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Footballguys.com Daily Email Update
Volume 4 Issue # 94
August 18, 2003
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

1. Cowboys' Coaches Walk Out On Practice
2. Eagles' HC Reid, Staley Talk: By Phone, Nothing Resolved
3. Panthers' LB Fields; Gone for Season
4. 49'ers CB Webster Injures PCL; MRI Scheduled for Today
5. RB Hambrick (Dal): Not the Starter, Yet
6. #3 RB in Miami: A Tough Choice for HC Wannstedt
7. RB's Levens and Dayne: Battling to Back Up Barber
8. NYG RB Barber: Ready to Run Wild
9. RB Smith (NE): In the Running for #1
10. NYJ D: Missing LB Marvin Jones
11. QB Boller (Bal): A Pre-season Start?
12. Washington DT: Another Lost DL -- Noble Gone for Season
13. RB Staley to Bears? Possible
14. RB Ma'afala (Pit): Injured Again
15. TE Joppru (Hou): Groin Injury Limits Opportunity in '03
16. FB Baxter (Hou): Out For Season
17. RB Ki-Jana Carter a Saint Now
18. IDP Alert: DL Wilkinson a Lion Now
19. CB Otis Smith: Cut By NE
20. More Bad News for Panthers: DL Buckner Out Until Reg. Season
21. QB Brunell: Losing Smith as WR May Cost Him His Job
22. TE Wychek: Improving, But Out for Cincinnati Game
23. QB Vick: Injury Status Uncertain for 10-14 Days: Ligaments Complicate 
Diagnosis
24. Broncos' WR Reserves: All-Out Battle
25. Cards: Vanden Bosch Injury Opens Door for Rookie DE Pace
26. QB Garcia: Finally Back in Lineup
27. Seahawks to Walter Jones: Get In, Or Don't Get Paid

Hi Folks,

Gotta love that MNF even if it is preseason. My favorite line of the night? Caplella from our message boards http://footballguys.net/forum/ asking why Orlando Pace is in the new Britney Spears "Are you ready?" commercials. He said then he realized it was Aretha Franklin...

Thanks to Footballguy Mark Wimer for rounding up these stories tonight. We'll get to them in a second but please allow me to tell you why we think a subscription to Footballguys.com is the best value in sports.

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1. Cowboys' Coaches Walk Out On Practice

Clipped from: Star Telegram article by Jennifer Floyd Engel

Cowboys coach Bill Parcells' whistle shrieked Sunday. Practice ended.

Players huddled in anticipation of a talk from Parcells, as usually happens. What they got was his backside. Parcells and his coaches walked away, disappearing into a tunnel that leads to coaching offices. A half dozen interceptions, plenty of dropped balls and a spate of mental errors by the Cowboys' offense had convinced Parcells he had seen enough.

Though he flashed his stoic scowl, Parcells had to be smiling deep down. The players' reaction to his walkout served his purposes.

They ran their own practice. They ran their own conditioning sprints. They did not talk to the media.

"I can't say anything," tight end Dan Campbell said afterward. "We took an oath."

"Sorry, fellas," fullback Richie Anderson said as he walked by.

Anderson had been an instigator in resurrecting practice after the coaches had left. Parcells had asked him to talk to his teammates.

No outsiders heard what Anderson said to them, only that he called in safety Darren Woodson to say a few words as well. When the huddle broke, though, the players resumed practice.

With no coaches to call plays, backup quarterback Clint Stoerner called them from offensive coordinator Maurice Carthon's abandoned list. Quarterback Quincy Carter assumed control, taking snaps with Dallas' first team, despite the fact Chad Hutchinson had been going with them all practice and Parcells had tabbed him a probable starter for Thursday's preseason game against Pittsburgh.

Parcells is a master motivator -- this was a test to see how the team would respond. It is interesting to note that Quincy Carter took control -- he looks like a developing leader there in Dallas...

2. Eagles HC Reid, Staley Talk: By Phone, Nothing Resolved

Clipped from: Philadelphia Inquirer article by Bob Brookover

The lines of communication between Duce Staley and the Eagles opened yesterday when the running back's agent, Derrick Harrison, sat down with coach Andy Reid for a 2 1/2-hour meeting at the NovaCare Complex.

Staley, by telephone from his home in Columbia, S.C., also talked with Reid in an attempt to resolve the six-year veteran's three-week holdout from training camp.

