Right back where we started?
Kevin Smith Likely Out For Season With Torn ACL
Early reports suggest Smith tore his ACL in Detroit’s loss the the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, and that the second-year back is almost certainly done for the season.
This could mean a change through free agency or the draft at the position, as Smith has been less than spectacular throughout 2009.
Maurice Morris should benefit from increased carries if Smith is indeed done for the season.
Jeremy Maclin Out With Torn Plantar Fascia
Maclin was carted off the field after a serious injury to his foot, and will be out for 1-2 weeks, at the very least. These types of foot injuries often linger and can be very difficult to come back from, so he might be hard-pressed to simply return sometime in the playoffs.
DeSean Jackson figures to get more looks while Maclin is out, while Jason Avant and possibly Reggie Brown should see increased roles. Kevin Curtis, who hasn’t played since very early in the season, could be returning soon, and could also figure into the offense.
Bruce Gradskowski Possible Done For 2009
Despite saying he may “try to make it back”, it’s likely that Gradkowski’s partially torn MCL keeps him off the field for the remainder of this season.
He can probably say good-bye to his chances at starting next year, too. Jamarcus Russell will step back in and try to prove he developed a work ethic and the ability to produce after sitting on the bench of the past three and a half games.
Russell was just so-so after entering the game on Sunday, and will have to impress the Raiders brass with a win or two, as well as solid play down the stretch to get a shot at starting against in 2010.
We wouldn’t bet on it working out for the failed former number one pick.
Brandon Marshall Breaks Single-Game Reception Record
Marshall caught an NFL record 21 passes against the Colts on Sunday, breaking Terrell Owens’ record of 20 in a game. Owens publicly congratulated “Baby T.O.”, and wished him well.
If there was any doubt that the passing game completely revolves around Marshall, let it now be known that it does. Marshall should remain a top fantasy option as Denver chases down the slim chance of still claiming their division.
Colts Might Begin Resting Starters This Week
Unlike the New Orleans Saints, the Indianapolis Colts have not been vocal about chasing down a 16-0 regular season and a 19-0 overall record. Report are surfacing that it will be business as usual for the Colts, and they are expected to rest their top players over the course of their final three games.
It’d be nice to get to 16-0, but the Colts have their division locked up and have home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs.
Chargers Extending Norv Turner’s Deal
The victory over the Dallas Cowboys apparently told the Chargers management all they needed to know. With the Denver Broncos falling to the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, the Chargers are now one win away from clinching a playoff spot, and likely will have the division wrapped up, as well.
Turner and the Chargers have been inconsistent during his time with the team, but it appears their work ethic is finally catching up with their talent. Turner’s current deal is set to expire after this season, and a deal is likely to be done before the playoffs, as to eliminate speculation of a possible firing.
Packers Extend Brandon Chillar’s Contract
The linebacker received a four-year, $21 million extension, and figures to be a big part of Green Bay’s improving 3-4 scheme.
He’s been rotating with A.J. Hawk in the middle, and has been exceptional in coverage, as well as chasing down ball carriers. Chillar has a nose for the ball, and could push for more playing time next year over Hawk if Hawk can’t make up the ground.
Hakeem Nicks Starting Over Mario Manningham?
He did on Sunday, and after his wild performance against the Philadelphia Eagles (110 yards and a score), he will likely keep the position.
Manningham was virtually invisible as the third option, and was even over-shadowed by fourth receiver Domenik Hixon after he took a 61-yard reception to the house.
No one outside of Steve Smith has a cemented role in this Giants passing offense, but we’ve seen enough out of Nicks to know that, regardless of his depth chart status, he can consistently get you WR3 numbers. He’ll have solid value in 2010 drafts.
