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Footballguys.com Daily Email Update
Volume 4 Issue # 101
August 25, 2003 
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

A. Site News - Footballguys and Myfantasyleague.com League Management

 1. RB Bennett (Min): Placed on PUP
 2. TE Wycheck (Ten): Concussion Specialist Consulted
 3. NYJ Resign QB Todd Husak
 4. Cowboys' RB Stable: One Less Player in It
 5. RB Hambrick (Dal): Confident He Can Get the Job Done
 6. QB Plummer (Den): In For 2+ Quarters on MNF
 7. RB James Allen: Unretired
 8. Cowboys' CB Ross: Could Be Gone for Season
 9. Bills: RB Gary Not On Trading Block
10. QB Rosenfels (Mia): Ready to Be #2 While Griese Heals?
11. Eagles' RB Duce Staley: #3 on the Depth Chart
12. NYJ QB Vinny Testaverde: Too Old for 16 Games?
13. QB Stewart (Chi): Trying to Calm Fans' Fears about 2003
14. CB Chris Cash (Det): Out for the Season
15. QB Tim Couch: Looks Apathetic in Poor Performance as #2
16. Packers' OL: Shuffled Again
17. Saints: Cutting Backup RB Keaton?
18. Cardinals' CB Duane Starks: Done For Season?
19. WR Andre Rison: Rejoining Gruden in Tampa?
20. Rams: 2 More Players Do Down -- WR Curtis and S Herring
21. RB Rashaan Salaam: Comeback With 49'ers Over
22. Patriots: Cut RB Redmond, Keep WR Patten
23. Panthers: Waive RB Skip Hicks
24. Jags' New Kicker: Seth Marler
25. LB Romanowski: Suspended for a Practice By Raiders
26. Jags Shop Brunell to NYJ: NYJ "No Thanks"

Hi Folks,

If you're like me, you can smell the Opening Kickoff in the air. It's right upon us and you need to get ready. We'll do our part by making sure you're as informed as humanly possible. Thanks to Footballguy Mark Wimer for rounding these stories up. Let's jump right to it.

Joe

A. Site News - Footballguys and Myfantasyleague.com League Management

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You also get live stats, customizable rules, a flexible waiver wire, on-line drafting, an integrated message board, league polls, and dozens of other features, not to mention top notch customer service and support. So go to http://www.footballguys.com/leagues.htm today to see how you can quickly and easily set up your own league with no risk or obligation, and take advantage of a special MFL/FBG free trial offer through week 3 of the NFL season.

1. RB Bennett (Min): Placed on PUP

Clipped from: GoPBI.com AP article

By going on the PUP list, Bennett (broken foot) and Davis (torn shoulder) aren't eligible to be activated until the seventh game of the season. Bennett is supposed to get his cast off on Thursday, and then the Vikings will have a better idea when or if he'll be able to play this year.

The Viking's backfield is pretty banged up right now -- it looks like Moe Williams and Onterrio Smith will handle the running back duties while Bennett works on rehabilitating his foot. We think Smith will get the majority of the carries and yards, but that Williams will handle goal-line situations. Go Here (http://footballguys.com/03rbproj1.cfm?sortorder=team,rank&desc=0) for all of our projections, updated today.

2. TE Wycheck (Ten): Concussion Specialist Consulted

Clipped from: Tennessean.com article by Jeff Legwold

Titans veteran tight end Frank Wycheck, who suffered a concussion Aug. 16, will visit a specialist in Houston Wednesday before returning to game action.

Wycheck will return to practice this week, according to Coach Jeff Fisher, but will be held out of Thursday's preseason finale in Green Bay.

"It's just so I can feel comfortable, I don't think it's any problem, I've been through these things before," Wycheck said. "Not necessarily for peace of mind, but just to get another opinion."

As part of the league's collective bargaining agreement players are afforded the opportunity to get another medical opinion with most significant injuries.

Wycheck has suffered as least three concussions since the start of the 2000 season and suffered one with the Washington Redskins in 1993 that caused him to miss the first six games of that season.

Concussions are tricky injuries that sometimes have lingering after-effects long after the actual injury. Wycheck is starting to look like someone who is prone to concussions -- that problem has forced guys like Troy Aikman and Bob Christian out of the NFL. If you have Wycheck on your team, hopefully you have a solid alternative at the position to pair with him... just in case.

3. NYJ Re-sign QB Todd Husak

Clipped from: GoPBI.com AP article

The New York Jets signed free-agent quarterback Todd Husak on Monday to help with their depth after starter Chad Pennington broke his left wrist.

Pennington was injured Saturday in an exhibition game against the New York Giants and is expected to miss 12 weeks. Backup Vinny Testaverde becomes the starter, and rookie Brooks Bollinger now is No. 2.

Bollinger is questionable to play against Philadelphia on Thursday night in the exhibition finale because of a sprained knee. Husak will play against the Eagles.

Husak joins the Jets for the third time. He was the No. 3 quarterback last season and spent most of 2001 on the practice squad. Husak is entering his fourth season in the league but has only played in one regular-season game in 2000.

Vinny Testaverde isn't getting any younger, and the Jets are wise to bring in a veteran quarterback with experience in their system... just in case. With Pennington out at least 12 weeks, the Jets need someone in case lightning strikes their QB position twice.