"I feel like it was a very, very productive start," Harrison said after dining at the Chart House on Columbus Boulevard. "We got some things out in the open. We got Duce on the phone and started some dialogue between him and Andy as well."

Reid, through a team spokesperson, declined to comment on the meeting.

A league source, however, said Reid was disturbed by the fact that Staley did not show up at the meeting. The source said the coach was under the impression that both Staley and Harrison would be in attendance and that a good portion of the meeting was wasted on talking about why Staley didn't come to Philadelphia.

Harrison said he did not get the impression that Reid was upset.

The bottom line is that it remains a mystery how this three-week drama is going to be resolved.

A report on ESPN.com yesterday said that Staley has "likely played his last game" with the Eagles and that the team would attempt to trade him if he ends his holdout and reports to training camp.

An Eagles source in the story was quoted as saying that "the feeling around here is that the bridges are burned. It will be hard for him to come back and play."

The fact that most of the meeting was spent on what sounds like an argument over why Staley didn't show up in person speaks volumes about the deterioration of Staley's relationship with Reid. Correll Buckhalter is cementing his hold on #1 in Philly thanks to Staley's holdout. I won't claim to know Andy Reid personally but what I do know of him makes me think that having him think you're going to be at a meeting and then not showing up is most definitely not a good thing. I'd not be surprised at all if Reid's done here with Staley.

3. Panthers' LB Fields; Gone for Season

Clipped from: Charlotte Observer article by Pat Yasinkas

Mark Fields, one of the leaders of a Carolina Panthers defense that ranked second in the NFL last season, has been diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease, team officials said Sunday.

Hodgkin's disease is cancer of the lymphatic system.

Fields, 30, will miss the season. Doctors said the chances of recovery are excellent, the team said, and Fields, a linebacker, pledged to play again.

...coach John Fox visited Fields on Saturday morning after returning from New York.

"The way he's approaching it is really inspirational," Hurney said. "You go and you talk to Mark and he lifts you up. He's upbeat and determined to go through and attack it."

"All things considered, he and (wife) Angela are very, very upbeat," Fox said. "Mark's that kind of person. He's very strong physically, mentally and spiritually. He's handling it as well as anybody could expect."

Hurney said the condition is similar to what hockey player Mario Lemieux had in 1993. Lemieux made a full recovery and resumed his playing career.

Fields most likely will be placed on the non-football injury list, which would prohibit him from playing or practicing in 2003. According to information from the NFL Players Association, players on the list do not have to be paid, but Hurney said the Panthers will pay Fields, who is under contract through 2004, his $1 million salary for this season. Fields already had received a $50,000 bonus for taking part in off-season workouts. The Panthers still will be responsible for Fields' $1.217 million hit against the salary cap.

Fox had given the team Sunday morning off from practice as a reward for winning Friday. Players were allowed to spend Saturday night at home, but they got bad news before they began a 3 p.m. practice.

"Everybody was kind of shocked," middle linebacker Dan Morgan said. " ... You don't see these kind of things coming."

Signed as a free agent last season after spending six seasons with New Orleans and one with St. Louis, Fields responded with his best year. As a strong-side linebacker, Fields made a team-high and career-best 127 tackles. He set a team record by forcing seven fumbles, and finished with 7.5 sacks and an interception.

First off, we wish Mark Fields the very best, and hope that he makes a full recovery. That said, this is obviously a huge blow to the Panthers' DT. Right now, it looks like Greg Favors will step in at SLB, a 6-year NFL veteran who began his career in KC, and saw most of his starts while a Titan. Favors did not make a play last season, spent with the Bills. Hats off to the Panthers for a very cool (and expensive) gesture in paying him when they apparently are not bound to. This says a lot about their organization.

4. 49'ers CB Webster Injures PCL; MRI Scheduled for Today

Clipped from: Contra-Costa Times article by Cam Inman

A collective hush went across the 49ers practice field. Trainers rushed to the rescue. It wasn't Garcia who was down, but rather first-string cornerback Jason Webster.

Webster, participating in his first padded practice of training camp, writhed in pain in the end zone after injuring his right knee trying to defend that Garcia pass, which was caught by Brandon Lloyd. Webster suffered a sprained posterior cruciate ligament and is scheduled to undergo an MRI today, coach Dennis Erickson said.

With Webster's availability already in question because of a tender left ankle that he had surgically repaired May 29, this latest injury could further decrease the likelihood of him making the starting lineup for the Sept. 7 regular-season opener. Mike Rumph, last year's No. 1 draft pick who has started the first two exhibition games in place of Webster, probably will draw the starting nod for the opener if Webster isn't healthy.

