MIN - QB Matt Cassel has broken foot
Source: NFL Network - Albert Breer
Updating a previous report, Minnesota Vikings QB Matt Cassel (foot) has several fractured bones in his foot, head coach Mike Zimmer said Sunday, Sept. 21, after the Week 3 game against the New Orleans Saints.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The Teddy Bridgewater era is here. The passing game can't get any worse with the rookie, but it could improve against a Falcons defense that was struggling until they ambushed the Bucs this week.
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SD - RB Danny Woodhead done for season?
Source: FOXSports.com - Alex Marvez
Updating a previous report, San Diego Chargers RB Danny Woodhead (ankle, leg) suffered a severe high ankle sprain and fractured fibula in the Week 3 game against the Buffalo Bills. A source said Sunday, Sept. 21, that season-ending surgery is likely.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Woodhead was going to get increased opportunity with Ryan Mathews injury, but now Marion Grice is likely to get the call-up from the practice squad and some part of this backfield. Donald Brown will be the workhorse in a great matchup at Jacksonville this week.
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JAX - QB Blake Bortles to start Week 4
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley said Sunday, Sept. 21, that QB Blake Bortles will start in Week 4 against the San Diego Chargers.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Bortles might not be worth a start against the Chargers, who tend to shorten games, but he is worth a pickup after how the offense came alive under his command - even thought it was garbage time. Heck, Bortles may see a lot of that this year on this Jaguars team.
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NE - TE Rob Gronkowski posts TD in win
Source: ESPN
New England Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski (knee) was able to play in Week 3 against the Oakland Raiders. He posted three receptions for 44 yards and the only touchdown of the game. Gronkowski was also targeted six times.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Gronkowski and the whole Patriots pass offense is underperforming. He dropped a second touchdown, but as long as he is featured in the red zone, he'll still be worth that spot in your lineup. Next week takes Gronk and the Patriots to Arrowhead for Monday Night Football.
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DAL - WR Dez Bryant busts into end zone
Source: The Associated Press
Dallas Cowboys WR Dez Bryant (shoulder) was able to start in Week 1 against the St. Louis Rams, posting team highs with six catches, 89 yards, seven targets and a touchdown.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Bryant got behind the defense for one long touchdown, but was otherwise quiet in the Cowboys big comeback win.
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SD - TE Antonio Gates held to one grab
Source: ESPN
San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates (hamstring) was able to play in Week 3 against the Buffalo Bills, but he was limited to just one reception for eight yards.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The fantasy gods and Chargers offense are having fun with us. Just when it seemed like Gates was getting back to his elite production, he is a minimal part of the offense and third-year TE Ladarius Green plays a larger role.
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SD - WR Keenan Allen quiet in win
Source: ESPN
San Diego Chargers WR Keenan Allen (groin) was able to play in Week 3 against the Buffalo Bills, but he managed just two catches for 17 yards and he was targeted just the two times.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Allen is being used almost exclusively on shallow crossers and other routes in the short and intermediate parts of the field. He is a low ceiling WR3/Flex, but one worth a long look against Jacksonville next week.
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CLE - Just one grab for TE Jordan Cameron
Source: ESPN
Cleveland Browns TE Jordan Cameron (shoulder) was able to play in the Week 3 game against the Baltimore Ravens. He was limited to just one target, and that was good for a 23-yard reception.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Cameron has not resumed being the #1 target in the offense. The running game is doing the heavy lifting, and Andrew Hawkins seems to have something good going with QB Brian Hoyer. The good news is that the Browns will have a bye next week, so Cameron's shoulder should be as healthy as it has been all year coming into Week 5.
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JAX - RB Toby Gerhart mostly ineffective
Source: The Associated Press
Jacksonville Jaguars RB Toby Gerhart (ankle) was able to play in the Week 3 game against the Indianapolis Colts. Gerhart posted 32 rushing yards on nine runs, and he added 31 yards on two catches.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Don't drop Gerhart just yet. Blake Bortles could invigorate this flaccid attack. Let's see how things go next week vs. the Chargers. Gerhart has also been playing through what our Dr. Jene Bramel thinks was a high ankle sprain.
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JAX - WR Cecil Shorts finds end zone
Source: ESPN
Jacksonville Jaguars WR Cecil Shorts III (hamstring) was able to play in Week 3 against the Indianapolis Colts. He had five receptions for 35 yards with a touchdown, and he was tied for the team lead with 10 targets.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Shorts score came in garbage time, but it come from Blake Bortles in the beginning of a new era in Jacksonville. If Shorts can stay healthy, he might level back off at WR3/Flex value.