4. Cowboys' RB Stable: One Less Player in It

Clipped from: GoPBI.com AP article

Running back Michael Wiley and defensive tackle John Nix were cut Monday by the Dallas Cowboys.

Wiley had been an all-purpose player and primarily a third-down back in his three seasons with the Cowboys. He was hampered this preseason by a rotator cuff injury and missed valuable time to show new coach Bill Parcells what he could do.

With Wiley shown the door, there is one less player trying to pry playing time away from Troy Hambrick. See item #5 below.

5. RB Hambrick (Dal): Confident He Can Get the Job Done

Clipped from: Star-Telegram article by Clarence E. Hill, Jr.

Troy Hambrick thought his dream was coming true when the Cowboys released Emmitt Smith in February, clearing the way for Hambrick to start at running back.

But now, roughly two weeks before the season opener, Hambrick's days aren't so dreamy.

He is the No. 1 running back on the depth chart, but the three-year veteran has not assumed Smith's role as the team's featured back.

Coach Bill Parcells said the Cowboys will use more than one player to carry the ball, partly because of the talents of the other runners, including fullback Richie Anderson and Aveion Cason, whose speed offers a change of pace from Hambrick's bruising style.

The Cowboys will also give carries to a second running back, possibly veteran Adrian Murrell, if he makes the team.

Parcells said he knows what Murrell can do because of their days together with the New York Jets. Parcells is trying to decide how Murrell fits into the makeup of the final roster...

What does all of this have to do with Hambrick's dream?

Well, he didn't envision having to share the ball.

Parcells is pleased with Hambrick's work ethic and says Hambrick has done everything the coaches have asked.

But Hambrick, who has rushed for 924 yards in three years since joining the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent out of Savannah State, remains unproven. His 11 career starts include only two at running back and nine at fullback.

"He's a bulky inside runner that does a good job in pass protection," Parcells said. "There are things I wouldn't ask him to do. But other things, he does well."

What Parcells doesn't know is if Hambrick can handle the load for four quarters and be effective late in the game. Hambrick has been limited to 15 carries for 36 yards in three preseason games. He has been limited by questionable blocking and the focus on the quarterback battle.

"We haven't had the opportunity to do some of the things with Troy that I wanted to try to do," Parcells said. "Everything hasn't unfolded the way I hoped. But that's all right. I am not worried."

The confident Hambrick doesn't appear worried, either.

"I have no reason not to think I will carry the bulk of the load," Hambrick said. "Now that we have a stable quarterback, and if we can get the offensive line going, I will be all right."

Hambrick would have liked to have gotten more carries in the preseason but said his main goal was staying healthy for the regular season.

"If they were really trying to get an observation of me, they would have given me 15 or 20 carries," Hambrick said. "I think they know what I can do. The preseason is not a place to get hurt and lose yourself before the season starts."

Moreover, Hambrick says the Cowboys will see a different runner when the regular season starts.

"You'll be surprised how I will run," Hambrick said. "I'm confident. I am taking it for granted that I know my ability. When the regular season comes, it's on."

We believe Hambrick will win the featured role once the offensive line shows signs of life. Right now, we project Hambrick to rack up 265/1087/6 rushing and 30/189/0 receiving, making him the 25th ranked fantasy running back in 2003.

6. QB Plummer (Den): In For 2+ Quarters on MNF

Clipped from: GoPBI.com AP article

After six mediocre seasons in Arizona and six months of buildup, Plummer will see his first action before the home fans and a national audience when the Broncos face the Indianapolis Colts on Monday Night Football.

Sure, it's just a preseason game, but Plummer knows all eyes will be on him.

"Obviously, there are people who want to watch and see what is happening," Plummer said. "I don't think there will be any extra nerves on Monday night. There will be normal nerves just from going out to play. I look forward to anytime I can get on the field with these guys, trying to perform my best and score points."

The Broncos signed Plummer to a seven-year, $40 million deal in March with the hopes he could revive a franchise that has been to the playoffs just once since winning consecutive Super Bowls in 1998-99.

The early reviews have been good.

Throughout training camp and in Denver's first two preseason games, Plummer has had a stronger arm, been more mobile and has shown more leadership than the Broncos expected. Still, it's just the preseason and he's going to have to prove he can do it on a consistent basis.

Plummer should get plenty of time to show what he can do against the Colts.

After limiting starters' playing time the first two preseason games, both teams are expected to leave in their first units well into the third quarter. That way, the starters can build up stamina as the regular season draws near and work on adjustments coming out of halftime.

Plummer and Lelie did not disappoint. Plummer went 15 of 22 for 205 yards with 1 TD and 1 INT. Lelie caught 4 passes for 92 yards (including a 55 yarder) and 1 TD. Solid performances by both players.

7. RB James Allen: Unretired

Clipped from: GoPBI.com AP article

Running back James Allen, who retired two weeks ago to concentrate on his rap career, has decided he would like to rejoin the Houston Texans or another team interested in his services.

"Given the right set of circumstances, James will come back and play. And if they don't appear to be the right set of circumstances, apparently he won't," his agent, Steve Mandell, said Monday.

