|
Jonathan Phillips points to where it hurts, Week Eight.
Welcome to walking wounded weekly. I'm Jon Phillips, your host. Let's visit the beds. THE EARLY GAMES (1:00 PM) - ALL TIME EASTERN Arizona @ CAROLINA ARIZONA WR Anquan Boldin (face/head) –
TE Ben Patrick (knee) - QUESTIONABLE
TE Leonard Pope (knee) - QUESTIONABLE
DE Travis LaBoy (groin) – QUESTIONABLE
SS Aaron Francisco (thigh) - QUESTIONABLE CAROLINA WR D.J. Hackett (knee) - QUESTIONABLE
C Ryan Kalil (ankle) - QUESTIONABLE
LT Jeff Otah (ankle) - QUESTIONABLE SUMMARY: The last time I said Cardinals and number one-rated offense together I was speaking about baseball some time in the mid-1980's. Sure enough, this Kurt Warner-led crew is averaging 29.5 points per game, tops in the NFL. While they'd sure like to get Boldin back, WR Steve Breaston has made him hardly missed, averaging nearly 20 fantasy points per game. D.J. Hackett may return, and Carolina could sure use a third wide receiver of quality, especially since Carolina relies heavily on the run and the Cardinals are sporting the 11th-ranked rush defense. Atlanta @ PHILADELPHIA ATLANTA WR Laurent Robinson (knee) - PROBABLE
LT Sam Baker (concussion) – QUESTIONABLE
DT Grady Jackson (knee) – QUESTIONANLE
DT Kindal Moorehead (ankle) - QUESTIONABLE
CB Brent Grimes (knee) – QUESTIONABLE PHILADELPHIA RB Brian Westbrook (ribs) - PROBABLE
WR Kevin Curtis (hernia) – PROBABLE
WR Reggie Brown (groin) – QUESTIONABLE
RG Shawn Andrews (back) - OUT SUMMARY: The Falcons actually might get Laurent Robinson on the field. He's become the William Green of this team, so the celebration should be quashed until he makes it out of the tunnel unscathed. The Eagles expect Westbrook back, which helps because no Eagles rusher has crested the century plateau this year. Curtis is also likely to return, and unlike Jeremy Shockey, he may actually be ready for action. However, expect him to take a few games to get up to speed. Buffalo @ MIAMI BUFFALO RG Brad Butler (knee) - QUESTIONABLE
C Melvin Fowler (elbow) QUESTIONABLE
DE Aaron Schobel (foot) QUESTIONABLE
MLB John DiGiorgio (knee) – OUT (IR)
CB Terrence McGee (knee) - PROBABLE
CB Ashton Youboty (foot) – QUESTIONALE MIAMI NT Jason Ferguson (oblique) - QUESTIONABLE SUMMARY: Everything about Miami is healthy except their record. The Dolphins' two-headed rushing monster was stymied last week against the Ravens, but they won't have nearly as tough a task against a Bills defense that is giving up 107 rushing yards a game. The good news is WR Roscoe Parrish and Terrence McGee are healthy again, which should bode well for the field position game. Buffalo's pass defense is their strength, so to see Youboty and Schobel still hurting is certainly a concern. Schobel's 6.5 sacks last year paced this defense, so his presence on the line on third down matters, especially with this eighth-rated pass unit going against an eighth-rated Dolphins air attack. I can't believe I used the word "attack" with the words "air" and "Dolphins". Kansas City @ NEW YORK JETS KANSAS CITY QB Brodie Croyle (MCL) - OUT (IR)
QB Damon Huard (hand) – OUT (IR)
P Dustin Colquitt (groin) – QUESTIONABLE NEW YORK JETS WR Laveranues Coles (head/thigh) – QUESTIONABLE
WR Jerricho Cotchery (shoulder) - QUESTIONABLE
TE Chris Baker (back) – QUESTIONABLE
TE Bubba Franks (hip) – QUESTIONABLE
K Mike Nugent (thigh) – OUT SUMMARY: If we didn't know better, we'd think Brodie Croyle made a deal with the devil. Just when he appeared to be getting off to a strong start last week, thus making TE Tony Gonzalez and WR Dwayne Bowe possibly even more fantasy relevant, he was crushed in half by the Titans defense. He'd probably be safer playing Russian Roulette. QB Tyler Thigpen will get the start for the near future while the Chiefs speak with other possible QBs such as Daunte Culpepper. Yes, it's really gotten that bad. You can't fully blame QB Brett Favre for the loss in the Black Hole. Actually, sure you can. He's too much of a veteran to throw picks in the red zone. With Coles and Cotchery hurting, things would normally be tougher this week. However, since the Titans put up over 300 rushing yards against Kansas City, you should expect RBs Thomas Jones and Leon Washington to allow Cotchery and Coles some rest. Oakland @ BALTIMORE OAKLAND DE Derrick Burgess (tricep) - QUESTIONABLE