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BUF - WR Sammy Watkins quiet in loss
Source: ESPN
Buffalo Bills WR Sammy Watkins (ribs) was able to play in Week 3 against the San Diego Chargers, but he was limited to just two receptions and 19 yards. He was targeted eight times.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Watkins was a dud after a fiery Week 2 seemed to deliver on the promise of his torrid start to training camp. EJ Manuel played poorly, and the Chargers efficient offense effectively played "keep away" from Buffalo.
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HOU - WR Andre Johnson quiet in loss
Source: ESPN
Houston Texans WR Andre Johnson (ankle) was able to play in Week 3 against the New York Giants, but he managed just four receptions for 24 yards despite a game-high 11 targets.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Johnson's fantasy value actually went down when Ryan Fitzpatrick had to freelance to dig out of a hole. He's still a solid play at Buffalo next week, but it's hard to know what the Texans offense will look like week to week.
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ARI - RB Andre Ellington totals 75 yards
Source: ESPN
Arizona Cardinals RB Andre Ellington (foot) carried 18 times for 62 yards in the Week 3 game against the San Francisco 49ers, and he added three receptions for 13 yards.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Ellington has very little competition for carries now, and he'll get a week of rest in the bye to come out as healthy as he has been all season. The Cardinals being 3-0 also helps heal a lot.
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CIN - WR A.J. Green hits century mark
Source: ESPN
Cincinnati Bengals WR A.J. Green (toe) was able to start in Week 3 against the Tennessee Titans, and he finished with six receptions for 102 yards and he was targeted a team-high nine times.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Green didn't look all that limited by his injury, and now he gets a well-timed bye week to heal. Looks like this will just be a one week hit for Green owners.
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DET - Nate Freese's job in danger
Source: NFL.com
Detroit Lions PK Nate Freese misfired on a 41-yard field goal attempt in the Week 3 game against the Green Bay Packers, and he is 0-for-4 from beyond 40 yards this season. Overall, he has converted three of his seven field goal attempts.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The Lions will be looking for a new kicker this week.
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BAL - Lorenzo Taliaferro has nice game
Source: NFL.com
Baltimore Ravens RB Lorenzo Taliaferro carried a game-high 18 times for 91 yards and a touchdown in Week 3 against the Cleveland Browns. He was subbing for the injured RB Bernard Pierce (thigh).
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Taliaferro found better holes to run through than the Ravens running game had created for Bernard Pierce, but he also hit them with a better burst. He is a good pickup on the chances that he retains or eventually regains this role, but he's not a good play against the Panthers next week.
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IND - WR T.Y. Hilton should be fine
Source: Colts.com - Kevin Bowen
Indianapolis Colts WR T.Y. Hilton (ankle) left the Week 3 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars due to an ankle injury. Head coach Chuck Pagano said Sunday, Sept. 21, that he does not believe the injury to Hilton is 'too severe.'
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The Colts were cruising, so they could afford to play it safe. Next week could be another good matchup at home against the Titans.
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TEN - QB Jake Locker remains starter
Source: The Tennessean - Jim Wyatt
Tennessee Titans QB Jake Locker remains the starting quarterback, and head coach Ken Whisenhunt said Sunday, Sept. 21, that he never considered benching Locker despite a lopsided loss in Week 3 against the Cincinnati Bengals. He said Locker is his quarterback, and the coach will be patient with him.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
That Whisenhunt is having to answer these questions is in and of itself a sign that Locker's status is getting shakier. The Titans only have journeyman Charlie Whitehurst or rookie Zach Mettenberger to turn to, so Locker is protected a bit by the poor shape of his position on the Titans depth chart.
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SD - RB Donald Brown carries load
Source: The San Diego Union-Tribune - Michael Gehlken
San Diego Chargers RB Donald Brown had a career-high 36 touches in the Week 3 win against the Buffalo Bills. He ran 31 times for 62 yards, and had five catches for 27 yards.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
With Danny Woodhead likely out for an extended period, Brown is set up for a huge day against the Jaguars next week.
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MIN - TE Kyle Rudolph to have MRI
Source: St. Paul Pioneer Press - Brian Murphy
Updating a previous report, Minnesota Vikings TE Kyle Rudolph (groin) will have an MRI on his right groin Monday, Sept. 22. 'Something popped. I've been battling it for a while,' Rudolph said after the Week 3 game against the New Orleans Saints.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
We doubt we'll see Rudolph next week against Atlanta, and he could be out for longer.
