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Footballguys.com Daily Email Update
Volume 4 Issue # 96
August 20, 2003
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

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

1. RB Amos Zereoue Named Starter in Pittsburgh
2. Sharpe and Plummer: Denver Duo Clicking
3. QB Joey Harrington (DET): Young and Healthy and Improving
4. CB Marcus Trufant and S Ken Hamlin (SEA) Battle for Starting Jobs
5. TE Teyo Johnson (OAK): Increased Role
6. Chargers Cautious with TE Alexander
7. RB LaDanian Tomlinson (SD): Bruised Heel
8. K Martin Gramatica's (TB) Splendid Return
9. S Arturo Freeman Still a Dolphin
10. QB Kelly Holcomb (CLE): Journeyman to Starter
11. DE Mike McCrary (BAL) to Announce Retirement
12. Redskins Acquire DT Martin Chase (NO)
13. RB Dominic Rhodes (IND): Knee is OK
14. CB Chris McAlister (BAL) Arrested: DUI
15. CB Kevin Garrett (STL) Fractures Wrist
16. LB Jeremiah Trotter (WAS) Looks to Rebound
17. DE JeVon Kearse (TEN) Hopes To Return By Opener
18. DT Gilbert Brown (GB) Returns to Practice

Hi Folks,

Thanks to Footballguy Shawn Culcasi for rounding up these stories tonight. Lots of great stuff to get to, so let's jump right to it. Also check out the sample screen shots for what we're doing with league management with myfantasyleague.com.

Joe

A. Site News - Myfantasyleague.com and Footballguys.com League Management. We're proud to show you guys what we're going to be offering this season as we've teamed with our friend Mike Hall and the folks at www.myfantasyleague.com Here's a sample screen shot http://football.myfantasyleague.com/2003/options?L=69906&O=08

Where it gets cool is when you click on any player like Rich Gannon at the top. You'll get our player page which will have their weekly stats as the season goes on. From the top of any of our player pages (which are also accessible from various other reports and from the Starting Lineups submission form), you'll see the links to the Footballguys News Blogger search and the Footballguys Player Page. Good stuff.

For more info, click here

1. RB Amos Zereoue (PIT) Named Starter

Clipped From: ESPN.com (John Clayton)

As training camp broke Wednesday, Steelers coach Bill Cowher announced that Amos Zereoue will start at running back and Jay Riemersma will start at tight end.

Cowher called his lineup-changing decisions a "gut feeling." Jerome Bettis, one of the league's best power backs and coming off his one of his best offseasons of conditioning, was expected to be the starter. Riemersma beat out Mark Bruener at tight end.

Bruener accepted a paycut from $2.05 million to $800,000 to remain with the team this season. During the offseason, Cowher said Zereoue and Bettis would compete for the starting job, which is indeed what unfolded during camp.

Zereoue, 26, is in his fifth season with the Steelers and made five starts, all during last season. He rushed for 762 yards on 193 carries and caught 42 passes for 341 yards.

Bettis, a five-time Pro Bowl selection beginning his 11th season, has rushed for 11,542 yards. He missed five games last year.

Riemersma was signed from the Bills during the offseason to give the Steelers more pass protection from the tight end position. The seven-year veteran has 204 career receptions for 2,304 yards, including a 53-catch 2001 season. Bruener is considered one of the league's best blocking tight ends but has missed 10 games over the past two seasons because of injury. His best season for receptions was 26 in 1995, his rookie season.

Over the last season we've seen the Steelers transform from a grind-it-out run first team with Kordell Stewart "managing" the passing game into a dynamic passing offense capable of winning games through the air. In 2001, with Jerome Bettis racking up almost 1100 yards in the 11 games that he played, the Steelers finished 1st in rushing offense (173.4 per game) while picking up only 52.8% of their total yards through the air. Last year, they still finishing with a respectable 132.5 per game on the ground (9th), but 64.4% of their total yards came through the air. What does this mean in the Zereoue versus Bettis battle for the starting job? With Pittsburgh's emphasis on offense leaning towards the pass, they needed a running back on the field with capable receiving skills, something that Bettis has not offered over his career (averaging 18 receptions per year). Zereoue, during his five starts in 02, picked up 407 rushing yards along with 14 of his 42 receptions on the year, displaying a nice all-around game.

