ALERT: Big-name players in question this week

Sep 30, 2010

Some big-named players, especially RBs, are on the injury report and look to be game-time decisions this week. So, owners should adjust accordingly and plan for the possibility their guy(s) may not play.

Here is a little rundown:

Andre Johnson, WR - didn't practice Thursday, but did run. Looks to be a game-time decision. Jacoby Jones could see a more significant role against the Raiders.

Steven Jackson, RB - didn't practice Thursday. If he's not a go, Kenneth Darby could get the start against Seattle. He played well after Jackson went out last week, but traditionally backup RBs haven't stepped up when in a full-time role behind SJax.

Fred Taylor, RB - sat out Thursday and team resigned RB Thomas Clayton off the Browns practice, a sign they may not be counting on Taylor. The Pats play Monday night and BenJarvis Green-Ellis could be in store for more work.

Pierre Thomas, RB - didn't practice Thursday. Looks to be a game-time call, but team appears optimistic and haven't made any moves to bring in anther back. Chris Ivory could get a more significant role whether Thomas plays or not.

Ray Rice, RB - practiced Thursday but wore a non-contact jersey. He seems like he'll go, but has a tough matchup against the Steelers.

Jahvid Best, RB - missed a second straight day with a bad toe. Maurice Morris would start should Best not dress, but it's not a great matchup against the Packers.

Ryan Mathews, RB - appears to be able to play this week in a great matchup vs. Arizona.

Knowshon Moreno, RB - did not practice and things don't look good for Sunday against the Titans. Laurance Maroney and Correll Buckhalter figure to carry the load this week.

Fantasy Impact:

As always, continue to check back with 4for4 the rest of the week as we'll take you right up until 1 p.m. kickoffs with the latest news.

today

Broncos sign WR Courtland Sutton to four-year, $92M extension

Adam Schefter

5 hours ago

Broncos and WR Courtland Sutton have reached agreement on a four-year, $92 million extension.

Related Players: Marvin Mims, Devaughn Vele, Pat Bryant, Troy Franklin

Fantasy Impact:

Coming off a career year, Denver locks in a WR1 for Bo Nix for the immediate future. Sutton should continue to be considered a high-end WR3 for fantasy purposes, though the target share gets a little cloudy after him and tight end Evan Engram. Mims is probably the best bet to deliver in an ancillary role as ~WR5, but keep an eye on Bryant as the season progresses for a potential sneaky option.

Steelers release RB/WR Cordarrelle Patterson

Cordarrelle Patterson

today · 11:52 AM EDT

Breaking news, Pittsburgh Steelers release old washed up Cordarrelle Patterson on his day off!!!

Related Players: Jaylen Warren, Kaleb Johnson, Kenneth Gainwell

Fantasy Impact:

Yes, this was tweeted out by C-Patt himself, and it is glorious. If we don't see Patterson suit up for another team this season, it has been a truly impressive run by one of the best hybrid players we've ever seen. This clears up a little more room for Warren and Johnson, who will look to battle it out as high-end RB3s this year.

Bears rookie WR Luther Burden present at practice in full pads

Chris Emma

today · 9:51 AM EDT

Bears rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III is present for practice and in full pads.

Fantasy Impact:

Burden's got some time here to rev up to full speed, which makes this wide receiver room incredibly interesting. The rookie has been absent due to a hamstring issue, and now has the opportunity to push the veteran Zaccheaus for a role in 3WR sets. Burden is deep down our current WR rankings, but could begin the slow climb the more he gets integrated into the offense.