This is not good news -- Rumph got burned so often last season, he might as well have been a charcoal briquet. If Webster is gone for an extended period, then the 49'ers secondary has just been seriously degraded. Keep an eye on the situation if the 49'ers DT is on your roster.

5. RB Hambrick (Dal): Not the Starter, Yet

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

Though pleased with running back Troy Hambrick's performance Friday against Houston, Cowboys coach Bill Parcells said he still needs to see more from the third-year pro before declaring him the starter.

As a result Hambrick, who carried eight times for 38 yards and a touchdown Friday, can expect even more work in Thursday's preseason game at Pittsburgh.

He will likely share the backfield spotlight with Adrian Murrell, an eight-year veteran who signed with the Cowboys last week after being out of football since 2000. Murrell must get ready in a hurry, Parcells said.

"We've got to put some 3-In-1 oil on him," Parcells said. "With that in mind, we ran him before the game Friday night. He had a full-scale workout Saturday. We are trying to speed him up. If he is going to compete, he is going to have to play" Thursday.

Hambrick may not officially be the starter, but we're convinced it is only a matter of time. Don't panic -- Murrell is veteran insurance, nothing else.

6. #3 RB in Miami: A Tough Choice for HC Wannstedt

Clipped from: Miami Herald article by Bob Emanuel Jr.

Dolphins coach Dave Wannstedt said Sunday the team will "probably not" carry four running backs this season, meaning one reserve will be cut.

Ricky Williams, the NFL's leading rusher a year ago, is the starter, and Travis Minor is the established backup. That leaves Robert Edwards and Leonard Henry -- who have played well this preseason -- vying for one spot.

"Travis has had a really good camp, as has Robert Edwards and Leonard Henry," Wannstedt said. "Those guys have two more games."

Edwards, 28, starred as a rookie in 1998 for New England with 1,115 yards rushing and 331 yards receiving. But a severe knee injury sustained in a beach football game during Pro Bowl week caused him to miss the next three seasons. He returned and had 107 yards rushing and 126 yards receiving last season for the Dolphins.

"I feel great. I feel way better than I did last year," said Edwards, who has 53 yards on 13 carries this preseason. "I feel stronger, faster and more explosive. I don't really look at it as a battle with Leonard. I just look at it as good competition."

Henry, a seventh-round pick last season, spent the first 12 games last season on the practice squad and the final four on the roster but was inactive.

It's always worthwhile to know who the backups are in case a rash of injuries breaks out among the top guys. Edwards is one of the toughest, most determined guys in football -- the doctors didn't think he'd walk well after that catastrophic knee injury, let alone return to an NFL roster.

7. RB's Levens and Dayne: Battling to Back Up Barber

Clipped from: New York Daily News article by Ralph Vacchiano

There was nothing foolish about the addition of Levens to the Giants' backfield this offseason. They were unhappy with Dayne and looking for an upgrade. At the very least they were looking for a player to give Dayne a push. And they certainly could have done worse than a 10-year veteran like Levens, who was given a three-year, $2.5 million deal.

The only problem so far has been keeping him healthy. He missed Friday's exhibition game because of a pulled hamstring, though he returned to practice yesterday afternoon. He did have three carries for 13 yards in the Giants' exhibition opener, but his injury has made difficult to handicap his battle with Dayne, who in two games has rushed nine times for 15 yards.

"It's really kind of hard right now with everything going on," said Giants coach Jim Fassel. "No question I'd like to have it a little bit more defined."

That could start to change Saturday night against the Jets when Levens - and possibly Dayne - will see some work with the first-team offense. But even without a lot of work so far, Levens has made some good early impressions. Running backs coach Eric Studesville praised his professionalism and the way he's quickly picked up his third new offense in three seasons (he played with Philadelphia last year after eight seasons in Green Bay).

And Studesville "absolutely" believes Levens still has what it takes to be a productive, full-time back in the league.

"Everything he's done around me has been top notch," Studesville said. "There's nothing that I've seen that would lead me to believe he couldn't come in and perform at an extremely high level."

We think that both Levens and Dayne will see limited work in 2003, making neither valuable fantasy-wise -- unless Barber goes down to injury. If that's the case, our money's on Levens as we'd be hard pressed to get excited about Dayne in just about any scenario.

