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Footballguys.com Daily Email Update
Volume 4 Issue # 98
August 22, 2003

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

A. Site News: Footballguys.com Hiring Game Recap Writers

1. Veteran LB Darrin Smith(NOS) is Taking Inside Track
2. RB Domanick Davis Returns to Texans Practice as Hand Heals
3. WR Clarence Coleman Makes Bills Coaches Take Notice 
4. A Lighter Sam Garnes (NYJ) has it Covered 
5. New Driver, Same Map for Falcons 
6. Coach Del Rio (Jax) Faces Dilemma:  Plan for the Present or the Future 
7. WR Matthew Hatchette (Jax) will Start Against the Buccaneers 
8. RB Fred Taylor (Jax) Returned to Practice Thursday and Looked Good 
9. RB Ladell Betts (Was) will See Early Action Against the Ravens 
10. TE Jeremy Shockey (NYG) Ready For Opener? 
11. RB Shawn Bryson (Det) Gets his Chance Against the Browns 
12. Cowboys Quarterback Situation Still Unclear? 
13. WR Curtis Conway (NYJ) Getting in Sync with QB Chad Pennington 
14. QB Jeff Garcia (SF) Ready to Shake Rust Off 
15. OT Scott Gragg (SF) Out for a While With Sprained Ankle 
16. RB Terry Kirby Cut by the Buccaneers 
17. WR Antonio Freeman Wants to Make the Right Choice 
18. RB Ladainian Tomlinson Returns to Practice 
19. No Ligament Damage So Far for Vick

A. Site News: Footballguys.com Hiring Game Recap Writers

We're looking to hire a few more writers to help with the super popular Game Recap features. Details are at the bottom of this email.

1. Veteran LB Darrin Smith (NOS) is Taking Inside Track

Clipped from Amalie Benjamin article in Times-Picayune:

Coach Jim Haslett and defensive coordinator Rick Venturi are quick to point out that Darrin Smith appeared in all 16 games in 2000, the year the Saints got their first and only playoff victory. In 11 of those games, Smith was forced to shift from his usual role at outside linebacker to middle linebacker, a position he'll once again fill this season.

"We've won a lot of games with him in the middle," Venturi said. "He leads without a lot of nonsense and without a lot of noise. He's had a positive effect on our defense from that standpoint. Direction without panic. With a bunch of new guys, that's clearly vital for us to be successful quickly."

In a defense with two new starting safeties Tebucky Jones and Mel Mitchell Smith brings continuity to the unit, having spent three years in the system.

Linebacker Darrin Smith is a steadying force on a defense that has been filled with turmoil and strife over the last couple of seasons. He has become the anchor for the defensive unit and will have a positive influence on both his new and returning teammates. You cannot teach experience and his playoff success over the years (mostly with the Cowboys) could prove invaluable to the Saints come playoff time.

2. RB Domanick Davis Returns to Texans Practice as Hand Heals

Clipped from AP/ESPN:

There was a hint of jealousy in David Carr's voice when Domanick Davis' name came up.

"Oh, you mean 'Fresh Legs?'" Carr said of the rookie running back who returned to full participation in practice Thursday for the first time since breaking his right hand in a blocking drill at the outset of training camp on July 29.

It's not that Davis wasn't around during the often hot and physically draining camp, which broke Tuesday. He still maintained a running regimen during practices and was able to study the playbook and attend meetings like any other player, cast and all.

But Davis admits it was killing him to stand on the sidelines through two preseason games, and he knows he'll have to do the same Saturday night when the Chargers visit. He agrees with coaches, however, that it's best to stay out of live action a little while longer. "I had to understand that (injuries are) part of the game," said Davis, drafted in April to be a third-down back and kick returner on the strength of his career at Louisiana State, where he set the Southeastern Conference record with 3,204 combined punt and kickoff return yards.

The initial prognosis called for him to return in three to five weeks. Fortunately, doctors told him last week the break had healed quickly and he was able to return on the front end of the schedule.

After an energetic practice in which Davis seemed to steal the show on some plays, coach Dom Capers was duly impressed. "What I saw before is that he had great run vision and quickness in the hole," Capers said, then broke into a grin. "I thought I saw the same thing here today."

Davis reported feeling no pain in his hand when fielding kicks and was able to use the hand to tuck the ball away.

It is nice to see Domanick Davis return from injury ahead of schedule. There was lots of talk earlier in the off-season in regards to Davis becoming the third-down specialist with the Texans and perhaps he will find a way to step into that role at some point this year. For now though, Davis adds more competition and depth to an already crowded running back stable. He is a quick runner with solid pass receiving skills but needs to be terrific over the next few weeks to have a chance to step into the offensive attack this year. His fantasy impact for the 2003 season is next to nothing but he is worth keeping an eye on in the deeper Dynasty Leagues.

3. WR Clarence Coleman Makes Bills Coaches Take Notice

Clipped from Allen Wilson article in Buffalo News:

Ask Buffalo Bills head coach Gregg Williams about Clarence Coleman, and you'll get a smile of approval. It's an indication that the first-year wide receiver has done very well for himself this summer. Coleman, 23, who signed with Buffalo in 2002 out of Division II Ferris State (Mich.) University, has been one of the biggest surprises in training camp. He is running past and leaping over defenders to catch every pass within reach and flashes plenty of big-play potential.

