Fantasy Football - Wednesday News and Notes

Collin HagerSep 10, 2008

Teams have practiced for a few days now and information is starting to come out regarding potential availability for the current week. Let's take a look at what has gone on the first half of the week.

Marques Colston is out 4-6 weeks with a thumb injury. Obviously, big blow to fantasy owners, but there is some potential on waivers right now. First, upgrade Devery Henderson, Robert Meachem, Jeremy Shockey, and Reggie Bush. They all will have to play a much larger role in the offense. Bush and Shockey are likely the biggest beneficiaries. If you're looking to replace Colston, look out in Eagles Land to Greg Lewis or Eddie Royal in Denver.
Drew Bennett is also done for the season. In most leagues, he likely has little impact, but it's worth noting because of the impact on the already fragile Rams offense. Torry Holt will be relied on that much more, but will also draw much more attention than he already does.
Things don't look good for Alex Smith. The quarterback has been placed on injured reserve with a broken bone in his shoulder. It likely puts an end to an rough time for Smith out in San Francisco, but likely won't stop another team from taking a chance on the quarterback down the line. This does mean that O'Sullivan is the man of choice in San Francisco. Jamie Martin has been signed as a backup.
Looks like Jeff Garcia will not start for the Bucs this week. Brian Griese, by all indications, will be given the ball and expected to lead the Bucs to a win. Griese isn't much of a fantasy option this week against the Falcons in anything other than 2 quarterback formats. While the Falcons secondary isn't established, Griese hasn't played enough in the last year and a half to be considered much more than rusty.
Donte' Stallworth strained his quad during warmups for the game against the Cowboys last week and underwent an MRI Monday. While results aren't available, he has to be considered a sit at this point, regardless. The Browns are already struggling on offense and were looking to Stallworth to be the receiver they needed opposite Braylon Edwards. The struggles only get worse for Cleveland. If Stallworth is out, you have to downgrade the Browns offense again, especially against Pittsburgh.
For anyone planning to start Damon Huard (hopefully, there aren't many), they need to look for another option. While Huard will see time this week, Tyler Thigpen is also expected to see reps on Sunday. With no true number one quarterback, that makes the situation hard for owners of any part of the Kansas City offense. Huard is an upgrade, but we don't know what Thigpen can bring to the table.
I don't know what to make of the Vince Young situation from a football perspective. I do know that I don't like what I'm hearing out of anyone regarding the whole situation. While Young is out this week anyway with a knee injury, he shouldn't be high on anyone's list as a starting quarterback if/when he returns. There are just too many weird things going on. And it isn't good when mothers get involved. Bad things seem to happen.
Those of you looking at kickers should count out Mike Nugent for Week 2. The Jets have ruled him out and will use Jay Feely to do the kicking.
There was concern regarding the injury to Marion Barber. The Cowboys running back bruised his ribs on Sunday against Cleveland, but practiced without restrictions today. He remains on target to be the starter unless we here otherwise. Felix Jones still should be slightly upgraded and will make a decent flex play in deeper leagues.
From One Who Knows Things, we heard that Randy Moss sat out practice today while he was allowed to be there. Nothing was said about it, but the rumor is that there is an actual injury behind it. While he likely will be on the field on Sunday, it's worth noting that he could be on the injury report all week.
Willis McGahee is hoping to be more active in practice this week and be ready to take the field on Sunday. Everyone expected Ray Rice to get the carries in McGahee's place, but that wasn't how it went down last week. Rice is still the more viable play long-term, we just could see more of Le'Ron McClain in the mean time.
Reggie Brown is still being bothered by the hamstring that kept him out of the lineup last week. Coach Andy Reid isn't certain as to if he'll be a full participant in practice on Thursday. If not, then don't expect full-time minutes from him on Sunday. Upgrade your other Eagles receivers accordingly.