8. NYG RB Barber: Ready to Run Wild

Clipped from: New York Post article by Steve Serby

"I'm very optimistic; probably more so than 2000 when I told you we were going to the Super Bowl, because there's more talent than we've ever had here," Barber said. "We were more of a veteran team that year, and scheme got us to where we got to. This year there's a good mix of veteran leadership and youth."

The quarterback is in his prime, the tight end was a Pro Bowl firebrand as a rookie, the big wide receiver should have made the Pro Bowl and the smaller one is re-signed and healthy again, and the running back is the class of the NFC East, trimmer by six pounds at 192 pounds and eager to run wild.

"I'm not getting fatigued as easily," Barber said...

The question is this: Can the offensive line, specifically the right side, pave the way to the Promised Land for Barber?

After watching rookie right guard Dave Diehl work alongside right tackle Ian Allen Friday night against the Panthers, Barber is a lot less concerned than Giant fans.

"I'm impressed with how he works; he's very similar to how [left guard] Rich [Seubert] was when he first got his opportunity," Barber said. "The mental and technical part of the game he's trying to grasp really hard. When things happen on the run, I'm gonna need him to trust himself to make the right decisions."

Big Diehl is 6-5, 310, and is quickly developing a chemistry with the even-keeled Allen.

We think Barber is going to have a fine season, with 1260/7 rushing and 525/1 receiving. He is a very solid #2 RB for any fantasy franchise, and could be a #1 in leagues that award points for receptions.

9. RB Smith (NE): In the Running for #1

Clipped from: Boston Globe article by Nick Cafardo

Watching Antowain Smith run the football Saturday night didn't conjure images of Jim Brown or even Curtis Martin, but it did appear Smith gained an edge in his battle with Kevin Faulk to be New England's starting tailback.

Ah, not so fast.

Bill Belichick isn't ready to declare the competition over. Asked yesterday during his media conference call if he knew who might be starting in Philadelphia Friday, the Patriots coach said, "I have not made a decision on that. I haven't really even talked about it. Whatever it is, we will continue to get both players an opportunity to show what they can do in the early part of the game. Who is going to start and how that is going to go, I don't know."

Conspicuously out of the mix Saturday in the Patriots' 20-13 win over Washington was J.R. Redmond, who had practiced during the week but did not dress.

"I thought Antowain ran hard," said Belichick. "I think Antowain has been consistent in the entire training camp and in the first two games, and it can still be better. I think he's running hard."

Smith, who gained 33 yards on seven carries, certainly did a good job following his lead blockers. He burst for a 13-yard gain on his first carry and scored on a 6-yard touchdown run, looking much like the runner who gained 1,157 yards two years ago.

"I think he got pretty much what was there," said Belichick. "We got the touchdown play blocked pretty well. I think it was the second or third play of the game that was blocked pretty cleanly, and he split the line of scrimmage on that. I can't remember him having any negative runs, which is always good. At least we are making positive yardage and hit a couple of big ones here and there -- big in terms of double digit-type runs. I thought our running game overall started to show signs of consistency."

As we've been saying, Kevin Faulk isn't big enough to take the 20-25 carries a game that Belichick likes to get from his starting running back. This situation looks like a RBBC with neither guy emerging as a fantasy star.

10. NYJ D: Missing LB Marvin Jones

Clipped from: Newsday.com article by Ken Berger

Middle linebacker Marvin Jones will miss at least this week's preseason game against the Giants, and maybe more, after pulling his right hamstring covering a punt in the third quarter of the 22-17 loss to New Orleans on Saturday night.

"I'd hate to tell you it's two, three or four weeks, because I don't know," coach Herman Edwards said yesterday. "We'll just go week-to-week with him." If Jones misses significant time, or if the injury lingers into the season, it would be a major setback for the defense. Kelvin Moses, an excellent special teams player, will step into Jones' starting role with very limited experience.

Jones was hurt on a punt that never should have occurred. Dan Stryzinksi had to re-punt after cornerback Jamie Henderson was called for an illegal substitution. The penalty was announced against Donnie Abraham, but Henderson was the culprit.

Too many bad things to count happened on the re-kick. Jones got hurt, and rookie Lynaris Elpheage returned it 54 yards to the Jets' 23. Derek Pagel, Khary Campbell, Jerald Sowell and Henderson all missed tackles on the return. All are front-line special teamers.

If Jones is out for an extended time, Edwards said he might consider giving second-round pick Victor Hobson, Mo Lewis' backup, some exposure at middle linebacker.

Marvin Jones is a huge part of this DT, so an extended absence is bad news for Jets' DT owners. IDP leaguers who own Jones will want to pay close attention to how the hammy responds to treatment...

