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Footballguys.com Daily Email Update
Volume 4 Issue # 102
August 26, 2003 
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

1. Redskins Acquire DT Lional Dalton From Denver
2. QB Akili Smith: Not a Packer Anymore
3. Cowboys OL: Starting C Johnson Gone for Season on IR
4. TE Roland Williams (Oak): Released
5. WR James Jett(Buf): Released
6. QB Griese (Mia): More Bad News on the Toe Injury
7. WR Hilliard (NYG): Getting in the Groove
8. WR Thrash (Phi): Cautious Optimism on Quick Return
9. RB Thomas (Chi): Not Too Good
10. QB Harrington (Det): Gaining Confidence
11. WR Trevor Gaylor (Atl): Cut
12. QB Randy Fasani (Car): To Be Cut?
13. WR Lelie (Den): Starting Spot from the Get-Go?
14. OT Orlando Pace (Stl): Back With Team
15. QB Plummer (Den): Mile-High Debut Streaky
16. Youth Movement Among SF DB's: Weary, Frost Cut
17. Chargers Add Veteran RB Leon Johnson
18. Dallas Offense: To Be Tailored for QB Carter
19. DT Chad Eaton (Sea): Out for Season
20. RB Foster (Car): Preseason Debut
21. TE Johnson (SF): Out 10-12 Weeks, No IR
22. NOT REAL -Tony Gonzalez Punk'd Link - NOT REAL 

Hi Folks,

Thanks to Footballguy Mark Wimer for rounding these stories up. Big news today of course is the Tony Gonzalez injury. Stay tuned as we should know more on Wednesday. In the meantime, I'd drop him down a few slots though. And for you guys who like to toy with the other owners in your league you might have some fun with the Gonzalez punk'd link on story # 22 (Not that we'd ever condone that type of thing...)

Joe

1. Redskins Acquire DT Lional Dalton From Denver

Clipped from: ESPN.com article by Len Pasquarelli

For the second time in a week, the Redskins have acquired a veteran player for their depleted defensive tackle corps, obtaining Lional Dalton from the Denver Broncos for a 2004 draft pick, ESPN.com has learned.

The Redskins on Tuesday morning aced out the Kansas City Chiefs for Dalton, a six-year veteran who's been on the trade block for more than a week. After much deliberation, Denver elected not to trade Dalton to a division rival, providing the Redskins with an edge in negotiations.

Denver will receive a fifth-round choice in return for Dalton, but only if he plays 40 percent of the defensive snaps this season. If he falls shy of that threshold, the choice is reduced to a seventh-round pick. Washington last week acquired tackle Martin Chase from New Orleans for a conditional seventh-round pick that can escalate to a sixth-round choice if he plays 40 percent of the snaps.

The Chiefs had offered a "solid" fifth-round pick, with no conditions, for Dalton. It is believed that Dalton agreed to reduce his scheduled base salary of $1.6 million to help facilitate his trade to the Redskins.

The acquisition of Dalton, who was informed nearly two weeks ago that he would be either traded or released, is contingent upon him passing a physical examination. Dalton, 28, was en route to Washington on Tuesday morning. He probably will play nose tackle for the Redskins.

When Brandon Noble went down, and Dan Wilkinson released but not re-signed, the Redskins' DL was suddenly in big trouble. We'll see how fast the coaching staff can get Dalton and Chase up to speed on their defensive scheme.

2. QB Akili Smith: Not a Packer Anymore

Clipped from: GoPBI.com AP article

Akili Smith, the third overall pick in the 1999 NFL draft, was cut by the Green Bay Packers Tuesday

Smith, one of five quarterbacks chosen in the first round four years ago, never established himself with Cincinnati, which took him after two other QBs--Tim Couch and Donovan McNabb.

He was released earlier this year and signed with the Packers in hopes of re-starting a career that suffered when the downtrodden Bengals kept changing quarterbacks.

