Jene Bramel
Footballguy
With the increased Sunday traffic, I’m going to tweak the format one more time for ease of reference. The first post will list notes by team, all updates will come in new posts as the news comes across Sunday morning (with major updates to this post in BLUE after things settle down). I'll also be retweeting anything of value (see my sig for my Twitter page).
As always, suggestions for improvements are welcome.
Arizona
Clark Haggans is doubtful and unlikely to play. Will Davis, who looked pretty good last week, looks recovered from a groin injury and will replace him. Expect to see Gerald Hayes take more rotational snaps away from Daryl Washington in the base defense. Hayes played one of every three series through the first three quarters, then played most of the last half of the game. Paris Lenon should continue to play every down.
Gerald Hayes is officially starting today.
Minnesota
Nothing major happening with the Vikings. Husain Abdullah is back as the every-down SS, but there’s little value to be had there.
Chicago
Lance Briggs is probable and will play. Zack Bowman is out again, Tim Jennings will start in his place. Henry Melton started seeing some snaps in Week 7 in rotation with Israel Idonije, but not enough to hurt Idonije’s opportunity. It’s possible that Corey Wootton will be ready for more snaps coming out of the bye, but Idonije remains a safe DL2 play. Major Wright is expected to get back into the subpackage rotation. He may begin to rotate into the base defense soon.
Buffalo
Andra Davis is out at least this week with a labral tear. He’s been trying to play through it, but this is the second time he’s been ruled out and the team seems less optimistic about his future this time. Word is that Reggie Torbor will take Davis' place, which could mean more 3-4 snaps. Torbor will likely struggle to put up the numbers that Davis has at times. It’s more good news for Posluszny and Whitner. George Wilson began seeing time alongside Whitner in base situations where the Bills were expecting a run. Byrd’s value remains decent in big play systems only (and Cutler is a good matchup in that respect). Terrence McGee will play, but likely only in the nickel this week.
Akin Ayodele starting at MLB, with Bills likely staying in 4-3. He's a so-so start in tackle heavy leagues.
Indianapolis
Clint Session is reportedly out next week as well as this week. Beat writers are expecting Tyjuan Hagler to play WLB, with Pat Angerer staying at SLB. Angerer did play in the nickel when he played for Gary Brackett and he’s probably a good favorite to do so again this week. Desperate owners in deep leagues might take a shot on Hagler anyway. Jerraud Powers didn’t practice all week, but hasn’t been ruled out (Justin Tryon has – he didn’t make the trip). Still hearing that Aaron Francisco is on the waiver wire in a lot of leagues. You could do worse if you’re looking for a replacement for Patrick Chung. Robert Mathis practiced fully Friday and seems likely to play his usual number of snaps.
Philadelphia
Ellis Hobbs didn’t practice this week, but he’d been demoted for Dimitri Patterson this week anyway. Patterson is likely to line up across from Reggie Wayne, which makes him a reasonable flyer and could give Nate Allen a little added value if they use him in bracket coverage to help Patterson. Broderick Bunkley will try to return this week from the elbow injury, but Antonio Dixon is expected to remain the starter and see the bulk of the snaps.
Kansas City
Nothing of note here. News that a contract extension is pending for ILB Derrick Johnson was nice to see for those looking to finally feel comfortable with Johnson as a longer term dynasty option. Kendrick Lewis is questionable and was limited all week with a hamstring injury.
Oakland
Nmandi Asomugha has a high ankle sprain and won’t play. Chris Johnson probably starts, though Jeremy Ware could see time outside with Michael Huff taking slot corner snaps in the nickel, too. There likely won’t be too many of those, with the Chiefs preferring to run.
Miami
Yeremiah Bell is questionable with a toe injury, but all indications are that he’ll play this week. Beat writers are suggesting the injury isn’t serious and Bell was a talkative interview after practice Friday. Channing Crowder looks likely to play with a thumb injury. Jason Allen was benched early last week for Sean Smith, and while there’s been no official discussion of this week’s starter, Smith worked with the ones this week.
Bell is active.
Baltimore
Nothing of note here. Tavares Gooden may get back into the nickel rotation. Ed Reed seemed to come out of last week’s game okay. Fabian Washington expects to be back in the starting lineup after a horrid Week 7 performance.
New England
Patrick Chung was ruled out Saturday evening. That’s an interesting development after he again worked on the side all week long. It could mean that the original 1-2 week estimate from the so-so source was on target or it could mean that there was a setback late week. We’re not likely to know until this time next week. Expect James Sanders to again play every down. He’s a marginal DB3 option against Cleveland.
Cleveland
Matt Roth had a hamstring problem mid week. He was added to the injury report as limited on Thursday and is questionable. Mangini said he was fine on Friday. Roth is active.
New Orleans
The Saints seem to be getting healthy. Although Patrick Robinson is out with an ankle injury, Jabari Greer practiced fully on Thursday and Friday and is probable, as is Tracy Porter, who practiced fully all week. Both are expected to play. Greer and Porter are both listed as starters.
Carolina
Nothing of note here.