Mandell said Allen, who started five times last year for the Texans and split time with rookie Jonathan Wells after that, "decided he had a lot more football left in him" in the days after telling coach Dom Capers his heart wasn't in football anymore.

Since Allen's departure, the Texans appear set at running back with free agent acquisition Stacey Mack starting, rookie Tony Hollings getting time in certain situations and rookie Domanick Davis developing into a kick return specialist and possible third-down back.

The Texans have placed Allen, 28, on the reserved-retired list, meaning the team still holds his rights. As of now, the Oklahoma product must repay the $200,000 signing bonus he received in May for agreeing to a one-year contract.

This is only interesting if something happens to Stacey Mack. The Texans have much fresher legs than Allen's in their stable, with 2nd year pro Jonathan Wells backing up Mack, and the rookies mentioned above. It's questionable if the Texans will want a player whose heart isn't in the game. Remember, back in 1998 Steve Beuerlein got the nod in Carolina when Kerry Collins told then-Panthers' HC Capers his heart wasn't in football anymore...

8. Cowboys' CB Ross: Could Be Gone for Season

Clipped from: Star-Telegram article by Jennifer Floyd Engel

To remove or to repair?

That is the question.

The answer is the difference between the Cowboys losing cornerback Derek Ross for two to four weeks or for the season.

If doctors remove the damaged cartilage in his left knee, he could be back for Week 2 against the New York Giants. If they repair it, the Cowboys are not likely to have Ross in their secondary until 2004.

"It depends on what happens once they go in there and what they decide to do," coach Bill Parcells said. "That's his choice. We're not advising him one way or another."

Ross rode an exercise bike Sunday and simply shrugged when asked his thoughts. Losing him would be a big blow for the Cowboys' secondary. He tied for the lead among NFL rookies last season with five interceptions and has been competing with Mario Edwards to be the Cowboys' starting right cornerback.

Ross' decision, expected this week, could also impact the roster.

If you have Ross on your IDP squad or developmental squad, be aware that you might need to find someone else for that roster slot, depending on his decision...

9. Bills: RB Gary Not On Trading Block

Clipped from: Buffalo News article by Allen Wilson

Contrary to rumors, the Buffalo Bills are not interested in trading running back Olandis Gary.

President and General Manager Tom Donahoe said following Saturday's preseason game against the St. Louis Rams there is no truth to a national sports Web site story that said Gary could be on the trading block.

"No, it's not true," Donahoe said.

The Bills seem to be well stocked at the position behind starter Travis Henry. Sammy Morris and Joe Burns have pushed Gary throughout training camp. The team also has first-round pick Willis McGahee, though he may not play this year due to his serious knee surgery.

However, it doesn't appear the Bills would consider trading Gary unless they could get a midround draft choice in exchange. A Gary trade also would be risky given the possibility that Henry could get hurt.

Henry left the game late in the first quarter Saturday with a sprained foot and left Ralph Wilson Stadium wearing a protective boot. The Bills said the injury is not serious.

Quality depth at the skill positions is very important given the prevalence of injuries in the NFL. Just ask the Indianapolis Colts, for example. Gary is probably going to stay right where he is for 2003, at least.

10. QB Rosenfels (Mia): Ready to Be #2 While Griese Heals?

Clipped from: Miami Herald article by Armando Salguero

Brian Griese was behind in his knowledge of the Dolphins offense when training camp opened, so he was trying to learn it on the run. But a toe-ligament injury that could keep him sidelined the next three games has slowed the backup quarterback to a tentative walk.

The injury will force Griese to miss the preseason finale against New Orleans on Thursday, and a source said Griese also likely would miss the first two regular-season games...

The team is moving on without Griese in the short term and promoting Rosenfels, who is scheduled to play "at least a half" against New Orleans, according to Wannstedt. The Dolphins are offering no clues about who would be the third-stringer -- the emergency QB usually inactive on Sundays -- for the regular season.

"We haven't decided with the quarterback thing, are we going to add somebody or not," Wannstedt said. "We're looking at the situation and talking about it, but no decision has been made yet. And we have no candidates."

Recently released Dallas quarterback Clint Stoerner is a remote possibility.

The Dolphins don't need another candidate to back up Fiedler. Rosenfels is elected, and the Dolphins think he's ready.

"I like his size, his arm strength and his ability to make quick decisions," club senior vice president Rick Spielman said. "Yes, he has all the physical tools, but he's got the mental tools to run our offense as well."

And that's exactly what he'll do after Fiedler yields the reins midway through the first quarter Thursday night.

"I think you're always showing coaches and players what you can do -- whether you're a first-year player or 15-year veteran," Rosenfels said. ". . . I feel I'm pretty well prepared for this situation."

Griese needed every rep he could get, and the Dolphins needed him to get them. Rosenfels started his career in Washington in 2001, so he's been around the pro game for a while. He was active for 4 games with Miami in 2002, and went 0/3 in his few snaps on the field. Lets' just say that he will benefit from the experience of playing time against New Orleans.

11. Eagles' RB Duce Staley: #3 on the Depth Chart

Clipped from: Philadelphia Daily News article by Les Bowen

Staley said he is "just here to play football now" and that he understands "the consequences of my acts" - that he might begin the season behind Correll Buckhalter and/or Brian Westbrook, the top two backs among those who reported on time. Staley said he wants to play in Thursday's exhibition finale against the visiting Jets and said there was "no question" he would be as committed to winning as ever.