While we believe that this is a move in the right direction for Pittsburgh, it doesn't automatically make Amos Zereoue the starting fantasy back that he'd be if Bettis were out of the picture all together. Bettis will likely be a factor in short yardage and goalline situations while Zereoue does most of his damage in between the 20s, limiting the value of each, but allowing Zereoue to crack our top 20 with projections of 1370 total yards, 40 receptions and 8 touchdowns.

2. Sharpe and Plummer: Clicking

Clipped From: DenverBroncos.com (Andrew Mason)

It's almost mandatory that a new quarterback requires a learning curve and some time in finding a groove with incumbent pass-catchers. But throughout training camp, Jake Plummer has proven to be in lockstep with his new cadre of targets -- perhaps none more so in the past week than tight end Shannon Sharpe.

In what has been a daily occurrence at training camp practices the past week, Plummer and Sharpe have connected in the red zone -- often with Sharpe hauling in a pass in the back of the end zone. He did so with a leaping grab during the morning session last Thursday, and repeated it in front of a larger audience on Monday night during seven-on-seven drills.

Their connections demonstrate that Plummer has indeed been a quick study. He already knows what Sharpe can bring to the Broncos offense -- a pass-catcher that, in his 14th NFL season, can still provide the kind of plays from the tight end position that few teams can find.

"He gives a quarterback an extra guy out there on the field that the linebackers have to respect that opens up the lanes outside," Plummer said. "If they don't respect him -- which most defenses are going to -- he's going to be wide open catching some balls for you."

But that doesn't mean Sharpe has specifically become Plummer's favorite pass-catcher just yet. Each receiver has had his moments hauling in Plummer passes during the past three and a half weeks. One day, it was Ed McCaffrey getting under two deep passes down the right sideline. Another, it's Rod Smith turning a series of short passes into long gains through the defense. Another, it's swing and screen passes to Clinton Portis, the kind of toss that worked for the first-team offense's longest gain against the Chicago Bears three days earlier.

"He's developing a rapport with everybody, so right now he doesn't have a favorite receiver," Sharpe said. "Everybody's working hard, just trying to get open, trying to get the football."

One of the big questions going into this season is whether or not Jake Plummer would kill Shannon Sharpe's value. During Plummer's days in Arizona (97-02), Cardinals tight ends averaged 29-247-2. Over that same span, during Sharpe's five healthy seasons, he's averaged 67-836-5. Still a very reliable target, he probably won't match those totals at 35 years old with Plummer at quarterback, but we see this as good news that justifies our #5 ranking for Sharpe with projections of 54-572-3.

3. QB Joey Harrington (DET): Young and Healthy and Improving

Clipped From: DetroitLions.com (James Royer)

To Mariucci, the preseason stat sheet doesn't tell the whole story. That is especially the case when it comes to second-year quarterbacks.

"Don't get too hung up really on statistics in a preseason practice game because they can be misleading sometimes," Mariucci said.

Despite what the stat sheet says, Mariucci says he sees a lot of progress from Harrington.

"In practice he's been better," Mariucci said. "His understanding of the offense is better, his mechanics are getting better, his strength in the weight room is improving, his knowledge of defense is improving, his command in the huddle is better, his leadership skills are developing as a second-year guy should. His confidence level is there and he knows that every day he's got something to improve upon. All those things are the very normal course of action for a growing quarterback."

Harrington started the game and played a quarter-and-a-half before he was relieved by Mike McMahon. The second-year signal caller completed 5-of-11 pass attempts for 27 yards. For the preseason, Harrington has thrown for 163 yards and he has completed 18-of-36 attempts with one touchdown.

Evidenced by what is seen during practice, Mariucci is confidently moving in the way of patience.

"He's young and healthy and improving," Mariucci said. "I think our football is improving so you look into the future, you don't look so much at what happened last week. You look at where he's headed, what it takes to get there, and if he willing to put in the work. Have a little patience. Patience is a virtue."

With the Cleveland game coming up, Harrington said his main focus is not to improve his numbers, but rather find ways to keep the offense moving down the field.

"It's the same thing as every game�I want to complete passes," Harrington said. "I want to move the team. I want to be efficient on offense and be productive."

Joey Harrington's going to have to improve a lot more before he becomes a viable option as a fantasy quarterback. Currently our #26 QB, he'll be given the opportunity to do just that with a likely finish in the top 10-12 in attempts if he's able to play a full season. A great prospect, but nothing more than a #3 fantasy QB at this point.