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Source: footballguys.com
Source: NFL Network - Albert Breer
Updating a previous report, Minnesota Vikings QB Matt Cassel (foot) has several fractured bones in his foot, head coach Mike Zimmer said Sunday, Sept. 21, after the Week 3 game against the New Orleans Saints.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The Teddy Bridgewater era is here. The passing game can't get any worse with the rookie, but it could improve against a Falcons defense that was struggling until they ambushed the Bucs this week.
Back to Top
SD - RB Danny Woodhead done for season?
Source: FOXSports.com - Alex Marvez
Updating a previous report, San Diego Chargers RB Danny Woodhead (ankle, leg) suffered a severe high ankle sprain and fractured fibula in the Week 3 game against the Buffalo Bills. A source said Sunday, Sept. 21, that season-ending surgery is likely.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Woodhead was going to get increased opportunity with Ryan Mathews injury, but now Marion Grice is likely to get the call-up from the practice squad and some part of this backfield. Donald Brown will be the workhorse in a great matchup at Jacksonville this week.
Back to Top
JAX - QB Blake Bortles to start Week 4
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley said Sunday, Sept. 21, that QB Blake Bortles will start in Week 4 against the San Diego Chargers.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Bortles might not be worth a start against the Chargers, who tend to shorten games, but he is worth a pickup after how the offense came alive under his command - even thought it was garbage time. Heck, Bortles may see a lot of that this year on this Jaguars team.
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NE - TE Rob Gronkowski posts TD in win
Source: ESPN
New England Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski (knee) was able to play in Week 3 against the Oakland Raiders. He posted three receptions for 44 yards and the only touchdown of the game. Gronkowski was also targeted six times.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Gronkowski and the whole Patriots pass offense is underperforming. He dropped a second touchdown, but as long as he is featured in the red zone, he'll still be worth that spot in your lineup. Next week takes Gronk and the Patriots to Arrowhead for Monday Night Football.
Back to Top
DAL - WR Dez Bryant busts into end zone
Source: The Associated Press
Dallas Cowboys WR Dez Bryant (shoulder) was able to start in Week 1 against the St. Louis Rams, posting team highs with six catches, 89 yards, seven targets and a touchdown.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Bryant got behind the defense for one long touchdown, but was otherwise quiet in the Cowboys big comeback win.
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SD - TE Antonio Gates held to one grab
Source: ESPN
San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates (hamstring) was able to play in Week 3 against the Buffalo Bills, but he was limited to just one reception for eight yards.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The fantasy gods and Chargers offense are having fun with us. Just when it seemed like Gates was getting back to his elite production, he is a minimal part of the offense and third-year TE Ladarius Green plays a larger role.
Back to Top
SD - WR Keenan Allen quiet in win
Source: ESPN
San Diego Chargers WR Keenan Allen (groin) was able to play in Week 3 against the Buffalo Bills, but he managed just two catches for 17 yards and he was targeted just the two times.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Allen is being used almost exclusively on shallow crossers and other routes in the short and intermediate parts of the field. He is a low ceiling WR3/Flex, but one worth a long look against Jacksonville next week.
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CLE - Just one grab for TE Jordan Cameron
Source: ESPN
Cleveland Browns TE Jordan Cameron (shoulder) was able to play in the Week 3 game against the Baltimore Ravens. He was limited to just one target, and that was good for a 23-yard reception.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Cameron has not resumed being the #1 target in the offense. The running game is doing the heavy lifting, and Andrew Hawkins seems to have something good going with QB Brian Hoyer. The good news is that the Browns will have a bye next week, so Cameron's shoulder should be as healthy as it has been all year coming into Week 5.
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JAX - RB Toby Gerhart mostly ineffective
Source: The Associated Press
Jacksonville Jaguars RB Toby Gerhart (ankle) was able to play in the Week 3 game against the Indianapolis Colts. Gerhart posted 32 rushing yards on nine runs, and he added 31 yards on two catches.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Don't drop Gerhart just yet. Blake Bortles could invigorate this flaccid attack. Let's see how things go next week vs. the Chargers. Gerhart has also been playing through what our Dr. Jene Bramel thinks was a high ankle sprain.
Back to Top
JAX - WR Cecil Shorts finds end zone
Source: ESPN
Jacksonville Jaguars WR Cecil Shorts III (hamstring) was able to play in Week 3 against the Indianapolis Colts. He had five receptions for 35 yards with a touchdown, and he was tied for the team lead with 10 targets.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Shorts score came in garbage time, but it come from Blake Bortles in the beginning of a new era in Jacksonville. If Shorts can stay healthy, he might level back off at WR3/Flex value.
