Tatum Bell: "I'll Be Fine In Week 10" (1 Viewer)

[packersfan]

It was a tough defense but Mike Bell probably didn't do anything yesterday to take the starting job away from Tatum. So now it's just a matter of seeing if the week off will have helped Tatum at all.

Here's the note:

Starting running back Tatum Bell didn't dress because of turf toes that first came on during the season's third game at New England, but were aggravated while rushing for 115 yards against Cleveland two weeks ago. He gained just 27 yards on 13 carries last week vs. the Colts.

"I just want to take care of it so I don't keep reaggravating it," Bell said. "I probably shouldn't have played last week, but it's all good. I'll be fine next week."

Link

 

[Da Guru]

Mike Bell looked like he did the first couple of games. Slow to hit the holes!

I have both but won`t play a Bell until Tatum is ready.

 

[SSOG]

Mike Bell looked like he did the first couple of games. Slow to hit the holes! I have both but won`t play a Bell until Tatum is ready.

Holes? There were holes there?You saw an RB who was slow to hit the holes. I saw an RB who didn't have any holes, so he just plowed into the pile every down for 2 yards rather than trying to make something happen. For a team that coaches its runners to just plow into the line for positive yardage when there's nothing there rather than trying to make something happen, that's generally seen as a positive.Pittsburgh was selling out against the run all game long, daring Plummer to beat them over the top with single coverage on Walker and Smith (which, in retrospect, looks like a pretty stupid move). Given the way that Pittsburgh plays defense, combined with Denver's historical struggles against 3-4 defenses, I don't think the result was really all that surprising.

 

[Neil Beaufort Zod]

It is kind of unfair that his big audition was in Pittsburgh, but it was. And he didn't do anything against them.

Maybe Tatum wouldn't have been much (or any) better, but this was Mike's chance and he didn't take advantage. If there were no holes, I didn't see especially hard running. He did have a nice reception, though. That works in his favor.

By the way, "taking advantage" might have been 65 tough yards on the ground or something. He wouldn't have to tear them up. But at two YPC or whatever, I don't think he set himself up well in the future. The best thing he has going for him is Tatum might not be ready to play full-time yet, so perhaps he can make the most out of what he gets in week 10. Maybe that will be good enough.

It seems like the Indy game revealed not how good Mike Bell can be...but just how bad Indy's run defense can be.

 

[thatguy]

As SSOG said, there really weren't any holes to speak of. However, I think Mike Bell looked a bit tentative. He seemed to just put his head down and hope for the best on a few runs, rather than keep it up and look for cutback lanes that might or might not have been there. On one run, this actually led to him falling on his face before he had even been hit. AS NBZ said, it really is unfair to judge his performance as it did come against Pittsburgh who runs a 3-4 and we all know how that tends to go with the Denver running game. But I think he was noticeably nervous, something I didn't see from him at all against Indy. And as NBZ said, he did have a very nice run after the catch on the screen, where he showed some of the power and vision that we saw against Indy.

As for his performance against Indy, sure, their run D is atrocious and Mike consistently hit the second level untouched, but it was he did once he got to that level that really impressed me, and seems to set him apart from Tatum. He made a lot of nice cutbacks, showed some good shiftiness while being able to quickly regain fullspeed, and consistently got yards after first contact.

I guess we'll just have to wait and see what happens, but I for one think Mike Bell is a far better RB than what we saw against Pitt.

 

[Vintage_Football]

Would anyone go out on a limb with me and say that Denvers running game looks better with both of them in there. There might be one with a great game and one without, and it flip flops, but i just think that when they've got both of them healthy, Denver just runs good. I think it would have been much better if Tatum would have been running as well.

 

[jagbag]

It was a tough defense but Mike Bell probably didn't do anything yesterday to take the starting job away from Tatum. So now it's just a matter of seeing if the week off will have helped Tatum at all.

Here's the note:

Starting running back Tatum Bell didn't dress because of turf toes that first came on during the season's third game at New England, but were aggravated while rushing for 115 yards against Cleveland two weeks ago. He gained just 27 yards on 13 carries last week vs. the Colts.

"I just want to take care of it so I don't keep reaggravating it," Bell said. "I probably shouldn't have played last week, but it's all good. I'll be fine next week."