4. CB Marcus Trufant and S Ken Hamlin (SEA) Battle for Starting Jobs

Clipped From: Associated Press

Seahawks rookie cornerback Marcus Trufant and rookie safety Ken Hamlin have been so impressive in training camp, some veterans are realizing their starting jobs may be in jeopardy.

When Seattle drafted Trufant, a Tacoma native and Washington State standout, with the 11th overall pick in the draft, Ken Lucas, who started every game at cornerback last year opposite Shawn Springs, took it personally.

"It was kind of confusing at first," said Lucas, a second-round pick out of Mississippi in 2001. "When they draft a guy in the first round, you know he's going to play regardless."

Lucas, who is considered the second cornerback behind Springs, figured his starting spot would be up for grabs. Rather than concede the position and adjust to a backup role, he has used the challenge as extra motivation.

"You can't pout about it," Lucas said. "You just have to go out there and get better and make it hard for them to make the decision to put him in."

Lucas isn't the only cornerback competing with Trufant. Veterans Willie Williams, Doug Evans and second-year player Kris Richard have an outside chance at starting, but all will likely fill a backup role. Springs is a lock to start in the other cornerback slot.

Trufant said the competition is a good thing because it pushes the whole group to improve, which makes the team better. Even though they all are competing for the same spot, Trufant said he has a good relationship with the other cornerbacks.

"I look at the vets like my older brothers," Trufant said. "They're helping me out and showing me the ropes. I'm listening to everything they tell me because they've been there before."

Hamlin has similar praise for the veteran safeties, including Damien Robinson, whom he is battling for one of two starting spots.

"They've been great," said Hamlin, a second-round pick out of Arkansas. "I learn something new from those guys every day."

Robinson, a six-year veteran who signed as a free agent from the New York Jets, was penciled in to start alongside Reggie Tongue until he suffered a separated shoulder in the Seahawks' Aug. 2 intersquad scrimmage.

Since that time, Hamlin has been impressive and given the Seahawks no reason to demote him when Robinson returns. Coach Mike Holmgren has raved about Hamlin's natural football instincts.

"He understands angles," Holmgren said. "He understands depths. You can teach a lot of that stuff, but some guys come in with a better feeling than others."

Meanwhile, Robinson, who wasn't scheduled to return to practice until next week, has been participating in non-contact drills to avoid falling behind.

Holmgren insists Robinson's recovery is right on schedule.

While Hamlin's road to success was made a lot easier with Robinson's shoulder injury, Trufant's job is a bit tougher. We often get caught up in the hype with impressive rookies and need to temper our expectations. We don't foresee Hamlin giving back the starting job once Robinson is healthy, but Robinson's presence will take a bite out of his stats. As a nickel back, Trufant will see quite a bit of playing time, and could get picked on as a rookie, but both he and Hamlin will finish on the wrong side of the top 100 for defensive backs, making them very nice dynasty prospects at their respective positions but weak options for the upcoming season.

5. TE Teyo Johnson (OAK): Increased Role

Clipped From: Sacramento Bee (Gregg Bell)

Johnson's plugging has the Raiders developing a subtle but potentially lethal concept shift inside their top-flight offense. His instant emergence as a tall, reliable target deep down the middle of defenses has the Raiders' coaches scheming a diabolical plan for opposing defensive backs.

Johnson is getting more and more plays with Doug Jolley, his 2002 predecessor as a pass-catching tight end and second-round draft pick, in the Raiders' passing formations.

The idea is to send both Johnson and Jolley sprinting down the hash marks. The opposing strong safety or nickel back, who usually covers any inside receivers across the middle of the field and is big enough to do so adequately, would then have to choose which "J" to stay with. That would possibly leave the other "J" matched up on some smaller, exploitable defensive back.

And Raiders coach Bill Callahan has said he wants to use three tight-end sets more this season.

"We're trying to put stuff in to put defenses in a bind," Jolley said.

Teyo Johnson's performance over the first two preseason games has brought back memories from last preseason, when Jeremy Shockey (a rookie at the time) blew through defenders on his way to a 74 catch season. Johnson comes with far less fanfare, much lower expectations, and will probably not have the same impact as New York's outspoken darling son, but he's played well enough to force the Raiders into finding ways to get him on the field. If Doug Jolley were not in town, Teyo Johnson would be a highly sought after tight end, but since Jolley has the advantage of a year of experience and the top spot in the depth chart, Johnson gets a ranking at #30. He looks like a great dynasty force who just may develop into a solid option in 03. Along with fellow rookie RB Justin Fargas, the Raiders have certainly created a fantasy buzz for the future.