And that's just in practice. He has been just as impressive in the Bills' first two preseason games, catching five passes for 89 yards (including a 36-yard grab) against Baltimore and adding 37 yards on two receptions at Tennessee last Saturday.

Coleman isn't assured of making the team, but he certainly is making it hard for the Bills not to keep him.

"He's the classic example from a coach's eyes of a guy who has had an opportunity handed to him and has taken it and run with it," Williams said Wednesday after the Bills' final camp practice at St. John Fisher College. "With the limited reps that everybody gets, when you take advantage of the reps you've got, you deserve more. He's deserved more throughout the offseason, throughout the minicamps and off-season conditioning program. And he's done a very good job in training camp of putting himself in a position to make this football team."

Coleman's early success has vaulted him up the depth chart. He's currently second to Eric Moulds at one receiver position and has gotten a lot of snaps with the first offense when the Bills go to four-wide-receiver formations. Coleman's confidence is growing each day, but not to the point where he's comfortable. Given the competition at wide receiver, he is too close to realizing his NFL dream to stop and savor the moment.

"Personally, you're always going to be harder on yourself," the Miami native said. "I'm still not satisfied. I think I should have a couple more catches, a couple more yards, a couple more touchdowns. Overall, I think I've opened up some eyes, which is what I wanted to do. But the decision on who makes the team is going to be left up to the coaches. It's going to come down to what the organization feels about me."

One of the bandwagon jumpers is quarterback Drew Bledsoe. "Clarence has had a great camp," Bledsoe said. "We expect him to be a very productive player for us this year. He's really taken that next step from being a young guy to being a guy who is a legitimate NFL football player. We expect big things out of him."

Usually you hear one of these 'feel good' stories during preseason and you can't help grinning to yourself while you shrug off the story to the media hype machine. However in this case it sounds like Clarence Coleman may indeed be the real deal and he has a great chance to see some significant playing time as a 4th receiver for the Bills this season. Sometimes these young players who have to work as hard as possible to get into the NFL are indeed able to have a successful career (see Wayne Chrebet). When the starting quarterback of the team is impressed and expects a player to be productive, it is time for us to become believers in his abilities. His fantasy worth is of course nil at this point but it is still a nice story and he could be a player to watch for down the road.

4. A lighter Sam Garnes (NYJ) has it Covered

Clipped from Dave Hutchinson article in The Star Ledger:

Sam Garnes of the Jets is no longer a linebacker masquerading as a strong safety. Isolating him on the tight end is no longer a mismatch of epic proportions. Garnes has lost about 15 pounds off his 6-3 frame and is down to his college playing weight of roughly 215 pounds. Coach Herman Edwards has joked that the veteran defensive back has gotten rid of the trailer he was carrying. While Garnes has lost weight, he has regained his attitude, a confidence that has helped him survive six NFL seasons despite never being the fastest or most gifted player on the field.

In short, the old Sam Garnes is back

Garnes, 29, started last season in a fog. He fractured his left thumb in the final week of training camp, missing the last preseason game. He returned for the season opener but played the first five games with a bulky cast on his thumb. The cast, combined with his limited understanding of the defense, was a recipe for disaster.

"When you start the season out and things aren't going the way you want -- you have a broken thumb -- you try not to make excuses while it's going on, but I'm human," said Garnes, who finished with a career-high 110 tackles and two interceptions last season. "It just didn't work out well for me. But I came back and I played well. I'm confident now."

This season, Garnes will be used more in pass coverage. With his added quickness, the Jets feel they can disguise their coverages better. They can bring Garnes down in the box, fake an eight-man front, and have McGraw race down from the other side just before the snap. Last season, the Jets didn't feel comfortable asking Garnes to go back in coverage from in the box.

When watching Sam Garnes play during the 2000 and 2001 NFL seasons with the Giants, it was obvious that he was a liability in the pass defense of the team. He was great in supporting the run but looked very slow and sluggish in the secondary when the opposition threw the ball. Him losing the extra pounds is great news for both his career and the potential of the Jets defense. It sounds like he will play a much bigger role with the Jets this season and he could be a surprise this season in IDP fantasy leagues.

5. New Driver, Same Map for Falcons

Clipped from Matt Winkeljohn article in Atlanta Journal-Constitution:

When the Falcons debut their new white jerseys tonight in Pro Player Stadium, it won't be their only fresh look. Their turbo-charged quarterback has been replaced by a prop job. Doug Johnson's not old and rusty. But the fourth-year pro is a dropback passer, clearly more traditional than the man he's replacing, the injured Mike Vick.

Yet Johnson, his teammates and coaches say this doesn't mean Atlanta's offense, which was fifth in the NFL in scoring last season, is going to slow down. For the most part, the schemes will not change.

"You built in five or six plays just for Mike," said offensive coordinator Pete Mangurian. "But the rest of it's built for Warrick Dunn and T.J Duckett, and Alge [Crumpler], and Peerless [Price] and so on. We may emphasize things Doug does better or feels more comfortable with, but this is the Atlanta Falcons' offense -- it's not Michael Vick's offense."