The Packers also cut Tyrone Davis, who started 27 games for them at tight end since 1997 and caught 71 passes for 780 yards and 13 touchdowns. His best season was in 1998, when he caught seven touchdown passes.

He has been plagued by injuries during the last several seasons and hurt a knee in this year's preseason opener and did not play since then.

Two other veteran tight ends were also cut--Luther Broughton and Cory Geason.

Looks like Akili Smith will have to look elsewhere to resurrect his career. Also, the tandem of Bubba Franks and Wesley Walls have cemented their hold on #1 and #2 with the TE cuts.

Cowboys OL: Starting C Johnson Gone for Season on IR

Clipped from: GoPBI.com AP article

The Dallas Cowboys placed rookie center Al Johnson on injured reserve Tuesday. Johnson, a second-round pick and projected starter, had surgery Aug. 8 to repair cartilage in his right knee. The 6-foot-6, 305-pound lineman had been hurt in practice a week earlier.

The Cowboys also said that rookie running back ReShard Lee would either be placed on injured reserve or be given an injury-settlement release. had knee surgery last week after being injured in a preseason game against Houston.

Also, cornerback Derek Ross is scheduled to have knee surgery Thursday. He is expected to return this season.

The Johnson move has been expected since the surgery, but the Cowboys were hoping that he might be able to go at some point this year. Instead, they will have to go with Matt Lehr and Gennaro DiNapoli at center.

4. TE Roland Williams (Oak): Released

Clipped from: Contra Costa Times article by Steve Corkran

On Monday, tight end Roland Williams got released after spending the past month on the physically-unable-to-perform list and never regaining full health in his left knee.

Roland Williams spent the past two seasons as the Raiders' starting tight end. However, the emergence of then-rookie Doug Jolley last season and the standout play of rookie Teyo Johnson during training camp made Roland Williams expendable.

"It's unfortunate I can't be a Raider anymore," he said after informing the media late Monday afternoon. He said senior assistant Bruce Allen delivered the news, long after Raiders coach Bill Callahan addressed the media during his daily session.

Teyo Johnson has looked great in camp - if you need a TE for your dynasty or keeper league, he appears to be a solid play. Jolley will do his best to hang onto the #1 spot, but Johnson's play has been exceptional. Keep an eye on this developing situation if you have Doug Jolley on your roster.

5. WR James Jett (Buf): Released

Clipped from: Democrat and Chronicle AP article

Receiver James Jett was one of five players released by the Buffalo Bills on Monday, a day before NFL teams had to reach the 65-man roster limit.

Jett appeared in two of Buffalo's three preseason games, but had no receptions. Competing for the Bills' fourth or fifth receiver spot, he proved expendable with the emergence of rookies Clarence Coleman and Antonio Brown.

"We've got some young receivers that stepped up so we've got to make sure that we're making the right decisions long-term on some of those guys," coach Gregg Williams said. " And they deserve to be around here for another week or two."

Jett has one of the best-ever last names for a NFL wide-out. However, he was a long-shot to be a fantasy factor in 2003. If you play in a dynasty or keeper league, pay attention to whether Coleman or Brown make the team - they should be available cheap if you have space on your developmental squad and have a need at WR.

6. QB Griese (Mia): More Bad News on the Toe Injury

Clipped from: Sun-Sentinel.com article by Alex Marvez

At least for the early part of the season, the Dolphins had better hope quarterbacks Jay Fiedler and Sage Rosenfels don't get injured in the same game.

An NFL source said Tuesday that backup quarterback Brian Griese will miss up to a month with ligament damage in his left big toe. Under a worst-case scenario, Griese wouldn't dress for the first three games, home against Houston (Sept. 7), at the New York Jets (Sept. 14) and home against Buffalo (Sept. 21).

The Dolphins, confident enough in Griese's projected recovery time and Rosenfels' ability as backup, don't plan to add another quarterback to the 53-man roster.

Until Griese returns, rookie linebacker Corey Jenkins is expected to be the emergency quarterback. He played at quarterback the first 10 games of his senior year at South Carolina until shifted to defense.