6. Chargers Cautious With TE Alexander

Clipped From: Chargers.com (David Neville)

Stephen Alexander has been sidelined for the bulk of camp with a groin injury, but rather than rush the Pro Bowl tight end back onto the field, the Chargers have opted to take the cautious route with his recovery.

"He's getting better. What's happened to him is the two times he's come back, he's torn scar tissue," said Schottenheimer. "What we're trying to do is be smart about it."

Because of his experience, the Chargers know they can afford to take their time with Alexander.

"You know one thing about the guy is that he is very bright and he does not fall behind when he's not practicing," said Schottenheimer. "Now from a physical standpoint and the timing standpoint, you lose that. But he is very frustrated.

"I talk to him daily because he's just so frustrated that he can't get out there and do what he wants to do. But our feeling is that in the preseason, we have to be very judicious about when we try to use him and when we try to bring him back."

Hopefully, they're right. As our #9 tight end, with projections of 49-532-3, Alexander has become a very nice late draft option for those that miss out on the big three of Shockey, Gonzalez and Heap. With total points only 4 behind Shannon Sharpe (#5), he holds great value as the #11 tight end drafted (ADP). If this injury happens to linger into the regular season, many sharks would be left with a hole at tight end. Be careful here.

7. RB LaDanian Tomlinson (SD): Bruised Heel

Clipped From: Chargers.com (David Neville)

For the second time this camp, the Chargers got a glimpse of one of their biggest fears when Pro Bowl running back LaDainian Tomlinson left Wednesday's practice on a golf cart with a member of the team's training staff.

The first time Tomlinson left the field was a week ago when he suffered from a brief bout of dehydration. This time, he was sidelined due to a bruised heel, the same injury that several of his teammates have experienced so far through camp.

Like before, Tomlinson isn't expected to be out for long.

"It appears right now that it's his heel," said Head Coach Marty Schottenheimer. "Heel bruises seem to be the injury of camp. It does not appear to be serious, but at this point it's probably premature (to say anything other than) it's a heel bruise."

Even though the Chargers will be playing on Saturday night in Houston, which is about a three-hour drive from Tomlinson's hometown of Waco, the running back isn't expected to play much, if at all.

"I don't know that he'll even make a cameo," said Schottenheimer.

Tomlinson wasn't the only player slowed by a bruised heel on Wednesday. Wide receiver David Boston also sat out the morning practice with a similar ailment.

Schottenheimer and the team's training staff think they have discovered part of the problem.

"Some of the guys don't wear socks with any cushion," said Schottenheimer. "They wear these little...what do they call them...dainties or something. I don't know. And it doesn't give you any support or cushion."

Right now, this will be attributed to standard training camp bumps and bruises, but anytime you see "Tomlinson" and "injury" mentioned in the same sentence it makes quite a few hearts skip a beat. As the consensus #1 overall pick/player/dynasty builder, a healthy Tomlinson will go a long way in determining the success of many fantasy teams this year. This was probably worth reading just to see Schottenheimer call the socks "dainties"...

8. K Martin Gramatica's (TB) Splendid Return

Clipped From: Buccaneers.com

Is Martin Gramatica's kicking leg back to full strength? Ask the drivers trying to get into the parking garage adjacent to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' practice fields on Wednesday afternoon.

A sudden and heavy rain hit One Buccaneer Place and the surrounding office buildings at about 4:30 p.m., but area cars had larger projectiles to dodge a bit earlier after Gramatica unleashed his right leg for the first time in two weeks.

An early period of the Bucs' Wednesday practice - the first one in preparation for Saturday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars - was devoted to field goals, with Gramatica making his long-awaited return from a sore groin. Feeling rested and loose, the strong-legged kicker blasted shot after shot, many of them clearing the protective net behind the uprights and landing on a nearby street.

"He looked phenomenal to me," said an obviously relieved Head Coach Jon Gruden. "He made all his kicks and the balls were bouncing around in that neighborhood over there, so he was hitting them pretty good. (I was) very pleased. Very pleased."

Gramatica did hook one of his longer tries a bit to the right, but he still hit it well, and he felt no ill effects from the kicking session afterward.

"It felt really good," he said. "I didn't feel anything bad in there. I'm not where I need to be but I felt pretty good for the first day. Today proved that it's okay, because I kicked and didn't feel anything. The question for me is how I feel in the morning. Usually you're sore the next day, so hopefully that goes fine."