No pass routes will be scrapped because Johnson will be at the helm for at least the next six weeks. Coaches may be more willing to call short or intermediate routes over the middle because Johnson is two inches (6 feet 2) taller than Vick, and might be better able to get passes over rushing linemen.

The only plays that went in the filing cabinet with Vick's injuries were quarterback draws and sweeps.

Many fantasy owners have already clipped the Falcons' wings to start the season but this just in: Doug Johnson can play football and is a capable backup while Vick heals.

Johnson has a good arm and we don't see the . Michael Vick is perhaps the greatest athlete in the game and is a treat to watch on the field. He can make plays by running all over the field and obviously Johnson won't be able to match his excitement and his creativeness on the field. However Johnson was very solid in relieve of Vick last season and he will likely utilize both Warrick Dunn and T.J. Duckett more than Vick would have needed to this season. He won't create a quarterback controversy or anything in Atlanta but he will do a good job during his stint as the starting quarterback.

6. Coach Del Rio (Jax) Faces Dilemma: Plan for the present or the future

Clipped from Vito Stellino article in Jacksonville.com:

Jack Del Rio said yesterday that Jimmy Smith's four-game suspension could have a "ripple effect" on the Jaguars' personnel moves, leaving the door open for the possibility of dramatic changes when the team opens the season.

Now that Smith is sidelined, the Jaguars' coach has to decide whether to keep his veteran core led by Mark Brunell together in an attempt to win this year, or build for the future and play Byron Leftwich and David Garrard at quarterback to get them experience.

When asked if Smith's suspension will affect the decisions on other players, Del Rio gave the impression he's still struggling with the decision. "I would say everything has an effect," he said.

"I don't think there's any denying that. Things happen, and there's a ripple effect. What is the end result? We'll find out.

"I try to play things out, provide a competitive atmosphere and let those guys decide it on the football field. That remains our approach. Does that [Smith's suspension] factor in? Absolutely. Does it answer the question for you? No. There's still a lot to be considered ...," Del Rio said.

Bottom line is the situation in Jacksonville is messy and it I don't see a lot of clearing on the horizon. Del Rio's in a tough spot and will be weighing the "win now vs win in the future" options which makes life tough for owners depending on Jaguar veterans. Be careful with the older guys. But also keep an eye out for the guys grabbing opportunities like Hatchette in the story below.

7. WR Matthew Hatchette (Jax) will Start Against the Buccaneers

Clipped from article in Jacksonville.com:

Matthew Hatchette's bid for the No.2 wide receiver spot opposite J.J. Stokes got a boost yesterday with a starting assignment in tomorrow night's preseason game at Tampa Bay. Hatchette, a veteran journeyman who led NFL Europe in receiving last spring, was given the start by coach Jack Del Rio after catching four passes for 46 yards against Miami last Friday and a strong week of practice.

Hatchette is hoping to start alongside Stokes during Jimmy Smith's upcoming four-game drug suspension. Hatchette's chances also have been helped by injuries to fellow No.2 hopefuls Donald Hayes and Kevin Lockett.

"Hatchette has gotten a chance and done well with it," Del Rio said yesterday. "He's also the first receiver to get healthy, get back on the field and have a good week of practice, so we're going to give him an opportunity."

J.J. Stokes who has been mediocre during his entire career. Of course, Jimmy Smith will miss the first four games. Smith could be a value if he falls really far in your draft if you can afford to stash him away on your roster for later. Watch how Hatchette performs over the final games of preseason. If he looks good and seems to be clicking with the QBs he's probably worth a late-round flyer in your draft.

8. RB Fred Taylor (Jax) Returned to Practice Thursday and Looked Good

Clipped from article in Jacksonville.com:

RB Fred Taylor practiced yesterday for the first time since sustaining a bone bruise in his left knee July 30, and Del Rio still holds out hope that Taylor will play tomorrow night.

"Fred did a little bit in team drills today, which was a step in the right direction," Del Rio said. "He looked good."

By now, everyone knows the high-risk / high-reward capability that Taylor provides in fantasy football. Some owners simply refuse to draft him no matter how far he falls because of the frustration he has caused over the last several seasons. He has won leagues for owners with his awesome skills in prior seasons and he has also caused owners to slam their heads against a brick wall in angst over their decision to draft him in other seasons. He's a classic case of upside. We're currently seeing him as the #10 RB on the board. He's ranked ahead of more dependable guys like Tiki Barber and Corey Dillon but we love his potential. Just understand the risks.

9. RB Ladell Betts (Was) Will See Early Action Against the Ravens

Clipped from Mark Zuckerman article in The Washington Times:

Trung Canidate will start his third game at running back, but Spurrier plans to get Ladell Betts into the game early. Betts will be making his preseason debut after recovering from a sprained elbow.

This is a big moment for Ladell Betts. While nursing his elbow injury on the sidelines, he may have seen his opportunity to start this season slip away. Both Trung Canidate and Kenny Watson have played very well over the last two weeks and Betts will have to be sensational over the next two weeks to compete for significant playing time. Play close attention to how the Redskins running backs perform this week as it could foreshadow how well each player will do in 2003.

