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Footballguys.com Daily Email Update
Volume 4 Issue # 99 
August 23, 2003 
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

1. QB Chad Pennington (NYJ) Breaks Wrist
2. TE Eric Johnson (SF) Fractures Collarbone
3. Packers Rivera and Sharper Injured
4. FS Kim Herring (STL) Breaks Forearm
5. QB Quincy Carter Named Starter in Dallas
6. QB Brian Griese (MIA) Injures Toe
7. WR James Thrash (PHI) Injures Neck
8. OT Orlando Pace Ready to Join Rams?
9. DE Jamaal Green (PHI) Fractures Ankle
10. RB Ricky Williams (MIA): Time to Worry?
11. TE Dallas Clark (IND): "So Far, Very Good"
12. RB Priest Holmes' (KC) Worth a Bajillion
13. TE Bennie Joppru (HOU) Seeks Specialist
14. RB Jonathan Wells (HOU): Treading Water
15. Cowboys Cut Five Players
16. QB Michael Vick (ATL): Ligament Damage Confirmed?
17. Chris Redman v. Kyle Boller: Advantage Boller?
18. QB Doug Johnson (ATL) Performs Well
19. WR Chris Chambers (MIA): Not Quite There
20. Culpepper to Moss: Sound Familiar?
21. OT Jonas Jennings (BUF) Injured
22. CB Chris Cash (DET) Injures Knee
23. RB Duce Staley (PHI) Ends Holdout

Hi Folks,

It's been a wild 24 hours as players are getting hit hard with injuries. Several of the stories below are follow-ups to Footballguys.com Breaking Updates that were sent out much earlier.

Because our Email Updates are free from May 15, to September 3, those Breaking News updates were sent to everyone. But once the season starts, only our guys that have signed up for the premium subscription will receive emails from us. I've got a file full of notes from subscribers that tell me the In Season Breaking News Emails were worth the subscription price just by themselves.

We put the power of numbers to work for you. Besides having contacts in every NFL city, we have an incredible news team in our base of subscribers. With 35,000 plus hardcore football fanatics like yourself signed up for this free mailing list, it's rare that something happens anywhere without me receiving tons of emails on it instantly. As I always say, I operate this thing on a "You'll Know What I Know" basis.

But it's also really a "You'll Know When I Know" situation too as I try to pass info to you as soon as I hear it. If you've ever drafted a player that was injured earlier that day or submitted a roster with a guy that just tweaked him hamstring, you know what I mean. Time is crucial and we'll do our best to keep you on top of all that's happening. With thousands of guys like yourself keeping their ears and eyes open, we're all working together. And we're working pretty hard and pretty fast.

To be a part of this all season long and for more information on our Premium Subscription, check out the Why Subscribe Section of the site.

Now let's jump right to the stories for the day. Thanks to Footballguy Shawn Culcasi for rounding these up.

Joe

1. QB Chad Pennington (NYJ) Breaks Wrist

Clipped From: Associated Press

New York Jets quarterback Chad Pennington dislocated and fractured his left wrist against the New York Giants and is out indefinitely.

Pennington was tackled from behind by Brandon Short after throwing away a pass with just under two minutes remaining in the first half and landed awkwardly on his wrist.

He had X-rays at Giants Stadium, which revealed the fracture-dislocation, and was taken to Lenox Hill Hospital in New York for immediate surgery. The Jets do not know how long their starting quarterback will be out, and said Pennington's status would be determined after surgery.

Vinny Testaverde, who turns 40 in November, entered the exhibition game in place of Pennington.

A definite hit to the fantasy world, as well as the NFL. Pennington is a bright young star who performed fantastically during his first year as a starter, posting 3120 yards, 22 TDs, 6 INT and a league leading 104.2 QB rating. He was our 17th ranked QB. In steps soon-to-be 40 year old Vinnie Testaverde. It wasn't that long ago when Testaverde was a productive fantasy quarterback. In 2000, he threw for over 3700 yards with 21 touchdowns, but it's left to be seen if he has any magic left. For Jets fans and football fans alike, you've got to hope that he can hold the floodgates together until Pennington is able to return.

While no time table has been set, I found this on the net, regarding defensive tackle Willie Blade during last years offseason:

"players normally miss only 6 weeks with a broken wrist"

Rams rookie cornerback Kevin Garrett also suffered a broken wrist recently and is expected to miss at least 6 weeks. Hopefully Pennington's prognosis is similar and he's able to return by mid-October, but we'll know more later.

2. TE Eric Johnson (SF) Fractures Collarbone

Clipped From: Associated Press

Eric Johnson, the 49ers' starting tight end, broke his collarbone in the first quarter of San Francisco's exhibition game against New Orleans on Saturday.

Johnson was hurt on the first play from scrimmage. After catching a 1-yard pass from Jeff Garcia, he was tackled by cornerback Dale Carter, who appeared to lead into the aggressive hit with his helmet.

Johnson started 25 games and caught 76 passes in his first two years with the 49ers, ascending from an unheralded seventh-round draft pick to a valuable pass-catcher and blocker in the West Coast offense.

He had 36 catches for 321 yards last season despite missing four games with a back injury.

Jed Weaver, signed away from Miami as a free agent in the offseason, took Johnson's place.