For a while, there was concern that Gramatica's sore groin could last into the regular season, so it's good to see him back in form. No report on his celebration.

9. S Arturo Freeman Still a Dolphin

Clipped From: Sun-Sentinel.com (Alex Marvez)

Although Arturo Freeman's agent was hoping otherwise, coach Dave Wannstedt said Tuesday that the strong safety will remain with the Dolphins.

Drew Rosenhaus said he had approached them Monday about trading Freeman, who lost his starting position to Sammy Knight early in preseason. Rosenhaus said he was denied permission to seek a deal. "It's pretty simple," Rosenhaus said. "He's not in on any of the defensive packages, and he's too good to be sitting on the bench."

Wannstedt, though, doesn't want to lose a player who can start at either safety even though it appears Shawn Wooden has moved ahead of Freeman in the pass-defense packages.

"Arturo is a major part of our plans," Wannstedt said. "He's a little disappointed right now. But he can play the nickel and dime, and he's on all the special teams. He's an important part of our team."

Freeman, who said Tuesday morning that he had not asked for any trade himself, started all 16 games last season.

But his inability to create turnovers was one of the major reasons the Dolphins had pursued Knight, who started the past six years in New Orleans.

Freeman is to become an unrestricted free agent after this season, which means his market value could be greatly affected if he doesn't receive significant playing time.

With his move down the depth chart, a once promising season has turned Arturo Freeman into nothing more than a deep dynasty prospect. He needs to improve his playmaking skills, but he's young and has starting experience, which will make him a valuable commodity in next years free agent market.

10. QB Kelly Holcomb (CLE): Journeyman to Starter

Clipped From: Associated Press (Tom Withers)

The reporters covering the Cleveland Browns were told that the Browns' starting quarterback was ready and waiting to be interviewed.

Until a few days ago when coach Butch Davis picked him over Tim Couch as the starter, Kelly Holcomb was always waiting.

Perseverance paid off. The spotlight didn't find him. He stole it.

Playing at Middle Tennessee State is no longer a factor. Going undrafted doesn't matter anymore. Being waived four times by Tampa Bay then stuck behind Peyton Manning in Indianapolis are not relevant now.

Holcomb is an NFL starter.

"I don't know if I expected to get this job, but I expected a job one day," he said Wednesday. "I always believed deep down in my heart that I could be a starting quarterback in the NFL."

On Sunday, Davis made it official, choosing Holcomb over Couch, the Browns' starter the past four years and the club's No. 1 overall draft pick in 1999.

Holcomb, 30, said his life hasn't changed much since the announcement that ended seven years of watching from the sideline and months of debate in Cleveland.

Surrounded by cameras, Holcomb certainly wasn't the same QB he was just a few days ago. This was a different huddle, one he's going to have to get used to but where he always wanted to be.

"I expected to be here someday," he said. "I didn't know when it was going to be. But it feels like this is where I should be. I don't know why, and it wasn't an overwhelming thing, but it's exciting."

Holcomb isn't the first journeyman quarterback to get his big chance after years toiling in the shadows as an NFL backup. Trent Green, Rich Gannon and Tommy Maddox have great comeback stories of their own.

But Holcomb's situation is somewhat unique. He unseated Couch, who led the Browns to eight wins and the playoffs last year only to get hurt and watch as Holcomb passed for 429 yards in an AFC playoff loss to Pittsburgh.

This was supposed to be Couch's breakout season. Instead, it will begin as Holcomb's.

Ever since head coach Butch Davis made his announcement that Holcomb would be the Browns starter this year, we've seen him climb the rankings to his current #28 spot. From there, with projections of over 3100 yards, 18 TDs and 14 interceptions, he finds himself as a borderline #2 fantasy option with higher value in survivor type leagues. Davis has said that Holcomb will not be on a short leash, which is very good for fantasy owners because, while Holcomb should have some outstanding games in Cleveland's offense, he'll also post some stinkers. Based on what we saw last year during his three starts (weeks 1,2 and playoffs) he possesses serious potential to be a fantasy factor and, with quarterbacks developing at such a late age (Holcomb is 30), could be around for a while. Just remember, Rich Gannon didn't get his chance with Oakland until he was 33 years old, and we all know what he's done over the past four seasons.

11. DE Mike McCrary (BAL) to Announce Retirement

Clipped From: Associated Press

Ravens defensive end Michael McCrary will announce his retirement Thursday, closing the book on an injury-filled 10-year career in which he earned two Pro Bowls nominations and a Super Bowl ring.