10. TE Jeremy Shockey (NYG) Ready for Opener?

Clipped from Kimberley Jones article in The Star Ledger:

Giants tight end Jeremy Shockey ended a long silence with what potentially could be big news. Or a big ruse. Sidelined with a broken rib, Shockey wouldn't affirm his availability for the Sept. 7 season opener against the Rams. Asked yesterday if he would be ready, Shockey said: "Don't know yet. We'll see."

After the afternoon practice -- the final training camp session before today's walk-through -- coach Jim Fassel was more optimistic. "I feel like he will (be ready)," Fassel said. "There's nothing definite on all that stuff, but I think he will."

Shockey was injured in the first quarter of last Friday's preseason game against the Panthers. Fassel said Saturday that he had "no doubt" Shockey would be ready to start the season. Shockey did not practice all week and will not play tomorrow against the Jets. Fassel said Shockey could return to practice "possibly next week."

"When we go back on the field Monday, I think there's a good possibility he'll be back on the field," Fassel said.

The rib, Shockey said, "is getting better. (I am) just trying to get healthy, do what I can to get back." Told that Fassel had described him as sore, he said, "It's a cracked rib. You're going to be sore.... You know, right now I'm just trying to get healthy and trying to stay in good condition for the season."

Following a Pro Bowl and All-Pro rookie season, Shockey finds himself as the leader among a group of inexperienced tight ends. Dan Campbell, the mentor of the group last season, is now a Dallas Cowboy. That leaves Shockey to act as tutor to converted quarterback/safety Darnell Dinkins, rookie Visanthe Shiancoe and even three-year veteran Marcellus Rivers.

This week at practice, Shockey has been particularly animated in giving compliments and offering pointers on blocking, receiving and route running. There is a chance all four tight ends will make the roster based on special teams contributions. In terms of pure tight end play, the Giants will keep three.

While Fassel said Wednesday that Shockey is "driving me crazy" because he wants to practice, Shockey said it's not so bad. "It's not tough. It's not real games, so it's good."

Don't read too much into this. Understand the context here as this was likely the 100th time that day where Shockey had a mic stuck in his face asking him about the rib. "We'll See" is just something he throws out. I don't see this as a huge thing and we're keeping his projected stats right about where we've had them.

11. RB Shawn Bryson (Det) Gets His Chance Against the Browns

Clipped from Mike O'Hara article in The Detroit News:

Shawn Bryson has worked for more than 10 months to get back on the football field. He can take a few steps toward winning a job in the Lions' exhibition game against Cleveland on Saturday.

Bryson, a running back who played for Buffalo the last four years, hasn't played since suffering a torn ligament in his right knee in the sixth game last season. He has practiced since early in training camp but was held out of the first two games. The game against Cleveland represents an important test.

"I'm not sure who our backup tailback is," Coach Steve Mariucci said Thursday. "We're going to find out as we go through these next two preseason games."

Bryson and rookie running back Avon Cobourne are competing for roster spots. Bryson knows what it's like to come back from an injury. He missed his rookie season because of a knee injury.

"It's been a long time," Bryson said. "I feel pretty good about where I'm at. I feel like I came back from the first one. I think I can come back from this one. I hope I get a lot of time to be able to show what I can do."

Cobourne returned one kickoff in the opening game. He injured a hamstring and a shoulder on the play and hasn't played since. Cobourne had four straight 1,000-yard rushing seasons at West Virginia, topped by 1,710 in 2002. He wasn't drafted. "It's the reality of the game," he said. "It's coming down to crunch time. I have to do it. I can't go out and have a regular game. It's a little more pressure."

The backup running back situation in Detroit should clear a little soon The only sure thing for week one is that James Stewart is entrenched as the starter and will get the most reps to start the season. Shawn Bryson has the experience to win this job with an impressive showing over the last two games but if he doesn't take the bull by the horns, it is unclear who will emerge as the backup running back to start the season.

12. Cowboys quarterback Situation Still Unclear?

Clipped from Alan Robinson, AP:

The Cowboys put together long touchdown drives in each half - one with Quincy Carter at quarterback and the other with Chad Hutchinson - and led 14-7 before St. Pierre led the winning drive with third- string players on the field for both teams.

Neither Carter, who got the start, nor Hutchinson took a clear-cut lead in the Cowboys' quarterback derby. Carter completed eight of 12 passes for 67 yards and carried two times for 14 yards, and Hutchinson hit eight of 16 for 86 yards.

Cowboys coach Bill Parcells isn't ready yet to choose a starter, but might be by early next week.

"I want to take a good look at films before I decide anything," he said. "That's why I don't want to go into detail now. Everything is subject to change."

Most folks seem to feel that Carter is ready to take the lead here. In the PIT game, he threw the ball well, looked very elusive in the pocket and was moving the ball against a very solid Steelers defense. Hutchinson didn't look bad but I'll be surprised if Carter didn't play himself into the starting position with that performance. The only negative seemed to be not attacking the defense down the field while Hutchinson appeared willing to take chances 15+ yards down the field.

