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Fantasy RunDown: Oak Hill Steelers On the Board

Each Tuesday I will break down the weekend that was in the SporTech Fantasy Pigskin League. Team of the week, standing changes and key injuries will be discussed.

Team of the Week

The Oak Hill Steelers grab the Heineken Premium player of the week for defeating Buffalo Bills #1 103.50 – 82.00. A big pat on the back for getting your first win before the Miami Dolphin’s could get their first win. Oak Hill used a strong performance from Ben Watson (23 points), Greg Jennings (14 points) and Demarcus Ware (12.50 points) to put the beating on BB#1. Even with Lawrence Maroney being a game time scratch, you were able to fend off double digit point outputs from Lance Briggs, Neil Rackers and Laveranues Coles.

Honorable mention goes to the Benched Bruisers who put a hurting on Wally’s Monsters 102.50 – 75.00.

Standings as of Tuesday, October 9, 2007
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Key Injuries after the jump (Use Control+F to search for your players)…

Key Injuries

Alex Smith – Alex Smith (shoulder) threw from 25 feet Monday and continues to eye an October 21 return against the Giants. Smith was throwing from 8-12 feet Sunday. “I pushed it back a little bit,” Smith said. “I was throwing about 25 yards. I wasn’t gunning them in there. It definitely felt better than yesterday.”

Vernon Davis – Vernon Davis appears to have a “decent chance” at returning after the 49ers’ Week 6 bye, according to the Santa Rosa Press Democrat. Davis, who is out for this week with a sprained knee, was walking well during practice Friday, though he didn’t take part in the workout. Delanie Walker is currently starting in Davis’ place and had just one reception in Week 4.

Rudi Johnson – Rudi Johnson (hamstring) and Bengals MLB Ahmad Brooks (groin) sat out Monday’s practice. Chad Johnson (ankle) and T.J. Houshmandzadeh (knee) returned. We won’t be too worried about Rudi unless he misses practice later in the week. Chad had been in a walking boot last week, but appears healthy now.

Champ Bailey – Champ Bailey is expected to return after the Broncos’ Week 6 bye. Bailey suffered a quadriceps strain in Sunday’s loss to San Diego.

Brandon Stokley – Brandon Stokley left Sunday’s game with a head injury. Stokley was called questionable to return. Usually Denver’s slot receiver, he started for Javon Walker and had a catch for 15 yards before leaving. Stokley will get the upcoming bye week to heal and get ready for Week 7 against Pittsburgh. Walker is expected to be back by then.

Javon Walker – Javon Walker (inflamed knee) pledges to be back on the field in Week 7. Denver has a Week 6 bye and Walker’s injury isn’t expected to be long term. He’ll miss his second straight game Sunday, with Brandon Stokley filling in. Walker’s absence makes Jay Cutler a far less intriguing fantasy play.

Michael Pittman – Coach Jon Gruden said Monday that Michael Pittman could miss 6-8 weeks after suffering what he called “a pretty good sprain” during Sunday’s game. Pittman’s status should become official once the Bucs get his MRI results back later Monday. Gruden indicated that the team will be looking to bring in some running-back depth, with Earnest Graham starting and Kenneth Darby backing him up in the meantime.

Matt Leinart – Matt Leinart fractured his collarbone in Sunday’s win over St. Louis. FOX reported that Leinart will be out at least 6-8 weeks. Leinart suffered the injury on a second-quarter sack by Rams linebacker Will Witherspoon Sunday. “We don’t know how long it’s going to be,” Cardinals coach Whisenhunt said in his post-game press conference. “But it’s going to be for an extended period of time.” The Cards may consider injured reserve, but don’t have many other injuries, so they seem likely to keep Leinart on the roster for now. Kurt Warner will start and is worth claiming in all leagues.

Anquan Boldin – Anquan Boldin said Monday that his hip is feeling better and went through what the Arizona Republic described as “an extensive workout.” “I want to be smart about it,” Boldin said. “I want to come back more than just one game. I don’t want to rush it back and re-injure it and be down for the season. I really think that with this team, we’re going to make a push for the playoffs, and I want to be in there when we do. For me it’s tough. You want to be in there, but you also want to be smart and make sure it’s not making it worse.”

Eddie Kennison – Eddie Kennison left early in Sunday’s game after aggravating the hamstring injury that kept him out of the season’s first four games. He’s scheduled for an MRI Monday to reveal the extent of the injury.

Damon Huard – The Chiefs have ruled Damon Huard (shoulder) out for Week 6. Brodie Croyle will start against the Bengals. Depending on how he fares against Cincinnati’s porous defense, this could mean that Croyle will start for the rest of the season. Coach Herm Edwards acknowledged that when Croyle comes in he adds a noticeable spark to the offense. Huard will have an MRI Monday to determine the extent of his injury.

Marvin Harrison – Colts coach Tony Dungy indicated Monday that Joseph Addai (shoulder) and Marvin Harrison (knee) could’ve played Sunday if it’d been a playoff game. Harrison and Addai both seem likely to be back after the Week 6 bye. Dungy added that he had “conversations with Joseph” all week, but opted to declare him inactive as a precaution. The Colts will take on Jacksonville in Week 7.

Donovin Darius – Donovin Darius expects to play Sunday after missing Week 5 with a calf injury. Darius’ replacement, Cameron Worrell, was burned several times by the Texans’ passing game.

