Today In The NFL
Latest news from around the NFL
Check back daily for updates from around the league.
Bears claim C Edwin Williams
Sep 2, 2010
The Bears claimed center Edwin Williams off waivers Wednesday, according to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune.
Fantasy Analysis
Williams, an undrafted free agent out of Marylandin 2009, appeared in four regular season games with two starts for the Redskins last season. Running back Brandon Minor was waived in a corresponding move.
Brian Leonard remains out indefinitely
Sep 2, 2010
According to the Cincinnati Enquirer, Brian Leonard could miss the first few weeks of the season as he continues to recover from a left foot injury.
Fantasy Analysis
This means the Bengals will be going with a duo of Cedric Benson and Bernard Scott to start the regular season. Leonard's roster spot is not in danger.
Crayton's roster spot in grave danger
Sep 2, 2010
There is a good chance that receiver Patrick Crayton will be either released or traded by Saturday evening, according to ESPN's Tim MacMahon.
Fantasy Analysis
It seems odd that the Cowboys would release such a workmanlike receiver, especially since they could have done so at any point during the offseason, but they appear to be ready to move on. With many teams having a need at wideout, he should have little trouble finding a new club should be cut loose.
Derrick Ward makes pitch to play for Rams
Sep 2, 2010
Derrick Ward insisted he's in playing shape Wednesday, according to Brian Stull of ESPN 101.
Fantasy Analysis
Ward admitted that he's at 235 pounds, seven over his preferred playing weight. He said that he "loves" Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo, and he'd have no problem being a backup to Steven Jackson. Of course, the Rams don't seem to be that interested after a lackluster preseason from Ward.
Dockett agrees to four-year extension with Cards
Sep 2, 2010
According to Pro Football Talk, Darnell Dockett has agreed to a four-year extension with the Cardinals.
Fantasy Analysis
Financial terms were not released, but this deal will keep Dockett in Arizona through the 2015 season. He's been a Pro-Bowler over the past two seasons, and he was due a bigger deal. This also means that press conference scheduled for later today might not have anything to do with Matt Leinart.
Dockett gets $30 million guaranteed from Cards
Sep 2, 2010
Updating an earlier item, Darnell Dockett's extension with the Cardinals is worth up to $48 million over four years with $30 million guaranteed, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Fantasy Analysis
Dockett's deal keeps him in Arizona through 2015. He said earlier today that he'd like to retire with the Cardinals and believes in the direction the franchise is headed. He'd outplayed his old contract, and the new one should keep him happy.
Ginn in no danger of being cut
Sep 2, 2010
Ted Ginn will be a part of the 49ers' final 53-man roster this weekend, according to CSN's Matt Maiocco.
Fantasy Analysis
Not only has the disappointing Ginn locked up a roster spot, but apparently San Francisco's number three receiving job. You could do worse picking a late-round dark-horse receiver in deeper PPR leagues.
Jay Cutler won't play Thursday
Sep 2, 2010
Jay Cutler will not play in the Bears' final preseason game on Thursday evening, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Fantasy Analysis
It's customary for starters to skip the final game of the preseason, but considering how poorly Cutler has played this summer, he could likely use the extra reps. Heading into Chicago's Week 1 game against the Lions, he remains a mystery.
John Beck signs two-year extension with 'Skins
Sep 2, 2010
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Redskins signed quarterback John Beck to a two-year, $2.25 million extension Wednesday.
Fantasy Analysis
Looks like coach Mike Shanahan sees something in Beck, who has completed just 9-of-18 passes for 103 yards and no scores this preseason. Of course, it could also be that Shanahan doesn't see much in backup Rex Grossman. Beck will be in Washington for the next three seasons, and he could be the guy Washington wants to eventually take over for Donovan McNabb, even if he's third string this season.
Johnnie Lee Higgins may get cut
Sep 2, 2010
According to the Contra Costa Times, Johnnie Lee Higgins is in danger of getting cut this weekend.
Fantasy Analysis
The owner of just 41 receptions the past two seasons, it's not as if he has a great pedigree to fall back on. Even with Chaz Schilens in injury limbo, Higgins seems likely to get cut.
LeGarrette Blount may get cut
Sep 2, 2010
According to the Nashville Tennessean, rookie running back LeGarrette Blount is not guaranteed a roster spot.
Fantasy Analysis
Competing with veterans Samkon Gado and Alvin Pearman, Blount is apparently hurt by his limited pass protection skills and lack of knowledge of the playbook. That being said, expect the Titans to end up going with his upside over Gado and Pearman's experience.
