Message-ID: <2593708.1075854679421.JavaMail.evans@thyme> Date: Sat, 11 Nov 2000 16:29:00 -0800 (PST) From: bryant@cheatsheets.net To: cheatsheets@egroups.com Subject: [cheatsheets] #128 Updated Players in the News (11-11-00) Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ANSI_X3.4-1968 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit X-From: "Joe Bryant" <bryant@cheatsheets.net> X-To: "Cheatsheets Mailing List" <cheatsheets@egroups.com> X-cc: X-bcc: X-Folder: \Eric_Bass_Dec2000\Notes Folders\Notes inbox X-Origin: Bass-E X-FileName: ebass.nsf Hi Folks, ? Careening toward the week 11 games as we try to keep you on top of all the latest happenings. ? Before we jump to this week's Updated Players in the News, I wanted to let you know we've updated the Target numbers.? Understanding how many times a player has been thrown to (targeted) can offer a much better picture of how an offense is truly distrubiting the workload.? You can find the WR targets here http://www.cheatsheets.net/wrtargets.htm?and the TE numbers here http://www.cheatsheets.net/tetargets.htm?? Enjoy. ? Joe ? ? ? News galore....let's jump into it Quarterbacks in the News: QB Chris Chandler (Atl) is doubtful with a concussion. He has not practiced all week. QB Danny Kanell will start in his place. QB Rob Johnson (Buf) is expected to sit another week with a sore shoulder. Doug Flutie gets the start again. QB Cade McNown (Chi) still cannot throw and will not play this week. Jim Miller starts in his absence. QB Doug Pederson (Cle) will start this week, but the coaches may give him the quick hook should he struggle. QB Troy Aikman (Dal) practiced with the first team Thursday and is expected to start this week. If he cannot go because of his back, Cliff Stoerner would start. Randall Cunningham is also hurt with a sore knee and has not practiced. ? *** Saturday Update? QB Troy Aikman (Dal)? Coach Dave Campo says he'll wait until Sunday to declare a starter for this week's game.? We expect it to be Aikman, but given this uncertainty, I'd look elsewhere for a QB. ? QB Brian Griese (Den) continues to play through his ailments. This week will be no different. QB Charlie Batch (Det) has recovered from his concussion and is expected to start this week. QB Elvis Grbac (KC) is expected to play with a sore elbow. Hint to team, Maybe try throwing for less than 500 yards? QB Daunte Culpepper (Min) does not appear on the injury report, but has a sore knee. He is expected to start this week. QB Drew Bledsoe (NE) was seen wearing a splint and did not practice on Wednesday. The team is being very mum whether he will play or not. John Friesz would get the start in his absence, but the team could also use Michael Bishop if Friesz struggles. This is likely a situation you should avoid if at all possible. ? *** Saturday Update QB Drew Bledsoe (NE) continues to draw conflicting information. Some say he's looking a little more likely to start Sunday.? Others say the team is sandbagging and he'll miss a couple of weeks.? Even if he does start, you'd have to think thumb would be a problem.? I'd look elsewhere if you can. QB Vinny Testaverde (NYJ) still has a stiff neck, but has played through it the last two weeks. Expect the same this week. QB Kordell Stewart (Pit) gets the start this week. QB Jim Harbaugh (SD) is listed as questionable, but he will not start. The team named Moses Moreno the starter earlier in the week. QB Brock Huard (Sea) is not fully over his concussion. He is expected to sit this week. Jon Kitna will get the start. QB Kurt Warner (StL) is out for another 2-3 weeks. ? *** Saturday Update? QB Kurt Warner (StL)? St. Louis Post Dispatch is reporting Warner will have the pins removed from his finger Tuesday.? Remember early on that Warner said he'd return one day after the pins were removed.? Most feel that's way too optimistic but expect to hear a lot about this soon. QB Shaun King (TB) has tonsilitis, but is expected to play on Sunday. He practiced on Thursday. QB Steve McNair (Ten) will likely be added today to the injury report with a sore back. He expects to play on Sunday though. QB Brad Johnson (Was) is on a bye this week and will not play. QB Jeff George (Was) is on a bye this week and will not play. ////////////////////////////////////// Running Backs in the News: RB Bob Christian (Atl) is questionable with a sore knee. He did not practice on Thursday. RB Obafemi Ayanbadejo (Bal) is listed as questionable with a sore toe. ? *** Saturday Update? RB Obafemi Ayanbadejo (Bal) will likely play although Sam Gash will be the starter.? Keep an eye on Ayandbadejo as he quietly had some very productive weeks early in the season. RB Sammy Morris (Buf) returned to practice and will play this week. RB Tshimanga Biakabutuka (Car) rested Wednesday, but is expected to play with his sore knee. ? *** Saturday Update RB Tshimanga Biakabutuka's (Car) outlook has dimmed?a little as he was