Trent Green – Dolphins coach Cam Cameron confirmed Monday that Trent Green suffered a Grade 3 concussion Sunday, the most severe form. “We haven’t gotten to that point,” Cameron said when asked if Green might be contemplating retirement. Green is expected to be out several weeks, and at 0-5, Miami will likely consider placing him on injured reserve. Cleo Lemon will start against Cleveland, and until rookie John Beck is deemed ready.

Brian Westbrook – Brian Westbrook (abdomen) and L.J. Smith (groin) were both on the practice field for a “closed” workout Monday. Westbrook and Smith said they “did some things” during the practice. Both players are expected to suit up against the Jets in Week 6. Left tackle William Thomas went through warmups as he continues to rehab a knee injury.

Derrick Ward – Derrick Ward twisted his previously injured ankle in Sunday’s win over the Jets, but said after the game that he’s “fine.” Ward hasn’t been practicing fully because of the injury for the past couple weeks, so this is a situation to keep track of. Brandon Jacobs would likely get a full workload in Week 6 against the Falcons if Ward is unable to play.

Plaxico Burress – Plaxico Burress came out of Sunday’s win with a swollen ankle. Maybe he shouldn’t have high stepped so much on his 53-yard touchdown. Burress will probably be held out of practice all week, then start at Atlanta. He gets an extra day to recover because the teams face off on Monday night.

Brian Calhoun – Lions placed RB Brian Calhoun on injured reserve with a knee injury, ending his season. The extent of Calhoun’s new injury wasn’t revealed, but he is believed to have re-injured the ACL he tore in practice as a 2006 rookie. Calhoun was never at full strength as a sophomore. He’s uncertain to make the Lions in 2008.

Jake Delhomme – Panthers coach John Fox announced Monday that Jake Delhomme will undergo elbow surgery and be placed on injured reserve, ending his season. NFL Network’s Adam Schefter reports the surgery will be a Tommy John procedure. David Carr will take over as Carolina’s full-time starter, and the team will likely explore adding a veteran to back him up, instead of going with undrafted rookie Matt Moore. Delhomme was off to a terrific start to the year and this is a big blow to all Panthers skill players. Carr was decent in Week 5 against a poor Saints secondary, but isn’t an option in shallow leagues. Delhomme’s future in the NFL, much less his one as the team’s franchise quarterback, is in doubt.

LaMont Jordan – LaMont Jordan (back) and Josh McCown (feet) missed the portion of Raiders practice that is open to the media Monday. Derrick Burgess (calf) was at the workout, and looks set to resume starting against San Diego. Jordan would be a weak fantasy play against the Bolts, but make sure he resumes working out this week if you have to use him.

Michael Bush – Raiders coach Lane Kiffin says Michael Bush (leg) could be activated from the Physically Unable to Perform list when he’s eligible to be in Week 7. “He looks great out there,” Kiffin said of Bush in practice. “He’s the lowest he’s been at his weight for over a year. He’s been buying into our program. He looks really good.” Bush’s impact figures to be minimal once he returns, but his progress is worth keeping track of in dynasty leagues.

Steven Jackson – Steven Jackson (groin) has been ruled out for Week 6. This will be his third consecutive missed game; the initial timetable for Jackson was at least two-to-three weeks. That he’s been ruled out so quickly for Week 6 doesn’t bode well for Jackson’s chances to play in Week 7. Rookie Brian Leonard will get another start, this week against Baltimore.

Marc Bulger – The Rams are undecided on whether to start Marc Bulger in Week 6. Odds are he won’t play against the Ravens. The Rams probably won’t want to subject their ailing starter to the pass rush of Terrell Suggs and company.

Todd Heap – Ravens coach Brian Billick was optimistic about Todd Heap’s chances of playing in Week 6 during his Monday press conference. Heap missed Week 5 due to a hamstring injury. It was the first game Heap has missed since 2004. He may still be listed as questionable on Friday.

Antwaan Randle El – Antwaan Randle El (hamstring) expects to play in Week 6. He may be limited this week as a precaution after missing the second half Sunday. The ‘Skins have a difficult matchup against Green Bay in Week 6.

Santana Moss – Santana Moss (groin) ran routes during pre-game warmups Sunday, and sounds “very enthused” about possibly returning in Week 6. Moss ran at full speed, but was still deactivated against the Lions. His recent history of nagging injuries likely led the coaching staff to play it safe with Moss Sunday. He plans to return to practice on Wednesday.

Olindo Mare – Saints K Olindo Mare was unable to kick off Sunday due to a groin injury. Mare also shanked two more field goals Sunday, bringing his season total to four misses on seven attempts. Coach Sean Payton wouldn’t pin the loss on his struggling kicker, but didn’t rule out replacing Mare after the game.

Deion Branch – Deion Branch is expected to miss two games after suffering a mid-foot sprain in Sunday’s loss to Pittsburgh. Seattle expects Branch back after its Week 8 bye, along with fellow Week 1 starter D.J. Hackett (ankle). The loss of Branch is terrible news for Matt Hasselbeck, who looked lost without him for most of the game against the Steelers. Ben Obomanu, Courtney Taylor, Nate Burleson, and Bobby Engram will try to pick up the slack. Engram and Burleson stand to benefit most in fantasy leagues.

Ahman Green – Gary Kubiak believes Ahman Green (knee) could return to the field this week. He’s appeared to get closer to playing last week. Houston heads to Jacksonville this week, so the Houston running game will probably struggle to get on track. Kubiak is also optimistic that Jacoby Jones will play.

Tarvaris Jackson – Tarvaris Jackson (groin) was on the practice field Monday, as expected. Jackson is expected to resume starting this week against the Bears.