Tatum Bell Probable For Sunday (1 Viewer)

[packersfan]

Take it for what it's worth.

 

[Welshie]

Take it for what it's worth.

This is an excerpt from CBS Sportsline's weekly Waiver Wire column:

Denver plays Pittsburgh in Week 9, and it appears both Bells will play against the Steelers. Tatum Bell is expected to start, but he admitted Mike Bell could get the majority of carries. "I would expect Mike to get in there and try to help me get back," Tatum Bell said in the Denver Post. "The way he's running, hopefully he can carry it on through this next week. There won't be no drop-off if I'm not in there because we know Mike is going to come in there and get it done."

The quote from Tatum would seem to imply he believes Mike will get more of the carries next week because of Tatum's injury.

 

[Texican]

Take it for what it's worth.

This is an excerpt from CBS Sportsline's weekly Waiver Wire column:

Denver plays Pittsburgh in Week 9, and it appears both Bells will play against the Steelers. Tatum Bell is expected to start, but he admitted Mike Bell could get the majority of carries. "I would expect Mike to get in there and try to help me get back," Tatum Bell said in the Denver Post. "The way he's running, hopefully he can carry it on through this next week. There won't be no drop-off if I'm not in there because we know Mike is going to come in there and get it done."

The quote from Tatum would seem to imply he believes Mike will get more of the carries next week because of Tatum's injury.

I think that quote is from earlier in the week.

 

[Rotten Egg]

Does anybody think this might be the week Tatum breaks off a big one? It seemed like last year tat he ALWAYS broke a big run after Droughns ran a couple series and tatum hit them with a change of pace. Could that happen this week if Mike Bell gets 15+ carries?

 

[Fantaholic]

Does anybody think this might be the week Tatum breaks off a big one? It seemed like last year tat he ALWAYS broke a big run after Droughns ran a couple series and tatum hit them with a change of pace. Could that happen this week if Mike Bell gets 15+ carries?

Tatum is a Cleveland Brown?

 

[jbz]

Droughns did play on Denver before joining the Browns

 

[Fantaholic]

I know, just not last year...

 

[SigEp316]

I would rather see him as questionable or doubtful...still benching him and starting Mike

 

[packersfan]

I would rather see him as questionable or doubtful...still benching him and starting Mike

Probable would be viewed as a reason for optimism had he not also been listed as probable last week. There are going to have to be some incredibly glowing practice reports about him coming out of Denver this week in order for me to even consider starting him. Right now I'd say there's a 99.9% chance he's on my bench.

 

[corpcow]

This is an excerpt from CBS Sportsline's weekly Waiver Wire column:

Denver plays Pittsburgh in Week 9, and it appears both Bells will play against the Steelers. Tatum Bell is expected to start, but he admitted Mike Bell could get the majority of carries.

"I would expect Mike to get in there and try to help me get back," Tatum Bell said in the Denver Post. "The way he's running, hopefully he can carry it on through this next week. There won't be no drop-off if I'm not in there because we know Mike is going to come in there and get it done."

The quote from Tatum would seem to imply he believes Mike will get more of the carries next week because of Tatum's injury.

Double negatives... "There won't be no drop-off" == There will be a drop-off.Did he say this on purpose, or is he just not well-spoken?

 

[Garts]

Denver would be dumb to play Tatum against the physical Steel Curtain defence

 

[JuniorNB]

This is an excerpt from CBS Sportsline's weekly Waiver Wire column:

Denver plays Pittsburgh in Week 9, and it appears both Bells will play against the Steelers. Tatum Bell is expected to start, but he admitted Mike Bell could get the majority of carries.

"I would expect Mike to get in there and try to help me get back," Tatum Bell said in the Denver Post. "The way he's running, hopefully he can carry it on through this next week. There won't be no drop-off if I'm not in there because we know Mike is going to come in there and get it done."

The quote from Tatum would seem to imply he believes Mike will get more of the carries next week because of Tatum's injury.

Double negatives... "There won't be no drop-off" == There will be a drop-off.Did he say this on purpose, or is he just not well-spoken?

Guess.

 

[T Bell]

This is an excerpt from CBS Sportsline's weekly Waiver Wire column:

Denver plays Pittsburgh in Week 9, and it appears both Bells will play against the Steelers. Tatum Bell is expected to start, but he admitted Mike Bell could get the majority of carries.