If Fiedler goes down, there will be problems in Miami. Rosenfels has thrown 3 passes in the regular season, completing 0. Fantasy owners with Dolphins on their teams should cross their fingers and toes that Fiedler is a picture of health until Griese makes it back.

7. WR Hilliard (NYG): Getting in the Groove

Clipped from: Newsday.com article by Neil Best

The dramatic part was the long, lonely run that produced an 88-yard touchdown play. If it had been the regular season, it would have been the Giants' longest pass in 31 years and fourth longest ever.

The real news in Ike Hilliard's big play Saturday against the Jets, though, was in how it started. As usual, he was working the middle, found a crease between the cornerback and safety and gave the quarterback an inviting target.

That often is Hilliard's role in the Giants' versatile offense, and it was missing in the last nine games of 2002 after he suffered severe shoulder and chest injuries against the Eagles Oct. 28. The fact he already is back to making vintage Hilliard plays is one of the most positive developments this summer.

"He's a great one-on-one operator," coach Jim Fassel said. "Really fluid, very easy for the quarterback to locate."

Hilliard also is smart and instinctive, which long has made him a favorite of Kerry Collins. He finished with seven receptions Saturday for 150 yards - nine yards more than his regular-season high. The longest regular-season pass of his career covered 59 yards.

Hilliard could be flying below the radar in some drafts, due to his injury plagued season in 2002. We like him to do well in 2003, with 63/888/4, putting him at #39 on our wide receivers' board. Go Here (http://www.footballguys.com/03wrproj1.cfm) for all of our WR projections.

8. WR Thrash (Phi): Cautious Optimism on Quick Return

Clipped from: Philadelphia Inquirer article by Ashley McGeachey Fox

There was Thrash yesterday, back cutting across the middle of the practice field, a diagnosed concussion so mild that he was back in action.

"I feel great," Thrash said after going through noncontact drills and catching a few passes in moderate traffic. "I feel really good, as well as can be expected."

Despite his concussion and neck sprain, Thrash remembered most of the play that could have cost him more than a few headaches. He remembered Law taking his legs out from under him. He remembered trying to lie still, so as not to aggravate any possible injuries.

And he remembered his wife joining him in the training room while he underwent X-rays.

But Thrash has not watched the play on tape and does not plan to do so anytime soon.

"I don't want to see it right now," he said. "It really wasn't too scary for me, just because I'm confident in the fact that I know God has me covered. I know I'm here right now because of Him, and I know I'm healed because of Him."

Maybe so, but the Eagles likely will not take many chances with Thrash. He went through some drills yesterday but stood holding his helmet on the sideline for many others. On one play, he caught a nice 15-yard pass from McNabb along the right sideline. He drew some contact from his defensive teammates, although not much.

It's great to hear that Thrash was not seriously injured. Neck injuries are always scary moments - you can breathe a sigh of relief if Thrash was already on your roster.

9. RB Thomas (Chi): Not Too Good

Clipped from: ChicagoSports.com AP article by Rick Gano

With one preseason game remaining, the Bears still don't know much about their running game.

They can't really answer if Anthony Thomas will return to his form of two seasons ago when he rushed for more than 1,000 yards and was named the NFL offensive rookie of the year.

Why? Bears coach Dick Jauron said the offense has been concerned with adapting to the more mobile style of new quarterback Kordell Stewart than it is with running the ball during exhibition games.

Thomas, who fell off considerably last season - from 1,183 yards to 721 - behind an ever-shifting offensive line, has only carried nine times in the first three exhibition games.

How many can he expect Wednesday against New England?

"No number is too many for us. I'll go with what the coaches say and do what they think is best," Thomas said after a sweltering practice Monday at Halas Hall.

"We thought we had to do a lot of things offensively with Kordell and with our team and we felt we would not be running the ball an awful lot in the preseason," Jauron said.

"We felt the most critical part was to get a feel for Kordell and I think that's gone fairly well."