"We'll see how things go here," Reid said, when asked about Staley's role.

"I'm here for my teammates," said Staley, 28, a three-time 1,000-yard rusher. "I owe those guys a lot...they've been out there working hard, those days [at Lehigh]. Now they're down here working hard. I'm glad to be back with them. Bobby [Taylor], Troy [Vincent] and Donovan and those guys have been very supportive. I just want to take a time out and tell them 'thank you' and apologize for putting them through what was going on."

Asked what he'd learned, Staley said: "I learned a lot. I missed my teammates more than ever. I learned that when you're dealing with your fans, you don't want to lose your fan base. I learned that with my Web site."

Staley released a statement there 3 weeks ago attempting to explain his position, and postings ran heavily negative.

Taylor, a cornerback whose contract also expires at the end of the season, sat out the team's final minicamp, as did Staley, in an attempt to get contract talks going. Taylor said yesterday that he made a point of speaking with Staley every day or two recently because he remembered how isolated he'd felt, sitting out the minicamp at home in Texas.

"It was tough on me not being here, just as much it was for my fellow teammates and coaches, not having me here," Taylor said. "It was a decision I made and I don't regret it. Probably the same with Duce...We welcome him with open arms, back into the team."

Taylor offered one possible silver lining.

"It looked like he had fresh legs, running around out there," Taylor said. "Playing running back, [missing much of camp] might have been a blessing in disguise."

That, of course, was one of the popular theories about Staley's absence - without a new contract, he'd decided he could do without the injury risk of two-a-day practices, until the regular season was in sight. Another theory was that Staley knew he wasn't getting a new deal and wanted to provoke a trade or release to a team that might be willing to talk contract.

In the end, though, Staley returned to the fold, probably in enough time to be sharp for the Sept. 8 season opener. In the locker room, no one seemed to mind one more day of Staley questions, since the end of the ordeal was at hand. Fullback Josh Parry did seem startled to emerge from the shower and find reporters lined up in a holding pattern around the locker next to his, the one with the "22" placard, which had been a quiet spot until yesterday.

"It's no distraction," wide receiver Freddie Mitchell said. "It's just like having an old friend come back."

Buckhalter, still regaining timing and touch after losing last season to knee surgery, doesn't seem to feel slighted by Staley's return.

"I shook his hand and hugged him," Buckhalter said. "I'm happy to see the guy. He's a guy that helped me out a lot when I came in as a rookie, somebody I still look up to."

Staley's relationship with Reid has shown signs of heavy stress before, most notably a year-and-a-half ago, when Reid got a letter from Staley's agent that Reid interpreted as expressing dissatisfaction, and the Eagles briefly wooed free agent Warrick Dunn as a replacement. How the coach and player will interact this season, how Staley will deal with a game in which he doesn't feel he was used properly, will be interesting to watch.

The final sentence of the clip, that states it will be interesting to watch how Reid and Staley interact this season, sums up the situation. It's not clear how long Staley will remain at #3 on the depth chart, or how willing Reid will be to work with the temperamental running back. Stay tuned, and pay attention to how Staley performs once he's back in on-field situations (and look for how many touches he is getting in the final pre-season contests). Right now, we project Buckhalter with 720 yards and 6 rushing TDs on 180 carries. We see him with 1 receiving TD. For Staley, we see 580 yards and 3 rushing TDs on 145 carries. Plus 2 receiving TDs. And we see Westbrook with 1 TD and 237 yards on 60 carries plus a receiving TD. For the Philadelphia team breakdown, click here http://footballguys.com/03phiproj1.cfm

12. QB Vinny Testaverde: Too Old for 16 Games?

Clipped from: Newsday.com editorial by Bob Glauber

The last time Vinny Testaverde was in a situation like this, he turned it into his signature moment.

Join us in the summer of 1998. Testaverde is the backup to Glenn Foley, the plucky Boston College quarterback anointed by Bill Parcells as the Jets' QB of the future. But Foley struggles through preseason, is benched in the first month of the season, and Testaverde goes on to have a career year.

If you are a Jets fan, you know the numbers by heart: 29 touchdowns, seven interceptions. And you know how close he was to getting the Jets to the Super Bowl. You can still see John Elway hitting Rod Smith on that post pattern, splitting the two-deep zone and breaking your heart.

Testaverde turned 35 that year, and his Jets career was in full bloom. The kid from Elmont who dreamed of becoming the next Joe Namath had turned into the next best thing. A year later, his Achilles snapped in two, and it's never been the same.

Now there is one more chance, one final opportunity to rekindle those cherished memories of '98. Chad Pennington is out for as long as three months - maybe the entire season - with a wrist injury, and Vinny gets to try again.

Don't get your hopes up.

This may be Testaverde's team again, but this is not the same quarterback we knew five years ago. He remains a well-respected field general who has the unquestioned loyalty of teammates and the support of his coaches. But age is an enemy he can no longer conquer. Not as a full-time starter.

Had Pennington survived the preseason and been able to continue the extraordinary work he began last year, Testaverde would have been the ultimate backup. Go in for a series or two if Pennington is dinged, and maybe even a game or two if Pennington suffers a mild injury, and you couldn't find a better man for the job. Ask for an entire season from Testaverde, and it is asking too much.

