NFL News & Notes

Jamal Lewis
The Cleveland Plain Dealer is the second Browns paper in as many days to notice Jamal Lewis' "tentative" running in training camp.

Pierre Thomas
Thomas (MCL sprain) will not play in the Saints' third exhibition game.

Beanie Wells
Wells (ankle) will make his preseason debut Friday night versus the Packers.

Reggie Brown
According to the Philadelphia Daily News, the Jets are monitoring the Eagles' wide receiver situation.

Jonathan Stewart
Stewart (sore Achilles' tendon) is up to 14 straight missed practices.

Anquan Boldin
Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt revealed that Anquan Boldin suffered a hamstring "tweak" in Tuesday's practice. An MRI revealed no tear.

Question from a Friend

Who do you suggest I add to replace Johan Santana?

Some of the names on this list include Carl Pavano (3.55 ERA, 1.15 WHIP in the last month), Fausto Carmona (under 3.00 ERA the last month), and even Kenshin Kawakami has pitched well (4 of 5 last starts have been quality starts), but the hottest pitcher who may be available is Bronson Arroyo.

The musical one is 1-2 over the last month, but his ERA is under 2 (1.89) and his whip is .97.  He is not striking many people out (15 in his last 38 innnings), but he is giving the Reds a chance to win every time he takes the mound.  And who knows, given the fact that he has cleared waivers, there is a chance he can be dealt to a contender in the next few days before the September 1st deadline?

Who would you suggest he add?

5 Overlooked Rookies to Watch in Fantasy Football

Glen Coffee, RB, 49ers
The ex-Alabama star is the clear frontrunner to back up Frank Gore in the 49ers backfield.  Coffee ran for over 100 yards already this preseason and is a must have for Gore owners.

Hakeem Nicks, WR, Giants
Nicks put on a show in UNC's Bowl Game last year against West Virginia and the G-Men expect a similar impact right away.  They need a red zone threat after the Plaxico Burress debacle, so expect Nicks to see plenty of targets, especially from in close.

Rashad Jennings, RB, Jaguars
A productive back out of Liberty, Jennings is a must have handcuff for MJD owners.  MJD has never endured a full season of carries and one must be skeptical if his small frame can handle it.  Jennings needs to overcome some preseason small injuries, but grab him late and stash in case of an injury to the start back.

Chase Coffman, TE, Bengals
Despite what you have seen on HBO's "Hard Knocks", Coffman is a very talented pass catcher that clearly needs to work on his fundamentals.  A prolific receiver in the Mizzou offense in college, with an injury to Reggie Kelly, Coffman can solidify a fantasy roster spot with a solid preseason.  Carson Palmer loves his sure hands, so watch Coffman closely.

James Davis, RB, Browns
Keeper league owners must be aware of this speedy back out of Clemson.  he never got the due he deserved in college because of sharing the backfield with C.J. Spiller.  Now behind Jamal Lewis, the Browns should give every opportunity they can to feed Davis the ball.  Once they realize they are not going anywhere with Lewis, and they decide to build towards the future, Davis needs to get run.  A solid late round pick and a must have in keeper leagues.  Heck, the guy has already rushed for 100 yards in 1 preseason game.

Trevor Hoffman & Chad Qualls Placed on Waivers

 

Trevor Hoffman and Chad Qualls were placed on waivers Wednesday.  Both closers are fantasy regulars and their eventual landing spots will determine whether or not you need to go out and get a new closer.  

Jon Rauch appears to be the clear favorite to pick up some late season saves if Qualls is moved, while Todd Coffey & Carlos Villanueva would be in the mix to finish off games for the Brew Crew if Hoffman and his sub-2.00 ERA is let go.

Malcolm Kelly running with the 1st Team over Devin Thomas

Thomas, the 2nd year WR out of Michigan State, entered camp ahead, but Kelly's been more during the preseson and as of now it looks likely that kelly will be starting with Santana Moss in Week 1. 
Do not expect big things from Kelly the Oklahoma product, not only because of the shaky QB play but also because he is coming off microfracture surgery, struggles to beat his man from the line of scrimmage and the coaching staff will sure have a quick leash if he does not come out of the blocks quick.
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/redskinsinsider/jason-reid/kelly-thomas-still-in-battle-f.html