In three preseason games, the Bears have run the ball just 67 times and nine of those were by quarterbacks.

Thomas had three carries for 12 yards in a loss at Arizona and he's expected to alternate in the first half with Adrian Peterson during the finale against the Patriots.

If it walks like a chicken, and squawks like a chicken, chances are you are looking at a chicken. This situations looks like a running-back-by-committee, and is being carried forward into the final pre-season game like a running-back-by-committee. We have Thomas down for 225/878/5 rushing and 21/141/1 receiving, while Peterson should grab away about 90/360/2 rushing and 10/63 receiving. Those projections rank Thomas at #27 on our RB board, and Peterson at #47.

10. QB Harrington (Det): Gaining Confidence

Clipped from: Detroit News article by Mike O'Hara

Joey Harrington is experiencing the luxury of being a veteran quarterback with job security.

And because of that, his focus for Thursday night's final exhibition at Buffalo will be on getting ready for the Lions' regular-season opener against Arizona. Playing the Bills is a tuneup.

It was different last year, when Harrington was a rookie and there was no established timetable for when he would take charge.

This year, Harrington has known from Day 1 that he would be the starter.

Although the Lions still have some issues to resolve on offense against the Bills, finding their starting quarterback is not one of them.

Now, it's a matter of Harrington getting his game, and the offense, in shape to play the ones that count.

"Polish," Harrington said after practice Monday. "We do a really good job of improving week to week. By our third game, we put things together. We felt comfortable. We felt pretty good out there. This last week is polishing things up as we go into the regular season.

"Things are becoming more consistent. We know who's going to be in there each play. I really benefit from that. I'm starting to get the feel of how everybody runs their routes. I'm starting to pick up on how Billy (Schroeder) runs his routes and how Charles (Rogers) runs his routes. That's something we didn't have last year. We didn't have that consistency."

Harrington performance in Saturday's 38-17 victory over the Browns appears to have put him at ease somewhat.

He played well, finishing 15-for-20 for 184 yards. He threw a touchdown on a fourth-down play, when Coach Steve Mariucci bypassed a short field goal to see how Harrington would react under pressure. On his last possession of the half, Harrington completed three passes to move the offense 56 yards in three plays in only 20 seconds.

Harrington has insisted throughout training camp and the exhibition season that he was not concerned that his completion percentage wasn't as high as he wanted it to be.

Harrington is entering the season with valuable experience, and a flashy new WR in Rogers. We think he'll be adequate (from the fantasy perspective) in 2003, passing for 302 completions on 535 attempts for 3,424 yards, 20 TD's and 17 Ints, while adding 15 rushes for 23 yards and a score on the ground. That's #23 on our QB board, making Harrington a possibility as your franchises' #2 QB, depending on the size of your league.

11. WR Trevor Gaylor (Atl): Cut

Clipped from: Journal-Constitution article by Matt Winkeljohn

The fact that the Falcons waived fourth-year wide receiver Trevor Gaylor Monday wasn't a shock, but the timing was a little surprising. It seemed more likely that the 6-foot-3, 195-pound receiver would at least make it to the final rounds of cut, set for Sunday.

Gaylor, acquired by trade last year from San Diego for the Falcons' seventh-round pick in the 2004 draft, played in 13 games last season, starting two, and caught 25 passes for 385 yards and three touchdowns, all career highs.

But with several young wide receivers on the roster whom team officials believe will improve steadily, there was enough concern that Gaylor had reached a plateau. Inconsistent days in training camp hurt him as well. He also dropped at least two passes in Friday's 30-21 loss at Miami, and Gaylor's performance on special teams didn't help.

He wasn't waived with eight other players Sunday because team officials were busy trying to find a team interested in trading the Falcons a low-round draft choice for Gaylor. He's now subject to being claimed on waivers by another team.

"You look at third and fourth receivers [on the roster], and those guys have got to be special teams guys," said coach Dan Reeves. "We felt like we had guys playing better at receiver, and better on special teams. And he's a veteran guy . . . so you give him a chance [to catch on with another team].".

