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Raiders Sign TE Strong, Place WR Lelie On IR

post from Raiders Gab on 20 December 2008 10:43:56 PM. © Raiders Gab

From: Oakland TribuneThe Raiders signed tight end Darrell Strong to the 53-man roster Saturday and he is expected to be active and playing on special teams in the home finale against the Houston Texans. To make room, the Raiders put wide receiver Ashley Lelie, who didn?t practice all week with a calf injury, on injured [...]

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Saturday Night Football Open Thread

post from Stampede Blue on 20 December 2008 07:55:00 PM. © Stampede Blue

The Ravens and Cowboys fight to keep their wildcard hopes alive. With the 5 seed clinched I'm free to let the Cowboys hate flow.

GO RAVENS!

A loss drops the Cowboys behind the Bucs and Falcons for the wildcard (and the Eagles if Philly wins tomorrow).

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http://www.stampedeblue.com/2008/12/20/698679/saturday-night-football-op

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Forte: Toe "feels good"

post from Bears football blog on 20 December 2008 07:40:00 PM. © Bears football blog

Matt Forte said his injured right toe has improved to the point where he will not be thinking about it come game time Monday night.

Maybe he will not be able to feel it. The temperature at game time is expected to hover around 10 degrees.

Forte, who is questionable on the injury report, practiced again Saturday morning in the Walter Payton Center as the Bears put the finishing touches on the long layoff they have had since last playing New Orleans Dec. 11.

"That's the most important thing is don't think about it, because then you don't worry about it and you're not trying to protect it,'' Forte said. "So don't worry about it and just go out there and just play. It feels good.'' Continue

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http://www.bearsfootballblog.com/2008/12/forte-toe-feels-good.html

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It's a time for goodbyes at Texas Stadium for
Dallas Cowboys

post from Cowboys football blog on 20 December 2008 07:36:55 PM. © Cowboys football blog

On the surface, tonight's final regular-season game at Texas Stadium seems all wrong. The setup doesn't do the place justice. For 37 years, Cowboys football has been a Sunday affair. Whenever the Giants, Redskins and Eagles were in town, you...

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http://www.cowboysfootballblog.com/2008/12/its-a-time-for-goodbyes-at-texas-stadi
um-for-dallas-cowboys.html

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Ray Lewis is playing on the final year of his
deal

post from Cincy Jungle on 20 December 2008 04:49:00 PM. © Cincy Jungle

Adam Schefter wrote three consecutive blog entries regarding the future of Ray Lewis, who is playing on the final year of his deal. Schefter writes that the two sides "haven’t come close (to a deal), leading to the possibility that Baltimore might be forced to slap the franchise tag on Lewis, something that would not sit well with him." If the two sides fail to come to an agreement, and the Ravens elect not to franchise him (so not likely), Schefter plays with the idea of Lewis joining the Cowboys. Lewis is one of three linebackers available for free agency after this season -- Bart Scott and Terrell Suggs are the others. Still, the Ravens are $27 million under the cap, writes Schefter, but only 38 players under contract -- 15 players short of the 53-man roster, and 42 players short of the 80-man limit during training camp.

First of all, we don't envision the Ravens coming close to letting Lewis go. Not only is he the face and leader of Baltimore, but we've yet to conclude that Lewis is slowing down at all.

Still, as Bengals fans, many of us have entertained an intra-divsion switch to Cincinnati; primarily (and really only) because of Marvin Lewis. However, from Cincinnati's perspective, the Bengals need that defensive spiritual leader, and we're very short at middle linebacker. It might not be a good fit for Lewis, we have no reservations about that. But for the Bengals, it could be the master key that turns the Bengals defense from stable, to... what's that word... good.

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http://www.cincyjungle.com/2008/12/20/698584/ray-lewis-is-playing-on-th

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A Reggie Williams update, and will Shaun Rogers
single-handedly destroy Bengals offense

post from Cincy Jungle on 20 December 2008 04:36:00 PM. © Cincy Jungle

(Note: this is our links and notes section)

The New York Times' George Vecsey updates us on Reggie Williams, who is now driving his car all over the place with his rebuild leg.