OT Gerard Warren (ankle) - QUESTIONABLE BALTIMORE RB Willis McGahee (knee) - PROBABLE
WR Demetrius Williams (achilles) - QUESTIONABLE
LT Jared Gaither (stinger) - QUESTIONABLE
RG Adam Terry (knee) - OUT
KR Yamon Figurs (left knee contusion) - QUESTIONABLE
CB Chris McAlister (right knee) - QUESTIONABLE
CB Samari Rolle (neck) – OUT
SS Dawan Landry (back/neck) – OUT
FS Ed Reed (thigh) - QUESTIONABLE SUMMARY: Oh, if only the Raiders could throw. If the Ravens were any more banged up in the secondary they could simply call themselves M.A.S.H. Instead, they face a Baltimore team that has slowly been sinking in the defensive backfield. They've yielded two straight games of nearly 300 yards passing and multiple passing touchdowns. Think they're not going to be happy to see JaMarcus Russell's 76.0 QB passer rating? The Raiders 16 sacks has them tied for 10th in the league, but over half of those sacks came against teams with suspect front fives: Kansas City and San Diego. Now you see Gaither and Terry out and wonder if Baltimore might struggle to protect QB Joe Flacco. McGahee is coming off his best game and heaviest workload of the season. His health is improving – and I better knock on wood. San Diego @ NEW ORLEANS (FROM LONDON) SAN DIEGO RB LaDainian Tomlinson (toe) - PROBABLE
WR Chris Chambers (ankle) - QUESTIONABLE
WR Craig Davis (knee) - QUESITONABLE
OLB Jyles Tucker (hamstring) – PROBABLE NEW ORLEANS RB Reggie Bush (knee) – OUT
TE Jeremy Shockey (hernia) – QUESTIONABLE
RG Jahri Evans (ankle) - QUESTIONABLE
DE Will Smith (abdomen) – QUESTIONABLE
DT Brian Young (Knee) - QUESTIONABLE
CB Mike McKenzie (knee) – QUESTIONABLE SUMMARY: It bears repeating: LaDainian Tomlinson simply isn't what he was last year. Most of it is due to his bad toe, which he insists is healing. However, injuries to C Nick Hardwick and LG Kris Dielman have really marred the Charger ground game. With Reggie Bush out, RB Deuce McAllister will get more carries through the interior of the Saints line, but I think RB Aaron Stecker is likely to pick up some of that slack, if for no other reason than he's been used more often to catch balls out of the backfield. Last year he had 36 receptions to Pierre Thomas' 17. With both teams having to go through the rigorous travel to London, it's very possible the word slugfest may describe this one aptly – not for the points being put up, but for the lackluster, sluggish play. St. Louis @ NEW ENGLAND ST. LOUIS RB Steven Jackson (thigh) - PROBABLE
RB Antonio Pittman (leg) – PROBABLE
WR Drew Bennett (foot) - QUESTIONABLE
OT Orlando Pace (quad) – PROBABLE
DT Adam Carriker (ankle) – QUESTIONABLE
CB Tye Hill (knee) – QUESTIONABLE NEW ENGLAND RB Sammy Morris (knee) – QUESTIONABLE
RB LaMont Jordan (calf) – PROBABLE
OT Nick Kaczur (ankle) – PROBABLE
DE Jarvis Green (ankle) - PROBABLE
CB Lewis Sanders (hamstring) - PROBABLE
SS Rodney Harrison (quad) – OUT SUMMARY: The Patriots loss of hard-hitting Rodney Harrison for the second time in four years isn't something that should daunt them. However, it certainly makes Steven Jackson's life a lot easier, as Harrison was averaging over seven tackles a game. While Harrison's backup, Brandon Merriweather, leads the team with three interceptions, it's likely his focus this game will have to be on run support. With QB Marc Bulger coming off his best game of the year, and WR Donnie Avery becoming relevant enough to have usurped Drew Bennett's role as the WR2, expect the Rams to attack downfield early. The word on Morris and Jordan is that both might not be ready to go on Sunday. Morris is recovering from a knee injury and Jordan's calf has been slow to heal. That leaves rookie Benjarvus Green-Ellis (try saying that five times fast) and third-down stalwart Kevin Faulk to assume larger roles. Tampa Bay @ DALLAS TAMPA BAY RB Carnell Williams (knee) – QUESTIONABLE
RB Warrick Dunn (back) - PROBABLE
WR Ike Hilliard (concussion) - QUESTIONABLE
WR Joey Galloway (foot) - QUESTIONABLE DALLAS QB Tony Romo (finger) - OUT
RB Felix Jones (hamstring) – QUESTIONABLE
G Kyle Kosier (foot) – QUESTIONABLE
DT Tank Johnson (ankle) - PROBABLE
LB Anthony Spencer (hamstring) – QUESTIONABLE
LB Kevin Burnett (calf) – PROBABLE