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BUF - WR Sammy Watkins quiet in loss
Source: ESPN
Buffalo Bills WR Sammy Watkins (ribs) was able to play in Week 3 against the San Diego Chargers, but he was limited to just two receptions and 19 yards. He was targeted eight times.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Watkins was a dud after a fiery Week 2 seemed to deliver on the promise of his torrid start to training camp. EJ Manuel played poorly, and the Chargers efficient offense effectively played "keep away" from Buffalo.
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HOU - WR Andre Johnson quiet in loss
Source: ESPN
Houston Texans WR Andre Johnson (ankle) was able to play in Week 3 against the New York Giants, but he managed just four receptions for 24 yards despite a game-high 11 targets.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Johnson's fantasy value actually went down when Ryan Fitzpatrick had to freelance to dig out of a hole. He's still a solid play at Buffalo next week, but it's hard to know what the Texans offense will look like week to week.
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ARI - RB Andre Ellington totals 75 yards
Source: ESPN
Arizona Cardinals RB Andre Ellington (foot) carried 18 times for 62 yards in the Week 3 game against the San Francisco 49ers, and he added three receptions for 13 yards.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Ellington has very little competition for carries now, and he'll get a week of rest in the bye to come out as healthy as he has been all season. The Cardinals being 3-0 also helps heal a lot.
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CIN - WR A.J. Green hits century mark
Source: ESPN
Cincinnati Bengals WR A.J. Green (toe) was able to start in Week 3 against the Tennessee Titans, and he finished with six receptions for 102 yards and he was targeted a team-high nine times.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Green didn't look all that limited by his injury, and now he gets a well-timed bye week to heal. Looks like this will just be a one week hit for Green owners.
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DET - Nate Freese's job in danger
Source: NFL.com
Detroit Lions PK Nate Freese misfired on a 41-yard field goal attempt in the Week 3 game against the Green Bay Packers, and he is 0-for-4 from beyond 40 yards this season. Overall, he has converted three of his seven field goal attempts.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The Lions will be looking for a new kicker this week.
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BAL - Lorenzo Taliaferro has nice game
Source: NFL.com
Baltimore Ravens RB Lorenzo Taliaferro carried a game-high 18 times for 91 yards and a touchdown in Week 3 against the Cleveland Browns. He was subbing for the injured RB Bernard Pierce (thigh).
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Taliaferro found better holes to run through than the Ravens running game had created for Bernard Pierce, but he also hit them with a better burst. He is a good pickup on the chances that he retains or eventually regains this role, but he's not a good play against the Panthers next week.
Back to Top
IND - WR T.Y. Hilton should be fine
Source: Colts.com - Kevin Bowen
Indianapolis Colts WR T.Y. Hilton (ankle) left the Week 3 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars due to an ankle injury. Head coach Chuck Pagano said Sunday, Sept. 21, that he does not believe the injury to Hilton is 'too severe.'
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The Colts were cruising, so they could afford to play it safe. Next week could be another good matchup at home against the Titans.
Back to Top
TEN - QB Jake Locker remains starter
Source: The Tennessean - Jim Wyatt
Tennessee Titans QB Jake Locker remains the starting quarterback, and head coach Ken Whisenhunt said Sunday, Sept. 21, that he never considered benching Locker despite a lopsided loss in Week 3 against the Cincinnati Bengals. He said Locker is his quarterback, and the coach will be patient with him.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
That Whisenhunt is having to answer these questions is in and of itself a sign that Locker's status is getting shakier. The Titans only have journeyman Charlie Whitehurst or rookie Zach Mettenberger to turn to, so Locker is protected a bit by the poor shape of his position on the Titans depth chart.
Back to Top
SD - RB Donald Brown carries load
Source: The San Diego Union-Tribune - Michael Gehlken
San Diego Chargers RB Donald Brown had a career-high 36 touches in the Week 3 win against the Buffalo Bills. He ran 31 times for 62 yards, and had five catches for 27 yards.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
With Danny Woodhead likely out for an extended period, Brown is set up for a huge day against the Jaguars next week.
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MIN - TE Kyle Rudolph to have MRI
Source: St. Paul Pioneer Press - Brian Murphy
Updating a previous report, Minnesota Vikings TE Kyle Rudolph (groin) will have an MRI on his right groin Monday, Sept. 22. 'Something popped. I've been battling it for a while,' Rudolph said after the Week 3 game against the New Orleans Saints.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
We doubt we'll see Rudolph next week against Atlanta, and he could be out for longer.
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Source: footballguys.com