There is no immediate word on how long Johnson will be out. A search of the net found time tables ranging from 3-5 weeks (Rob Johnson) to 8-10 weeks (JaJuan Dawson). Hopefully, he'll be in the 3-5 week range, but, as with Pennington, we'll know more later. Four year vet Jed Weaver will step in for now and take over as a starter. He proved to be a TD vulture last year in Miami, picking up three TDs on six receptions, but will be asked to assume a much bigger role in San Francisco's West Coast offense. With career totals of 45 receptions and 560 yards, the 49ers may be in trouble for a month or two (or three).

3. Packers Rivera and Sharper Injured

Clipped From: Associated Press

The Green Bay Packers lost two Pro Bowl performers Saturday night when right guard Marco Rivera sprained a knee and safety Darren Sharper strained a groin muscle.

Rivera was injured when Carolina defensive tackle Kris Jenkins rolled up on him from behind in the first quarter. Rivera was taken for X-rays.

Sharper, who missed the first two preseason games with a neck stinger, also left for good in the first quarter, as did Carolina lost defensive end Michael Rucker, who sprained his left ankle.

We do not know the extent of these injuiries, and would hate to speculate, so an update will follow as soon as the information is released. Sharper's recent string of injuries has to be concerning as he's such a vital part of their defense.

4. FS Kim Herring (STL) Breaks Forearm

Clipped From: Associated Press

St. Louis Rams safety Kim Herring will miss up to eight weeks after breaking a bone in his left forearm covering the opening kickoff against the Buffalo Bills on Saturday night.

Rams coach Mike Martz said Herring will have surgery on Sunday to insert a screw to repair a broken radius.

Herring was hurt while helping tackle Antonio Brown, who was a step away from breaking free in Buffalo's 28-24 victory. Herring lay on the field for several minutes as trainers immediately placed his arm in an air cast.

A backup to Adam Archuleta, Herring is the latest St. Louis player to get hurt. The Rams were playing without several starters, including center Dave Wohlabaugh (broken thumb), defensive tackle Ryan Pickett (ankle), Kevin Garrett (broken wrist) and cornerback Aeneas Williams.

Herring started 16 games last season, recording 106 tackles and three interceptions.

The nightmare for St.Louis continues. Not that Herring was considered a huge piece to their defensive puzzle, as he's been replaced in the starting lineup by Aeneas Williams, but they are running out of warm bodies in their secondary. Williams has been shut down for the preseason, non-injury related, and they're also missing nickel back James Whitley (foot), rookie cornerback Kevin Garrett (broken wrist), and safety Jason Sehorn (foot). Luckily their offense appears to be healthy because they may need to score a ton of points this year in order to win any games.

5. QB Quincy Carter Named Starter in Dallas

Clipped From: DallasNews.com

Cowboys coach Bill Parcells has picked a winner of the team's quarterback derby, naming Quincy Carter the starter for the season opener against Atlanta on Sept. 7.

Parcells said Carter gives the team the best chance of winning now.

Carter beat out Chad Hutchinson, last season's starter for the final nine games. Carter, the starter the first seven games last season, was benched after a 9-6 loss to Arizona on Oct. 20.

"Chad hasn't played enough football to run a pro football team right now," Parcells said during his news conference Saturday.

Carter has outplayed Hutchinson this preseason, leading the Cowboys to points in four of his 16 possessions. The offense has gained 424 yards in his 81 snaps overall.

Hutchinson has produced points in only one of his 10 possessions. The offense has gained only 149 yards in his 46 plays. Hutchinson, fumble-prone last season, also has shown a tendency to lose the football in the preseason. He has fumbled three times in 46 plays.

Free-agent rookie quarterback Tony Romo apparently also will be in the quarterback mix as the Cowboys cut backup Clint Stoerner on Saturday.

Time to move Quincy Carter up the rankings, although probably not very much. Over the last two seasons, Carter has started 15 games, compiling a 6-9 record on his way to 2537 yards, 12 TDs and 15 INT. During that time, he's posted four games with over 18 fantasy points, leaving him with potential as a decent spot starter but someone that should not be relied on a regular basis. Our projections for the Dallas passing game has their full-time starter worthy of a ranking in the 28-30 range, which is where you'll find Carter.

6. QB Brian Griese (MIA) Injures Toe

Clipped From: Associated Press

Brian Griese was acquired by the Miami Dolphins as injury insurance, and now he's hurt.

The Dolphins' new backup quarterback suffered ligament damage to his left big toe during an exhibition victory over the Atlanta Falcons, the team learned Saturday. He'll miss the final preseason game Thursday at New Orleans, but he's not expected to need surgery or be sidelined for an extended period.

In Griese's absence, Sage Rosenfels becomes the No. 2 quarterback behind Jay Fiedler. In two seasons, Rosenfels has thrown three passes - all incomplete.

Even if healthy, Brian Griese should see very limited playing time in 03 baring an injury to starter Jay Fiedler. If he were forced into action, what could we expect? Based on his performance over the last two seasons as a starter in Denver, he'd come out very strong during the first eight games and then fade badly. 01-02 combined season splits: Weeks 1-8; 16 games played, 3925 yards (245 pg), 28 TDs, 21 INT Weeks 9-17; 12 games played, 2116 yards (176 pg), 10 TDs, 13 INT.

7. WR James Thrash (PHI) Injures Neck

Clipped From: Philly.com (Aaron Knox)

Thrash was hurt landing awkwardly after an incomplete pass with 6:36 left in the second quarter. Thrash leaped after a high pass from McNabb in the left flat, and New England's Ty Law took Thrash's legs out from under him as the ball fell incomplete.