*** One more point. Wide receiver Joey Galloway looked quick and elusive reminding many of his Seahawk days (which seem like a long time ago) He may be a very nice sleeper pick this season.

13. WR Curtis Conway (NYJ) Getting in Sync with QB Chad Pennington

Clipped from Bob Herzog article in Newsday.com:

For Curtis Conway, adjusting to the throws of Chad Pennington has been like a batter changing his approach at the plate when the opposing pitcher features a changeup. "He throws a totally different ball than anyone I've ever played with," the Jets' 32-year-old wide receiver said. "He throws with touch 90 percent of the time."

While cynics might argue that "touch" is a euphemism for lack of arm strength - the only real criticism leveled at Pennington - Conway meant it as a compliment to the Jets quarterback, the 11th different starting QB that Conway, starting his 11th season, has played with in the NFL. "He definitely reacts quicker than anyone I've ever seen," Conway said. "He throws it sooner so you'd better know how you're going to catch the ball on the break."

Conway, signed as a free agent in March, said that he dropped several balls in minicamp because he wasn't used to Pennington's delivery and velocity. "It's not a hard ball and it's not a soft ball," he said, "but you can't attack it [with your hands and body] like you would if someone really zipped it in there."

They envision Conway as a dual threat: He is fast enough to go deep and tough enough to run patterns over the middle. They don't expect him to catch 89 balls, but they expect the triumvirate of Conway, Santana Moss and Wayne Chrebet to form a better receiving corps than the Jets had in 2002.

"It's the balance. We're not trying to have one guy with 1,500 yards. We're not trying to send guys to the Pro Bowl," Conway said. "We're trying to win games. We don't have anybody who's selfish.

"Everybody says I've got to replace Coles, but I really think Santana will be the key guy. If we stay healthy we can make things happen. We're not the big names but we can do some things."

It is refreshing to hear a receiver talk about the team and the value of another receiver instead of whining that he isn't seeing the ball enough (i.e. a certain receiver who plays in San Francisco). However many fantasy owners are drafting Curtis Conway to be a # 2 receiver for their fantasy roster and in some cases, the # 1 receiver and the above blurb doesn't appear to justify it. The Jets are going to spread the ball around and while the Jets hope the offense doesn't miss a beat without Laveranues Coles, it doesn't appear likely that Conway will be able to put up more than 1100 receiving yards if he can stay healthy all season. If you target him as your 3rd receiver on a fantasy roster, you will have found good value. Anything higher than that and you are likely reaching.

14. QB Jeff Garcia (SF) Ready to Shake Rust Off

Clipped from article in SF49ers.com:

Dennis Erickson will have his quarterback on the field for the first time this pre-season when Jeff Garcia makes his debut against the New Orleans Saints. Garcia has said he can't wait to get on the field, shake the rust off and take a few hits.

Erickson, on the other hand, can do without part of that.

"No. I don't want to see him get hit," said a not-so laughing Erickson. "If he needs somebody to drop on his back, I'll do that! But it will be good for Jeff to get out and get the rust off."

Erickson anticipated Garcia playing "two or three series" depending upon what happens and how the offense performs. Beyond the questions with Garcia, Erickson has a clear plan for the 49ers quarterbacks. "We will go with Jeff and then Tim will finish the first half. We will play the other two in the second half. If Tim doesn't get what we feel isn't enough turns in that first half, he may start the second half. We kind of look at it as more numbers of opportunities than quarters really," said Erickson.

Jeff Garcia's worth has dipped significantly in fantasy leagues over the last few weeks with the back problems dropping him way down most owners' lists. He was a late 1st-round, early 2nd-round pick last year and even early this season was a 3rd round pick. In many fantasy drafts recently, he has dropped down to as late as the eighth round despite Garcia stating emphatically many times over the last few weeks that his back isn't that bad and he'll be ready to go by the beginning of the season. This game will be huge for Garcia and fantasy owners as we finally get to see once and for all, if he looks like the Garcia of old. If he looks good and is available during your draft in the 5th or later rounds, make sure to scoop him up as he'll represent good value. Understand though that back injuries can flare up so if I selected him, I'd want another solid QB to pair with him.

15. OT Scott Gragg (SF) Out For A While with Ankle

Clipped from SF49ers.com:

One of the 49ers most durable and dependable performers, Scott Gragg will not be in uniform Saturday night against the Saints. The veteran tackle suffered a serious sprain last Thursday against the Raiders when Dana Stubblefield rolled up on his ankle.

Originally thought to be out just a week, Gragg is now out indefinitely as his diagnosis has changed.

"Scott is out this week for sure. It is a week by week thing. Hopefully he will be back for the first game; we don't know that for sure. It is a high ankle sprain. We just have to treat it and see where it is at," said Erickson. "The symptoms weren't exactly what they thought it was going to be. Three or four days later, they did an MRI and found out it was a little bit more serious than they thought after the football game so it is going to take a little bit longer for him to heal."

The 49ers cannot afford to be without the services of Scott Gragg during the regular season. He is an anchor on the offensive line and rookie Kwame Harris is not ready for the limelight yet. With Jeff Garcia battling a back problem, the 49ers definitely need Gragg in the starting lineup week one.