Link

I wish it were true as I'm hurting at RB, but I just don't see it.

 

[malice]

Would anyone go out on a limb with me and say that Denvers running game looks better with both of them in there. There might be one with a great game and one without, and it flip flops, but i just think that when they've got both of them healthy, Denver just runs good. I think it would have been much better if Tatum would have been running as well.

Didn't work for them the first half-dozen games of the season...Plummer has played better since they switched to giving one guy all the work for the game.

 

[packersfan]

He's listed as questionable. If he was probable last week and didn't suit up it's probably a likely assumption that he won't play this week if he's downgraded. Mike Bell could keep the starting job after this week given how the Raiders are bad against the run.

From RotoWorld:

Tatum Bell is questionable for Week 10's game against Oakland.

Bell was listed as probable last week before being declared inactive. Mike Bell would be a solid RB2 option this week if he starts. We're not expecting Tatum back this week, but it's just a guess. Rod Smith is also questionable for Denver.

 

[fsufan]

T. Bell is the better back and should retain his job once healthy

 

[Sonny Lubick Blowup Doll]

Like I was saying last week...not one, but TWO turf toes and people somehow believe he MIGHT play (because he's "probable")? That is laughable.

Now, Denver plays the worst team in football and have capable RB's, but they should somehow get Tatum into the game and risk the injury popping back up again with one cut?

Makes sense.

 

[RBM]

T. Bell is the better back and should retain his job once healthy

I agree, but Mike Bell is a real nice start this week

 

[Marc Levin]

How Tatum practices tomorrow through Sat. will determine whether he will start and/or play.

Being downgraded is not good, but I have not heard any reports out of practice either. Shanahan's comments earlier this week seemed to be a message that Tatum must play during the week to play in the game.

 

[tecmo bo]

How Tatum practices tomorrow through Sat. will determine whether he will start and/or play.Being downgraded is not good, but I have not heard any reports out of practice either. Shanahan's comments earlier this week seemed to be a message that Tatum must play during the week to play in the game.

i thought he practiced without limits all last week

 

[Marc Levin]

How Tatum practices tomorrow through Sat. will determine whether he will start and/or play.Being downgraded is not good, but I have not heard any reports out of practice either. Shanahan's comments earlier this week seemed to be a message that Tatum must play during the week to play in the game.

i thought he practiced without limits all last week

He did.But now he's been downgraded to questionable.

 

[packersfan]

Here's a quote from Tatum after Wednesday's practice. Not very inspiring to say the least:

"We'll see how it goes," Tatum Bell said.

Link

 

[strong]

Here's a quote from Tatum after Wednesday's practice. Not very inspiring to say the least:

"We'll see how it goes," Tatum Bell said.

Link

Tough to read into that quote too much...

 

[SSOG]

Here's a quote from Tatum after Wednesday's practice. Not very inspiring to say the least:

"We'll see how it goes," Tatum Bell said.

Link

Tough to read into that quote too much...

That's not true. It's obvious that Tatum's eyesight is starting to fail him, which is why he's putting so much emphasis on what he will or will not see. Sell now before he's totally blind!

 

[flapgreen]

I've been avoiding Denver rb's like the plague for some time now.

 

[phillzphan]

I've been avoiding Denver rb's like the plague for some time now.

thats too bad, you've been missing out on lots of fantasy points.

 

[packersfan]

Update from RotoWorld:

Tatum Bell reportedly "appears to be getting over his turf toe" is expected to be the Broncos' starting running back when he's 100 percent.

Whether the Denver Post means he'll be the clear-cut lead back when he's healthy is unclear, but it appears Mike Bell may be auditioning this week for carries going forward. Tatum remains questionable to play this week and we think he'll be a game-time decision like he turned out to be last Sunday.

Source: Denver Post

 

[shims3]

Update from RotoWorld:Tatum Bell reportedly "appears to be getting over his turf toe" is expected to be the Broncos' starting running back when he's 100 percent.Whether the Denver Post means he'll be the clear-cut lead back when he's healthy is unclear, but it appears Mike Bell may be auditioning this week for carries going forward. Tatum remains questionable to play this week and we think he'll be a game-time decision like he turned out to be last Sunday.Source: Denver Post

Being a 4 pm game, this situation stinks.

