NFL Network: Tom Brady Out For 2008 season

According to the NFL Network, New England quarterback and dater of super models, Tom Brady, has a torn ACL and is out for the remainder of the 2008 season. Former Tampa Bay Buc and 2nd best QB in the Simms family, Chris Simms was reported to be on the way to New England for a physical.

Matt Cassell, he of little experience and called out by Sterling Sharpe in a Patriot preseason appearance, is ticketed for the starting job, at least for now. Cassell performed adequately in the Kansas City game after Brady left the game.

This news will have far-reaching effects on fantasy leagues, as well. Not only will an owner who selected Tom Brady early in his or her league draft have to scramble to make up all those lost points, but the implications for teams with Randy Moss is not much better. Moss' numbers will almost certainly suffer.

It just goes to show we fantasy enthusiasts that the one thing certain in the NFL is injuries. For those fantasy owners not fortunate enough to have a quality backup quarterback on their roster, Cassell might be the best option unless a veteran such as Jake Delhomme was unclaimed in your league draft. Delhomme had a solid game vs. San Diego without go to receiver Steve Smith in Week 1 and looks to be recovered from offseason surgery.

Otherwise, you're looking at journeymen like J.T. O'Sullivan or rookies. Even oft-injured Chad Penningon would be a better option than that. Pennington looked solid against his old team, the Jets Sunday.

Matt Cassell hasn't started a meaningful football game since high school after backing up Carson Palmer, Matt Leinart and Brady in his career. However, Cassell has been around long enough to know the Patriot offense, has been able to observe some great QBs, and does have that Moss guy to throw to, along with some other very good receivers.

If that New England organization can take a skinny 6th round pick out of Michigan who was considered a caretaker until the "golden boy" Drew Henson was ready to lead the Wolverines to the promised land, anything is possible.