the Ravens' back. If Rice is available, grab him now as a handcuff.
• Be careful in using Javon Walker this week. The receiver has been limited in practice all week and is also listed as a game-time decision for the Raiders. Better off waiting a week as opposed to ending up with zero points from a wide receiver.
• Owners with Braylon Edwards, Tom Brady, Derek Anderson, and Jamal Lewis should note that none appeared on the team's injury report and all are expected to play in Week One.

We'll update as the need arises.