The Red Zone Report

Pittsburgh Loses DE Aaron Smith For the Season

Smith was originally reported to be out for several weeks, but further diagnosis revealed that he would not be able to come back this season from a torn rotator cuff.

This put the league’s number two rush defense in a bind, as Smith was a decent ass-rusher and an excellent run-stopper. The Steelers do have solid depth throughout their line, but losing Smith is a  major blow.

Adam Vinatieri on the Shelf For 4-8 Weeks

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that it could be even longer, and if Matt Stover kicks well for Indy, Vinatieri could be  strong candidate for IR.

Kickers aren’t held above other players very often, but if the Colts waited for Anthony Gonzalez this long, it’s possible they’d wait deep into the season for Vinatieri. Besides, come playoff time, they could use his accuracy and experience.

You, however, should drop him immediately.

Willie Parker, Troy Polamalu to Play in Week Six?

Head coach Mike Tomlin is reportedly optimistic that both players could return this week. Polamalu has been out since he injured his knee against the Titans in week one, and Parker has been dealing with turf toe for the past few weeks.

However, nothing is set in stone. They are both scheduled to practice, and depending on how the week goes, Tomlin will make his decision. Rashard Mendenhall is still a safe bet to get the bulk of the carries, even when Parker is healthy.

Jerricho Cotchery “Hinting” He Won’t Play Sunday

He hinted that he probably won’t be ready to go in a radio interview on Tuesday. We already knew this, but if he’s still saying it’s unlikely, then it’s probably something you can take to the bank.

Usually if a player is down about hs prospects, you know to sit them.

Cotchery is still a WR2 when healthy, but could use this week and the Jets bye to rest-up and get completely healthy. Braylon Edwards’ value just went up.

Indianapolis Waives DT Ed Johnson

Johnson was reportedly a character risk, and while th exact details are not know, it’s believe that he broke team rules and fell out of favor with the front office.

This is bad news for the Colts run defense, as Johnson started all of the first five games and helped a normally suspect Colts defense rank 14th against the run. Slightly upgrade any runners facing Indy from here on out, but keep an eye out for who they try to replace Johnson with.

Calvin Johnson Misses Wednesday’s Practice

Johnson is dealing with a knee injury. he sustained the injury in the first quarter against the Steelers last week, and did not return. That combined with missing practice and reportedly walking with a limp likely equate to him missing the Lions week six game at Green Bay.

It’s just as well, as Detroit has a bye in week seven, which would have Johnson hopefully completely healthy for week eight. Do yourself a favor and save your worries for another week. Sit Johnson and start looking for an alternative.

Brady Quinn Denies Trade Rumors

As if anyone out there wants him that badly, anyways. If the Cleveland Browns aren’t starting you, it’s a pretty good sign things aren’t going too well in your career.

Quinn said that the reason for putting his house up for sale earlier this week is because he’s single and can’t continue the up-keep his house demands. That, and this is likely a strong sign to Cleveland that he doesn’t intend on sticking around for much longer.

Denver Interested in Extending Brandon Marshall

Owner Pat Bowlen was very vocal about how pleased he was with Marshall’s attitude and early season performance, saying that Marshall has already likely earned himself a “significant raise”.

We’re leaning Marshall’s way and saying for now that we’ll believe it when we see it, but it’s looking like Marshall is finally getting some respect for being one of the most dominant receivers in the game.

Colts’ Anthony Gonzalez Still Not Practicing

Reports have Gonzalez not ready or healthy enough to practice, and the Colts’ owner doesn’t believe he’ll practice at all during the bye week.

This makes it unlikely that he’d be ready for week seven, and even if he is healthy by then, there is no guarantee what his role will  be with the offense. Receivers Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie have played exceptionally well in his absence, and have earned the right to play.