The stagnant and seemingly dried-up free-agent wide receiver market looks like it will receive a jolt. According to a published report, Matt Jones, formerly of the Jacksonville Jaguars, will avoid league suspension for violating terms of a court-ordered drug program.
Heading into last season, the Jacksonville Jaguars brought in Troy Williamson and Jerry Porter in an attempt to give quarterback David Garrard some outside weapons. The Jags, as we all know, had torn through the league in 2007 with a stellar running game and defense. The passing attack was efficient, but not explosive.
Needless to say, Porter and Williamson didn't work out as intended. With the release of their leading receiver from last year -- the troubled Matt Jones -- the passing attack is in desperate need of a shot in the arm. Enter Torry Holt and Mark Sanchez.
A year ago, the Jaguars were fresh off an 11-win season, an appearance in the AFC Divisional playoffs, and seemingly primed to make a similar run in 2008. With their franchise quarterback in place, the front office targeted wide receiver and cornerback as two positions of need last offseason. That subsequently led to the team signing Jerry Porter and Drayton Florence.
Twelve months and $23 million dollars later, Jacksonville has seen enough: the club released both players today. Florence defended three passes and didn't register an interception in 15 games (eight starts). That performance is Hall of Fame worthy compared to Porter, however.
The 2008 season has been a forgettable one for the Jaguars. They made it to the AFC Divisional round a year ago, and with virtually everybody returning, expectations were high four months ago. A run on injuries, a no-show defense and plenty of bad luck has a lot to do with the 5-10 situation they currently find themselves.
Although nothing's been decided, during the Jags' last home game on Dec. 18, Peterson used the occasion to send the media his well wishes. Seriously.
... [T]he middle linebacker made it a point to thank the writers for the stories they've written about him in his six years with the Jaguars.
"I appreciate that," Peterson said. "I've got a scrapbook at home with all the great stories. No matter what they [Jaguars] do or what the future has for me, they can't take away those great memories."
And maybe one day, Terrell Owens and Ed Werder will bury their hatches, mend their fences and hug it out, too.
If I know Bengals fans, they are hyped that their team is 1-8. Okay that doesn't sound like much but when that "1" came today, forgive Cincinnati for celebrating. They should celebrate as the pressure of a winless season finally goes away.
Chad Johnson is. He broke out of a season long funk with two TD grabs and a kiss on the cheek for both head coach Marvin Lewis and quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. Cincinnati got their first win with a gutsy 21-19 victory over Jacksonville.
Here's a screwed up stat for you: the Bengals are 8-1 when they wear the orange jerseys they sported today.
It wasn't their duds that won the game. Cincinnati was aggressive on both sides of the ball and finally played somewhat physical. They even had a guy (Andrew Whitworth) ejected from the game for exchanging punches with the Jags' John Henderson (Henderson was given the boot, too).
Scoop Mortensen is at it again, staying all up on this Matt Jones story. It was originally mentioned on Sunday that he could/would most likely be facing a suspension. Such things generally happen when you get a felony cocaine possession. Actually jail usually happens.
Unless you're a professional athlete. In that case, per PFT, you just get suspended.
Now the word has come: ESPN's Chris Mortensen is reporting that Jones has been suspended three games for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.
If Jones is not able to get the suspension reduced on appeal, he'll miss games at home against the Browns, at the Bengals and at the Lions.
As MDS noted, the three games the Jaguars will have to deal without Jones are winnable anyway, so an appeal of the suspension would only be worthwhile if it didn't delay the start of said time off.
Fantasy Spin: Jones' absence hurts the Jags, but David Garrard should still be a nice start for those weeks. Also, this might make -- gulp -- Jerry Porter a pretty nice start here. Scary, I know.
Every week when the dinner bell rings on Friday evening, we'll be here to provide you a comprehensive injury report for the NFL weekend to follow. For those injuries that go right down to the wire, drop by our Fantasy Fanhouse expert live chat from 10am to 1pm EST every Sunday and we'll take care of you on those bloody game-time decisions. As always, please feel free to chime in with opinions, updates, and rumors in the comments.
The Arizona Cardinals
Anquan Boldin - After the last Sunday's vicious hit, Boldin came away with a fractured sinus membrane, which I believe means he broke his face. While he is lucky that is the worst of it after what looked like a neck injury, he is very unlikely to play on Sunday at this point. It has not yet been ruled out however, so keep an eye on his progress.
The Baltimore Ravens
Willis McGahee - McGahee continues to keep things interesting as now he has injured ribs, which limited his playing time on Monday night. His efforts in practice this week have been limited, but he did practice on Friday, so he should be good to at least split carries.
The Buffalo Bills
Roscoe Parrish - Parrish is definitely out for three to five more weeks with a thumb injury. While this is not material for many people, it opens the door for James Hardy to gain some playing time and for Lee Evans to put up a couple of his sporadic breakout games.
The Carolina Panthers
Jonathan Stewart - Stewart is still on the injury report, but he will be fine to go this week.
Jake Delhomme - Delhomme is listed as probable with a thigh injury, but he will be ready for week 5. With Steve Smith back and Muhsin Muhammad getting involved, Delhomme's value is on the up and up.
Value Machine checks out the overall perceived value of fantasy players. If you want to commit a fantasy felony, you'll sell high on the up arrow guys and buy low on the down arrow guys.
Hopefully you traded Rashard Mendenhall, as we insinuated last week when we said his value will never be higher. Remember, fantasy sports are all about value and perception is reality in between games. Many owners flocked to Mendenhall last week because he was "replacing" Willie Parker. His perceived value skyrockets, which means it's the perfect time to spin him. Just keep this in mind as we move forward.