Even if Testaverde begs to differ.

"I feel like I'll be ready to go full speed and getting back to where I need to be to help this football team," he said. "It's not like I've got to prove to everybody that I can continue to be the player that I was. All I'm trying to do is be the best player I can be."

But is that player good enough to get the Jets where they want to be once Pennington is ready to return? If so, Testaverde will have pulled off a major upset. If the Jets are that good that late in the season, Herman Edwards would surely be careful about upsetting team chemistry by yanking Testaverde. The coach should only have such problems three months from now.

The loss of Pennington is a big blow to the Jets, no matter how you slice it. However, people have made a habit of counting Testaverde out many times during his career -- and he's still playing in the NFL. We think he'll be solid but unspectacular in his care-taking role -- 200/350 for 2328 yards, 13 touchdowns and 10 interceptions (with 13 rushes for 26 yards). More weight is riding on Curtis Martins' shoulders now, for certain...

13. QB Stewart (Chi): Trying to Calm Fans' Fears about 2003

Clipped from: Sun-Times article by Brad Biggs

The quickest way to ruin a defense is with a bad offense.

A large part of the Bears' undoing on defense last season was directly related to offensive doldrums. Last in the league in rushing, 28th in third-down efficiency and ninth from the bottom in plays run, coordinator Greg Blache's defense rarely had a chance to catch its breath and could rarely count on being bailed out.

There is a mounting concern that the ride is going to be rough again.

It is one thing to come away from exhibition games with losses. It is another to lose and look bad in many facets, as the Bears have.

While quarterback Kordell Stewart is doing his best to calm the masses during a 1-2 beginning that has been mostly rocky, the defense got a badly needed ray of hope with his 90-yard touchdown drive at the end of the first half in Friday's 27-17 loss to the Arizona Cardinals.

But how can so much hope be placed on one act? There will not be much time for adjustments, as coach Dick Jauron said the first team will play about a quarter in Wednesday's final exhibition against the host New England Patriots.

"Definitely, we needed to see that [drive]," defensive tackle Bryan Robinson said. "It makes us feel good when we see him rally. He had some adversity, and then he picks it back up. There's like a glue there. The offense is confident in him. We know he's going to add another 30 first downs for us. We believe that."

Stewart has been trying to calm anxious fans, but with dates against defending division champions in three of the first four games, patience may be a virtue that cannot be afforded. He spent Sunday taking over the role usually held by Blache as the resident psychologist.

"When you lose and situations come about, it's easy to sit here and be like, 'Oh my goodness, here we go again,"' Stewart said. "I'm not saying it has happened, but we don't want to allow that type of negative energy to sneak in because we have a strong team. We need to keep the confidence going, which we do have, and keep that swagger."

Stewart is talking the talk, but we remember what a streaky head-case he was during his years with the Steelers. The bottom line here is that not much is going right for the Bears' offense right now. Buyer Beware...

14. CB Chris Cash (Det): Out for the Season

Clipped from: mlive.com article by Tom Kowalski

Detroit Lions second-year cornerback Chris Cash suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during Saturday's preseason game and will be lost for the season.

Cash is just the latest in a long line of drafted Lions cornerbacks who have had their careers either ended or marred by injury. The most recent cornerback casualties are Terry Fair, a first-round pick in 1998, Bryant Westbrook, a first-round pick in 1997 and Kevin Abrams, a second-round pick that same season.

Fair and Abrams are currently out of football while Westbrook suffered another injury this preseason with the Green Bay Packers and is lost for the year. Westbrook was playing backup safety with the Packers because his previous injuries had diminished his speed.

Cash, a sixth-round pick last year who was expected to start at left cornerback, suffered the injury in the first quarter of Detroit's 38-17 victory over the Cleveland Browns. Cash also injured his medial collateral ligament, but that is expected to heal on its own within a couple of weeks. After that, Cash will undergo surgery to repair his ACL.

"He's a pretty disappointed guy," Lions head coach Steve Mariucci said.

If Cash is on your IDP squad, either stash him on the IR or cut him and find somebody else to fill the hole this opened on your roster.

15. QB Tim Couch: Looks Apathetic in Poor Performance as #2

Clipped from: News-Herald.com article by Jeff Schudel

Tim Couch has dead eyes, which is a whole lot different than being a deadeye passer.

"I'm going to support Kelly and be the best backup I can be," Couch said last Sunday when Coach Butch Davis named Kelly Holcomb the starting quarterback and Couch the backup for 2003.

Saturday night in Detroit was Couch's first chance to prove he meant what he said, and he failed miserably. He played the third quarter against the Lions and was on the field for three series. He played the first series with the starters.

His role as a backup began inauspiciously when he fumbled the snap from center Jeff Faine on his first play. He was not in the shotgun. He did not pull away early. He just didn't get the handoff from Faine.

Davis said the problem was the footballs were slick Saturday because the Lions did not rub them down properly. Couch wasn't the only quarterback who had problems holding the ball - Holcomb fumbled attempting to pass and so did Josh Booty.

But when Couch, always a tough player as a starter, did fumble, he did not dive for the ball. Instead, he watched James Jackson pounce on it to retain possession for the Browns.

