Month: November 2005 (Page 8 of 11)

A load of running backs went down on Sunday, which means there are probably a lot of owners scrambling to fill positions this week. Post all of your roster questions here.

Last week, I recommended that readers pick up Brad Johnson (136 yds, 2 TDs) and Earnest Wilford (4 catches, 89 yds, 1 TD) and the duo didn’t disappoint. Of course, I also recommended Tennessee’s Courtney Roby, who caught one pass for 29 yards. They can’t all be winners.

Let’s see what’s on the waiver wire this week:

QUARTERBACKS

Kyle Boller, BAL – Kind of a dry week on the wire for QBs, but Boller should be back soon and will probably take over starter’s duties. He’s been unspectacular so far, but if you are desperate for QB help, he might be an option.

RUNNING BACKS

Injuries forced Willie Parker, Fred Taylor, Mewelde Moore and Thomas Jones out of their respective games, while Rashard Lee fumbled his way to the bench. The result is some potential help on the waiver wire at the RB position.

Duce Staley, PIT – With both Parker and Bettis missing time with injuries, Staley stepped in and produced 85 total yards and a score. Assuming Parker and Bettis miss more time, Staley would be a good option. If either are available to play, Staley has limited upside.

Samko Gado, GB – Gado got his chance when Lee coughed up the ball in the first quarter. Gado didn’t look bad, but there wasn’t a ton of room to run as evidenced by his 62 yards on 26 carries. He did score a TD and with his size, he appears to be a good option at the goal line. He’ll go back to the bench once Fisher returns, but there is no telling when that will be.

Greg Jones, JAX – Fred Taylor left with an ankle injury after 12 carries and Jones took over, carrying the ball seven times for 27 yards and a score. He has good value as long as Taylor misses time.

Jonathan Wells, HOU – Wells appears to be first in line for carries as long as starter Domanick Davis is out with swelling in his knee. He’s also a threat out of the backfield, which adds to his value, especially in leagues that give one point per reception.

Michael Bennett, MIN – Mewelde Moore left the game with a wrist injury after 11 carries, and Bennett produced 111 total yards and a touchdown. His value is directly related to Moore’s absence.

Cedric Benson, CHI – Given his average draft position and Thomas Jones’ bruised ribs, it’s unlikely that Benson is still hanging out on your league’s waiver wire. If he is, now would be a good time to pick him up. With Jones out, Benson carried the ball 14 times for 79 yards.

WIDE RECEIVERS

Reggie Brown, PHI – By now, everyone knows that Terrell Owens has loudmouthed his way off of the Eagles’ roster, and Brown is the guy will try to fill his shoes. Against the Redskins, he caught five balls for 95 yards and a score, so he’s off to a good start.

Bryant Johnson, ARI – At press time last week, there was still talk of Boldin playing on Sunday, and it wasn’t until later on in the week that we found out that Johnson would get the start. He caught six balls for 66 yards and a touchdown, but the Cardinals are still eager to get Boldin back, so Johnson’s production should be shortlived.

Andy Reid released the following statement when updating the media on the status of WR Terrell Owens:

Terrell Owens has been suspended by the team for four games for conduct detrimental to the team. He will not return to play for the team even after the conclusion of that suspension. The league has been notified by the player’s union that they will be grieving a right to take that action. Therefore, there is nothing more I can say at this point.

This situation is similar to Keyshawn Johnson’s suspension with Tampa Bay two seasons ago. That ultimately resulted in a trade for KJ to Dallas, where he was reunited HC Bill Parcells. Something similar will probably happen here during the offseason. I would love to be a fly on the wall in war rooms across the league as personnel executives discuss the possibility of trading for Owens. He’s a phenomenal talent, but seems to wear out his welcome wherever he goes.