downgraded to Questionable.? He wasn't able to practice any this week and looks to be a gametime decision now.? If he can't go, Brad Hoover will start at Tailback.? Yes, that would be the undrafted Fullback Brad Hoover... RB Brandon Bennett (Cin) is healthy enough to play this weekend. He will backup Corey Dillon. RB Jamel White (Cle) is expected to cut into Travis Prentice's carries this week. RB Emmitt Smith (Dal) is expected to play with a sore ankle. RB Howard Griffith (Den) was able to practice and will play this week. RB Dorsey Levens (GB) is likely out for the rest of the year. Ahman Green will start in his absence. RB Shyrone Stith (Jac) missed Wednesday's practice, but heexpects to play if needed. RB Ricky Williams (NO) is expected to play with his sore shoulder. RB Joe Montgomery (NYG) is listed as questionable and did not practice Wednesday. With Thunder and lightning healthy, he will likely be rested to get healthier. RB Curtis Martin (NYJ) is fine, but the Jets continue to list 100 players on the injury report. He will start on Sunday. RB Tyrone Wheatley (Oak) has two sprained ankles and was held out of practice on Wednesday. He played through the pain last week, but looks as if he is in worse shape this week. He will likely be a game-time decision which is ugly since he plays on Monday Night. We will keep you posted regarding any breaking news regarding his status. ? *** Saturday Update? RB Tyrone Wheatley (Oak) was unable to practice Saturday according to ESPN's John Clayton.? He could still play Monday as he's clearly shown he can play through pain.? I'm very leery though.? If I had another comprable back, I'd go there this week. RB Amp Lee (Phi) is expected to play with a sore back. RB Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala (Pit) is out for the next three weeks. RB Jerome Bettis (Pit) skipped Wednesday's practice, but isexpected to start on Sunday. RB Terrell Fletcher (SD) skipped Wednesday's practice, but ishopeful of playing on Sunday. RB Fred Beasley (SF) is doubtful with a sprained ankle. He has not practiced. RB Marshall Faulk (StL) is out for another 3 weeks. *** Saturday Update? RB Trung Canidate (StL) is rumored to be making his first appearance this week.? I'll be interested to see how he affects Watson's playing time. RB Robert Holcombe (StL) has a sore hamstring, but expects to play. He is listed as questionable on the injury report. RB Eddie George (Ten) is banged up with a sore knee and toe. But look for the iron-man to suit and play on Sunday. ? *** Saturday Update RB Eddie George (Ten) went through the Saturday walk through today and looks to start.? RB Stephen Davis (Was) will use the bye week to heal his sprained wrist. RB Larry Centers (Was) is on a bye this week and will not play. ////////////////////////////////////// Wide Receivers in the News: WR David Boston (Ari) has a sore hamstring, but is expected to play. WR Tim Dwight (Atl) will be downgraded to questionable on Friday's injury report. He has sore ribs and could be a game-time decision. WR Travis Taylor (Bal) was placed on injured reserve and is lost for the year. ? *** Saturday Update? WR Patrick Johnson (Bal) gets another start with Taylor gone.? WR Kevin Drake was signed by Buffalo. WR Muhsin Muhammad (Car) is expected to play with his sore hamstring. WR David Patten (Cle) has not practiced and is doubtful this week. WR Darrin Chiaverini (Cle) practiced on Wednesday despite being listed as questionable with a sore knee. ? *** Saturday Update WR Darrin Chiaverini (Cle) will miss Sunday's game. WR Raghib Ismail (Dal) has a torn ACL and is lost for the year. WR Chris Cole (Den) is expected to play with a sore elbow. WR Germane Crowell (Det) will not play this week. He is recovering from a broken foot. WR Desmond Howard (Det) missed Wednesday's practice, but isexpected to play this week. WR Corey Bradford (GB) is back on the injury report with a quad strain. He has not practiced and is doubtful for this week. WR Terrence Wilkins (Ind) was criticized heavily by the coach to the media this week. Coach Mora has stated that E.G. Green will see more playing time this week. WR Marvin Harrison (Ind) has practiced with his stiff neck and will play this week. WR Jimmy Smith (Jac) used the bye week to get healthier. He is expected to play this week. WR Tony Martin (Mia) is expected to play this week with a sore foot. He will not start though. Oronde Gadsden and Leslie Shepherd will be the starters. WR Terry Glenn (NE) signed a six year contract extension. "She" should be there for many years to come. WR Jake Reed (NO) is out with a broken fibula. WR Ron Dixon (NYG) did not practice Wednesday and will likely be rested to get healthier. WR Wayne Chrebet (NYJ) is expected to play with his sore shoulder. WR Dedric Ward (NYJ) is expected to play with his sore back. WR Laveranues Coles (NYJ) will also return kickoffs after the team cut Kevin