"I would expect Mike to get in there and try to help me get back," Tatum Bell said in the Denver Post. "The way he's running, hopefully he can carry it on through this next week. There won't be no drop-off if I'm not in there because we know Mike is going to come in there and get it done."

The quote from Tatum would seem to imply he believes Mike will get more of the carries next week because of Tatum's injury.

Double negatives... "There won't be no drop-off" == There will be a drop-off.Did he say this on purpose, or is he just not well-spoken?

That's what an Oklahoma State edumacation gets you, guy. There ain't no school better! Go Cowboys!

 

[Smitty72]

This is an excerpt from CBS Sportsline's weekly Waiver Wire column:

Denver plays Pittsburgh in Week 9, and it appears both Bells will play against the Steelers. Tatum Bell is expected to start, but he admitted Mike Bell could get the majority of carries.

"I would expect Mike to get in there and try to help me get back," Tatum Bell said in the Denver Post. "The way he's running, hopefully he can carry it on through this next week. There won't be no drop-off if I'm not in there because we know Mike is going to come in there and get it done."

The quote from Tatum would seem to imply he believes Mike will get more of the carries next week because of Tatum's injury.

Double negatives... "There won't be no drop-off" == There will be a drop-off.Did he say this on purpose, or is he just not well-spoken?

That's what an Oklahoma State edumacation gets you, guy. There ain't no school better! Go Cowboys!

Always great shtick from you Tatum, you the man!!!

 

[strong]

Take it for what it's worth.

This is an excerpt from CBS Sportsline's weekly Waiver Wire column:

Denver plays Pittsburgh in Week 9, and it appears both Bells will play against the Steelers. Tatum Bell is expected to start, but he admitted Mike Bell could get the majority of carries.

"I would expect Mike to get in there and try to help me get back," Tatum Bell said in the Denver Post. "The way he's running, hopefully he can carry it on through this next week. There won't be no drop-off if I'm not in there because we know Mike is going to come in there and get it done."

The quote from Tatum would seem to imply he believes Mike will get more of the carries next week because of Tatum's injury.

Yeah, you're right, Tatum does imply that Mike might get the majority of the carries, but I think you may be reading into it too much. It's really not a very strong statement, but more of a vote of confidence... That quote was from Sunday or Monday and he never "admitted" Mike could get the majority of carries as CBS is stating.We'll see though... although this quote might have been a small indication he wouldn't play too much, probable does have to be a sign that he should play a decent amount...

 

[Rotten Egg]

Does anybody think this might be the week Tatum breaks off a big one? It seemed like last year tat he ALWAYS broke a big run after Droughns ran a couple series and tatum hit them with a change of pace. Could that happen this week if Mike Bell gets 15+ carries?

Tatum is a Cleveland Brown?

You're right. My mistake.....Came back to see what kind of responses I got and reread my post and noticed my error.

 

[Marc Levin]

Take it for what it's worth.

This is an excerpt from CBS Sportsline's weekly Waiver Wire column:

Denver plays Pittsburgh in Week 9, and it appears both Bells will play against the Steelers. Tatum Bell is expected to start, but he admitted Mike Bell could get the majority of carries. "I would expect Mike to get in there and try to help me get back," Tatum Bell said in the Denver Post. "The way he's running, hopefully he can carry it on through this next week. There won't be no drop-off if I'm not in there because we know Mike is going to come in there and get it done."

The quote from Tatum would seem to imply he believes Mike will get more of the carries next week because of Tatum's injury.