The Falcons now have eight wide receivers. They'll probably keep five.

Starters Peerless Price and Brian Finneran are locks, and Quentin McCord is a strong candidate to be the No. 3 wideout. After that, rookies Jon Olinger, LaTarence Dunbar and Terrence Edwards are competing with veterans MarTay Jenkins and Jimmy Farris for spots.

Even though Michael Vick is out until at least October, back-up Doug Johnson can throw the ball very well until Vick gets better. Don't be afraid to go with Price or Finneran just because Vick is injured.

12. QB Randy Fasani (Car): To Be Cut?

Clipped from: Charlotte Observer article by Stan Olson

Quarterback Randy Fasani, who sparkled during last year's preseason but never was able to translate that into regular-season success, was expected to be added to the list of nine players trimmed from the Carolina Panthers roster Monday.

The Panthers, who must reduce their roster from 85 to 71 by 4 p.m. today, began the pruning process early, and the most notable name to fall was Fasani.

"We're probably going to make a roster move with him; the exact wording of it right now, we haven't clarified," coach John Fox said after Monday's practice. "So that'll be something that we're going to work through."

Asked if that meant Fasani, who was not at practice, was no longer on the team, Fox said, "More than likely, he'll involve a roster move. Exactly the description of it, we don't know yet."

His release is expected to be announced today.

Fasani, who had been bothered recently by shoulder tendinitis, tried three passes and completed none in this year's exhibitions.

He rushed three times for 29 yards.

The writing was on the wall when the team brought in Jake Delhomme. Fasani just never got off the ground in Carolina. If he's on your dynasty or keeper league rookie squad, cut him and find someone else to plug in at that spot.

Update

The Carolina Panthers cut quarterback Randy Fasani and tight end Keith Heinrich and placed three others on injured reserve Tuesday.

Wide receiver Nathan Black, defensive tackle Josh Taves and wide receiver Terrence Wilkins were placed on injured reserve.

13. WR Lelie (Den): Starting Spot from the Get-Go?

Clipped from: Rocky Mountain News article by Paul Willis

For years, Ed McCaffrey's name has been etched in stone as a starting wide receiver for the Denver Broncos.

This season, he remains the starter, but his name is now penned in dry-erase marker.

McCaffrey has started all three of the Broncos preseason games, but it is getting considerably more difficult for Broncos coach Mike Shanahan to ignore the talents of second-year speedster Ashley Lelie.

It was Lelie who turned in the signature moment of the preseason for the Broncos offense when he made a highlight-reel catch for a 55-yard touchdown in the first quarter of Monday night's 28-23 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Lelie streaked down the right sideline and turned around just in time to snare an on-the-money pass from quarterback Jake Plummer.

"It's good to get in with the first team and actually catch passes from the starter and make that connection," Lelie said.

It's only a matter of time until Lelie steps into the #2 role. It may not happen opening day, but soon afterward. In any case, we think Lelie will be the #2 WR in Denver in terms of fantasy points, whether or not he is technically listed as a starter. 55/825/5 is where we expect him to stand after the dust settles - the #36 WR among all fantasy wide-outs, a marginal #3 for your squad, or a solid #4 player to bring off the bench when #3 faces a tough matchup.

14. OT Orlando Pace (Stl): Back With Team

Clipped from: StLToday.com article by Jim Thomas

Holdout tackle Orlando Pace signed a one-year contract at the franchise tender offer of $5.73 million today.

He practiced with the Rams this afternoon for the first time this year.

This is great news for Warner, as Pace is an All-Pro talent protecting Warner's blind side.

15. QB Plummer (Den): Mile-High Debut Streaky

Clipped from: Rocky Mountain News article by Lynn DeBruin

Jake Plummer's home debut with the Denver Broncos at Invesco Field at Mile High was about as mixed as his team's overall performance.