"What a great warrior," head coach Brian Billick said. "Especially when you consider his passion for game, his love of the game and the way he practiced. He was a key part of our championship year and in a very selfless way, basically giving up a Pro Bowl berth to help us go to a Super Bowl. You can't say enough about a guy like that."

During the offseason, McCrary had continued to work out in the hope that his oft-injured knees could respond enough so that he could play one more season. But in the wake of his retirement, there has been talk that he could instead serve on the coaching staff.

"That's one of the parameters we've discussed," Billick said. "We want to explore every option. It's been an avenue for others, and it's been successful. We'd love to have him."

It's a shame that injuries have forced McCrary out of the game, but he has a lot to show for his 10 seasons. A dominating pass rusher from 96-99, he averaged 69 tackles and 12 sacks while missing only one game. He'll undoubtedly be a valuable member of their coaching staff, if he decides to go that route.

12. Redskins Acquire DT Martin Chase (NO)

Clipped From: Associated Press

The Washington Redskins acquired defensive tackle Martin Chase from the New Orleans Saints on Wednesday in an attempt to fill a major hole on the defensive line.

Chase, slated as a backup for the Saints, will probably be an instant starter with the depleted Redskins. Washington cut Dan Wilkinson last month when he refused a pay cut, and Brandon Noble was lost for the season last week with a knee injury.

Chase, 28, has four starts over five seasons with Baltimore and New Orleans. He played in 13 games last season, making one start. He had 51 tackles and one sack.

The Saints will receive either a selection in the sixth or seventh round of next year's draft, depending on Chase's playing time during the season.

Chase entered this offseason as a starter in New Orleans, but with the drafting of Johnathon Sullivan and emergence of Grady Jackson, he had become expendable. Now in Washington, he'll likely start alongside Jermaine Haley (a reserve tackle in Miami last season) but has no fantasy value. The release of Dan Wilkinson and injury to Brandon Noble leaves the Redskins in very bad shape at defensive tackle as Haley and Chase will have to play far above what they've shown capable of in order to find success.

13. RB Dominic Rhodes (IND): Knee is OK

Clipped From: Colts.com (John Oehser)

Dominic Rhodes received good news this week regarding his surgically repaired knee. Now, comes the tough part.

Regaining confidence.

Rhodes, an 1,100-yard rusher as a rookie in 2001 who missed last season with a torn anterior cruciate knee ligament, traveled to Alabama early this week to meet with James Andrews, a renowned physician who specializes in knees and ligament damage. Rhodes received the news he and the Colts had hoped:

The knee he injured in 2002 training camp is structurally sound.

Rhodes visited with Andrews Monday and returned to Indianapolis to attend the team's two practices Tuesday. Colts Head Coach Tony Dungy said the difficult part for Rhodes now is trusting the knee in practice and game conditions.

"He basically told him he had a real fine knee structure," Dungy said Tuesday as the Colts (1-1 in preseason) prepared to play the Denver Broncos in a preseason game at INVESCO Field in Denver Monday at 7:05 p.m.

"He wasn't worried about anything structurally there. He's progressing well and he's got some swelling that's causing some irritation, but it's nothing to be worried about. Dominic's at the point where he's got to push through some discomfort.

"Talking to him today, I think he feels a lot better about it."

Said Rhodes, "Coming from Dr. Andrews, he's telling me my knee's stable and I had a good surgery, that was big. The repair is strong."

Rhodes said his next step is improving flexion in the knee.

"Once I get that back, I'll be ready to go," Rhodes said. "It's hard to explain. You've got to go through it to know. It's really just a test to see how much and how badly I want it. I want it bad enough to fight through. It's tough. It's hard to explain."

Rhodes, who also was bothered in training camp by a shoulder injury, sustained a similar injury to that sustained by running back Edgerrin James in October of 2001. James missed the remainder of that season, and returned to rush for 989 yards last season.

But James said after the season he felt the aftereffects of the injury - and the fatigue from rehabilitation - throughout the season.

It sounds like, from Rhodes standpoint, the mental aspect of hearing that his knee was in good shape is a big step in his rehabilitation. The next step is for him to get on the field and regain his confidence, although that may take a while. With the 2-year ACL "rule", we shouldn't expect much from Rhodes in 03.