"He's in a tough situation right now," tackle Ryan Tucker said. "His motivation probably isn't all there. You know what I'm saying? He's not the starter anymore. But he's still a professional. He was trying to do the right thing. It just didn't work out as well as planned."

The offense got the ball on the Browns' 20 on Couch's next chance. By then, he had the backup offensive line in front of him. The possession ended six plays later, when a pass Couch threw for Quincy Morgan was tipped by cornerback Blue Adams and picked off by Lamar Campbell.

Couch walked to the sideline listlessly. He has 74 teammates and roughly as many coaches, but at that moment he was as alone as Robinson Crusoe was on his little island.

No one talked to him. No one patted him on the back.

"It will take a week or two for Tim to get over it," Lions quarterback Ty Detmer, whom Couch replaced in 1999, said in the Detroit locker room. "That first week is not real fun. You deal with and get over it and start climbing the ladder again. He's a fighter. He'll be all right. He proved himself last year by winning seven of his last 10 games."

Couch needs to get his head back in the game -- other franchises are watching these contests and evaluating his prospects as their next starter. See the story above about Chicago...

16. Packers' OL: Shuffled Again

Clipped from: Green Bay News Chronicle

Green Bay's offensive line never was intact last year, and the Packers might start this season in makeshift mode again _ but not if Marco Rivera can help it.

The Pro Bowl right guard said Sunday he's been diagnosed with a torn medial collaterial ligament in his left knee _ his third torn MCL in 11 months _ and was told by team doctor Patrick McKenzie that he'd likely miss three to four weeks.

"But he said in my case it's day-to-day because I've proven them wrong before," said Rivera, who didn't miss a start after tearing his left MCL Sept. 22 against Detroit and his right MCL Nov. 17 against Minnesota.

The mitigating factor this time, however, is that he also has some muscle damage in the knee, Rivera said, "and that's why I was in so much pain."

Playing through torn MCL's earns Rivera tough guy points, but it isn't the best of all possible worlds for the performance of the player or his unit. The Packers wish they had more depth along the OL again this season...

17. Saints: Cutting Backup RB Keaton?

Clipped from: New Orleans Times-Picayune article by Brian Allee-Walsh

One potential roster casualty this week is backup running back Curtis Keaton, who was acquired from the Cincinnati Bengals for a fourth-round draft pick a year ago but has struggled to learn the playbook.

Keaton did not play against the 49ers. Newly signed running back Ki-Jana Carter, the No. 1 overall pick in the 1995 draft, took the bulk of snaps after starter Deuce McAllister left the game late in the third quarter.

Carter, whose most recent NFL stint came with the Washington Redskins in 2001, rushed eight times for 32 yards.

"I'm out here to make the roster," Carter said. "I'm out here to help take this team to the Super Bowl. I want to go out there and give the coaches confidence that if Deuce wants to take a breather, they can go to me and I'll pick up right where he left off.

"I know my role here. He's the man, and I'm just trying to get some playing time. Maybe I can give them a different dimension. He's a big, strong guy, and hopefully I can bring a lot more speed. Hopefully, we can have a nice combination like we had with Stephen Davis in Washington."

If Ki-Jana Carter ends up #2 in New Orleans, you know who to grab off the waiver wire if McAllister goes down. Keep an eye on this developing situation.

18. Cardinals' CB Duane Starks: Done For Season?

Clipped from: Arizona Republic article by Kent Somers

Starting cornerback Duane Starks could miss the season after suffering a sprained left knee in a 27-17 victory over Chicago on Friday night.

Backup defensive tackle Marcus Bell is expected to be out two to three weeks with a sprained medial collateral ligament in his right knee. That means he's likely to miss the season opener at Detroit on Sept. 7.

That, however, was good news compared with Starks' situation. The results of his magnetic resonance imaging test don't "look so good," coach Dave McGinnis said.

"We don't know the full extent of it," he said.

Team officials would not reveal the specifics of the injury, but there was an ominous tone to their comments Sunday.

Starks was not available for comment. His agent, Drew Rosenhaus, said Dr. John Uribe, an orthopedic surgeon in the Miami area, would "look at some of the MRIs to confirm the extent of the damage."

Rosenhaus also declined to specify the nature of the injury, saying only that it was serious.

With Starks out, Renaldo Hill moves into the starting lineup. But he missed last week's game with a sore ankle. The fourth cornerback is Coby Rhinehart.

It sounds like Starks blew out his knee. If he was on your IDP roster, you'll need to find a replacement for him. Wait for official confirmation, but things don't sound good at all.

19. WR Andre Rison: Rejoining Gruden in Tampa?

Clipped from: Bradenton.com article by Staff

A 36-year-old, 12-year NFL veteran, who has been out of the league for two full seasons, could snatch away a roster spot as early as this week if head coach Jon Gruden likes what he sees in a scheduled workout at One Buccaneer Place.

Gruden announced Sunday that Andre Rison, who played for Gruden when the two were with the Oakland Raiders, would get a chance to show what he's got left. Rison is expected to work out today, some time before the Bucs' regular practice, scheduled for 1 p.m.

"He's a guy that has had great production in the NFL," Gruden said. "He's interested in playing and we're going to look at him."