New York Giants
Keith Bulluck will be back this week, but expect Michael Boley to be the lone every-down backer again.
Seattle
Colin Cole will miss at least this week with an ankle injury. Brandon Mebane could be back to help take snaps in rotation.
New York Jets
Nothing of note here. David Harris missed practice on Wednesday, but fully practiced through the end of the week and is probable.
Detroit
CC Brown is out, which should mean more snaps for Amari Spievey at safety. DeAndre Levy looked a little better last week and it’ll be very interesting to see how he produces against the Jets, who should be a very good matchup.
San Diego
Steve Gregory is back for the Chargers this week, but Norv Turner wouldn’t commit to whether he’d start over Paul Oliver right away. It’s probably best to avoid the situation, unless we hear that Gregory is the starter on the media card before the game.
Steve Gregory is back in the starting lineup.
Houston
Nothing of note here. Eugene Wilson was back as an every-down player over Troy Nolan last week. Zac Diles was the second nickel backer, as expected, with Brian Cushing, who looked tentative at times at MLB. Mark Anderson is expected to continue to get more playing time as a nickel pass rusher.
Tampa Bay
Nothing of note here. Brian Price was officially put on IR after missing the last two weeks with a pelvic injury. Sean Jones was healthy enough to be back in an every down role last week.
Atlanta
Sean Weatherspoon remains out with a knee injury. Thomas DeCoud will likely resume starting over Erik Coleman this week.
Dallas
Nothing of note here. Keith Brooking and Bradie James continue to hold off the competition and hold down their every-down roles.
Green Bay
Atari Bigby was activated off the PUP list this week. There’s been no discussion about whether he’ll take over as the starter for Charlie Peprah. Peprah has played well enough to remain the starter, but a rotation is certainly possible. Use Peprah with caution this week. The nickel situation seemed to settle itself early last week, when Brandon Chillar took almost all the nickel snaps through the first three quarters. Desmond Bishop was the second nickel backer in the fourth quarter, however, and there’s no indication that Chillar aggravated an injury. It’s risky with the Cowboys likely to use plenty of three wide sets, but Bishop probably deserves a start as a LB2/3 this week.
Pittsburgh
Nothing of note here. Ziggy Hood wasn’t very productive in place of Aaron Smith last week.
Cincinnati
Both Roy Williams and Chinedum Ndukwe are expected back this week. Expect Williams to play in the base and Ndukwe to rotate in on subpackages as a third safety (unless the Bengals somehow see Reggie Nelson as a better option). Johnathan Joseph is also expected back at corner. Keith Rivers is back on the injury report with a foot problem. He was limited all week and is questionable. He missed a game under similar circumstances earlier in the year.
As always, suggestions for improvements are welcome.
Arizona
Clark Haggans is doubtful and unlikely to play. Will Davis, who looked pretty good last week, looks recovered from a groin injury and will replace him. Expect to see Gerald Hayes take more rotational snaps away from Daryl Washington in the base defense. Hayes played one of every three series through the first three quarters, then played most of the last half of the game. Paris Lenon should continue to play every down.
Gerald Hayes is officially starting today.
Minnesota
Nothing major happening with the Vikings. Husain Abdullah is back as the every-down SS, but there’s little value to be had there.
Chicago
Lance Briggs is probable and will play. Zack Bowman is out again, Tim Jennings will start in his place. Henry Melton started seeing some snaps in Week 7 in rotation with Israel Idonije, but not enough to hurt Idonije’s opportunity. It’s possible that Corey Wootton will be ready for more snaps coming out of the bye, but Idonije remains a safe DL2 play. Major Wright is expected to get back into the subpackage rotation. He may begin to rotate into the base defense soon.
Buffalo
Andra Davis is out at least this week with a labral tear. He’s been trying to play through it, but this is the second time he’s been ruled out and the team seems less optimistic about his future this time. Word is that Reggie Torbor will take Davis' place, which could mean more 3-4 snaps. Torbor will likely struggle to put up the numbers that Davis has at times. It’s more good news for Posluszny and Whitner. George Wilson began seeing time alongside Whitner in base situations where the Bills were expecting a run. Byrd’s value remains decent in big play systems only (and Cutler is a good matchup in that respect). Terrence McGee will play, but likely only in the nickel this week.
Akin Ayodele starting at MLB, with Bills likely staying in 4-3. He's a so-so start in tackle heavy leagues.
Indianapolis
Clint Session is reportedly out next week as well as this week. Beat writers are expecting Tyjuan Hagler to play WLB, with Pat Angerer staying at SLB. Angerer did play in the nickel when he played for Gary Brackett and he’s probably a good favorite to do so again this week. Desperate owners in deep leagues might take a shot on Hagler anyway. Jerraud Powers didn’t practice all week, but hasn’t been ruled out (Justin Tryon has – he didn’t make the trip). Still hearing that Aaron Francisco is on the waiver wire in a lot of leagues. You could do worse if you’re looking for a replacement for Patrick Chung. Robert Mathis practiced fully Friday and seems likely to play his usual number of snaps.