LB Greg Ellis (calf) – PROBABLE
LB Bradie James (elbow) – PROBABLE
CB Terence Newman (abdomen) – QUESTIONABLE
FS Pat Watkins (neck) PROBABLE SUMMARY: The word is even if Galloway were healthy, Antonio Bryant has made his presence felt enough that Jon Gruden wouldn't remove him from a prominent role. Dunn has been enjoying his best season in three years, and his best yards-per-carry average since 2005. With the Dallas defense in shambles, the Bucs should work the clock, using Dunn and Earnest Graham a lot. Cadillac Williams is back on the practice field, but this old model car may not be ready to run yet. Even with Marion Barber III gaining over 100 yards, the Dallas offense was anemic against a putrid St. Louis defense. Though QB Brad Johnson has had another week to shake off his Tin Man-like rust, he'll still face a daunting challenge against Tampa's ninth-ranked defense. WR Roy Williams should be more involved this week, but that doesn't mean he's going to deliver strong numbers. Washington @ DETROIT WASHINGTON RB Clinton Portis (hip) – PROBABLE
RB Ladell Betts (knee) – OUT
WR Malcolm Kelly (knee) – QUESTIONABLE
LG Pete Kendall (knee) – QUESTIONABLE
DT Cornelius Griffin (shoulder) QUESTIONABLE
CB Fred Smoot (groin) – QUESTIONABLE
CB Shawn Springs (calf) – QUESTIONABLE
CB Carlos Rogers (calf) - QUESTIONABLE
SS Chris Horton (ankle) – QUESTIONABLE DETROIT DT Cory Redding (knee) - QUESTIONABLE
DT Shaun Cody (elbow) - QUESTIONABLE
DT Chuck Darby (calf) – QUESTIONABLE
LB Jordan Dizon (hamstring) – QUESTIONABLE
SS Dwight Smith (foot) - QUESTIONABLE SUMMARY: Washington is hurting at running back, with Betts gone for the year possibly and Portis nursing a hip. Portis should play, and with Betts out, RB Rock Cartwright should make a respectable play this week in deep leagues. There's a chance Washington could be way ahead, and that might mean Portis getting a half of respite on the bench. Detroit has to feel abandoned by the Rams, who were at least keeping the winless Lions company. With the defensive injuries listed above, Washington should feast and take the Lions to 0-7. THE LATE GAMES (4:05 PM & 4:15 PM) Cincinnati @ HOUSTON CINCINNATI QB Carson Palmer (elbow) - OUT
WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh (ankle) – QUESTIONABLE
WR Antonio Chatman (ankle) - QUESTIONABLE
TE Ben Utecht (chest) - QUESTIONABLE
LB Keith Rivers (jaw) – OUT (IR)
LB Corey Mays (ankle) - QUESTIONABLE
K Shayne Graham (groin) – PROBABLE HOUSTON WR Andre Davis (finger) - OUT
DE Mario Williams (shoulder) - QUESTIONABLE
SS Dominique Barber (hamstring) - QUESTIONABLE SUMMARY: Even with QB Ryan Fitzpatrick at the helm, Houshmandzadeh has made himself fantasy relevant again. He's averaging eight catches the last four games. Should he be out, WR Chad Johnson's day gets longer, as he gets double-teamed, and the Bengals' 31st-ranked rush offense offers no help. Houston fans don't like seeing Williams on this list, and with good reason. The Bengals have given up 26 sacks and Williams is tied for sixth in the league with six. Expect him to be upgraded to probable , as the Houston Chronicle reported he'll play Sunday. Cleveland @ JACKSONVILLE CLEVELAND TE Steve Heiden (pectoral) - PROBABLE
RG Ryan Tucker (knee) - PROBABLE
DE/NT Shaun Smith (hand) – OUT
DE Corey Williams (shoulder) - QUESTIONABLE
OLB Shawntae Orr (foot) - QUESTIONABLE
FS Mike Adams (hamstring) - QUESTIONABLE JACKSONVILLE LG Tutan Reyes (knee) - QUESTIONABLE
WR Mike Walker (knee) - OUT
DT Rob Meier (knee) - QUESTIONABLE SUMMARY: TE Steve Heiden is fantasy relevant with Kellen Winslow, Jr. suspended again. New York Giants @ PITTSBURGH NEW YORK GIANTS WR Plaxico Burress (hip/shoulder) – PROBABLE
T David Diehl (back) – QUESTIONABLE
LB Gerris Wilkinson (knee) – QUESTIONABLE
LB Antonio Pierce (quad) – PROBABLE PITTSBURGH RB Willie Parker (knee) – PROBABLE
LT Marvel Smith (back) - QUESTIONABLE
NT Casey Hampton (knee) - PROBABLE
DE Brett Keisel (calf) – QUESTIONABLE
CB Bryant McFadden (arm) - OUT
SS Troy Polamalu (concussion) - QUESTIONBALE
SUMMARY: Naturally, the return of Antonio Pierce to stronger playing status helps this Giants defense. Plaxico Burress will undoubtedly play in his first return to Heinz Field and will be fired up to perform well.