14. CB Chris McAlister (BAL) Arrested: DUI

Clipped From: SunSpot.net (Jamison Hensley)

Chris McAlister was arrested and charged with driving under the influence early Monday morning in Virginia, a police spokesman said yesterday. The Ravens' starting cornerback was pulled over for speeding and was charged with DUI at 2:36 a.m. Monday in Fairfax County, Va., according to Virginia state police.

McAlister was stopped on Interstate 95 after a patrolman clocked his car going 86 mph in a 55 zone, police said. He was arrested after the officer smelled alcohol on McAlister's breath and gave him a field sobriety test, the spokesman said. McAlister refused to take a Breathalyzer test, which measures blood alcohol level.

McAlister, 26, was held at a Virginia detention center and missed Monday's practice. After returning to the Ravens' training camp later that day, he met with coach Brian Billick and general manager Ozzie Newsome and suited up for yesterday's final workout at McDaniel College.

"The case is still wide-open," McAlister said. "There's no evidence pointing one way or the other."

It is believed McAlister will not miss any games as a result of the arrest.

If McAlister were convicted, it would trigger an evaluation that could place him in the NFL's substance abuse program, which requires players to undergo treatment and regular drug testing.

Once a player is in the program, he can be suspended for four games for a second offense. A third offense would bring a one-year suspension.

Today's DUI arrest is brought to you by Ravens cornerback Chris McAlister. For our purposes, the fact that he will probably not miss any games is important, but it does lead to possible trouble down the road. A shutdown corner, McAlister is a product of his own success who doesn't provide much in fantasy value over a fifth or sixth defensive back.

15. CB Kevin Garrett (STL) Fractures Wrist

Clipped From: StLouis Post-Dispatch (Jim Thomas)

Hopes that rookie cornerback Kevin Garrett might be available for the season opener against the New York Giants have proven to be optimistic. Garrett, a fifth-round draft pick from Southern Methodist, will be out at least six weeks because of a fractured and dislocated wrist.

The injury, which occurred while Garrett was making a jarring hit on punt coverage Monday night against Tampa Bay, will require surgery.

"Once they take the pins out, they can pad it and he'll be ready to go," coach Mike Martz said Tuesday.

Garrett was one of three cornerbacks drafted in April by the Rams, as they attempted to fill the void on the depth chart created by the departure of free agents Dre Bly (to Detroit) and Dexter McCleon (Kansas City).

Of those rookies - a group that includes DeJuan Groce of Nebraska and Notre Dame's Shane Walton - Garrett probably has the most upside because of his speed. No less an authority on defensive backs than wide receiver Isaac Bruce had taken note of Garrett's coverage potential.

Once Aeneas Williams was moved to free safety, Garrett has been running with the second unit at cornerback along with Groce. Although Garrett didn't figure to play much on defense this season, the Rams were expecting him to contribute on special teams.

Considering that Garrett was not expected to see much field time in defensive packages, this news doesn't have much fantsay impact. The Rams will miss his speed on special teams and as depth in their defensive backfield, where they've been hit hard by injuries. Jason Sehorn and James Whitley, the expected starting free-safety and nickel back, respectively, are both out with foot injuries and, in Whitley's case, several weeks away from returning. Sehorn will miss half the season which prompted the Rams to move Aeneas Williams to safety. Needless to say, St.Louis is getting thin in the secondary and can't afford anymore injuries, whther it's to role players or a starter. That is, assuming, it's not already too late.

16. LB Jeremiah Trotter (WAS) Looks to Rebound

Clipped From: Associated Press (Joseph White)

Jeremiah Trotter did not look like a big-contract, Pro Bowl veteran in his first year with the Washington Redskins. In fact, he thinks he looked more like a rookie.

"I was just out there running around, trying to make tackles, really didn't know where to go," Trotter said.

Trotter felt his aggressiveness was taken away in defensive coordinator Marvin Lewis' system. Then, his season ended early when he tore the ACL ligament in his right knee in the Thanksgiving Day loss to Dallas.

Happier and physically on the mend, Trotter is itching to redeem himself and validate the seven-year, $36 million contract he signed as a free agent when he left the Philadelphia Eagles. Lewis left to take the head coaching job in Cincinnati, and new coordinator George Edwards is more to Trotter's liking.

"I have no excuses this year, and you won't see any," Trotter said. "This year you can expect great things, man. I'm excited. I'm much more in tune with the system, and I've got an idea of what George expects out of me. For me, last year was a big disappointment, and this year I expect to be back at the Pro Bowl level."