That is uplifting news for TBell owners -1) turf toe is extremely painful2) turf toe in both feet can make it impossible to cut and run3) rest is the only cure for turf toe4) Pittsburgh has a great rush defense5) Tatum realizes he is not healthy enough to be the best back on the team and he wants to rest while the rookie gets fed to the Pittsburgh dogs.6) the Bronco staff has a reasonable fear of Tatum suffering lingering injuries7) the Bronco staff told Tatum in the preseason that he needed to let them know when he was unable to continue playing due to injury so that he does not aggravate injuries.8) Tatum is tough enough to practice this week and try to play in the game to see how he feels (guy once played - and played relatively well - with a separated shoulder)A two carry game is the best thing that could happen to Tatum Bell - even if Mike Bell goes off again. If Tatum can tolerate the turf toe pain after two weeks of rest, he will return to the starter role - Shannie works his starters till they drop and THEN inserts the backup - the backup is rarely able to steal the job from an injured starter.Why?It is very simple.Shanahan knows he can plug any healthy RB into his system and get great rushing numbers - a healthy backup is better than a more talented, but injured, starter - this is for the simple reason that Shanahan does not value the individual talent of his RBs.If he DID value the individual talent of his RBs, he'd have never vacated a future with Portis in exchange forsecond year man Quentin Griffin, recently acquired 32+ year old Garrison Hearst, FB Reuben Droughns who was not yet considered a HB for the Broncosan injured Mike Anderson, and some rookie RB he had not yet drafted (who turned out to be Tatum Bell).End result = if Tatum Bell rests and heals a bit more, he is much more likely to remain Denver's starter from week 10 forward, and only a healthy Tatum Bell can be the fantasy RB2 you want on your squad.

 

[Marc Levin]

I know, just not last year...

and the guy CLEARLY meant last year - and the answer is "no" it is not a good week to count on Tatum busting off a long run similar to 2005.The situations are radically different - Tatum Bell hadno pressure b/c he was the designated change of pace back and Anderson was the designated starter.Unless Shanahan makes Mike Bell the starter and uses Tatum as COP, we are more likely to see a lot of early carries for Tatum while he tests whether he can play with the toe. And if he can't, you won't see much of Tatum for the rest of the game.They won't use Mike Bell to wear down the defense (like they did with MA) and then hit the defense with Tatum's speed - if the turf toe prevents Tatum from maintaining a feature back role, the turf toe will prevent Tatum Bell from being a quick hit threat - if that is the situation, he will be used like last week - one or two carries to give Mike Bell a breather.

 

[The Z Machine]

I don't see Tatum doing much this week. He knows it's in his best interest to rest the feet and let Mike take the brunt of the load against Pittsburgh.

I see him returning next week, or maybe the week after. he'll be available but won't play much.

In addition, I don't see Mike Bell having the game this week that he put up last week. People will start him, and he'll get 85 and maybe a touch, but that's it. I don't think Mike Bell is the second coming of Barry Sanders.

 

[Marc Levin]

it's Pitt - i could see the touch, but more like a hard earned 60-ish

i know you know this, but 85 and a touch is excellent production for a RB who hasn't sniffed a fantasy start since week 2

 

[The Z Machine]

it's Pitt - i could see the touch, but more like a hard earned 60-ishi know you know this, but 85 and a touch is excellent production for a RB who hasn't sniffed a fantasy start since week 2

I said *maybe* a touch. There's a big difference there. It's like Dodds predicting 0.5 TDs for him.Oh and that's total yards, not just rushing. I see that as achievable if Tatum is severely limited this week as I think he will be.The Denver O has been focused on their rushing attack all year, and they do it well. The Pitt D is tough, but I see Denver sticking to what they do best here and all season long.

 

[Sonny Lubick Blowup Doll]

it's Pitt - i could see the touch, but more like a hard earned 60-ishi know you know this, but 85 and a touch is excellent production for a RB who hasn't sniffed a fantasy start since week 2

I said *maybe* a touch. There's a big difference there. It's like Dodds predicting 0.5 TDs for him.Oh and that's total yards, not just rushing. I see that as achievable if Tatum is severely limited this week as I think he will be.The Denver O has been focused on their rushing attack all year, and they do it well. The Pitt D is tough, but I see Denver sticking to what they do best here and all season long.

I think you're right there, really (I'll say 75 and .5). The fact that he hasn't "sniffed a fantasy start since week 2" means zilch. I don't get that at all. If anything, that means he's fresh. I don't even think we see Tatum at all.

 

[The Z Machine]

I think Mike Bell isn't a bad start at all this week (and maybe this week alone), unless it comes out that tatum has made a fantastic recovery and will see the bulk of the carries.

It's obviously speculation in the Denver RB situation, but the fact of the matter is that Shanny has one Rb who played well last week, is un-injured, and knows the offense well. He has another back that is dinged and could be more useful if fully healthy. I think the obvious choice here is to give the bulk of the carries to the healthy back.