16. RB Terry Kirby Cut by the Buccaneers

Clipped from Buccaneers.com:

Tampa Bay Buccaneers have one more game to play before they are required to pare their roster down to 65 players (plus exemptions), but a few decisions have already been made. On Friday, the team released six men, five of them rookies or first-year players, and placed two others on injured reserve.

The six players released where WR Sam Collins, T Kyle Kipps, RB Terry Kirby, K Ralf Kleinmann and WR J.J. McKelvey. Graham, who sprained his shoulder in Miami on August 8, was waived with an injury settlement.

CB Torrie Cox and RB Tony Taylor were placed on injured reserve. Cox and Taylor each were lost for the season to knee injuries, Cox at Miami and Taylor against the New York Jets in Tokyo on August 2.

Kirby was the only veteran cut on Friday. He was signed by the Buccaneers on June 3 after playing his first 10 seasons in Miami, Cleveland and Oakland

The running back picture is getting clearer in Tampa Bay. It appears that the starting job is Michael Pittman's for long as he can stay out of prison and he has looked very good running the ball this season. He appears to finally have the patience to wait for a hole to open and is having a great camp. Another player doing very well so far is Thomas Jones and he likely has the backup position sewn up. Both of these players can usually be had in the mid-rounds or later of fantasy drafts and represent excellent value. Pittman is really intriguing because he looks capable of putting up nice numbers this year. Here are our detailed stat projections for Tampa's offense

17. WR Antonio Freeman Wants to Make the Right Choice

Clipped from Len Pasquarelli article in ESPN:

For those franchises still in search of an offensive playmaker and, more importantly, legitimately in search of a Super Bowl championship in 2003, free agent wide receiver Antonio Freeman offers this message: He thinks he can deliver both.

One of the few standouts remaining in the pool of unrestricted veterans, Freeman has spent the spring and summer monitoring roster comings and goings, trying to discern the best place to continue his career. Freeman, 31, could have signed a contract long ago but, with more than enough cash in the bank, he has opted for deliberation over desperation.

Even with the start of the regular season looming, Freeman won't consider just any offer and continues to be choosy about the franchises on his mental short list.

"I'm not going to take a job just for the sake of taking a job," Freeman told ESPN.com on Thursday evening from his home in South Florida, where he is working out and mulling his future.

"Simply being on some team's roster, just drawing a paycheck, that really doesn't appeal to me." Then again, neither does unemployment or retirement.

Antonio Freeman isn't a starting fantasy receiver as he was a few seasons ago but he does have some gas left in the tank and could be a valuable bye week receiver for a fantasy squad if he lands in the right situation. Wait and see where he ends up before you try and determine his worth for this upcoming season because at this time, his value is zero.

18. RB LaDainian Tomlinson Returns to Practice

Clipped from David Neville article in Chargers.com:

The Chargers were able to breathe a quiet sigh of relief when Pro Bowl running back LaDainian Tomlinson returned to practice on Thursday, one day after leaving the field on a golf cart because of a bruised heel.

"It was just sore today. It's just a bruise on the bone, so it will be alright," said Tomlinson. "It's something I can fight through. If I had to play today, I could play in a game."

Even though he's healthy enough to play in Saturday night's third preseason game at Houston, Tomlinson probably won't see any action.

"I don't know whether he's going to play or not," said Schottenheimer. "I don't think so, but that decision was made before the situation yesterday. He's fine."

In addition to Tomlinson, fellow running back Jesse Chatman returned to practice on Thursday. Chatman had not practiced since suffering a concussion against Arizona last Saturday night.

It was already known that the Tomlinson scare wasn't serious. This does serve as a reminder though that nothing is ever certain in fantasy football and to stay on top of all the breaking news. If Tomlinson had indeed been hurt seriously yesterday, the savvy owner would have picked up Chatman off of waivers in a heartbeat.

19. No Ligament Damage So Far for Vick

Clipped from the Len Pasquarelli Article:

Injured quarterback Michael Vick put his worst foot forward on Thursday and the news for the Atlanta Falcons quarterback was actually pretty positive.

The latest X-rays of Vick's broken right leg continued to indicate that the ligaments in his ankle were not severely damaged, that they continue to hold the talus and tibia bones in place, and that surgery will not be likely.

Vick fractured his fibula, the non-weight bearing bone in last Saturday's preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens when he was sacked by defensive end Adalius Thomas in the first quarter. The break was described as "clean" by team orthopedist Andrew Bishop, but he also added one caveat, which was that there might be some ligament damage.

Because the involvement of the ligaments does not appear on an MRI exam, the only manner in which to discern if they are damaged is to X-ray the ankle every few days and to ensure that the other two bones, the talus and the tibia were not displaced.

Had there been ligament damage, that would have required surgery, and under that scenario Vick might have missed the entire 2003 season.

Said team spokesman Aaron Salkin on Thursday: "Everything is the same with Mike. Nothing has changed, which is good news."

Bishop placed a fiberglass cast over the bottom portion of Vick's right leg and it is still uncertain how long that will remain in place. The third-year quarterback has already begun treatments that should allow him to maintain some semblance of conditioning.