Thrash appeared to land hard on his neck and shoulder, and was immobilized before being taken from the field on a stretcher. He did seem to have full movement of his arms and legs while being treated on the field by medical personnel. X-rays taken at the stadium were negative but Thrash left in a wheelchair, wearing a neck brace.

UPDATE: (ESPN.com)

Thrash, who had 52 catches for 635 yards last season, suffered head and neck injuries in Friday's 24-12 preseason loss to the New England Patriots. However, an MRI taken Saturday came up negative.

Thrash will not play in Philadelphia's final preseason game against the New York Jets on Thursday, but may be able to return for the regular season opener on September 8 against Tampa Bay.

Things didn't look good for Thrash on Friday night, but X-rays were negative and it's believed that he'll be OK. An MRI taken on Saturday came up negative, meaning that Thrash will not play in the teams final preseason game but may be ready to go when the season opens. As of right now his position shouldn't be affected as our #32 receiver. He's actually been a nice value pick so far with an ADP at #36, and that may increase with his injury. Keep an eye on him late in your draft as he has potential to be a solid #3 receiver. Freddie Mitchell, in the middle of a very solid training camp, will step in and start if Thrash is forced to miss any time.

8. OT Orlando Pace Ready to Join Rams?

Clipped From: St. Louis Post Dispatch (Jim Thomas)

Orlando Pace said in a radio interview that he hopes to be under contract and back with the Rams "in a week or so."

As to why he might wait another week or so before signing his $5.73 million tender offer, Pace offered no answers. It did not come up in the interview. Neither he nor his agent, Carl Poston, have responded to repeated phone messages left by the Post-Dispatch.

But in an interview with Sporting News radio network, Pace also wouldn't completely rule out the possibility of sitting out the entire season.

"I don't know if I'll sit out the season," Pace said. "I don't think I will. I think I am going to get in there and play the one-year deal and see what happens next year."

When asked why he's not with the team, Pace said, "I think the biggest thing is that the negotiations early on didn't work out as planned. I don't think the Rams took the right side, and they never really gave my agents any (contract) numbers."

But the Rams did indicate in a document examined by the Post- Dispatch that they would compensate Pace as they did their top players. That group includes running back Marshall Faulk, quarterback Kurt Warner, wide receiver Isaac Bruce, and now, wide receiver Torry Holt. All have seven-year contracts averaging between $6 million and $6.5 million. All received signing bonuses that averaged about $11 million.

Poston responded to the Rams' document by asking for more than $80 million overall with a signing bonus of $23.75 million -- again, in a document examined by the Post- Dispatch. In essence, he was asking for twice as much as Faulk, Warner, Bruce, and now, Holt have received from the club in seven-year deals.

Pace has since said that was merely Poston's opening offer. The Rams viewed it as insulting, and almost immediately slapped the franchise tag on Pace. That all happened last January and February, and there has been very little discussion between the parties since.

Considering that there is any news at all about this, it has to be seen as good news for the Rams. If St. Louis plans on returning to their championship form of 01, they need to keep Kurt Warner healthy and on the field. If last year and preseason is any indication, that would be a stretch without their All-Pro tackle in the lineup. With Warner's 7-7 performance on Monday night and the likelihood that Pace may soon join the team, their prospect for the upcoming season is looking a lot better, as is Warner's top 10 ranking.

9. DE Jamaal Green (PHI) Fractures Ankle

Clipped From: PhiladelphiaEagles.com (Dave Spadaro)

As it has been for many months, the defensive end positions are a focus for the Eagles. This time, the injury bug has bitten and raised the issue of depth for the line.

Fourth-round draft pick Jamaal Green suffered a fractured right ankle in Friday night's preseason loss to the Patriots and will be lost indefinitely. Coupled with the absence of Derrick Burgess, out with a foot injury, the defensive end spots are accumulating some aches and pains.

Green, the youngster playing in his first game in Philadelphia as an Eagle after growing up in Camden, N.J., was injured in the third quarter Friday night and will have a lengthy rehabiliation period.

Burgess is not expected to miss any time in the regular season after suffering a foot injury in practice last week. He may return to practice this week.

In any event, injuries are taking a toll on the depth at defensive end. While Green may or may not have made an impact early in the season -- he was clearly the fifth defensive end on the team -- the luxury of knowing the team has a promising draft pick waiting at the No. 5 end spot is gone, for however long.

"We still have a lot of good ends here. The competition is still strong," said Kalu. "It's a shame for a guy to get hurt. Jamaal will do whatever it takes to get back and then he'll be out there helping us. We have some players to go out there and do the job."

The Eagles aren't writing off Green for the entire season, but he may have to undergo surgery and he will be out well into the regular season, at the very least.

UPDATE: (ESPN.com)

Green, a fourth-round pick out of Miami, underwent surgery Saturday to repair a fractured right ankle. He sustained the injury in Friday's loss to the Patriots.

The Eagles will likely place Green on injured reserve on Sunday.

Probably not an IDP factor this year, Green's value as the Eagles fifth defensive end would have been in the rotation and keeping the others fresh. There was a point during mini-camp that he was actually outplaying first round pick Jerome McDougle, but that's a wash now with his rookie season over before it even started. With Derrick Burgess still sidelined with a foot injury, the Eagles are in danger of becoming very light along their defensive line.