11. QB Boller (Bal): A Pre-season Start?

Clipped from: SunSpot.net article by Jamison Hensley

The second chapter of the Ravens' quarterback saga contained no surprises, but the story line could receive an added twist over the next two weeks.

Although coach Brian Billick said he would not discuss his quarterback rotation this preseason, there is speculation that first-round pick Kyle Boller could make his first NFL start in one of the final two preseason games.

According to an article on the NFL's official Web site, the Ravens' coaches are still mulling over the decision, which would be based on fairness and not an indication that Boller is moving ahead in the race. To have a balanced competition, the coaches seem to agree they need to see the rookie out of California work with the starters for a significant period.

Boller, who has been competing against Chris Redman for the starting job, has received most of the playing time in the preseason while Redman has started both games.

Asked if it's easier to judge Boller and Redman when they're both playing with the starters, Billick said, "You would like to evaluate in kind and we got a little bit of that [Saturday night]."

In the 13-10 win over the Atlanta Falcons, neither Boller nor Redman staked his claim to the starting job, as both turned in uneven performances.

For the second straight week, Redman gave a steady yet not spectacular effort and Boller delivered an exciting yet erratic display. Having one quarter apiece to work with the starters, Redman was 4-for-7 for 42 yards and Boller was 4-for-10 for 33 yards and one interception.

We think Redman will hang onto the top job for most of 2003, but he is definitely leaving the door open for Boller. We do expect to see Boller at some point in the season -- neither QB has a very bright fantasy future in 2003. Look elsewhere for your team's signal callers.

12. Washington DT: Another Lost DL -- Noble Gone for Season

Clipped from: Washington Post article by Mark Maske

The Washington Redskins were trying to acquire two defensive tackles yesterday after an MRI exam confirmed that starter Brandon Noble suffered a season-ending and career-threatening knee injury during Saturday night's exhibition loss to the New England Patriots at FedEx Field.

The Redskins were poised to obtain Lional Dalton in a trade with the Denver Broncos in the coming days for a conditional draft choice, sources said. They apparently would like to get a front-line tackle from among Grady Jackson of New Orleans and the Chicago Bears' Keith Traylor and Ted Washington -- the sort of trade that could cost them one of their tailbacks, Ladell Betts or Kenny Watson, as well as a draft pick. But the Saints told the Redskins that they would rather trade them one of Jackson's backups, Kenny Smith, for a draft selection. Dan Wilkinson was removed from the list of possibilities when he agreed to sign with the Detroit Lions.

More bad news for the Redskin's DL. Things are starting to look very ugly on this side of the ball for Washington. The trade of Betts or Watson would signal that Canidate is tightening his hold on #1, so watch for that if you are a Canidate owner.

13. RB Staley to Bears? Possible

Clipped from: Chicago Daily Herald article by Bob LeGere

A highly placed Bears source said no trade for holdout Eagles running back Duce Staley is imminent.

But that doesn't mean it won't happen. The situation in Philadelphia has grown increasingly acrimonious, with Staley refusing to report to training camp and Eagles officials adamant that nothing will happen - including a trade - until he shows up.

Coach Andy Reid and Eagles' management have not spoken with Staley or his agent, Derrick Harrison, in months.

The Bears, who were the NFL's worst rushing team last season, are a likely destination for Staley if he is traded. Anthony Thomas averaged just 3.4 yards per carry last season and didn't look any better while rushing for 15 yards on 6 carries in his first preseason action last Saturday night.

Staley, the Eagles' leading rusher and offensive MVP last season, has stayed away from training camp in an effort to land a contract extension. He is scheduled to make $2.2 million this season, the 10th-highest salary among NFL running backs.

If this scenario plays out, A-Train owners are going to be hurting big-time. 6/15 just doesn't cut it at any level, and certainly not at the NFL level.

14. RB Ma'afala (Pit): Injured Again

Clipped from: Post Gazette article by Ed Bouchette

Three days after pondering his long and varied list of injuries and expressing hope they would not reoccur, Fuamatu-Ma'afala came up lame with a pulled hamstring muscle on the opening kickoff in a game between the Steelers and Eagles at Heinz Field Saturday night.

Coach Bill Cowher said Fuamatu-Ma'afala will miss the game Thursday against Dallas, a game Jerome Bettis said was Fuamatu-Ma'afala's turn to start at tailback.