Vick and the Falcons remain hopeful he will be able to return to the field in six weeks. Bishop has said that is the normal healing time for such an injury, but cautioned it doesn't necessarily mean Vick will be back in action that quickly.

No news is good news here. While he may not be back in the 6 weeks originally hoped for, it looks like this is progressing as well as it could be.

hat'll do it for today, folks. Have a great weekend and we'll see you tomorrow with the update.

Joe

Here's the info I promised about the hiring the Game Recap writers -

One of the best features we had last season was our Game Recaps. Every Monday, we had a detailed report covering every single game. What we did was have a Footballguys Game Reporter assigned to every game and they would watch every snap and put together a detailed report.

So many times, the box scores don't tell the story. And the normal AP writeups often don't focus on the things we FF junkies want to know - Who got the goalline touches? Who did the QB lock onto? Did the injured CB get picked on? What did the team do in the redzone? What player had a TD nullified due to penalty? What WR got pushed out at the 1 foot line and should have scored? Did the RB get pulled on 3rd downs? That type of stuff.

I've pasted a sample report from last year at the bottom.

You won't get rich doing this but we definitely make it worth your while. Getting paid for writing about Football isn't a bad gig.

Please follow these instructions carefully if you're interested:

1. Pick any game tonight or this weekend to cover. It doesn't matter what game it is. I'll get a ton of guys all writing about the same game
- that's not a problem as all I'm trying to see here is how well you can do this.

2. Watch the game and put together a report in a Word document similar to the one at the bottom. It's basically 2 reports. The "Need to Know" is a quick "cliff notes" type look at each of the key positions with a brief summary of the key thoughts on that position. It's for the guy that's busy and just wants to know the main points. The 2nd part is the "Ought to Know" You look at the positions again but this time, give more detail.

3. Email the report to me and Clayton Gray at [email protected] and [email protected]. Put some asterisks in the subject line of the email making it *** Game Recap Tryout (this is very important as I get 500+ emails a day and I'll search and sort based on the title)

4. Include in that email a few brief comments on why you'd be a great Game Recap reporter. Let me know if you have NFL Sunday Ticket (that's a big plus as it gives me flexibility in assigning games) If you don't have NFL Sunday Ticket, let me know what team(s) you can count on seeing each week with televised games in your area.

That's pretty much it. I'm looking for extremely dependable people who want to be a part of this thing. I believe all the guys who did this last year had a lot of fun. Almost all of them are going to do it again but we're looking to add a few more.

Watch the game, write it up and mail it to us. Good luck.

J

Sample Report Below

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Carolina 0 at Atlanta 30

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Carolina Panthers

The Falcons defense dominated the Carolina offense in this game. Give credit to both the effective defense and the ineffective Panther offense for the outcome.

QB Chris Weinke started the game and couldn't move the Carolina offense. He left the game late in the second quarter with a concussion after managing only 26 yards passing and was replaced by Randy Fasani. Fasani didn't fare much better moving the Carolina offense, but was effective scrambling with the ball and avoiding the tough Falcon pass rush.

The Carolina running backs and wide receivers were completely ineffective in this game, largely due to the problems at the quarterback position and a tough Falcon defense. Lamar Smith had only 19 yards and a paltry 2.3 YPC average. Nick Goings came in the game in the fourth quarter in an effort to spark the offense.

Atlanta Falcons

FB Bob Christian left the game after a concussion and was taken to the hospital.

QB Mike Vick continued his solid play in this game and didn't show any signs that his injured left shoulder bothered him. He had a number of nice runs, including a 44-yard touchdown. His athleticism simply makes things possible. Doug Johnson replaced him in the fourth quarter, but it was just a precautionary measure with the Falcons up 24 points.

RBs Warrick Dunn and TJ Duckett continued to split the workload in the backfield. In the first half, Duckett looked great in every aspect of the game and drew comparisons to Jerome Bettis from the announcers who jokingly referred to him as the "Diesel". However, Duckett was limited in the second half with a sprained foot.

The Falcons spread the ball around and nine players caught passes. TE Reggie Kelly started the game over Alge Crumpler and WR Willie Jackson had a 68-yard pass negated by a penalty. WR Trevor Gaylor saw action in the game and made the most of his opportunities.

PK Jay Feely finished the game with three field goals over 40 yards.

WHAT YOU OUGHT TO KNOW

Carolina Panthers

QB: Chris Weinke started the game and went three and out on the first series. On the next series he missed a wide open Muhsin Muhammad deep along the sidelines. Weinke wasn't able to get the Panthers offense moving, and finished the first half with only 26 yards passing before leaving late in the second quarter after taking a shot to the head.

Randy Fasani came in and scrambled two plays in a row for a first down before taking a sack on the next play. Fasani didn't fare much better than Weinke, but was able to make some things happen with his scrambling ability. He finished the game with 100 yards passing and 58 yards rushing.

WR: Muhsin Muhammad made a nice nine-yard catch on a third down play in the first quarter for his only catch in the half. He was not a major contributor in the game.