Philadelphia
Ellis Hobbs didn’t practice this week, but he’d been demoted for Dimitri Patterson this week anyway. Patterson is likely to line up across from Reggie Wayne, which makes him a reasonable flyer and could give Nate Allen a little added value if they use him in bracket coverage to help Patterson. Broderick Bunkley will try to return this week from the elbow injury, but Antonio Dixon is expected to remain the starter and see the bulk of the snaps.
Kansas City
Nothing of note here. News that a contract extension is pending for ILB Derrick Johnson was nice to see for those looking to finally feel comfortable with Johnson as a longer term dynasty option. Kendrick Lewis is questionable and was limited all week with a hamstring injury.
Oakland
Nmandi Asomugha has a high ankle sprain and won’t play. Chris Johnson probably starts, though Jeremy Ware could see time outside with Michael Huff taking slot corner snaps in the nickel, too. There likely won’t be too many of those, with the Chiefs preferring to run.
Miami
Yeremiah Bell is questionable with a toe injury, but all indications are that he’ll play this week. Beat writers are suggesting the injury isn’t serious and Bell was a talkative interview after practice Friday. Channing Crowder looks likely to play with a thumb injury. Jason Allen was benched early last week for Sean Smith, and while there’s been no official discussion of this week’s starter, Smith worked with the ones this week.
Bell is active.
Baltimore
Nothing of note here. Tavares Gooden may get back into the nickel rotation. Ed Reed seemed to come out of last week’s game okay. Fabian Washington expects to be back in the starting lineup after a horrid Week 7 performance.
New England
Patrick Chung was ruled out Saturday evening. That’s an interesting development after he again worked on the side all week long. It could mean that the original 1-2 week estimate from the so-so source was on target or it could mean that there was a setback late week. We’re not likely to know until this time next week. Expect James Sanders to again play every down. He’s a marginal DB3 option against Cleveland.
Cleveland
Matt Roth had a hamstring problem mid week. He was added to the injury report as limited on Thursday and is questionable. Mangini said he was fine on Friday. Roth is active.
New Orleans
The Saints seem to be getting healthy. Although Patrick Robinson is out with an ankle injury, Jabari Greer practiced fully on Thursday and Friday and is probable, as is Tracy Porter, who practiced fully all week. Both are expected to play. Greer and Porter are both listed as starters.
Carolina
Nothing of note here.
New York Giants
Keith Bulluck will be back this week, but expect Michael Boley to be the lone every-down backer again.
Seattle
Colin Cole will miss at least this week with an ankle injury. Brandon Mebane could be back to help take snaps in rotation.
New York Jets
Nothing of note here. David Harris missed practice on Wednesday, but fully practiced through the end of the week and is probable.
Detroit
CC Brown is out, which should mean more snaps for Amari Spievey at safety. DeAndre Levy looked a little better last week and it’ll be very interesting to see how he produces against the Jets, who should be a very good matchup.
San Diego
Steve Gregory is back for the Chargers this week, but Norv Turner wouldn’t commit to whether he’d start over Paul Oliver right away. It’s probably best to avoid the situation, unless we hear that Gregory is the starter on the media card before the game.
Steve Gregory is back in the starting lineup.
Houston
Nothing of note here. Eugene Wilson was back as an every-down player over Troy Nolan last week. Zac Diles was the second nickel backer, as expected, with Brian Cushing, who looked tentative at times at MLB. Mark Anderson is expected to continue to get more playing time as a nickel pass rusher.
Tampa Bay
Nothing of note here. Brian Price was officially put on IR after missing the last two weeks with a pelvic injury. Sean Jones was healthy enough to be back in an every down role last week.
Atlanta
Sean Weatherspoon remains out with a knee injury. Thomas DeCoud will likely resume starting over Erik Coleman this week.
Dallas
Nothing of note here. Keith Brooking and Bradie James continue to hold off the competition and hold down their every-down roles.
Green Bay
Atari Bigby was activated off the PUP list this week. There’s been no discussion about whether he’ll take over as the starter for Charlie Peprah. Peprah has played well enough to remain the starter, but a rotation is certainly possible. Use Peprah with caution this week. The nickel situation seemed to settle itself early last week, when Brandon Chillar took almost all the nickel snaps through the first three quarters. Desmond Bishop was the second nickel backer in the fourth quarter, however, and there’s no indication that Chillar aggravated an injury. It’s risky with the Cowboys likely to use plenty of three wide sets, but Bishop probably deserves a start as a LB2/3 this week.
Pittsburgh
Nothing of note here. Ziggy Hood wasn’t very productive in place of Aaron Smith last week.
Cincinnati
Both Roy Williams and Chinedum Ndukwe are expected back this week. Expect Williams to play in the base and Ndukwe to rotate in on subpackages as a third safety (unless the Bengals somehow see Reggie Nelson as a better option). Johnathan Joseph is also expected back at corner. Keith Rivers is back on the injury report with a foot problem. He was limited all week and is questionable. He missed a game under similar circumstances earlier in the year.
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