"It's unfortunate," Bettis said. "You hate that to happen to a really good football player. It's tough because just when you think he's away from it and he's gotten over that hump, something kind of jumps up and bites him in the rump. You just hope it's not that serious."

That's just how it's been for this 255-pound back the Steelers drafted on the sixth round from Utah in 1998. Popular with fans and teammates, Fuamatu-Ma'afala is a versatile back who can run, block, catch and play special teams. But even the second line of his biography in the Steelers' media guide points out the problem: "Has been plagued with injuries throughout his career, but has proven his value when healthy."

The constant problems have reduced Ma'afala to a role player, not worthy of a fantasy selection in any but the largest of leagues.

15. TE Joppru (Hou): Groin Injury Limits Opportunity in '03

Clipped from: Houston Chronicle article by Michael Murphy

For Texans' rookie tight end Bennie Joppru, training camp has meant learning something else entirely -- patience.

Joppru, the Texans' second-round pick out of Michigan, has missed much of Texans' training camp with a strained right groin, and it's driving him crazy. Joppru stood on the sidelines again Sunday, watching fellow tight ends Billy Miller, Jabari Holloway, Rashod Kent and Justin Swift go through their paces.

And while he didn't like standing around -- he would much rather be on the field, even in a 105-degree heat index -- Joppru has learned to be patient and let his injury heal.

"I can't stand watching practice," Joppru said. "I think it's my least-favorite thing to do in football, sit around and watch practice. No matter how hot it gets here, I don't like watching the guys practice. I'd rather be out there sweating with them."

The injury to Joppru has solidified Billy Miller's hold on the top slot in Houston -- for this year, at least. He's our 10th ranked TE as of 8/13/03. Go Here for all of our TE rankings: http://www.footballguys.com/03terank1.cfm.

16. FB Baxter (Hou): Out For Season

Clipped from: GoPBI.com AP article

The Texans absorbed some expected bad news Monday when team doctors confirmed second-year fullback Jarrod Baxter will miss the season with a severe sprain in the middle of his left foot.

Baxter was hurt during Friday night's 34-6 loss at Dallas.

"This is certainly a loss," Texans head coach Dom Capers said. "Jarrod started for us all last year. He came back in with a great attitude and worked extremely hard during the offseason. He was showing significant progress, because last year was his first year playing fullback. I feel bad for Jarrod because he worked so hard to get ready for the season."

Eagles running back Duce Staley missed most of the 2000 season after a similar injury, and receiver David Boston played through a more mild version of the ailment for the Cardinals last year.

More bad news for the Houston running game. With the problems at OL, Mack was already facing a handicap in his quest to prove he's a legit NFL starter. Now, his lead blocker goes down to injury...

17. RB Ki-Jana Carter a Saint Now

Clipped from: ESPN.com article by Len Pasquarelli

The search for a vibable backup to starting tailback Deuce McAllister likley will continue, particularly when teams begin paring their rosters, but for now, the New Orleans Saints have a new contender for the job.

ESPN.com has learned that the Saints signed veteran Ki-Jana Carter on Monday afternoon. Carter, who worked out earlier in the day for club officials, agreed to a one-year contract worth for the league minimum of $530,000.

The first overall choice in the 1995 draft, Carter has suffered through a career marred by injuries, and three times in seven years has appeared in three games or fewer as a result of major physical setbacks. The former Penn State star, who began his career with the Cincinnati Bengals, has not played since 2001 when he was with the Washington Redskins and rushed for 308 yards as a backup. Projected as a star, Carter has instead been star-crossed, and the chance with the Saints might be the last one of his career.

Carter, 29, has 290 career carries for 1,055 yards and 19 touchdowns. He also has caught 65 passes for 458 yards. New Orleans currently lists Curtis Keaton as its No. 2 tailback, but wanted to upgrade at the position, and team personnel staffers have been carefully monitoring other clubs' roster to see who might become available.

Keaton hasn't been getting the job done. Carter is still fairly young, but very injury prone. Don't commit roster space to him until his role on the team clarifies.

18. IDP Alert: DL Wilkinson a Lion Now

Clipped from: Detroit News article by Mike O'Hara

Wilkinson, who had been talking with the Lions and other teams since being released by the Washington Redskins last month, signed a four-year contract Sunday and took part in a light practice in the afternoon.

If Wilkinson performs up to expectations at defensive tackle, one of the Lions' strongest units should get even stronger.