Top week four : Laveranues Coles ... He busted loose for 30 plus points in most leagues. The problem is that he didn't receive the majority of Brett Favre's attention and rarely will this result in three scores. Jerricho Cotchery, Chansi Stuckey, and Dustin Keller all take looks away from Coles. This was a one week ride, so hopefully you enjoyed it and can move him for good value this week.
Top week four : Carson Palmer ... He comes off his one good game of the season -- against a solid defense, no less -- and decides to not fully disclose his injury. Owners found out he couldn't go right before game time, and surely some guys were screwed over by this. Keep an eye on his health, because if he can come back, his owners will surely be pissed enough to deal him for less than market value.
Every week when the dinner bell rings on Friday evening, we'll be here to provide you a comprehensive injury report for the NFL weekend to follow. For those injuries that go right down to the wire, drop by our Fantasy Fanhouse expert live chat from 10am to 1pm EST every Sunday and we'll take care of you on those bloody game-time decisions. As always, please feel free to chime in with opinions, updates, and rumors in the comments.
The Atlanta Falcons
Michael Turner - After making the injury report last week with an ankle injury, Turner is now probable with a shoulder injury. He should be fine as he practiced full speed Thursday, but it might not be a bad time to start thinking about selling high on Turner.
The Baltimore Ravens
Willis McGahee - In a controversial development, the Ravens are speculating that the Browns pulled a "Sweep the leg Johnny" on McGahee and purposefully inflicted harm upon him. McGahee continues to struggle with his swollen, cut eye and although he is listed as probable, he has not made much progress. The game is Monday night though, so hopefully he'll be ready, but this is worse than it sounds.
The Buffalo Bills
Roscoe Parrish - Parrish is definitely out for four to six weeks with a thumb injury. While this is not material for many people, it may open the door for James Hardy to gain some playing time and for Lee Evans to put up a couple of his sporadic breakout games.
The Carolina Panthers
Jonathan Stewart - Stewart was limited in practice Thursday to rest his foot injury, but he should be there come Sunday.
Every week when the dinner bell rings on Friday evening, we'll be here to provide you a comprehensive injury report for the NFL weekend to follow. For those injuries that go right down to the wire, drop by our Fantasy Fanhouse expert live chat from 10am to 1pm EST every Sunday and we'll take care of you on those bloody game-time decisions. As always, please feel free to chime in with opinions, updates, and rumors in the comments.
The Atlanta Falcons
Michael Turner - After making the injury report last week with an ankle injury, Turner is now probable with a shoulder injury. He should be fine as he practiced full speed Thursday, but it might not be a bad time to start thinking about selling high on Turner.
The Baltimore Ravens
Willis McGahee - In a controversial development, the Ravens are speculating that the Browns pulled a "Sweep the leg Johnny" on McGahee and purposefully inflicted harm upon him. McGahee continues to struggle with his swollen, cut eye and although he is listed as probable, he has not made much progress. The game is Monday night though, so hopefully he'll be ready, but this is worse than it sounds.
The Buffalo Bills
Roscoe Parrish - Parrish is definitely out for four to six weeks with a thumb injury. While this is not material for many people, it may open the door for James Hardy to gain some playing time and for Lee Evans to put up a couple of his sporadic breakout games.
The Carolina Panthers
Jonathan Stewart - Stewart was limited in practice Thursday to rest his foot injury, but he should be there come Sunday.
The stagnant and seemingly dried-up free-agent wide receiver market looks like it will receive a jolt. According to a published report, Matt Jones, formerly of the Jacksonville Jaguars, will avoid league suspension for violating terms of a court-ordered drug program. 
Heading into last season, the Jacksonville Jaguars brought in 
A year ago, the Jaguars were fresh off an 11-win season, an appearance in the AFC Divisional playoffs, and seemingly primed to make a similar run in 2008. With their franchise quarterback in place, the front office targeted wide receiver and cornerback as two positions of need last offseason. That subsequently led to the team signing 
The 2008 season has been a forgettable one for the Jaguars. They made it to the AFC Divisional round a year ago, and with virtually everybody returning, expectations were high four months ago. A run on injuries, a no-show defense and plenty of bad luck has a lot to do with the 5-10 situation they currently find themselves. 
If I know Bengals fans, they are hyped that their team is 1-8. Okay that doesn't sound like much but when that "1" came today, forgive Cincinnati for celebrating. They should celebrate as the pressure of a winless season finally goes away.
Scoop Mortensen is at it again, staying all up on this 
Every week when the dinner bell rings on Friday evening, we'll be here to provide you a comprehensive injury report for the NFL weekend to follow. For those injuries that go right down to the wire, drop by our Fantasy Fanhouse expert live chat from 10am to 1pm EST every Sunday and we'll take care of you on those bloody game-time decisions. As always, please feel free to chime in with opinions, updates, and rumors in the comments. 
Value Machine checks out the overall perceived value of fantasy players. If you want to commit a fantasy felony, you'll sell high on the up arrow guys and buy low on the down arrow guys.
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Every week when the dinner bell rings on Friday evening, we'll be here to provide you a comprehensive injury report for the NFL weekend to follow. For those injuries that go right down to the wire, drop by our Fantasy Fanhouse expert live chat from 10am to 1pm EST every Sunday and we'll take care of you on those bloody game-time decisions. As always, please feel free to chime in with opinions, updates, and rumors in the comments. 
