Will Stafford be ready to start in the regular season?

Jul 06, 2009

A few months ago, the Lions said repeatedly they were interested in acquiring a backup veteran quarterback.

Now that all the off-season workouts have been completed, it appears the Lions have put those plans on hold.

Some of that has to do with the progress of Drew Stanton, but most of it has to do with the development of rookie Matthew Stafford. The real issue here is what the Lions are looking for out of their No. 3 QB. Before and after the draft, the Lions talked about adding a veteran backup because they weren't sure how quickly Stafford would be ready. They didn't want to get into a situation where Daunte Culpepper would start the season and then get hurt and then be forced to go with a raw rookie.

That situation has changed. The Lions are now very confident that Stafford will be ready for the start of the regular season (I still think he'll be the starter against New Orleans - or very soon afterward). That changes the role at No. 3 because the Lions don't need an experienced player there.

Fantasy Impact:

yesterday

Saints RB Alvin Kamara off injury report ahead of Week 15

Tom Pelissero

yesterday · 4:30 PM EST

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

yesterday · 4:28 PM EST

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.