Saints preparing for Smith and Grant suspensions

Jul 31, 2009

The Saints will head into the 2009 season preparing to play the first four games without defensive ends Will Smith and Charles Grant.

The two players tested positive for a banned substance last season and have gone through a lengthy appeal process. All of the appeals, though, were denied and both Smith and Grant are set to begin four-game suspensions when the season opens on Sept. 13 against Detroit in the Superdome.

But there's still some confusion, as Minnesota's Kevin and Pat Williams - who also tested positive for the same substance - continue to fight to have the suspensions blocked in Minnesota courts.

As of right now, the Saints are moving forward on the issue until they're told differently. Which means, they're basically preparing to start the season without Grant or Smith in the lineup.

Fantasy Impact:

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Saints RB Alvin Kamara off injury report ahead of Week 15

Tom Pelissero

1 hour ago

The Saints officially listed QB Derek Carr (left hand/concussion) as doubtful for Sunday vs. Washington. Jake Haener will make his first NFL start.

RB Alvin Kamara (illness) is off the injury report and good to go.

Related Players: Kendre Miller

Fantasy Impact:

It would have been an easy click for a Kendre Miller week if Kamara were forced to miss, but this puts the kibosh on that. Fire Kamara up as an RB2 this week in a game that may feature him even more than usual with no Carr.

Seahawks RB Kenneth Walker Doubtful for Week 15

Ian Rapoport

1 hour ago

The Seahawks list RB Kenneth Walker III (calf) as doubtful for Sunday's game.

Related Players: Zach Charbonnet, Kenny McIntosh

Fantasy Impact:

Looks like a clear runway for another Charbonnet week in what should be a tightly contested game against the Packers at home. Fire him up as a fringe RB1/2.