Clipped From: Sun-Sentinel.com (Michael Cunningham)

If, as the Dolphins have suggested, the third exhibition game is a true indication of where they're at, then Ricky Williams could have a tough time running this season against teams that scheme to stop him.

Williams carried nine times against the Atlanta Falcons on Friday night at Pro Player Stadium and finished with -1 yard, including a long of 3. He also fumbled once and, though he recovered it himself, it was a reminder that Williams had seven fumbles in 2002.

Williams was done after two series in the first quarter, and that, plus Atlanta's aggressive 3-4 scheme, was why Williams and the Dolphins weren't ready to panic.

"I would have liked to play a little more just to get the timing down," Williams said. "Game speed is something you can't get in practice.

"I don't second-guess [coaching] decisions. I expressed to the coaches that I didn't want to come out, and they know that."

Most telling of Williams' struggles to get something started was his inability to get in the end zone on three straight carries at the Atlanta 3 on the opening drive.

Falcons linebacker Keith Brooking stacked Williams on his first attempt. On his second carry, Williams was stuffed for 2 yards when end Travis Hall plowed through the line and Brooking came over the top. Williams had a clear lane to the end zone around left tackle on his third try, but Brooking corraled him before could get in.

The Dolphins went for it on fourth down, and passed instead of giving it to Williams again. Quarterback Jay Fiedler faked to Williams, drawing in the defense, and fullback Obafemi Ayanbadejo leaked out to the right for a 1-yard touchdown reception.

The Dolphins used the pass to deal with Williams' inability to run. He got outside and caught consecutive swing passes for 3 and 20 yards on the Dolphins' opening drive.

But that's not where the Dolphins need Williams to shine. Their offense is built around his ability to run the ball, and it just hasn't happened in the exhibition season. His totals are 14 carries for 1 yard with a long of 6 and no touchdowns. Before last season, when he led the league in rushing, Williams had 83 yards rushing on 30 carries with a long of 11 and one touchdown.

"It shows me where I am at, and where the team is at," Williams said. "I have got to hit it hard in practice to get my timing and tempo down."

14 carries for 1 yard? As a Ricky Williams owner, this is not what you want to see even if it is just preseason. Considering that he's being selected as either the top or second overall player in most drafts, there are many fantasy hopes riding on his dreadlocks.

On a side note, I found it interesting that the Dolphins wanted to use this game as a gauge of where they're at, but nixed that thought once they struggled. Were they surprised that the Falcons actually played to win?

11. TE Dallas Clark (IND): "So Far, Very Good"

Clipped From: Colts.com (Jim Oehser)

Dallas Clark isn't trying to prove himself, exactly. He figured the Colts believed he was good when they drafted him in the first round.

Still, teammates and coaches are watching to see just how much Clark - a tight end/fullback from the University of Iowa and the Colts' first-round selection in last April's NFL Draft - can contribute, and how soon. The verdict?

So far, very good.

"I think you've seen some flashes of what he can do," Colts quarterback Peyton Manning said as the Colts (1-1 in the preseason) prepared to play the Denver Broncos (2-0) in a preseason game at INVESCO Field at Mile High Stadium Monday at 7:05 p.m.

"He can catch and he can break tackles. He has shown in the games, and he has shown it in practice, that he can kind of cut back and get past linebackers and safeties.

"That's what he can do."

Clark, the 24th overall selection in the draft, started 23 games over the last two seasons at Iowa after moving from linebacker to tight end. An athletic player, he caught 81 passes for 1,281 yards and eight touchdowns.

The Colts selected him for his receiving skills, and because he could add a needed element - a versatile, second tight end - to an already potent offense. Although he said it's too early to say he has fulfilled expectations, he said he is confident he is developing.

"It's going well," Clark said. "We've got two more preseason games, so I'm still learning. I want to keep on getting better, but the process is going well. I'm happy with where I'm at right now."

In recent seasons, the Colts have been most productive operating from a two tight-end set. From 1999-2001, when they ranked in the Top 5 in the NFL in total offense each season, Marcus Pollard and Ken Dilger each played extensively, and Indianapolis had two tight ends who could block and be effective receivers.

We have been concentrating this offseason on the effects Clark will have on Marcus Pollard as the Colts will once again be able to run their two tight end sets, but Clark himself has flown under the radar. Not the blocker that you'd expect to see lining up next to Pollard, his strength is catching the ball and making plays with it afterward. Indianapolis has aspirations of a return into the top five for total offense and, with Dallas Clark on board and a healthy Edgerrin James, it looks like they just may get there. Currently, Pollard finds himself as our #8 tight end while Clark lands at #24, bordering on the edge of roster worthy in redraft leagues.

12. RB Priest Holmes' (KC) Worth a Bajillion

Clipped From: Kansas City Star (Joe Posnanski)

OK, here's a terrible confession: One year ago, I was in a fantasy football league with a bunch of guys I mostly don't know. How sad is that? And that's not even the confession.

No, here it is: I drafted Randy Moss over Priest Holmes.

Wait, wait, let me explain. OK, so I was thinking that, well, you know, and also, and . obviously there is no explanation. I had the eighth pick or something, and I had planned all along to take Priest Holmes. It was going to be a steal. But I also had this newspaper clipping I had cut out of one of the Minnesota newspapers. It quoted Minnesota Vikings coach Mike Tice saying they planned to throw to Randy Moss 30 times a game.