Tampa Bay's top three wideouts (Keyshawn Johnson, Keenan McCardell and Joe Jurevicius) are locks to make the team's 53-man regular season roster. Karl Williams, who is Tampa Bay's all-time leading punt returner, appears safe.

"We like Karl Williams because day-to-day-to-day he has backed it up," Gruden said. "He's been consistent. He knows where to go and what to do, and he does it well. He's a factor in our kicking game. He's a guy who catches punts and can make plays. After that, it's very competitive."

Receivers like Reggie Barlow, Charles Lee and Jacquez Green, all fighting for the fifth job, could be in jeopardy with the potential signing of Rison. Barlow appears to hold a slight edge over the rest.

Andre Rison was once a very productive NFL wideout. How much gas he has left in the tank remains to be seen, however. Hopefully, he will remember to install a sprinkler system in his house if he moves to the Tampa area...

20. Rams: 2 More Players Go Down -- WR Curtis and S Herring

Clipped from: Stltoday.com article by Jim Thomas

What first appeared to be an inconsequential kick in the calf for Kevin Curtis turned into a kick in the gut for coach Mike Martz.

Immediately after the Rams' 28-24 preseason loss Saturday to Buffalo, Martz told the media that Curtis might miss Thursday's preseason finale against Kansas City with what by all accounts was a minor injury.

But the outlook changed dramatically over the next half hour, just before the team left for the Buffalo airport and the flight back to St. Louis.

"I was the last one on the bus," Martz said. "And before I got on the bus, the doctor (team physician Matt Matava) grabbed me and showed me the X-ray. It was fractured. They just thought it was a bruise. He was up and walking around, and seemed to be fine."

Not so. Curtis, the rookie wide receiver from Utah State, has a fractured fibula - a non weight-bearing bone in the lower leg. No surgery is necessary, but Curtis will be sidelined for four to six weeks.

"Everybody heals at different speeds," Martz said. But few receivers in the NFL run at Curtis' speed. Of all the young receivers in Rams camp, Curtis had enjoyed the best preseason. Despite missing more than a week of practice early in training camp with a quad injury, Curtis had taken hold of the No. 3 wide receiver spot behind Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt.

Through three preseason games, he's the Rams leader in reception yards (175) and is tied with Torry Holt for the lead in receptions (nine). One of those catches Saturday went for 66 yards and a touchdown against the Bills.

All of which made Saturday's unexpected dose of bad news tough to take for Martz.

"It's a shame," Martz said. "He was having such a terrific preseason and had been playing so well. It was hard to take. I was just so excited about him. I just know how he's going to fit for us."

Now that will have to wait until the end of September or early October. But it has been that kind of preseason for the Rams, because Curtis was just the latest to go down. About 2 1/2 hours earlier, safety Kim Herring suffered a fractured forearm running down field on kickoff coverage at the start of the game.

Herring had surgery Sunday morning, and will be out for the better part of two months. The Rams hope to have him back in time for their Oct. 13 Monday night contest against Atlanta.

The Rams already had 15 players scratched for the game because of injuries. So after adding Herring and Curtis to the list, no wonder Martz strongly advocated a reduction in the number of preseason games.

Both losses are major blows to the Rams. Curtis was really showing promise in the Rams #3 WR role (the one that Terence Wilkins couldn't handle last year), and Herring was a key, veteran part of the defensive backfield.

21. RB Rashaan Salaam: Comeback With 49'ers Over

Clipped from: Mercury News article by Dennis Georgatos

Former Heisman Trophy winner Rashaan Salaam's bid to revive his NFL career was halted Sunday, when he was among eight players released by the 49ers.

The 49ers have until Tuesday to make seven more moves to meet a 65-player roster limit.

Salaam, 28, who was trying to return after a two-year absence from the game, had 70 yards in 22 attempts in three exhibitions with the 49ers.

Coach Dennis Erickson said that although Salaam had a solid training camp, the odds were against him because he was trying to land a job with a team that was already loaded at running back.

"I think he can play at this level in the right situation. It was just a numbers game for us," Erickson said. "He's battled back, and hopefully the opportunity we gave him will get someone else to take a look at him."

Salaam won the Heisman as a junior at Colorado in 1994 and then joined the Chicago Bears as their first-round pick. After he gained 1,074 yards as a rookie in 1995, his productivity slipped dramatically.

He didn't play for Chicago after suffering a season-ending right leg fracture and torn ankle ligaments in 1997. He spent time with the Raiders, Cleveland and Green Bay in 1999 and played for Memphis during the XFL's only season in 2001.

Scratch Salaam off your list of deep-sleepers unless he lands somewhere interesting...

22. Patriots: Cut RB Redmond, Keep WR Patten

Clipped from: Boston Herald article by Kevin Mannix

Yesterday running back J.R. Redmond, a star of the playoffs during the Super Bowl season, was told his services no longer are required at Gillette Stadium.

Though it's unlikely, another veteran or two could get a similar call in the next two days. One thing is clear. It won't be David Patten, the veteran wide receiver and resident deep threat.

He no longer is on the various "Goner Pools" that pop up around NFL teams at this time of year. A couple of weeks ago, he was a prominent pick, right there with Redmond.