 

[packersfan]

The Denver Post says Tatum will play this week:

On offense, running back Tatum Bell (turf toes) and Smith (shoulder) are expected to play.

Link

 

[Crazy8s]

I hope he Sits again and heals better.

 

[Love to Bet football]

I'm starting Tatum over Leon Washington.......I think the Bells will split carries but Tatum will score

 

[shims3]

Tatum or Mike, who gets the carries?

 

[djb916420]

Tatum or Mike, who gets the carries?

your guess is as good as mine

 

[Raider Nation]

Tatum or Mike, who gets the carries?

your guess is as good as mine

anyone's

 

[ghosttothepost]

In light of this latest info (that Tatum is "expected to play" this weekend), the relevant question becomes do you take a chance and play him over various other RB2/RB3 running backs that almost definitely will get a good number of touches but don't have a lot of upside for a big game. In other words, do you play Tatum over guys like Droughns, Cadillac, Washington, Lundy, et al.? All these guys are projected to get 16-22 carries, 60-70 yards, and .2-.3 TD's.

My initial thought is that if Bell is going to play, it's worth taking a shot with him over the above-mentioned guys because his upside is significantly higher. Thoughts?

 

[packersfan]

In light of this latest info (that Tatum is "expected to play" this weekend), the relevant question becomes do you take a chance and play him over various other RB2/RB3 running backs that almost definitely will get a good number of touches but don't have a lot of upside for a big game. In other words, do you play Tatum over guys like Droughns, Cadillac, Washington, Lundy, et al.? All these guys are projected to get 16-22 carries, 60-70 yards, and .2-.3 TD's. My initial thought is that if Bell is going to play, it's worth taking a shot with him over the above-mentioned guys because his upside is significantly higher. Thoughts?

I wouldn't be confident starting Bell over any of those guys this week. Keep in mind that even if Tatum plays there are no guarantees he's going to start and even if he starts there are no guarantees he'll look good or get the bulk of the carries. You could argue Tatum has more upside than all of them and I wouldn't dispute that but I think he also has considerably more downside as well. The risk is too great to start him over someone who's healthy and will be in line to get a good number of carries (well assuming Gruden remembers that running the ball can be part of an offense, of course). The only way I'd start Tatum this week is if my other options absolutely sucked. There's just too much risk involved in my opinion otherwise.But that's just my

 

[Two Deep]

Regardless if T. Bell starts or not, In my opinion M. Bell will be getting probably at least 40% of the carries and all of the goalline touches. I base this on the fact that T. Bell will certainly not be 100% and M. Bell is more productive up the middle.

 

[thatguy]

In light of this latest info (that Tatum is "expected to play" this weekend), the relevant question becomes do you take a chance and play him over various other RB2/RB3 running backs that almost definitely will get a good number of touches but don't have a lot of upside for a big game. In other words, do you play Tatum over guys like Droughns, Cadillac, Washington, Lundy, et al.? All these guys are projected to get 16-22 carries, 60-70 yards, and .2-.3 TD's. My initial thought is that if Bell is going to play, it's worth taking a shot with him over the above-mentioned guys because his upside is significantly higher. Thoughts?

I wouldn't be confident starting Bell over any of those guys this week. Keep in mind that even if Tatum plays there are no guarantees he's going to start and even if he starts there are no guarantees he'll look good or get the bulk of the carries. You could argue Tatum has more upside than all of them and I wouldn't dispute that but I think he also has considerably more downside as well. The risk is too great to start him over someone who's healthy and will be in line to get a good number of carries (well assuming Gruden remembers that running the ball can be part of an offense, of course). The only way I'd start Tatum this week is if my other options absolutely sucked. There's just too much risk involved in my opinion otherwise.But that's just my

When you have an option like that - considerably more upside and downside than your other options - you generally want to sit him when you're the favorite, or when you expect a close game, because in these cases the pedestrian output from your safer options will likely be enough. However, you should probably play him when you're a heavy underdog, and will likely need an outburst from at least a few players to pull off the victory.

 

[packersfan]

In light of this latest info (that Tatum is "expected to play" this weekend), the relevant question becomes do you take a chance and play him over various other RB2/RB3 running backs that almost definitely will get a good number of touches but don't have a lot of upside for a big game. In other words, do you play Tatum over guys like Droughns, Cadillac, Washington, Lundy, et al.? All these guys are projected to get 16-22 carries, 60-70 yards, and .2-.3 TD's. My initial thought is that if Bell is going to play, it's worth taking a shot with him over the above-mentioned guys because his upside is significantly higher. Thoughts?