Get that? Thirty times. Can you imagine the fantasy points? I studied accounting, you know, and I figured that if they threw to him, like, 30 times a game, and he caught 20 of those, well, that would be 332 bajillion points. Sure, I wanted to take Priest, but I kept looking at that stupid clipping. And that's why I took Moss.

Of course, at the time, I didn't know that:

A. Moss would decide it was a good year to try running over a police officer.

B. Minnesota quarterback Daunte Culpepper, despite being big enough to be his own store in the Mall of the Americas, cannot hold on to a football.

C. Mike Tice is a loony bird.

It's no excuse. I blew it. It was a test. And I failed miserably. I had told everybody Priest Holmes was the best running back in the NFL. I had told everybody that he would be even better than he was the year before, when he led the NFL in rushing.

Talk is cheap, though. When it came time for action, I took an unstable, me-first, Randy-plays-when-Randy-wants-to-play receiver over Priest Holmes.

Yep, some GM. Holmes ended up being the one with 332 bajillion points.

Moss, meanwhile, caught fewer touchdown passes than Marc Boerigter.

Fantasy football owners are about the only people in America who seem to appreciate just how good Priest Holmes is. When NFL people talk about running backs, they do mention Priest Holmes, but only in a group with guys like Ricky Williams and LaDainian Tomlinson and Marshall Faulk and Clinton Portis.

Fantasy football owners understand. There is Priest Holmes, and then there is everybody else. He isn't just the best running back in the NFL. He's a good five lengths better than anyone else. Numbers tell a clear story. Before getting hurt, he was on pace to score 28 touchdowns last year. That's 10 more touchdowns than any of those other running backs. He runs, he catches, he scores, he blocks (which doesn't give you fantasy points, but still), he gained more yards, rushing and receiving, than any player ever in 14 games.

It's funny, but even now - after leading the NFL in rushing one year and having one of the great all-round seasons in NFL history the next - people still underrate Priest Holmes. It's his life story. Sure, everybody knows he's good. But few seem to realize how good.

How good is he? He's O.J. Simpson good. He's Walter Payton good. He's Jim Brown good.

He's this good: When he's in the game, the Chiefs have one of the best offenses - maybe the best offense - in the NFL. When he's out? The Chiefs don't even have an average offense.

Put Priest in, and the Chiefs offense has a thousand weapons, a million ways to score. Take him out, and the whole offense is reduced to Trent Green forcing wobbly passes into a triple-covered Tony Gonzalez.

This year, scores of people from all over America have called or e-mailed asking how high they should take Priest Holmes in their fantasy draft.

They are worried that his hip will never be quite the same. They are worried that the contract will keep him out. Mostly, they are worried that he's not quite this good, that the last two years were a mirage, and that sooner or later Priest Holmes will become human again.

Well, I tell them all to take him No. 1. I've seen him run, and I think the hip will be fine. I've talked to people, and I believe the contract will be worked out. I've talked to Priest, and I hear a driven man ready to prove everybody wrong all over again.

Also, one year ago, I took Randy Moss over him in the draft.

My penance: I have to make sure others don't make the same mistakes I made.

"I have something to tell you," I said to Priest Holmes sometime last year, before we played one of our weekly chess matches. "Before the season, I took Randy Moss over you in this fantasy football league."

He smiled real big.

"Yeah?" he asked. "How did that work out for you?"

An interesting read with a local fantasy perspective on Priest Holmes. While Randy Moss has been gaining on Marvin Harrison and finds himself at #2 on our board, Holmes has done the same. Holmes will be long gone by the time Moss is selected, leaving little chance that anyone will find themselves in Joe Posnanski's predicament this year.

13. TE Bennie Joppru (HOU) Seeks Specialist

Clipped From: HoustonChronicle.com

Rookie tight end Bennie Joppru visited a California specialist Friday in hopes of finding answers for the nagging groin injury that has sidelined him the past three weeks.

Joppru, a second-round pick from Michigan, missed all but the first week of training camp and has not played in the two preseason games.

The Texans had not received results of the visit as of late Friday.

"We've had him looked at by a number of doctors," general manager Charley Casserly said. "We've checked for a hernia. It just won't seem to get better. Hopefully, this guy (in California) can find something that nobody else has found."

When Bennie Joppru was drafted in the second round this year, there was speculation that he'd replace Billy Miller in Houston's tight end-friendly offense. That hasn't materialized as Joppru has yet to see preseason action with his groin injury while Miller maintains a top 10 ranking. Until someone else steps forward in Houston, Miller should should approach last years success (51-613-3) and currently finds himself at #8.

14. RB Jonathan Wells (HOU): Treading Water

Clipped From: HoustonChronicle.com (John Lopez)

When Jonathan Wells is listed as "day-to-day," you have to wonder if the Texans are talking about his turf toe or trying to tell him something.

Like the old saying goes, the one that reflects a longstanding grin-and-bear-it NFL mantra: You can't make the club from the tub.

As we speak, Wells is treading water in his attempt to be there on opening day in Miami. And he's doing his treading in an ice bath, with a bad toe -- not a good combination.

Wells once was dubbed a key part of the Texans' "Big Three" franchise players for the future. But the truth is today Wells might not even be one of this team's best three running backs.

That's a tough truth to face for such a highly regarded physical specimen like Wells. But based on camp and the preseason, the top three are, in order, Stacey Mack, Tony Hollings and Domanick Davis.