I'd probably put Mike Bell in the top 12 or top 10 RBs this week.

 

[Sonny Lubick Blowup Doll]

I think Mike Bell isn't a bad start at all this week (and maybe this week alone), unless it comes out that tatum has made a fantastic recovery and will see the bulk of the carries.It's obviously speculation in the Denver RB situation, but the fact of the matter is that Shanny has one Rb who played well last week, is un-injured, and knows the offense well. He has another back that is dinged and could be more useful if fully healthy. I think the obvious choice here is to give the bulk of the carries to the healthy back.I'd probably put Mike Bell in the top 12 or top 10 RBs this week.

Agree. I'm surprised by the consensus out there that Tatum really is "probable". We all know the big concern with him to begin with, is durability. Now, he's got turf-toe in not one, but both feet? When has that not been a disaster? He tells the coaches at half he's having problems. They put Mike Bell in, who explodes. But since TinkerBell is "probable" people are believing Shanahan is going to push a guy that was falling down because he couldn't cut? I don't care how mild it might be, why play him?On top of that, Mike Bell was almost the starter two short months ago anyway. Shanny doesn't care who he plugs in there. He'd rather Tatum got better. What the hell am I missing here?I'd bet Cecil Sapp gets more touches than Tatum Bell this week.

 

[The Z Machine]

Full Disclosure - I am a Tatum Bell owner only. I have no teams with mike bell on them.

 

[packersfan]

I think Mike Bell is a very good RB2 this week. The Broncos have proven they can run the ball well against any defense. I wouldn't worry about the Steelers if I was a Mike Bell owner. Even if Tatum is announced as the "starter" I have little faith that he'll be the primary ballcarrier or even finish with the best yardage output. And I will continue to state that even if Tatum is healthy I think there's a very good chance he loses the goal-line carries to M.Bell given how that was the plan in the Colts game before Tatum begged out. Again, the only way I'd even give any consideration at all to starting Tatum in any league is if we hear some unbelievably glowing practice reports this week. Otherwise, I don't know how you can start him based on what happened last week.

 

[Da Guru]

I think Mike Bell is a very good RB2 this week. The Broncos have proven they can run the ball well against any defense. I wouldn't worry about the Steelers if I was a Mike Bell owner. Even if Tatum is announced as the "starter" I have little faith that he'll be the primary ballcarrier or even finish with the best yardage output. And I will continue to state that even if Tatum is healthy I think there's a very good chance he loses the goal-line carries to M.Bell given how that was the plan in the Colts game before Tatum begged out. Again, the only way I'd even give any consideration at all to starting Tatum in any league is if we hear some unbelievably glowing practice reports this week. Otherwise, I don't know how you can start him based on what happened last week.

I have both Bells. Although I was happy with Mikes job on Sunday on his big runs I think any RB in the NFL could have ran through those holes. As well as the short TDs.We will see what he looks like this weekend.

 

[Verbal Kint]

As a Tatum owner, I hope he's benched this week and Mike has down week against Pitt.

 

[packersfan]

According to Mike Bell, Tatum looked great in practice on Wednesday. Again, take all this for what it's worth.

Running back Tatum Bell - who has two turf toe injuries - said he is sore but is hoping to play extensively Sunday. Undrafted rookie Mike Bell is likely to play quite a bit. Mike Bell rushed for 136 yards and two touchdowns on 15 carries against the Colts. He ran extra sprints with rookie defensive end Elvis Dumervil after practice.

"Just in case I'm in the same situation I was in last week, I want to make sure I can finish the game, and that means getting in shape," Mike Bell said.

Does he sense he will get more carries this weekend with Tatum Bell still in pain?

"I'm not sure. Tatum looked great in practice," he said.

Link

 

[Nigel Tufnel]

Mike Bell sounds like the nicest guy in the NFL.

 

[Sonny Lubick Blowup Doll]

Mike Bell sounds like the nicest guy in the NFL.

 

[Nigel Tufnel]

Mike Bell sounds like the nicest guy in the NFL.

 

[Sonny Lubick Blowup Doll]

Mike Bell sounds like the nicest guy in the NFL.

 

[Da Guru]

Mike Bell will have a horrible first half..Tatum will come on and shred Pitts D for 100 and a score and the saga of Denver rBs will continue!

