Lorenzo Neal Fantasy News

Raiders cut Lorenzo Neal
Thursday, August 20, 2009, 3:04pm

Lorenzo Neal, a premier blocking fullback and 17-year veteran signed last May, was released Wednesday by the Raiders to make room for the return of safety Rashad Baker.

Neal, 38, left the morning practice with a minor hamstring pull, but his departure was hastened by the recovery of third-year fullback Oren O'Neal.

"I think it says a lot about O'Neal," coach Tom Cable said. "He gets better and better with each day."

Friday, August 7, 2009, 2:48pm

Even when the Ravens are rolling RB Ray Rice and RB Willis McGahee out at opponents, they know they have a weapon in reserve.

RBs coach Wilbert Montgomery, a former All-Pro with the Eagles, said he is amazed at Le’Ron McClain ’s combination of size and athleticism – which combined makes a nightmare for defenders.

“Le’Ron is a guy that can drop his shoulders and run over you,” Montgomery said. “You’re looking for help when you tackle him, and you’re not in a hurry to get there.”

Following a solid rookie season in 2007, when the Ravens drafted him in the fourth round out of Alabama, McClain began to build his reputation as a punishing blocker.

But as an NFL sophomore, through the tutelage of four-time Pro Bowler Lorenzo Neal, McClain realized how much his position could make an impact. And, he learned it while Neal was blocking for him.

“Just being around that guy – getting a chance to have him block for me last year was a the greatest feeling in the world, being he is one of the best fullbacks to ever play the game,” McClain said. “I’m just trying to follow his steps and model everything that he was doing. He would always tell me, ‘You can be way better than me.’

“I just need to take it to another level. That’s really what I’m doing right now.”

Report: Raiders sign ex-Cowboy Greg Ellis
Monday, June 15, 2009, 9:15pm

Ellis, who spent 11 years with the Dallas Cowboys, is a respected veteran who fits in with the signings of Jeff Garcia and Lorenzo Neal, someone who hopefully not only has something left to offer as a pass rusher but as a leader in a unit which could use that type of presence.
It remains to be seen whether Ellis has anything left or if he's another Greg Spires, who came to the Raiders in similar circumstances last season but failed to make the 53-man roster.
The Raiders have not confirmed this signing. They have their final OTA starting Tuesday, with media availability on Wednesday.

How will the Ravens RBs shake out?
Monday, May 11, 2009, 3:07pm

Le’Ron McClain led the Ravens with 902 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns last season. Still, that doesn’t mean McClain will be back toting the rock full-time in 2009. Because Lorenzo Neal was not re-signed (he recently inked with the Raiders), McClain could revert to his original role leading ball carriers. McClain has stated that he accepts the potential change, but will still make the most out of every attempt he can take from Willis McGahee and Ray Rice. "I'm going to play it by ear," said the 260-pound McClain. "When I touch it, I'm going to show them I can still do it whether I'm at FB or not. I'm going to do my best to get Ray and Willis more yards.” McClain got a few chances over the weekend because McGahee was sidelined with a knee injury. “I know I'm the starting FB and I'm the 2nd HB, too, behind Ray with Willis not out there right now,” McGahee said. “When I get my chance again, I'm going to take advantage of it. They know what I can do."

Raiders FB Lorenzo Neal
Saturday, May 9, 2009, 4:10pm

The Raiders added what they hope is the final piece to their roster by signing fullback Lorenzo Neal. Neal, 38, is a 16-year veteran who has played for seven teams since he entered the NFL in 1993 with the Saints. "The experience he brings can help mold those young fullbacks in there," Raiders Coach Tom Cable said. "That guy has proven over time that he probably can run any run scheme in the NFL because he has been in them all, and been very good. "I'm not sure there's been as good a lead blocker in football maybe in the last 15, 20 years as that guy.

Thursday, January 15, 2009, 12:00am

Carroll County Times: Ravens TE Todd Heap (back), linebacker Ray Lewis
(shoulder), fullback Lorenzo Neal (shoulder) and free safety Ed Reed (knee), who
also has a nerve impingement in his neck, were limited in practice. "Relatively,
this season I've been pretty healthy compared to last year," Heap said. "But the
last few weeks I've played through quite a bit of pain and it's all been worth
it to get to this point, though. It's been progressively getting better, which
is good, and I'll be ready to go again this week."

Thursday, January 15, 2009, 12:00am

TSN: Baltimore running back Le'Ron McClain was back at practice on Thursday whil
Suggs and wide receiver Derrick Mason continue to be held out as the Ravens prep
Steelers in Sunday's AFC Championship Playoff game. McClain (ankle) and lineback
Johnson (calf) took limited reps Thursday and were among seven players to miss p
Wednesday along with Suggs (shoulder), Mason (knee), wide receiver Mark Clayton
tackle Justin Bannan (foot), and cornerback Samari Rolle (thigh). Clayton, Banna
for a second straight day on Thursday while tight end Todd Heap (back), lineback
(shoulder), fullback Lorenzo Neal (shoulder), and safety Ed Reed (knee) were lim
Wednesday and Thursday. In two games this postseason, Suggs has tallied nine tac
and has recovered a fumble, Mason has 149 receiving yards and one touchdown and
rushed for 87 yards, including one score.

Friday, January 16, 2009, 12:00am

Carroll County Times: Ravens TE Todd Heap (back), Reed (knee/nerve impingement),
Lewis (shoulder) and fullback Lorenzo Neal (shoulder) were limited.