There remains much left for Hollings and Davis to prove, beginning with tonight's preseason game with the Chargers at Reliant Stadium. But there remains much for Wells to prove, too.

It would be a huge mistake for Wells to believe that just because he was this team's leading rusher -- such as it was, with his 529 yards -- he will make the team again.

At last report, if the Texans had to firm up a regular-season roster today, they likely would keep Wells. But opinions, perceptions and touts change often, and with Davis back from his hand injury, Wells could be pushed back down the depth chart soon.

Hollings and Davis have shown enough that probably the biggest reason Wells remains in the mix is because the organization does not want to give up on a fourth-round pick so soon, not to mention lose face over it.

But if Hollings and Davis keep it up, the Texans might swallow hard and move or release Wells.

With the signing of free agent Stacy Mack and the use of a second round pick (next years draft) on rookie Tony Hollings, the writing has been on the wall that Jonathan Wells is not in the long term future of the Texans. Last years two leading rushers, Wells (529) and since retired James Allen (519), were not impressive with respective averages of 2.7 and 3.3, forcing Houston to look elsewhere for a running game. Based on his time in Jacksonville as Fred Taylor's backup, Mack is a nice short term answer who should be a definite improvement while Tony Hollings is the future.

15. Cowboys Cut Five Players

Clipped From: Associated Press

Quarterback Clint Stoerner, a backup the past three seasons who started just two games, was one of five players cut Saturday by the Dallas Cowboys.

The Cowboys also cut kicker Ola Kimrin, center Dustin Keith, receiver Aaron Boone and defensive end Charles Alston.

Stoerner's departure leaves the Cowboys with three quarterbacks. Quincy Carter was declared the starter Saturday, and coach Bill Parcells said Chad Hutchinson and undrafted free agent rookie Tony Romo will compete for the backup job.

With Kimrin gone, the Cowboys will go into the season with second-year kicker Billy Cundiff.

Dallas has 69 players left, and must cut at least three more players by Tuesday.

There will be quite a few of these lists coming up as teams need to trim their rosters to 53 by the season opener (66 by 8/26). With Chad Hutchinson's experience as a starter last year and Tony Romo's offseason performance, Stoerner became the odd man out. Even though Ola Kimrin's release is good news for Billy Cundiff, he's still the next-to-last ranked kicker (#31) behind only Bill Gramatica.

16. QB Michael Vick (ATL): Ligament Damage Confirmed?

Clipped From: Miami Herald (Bob Emanuel Jr.)

When Atlanta quarterback Michael Vick broke the fibula in his right leg last week, it was speculated he would miss six weeks and make his return during the season's fifth game.

Team doctor Andrew Bishop said the recovery could take longer, however. In addition to the break, Vick sustained ligament damage, although the team is not sure how much.

"We think it is minimal because the break is very clean, it is not displaced at all, and the bones are perfectly lined up," Bishop said. "If there was substantial ligament damage . . . that would require surgical intervention. We don't know for certain - no MRI or test will tell you - how much damage there is in the ligaments."

Vick has been placed in a cast and missed his first game Friday night against Miami at Pro Player Stadium.

"Typically, it takes six weeks for a bone to heal; uncomplicated bone healing is six weeks. That just means the bone is healed. It does not necessarily mean that everything else is like it should be. We don't know," Bishop said.

Bishop refused to speculate on the timetable if Vick has a setback or requires surgery.

"We'll cross that bridge when we get to it," he said. "Right now, I don't expect that to be the case. It could happen, but it just depends on a lot of things.

Bishop was "absolutely" sure Vick will eventually return at 100 percent.

It now sounds like they are confirming at least some ligament damage. How much? That will be the main factor in determining whether this is a 6 week or season ending injury. One might make the case there's information that's being held back but I think it's likely just the doctors uncertainty and the process of determining the actual damage. Obviously, there will be more or on this in your daily Michael Vick updates.

17. Chris Redman v. Kyle Boller: Advantage Boller?

Clipped From: SunSpot.net (Jamison Hensley)

In tonight's "Battle of the Beltways," the Ravens' quarterback competition likely will take a different turn.

Rookie quarterback Kyle Boller is expected to be in the driver's seat as the Ravens (1-1) take a short trip down the interstate for a preseason game against the Washington Redskins (0-2) at FedEx Field in Landover.

Although coach Brian Billick has declined to announce his quarterback rotation, it's a near certainty that the 19th overall pick in the draft will make his first NFL start. That leads to the bigger questions: Is starting Boller an attempt to keep the competition fair, or is this the dawning of a new quarterback era?

There's increasing speculation around the league that Boller could win the starting job - and surpass preseason favorite Chris Redman - if he finishes the preseason with a flourish.

"If I get the opportunity to work with the starters, hopefully I'll take advantage of it," Boller said. "I just want to go out there and stay relaxed and continue to go through what I've been practicing, which is being smooth. I don't want to press.

"Your goal as a player is to play. I want to be out there on the field. If I get a chance to go out there and start, then that's going to be awesome."

Boller, for one, isn't ready to declare himself a starter yet. The rookie out of California knows he needs to have a better handle on reading blitzes and calling out the right blocking schemes.

"I think I'm pretty close, but I still have to get my head in that playbook and watch a lot of tape," Boller said. "You can't take shots that you don't deserve and you can't get sacks. If I don't know the protection, it's not fair to the offensive line if I get sacked. Until I get to that point where I know everything, I probably shouldn't be in there. But I'm getting there."