 

[Down Under]

"Just in case I'm in the same situation I was in last week, I want to make sure I can finish the game, and that means getting in shape," Mike Bell said.

Link

Isn't that kind of an odd comment?? Shouldn't professional 2nd stringers be in shape in the middle of the season and ready to play at any moment?

 

[packersfan]

Thursday update from KFFL. Tatum still looks like someone to avoid this week in my opinion.

Broncos | T. Bell practices Thursday

Thu, 2 Nov 2006 19:28:01 -0800

Jeff Legwold, of the Rocky Mountain News, reports Denver Broncos RB Tatum Bell (toe) practiced Thursday, Nov. 2. He said he continues to feel pain in his left big toe.

 

[packersfan]

Based on this week's rankings and projections it looks like FBG is a lot more optimistic about Tatum this week than I am. Interesting.

 

[Marc Levin]

it's Pitt - i could see the touch, but more like a hard earned 60-ishi know you know this, but 85 and a touch is excellent production for a RB who hasn't sniffed a fantasy start since week 2

I said *maybe* a touch. There's a big difference there. It's like Dodds predicting 0.5 TDs for him.Oh and that's total yards, not just rushing.

Yeah - I said I could see the touch. I could also not see the touch.There's no way MBell's catches will matter to his total yardage. Passes to the backfield players in Denver's offense go to Kylie and Cecil - and only rarely go to the starting HB. The Broncos won't suddenly invent a pass to the HB scheme that can beat a great D like Pitt.In short, I don't see 85 total yards from MBell even if TBell takes the first snap and then goes to the locker room.Denver will be hard pressed to get 85 yards rushing as a TEAM, let alone from any individual player.One of the advantages of living in a city, but not being a fan of th eteam in that city, is you get innundated with information, but can remain objective. Mike Bell is too much of a power one-cut runner to get past the Pitt tacklers and reguklarlky run off 6+ yard plays like he did v. Indie. And MBell lacks the speed to do what Taum *might* have been able to do - which is pound off a big 25+ yard run to raise a 60 yard day to a decent rushing day.The onus is on Plummer to win this game - Pitt is susceptible to the big play downfield and if Plummer can stretch out some plays by bootlegging, I expect the receivers to get off.I could also see this as a 9-6 slugfest - and 8 punts per team.

 

[packersfan]

If Tatum was healthy I think we'd see a repeat of the Ravens' game where he grinded out 90+ yards and was able to explode in the latter stages of the game with some big runs. Of course, Tatum's not healthy so that's a moot point. I also expect this to be a low-scoring game which will be decided by whichever struggling QB plays the best.

Back on topic, I don't know how you can start Tatum at all this week with any sense of confidence. Even if he "starts," there are no guarantees he'll do anything and we could see a repeat of last week. And even if he does start it's pretty safe to say Mike Bell will get plenty of carries and likely the goal-line looks. This is one of those situations where I'd be interested in David's thoughts as to why he's ranking and projecting the Denver RBs the way he is. Not trying to call him out but it would be interesting to see why he's feeling much more confident about Tatum this week than Mike.

 

[Marc Levin]

it's Pitt - i could see the touch, but more like a hard earned 60-ish

i know you know this, but 85 and a touch is excellent production for a RB who hasn't sniffed a fantasy start since week 2

I said *maybe* a touch. There's a big difference there. It's like Dodds predicting 0.5 TDs for him.Oh and that's total yards, not just rushing. I see that as achievable if Tatum is severely limited this week as I think he will be.

The Denver O has been focused on their rushing attack all year, and they do it well. The Pitt D is tough, but I see Denver sticking to what they do best here and all season long.

I think you're right there, really (I'll say 75 and .5).

The fact that he hasn't "sniffed a fantasy start since week 2" means zilch. I don't get that at all. If anything, that means he's fresh.

I don't even think we see Tatum at all.

That's because you apparently are reading without comprehending - 85 yards and a touch against Pitt from a guy who has probably not had a FANTASY start since week 2 is excellent FANTASY production.I said 60/.5

Z said 85/.5

SLBD says 75/.5 - seems you are in agreement with both of us.