Williams. WR Charles Johnson (Phi) is expected to play with a sore shoulder. WR Sean Dawkins (Sea) was held out of practice Wednesday and Thursday with a sore quadricep. He is listed as questionable on the injury report. ? *** Saturday Update WR Sean Dawkins (Sea) practiced Friday and looks like he'll play at least some. WR Terrell Owens (SF) missed Wednesday's and Thursday'spractices with a very tender toe. He's listed as questionable and could be a game-time decision. Tai Streets and JJ Stokes will see extra action if Owens can not go. ? *** Saturday Update? WR Terrell Owens (SF) took part in about 70% of Friday's practice.? Coach Steve Mariucci is reportedly leaning towards not starting Owens Sunday although it seems likely he'll play at least some.? The amount he could play will be determined by how Owens feels at gametime.? This is so tough to call as he's one of the elite WRs in the game and 50% of Terrell Owens is better than 100% of lots of other WRs.? People always want numbers so here's my opinion:? Chances he doesn't play at all:? 25% Chances he plays but contributes less than his normal numbers: 50% Chances he plays and looks like the Owens we've been seeing: 25% Weigh that out for what it's worth and make the call that best suits your team and situation.? He's a high risk, high reward decision this week.? If you're pretty well set and just need a few points out of your WR slot, I'd probably bench him and find another guy.? If you need to swing for the fences, I'd probably be inclined to gamble on him and keep your fingers crossed.? WR Derrick Mason (Ten) is the least hurt of all the receivers and will start on Sunday. He is battling a sore back and ankle. He practiced on Thursday. WR Chris Sanders (Ten) is listed as questionable on the injury report, but expects to start with his sore back and ribs. He practiced on Thursday. WR Yancey Thigpen (Ten) shockingly appears on the injury report as questionable this week. For those that have followed his career, this usually means he will not play. ? ***Saturday Update? WR Yancey Thigpen (Ten) surprised us and put together 3 solid days of practice at the end of the week.? Coach Fisher was even talking about the Titans taking some shots downfield and Thigpen figuring into the gameplan.? We've heard this before so be careful.? WR Carl Pickens (Ten) is still bothered by a hamstring and was not able to practice at full speed. He is not likely to make much of an impact this week. ? *** Saturday Update WR Carl Pickens (Ten) is inactive for this week. WR Kenny Shedd (FA) was signed by Washington. ////////////////////////////////////// Tight Ends in the News: TE Chris Gedney (Ari) has sore ribs, but is expected to play. He practiced on Wednesday and Thursday. TE Derek Brown signed with Arizona. TE Kris Mangum (Car) will likely be held out one more week with his ailing shoulder. Casey Crawford gets the start at tight end now that Wesley Walls is lost for the year. *** Saturday Update? TE David Sloan (Det) was added to the injury report with a hamstring injury and is questionable according to my friend Steve Cohen of Pro Football News and Injury Report.? He's a gametime decision now. ? *** Saturday Update? TE Tyrone Davis (GB) has a torn rotator cuff that will require surgery in the offseason.? In the meantime, he's falling behind Bubba Franks for the primary TE job. TE Eric Bjornson (NE) has lost his starting job to Rod Rutledge. TE Anthony Becht (NYJ) is expected to play with his sore knee. ? *** Saturday Update TE Anthony Becht's (NYJ) prospects are looking better with Fred Baxter's injury.? ? TE Freddie Jones (SD) has turf toe, but is expected to play through the pain. TE Stephen Alexander (Was) is on a bye this week and will not play. ////////////////////////////////////// Kickers in the News: PK Matt Stover (Bal) has a sore finger, but it will not keep him from kicking on Sunday. PK Mike Vanderjagt (Ind) inked a five year contract extension. PK Sebastian Janikowski (Oak) left the hospital so he may go on Monday. He is listed as questionable, but has not practiced. The Raiders have looked at Brett Conway and Chris Boniol, but have not signed either one. We will watch this one close for you Friday and Saturday. ? *** Saturday Update? PK Sebastian Janikowski (Oak) is still not 100%.? He tested his foot today and according to ESPN's John Clayton, the results were less than encouraging.? He may still go but I'd look elsewhere this week. PK Jeff Wilkens (StL) is expected to handle FGs this week. Jeff Hall was signed earlier in the week and will perform kickoffs and is the backup to Wilkens if he can't kick. PK Eddie Murray (FA) was signed by Washington. PK Scott Bentley (FA) was signed by Washington. PK Kris Heppner (Was) was released after his several miscues cost the team a victory this past week. To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: cheatsheets-unsubscribe@egroups.com