Steve Smith didn't have a catch in the first half. He had a 20-yard catch in the second half. WR Isaac Byrd did not play with an abdominal strain.

RB: Lamar Smith got the call early as the Panthers tried to establish the run. Unfortunately for the Panthers, it didn't work. Smith never was able to get going and the Falcon rush defense held him in check. He didn't look particularly good running the football, and looks slow to the line of scrimmage. He finished the game with only 19 yards rushing.

Nick Goings came in the game in the fourth quarter in an effort to spark the offense and looked better running the ball than Smith.

Brad Hoover got the call on an early screen pass, but was used primarily as a blocker.

TE: Wesley Walls didn't have a catch in the first half. Walls finally got a catch in the second half for 24 yards but was held back by the ineffective Carolina QB play.

K: John Kasay was not a factor in the game.

Panthers Pass Defense: The Panthers kept Vick moving around early in the game, and Peppers registered a sack in the first half. They got a big shot on Vick early in the second quarter but Vick was fine. In the second half, they couldn't contain Vick and he scrambled all over the field for big gains. Vick took over the game.

Panthers Rush Defense: The Panthers rush defense was able to hold Duckett and Dunn in check early in the game despite missing two starting linebackers. Backup LB Will Witherspoon had six solo tackles and an assist in the first half of the game. In the second half, the defense was on the field a lot and the Falcon rushing game found room to run. It seemed as if they were on the field for the entire second half as the Falcons dominated time of possession.

Atlanta Falcons

QB: Mike Vick started as expected and ran a bootleg on the first play. He had a circus 16-yard gain on a play where the ball was tipped at the line, caught by a lineman, flipped back to Vick who took off running. His athleticism simply makes things possible. In the second quarter, Vick took a big shot and seemed to respond just fine, and it didn't appear his left shoulder was a factor at all. Vick threw five straight incomplete passes at one point in the second quarter, and has a tendency to float the ball occasionally. He managed only 88 yards passing in the first half against the stingy Panther's defense. In the second half, Vick continued to make plays with his athleticism, including a 24-yard run on a busted play and a 44-yard touchdown run. Vick took over the game in the third quarter and took advantage of the Carolina defense as it tired. Doug Johnson replaced him in the fourth quarter, but it was just a precautionary measure with the Falcons up 24 points.

WR: Brian Finneran was targeted a few times in the first half, but didn't connect for any catches. Finneran finally had a catch in the third quarter, but it was negated by a penalty. He was held without a catch as the Falcons spread the ball around.

Shawn Jefferson started the game opposite Brian Finneran but had only one catch in the first half and a couple more in the second half.

Willie Jackson caught a 68-yard pass from Vick in the late second quarter that was brought back because of holding.

Trevor Gaylor made a tremendous run after the catch in the second quarter to get the first down on a third and long. It was only his second catch of the year. He finished the day with three catches for 38 yards and made the most of the opportunities he was given.

RB: Warrick Dunn came in on the first series on second down and long. He got the carry and gained one yard, and stayed in on third and long. Dunn was later a target on a deep route in the end zone in the late first quarter. He had a nine-yard run called back in the second quarter and an eight-yard run called back in the third quarter for holding. Dunn started out in the backfield in the third quarter with Duckett on the sideline with a sore foot. Dunn looked fine in the game, but was overshadowed by the solid play of backfield mate TJ Duckett.

TJ Duckett started the game and had a nice run for eight yards on his first carry. He had a nice stiff arm later in the second series. In the second quarter, Duckett had another stiff arm and a great long run along the sidelines. Duckett's touchdown in the second quarter came on a play where he bounced outside and showed good speed. In the second half, Duckett got the call twice in a row near the goal line for his second touchdown of the game. Duckett's role was limited in the second half with a sprained foot. He looks good running the ball, and drew comparisons to Jerome Bettis from the announcers who jokingly called him "the Diesel".

FB Bob Christian took a nasty shot in the third quarter to his head, and had to leave the game. He was taken to the hospital with a concussion. TE Brian Kozlowski lined up in the FB position to fill in for Christian.

TE: Reggie Kelly started the game and was wide open in the middle for a 24-yard strike from Vick. Alge Crumpler was also involved in the game and had a great one hand grab in the third quarter off a tipped ball for a 22-yard gain.

K: Jay Feely connected on his first attempt from 41 yards for the only score in the first quarter. He later made a 45-yard attempt and a 49-yard attempt that hit the upright and floated in.

Falcons Pass Defense: The Falcons started the game getting pressure on Weinke and forcing him to make quick decisions. DE Patrick Kerney got to Weinke for a sack on third down with a great speed rush and the Falcons opened up the second half with another sack. The Falcons might have had a touchdown on a wide receiver screen that looked like a lateral pass going backwards, but was ruled an incomplete pass. Ray Buchanan's first game back was a success with strong defensive play and a nice diving interception after a tipped ball.

Falcons Rush Defense: The Falcons rush defense looked good in this game and held Lamar Smith to only 18 yard rushing on seven carries in the first half. The Falcons allowed only 57 total yards and 4 first downs in the first half. In the second half, it was more of the same, and Smith finished with a paltry 2.3 YPC average. The Falcons defense dominated this game.