Wilkinson, whose weight is listed at 353 pounds, has been an imposing force for nine pro seasons. The Cincinnati Bengals made him the first overall pick in the 1994 draft out of Ohio State, and Wilkinson has not played up to his draft position. He did not make the Pro Bowl in four seasons with Cincinnati or five with Washington.

But when he's at his best, Wilkinson is strong at the point of attack, and he still has the quickness and explosive agility to rush the passer.

Wilkinson hasn't been a fantasy force on the DL recently, but lots of guys revive their careers with a change of scenery. If you have a need at DL and roster space in which to stash him, Wilkinson could be a decent play. Time will tell.

19. CB Otis Smith: Cut By NE

Clipped from: ESPN.com article by Len Pasquarelli

Venerable cornerback Otis Smith, whose gambling style alternately earned him credit and criticism during 13 NFL seasons, was released on Monday afternoon by the New England Patriots, in what for coach Bill Belichick was an emotional but pragmatic decision.

"Otis is a professional and a team player -- a true champion," Belichick said in announcing the roster move. "It was a difficult roster decision that we made, but with only 10 days and limited 'reps' in practice, we felt we had to make the move."

Smith, 37, was attempting to return from offseason surgery for a torn pectoral muscle but had seen very little practice time. The release ended his second stint with the club.

If Smith was still on your IDP roster, move him and use the spot for someone else.

20. More Bad News for Panthers: DL Buckner Out Until Reg. Season

Clipped from: ESPN.com article by Len Pasquarelli

Panthers defensive tackle Brentson Bucker, a 10th-year veteran arguably coming off the best season of his career, will miss the balance of the preseason schedule after he underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee over the weekend.

The surgery removed some debris from the knee and Panthers officials said that Buckner will be recovered in time for the regular-season opener.

The Panthers' DT is getting thinner at key spots. Hopefully, Buckner will make his return as scheduled.

21. QB Brunell: Losing Smith as WR May Cost Him His Job

Clipped from: Jacksonville.com article by Vito Stellino

Nobody will miss him (Jimmy Smith) more than Brunell, who starts a new stage of his career when he opens the regular season Sept. 7 in Carolina.

"To be honest with you, it's different," he said. "Wrestling with this, it's a new challenge. There's no question. Going into the season, I've never had one of these types of deals. But, hey, it happens. It's part of the game. It's the situation I find myself in this year."

What happened is that Brunell now faces real competition for his job. The Jaguars drafted a quarterback, Byron Leftwich, with the seventh pick in the draft. Leftwich came in Friday night with two days of practice and threw the game-winning touchdown pass against the Miami Dolphins.

Brunell knows that if he struggles, the fans are going to call for Leftwich.

It doesn't matter that Brunell is the only quarterback in NFL history to lead his team in passing for its first eight seasons. It doesn't matter that he's the only NFL quarterback to be ranked among the top 11 passers in the last seven years. It doesn't matter that he's led the team to 67 of its 72 victories.

The Jaguars are committed to paying Leftwich more than $12 million by next March, so he is going to eventually get on the field.

Brunell is a lame duck, and Leftwich is a rookie. Now, J.J. Stokes is the #1 guy in Jacksonville. Does this sound like a good situation to you? Look elsewhere for your fantasy quarterbacks.

22. TE Wychek: Improving, But Out for Cincinnati Game

Clipped from: Nashville City Paper article by Terry McCormick

Tight end Frank Wycheck's concussion suffered in Saturday night's victory over the Buffalo Bills will keep him out of this week's preseason game with the Cincinnati Bengals.

The bigger question might be what type of ramifications the injury could have later on.

Wycheck was knocked unconscious for a few moments on the first play from scrimmage Saturday night when Buffalo linebacker Jeff Posey's knee hit him in the helmet. Saturday's concussion is at least the third one suffered by the veteran tight end during his 11-year NFL career.

Wycheck missed six games during his rookie season with the Washington Redskins after suffering a concussion during the preseason finale.

Wycheck did not miss any more time because of concussions until Sept. 24, 2000 when he was knocked out of a game at Pittsburgh. Last season, he was knocked out of a game against Houston and missed the next week's contest with Pittsburgh.

"Frank has ... a mild headache, as you would expect, and we're just going to evaluate him during the week and see how he comes around," Titans coach Jeff Fisher said. "He cleared up, as I said after the game, fairly quickly, and that's encouraging from the concussion symptoms."

Concussions are tricky injuries, that often cause complications weeks after they are first suffered. Given Wychecks' age, make sure you have a reliable alternative at TE before spending a pick on Wycheck (or get one, if you've already drafted him).