 

[Sonny Lubick Blowup Doll]

it's Pitt - i could see the touch, but more like a hard earned 60-ish

i know you know this, but 85 and a touch is excellent production for a RB who hasn't sniffed a fantasy start since week 2

I said *maybe* a touch. There's a big difference there. It's like Dodds predicting 0.5 TDs for him.Oh and that's total yards, not just rushing. I see that as achievable if Tatum is severely limited this week as I think he will be.

The Denver O has been focused on their rushing attack all year, and they do it well. The Pitt D is tough, but I see Denver sticking to what they do best here and all season long.

I think you're right there, really (I'll say 75 and .5).

The fact that he hasn't "sniffed a fantasy start since week 2" means zilch. I don't get that at all. If anything, that means he's fresh.

I don't even think we see Tatum at all.

That's because you apparently are reading without comprehending - 85 yards and a touch against Pitt from a guy who has probably not had a FANTASY start since week 2 is excellent FANTASY production.I said 60/.5

Z said 85/.5

SLBD says 75/.5 - seems you are in agreement with both of us.

I know we're in agreement for the most part, what I don't get is why Mike Bell NOT having started has anything to do with this. If it's the simple fact that it would be excellent production all of a sudden, well then that is abundantly clear already. Why talk about it?

 

[Marc Levin]

I know we're in agreement for the most part, what I don't get is why Mike Bell NOT having started has anything to do with this. If it's the simple fact that it would be excellent production all of a sudden, well then that is abundantly clear already. Why talk about it?

It was just a comment that it is nice to get 14 points out of your RB5 who has been sitting on your fanatsy squad's bench since week 2 after Z said this:

In addition, I don't see Mike Bell having the game this week that he put up last week. People will start him, and he'll get 85 and maybe a touch, but that's it. I don't think Mike Bell is the second coming of Barry Sanders.

To which I responded:

it's Pitt - i could see the touch, but more like a hard earned 60-ishi know you know this, but 85 and a touch is excellent production for a RB who hasn't sniffed a fantasy start since week 2

Why did you comment about him being fresh since he has not played much since week two? It is because you thought I was talking about "real" starting - as in starting for the Broncos - not starting for your fantasy team.Anyone who starts Mike Bell this week and gets 85 yards out of him should be happy. The TD will be a bonus because, if MBell rushes for 85 yards, he will have more than one shot at geting that TD and there will be a RB controversy developing.A hard earned 60-ish yards is much less likely to produce a TD (I said I could see the TD only b/c I believe the Broncs will have to fling the ball all day and I could see a one or two TD plunges after a big play. BTW, I see those hard earned 60-ish yards as Mike Bell's UPSIDE and would not be surprised if he had under 50 rush yards.

 

[Sonny Lubick Blowup Doll]

Very well...I thought you meant something else...

 

[The Z Machine]

I think we're all more or less in agreement here; that Mike Bell won't put up stellar numbers against the Ravens, and is likely not a great start this week.

I still think he's good for a RB2, but you guys have me 2nd guessing that he'll be a top 15 back this week. I'll downgrade him to RB17 for the week, a mid-range RB2, and an upgrade for teams that have to start guys like Jordan and McGahee.

I just don't see the Broncos turning away from the running game despite the stiffness of the Ravens on that front and their lack of stiffness in the secondary. They'll try to make Plummer throw the ball, but Denver will still likely pound the rock to avoid putting the load on Plummer's shoulders.

 

[packersfan]

Tatum Bell comments after Thursday's practice:

Link

 

[sdsjr3]

If Tatum was healthy I think we'd see a repeat of the Ravens' game where he grinded out 90+ yards and was able to explode in the latter stages of the game with some big runs. Of course, Tatum's not healthy so that's a moot point. I also expect this to be a low-scoring game which will be decided by whichever struggling QB plays the best. Back on topic, I don't know how you can start Tatum at all this week with any sense of confidence. Even if he "starts," there are no guarantees he'll do anything and we could see a repeat of last week. And even if he does start it's pretty safe to say Mike Bell will get plenty of carries and likely the goal-line looks. This is one of those situations where I'd be interested in David's thoughts as to why he's ranking and projecting the Denver RBs the way he is. Not trying to call him out but it would be interesting to see why he's feeling much more confident about Tatum this week than Mike.

Love my options this week in my 14 teamer. Tater, Ronnie Brown, or Leon on bye. YIKES! I've got Mewelde Moore collecting dust, but I think rolling the dice with Tater is a better option. So with regard to your post, some, like myself, have really no alternative. But confidence is something I DEFINITELY don't have this week. None at all!