I wouldn't be confident starting Bell over any of those guys this week. Keep in mind that even if Tatum plays there are no guarantees he's going to start and even if he starts there are no guarantees he'll look good or get the bulk of the carries. You could argue Tatum has more upside than all of them and I wouldn't dispute that but I think he also has considerably more downside as well. The risk is too great to start him over someone who's healthy and will be in line to get a good number of carries (well assuming Gruden remembers that running the ball can be part of an offense, of course). The only way I'd start Tatum this week is if my other options absolutely sucked. There's just too much risk involved in my opinion otherwise.But that's just my

When you have an option like that - considerably more upside and downside than your other options - you generally want to sit him when you're the favorite, or when you expect a close game, because in these cases the pedestrian output from your safer options will likely be enough. However, you should probably play him when you're a heavy underdog, and will likely need an outburst from at least a few players to pull off the victory.

True, but even if I was an underdog I don't think I'd feel very confident starting Tatum this week. I'd rather start someone I felt could give me some production and hope other players in my lineup stepped up. I agree with the poster above that even if Tatum plays I think he loses the goal-line carries. Keep in mind that appeared to be a change Shanahan was going to make before Tatum's problems against the Colts since Mike Bell was getting the short-yardage and goal-line snaps in the first half of that game when Tatum was still the primary RB. So I think the best you can do is hope for some decent yardage from Tatum. Is that really worth it? I just don't think it is - unless your other options stink to high heaven.

 

[JayJay328]

Although the schemes are different, I think the difficulty of running the ball vs. a Pitts D is much like trying to run vs. the Baltimore D. Tatum ran I think 19-92 vs. Balt. where as Mike ran 17-28 vs. Pitts. Tatum will not lose his job because Mike is a better RB. That said, Shanahan will likely rest Tatum this week whether by limiting his carries or once again making him inactive vs. a weak oppenent to get him healthy for the stretch making Mike a very good start vs. a brutal Oak. run D.

 

[Raider Nation]

Shanahan will likely rest Tatum this week whether by limiting his carries or once again making him inactive vs. a weak oppenent to get him healthy for the stretch making Mike a very good start vs. a brutal Oak. run D.

This is what we Tatum owners need to keep in mind. Denver doesn't NEED him to play against Oakland this week. I'd rather see him sit and get healthy so he's available to me when it matters most -- during that sweet fantasy playoff schedule.

 

[thatguy]

In light of this latest info (that Tatum is "expected to play" this weekend), the relevant question becomes do you take a chance and play him over various other RB2/RB3 running backs that almost definitely will get a good number of touches but don't have a lot of upside for a big game. In other words, do you play Tatum over guys like Droughns, Cadillac, Washington, Lundy, et al.? All these guys are projected to get 16-22 carries, 60-70 yards, and .2-.3 TD's. My initial thought is that if Bell is going to play, it's worth taking a shot with him over the above-mentioned guys because his upside is significantly higher. Thoughts?

I wouldn't be confident starting Bell over any of those guys this week. Keep in mind that even if Tatum plays there are no guarantees he's going to start and even if he starts there are no guarantees he'll look good or get the bulk of the carries. You could argue Tatum has more upside than all of them and I wouldn't dispute that but I think he also has considerably more downside as well. The risk is too great to start him over someone who's healthy and will be in line to get a good number of carries (well assuming Gruden remembers that running the ball can be part of an offense, of course). The only way I'd start Tatum this week is if my other options absolutely sucked. There's just too much risk involved in my opinion otherwise.But that's just my

When you have an option like that - considerably more upside and downside than your other options - you generally want to sit him when you're the favorite, or when you expect a close game, because in these cases the pedestrian output from your safer options will likely be enough. However, you should probably play him when you're a heavy underdog, and will likely need an outburst from at least a few players to pull off the victory.