Trotter had just 104 tackles last year, not an impressive tally at all for a middle linebacker. He didn't have a sack, force a fumble or recover one. His run of two straight Pro Bowl appearances ended.

"Jeremiah, he had a so-so year last year, he'll tell you that," coach Steve Spurrier said. "He can play a lot better, and I think he's fitting a lot better into our system."

In Philadelphia, Trotter displayed the abilities of a great playmaker with averages of 119 tackles, 3 sacks and 2 interceptions from 99-01. You knew there had to be something wrong last year when, while his tackles remained the same at 7.5 per game, he failed to pick up a sack, forced fumble or a fumble recovery. Not fitting into a system can do that to you. This year, everything has sounded good coming out of Redskins camp and we expect a return to Pro Bowl form from Trotter and a top 20 finish among linebackers.

17. DE JeVon Kearse (TEN) Hopes To Return By Opener

Clipped From: Associated Press (Teresa Walker)

Tennessee defensive end Jevon Kearse plans on recovering from his sprained ankle in time to play in the Titans' regular-season opener against Oakland.

"These preseason games would be good, so I can try to work myself back into my original form. If I can't get it in, then I've got to wait and do it for the regular season," Kearse said Wednesday.

Kearse sprained his right ankle near the end of practice Tuesday. X-rays and MRI results Wednesday showed some swelling in the ankle. However, the results were favorable when compared to the results after he sprained the same ankle in 2001.

The three-time Pro Bowler will wear a walking boot as a precaution for up to five days until the swelling disappears.

Kearse said he wants his ankle to heal completely, even if that means he doesn't get any more work in the preseason. The Titans (2-0) visit Cincinnati on Saturday and conclude the preseason Aug. 28 at Green Bay. They face the Raiders on Sept. 7.

"If I can get some plays against Green Bay that's not going to put me back, I'm for it. I'm not afraid of it," Kearse said.

"The sooner he can get back, the better off he's going to be," coach Jeff Fisher said. "But he's behind and in all likelihood, he'll be behind a little bit in the opener. But he's been one of those guys that can catch up very quickly. What we have to do is get him healed up."

Kearse has been on the field for a total of 25 plays through the first two preseason games. He missed 12 games last season after breaking a bone in his left foot, and he missed most of training camp in 2001 because of a torn triceps tendon.

The fact that his latest injury is just a sprained ankle is good news for both the Titans and Kearse. But that means Kearse may not be able to prove to the Titans just how healthy he is until the regular season, when Kearse and his agent Drew Rosenhaus would like to have a new contract finalized.

While the Titans see his "just" sprained ankle as being good news, any injury to Kearse at this point has to throw up a big red flag. With their secondary struggling, they need Kearse on the field to provide a pass rush and take pressure off of the defensive backs. Without him, they'll have trouble improving on their 25th ranked pass defense from a year ago. Possibly the toughest player to rank, based on his inactivity last year and limited offseason, we've cautiously placed him as the #48 defensive lineman with 41 tackles and 8.5 sacks. If healthy, he'll blow by these numbers on his way to the top 10.

18. DT Gilbert Brown (GB) Returns to Practice

Clipped From: Associated Press

Packers nose tackle Gilbert Brown returned to practice Wednesday for the first time since tearing a biceps muscle in a preseason game at Atlanta on Aug. 9.

After participating in six full-contact plays, Brown said he felt the practice was a positive sign that the injury won't require surgery, which would likely sideline him for the season.

"There's no pain or nothing. I just felt great," Brown said. "It felt good to be out there with my teammates. That's the main thing."

Brown could get an increased workload in practice Thursday. There's a possibility he could play in Saturday's preseason game with Carolina at Lambeau Field. The season-opener is Sept. 7.

"How can you not be a guy in that locker room who is inspired by what he's doing?" quarterback Brett Favre said. "No one is making him play. He could easily have gone home and never looked back."

Brown was on the field for only the first half of the two-hour, full-contact practice in pads. He took part in six plays during a 9-on-7 rushing drill.

Considering that the last we heard from Brown included "done for year", this is incredible news for the Packers defense. If they have any hope of improving on their 21st ranked rush defense from a year ago, they need a space eater in the middle, and at 350 pounds, there aren't many who eat space like Gilbert Brown. It's left to be seen just how long Brown will last with his bicep injury, but it looks like that will be determined by his pain threshold, and he seems motivated to get on the field.

That'll do it for today, Folks. Have a great one and we'll see you tomorrow with the update.

Joe