Vonta Leach Fantasy News

Calvin Johnson, Aaron Rodgers headline AP All-Pro Team
Friday, January 6, 2012, 8:18pm

Lions receiver Calvin Johnson and Vikings defensive end Jared Allen were the leading vote getters for The Associated Press 2011 NFL All-Pro Team, each falling one vote short of being unanimous choices.

Aaron Rodgers was the quarterback for the first time, easily beating New Orleans’ Drew Brees, 47½ to 2½. Rodgers led Green Bay to a league-best 15-1 record, maintaining the brilliance he showed in taking the Packers to the Super Bowl title last February.

In the All-Pro backfield joining Rodgers, whose quarterback rating of 122.5 broke Peyton Manning’s single-season mark, were Maurice Jones-Drew of Jacksonville, LeSean McCoy of Philadelphia, and fullback Vonta Leach of Baltimore.

Record-setter Rob Gronkowski was the tight end. The Patriot set the single-season mark at his position with 1,327 yards receiving. Teammate Wes Welker (league-high 122 catches) was the other receiver.

Thursday, November 17, 2011, 6:05pm

A diplomatic Ray Rice made his point without escalating a controversy triggered by his lack of involvement during the Baltimore Ravens' embarrassing loss to the Seattle Seahawks.

Rice broke his silence Wednesday after politely declining interview requests after a game for the first time because of his concern that he would say something out of frustration he would later regret.

Although the former Pro Bowl running back obviously wasn't happy with only touching the football 13 times during a 22-17 loss with only one of his five carries for 27 yards in the second half, a well-prepared Rice said he understood the reasons why he wasn't utilized much with the Ravens trailing on the scoreboard.

"I'm never going to be the guy that talks about touches, but obviously we know five carries is not going to cut it," said Rice while sporting the new Baltimore Orioles' cap. "I know five carries is not going to do us any justice, but we found ourselves so deep in the situation that we had to climb our way out. We were looking for answers. Whether it was running or passing, we have to find our way out of a situation.

"I always spoke about not getting down in a situation like that to where you have to be in a two-minute offense. The two-minute offense is great, but when you have to take your fullback [Vonta Leach] off the field, who is a Pro Bowl fullback, and not lead him on people, that leads to trouble."

Ravens sign RB Ricky Williams
Monday, August 8, 2011, 5:36pm

With Willis McGahee and Le’Ron McClain gone, the Ravens needed a veteran presence at tailback.

They’ve gotten it with the addition of Ricky Williams.

Per a league source, Williams signed a two-year deal. It’s worth up to $4 million.

Tuesday, August 2, 2011, 4:25pm

Head coach Gary Kubiak and Texans GM Rick Smith confirmed that free agent FB Lawrence Vickers is in town for a visit today.

'Pounder' Leach should help BAL RB Ray Rice grind it out
Tuesday, August 2, 2011, 1:55pm

When the Ravens agreed to a three-year contract with fullback Vonta Leach on Sunday, it was an indication of the team's offensive plans.

The Ravens want to return to old-school football, where they grind a team with their defense and pound it into submission with a strong running game. Few players like collisions the way Leach does.

"I'm very excited, and [I] watched what he did for Arian Foster," said Ray Rice. "He is an amazing back, and he lays the wood on people. I can't wait to follow him. He is all about business and all about hard work."

Monday, August 1, 2011, 3:43pm

Houston tight end James Casey, who was Vonta Leach’s backup at fullback last season, should get the first chance at the starting job after Leach signed with Baltimore.

The Texans will sign a veteran free agent as well.

Ray Rice Gets a New Blocker
Sunday, July 31, 2011, 5:11pm

Former Houston Texans fullback Vonta Leach has agreed to a three-year, $11 million contract with the Baltimore Ravens.

Tuesday, June 28, 2011, 4:30pm

Texans Tight end James Casey has added 10 pounds of muscle to play fullback if the Texans lose Vonta Leach in free agency.

Monday, September 20, 2010, 12:44pm

Tight end James Casey suffered an ankle injury and could be lost for a while. He will undergo an MRI in Houston.

Casey, the third tight end behind Owen Daniels and Joel Dreessen, is one of the Texans' best special teams players, and he's the backup fullback behind Vonta Leach.

Rookie Garrett Graham, the fourth-round pick, will be active as the third tight end against Dallas.

Casey to see time at FB against Titans
Saturday, September 19, 2009, 3:30pm

Texans: Vonta Leach had his regular share of the first-team reps at fullback Friday, meaning rookie James Casey seems less likely to get his first NFL start Sunday against the Titans than it appeared earlier in the week with Leach slowed by a bruised knee.

But noting Casey got the bulk of the work this week and saying Leach remains a game-day decision, coach Gary Kubiak guaranteed Friday that Casey is going to play a great deal.

Thursday, September 3, 2009, 1:00am

With backups set to play the majority of snaps on Friday, Kubiak was asked if rookie tight end James Casey will be "unleashed" this week.

"Yeah, we're going to unleash him everywhere this week," Kubiak said with a grin. "Fullback, tight end – he's going to play everywhere. He will play a few snaps this week."

Casey will see considerable reps at fullback because starter Vonta Leach, who suffered a lower leg bruise against Minnesota and didn't practice Wednesday, is not expected to play. The rookie from Rice has been taking reps at fullback since training camp started and said he feels comfortable at the position.

Leach injured knee
Tuesday, September 1, 2009, 1:55am

Texans FB Vonta Leach has an injured left knee and is being taken in for tests.

Update:
Texans FB Vonta Leach's knee injury is not considered serious, and he is expected to return in the second half