Parker wasn't listed on some injury reports as his knee has vastly improved. Expectations are high on Troy Polamalu playing, even though he's recovering from a concussion. The loss of Bryant McFadden can't be overstated. He was having a breakout campaign with six passes defensed and two interceptions. He turns the role over to aging veteran CB Deshea Townsend. Seattle @ SAN FRANCISCO SEATTLE
QB Matt Hasselbeck (back/knee) – QUESTIONABLE
WR Deion Branch (heel) - QUESTIONABLE
WR Koren Robinson (knee) - PROBABLE
TE Will Heller (knee) – OUT
RG Floyd Womack (illness) - PROBABLE SAN FRANCISCO
WR Josh Morgan (groin) - PROBABLE
T Jonas Jennings (knee) - OUT
DE Ray McDonald (knee) - OUT
CB Nate Clements (ribs) - PROBABLE
S Mark Roman (groin) – QUESTIONABLE
S Dashon Goldson (knee) – OUT
S Michael Lewis (knee) - PROBABLE
PR Allen Rossum (groin) - QUESTIONABLE SUMMARY: Matt Hasselbeck wants to play this Sunday and may be a game-time decision. Fantasy owners want him back too, even with the mangled state of the Seahawks receivers. If Hasselbeck goes, WR Bobby Engram becomes a solid WR3 or flex play as the 49ers secondary looks like a marine battalion after moving up the slope of Iwo Jima. And if you're holding the fragile Deion (Twig) Branch, then your optimism knows no limits. Seattle's 21st ranked rush defense should fire up Frank Gore, and allow J.T. O'Sullivan a little more breathing room than he's had recently. Gore is coming off a season-low performance of 11 yards on 11 carries. THE MONDAY NIGHT GAME (8:30 PM) Indianapolis @ TENNESSEE
INDIANAPOLIS RB Joseph Addai (hamstring) -OUT
WR Roy Hall (knee) - QUESTIONABLE
CB Kelvin Hayden (knee) - QUESTIONABLE
S Bob Sanders (knee) – QUESTIONABLE TENNESSEE WR Justin Gage (knee) - QUESTIONABLE
WR Justin McCareins (hamstring) - QUESTIONABLE
DE Kyle Vanden Bosch (groin) – QUESTIONABLE SUMMARY: The biggest test of the Titans might not be so big after all, except we can't forget that in the last five seasons, QB Peyton Manning has 18 touchdowns to just four interceptions when playing on Monday. Against the Titans front seven, Manning will have to pass to have success, which should mean respectable numbers. In fact, I'd expect the Colts to attack deep often, even against the likes of CBs Cortland Finnegan and former Colt, Nick Harper. On the other side, it seems almost irrelevant to consistently list Gage and McCareins because if the Titans had their way, the only thing QB Kerry Collins might pass would be the salt at team dinners. Gage was developing some good chemistry with Collins before the injury flared. If he can't go, expect TE Bo Scaife and RB Chris Johnson to be in Collins' sites. BYE WEEK – Chicago, Denver, Green Bay and Minnesota Jonathan Phillips scours the injury reports so you don't have to. Of course, by scouring he often injures himself but he's too ashamed to list 'paper cut' as an official injury. He can be heard every Sunday morning at 11AM/8AM on blogtalkradio.com for the Start Em, Sit Em Show with co-host Scott Engel.
 |
Football 
Subscribe to this comment's feed