Neither Boller nor Redman has distinguished himself in the first two preseason games.

As with the Cowboy's QB situation, the starter in Baltimore doesn't hold a ton of fantasy value over a QB3 or emergency starter. Boller's start on Saturday night may just be an attempt to get the rookie some playing time with the first stringers, but a good showing just may be all that it takes for head coach Brian Billick to hand over the reign. Chris Redman has been less than impressive during his two preseason starts with a 51.3 QB rating, compared to Boller's 76.4 preseason rating. Even though the QBs hold little value, RB Jamal Lewis and WR Travis Taylor will both be affected by this decision, so we're hoping that someone proves to be capable of running this offense.

18. QB Doug Johnson (ATL) Performs Well

Clipped From: Associated Press

Doug Johnson played better than most of his teammates.

Promoted to a starting job because of Michael Vick's broken leg, Johnson threw for 148 yards and a touchdown, but three Miami quarterbacks reached the end zone and the Dolphins beat the winless Atlanta Falcons 30-21 in an exhibition game Friday night.

Johnson completed 12 of 20 passes, including a 35-yard score to Peerless Price, and threw one interception before departing after one series in the second half with Atlanta trailing 10-7.

"There's always room for improvement," Johnson said. "We struggled early. The good thing was the way we bounced back."

Vick broke his right leg last weekend and is expected to miss the opening month of the season.

The Doug Johnson "era" has begun with a performance that will make it very hard for Michael Vick to get his job back once he returns. OK, that's a bit too far, but we do believe that Johnson will be able to hold the ship together while Vick is out, and may just post decent stats along the way. There's about 3500 yards and 20 TDs to be had by the Falcons quarterbacks this year, making Johnson a strong QB3, possible QB2, if Vick's rehab lasts deep into the season.

19. WR Chris Chambers (MIA): Not Quite There

Clipped From: Miami Herald (Jason Cole)

The education of receiver Chris Chambers appears to be stalled and, as a result, the Dolphins' hopes for a deep passing game are troubled.

In the second quarter Friday night in an exhibition game against Atlanta, Chambers dashed down the field on a post route, covered by Falcons cornerback Ray Buchanan.

Chambers had his body between Buchanan and the ball at the Atlanta 10-yard line. A gain of approximately 50 yards looked easy, even if the ball was thrown slightly off-stride.

But Chambers let the play slip away with a prime example of the type of subtle problems that are keeping him from achieving the level the Dolphins are hoping he will reach.

"I thought I was by myself and I tried to catch it here. I have to be out here on that ball," Chambers said, putting his hands around his chest at first and then shifting them to above his shoulders.

Instead of catching the ball it at its highest point -- or at least in a place where Buchanan couldn't reach it -- Chambers gave Buchanan a chance. While Fiedler didn't help him with the slightly underthrown pass, it was a ball that could have been caught, and Chambers knew it.

"We're getting closer and I had a chance on that one," Chambers said, referring to how he is working with Fiedler. "When it's up there, I gotta get it. I know exactly what I need to do."

But there is still a distance between knowing and doing for Chambers.

"He's still green, but he's getting there," Dolphins receivers coach Robert Ford said. "He thinks he's alone on that. But when it's underthrown, that cornerback is going to recover. In this league, [the cornerback is] going to get there."

If Chambers didn't know that, he received further proof later on in an example of how subtle maneuvers can turn the limited into the functional.

Later in the first half, Atlanta receiver Brian Finneran showed the Pro Player Stadium crowd how it's supposed to be done, making easy work of a 32-yard gain on a high pass from quarterback Doug Johnson.

Chambers, a former second-round pick from Wisconsin with more talent than Finneran, is allowing himself to be just another receiver instead of a true threat.

An impressive rookie season saw Chris Chambers post 48-883-7, but he regressed last year with both his yards and TDs falling (734/3) when he was supposed to break out as the Dolphins #1 receiving option. Will this be the year? It's not starting out that way. He's had a good camp, but still lets mental lapses get in the way of his development. If he doesn't watch out, Derrius Thompson, who's looked outstanding at times, will take over as the Dolphins run out time waiting for Chambers to step forward.

20. Culpepper to Moss: Sound Familiar?

Clipped From: VikingsUpdate.com

Quarterback Daunte Culpepper played what was probably the smartest game of his professional career, taking what was available and not forcing the action. He ended with no interceptions, two touchdown passes to Randy Moss and a 21-6 win against last year's Super Bowl runner-ups in the most important game of the preseason.

The Minnesota Vikings finally played smart and efficient football -- NFL-caliber football, even if the special teams were awful again.

Despite misfiring on the first drive, Daunte Culpepper played an extremely efficient first half -- throwing the ball away when necessary, running when he was flushed, and rebounding from an inaccurate first drive to finish 13-for-22 for 141 yards and two touchdowns without anything close to an interception or a forced pass.

On defense, even playing against the NFL's top-moving offense from last year and without the Vikings' starting cornerbacks, they held Oakland's first-team offense (which played almost the entire first half) to three points. Chris Claiborne intercepted a pass, and the defensive line applied more pressure as the first half moved on.

The Vikings' halftime lead of 14-3 could have been even better against last year's Super Bowl runner-up if not for special teams breakdowns, which allowed the Raiders starting position on the 50-yard line and their own 45-yard line on two first-half returns, along with kicker Hayden Epstein pushing two field goal attempts wide right.