 

[packersfan]

If Tatum was healthy I think we'd see a repeat of the Ravens' game where he grinded out 90+ yards and was able to explode in the latter stages of the game with some big runs. Of course, Tatum's not healthy so that's a moot point. I also expect this to be a low-scoring game which will be decided by whichever struggling QB plays the best. Back on topic, I don't know how you can start Tatum at all this week with any sense of confidence. Even if he "starts," there are no guarantees he'll do anything and we could see a repeat of last week. And even if he does start it's pretty safe to say Mike Bell will get plenty of carries and likely the goal-line looks. This is one of those situations where I'd be interested in David's thoughts as to why he's ranking and projecting the Denver RBs the way he is. Not trying to call him out but it would be interesting to see why he's feeling much more confident about Tatum this week than Mike.

Love my options this week in my 14 teamer. Tater, Ronnie Brown, or Leon on bye. YIKES! I've got Mewelde Moore collecting dust, but I think rolling the dice with Tater is a better option. So with regard to your post, some, like myself, have really no alternative. But confidence is something I DEFINITELY don't have this week. None at all!

Yea there are certainly situations where you're forced to start someone who's either hurt or playing like crap and so forth. We've all been there. Good luck.

 

[sdsjr3]

If Tatum was healthy I think we'd see a repeat of the Ravens' game where he grinded out 90+ yards and was able to explode in the latter stages of the game with some big runs. Of course, Tatum's not healthy so that's a moot point. I also expect this to be a low-scoring game which will be decided by whichever struggling QB plays the best. Back on topic, I don't know how you can start Tatum at all this week with any sense of confidence. Even if he "starts," there are no guarantees he'll do anything and we could see a repeat of last week. And even if he does start it's pretty safe to say Mike Bell will get plenty of carries and likely the goal-line looks. This is one of those situations where I'd be interested in David's thoughts as to why he's ranking and projecting the Denver RBs the way he is. Not trying to call him out but it would be interesting to see why he's feeling much more confident about Tatum this week than Mike.

Love my options this week in my 14 teamer. Tater, Ronnie Brown, or Leon on bye. YIKES! I've got Mewelde Moore collecting dust, but I think rolling the dice with Tater is a better option. So with regard to your post, some, like myself, have really no alternative. But confidence is something I DEFINITELY don't have this week. None at all!

Yea there are certainly situations where you're forced to start someone who's either hurt or playing like crap and so forth. We've all been there. Good luck.

Thanks...I'm going to need all the luck in the world this week. Hasselbeck owner as well!

 

[Nigel Tufnel]

Tatum Bell comments after Thursday's practice:

Link

Sigh.

Tatum Bell's status clouded by hurt toes

Broncos back is not certain he'll be ready to go against Steelers

ENGLEWOOD - Right, left. Right, left.

Tatum Bell's toe problems sound like a military unit marching in formation.

The question now is whether he's in or out for Sunday's road game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Bell said Thursday it will come down to pain tolerance.

"One's worse than the other one," he said. "As long as I don't reaggravate the one that's bad, I'll be all right."

Bell's problems started Sept. 24 at New England with his first big-toe sprain. He endured a similar injury to the other foot two weeks later.

"They weren't that bad and I was able to work through it," he said.

But then came the Oct. 22 game in Cleveland, and it has been an uphill battle ever since. Bell had to ask out of the second half of Sunday's loss against the Indianapolis Colts, seeing only spot duty after halftime.

The chief problem is planting and exploding out of cuts.

"I'm just worrying about getting better and not hurting the team," he said. "I just want every play to be a good play instead of a bad play because I know I'm hurt. I've got to put that behind me. I've played hurt before."

Bell has practiced this week and said he felt good.

But whether he'll serve in a change-of-pace role behind Mike Bell or continue to start remains an open question.

Mike Bell gained all but 1 of his 136 yards in the second half against the Colts.

 

[CrossEyed]

For anybody considering starting either Bell this week:

Nose tackle Casey Hampton (hamstring), who did not play in Oakland, has practiced the past two days and was upgraded from questionable to probable on the injury report.

There probably won't be too many rushing yards available for either back.