"Obviously, you want to be perfect," Plummer said. "There's always a few plays you want back. We moved the ball, but we keep finding ways to shoot ourselves in the foot."

The end result was a 28-23 preseason loss to the Indianapolis Colts.

"Sloppy," coach Mike Shanahan said, using the word at least four times.

Tight end Shannon Sharpe was harsher on the offense.

"If we walk off the field with less than 30 points, we should be ashamed. We have too much talent," Sharpe said. "I'm not making any excuses. We didn't play very well."

Asked if he was concerned that Plummer can run hot and cold, Sharpe bristled. "Our football team is running hot and cold. I'm concerned. But we have a short week and we have to get ready to redeem ourselves," he said.

Plummer looked pretty sharp, for a pre-season game. We think "the Snake" will be a solid #2 for almost any fantasy franchise, with 292/505 for 3,490 yards, 20 TD's and 19 Int's, along with 45 rushes for 180 yards and 1 score. That's good enough for #18 on our QB board.

16. Youth Movement Among SF DB's: Weary, Frost Cut

Clipped from: Sacramento Bee article by Matthew Barrows

The 49ers' ax fell on veterans Fred Weary and Scott Frost on Monday as the team cut another six players to meet the league-mandated 65-player deadline today.

Frost, also a six-year veteran, was a victim of the team's depth at safety. In addition to starters Tony Parrish and Zack Bronson, three other safeties -- Ronnie Heard, John Keith and newcomer Dwaine Carpenter -- all were ahead of Frost on the team's depth chart.

Looks like the Niners are comfortable with their young talent in the backfield. They'll need plenty if they are going to run with Holt, Bruce and company in the NFC West this season.

17. Chargers Add Veteran RB Leon Johnson

Clipped from: GoPBI.com AP article

The San Diego Chargers signed running back Leon Johnson to a one-year contract Tuesday, then released 10 players as they reduced their roster to 68.

Johnson played with the New York Jets from 1997-99 and the Chicago Bears in 2001-2002. He signed with St. Louis as an unrestricted free agent this offseason but was released by the Rams on Monday.

Johnson has played primarily as a punt and kickoff returner. He's averaged 10.2 yards on 109 career punt returns and 22.2 yards on 51 career kickoff returns.

He's made seven career starts at running back.

Behind LaDainian Tomlinson there is a bunch of very young, inexperienced backs led by Jesse Chatman, an undrafted free agent the team acquired in 2002. Everyone else joined the team this year, and all of them are undrafted free agent rookies. Therefore, adding a veteran back with starting experience just makes sense for the Chargers. He'll help season the youngsters who manage to stick, and gives the team a "Plan B" if Tomlinson has to leave a game for some reason or other during the season (or in case of injury).

18. Dallas Offense: To Be Tailored for QB Carter

Clipped from: Star-Telegram article by Jim Reeves

The Cowboys began tailoring their offense to Carter's abilities this week. If you are for some reason foolishly expecting a sleek, powerful sports car of an offense, think your granddad's old four-door Buick instead.

"The days of just being able to line up and roll over the top of people, with all the multiple fronts you're seeing and all the heavy blitzing, are over," Parcells said. "A lot of defenses these days will try to outnumber you in certain areas consistently, and sometimes that winds up being a guessing game and it's either outhouse or castle at the end of the day.

"That does not lead to consistency in controlling the ball. There has to be a mixture now of run and pass that becomes efficient -- efficient in the running game, efficient in the play-action, efficient in your drive-starting plays."

Now that Carter has won the job by default from Chad Hutchinson, the Cowboys hope to cash in on his unique skills, Parcells said.

"We do see some things that he does well. He, obviously, throws pretty well on the run," Parcells said. "He has the ability to improvise some. I don't think he's looking to improvise all the time, but he has that innate ability and that can be an advantage for us.

"It's how he goes about doing it that needs a little work. He does let the ball dangle at times; he doesn't get two hands on the ball occasionally. He got out of some pretty bad trouble the other night twice, things I didn't think he would get out of, but he did." What worries Parcells are the mistakes that a young quarterback sometimes makes in the middle of improvisation.