True, but even if I was an underdog I don't think I'd feel very confident starting Tatum this week. I'd rather start someone I felt could give me some production and hope other players in my lineup stepped up. I agree with the poster above that even if Tatum plays I think he loses the goal-line carries. Keep in mind that appeared to be a change Shanahan was going to make before Tatum's problems against the Colts since Mike Bell was getting the short-yardage and goal-line snaps in the first half of that game when Tatum was still the primary RB. So I think the best you can do is hope for some decent yardage from Tatum. Is that really worth it? I just don't think it is - unless your other options stink to high heaven.

I tend to agree with you in that I don't think Tatum has a high ceiling. My statement wasn't meant to suggest anything about my own projections for Tatum this week, merely to say that for somone who feels he has a very high ceiling and a very low floor, he's a good start if you think you're going to need a lot of points. It could go for any high ceiling/low floor guy that you're thining of playing against a heavy favorite.

 

[packersfan]

I agree. For me, it comes down to what my other options now. The RBs who were listed above are all RBs I'd feel more confident starting this week even if some of them (like Droughns and maybe Cadillac) aren't exactly world beaters at the present time. Now if your option was someone like Henry, LaMont Jordan or Bush, I'd probably be more inclined to gamble on Tatum this week.

 

[packersfan]

And now to put another twist on things, Tatum's been upgraded to Probable. From RotoWorld:

Tatum Bell was upgraded to probable after practicing Friday.

Bell was probable before being inactive last week, but it would be a surprise if he sat out this week now. We suspect the Bells will share carries, as long as Tatum's foot is healthy. Because of the chronic nature of turf toes, we'd like to see Tatum Bell play a full game before using him in fantasy leagues again.

Source: DenverBroncos.com

 

[malice]

I can't see Shanahan risking a <100% Tatum Bell vs. OAK with SD coming to town the next week (especially with Merriman out). He may be changing Tatum to probable just to mess with OAK's minds...but it just doesn't make sense to me for him to wear him out this week vs. next.

 

[packersfan]

Clayton's Friday night injury report on ESPN Insider has been good so far this season in terms of providing a little depth to the injury reports. I'll be interested to see if he has any type of info as far as what could happen in the Denver backfield this week.

 

[ghosttothepost]

From CBS Sportsline:

Tatum Bell, RB DENNews: On his way into the training room to receive treatment on his sore toes Thursday, Broncos' running back Tatum Bell stopped long enough for a brief chat. "I'm cool," he simply said when asked about his turf toes. Asked if he'd play Sunday against Oakland, Bell nodded his head yes. The Broncos seem to be in agreement -- they upgraded him to probable on Friday for Week 10 at Oakland. Analysis: The move suggests that Bell will see a good share of carries, although may not get a ton of them as the Broncos are expected to roll in this contest. That may mean limited playing time for Tatum Bell unless the Raiders keep up with the Broncos. Expect him to be a solid No. 3 Fantasy RB for Week 10 games. If you're using both Bell RBs and need to pick one, we should know who is starting and who isn't about an hour before game time on Sunday.

 

[Kuz]

I can't see Shanahan risking a <100% Tatum Bell vs. OAK with SD coming to town the next week (especially with Merriman out). He may be changing Tatum to probable just to mess with OAK's minds...but it just doesn't make sense to me for him to wear him out this week vs. next.

this makes the most sense.. Why not give him another week to rest..I think Mike Bell will get the majority if not all the carries on Sunday. I wishI was wrong because I could really use Tatum but I agree with Malice.. theydon't need him this week..

 

[BassNBrew]

In light of this latest info (that Tatum is "expected to play" this weekend), the relevant question becomes do you take a chance and play him over various other RB2/RB3 running backs that almost definitely will get a good number of touches but don't have a lot of upside for a big game. In other words, do you play Tatum over guys like Droughns, Cadillac, Washington, Lundy, et al.? All these guys are projected to get 16-22 carries, 60-70 yards, and .2-.3 TD's. My initial thought is that if Bell is going to play, it's worth taking a shot with him over the above-mentioned guys because his upside is significantly higher. Thoughts?