An uneventful first couple of weeks of training camp was followed by an even more quiet preseason opener (no catches against the Giants). That's all it took - that and the fact the Pats seemed to be focusing their offseason efforts on adding small, quick receivers like Patten to their roster.

They used a second-round draft pick on speedster Bethel Johnson, and acquired veteran Dedrick Ward as a free agent. In addition to being similar in skill and age (Patten just turned 29, Ward will be 29 next month) and stature (5-foot-9, 187 pounds to Patten's 5-10, 190), Ward also is familiar with the Patriots system, having learned it when he was with the Jets with current Pats coaches Bill Belichick and Charlie Weis.

Ward also plays special teams while Patten doesn't. Participation in the kicking game is always the first tiebreaker in any competition.

With Patten and Ward and Troy Brown and Johnson and Deion Branch and David Givens, the Pats seemed to have one receiver too many.

That might still be the case, but after what Patten has done recently, he's set. In the past two games, he's come through with seven catches for 176 yards and three touchdowns, one an 85-yard bomb.

Defensive back Ty Law, for one, has not been surprised by what he's seen of Patten in the past two games.

"Think about the big plays he's made in the last two years," Law said.

"His play speaks for itself. He always seems to come through in the clutch making big plays in big games. You always have Troy Brown as the go-to guy with 6-8 catches a game. And then David will hit you with the big catches. He might only have two or three, but they're going to be big. And more than likely they'll be touchdowns."

Patten doesn't concern himself with speculation about his future. He can't control it so he doesn't worry about it.

"You get competition every year and there's always going to be media speculation," the veteran said. "The bottom line is that (Belichick) told us he'd give everybody an opportunity to make plays and the guys who give him the best chance to win will play. When they call my number, I hope to put something good up.

"From Day One since they brought me here and gave me an opportunity to make plays, I've proven myself. They know what I can do and now it's a matter of my continuing to perform when I'm asked to make a play. I just want to stay on an even keel and stay humble and work hard."

Like Brown, Patten thinks this current group of receivers has potential. Now they need to produce.

As we said a few weeks ago, Patten has that most-important of qualities -- speed to burn. We like him to grab 53/673/4 during the 2003 season, putting him at 55 on our wide receiver board. Go here to see all our projections on wide receivers (http://www.footballguys.com/03wrproj1.cfm).

23. Panthers: Waive RB Skip Hicks

Clipped from: GoPBI.com AP article

The Carolina Panthers waived nine players Monday, including veteran cornerback Emmanuel McDaniel and running back Skip Hicks.

Skip Hicks might wind up somewhere else as a reserve.

24. Jags' New Kicker: Seth Marler

Clipped from: GoPBI.com AP article

Seth Marler won the Jacksonville Jaguars' placekicking job for the time being as the team cut 10 players, including kickers Danny Boyd and James Tuthill.

Marler, a rookie from Tulane, solidified his spot on the team after converting two field goals against Tampa Bay on Saturday, including a 55-yard field goal.

If your league has a rookie roster and you anticipate a need at kicker in the future, you might want to stash Marler (if Josh Brown is already taken, that is).

25. LB Romanowski: Suspended for a Practice By Raiders

Clipped from: GoPBI.com AP article

Oakland Raiders linebacker Bill Romanowski was suspended from Monday's practice and fined an undisclosed amount after breaking teammate Marcus Williams' nose during a fight in practice a day earlier.

Raiders coach Bill Callahan said no criminal charges will be pursued over the scuffle, which occurred during a pratice drill _ though Williams reportedly called Alameda police after the incident. Williams was treated at a local hospital and released Sunday night.

Romanowski plays mad, and has a nasty streak on top for good measure. He's our 56th ranked LB prospect for 2003. Go here to see all our LB projections (http://www.footballguys.com/03lbproj1a.cfm).

26. Jags Shop Brunell to NYJ: NYJ "No Thanks"

Clipped from: ESPN.com article by Len Pasquarelli

Even as Jacksonville Jaguars officials remain purposely vague about the status of quarterback Mark Brunell, and tap-danced around the issue of job security as the regular season approaches, there was yet another indication on Monday that they might consider ending the 10-year veteran's tenure with the club.

League sources confirmed to ESPN.com that a high-ranking Jaguars personnel official phoned the New York Jets on Monday to see if they might be interest in adding Brunell through a trade. The Jets apparently said they were not interested in such a deal.

But the mere fact the Jaguars attempted to initiate trade talks, or simply inquired about outside interest in Brunell, did not augur well for his future. There are some within the Jacksonville organization who feel the team would be better served cutting ties to Brunell as they did with coach Tom Coughlin, and rebuilding with a younger quarterback.

ESPN's Chris Mortensen also reported that Brunell was offered to the Cowboys and Ravens, who also declined.

The Jaguars invested their first-round pick in this year's draft on Byron Leftwich. And second-year quarterback David Garrard, who has performed well in camp, might be one of the NFL's most improved players this summer.

It appears that Brunell may be on the way out sooner than most people expected. Our contacts in Jacksonville say it'll be Byron Leftwich sooner rather than later. Stay tuned if you have Brunell on your roster -- and don't pull the trigger on him in a draft while his future as the starter in Jacksonville is so vague.

That'll do it for tonight Folks. See you tomorrow with the update.