The Patriots on Monday traded a 4th round pick to the Seattle Seahawks for receiver Deion Branch. Branch isn’t expected to take the job from Brandon Tate, but Tate needs to perform with Branch right behind him.
49ers QB Alex Smith will start Sunday against the Raiders but will have a short leash. I know he’s had his ups and downs, but David Carr is just not a better option. Smith I think will play better and hold onto this job for the remainder of the season.
Bears QB Jay Cutler is a go to start Sunday at home against the Seahawks in a really good matchup. SOURCE: Jason LaCanfora on Twitter
Packer TE Jermichael Finley underwent arthroscopic knee surgery today on his right knee. Early reports are that he will miss anywhere from 3-6 weeks. SOURCE: Jason La Canfora on Twitter
Seahawks Coach Pete Carroll said newly acquired RB Marshawn Lynch is in for a major role this Sunday in Chicago. Lynch makes for a solid flex start this week, with some RB2 upside.
Cowboys rookie Dez Bryant (ankle) is expected to practice in full Wednesday. It looks like he’ll be fine but we’ll monitor the situation closely as the week goes on. SOURCE: ESPN Dallas
The Vikings CB mess got worse Monday, as Cedric Griffin tore his ACL in the loss against the Jets and will be out for the rest of the season. SOURCE: Josina Anderson on Twitter
Viking WR Sidney Rice, who has been out since preseason after hip surgery, is finally able to walk without crutches. He’s eligible to come off the PUP list Week 7 but its looking more like a week 9 or 10 return.
Jets CB Darrelle Revis re-aggravated his hamstring injury and his status for Week 6 is unknown. It looks like this could be something that could linger on throughout the season. It makes one think had he been their for training camp, would this be an issue right now? Hopefully he learned his lesson next time he wants to hold out.
Lions Head Coach Jim Schwartz is hoping Calvin Johnson (shoulder) can practice at some point this week. The Lions have a bye next week and it would make some sense to hold him out this week against the hard hitting Giants. If he were to miss this week, Nate Burleson gets a big boost in value. We’ll see how he progresses throughout the rest of the week and keep you guys posted.
2nd year QB Matthew Stafford(shoulder) is not expected to start before week 8. He won’t quite be ready this week against the Giants and with their bye week coming after that it makes sense. Look for him to get back out there in week 8. Shaun Hill will start Sunday but right now its not a great idea to start anyone against the Giants rejuvenated defense.
Colts RB Donald Brown(hamstring) and WR Anthony Gonzalez (ankle) both returned to practice Monday. I wouldn’t get too excited just yet, but the fact that they are able to do anything is definitely a positive sign. With Joesph Addai(shoulder) banged up and uncertain to play this week, keep an eye out for Donald Brown update. The Colts have a bye in week 7 so it is possible that they old Addai out if Brown is able to go.
It is believed that rookie QB Colt McCoy will start for the Browns Sunday in a tough tough matchup with the Steelers. Welcome to the league rookie, with Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace out with ankle injuries, McCoy will certainly be tested big time in his first career start. He is not a viable fantasy option especially on the road against the Steelers. SOURCE: Chip Brown on Twitter
Jim Thomas of St. Louis Dispatch has said rookie Mardy Gilyard is most likely to gain the most time on the field with the Mark Clayton season ending knee injury. Gilyard has got a lot of talent and is someone to definitely keep an eye on. SOURCE: Jim Thomas on Twitter