I wouldn't be confident starting Bell over any of those guys this week. Keep in mind that even if Tatum plays there are no guarantees he's going to start and even if he starts there are no guarantees he'll look good or get the bulk of the carries. You could argue Tatum has more upside than all of them and I wouldn't dispute that but I think he also has considerably more downside as well. The risk is too great to start him over someone who's healthy and will be in line to get a good number of carries (well assuming Gruden remembers that running the ball can be part of an offense, of course). The only way I'd start Tatum this week is if my other options absolutely sucked. There's just too much risk involved in my opinion otherwise.But that's just my

When you have an option like that - considerably more upside and downside than your other options - you generally want to sit him when you're the favorite, or when you expect a close game, because in these cases the pedestrian output from your safer options will likely be enough. However, you should probably play him when you're a heavy underdog, and will likely need an outburst from at least a few players to pull off the victory.

Not just a but one of the best damn pieces of advice I've seen in a while!!!

 

[packersfan]

I was hoping Clayton might have a little insight in his injury report on ESPN Insider tonight but he isn't telling us anything here we don't already know. Maybe he or Mort will have something on Sunday. Here's the info from Clayton tonight:

The Broncos should have Tatum Bell back in the backfield. He missed last Sunday's game with two toe injuries, but the toes feel better this week. Mike Shanahan will have to decide whether to start Tatum or Mike Bell.

 

[Raider Nation]

I was hoping Clayton might have a little insight in his injury report on ESPN Insider tonight but he isn't telling us anything here we don't already know. Maybe he or Mort will have something on Sunday. Here's the info from Clayton tonight:The Broncos should have Tatum Bell back in the backfield. He missed last Sunday's game with two toe injuries, but the toes feel better this week. Mike Shanahan will have to decide whether to start Tatum or Mike Bell.

Hopefully, the rest of you have better options than I do for my second RB this week.I have a TON of guys who can replace Tatum. Unfortunately, they all play second fiddle on their own team. Benson, Davenport, LenDale, Mewelde, Rhodes and Perry. In other words..... :X :X :X

 

[jagbag]

I was hoping Clayton might have a little insight in his injury report on ESPN Insider tonight but he isn't telling us anything here we don't already know. Maybe he or Mort will have something on Sunday. Here's the info from Clayton tonight:

The Broncos should have Tatum Bell back in the backfield. He missed last Sunday's game with two toe injuries, but the toes feel better this week. Mike Shanahan will have to decide whether to start Tatum or Mike Bell.

Hopefully, the rest of you have better options than I do for my second RB this week.

I have a TON of guys who can replace Tatum. Unfortunately, they all play second fiddle on their own team. Benson, Davenport, LenDale, Mewelde, Rhodes and Perry. In other words..... :X :X :X

MJD (not bad) is in for T. Bell.

Droughns or Henry is in for Alexander.



But I do hope Bell takes one more week off, if not, I'll be tempted to play him and hope he doesn't aggravate the toes.

 

[packersfan]

Shanahan was also encouraged by seeing running back Tatum Bell participate in drills. Bell had been slowed by a toe injury.

"Tatum is fine," Shanahan said.

Link

 

[fsufan]

"Tatum is fine," Shanahan said.

Link

so do you think Tatum starts and get the bulk of the carries?to me he is clearly the better RB when healthy

 

[sdsjr3]

Boy, this is mind boggling. I'm soooo tempted to put Tatum back in over Leon...but I suspect we won't have any definitive info before 4:00 tomorrow. And Leon plays at 1:00. Ugh. Going to be yet another stressful Sunday.

Oh well...makes it fun right? Until you make the wrong call of course!

 

[AcousticNut]

I was hoping Clayton might have a little insight in his injury report on ESPN Insider tonight but he isn't telling us anything here we don't already know. Maybe he or Mort will have something on Sunday. Here's the info from Clayton tonight:The Broncos should have Tatum Bell back in the backfield. He missed last Sunday's game with two toe injuries, but the toes feel better this week. Mike Shanahan will have to decide whether to start Tatum or Mike Bell.

Hopefully, the rest of you have better options than I do for my second RB this week.I have a TON of guys who can replace Tatum. Unfortunately, they all play second fiddle on their own team. Benson, Davenport, LenDale, Mewelde, Rhodes and Perry. In other words..... :X :X :X

I was able to get A-Train on the WW this week with the express purpose of playing him over the next two weeks (good matchups) while Tatum hopefully has a chance to get healthy. My other option is Droughns. I'm hopeful that over the next couple of weeks we can see the severity of the turf toe injury and figure out how Shanny intends to use Tatum in light of the circumstances.