In July, the leg began to heal. On Aug. 19, he received a second artificial knee. On Sept. 5, he had another procedure to clean the implant. Then he began reintroducing his linebacker body to the complexity of motion. He thanks Dr. Stephen J. O’Brien and all the other medical stars at the Hospital for Special Surgery.
He drove (his wife) into the city as she grilled him on the pitfalls of driving with a rebuilt leg. He promised he would go two hours, then rest for two hours, but as soon as he dropped her off, he began packing his car. The next morning he headed down the turnpike, with no more than 60 degrees of motion in his right knee, not ideal for driving.
After two hours, he stopped for coffee and decided there was no turning back. After stopping to visit his brother in Atlanta, he got home to Orlando in time for his son’s football banquet.

More.

Chad Johnson's late entry on this week's injury report is simply rest with a sore hamstring.

Matt predicts a 17-13 win over the Browns.

The weather in Cleveland will be in the low 30s, with snow in the forecast and heavy winds.

Security has ejected 2,365 fans and arrested 676 others at Cleveland since 1999.

The Chickster calls this round of the Battle of Ohio, the Buckeye Toilet Bowl.

With Shaun Rogers played nose tackle, could the Bengals offense be totally shutdown with Eric Ghiaciuc blocking him?

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http://www.cincyjungle.com/2008/12/20/698578/a-reggie-williams-update-a

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Whatever happened with Kenny Watson this season

post from Cincy Jungle on 20 December 2008 04:26:00 PM. © Cincy Jungle

Watson has touched the ball 17 times this season.

Even though Kenny Watson has played in only three of the past five games, he hasn't touched the football since the Bengals 21-19 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. From our perspective, it's been somewhat surprising that Watson has been limited in his touches this year (13 rush attempts, three receptions), resuming his original duties as third down blocker. Still, in 2007 when Kenny Watson led the team with 763 yards rushing, he had the highest yards-per-rush (4.29) by the team's available feature back since Rudi Johnson averaged 4.33 yards-per-rush in 2005.

Watson has rushed more than once in three games this season; in the first loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Watson recorded a season high five touches, which includes a season-high 17 yards rushing. In seven games last season, Watson recorded 55 yards or more rushing the ball seven times. This season, he has 55 yards all season.

We've always understood his role, and admittedly, injury has played a large factor limiting his carries. After last season, you'd think he would touch the ball more than 17 times at this point in the season.

Rushes Yards Avg. TDs Catches Yards 2007 178 763 4.3 7 52 374 2008 13 55 4.2 0 3 4

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http://www.cincyjungle.com/2008/12/20/698573/whatever-happened-with-ken

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Injuries could favor the Bengals Sunday

post from Cincy Jungle on 20 December 2008 02:32:00 PM. © Cincy Jungle

While Levi Jones will miss his fifth straight game, the Bengals will play Sunday's game relatively healthier than they've played much of the season -- relative to players not on Injured Reserve. Palmer will be sidelined again; we're far more convinced that even though he's throwing, he won't play against the Chiefs during the season finale. Kenny Watson is questionable with a problematic hamstring that's sidelined him the past two games; after missing Wednesday's practice, Watson was limited Thursday and fully on Friday.

The Bengals should get Chinedum Ndukwe back, along with Ben Utecht and Chris Perry. Stacy Andrews and Eric Ghiaciuc sat once during the week due to an illness while Chad Johnson was a late entry with a hamstring on Friday.

The Browns will be without tight end Kellen Winslow, and Shaun Smith is listed as doubtful. Cleveland also has several key players listed as questionable; only Joshua Cribbs practiced fully this week.

OUT QUESTIONABLE PROBABLE Levi Jones Kenny Watson Stacy Andrews Carson Palmer Anthony Collins Mike Doss Eric Ghiaciuc T.J. Houshmandzadeh Rashad Jeanty Chad Johnson David Jones Chinedum Ndukwe Chris Perry Ben Utecht Bobbie Williams

Browns

OUT DOUBTFUL QUESTIONABLE Kellen Winslow Shaun Smith Joshua Cribbs Leon Williams Jerome Harrison Shaun Rogers Eric Steinbach Lawrence Vickers Corey Williams Dave Zastudil

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http://www.cincyjungle.com/2008/12/20/698517/injuries-could-favor-the-b

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Fantasy Football Sleepers and Busts: Week 16

Editor's Note: Be sure to get your picks in for the Stampede Blue Prediction Contest. You have until 1:00 ET Sunday. Get your picks in sooner rather than later.

Welcome to Week 16 of your Fantasy Football Sleepers and Busts. I'll review last week before going into this week's studs and duds.