Michael Crabtree's teammates not happy with him
Sep 2, 2010
Jim Trotter of Sports Illustrated reports that teammates have been turned off by Michael Crabtree's attitude this offseason.
Fantasy Analysis
Trotter said the players don't like Crabtree's "ambivalence" toward the preseason and training camp. Apparently the rest of the roster was happy that Vernon Davis called Crabtree out, and their "verbal dust-up" was welcomed. Still, Crabtree's the most talented wideout on this team, and he'll produce on the field, even if he's got some off-field issues to work on.
Nate Davis set to make 49ers
Sep 2, 2010
According to CSN's Matt Maiocco, quarterback Nate Davis is expected to survive the 49ers' final round of cuts this weekend.
Fantasy Analysis
As has been expected all along. If Alex Smith again struggles this year, Davis could get some late season starts.
Raiders not interested in Leinart
Sep 2, 2010
According to the Denver Post, the Raiders have no interest in adding embattled Cardinals quarterback Matt Leinart.
Fantasy Analysis
Happy with their trio of Jason Campbell, Bruce Gradkowski and Kyle Boller, they have little reason to pursue Leinart. Amazingly, Leinart could soon find himself in a similar situation to former Raiders signal-caller JaMarcus Russell: out of the league.
RB Brandon Minor waived by Bears
Sep 2, 2010
The Bears waived running back Brandon Minor Wednesday, according to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune.
Fantasy Analysis
Minor was waived and center Edwin Williams was claimed. Minor isn't expected to draw much interest from other teams, and he wouldn't have earned much attention in the Bears backfield, either.
Report: Big Ben asking for three-game suspension
Sep 2, 2010
According to ESPN's Sal Paolantonio, Ben Roethlisberger will reportedly ask for at least a three-game reduction of his four-to-six-week suspension when he meets with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell Friday.
Fantasy Analysis
Good luck, Ben. He's bringing Steelers owner Art Rooney II with him to the meeting, but it's not likely that the suspension will dip below four weeks. Still, Big Ben has apparently gone above and beyond what was asked of him since his most recent legal troubles, and there is a chance that the backing of his franchise could sway Goodell. Then there's the fact that Roethlisberger is the only player in league history to be suspended under the NFL's personal conduct policy despite not being arrested. We're still counting on at least four Roethlisberger-less weeks for Pittsburgh.
Report: Vikes considering starting Chris DeGeare
Sep 2, 2010
According to ESPN 1500 Twin Cities, the Vikings are considering starting rookie Chris DeGeare at right guard.
Fantasy Analysis
Under this scenario, the Vikes would shift veteran Anthony Herrera to center. That'd be a huge upgrade over current pivot John Sullivan, and just about any change would be welcome considering how bad the team run blocked last season. DeGeare's got great size at 335 pounds, and this could be the move the team needs to keep the ground game churning and Brett Favre somewhat healthy.
Revis' grandma unloads on Jets
Sep 2, 2010
Searching for holdout cornerback Darrelle Revis in his hometown of Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, ESPN's Rich Cimini got lengthy comments from his grandmother about his contract situation. "Darrelle does what he does because he loves it," she began. "For this to be happening to him, it's almost like a slap in the face, because he's not appreciated. I know he wants to play, but Darrelle understands contract negotiations. Some players don't get it, but Darrelle can read a contract. I think he's comfortable with his decision (to hold out) because he knows what he was told by the Jets and he knows what he's worth." She finished, "people are trying to portray him as greedy, but he has outperformed his contract. For them to put him in this position is just unreal."
Fantasy Analysis
The Jets' hardball strategy is clearly beginning to unravel, as it is widely believed they did not believe Revis would dig in this deep. Their chances of winning the AFC East without him are remote.
Rumors of Leinart to Giants are false
Sep 2, 2010
There has been a rumor that has surfaced claiming that Matt Leinart has been dealt to the Giants, though Fox Sports' Jay Glazer refutes the rumor.
Fantasy Analysis
The Giants are looking for a backup now that Jim Sorgi has been lost for the season, though they're looking for a veteran who's fine with a backup role, and Leinart doesn't seem to fit that bill. We'll have to wait and see how this Leinart drama play out, though no deal is imminent.
Whitehurst failing to impress
Sep 2, 2010
According to Pro Football Talk, "there's a sense in Seattle that (back-up quarterback Charlie Whitehurst) isn't as good as advertised."
Fantasy Analysis
Acquired with much fanfare earlier this offseason, he failed to put any heat on incumbent Matt Hasselbeck, and has played extremely poorly since the first game of the preseason. Barring injury, he will not get on the field in 2010.
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