Fantasy Index Newsblast
Sanchez struggles at practice
Posted May. 23 at 06:29 AM
The Jets are practicing, their quarterbacks are struggling, and Rex Ryan says he's disappointed in Mark Sanchez' performance. In other news, the sky is blue and water is wet. In drills yesterday, Sanchez threw 3 picks in 11 pass attempts. Geno Smith also struggled. Source: New York Post.
Lynch's DUI hearing delayed
Posted May. 23 at 06:05 AM
Marshawn Lynch, arrested last July for a DUI offense, has had his hearing delayed until this July. The wheels of the legal system are moving slowly, but it appears the case will stretch into the summer. Depending on the outcome, Lynch could face a league suspension, making those who select Lynch in early drafts wise to also consider backups Robert Turbin and Christine Michael. Source: Tacoma News-Tribune.
Urlacher hangs 'em up
Posted May. 22 at 08:46 AM
Middle linebacker Brian Urlacher has announced his retirement, apparently giving up on the idea that he'll be offered a contract with a team he wants to play for. Urlacher's 35, although it doesn't seem like he's 100 percent certain he wants to retire. Put his odds at playing in the NFL this year at about 25 percent. Source: ChicagoBears.com.
Woodson returns to Raiders
Posted May. 22 at 05:46 AM
Charles Woodson may not be the player he once was, but the Raiders aren't the team they once were, either. The cornerback/safety who began his career with Oakland has returned, and on that defense, he represents an upgrade. Source: ESPN.com.
Super Bowl L goes to SF
Posted May. 22 at 05:45 AM
The NFL awarded the next two Super Bowls at their owners meetings, and they're big ones. The fiftieth Super Bowl - L - goes to San Francisco, and Super Bowl LI goes to Houston. Source: NFL.com.
Dwight Freeney a Charger
Posted May. 20 at 05:40 AM
Days after second-year linebacker Melvin Ingram tore his ACL, the Chargers agreed to terms with the player they hope will replace him, signing former Colt Dwight Freeney. Freeney reportedly hoped to play in a 4-3 defense, but instead he will again play outside linebacker in a 3-4. San Diego needed somebody, though, so it's a quality add for them. Source: Chargers.com.
Bruce Irvin draws 4-game suspension for PEDs
Posted May. 18 at 04:44 AM
It's been a bright and sunny offseason for the Seattle Seahawks, but not so much yesterday. Pass rusher Bruce Irvin will miss the first four games of the season due to a suspension for using PEDs. Seattle has other guys who can get after the quarterback, but Irvin's absence will be felt. Source: ESPN.com.
Surgeries abound for Rob Gronkowski
Posted May. 18 at 04:41 AM
And you thought the fourth arm surgery was a big deal. Turns out Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski will not only need a fourth arm surgery, but also back surgery. That latter one will sideline him for 10 weeks, reportedly, which will cost him a good chunk of training camp and the preseason, and possibility put his status in doubt for the start of the regular season. Source: NFL.com.
Bills willing to roll with Manuel
Posted May. 18 at 04:38 AM
New Bills GM Doug Whaley said that not only was he the driving force behind the E.J. Manuel selection (not demoted GM Buddy Nix), but that he thinks Manuel could be ready to start in Week 1. Manuel needs some development, but considering the only alternative is Kevin Kolb, it's entirely possible Manuel will be a rookie starter. Source: BuffaloBills.com.
Joe Webb now a wideout
Posted May. 16 at 07:34 AM
The Vikings have seen enough of Joe Webb at quarterback. His playoff faceplant against the Packers came first. Then there was the ignominy of Minnesota signing Matt Cassel to back up Christian Ponder. Now Webb has been officially moved to wideout, where he will likely be low on the depth chart even with the Vikings. Source: Minneapolis Star-Tribune.
Befuddling interest in Tim Hightower continues
Posted May. 16 at 07:31 AM
Is it Tim Hightower's fate to alarm fantasy coaches? Last year there was the courtship with Washington that worried those hoping to select Roy Helu, Evan Royster or even Alfred Morris. Now he's apparently drawing some interest from both the Giants and, again, Washington. Hightower can block and has good hands, so he wouldn't threaten Morris as lead back. But with the Giants' division of labor already unclear between Andre Brown and David Wilson, the last thing anyone needs is another back in the mix. Source: The Washington Post.
Josh Cribbs to Raiders
Posted May. 16 at 07:29 AM
Josh Cribbs was apparently on the radar of several different teams -- as a return man, not a wide receiver. But maybe by signing with Oakland, he's increased his chances of having a role as a receiver. Oakland has a lot of unproven players at the position, so maybe Cribbs will get more chances there on offense. Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer.
Giants soon on Cruz control?
Posted May. 15 at 05:48 AM
The Giants and restricted free agent wideout Victor Cruz are talking about a long-term deal, and although a source tells the Daily News that "nothing is imminent," it sounds like a deal is getting closer. The source indicates Cruz's demands and what the Giants are offering are more in line with each other, and there's optimism a new contract will get done. Source: New York Daily News.
Chargers' Ingram tears ACL
Posted May. 15 at 05:40 AM
The Chargers were hoping for a breakout season from pass rusher Melvin Ingram, but that's not going to happen; he tore his ACL at OTAs yesterday. In a perhaps related story, they're hosting free agent pass rusher Dwight Freeney for a visit today. Source: San Diego Union-Tribune.
McNabb finally, officially to hang 'em up
Posted May. 14 at 06:14 AM
As recently as a few months ago, Donovan McNabb talked about still playing football, perhaps hoping people had forgotten how he looked playing for the Vikings back in 2011. But now he concedes he'll be retiring, as an Eagle, in September, when Andy Reid brings Kansas City to town for a nationally televised game. Reid drafted McNabb back in 1999. Source: Philly.com.
Eagles sign Felix Jones
Posted May. 14 at 05:52 AM
Felix Jones finally wore out his welcome in Dallas, but the Eagles are intrigued, signing him to a one-year deal. It's tough to see a major role for him, but it does put some pressure on backup Bryce Brown (who put the ball on the ground too much last season). Source: NFL.com.
Blackmon admits poor decisions, but...
Posted May. 13 at 03:04 PM
Justin Blackmon, speaking about his four-game suspension by the NFL for substance abuse, acknowledged making poor decisions, but stopped short of saying he has a substance-abuse or drinking problem. Blackmon will miss the first four games of the 2013 season. Source: ESPN.com.
Buddy Nix demoted by Bills
Posted May. 13 at 01:39 PM
The Buffalo Bills will have a new general manager, as Buddy Nix is stepping down. It was always a little odd when Chan Gailey was fired and Nix was retained, seeing as he was responsible for some of the failed signings and draft picks. Now Nix is gone and assistant GM Doug Whaley takes over. Hope he signed off on all the draft picks. Source: NFL.com.