In all, Minnesota's first-team offense had five drives in the first half, garnering two touchdowns, two missed field goals and one three-and-out series. But sometimes the best statistics are those with small number -- and in this game zero interceptions and one 5-yard penalty on the starters were excellent signs of improved focus. The good big numbers were from the top running backs, with Doug Chapman getting six carries for 35 yards before leaving with an ankle injury, Onterrio Smith getting six carries for 38 yards and a touchdown and Moe Williams getting six carries for 39 yards. On defense, considering the lack of experienced cornerbacks and the opposition, three points can be considered a victory.

What was definitely a victory for the Vikings was the final outcome, a 21-6 win against a great passing team on the road -- two things that last year would have converged for a Vikings loss.

After a lackluster performance last weekend from the offensive line in Kansas City, the only offensive starter struggling on the first drive was quarterback Culpepper. But unlike last year, when he tried to force throws, Culpepper played it efficiently through a one-drive slump. When Oakland jumped offsides on the first play from scrimmage, Culpepper wisely went deep for Randy Moss on a gift down and made sure that Moss was the only one who had a chance with an overthrow. Culpepper followed with two incompletions with inaccurate passes before Moe Williams picked up the first down with an 11-yard run. After missing D'Wayne Bates, Culpepper got his first completion with an 11-yard misdirection play to Jim Kleinsasser, who still showed signs of his plantar fasciitis but picked up the first down. A reverse to Moss (set up by the misdirection to Moss on the previous play) and an 8-yard run by Doug Chapman moved the chains to the 6-yard line. From there, it fell apart with a false start on David Dixon -- the only penalty by the starters in the first half -- an imcompletion and a 1-yard scramble. To make matters worse, kicker Hayden Epstein pushed a 28-yard attempted field goal wide right.

The big knock on Culpepper coming into this year is his decision making and propensity to turn the ball over. Just imagine how good he could be without last years 32 turnovers. We just may find out in 03. Friday night's game against Oakland was a very good sign for the future of the Minnesota Vikings. Not only did Culpepper take care of the ball and make great decisions, he was able to lean on Randy Moss for two touchdowns over Charles Woodson. If this tandem starts to click, watch out. Culpepper has a slight edge as our top quarterback over Donovan McNabb, but if he's able to cut down on the turnovers that slight edge would become a significant gap.

21. OT Jonas Jennings (BUF) Injured

Clipped From: Associated Press

Buffalo Bills left tackle Jonas Jennings was carted off the field after being hit in head while blocking late in the first half Saturday night.

Jennings was face down and motionless on the field for several minutes during the preseason game against St. Louis. He required help getting up, but walked the few steps to a cart, before being driven off the field.

Jennings did not return, and the Bills did not disclose the extent of the injury.

Entering his third year, Jennings started 15 games last year, his first full season at left tackle.

As the Bills starting left tackle, this would be a major blow if Jennings is forced to miss an extended period of time.

22. CB Chris Cash (DET) Injures Knee

Clipped From: Associated Press

Lions cornerback Chris Cash injured his left knee during Detroit's 38-17 win over Cleveland on Saturday night.

Cash, who was being counted on to start, was to have his knee examined after the game.

"He's got a knee injury that we're concerned about," Lions coach Steve Mariucci said. "I'm keeping my fingers crossed, but we'll learn more about it when we get the results of the MRI."

Detroit rookie linebacker James Davis injured his ribs and had to be carted off the field in the third quarter.

"Any time you see a stretcher and a backboard come out, you think maybe it is the neck or spine, but it was his ribs," Mariucci said. "He could not move and he was in a pretty good amount of pain."

Davis was to be examined after the game.

"We'll know more when we get the results of the MRI". Cash has been locked in a battle with fellow second year corner Andre Goodman for the starting spot across from Dre Bly. With Bly nursing a foot injury, both were starting. With Cash out, veteran Chris Watson will assume the role as "healthy cornerback" in Detroits secondary.

23. RB Duce Staley (PHI) Ends Holdout

Clipped From: Associated Press

After failing to get a new contract, Philadelphia Eagles running back Duce Staley ended his lengthy holdout Saturday.

Staley missed 26 days of training camp while trying to get a contract extension. He amassed $130,000 in fines from the Eagles for failing to report.

Staley, who rushed for 1,029 yards and five touchdowns last season and added 51 catches for 541 yards and three scores, is in the final year of a contract that will pay him $2.2 million this season.

According to the Eagles' web site, Staley met with coach Andy Reid for an extended period Saturday and is expected to practice with the team Sunday morning.

Even though he returned to the team, it is uncertain if Staley, who has missed three preseason games, will open the season as the starter. Philadelphia meets Tampa Bay on September 8 in its opener in a rematch of last season's NFC championship game.

Philadelphia has one preseason game remaining, Thursday night against the New York Jets.

In six seasons, the 28-year-old Staley has rushed for 4,344 yards and 17 touchdowns. He also has 239 catches for 2,116 yards and eight scores.

There is speculation that Staley may still be traded, but until that happens you have to assume that he'll play a major role in the Philadelphia Eagles offense. This could be a major hit to Correll Buckhalters value and make Staley, seemingly a forgotten man during his holdout, a steal in recent drafts. Worst case for Staley, he plays out the remaining year of his contract in a RBBC type situation with the Eagles and hits the free-agent market as a 29 year old multi-purpose running back with at least three 1000 yard seasons under his belt. Stay tuned, this may get interesting.