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[Hache Man]

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Smith Unlikely for Sunday

Oh, those pesky hamstrings!

Is there any more frustrating injury in football than the hamstring pull? Players dealing with such ailments are routinely made game-time decisions, causing all sorts of consternation throughout Fantasy Land. Moreover, the production of said players is prone to plummet when they do play.

Steelers wide out Hines Ward coped with his own tweaked hamstring throughout the preseason, but he was able to play Thursday night and post respectable numbers (5 rec. for 53 yards, 1 TD). Randy Moss, on the other hand, dealt with hamstring issues throughout 2004, missing three games but also starting three others in which he was listed as questionable twice and doubtful once. Moss served mainly as a decoy during that period of time, but he also later returned to being a weekly touchdown threat.

So couple the enigmatic nature of hamstring injuries with the questionable status of last year’s top receiver, Carolina’s Steve Smith, and the decision on whether to start him isn’t easy. Smith missed his third consecutive practice Friday since straining his right hamstring, which may have been compensating for the earlier injury to his left. The Gaston Gazette and NFL.com now report that Smith is doubtful to play Sunday (despite being officially listed as questionable), but his talents on the field make him a must-start if he does end up playing through the injuries. Regardless of Smith’s availability, Keyshawn Johnson should see considerably more passes coming his way against the Falcons.

Bengals receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh too missed his third straight day of practice Friday. The sixth-year pro was downgraded to questionable on Thursday, and he will now be a game-time decision. Embattled sophomore Chris Henry makes for a splendid replacement if needed, so the possible loss of Houshmandzadeh shouldn’t much impact the value of Carson Palmer.

Bears running back Cedric Benson practiced Friday and is expected to play Sunday against the Packers, but he won’t see many carries if his shoulder isn’t close to being 100 percent. Benson suffered a mild shoulder separation in training camp – an injury with a higher probability of relapse – and will have to battle through the regular season to unseat starter Thomas Jones. Jones should see his heaviest workload while Benson works his way back into the mix, so he is a decent RB2 start against Green Bay.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers may be without both of their starting guards Sunday against the Ravens, and that wouldn’t help the production of Carnell Williams. Davin Joseph, a quick, polished rookie out of Oklahoma who was set to start the season at right guard, is going to be out of action for the foreseeable future due to a sprained right knee. Coach Jon Gruden said that the injury is not serious, but that Joseph may have injured a ligament. Left guard Dan Buenning has not practiced this week due to a sprained ankle, and the absence of both interior linemen would be a detriment to opening holes against Baltimore DTs Kelly Gregg and Haloti Ngata. Be prepared for a sub-par outing from Williams.

A few significant IDPs practiced Friday but are still listed as questionable on their respective injury reports. Jaguars MLB Mike Peterson (knee), Patriots ILB Tedy Bruschi (wrist) and Buccaneers MLB Shelton Quarles (groin) all should be in fantasy lineups if they are playing, with the oft-blitzing Peterson especially benefiting from a shaky Dallas O-line and a statuesque Drew Bledsoe. Colts DE Dwight Freeney also practiced Friday and expects to play, but Jaguars DT Marcus Stroud likely will miss his matchup with Dallas. Falcons WLB Demorrio Williams will finally be back in Atlanta’s starting lineup while MLB Edgerton Hartwell recovers from arthroscopic surgery on both his knees; WLB Keith Brooking will slide over and man the middle. Giants SLB LaVar Arrington (knee) expects to play Sunday night against the Colts, but his position on the strong side will likely give him fewer opportunities to blitz.

Two-Minute Drill: The Ravens upgraded WR Derrick Mason (thigh) and RB Jamal Lewis (hip) from questionable to probable, but only Mason was able to practice Friday. … Jeremy Shockey was a surprise addition to the Giants injury report Friday. The fifth-year tight end missed practice with an ankle injury, but is officially listed as probable. … The Steelers signed Green Bay castoff Najeh Davenport. Pittsburgh RB Verron Haynes replaced Willie Parker at the one-yard line Thursday, so Davenport may accrue value as a goal-line specialist. … Rookie tight end Marcedes Lewis practiced Friday for the Jaguars. He is listed as questionable due to a high ankle sprain. … Cowboys PK Mike Vanderjagt (groin) will not play Sunday; Shaun Suisham will replace him.

Both TE Dallas Clark (concussion) and PK Adam Vinatieri (ankle) practiced Friday and expect to play this week. … Texans RB Ron Dayne (turf toe) resumed practicing Friday. It is unclear how much he will be used against the Eagles. … LenDale White’s status (ankle) is also uncertain, but he was on the practice field Friday for the Titans. … BuffaloBills.com reports that the starting strong safety will be a game-time decision. Rookie Donte Whitner is competing with Coy Wire for the spot, with the winner likely having to cover Patriots TE Ben Watson down the deep middle of the field. … The San Diego Union-Tribune reports that Chargers general manager A.J. Smith recently rejected the Saints’ offer of a third-round pick for ILB Donnie Edwards because it came a day after a self-imposed deadline.

[sds23]

good stuff Hache

thnx!

[EagleFan5]

good stuff hache