Projo Fantasy Sports Blog

By Rob Steingall

Quarterbacks

Bengals QB Carson Palmer (broken nose) has been practicing all week with a plastic shield, possibly something that could affect his vision, but remains probable for this Sunday.

Not listed on the injury report, Browns QB Derek Anderson (concussion) could be in for a rough opener as he faces a stern test from a tenacious Cowboys defense this week.

Titans QB Vince Young (hamstring) fully participated in practice Friday, and looks to be a go against an always-tough Jaguars defense. Limited mobility could be an issue here.

Colts QB Peyton Manning (knee) had a full week of practice and will start on Sunday. The bigger issue here may be that C Jeff Saturday (knee) is out, potentially weakening a strong line.

Running Backs

Bengals RB Kenny Watson (hamstring) steadily improved during the week, practicing fully on Friday, and is listed as probable for Sunday. He could be a major contributor this season now that Rudi Johnson has moved on to Detroit.

Ravens RB Willis McGahee (knee) was limited in practice for the past three days, but remains probable heading into a meeting with the Bengals. Expect him to lose touches to rookie Ray Rice while he continues to mend.

Browns RB Jamal Lewis (hamstring) remains optimistic about playing Sunday, but has been limited in practice for three days in a row. The fact that he hasn't guaranteed he'll play is a bit concerning. Monitor this situation Sunday morning.

The Saints will be happy to have RB Deuce McAllister (knee) back into the fold Sunday, despite being listed as questionable. He fully participated in practice for three straight days, and looks to be in line for regular work this weekend.

Wide Receivers

Panthers WR D.J. Hackett (toe) has resumed full participation in practice and is listed as probable for Sunday against the Chargers. He could be targeted often in his Panthers debut.

A pair of teammates are listed as probable this week, Bengals WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh (hamstring) and WR Chad Ocho Cinco (shoulder and, yes, that's the former Johnson's legal name now), but both have fully participated in practice since Wednesday. This may be the most entertaining duo in the league to watch, and should cause fits for the Ravens secondary.

Jaguars WR Jerry Porter (hamstring) has been ruled out for Sunday after seeing his practice reps cut down to zero by Friday. Teammate WR Reggie Williams (hamstring) is listed as probable for their meeting against the Titans after putting in two full days of practice.

Jets WR Laveranues Coles (thigh) was limited in practice all week and is listed as questionable. This could affect the performance of QB Brett Favre in his Jets debut against division rival Miami.

Both Seattle WR Deion Branch (knee) and WR Bobby Engram (shoulder) have been ruled out for Sunday. Branch was limited in practice all week, while Engram is out at least four more weeks with a cracked shoulder.

Eagles WR Reggie Brown (hamstring) is listed as doubtful, which means rookie WR DeSean Jackson starts on Sunday against the Rams. Brown was limited in practice on Wednesday, and shut down both Thursday and Friday.

Buccaneers WR Antonio Bryant (knee), WR Michael Clayton (chest), and WR Joey Galloway (groin) were all limited in practice this week and are listed as questionable. QB Jeff Garcia could be affected by the health of his three top targets.

Raiders WR Javon Walker (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Monday night, as he was limited in practice on Wednesday and held out for the rest of the week. His ability to practice this weekend will determine his status. But expect him to play, even if it's as a decoy.

Other Positions

Chargers TE Antonio Gates (toe) is listed as probable this weekend, but should be fine after fully practicing all week. He is still the top TE in fantasy, and remains capable of putting up monster numbers.

Ravens TE Todd Heap (knee) progressed well this week, practicing fully on Friday, and is listed as probable for Sunday. He could provide a safety net for rookie QB Joe Flacco in his NFL debut.

Patriots TE Benjamin Watson (knee) was held out of practice all week and is listed as doubtful. I wouldn't look at him as an option until Week Two.

Bills Pro Bowl LT Jason Peters ends his holdout today but is unlikely to play Sunday. This is very positive news for Bills skill players going forward, but not helpful in Week 1.

 Tags  Antonio Bryant Antonio Gates Benjamin Watson Bobby Engram Brett Favre Carson Palmer Chad Ocho Cino D.J. Hackett Deion Branch Derek Anderson DeSean Jackson Deuce McAllister football Jamal Lewis Jason Peters Javon Walker Jeff Garcia Jerry Porter Joe Flacco Joey Galloway Kenny Watson Laveranues Coles Michael Clayton NFL Injury Report Peyton Manning Ray Rice Reggie Brown Reggie Williams Rob Steingall T.J. Houshmandzadeh Todd Heap Vince Young Willis McGahee

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