"Some players are unable to avoid the impulsive decision in the process of escaping, and I want him to avoid impulse," Parcells said. "Run or throw it away, but don't just heave it in the middle of the field.".

Once Parcells had settled on Carter as his quarterback, he and offensive coordinator Maurice Carthon and quarterbacks coach Sean Payton began whittling down the Cowboys' offense to best suit Q's style.

You're not alone in wondering just what that style is, but expect more of what you saw against the Steelers last week, when Carter's longest pass went for 13 yards. It's going to be dink, dunk and duck.

Galloway and Bryant owners everywhere are cringing at the notion of a "dink, dunk, and duck" offense in Dallas this season. Stay tuned, and pay attention to what Carter does in the final pre-season game vs. Oakland.

19. DT Chad Eaton (Sea): Out for Season

Clipped from: GoPBI.com AP article

Seattle defensive tackle Chad Eaton, who has had two operations on his right knee since May, is out for the season after the team placed him on injured reserve Tuesday.

Reserve receiver Jason Willis, who has a broken thumb, also went on injured reserve.

Eaton has started every game the past two years after joining the Seahawks as a free agent. He had spent the previous five seasons with the New England Patriots after one year on the practice squad in Cleveland.

This is bad news for the Seahawk's defense, even if it was foreshadowed by the two surgeries. Eaton was a huge part of their DL. Norman Hand steps in to fill the hole left by Eaton.

20. RB Foster (Car): Preseason Debut

Clipped from: GoPBI.com AP article

DeShaun Foster will make his preseason debut for the Carolina Panthers on Friday night against Pittsburgh.

Foster's last game action was just over a year ago when he damaged cartilage in his left knee in a preseason game against New England. He had surgery and missed his rookie season.

Anxious to get back on the field all summer, he finally got clearance Tuesday when coach John Fox said he would use Foster in the preseason finale.

The Panthers have high hopes for Foster, their second-round draft pick a year ago. In limited preseason action before his injury, Foster averaged 6.3 yards per carry and had a 61-yard touchdown run against Washington.

It will be good to get a look at Foster's progress in recovering from his injury. We still think that Davis is the solid #1 in Carolina - but injuries can happen anytime in this league, so the Panthers will be glad to have a talented #2 on the roster if Foster is all the way back.

21. TE Johnson (SF): Out 10-12 Weeks, No IR

Clipped from: ESPN.com article by Len Pasquarelli

Another Bay Area tight end, starter Eric Johnson, might be able to return from a fractured clavicle at some point this season, the team determined, and so he has avoided the injured reserve list.

"The doctors are saying 10 to 12 weeks, so I'm figuring 10 weeks," said 49ers general manager Terry Donahue. "It's a serious injury but he'll heal up."

A third-year veteran, Johnson was injured in Saturday's preseason game against New Orleans on a hit by cornerback Dale Carter that San Francisco has requested that league officials review. Carter said Monday, after hearing of the 49ers' request, that his hit was a legal one. Had the 49ers placed Johnson on injured reserve, he would be lost for the year.

We'll see if the team wants to put Johnson back in there come November. As we have highlighted several times, Jed Weaver is likely available in your league, and looked good in his appearance in relief of Johnson as the 49'ers new tight end.

22. NOT REAL - Gonzalez Punk'd Link - NOT REAL

I had a reader send me this link today. Knowing the audience like I think I do, it occurred to me that some of you guys would enjoy toying with the Gonzalez owner in your league with this one.

Make sure to understand THIS IS NOT CURRENT. This link is from 2002 describing an old injury to Gonzalez but at first glance it might catch the guy in your league who's not paying attention. Here it is http://www.usatoday.com/sports/nfl/chiefs/2002-01-06-gonzalez-knee.htm

Of course, we'd never do anything like this ourselves.

Have a great one and we'll see you tomorrow with the update.

Joe