23. QB Vick: Injury Status Uncertain for 10-14 Days: Ligaments Complicate Diagnosis

Clipped from: Atlanta Journal Constitution article by Matt Winkeljohn

With a splint on his lower right leg, the Falcons quarterback visited team headquarters on crutches, sitting down with team orthopedist Andrew Bishop. Using a three-dimensional teaching model, the doctor explained how Vick on Saturday night broke his right fibula, the smaller of two bones in the lower leg, near where it meets the ankle.

The three-year veteran was not available to the media, but Bishop visited with reporters Sunday afternoon. He said minor ligament damage also is expected in Vick's right ankle, and the quarterback is virtually certain to be out at least six weeks, which would include the first four games of the regular season.

"Typically, it takes six weeks for a bone to heal," Bishop said. "That just means the bone is healed, it doesn't necessarily mean everything else is as it's supposed to be. It could be as little as six weeks. It could be eight, 10. We just have to wait and see."

Pretty much the same line we were getting yesterday. We'll keep a close eye on this one for you though as the next week or so is very important to see how he starts to heal.

24. Broncos' WR Reserves: All-Out Battle

Clipped from: Rocky Mountain News article by Lynn DeBruin

A week ago, wide receiver Chris Cole pretty much locked up a roster spot with a flashy performance in Houston.

Behind him, though, the battle continues to rage, as evidenced by the mixed performances turned in Saturday night by Frank Rice and Herb Haygood in the Denver Broncos' 15-10 preseason victory against the Chicago Bears.

If you play in a dynasty league, keep an eye on who emerges here. 2-3 years down the line, who knows who'll be snagging Plummer's darts...

25. Cards: Vanden Bosch Injury Opens Door for Rookie DE Pace

Clipped from: East Valley Tribune article by Dan Zeiger

One thing, however, is crystal clear - changes are a comin' to Arizona's defensive line in the wake of the injury to Vanden Bosch, which happened in a 16-10 preseason win Saturday at San Diego. He tore ligaments in the knee and is feared to be lost for the year.

Fred Wakefield will probably move from right end to left, where Vanden Bosch lined up. That would make Calvin Pace, the team's first selection in this year's draft, the likely starter at right end.

"It's sad to see because he worked hard," Pace said of Vanden Bosch, who has had two knee injuries in his three seasons in the NFL. "I just have to go out and make plays."

The remaining linemen, starters and backups, will have to step up their play, McGinnis said, because all will contribute.

If your squad needs help on the DL, Pace could be flying under the radar in IDP leagues. Watch and see how he does this week.

26. QB Garcia: Finally Back in Lineup

Clipped from: Oakland Tribune article by Jerry McDonald

Throwing the football on the run and from any angle? No problem. What bothered Jeff Garcia on Sunday was kid stuff.

After putting on the shoulder pads and working with the San Francisco 49ers offense for the first time since Aug. 4, Garcia joked that he noticed his previously aching back only when taking about 15 minutes after practice to read to some children in a photo shoot pre-arranged by the 49ers public relations department.

"I think sitting down and reading to the kids over on the side is when I started feeling a little bit of stiffness, but getting up and walking over here I have no pain," Garcia said. "I think for the first day out, everything was positive."

Garcia owners have been sweating this situation for some time. Keep an eye on Garcia to see how he handles contact once he's in an actual game.

27. Seahawks to Walter Jones: Get In, Or Don't Get Paid

Clipped from: Seattle Times article by Jose Miguel Romero

Contract talks between the Seahawks and Walter Jones, their franchise player, have ceased.

The team confirmed its decision to break off negotiations yesterday, leaving Jones only one option: Sign the one-year tender and report to the team if he and his agent, Roosevelt Barnes, have any hopes of getting the long-term deal they want.

The tender would pay Jones, a three-time Pro Bowl selection at left tackle, $5.734 million for 2003 if he were to sign and join the team before the season. That figure represents the average yearly salary of the five highest-paid offensive linemen in the NFL.

Jones would forfeit one-seventeenth of the tender for each game he missed. Such was the case last September, when the team ended negotiations with Jones four days before opening the season at Oakland. After missing training camp and the first two games, Jones returned to the team on Sept. 16, started the next 14 games and earned his third Pro Bowl selection.

Shaun Alexander and Matt Hasselbeck would clearly like to see this impasse come to an end. Jones is a key guy for this OL. Stay tuned.

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

Joe