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| Updated August 3, 2008 JunkyardJake.Com |
While Deuce McAllister tries to make it back from double-knee surgery, keep an eye on Pierre Thomas, who has been impressive in camp, and could emerge as a power running complement to Reggie Bush. Thomas was impressive last season when called upon, averaging 4.8 YPC. Link
Steve Smith will be suspended for striking teammate Ken Lucas in a training camp altercation last week. The Panthers 3-time Pro-Bowl receiver will miss the Sept. 7 game against SanDiego, and the Sept 14th game vs. Chicago. Link
Although Kevin Smith is technically still behind Tatum Bell on the depth chart, the rookie has been a pleasant surprise so far and done nothing to dispel the notion that he could emerge as the #1 option in Detriot's rushing attack early this season. Link
The Jaguars receiving corps should be deeper this season, but so far injury problems have plagued the team with Jerry Porter missing time after July 18th hamstring surgery, and Reggie Williams recently requiring knee surgery to remove cartilage. Both players could miss the entire preseason. Link
Ryan Grant and Packers reached agreement on new 4-year, incentive-based $30 million contract. Grant had been conspicuously missing from Packers training, but he could rejoin the team within the next couple days. Brandon Jackson has solidified his position the Packers #2 RB option in Grant's absence. Link
Denver rookie Eddie Royal has been so good in training camp, that it wouldn't be a stretch to see him earn significant playing time at receiver this year, especially since Brandon Marshall could miss time due to a possible suspension. Link
The Texans signed Mike Bell last week to further complicate a runningback situation that includes Ahman Green, Chris Brown, Darius Walker, Chris Taylor and rookie Steve Slaton. Green is still expected to start, when healthy. Link
The Bengals were hoping that one of their rookie receivers Jerome Simpson or Andre Caldwell, would step up this preseason to fill the #3 receiver spot, but so far neither player has been able to distinguish themselves. Link
Acquired from Dallas in the off-season, Anthony Fasano is having a solid camp, and Dolphins appear ready to turn the starting TE job over to him. Fasano is already a superior blocker to David Martin, but his receiving has been a pleasant surprise. Link Also on the Dolphins passing game front, while the Dolphins signed Earnest Wilford for his size, he has never been known for his speed, and he is reportedly had trouble getting open during scrimmages. It is possible that Derek Hagan gets a shot to start at some point. Link
He is still considered #4 on the depth chart, but rookie Tim Hightower is making a claim to move ahead of Marcel Shipp and/or JJ Arrington with his good decent quickness and power running. The winner of the #2 spot in Arizona could be valuable this year, given that Edgerrin James turns 30 this season. Link
The Jets drafted TE Dustin Keller with the hopes that he could become a versatile passing game weapon, and so far he hasn't disappointed. Keller, is not much of a blocker, but he has been used at H-back, and even split wide on occasion during early action. Link
After a brief departure for Oakland in 2007 Dominic Rhodes is back with his former team the Colts this season, where he played from 2001 thru 2006. Rhodes has immediately reassumed the important #2 RB job in Indy, so he becomes fantasy-relevant as a handcuff to starter Joseph Addai. Link
The Chargers may need to lean a bit more on their wide receivers until Antonio Gates (toe) is back at 100%, but the good news is that both Chris Chambers and Vincent Jackson are building a strong rapport with QB Philip Rivers, and the Chargers passing game looks great so far. Link
Although the Bears have some question marks at wide receiver, there is no question that they have the luxury of two pretty good TEs, and it looks like they plan to use more double-TE formations featuring Greg Olsen and Desmond Clark this season. Link
Tampa Bay coach Jon Gruden is apparently regaining some faith in WR Michael Clayton this preseason, complimenting his new focus and committment. We will have to see Clayton step up in actual games to believe it, as he has obviously been a huge disappointment since his rookie season in 2004. Link
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