Sleepers:

Tyler Thigpen: 171 passing, 1 TD/1 INT, 41 rush yds, 1 TD = 20 pts. Even though the Chiefs completely blew the game against the Chargers, Thigpen didn't play all that bad. I'll take it.
Maurice Morris: 86 yds rush = 8 pts. No TDs leave me without a correct pick here. Did anyone actually watch this game last week?
Davone Bess: 25 yards = 2 pts. This is what is so frustrating about fantasy football. The guy has 3 great weeks in a row, has a great matchup, and completely disappears. Oh well.

Busts:

Jay Cutler: 172 yds passing, 1 TD/1 INT, 9 rush yds = 10 pts. He struggled against a very good Panther defense, especially in Charlotte. I really hope they get it done this weekend, and playing the Bills will certainly help. I'd rather not have to go back to San Diego.
Marshawn Lynch: 127 yds rushing, 13 rec. = 13 pts. Lynch had a big day running the ball, but didn't find the end zone. I'll be conservative and say it was decent enough that he wasn't a bust last week.
Calvin Johnson: 110 yards, 1 TD, 1 FL = 15 pts. Boy is he good. I had no idea he lost a fumble on the last play of the game last week, as I'd turned it off before that happened. I'm sure that cost somebody a FFL win.

Bonus Pick: Peyton Manning: 318 yards, 1 TD = 18 pts. I won't count it, as it was too easy. Manning continues his MVP season with nice numbers against a bad defense.

So I was 2/6 last week, and 45/94 for the season. Ugh. Here are you fantasy nuggets for Week 16:

Sleepers:

Dan Orlovsky vs. NO: Orlovsky looked half-way decent last week against the Colts, and the Saints are 28th in the league against QB. Is this the week?
Ricky Williams vs. KC: The Dolphins are playing to keep their playoff hopes alive, and the Chiefs blew their game last week at the end, a game they should have never lost. I don't think this one will be close.
Jerricho Cotchery vs. SEA: The Jets have not won on the West Coast yet this year. In a must win for them, I think they get it done. Seattle is dead last against WR this season.

Busts:

Philip Rivers vs. TB: In a must win for both teams, the Buccaneers are playing at home, where they haven't lost yet this season. They are also 5th best against QB this season. Did I mention I'd rather not go back to San Diego?
Chris Johnson vs. PIT: "Crazy Legs" is going to have a tough time today against the #2 defense against RB this season. Plus they may be down late, causing his effectiveness to diminish slightly. I still am undecided who I want to win.
Terrell Owens vs. BAL: Witten is going to get a lot of balls this week. The Ravens are 4th best against WR this week, Romo is banged up, and the Ravens want to kill someone after last week. They may spoil the last game in Texas Stadium. I don't think Owens will get many catches.

Bonus pick: Drew Brees vs. DET. The Saints are out of the playoff race, so their only motivation is to not be the only team to lose to the Lions this season. There's an outside chance it happens this week. We shall see...

Good Luck to everyone who is in their "Super Bowl" this week. I am in one league, but I haven't followed it much this season. Maybe I'll sneak a victory out.

Read The Full Article:
http://www.stampedeblue.com/2008/12/20/698416/fantasy-football-sleepers

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49ers-Rams: Final Injury Report

It's a day late, but here's the final injury report for tomorrow's game. When you get to these last couple weeks of the season, it becomes a balancing act between getting PT for your guys and avoiding injuries that might carry well into the offseason.

Obviously I'm speaking about Frank Gore in particular. Gore has now gone two full weeks without truly touching the practice field. Apparently he's been moving around and trying to get some work in. However, without actually playing time on the practice field, I really don't expect to see him playing this Sunday.

I'd imagine everybody wants him to crack 1,000 yards. However, if you save him for the Redskins game, I think you could safely say he's healthy enough to avoid re-injury. You want to win both remaining games, but if you were going to pick one game to bench Gore, clearly it would be this week. He really does deserve to crack that 1,000 yard mark, but the smart play is sitting him this week and starting him next week (barring an aggravation of the injury).

The most important point in all of this? If you've got him on your fantasy team, find someone to fill in and plan on Gore NOT playing.

San Francisco 49ers
Probable - SS Michael Lewis (abdomen), KR/PR Allen Rossum (ankle), LT Joe Staley (ankle), WR Josh Morgan (head), FS Mark Roman (head), DE Ron Fields (foot)

Questionable - LB Ahmad Brooks (back), RB Frank Gore (ankle), OT Adam Snyder (ankle)

St. Louis Rams
Probable - K Josh Brown (groin), CB Jason Craft (back), DT La'Roi Glover (knee), G Jacob Bell (hamstring), CB Ron Bartell (back)