Simms to start this week
The News
Despite widespread speculation that Jon Gruden was going to name Brian Griese the starting quarterback for Sunday's game against the Saints, the Buccaneers' head coach has declared Chris Simms the starter for week five, according to an ESPN.com report. Simms has completed 21 of 33 passes for 175 yards and no scores this season.
Our View
Gruden met with Brad Johnson on Tuesday and informed the former No. 1 quarterback that Simms will be the starter for the immediate future. We don't encourage you to pick up Phil's kid simply because he's the starter this week, as that could change as soon as Sunday if he struggles against the Saints. Unless you have no other fantasy options, it's best to treat the Bucs' quarterback mess like you would a Lifetime original movie by going out of your way to avoid it.
(oh boy this is gonna be interesting to see some reactions here
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Dolphins: Williams requests eligibility clarification
The News
According to published reports, Ricky Williams has sent a letter to the NFL requesting clarification of his eligibility status should he decide to return to the Dolphins this season. NFL sources reportedly confirmed that they have received such a letter, but would not comment further.
Our View
Well, well, well. It appears that Williams' financial difficulties have led to him re-thinking his stance on retiring from the league. He owes the Dolphins $8.6 million as a result of violating the terms of his contract. Don't get too excited about this. Williams would still face multiple hurdles before returning to the league, even if he wanted to. He was already facing a four-game suspension for a third violation of the NFL's substance-abuse policy, and attempting to return less than a year after officially retiring is considered another violation of the policy. A fourth strike would mean an indefinite suspension, which is usually at least a year. We'll let you know more once more information is known, but rest assured that Ricky Williams is not going to be suiting up for the Dolphins any time soon.
Vikings: Smith drops appeal, begins serving suspension
The News
Vikings running back Onterrio Smith officially dropped the appeal of his suspension Tuesday and will miss the next four games. Smith was scheduled to have his appeal heard on Wednesday, but decided to go ahead with the suspension rather than drag it out any longer. The league announced his suspension in late August for a repeat violation of their substance abuse policy.
Our View
Onterrio will be eligible to play again November 8 against the Colts on Monday night. Starting running back Michael Bennett should be back by then, but after having surgery to repair the torn meniscus in his right knee on Monday, it's hardly guaranteed. In the meantime, Moe Williams, who's nursing a calf strain, and rookie Mewelde Moore will carry the Vikings' running game. Both Williams and Moore should be hot pickups in fantasy leagues this week.
Ravens: Lewis plea bargain set for Thursday
The News
Running back Jamal Lewis will plead guilty Thursday to a federal charge of using a cell phone to facilitate a drug transaction, according to the Baltimore Sun. Exact terms of the plea have not been made public, but sources familiar with the agreement told the Sun Lewis would serve four to six months in prison, with some portion of that time at a halfway house.
Our View
The sentence would likely start following the season, but the NFL could hand down its punishment sooner than that. Though the incident in question occurred before Lewis had signed an NFL contract, it will likely be viewed as a violation of the league's substance abuse program. Lewis could be considered a three-time violator, as he served a four-game suspension in 2001. However, if he has tested clean for two years after that suspension, he could be rotated out of the program and be subject to a less severe penalty. Lewis would also be able to appeal the NFL's punishment, a process which bought the Vikings' Onterrio Smith a month of playing time this year.
Dolphins: St. Clair hurt, Carey expected to start
The News
Vernon Carey will likely get his first NFL start on Sunday in place of the injured John St. Clair. St. Clair suffered knee and ankle injuries when a group of players rolled up on his leg during Sunday's game against the Jets, and the Dolphins are preparing to move on without their starting right tackle this week.
Our View
St. Clair was easily the best player on what is a terrible offensive line, so the Dolphins are likely to have even more trouble moving the ball and protecting quarterback Jay Fiedler. The team liked Carey enough to give up a fourth round draft pick in order to move up to select him in the first round of the draft, but he has been a huge disappointment so far. The hits just keep on coming.
Dolphins: Chambers expected back
The News
Chris Chambers is expected to practice on Tuesday and play on Sunday, according to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. Chambers missed last week's game with knee tendinitis, but is expected to be ready to practice at full speed this week.
Our View
It'll be good for the Dolphins to have one of their only skilled offensive players back on the field, but our enthusiasm is dampened by the offensive line and quarterback situation in Miami.
Saints: McAllister running in practice
The News
Injured Saints' running back Deuce McAllister ran during practice on Monday. It was the first time McAllister has been able to run since he sprained his right ankle during a week two game against the 49ers. "He did okay," Saints' head coach Jim Haslett told the New Orleans Times-Picayune. "We'll see how he does tomorrow."
Our View
It looks like McAllister is inching his way back into playing shape. Whether that means he will play against the Buccaneers on Sunday remains to be seen. If Deuce can't go, Aaron Stecker would likely replace him in the starting lineup again this week.
Dolphins: Fiedler "earns" another start
The News
Jay Fiedler will once again start at quarterback for the Dolphins this Sunday against the Patriots. Coach Dave "The purpose this week is to beat New England, and I believe Jay gives us the best chance, and that's all I'm thinking about at this time," coach Dave Wannstedt told the Miami Herald.
Our View
Fiedler's four turnovers must have been just under Wannstedt's threshold. We have no doubt that, had Feidler committed that disastrous fifth turnover, he'd be benched. Fiedler lives for at least one more week, and should have fun being manhandled by the Patriots.
Colts: Vandy battling hamstring injury
The News
Kicker Mike Vanderjagt injured the hamstring on his right (kicking) leg in the first half of the Colts' win over Jacksonville and was limited to PATs and short field goals the rest of the game. "I had the intention of kicking inside the 40 and not tearing my hamstring off the bone," Vanderjagt told the Indianapolis Star.
Our View
Kickoff chores in the second half were handled by punter Hunter Smith. Vandy expects to be healthy by Sunday's game against Oakland, but it's a situation that bears watching throughout the week.
Packers: Pederson has broken rib
The News
Quarterback Doug Pederson, who stepped in when starter Brett Favre was knocked out of Sunday's loss to the Giants, suffered a broken rib during the game and may not be available for the Monday night tilt with Tennessee. Pederson suffered the injury in the third quarter but remained in the game.
Our View
Favre is expected to play Monday night, and Craig Nall would be his backup if Pederson is ready to go. J.T. O'Sullivan, acquired Monday in the Mike McKenzie trade, would be the Packers' third quarterback.
Titans: McNair works out
The News
Quarterback Steve McNair, who missed Sunday's loss to the Chargers with a bruised sternum, worked out at the Titans' practice facility Monday and should be ready for next Monday's tilt against the Packers. "Steve, several hours ago, went out onto the field with the trainers and ran, set, dropped, threw, sprinted out," Titans coach Jeff Fisher told TitansRadio.com Monday evening. "And he's doing better, which is encouraging. I'd say he'd have a chance to practice this week."
Our View
We know McNair won't have to practice to play, and we're reasonably confident he won't miss a prime-time showdown with fellow Louisiana native Brett Favre. The fact that he's actually thinking about returning to practice is gravy.
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